Recipe: Homemade Pasta Sauce

Homemade pasta sauce is something that can never go bad in anyone's home - from a simple topping for angel hair pasta, to a main ingredient in ziti or lasagna - its a must have. This is such a staple in our home and I always double the recipe to store in the freezer for a rainy day. It freezes really well in a freezer Zip Loc and then when ready to use just put into a slow cooker and simmer for a few hours on low until ready to serve!

Ingredients:
2 lbs lean ground beef
3 Tbsp minced garlic
1 large diced onion
2 24 oz cans crushed tomatoes
1 8 oz can tomato paste + 1 can full of water
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp gralic salt with parsley
1 Tsp sea salt (if needed)
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
1 small bunch of diced fresh basil leaves (add closer to end for fresh basil flavor)

Directions:
Cook ground beef in pan on stove-top on medium/high heat until little to no pink is left. Add diced onion and garlic. Stir. Saute for a few 3-5 minutes until onions are translucent. Mix well and put into slow cooker on low. Add remaining ingredients and let simmer for 4-6 hours (the longer the better). If freezing for later use, let cool completely before placing in zip loc bag/container. Serve with pasta, fresh bread & salad. Enjoy!

Product Review: K5 Learning

K5 Learning has an online reading and math program for kindergarten to grade 5 students. I've been given a 6 week free trial to test and write a review of their program. If you are a blogger, you may want to check out their open invitation to write an online learning review of their program.

All,

I'm very excited to announce a product review for K5 Learning. As a mom of a current Kindergartner and a 4 year old preschooler, who both love online games and learning, I'm curious to see how they adapt to the program. This could be such a useful tool in our household! After my trial period I will be writing an honest review from not only my perspective, but from my children as well. This should give you an accurate account of how to integrate it into your home. Stay tuned!

- Kristen


"K5 Learning is an online after-school study program for kids in kindergarten to grade 5.  We build reading, math and study skills to last a lifetime." - K5 Learning

Recipe: Salmon with Lemon & Capers

Another simple and quick recipe that can be assembled and cooked in less than 20 min. I typically by my salmon in the freezer section at Costco. Although its not fresh from the local market, it is the easiest form of "fresh fresh" this family can take at this stage in our busy lives. I do buy the Wild Alaskan Salmon to make sure it contains all of the best ingredients that would benefit my family nutritionally. And my kids will eat it!

Image courtesy of Food Network

Salmon with Lemon & Capers adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:
4 Frozen Salmon Fillets (thawed in fridge)
2 Large Lemons
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
4 Tsp Capers
White Wine
Salt & Pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Brush salmon with olive oil and season with salt & pepper. Place each filet seasoned side down on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap and seal. Top each with 2 lemon slices, a squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of wine and 1 tsp capers. Wrap each tightly and place on baking sheet. Bake for 10 min.

Serve with risotto, asparagus and salad. Delicious and perfect everytime!

Recipe: Tacos w/ Homemade Guacamole, Rice and Beans

This is a staple recipe, especially in our household!

There are many versions of tacos - shredded chicken, beef, ground turkey, vegetarian, etc. You can tailor it to your liking on any given week. My kids like the vegetarian option which consists of onions, rice and beans, while my husband and I prefer the shredded chicken and ground turkey options. Here are two simple recipes for homemade slow cooker taco night:

Shredded Chicken Tacos

• Place 1lb lean chicken breasts at the bottom of a slow cooker
• Add one 12 oz can of organic tomato sauce
• Add one cup of your favorite mild salsa 
• Add one packet of McCormick Taco Seasoning
• Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Carefully remove chicken and shred with a fork. Place shredded chicken back in slow cooker and mix with sauce. Continue to simmer on low/warm until ready to serve.

Ground Turkey Tacos

• Cook 1 lb ground turkey on stove-top on medium/high heat. Continue to stir/chop with wooden spoon so it doesn't stick to pan. Once almost thoroughly cooked place in slow cooker on low. It will continue to cook throughout the day.
• Add one 12 oz can of organic tomato sauce
• Add one cup of your favorite mild salsa 
• Add one packet of McCormick Taco Seasoning Packets
• Cook on low for 2-3 hours. Continue to simmer on low/warm until ready to serve.

Homemade Guacamole -My kids beg me to make this with me!

• Scoop out 3 Organic Hass avocados into a bowl. Mash with a fork (or I use a potato masher)
• Add 2 Tbsp minced garlic (to taste)
• Add 1 Tbsp Sea Salt (to taste)
• Optional add ins: diced onion or fresh salsa
• Mix and store covered in fridge until ready to serve

Additional Sides
Rice: Either use Brown Long Grain Rice or Brown Rice & Quinoa in a pinch.

Beans: I use Goya Black Beans on the stove top. Simmer until ready to serve.
Shredded cheese
Sour Cream
Salsa
Avocado

...Thats it! Very easy and a definite family favorite in our home!

Road to a Half Marathon: We Did It!

So I mentioned a brief hiatus from my blog after the holiday craze and 1/2 marathon training - who knew it would take up so much of my time. Waking up early, staying up late, long runs on the weekends. Its not an easy road, but its certainly doable with focus and perseverance (and a fabulous husband who knew how important this was to me) . If you look back on last year around this time I was training for my first 10k and very candid that although I've been a runner for years, I never ventured over 4 or so miles. That was within my comfort zone. I never had to hold myself accountable for anything longer than that. It was merely a form of exercise I enjoyed and did it to clear my head. This 1/2 marathon process has opened up my eyes to what my body (and mind) is capable of. I have to say that now completing it, I'm very proud!

Per your request, below is the chart I followed for my training purposes. Because I had already been running 4-5 miles every other day on most weeks, I skipped more of the shorter runs focusing on consistency of increasing my heart rate and long Saturday runs. In hindsight I could not have completed the 1/2 marathon without sticking to a plan and running my designated long Saturday run mileage. I was very lucky to corral friends to run with me which never made for a dull run. Friends keep you motivated and accountable during those tougher days when you'd rather pull the covers over you in bed. Another motivator I used was Map My Run. There are many other running pals out there to help track your progress, but I happened to pick this one from the beginning of my training and vowed to stick with it. It helps track your total mileage and your pace (which is important when running longer mileage). You never want to burn yourself out too quickly. Starting slower can help balance out your run so you can sustain a comfortable pace.

My Personal Training Tips

1. Get a Plan - I just happened to Google a training plan for a 1/2 Marathon and modified it (chart above) to what I enjoy. I like being active everyday so those "rest" days in the first few weeks were more of weights or light walking for me.
2. Grab a friend - I truly enjoy the time I get to work out alone, but having someone to run alongside on race day was something I didn't think twice about (especially on the longer runs). It helps you stick to your goal!
3. Proper Attire is Key - Not only is it important to choose comfortable workout attire, but also to make sure its weather appropriate. Good running shoes are essential - and they don't have to be expensive. Just make sure you have trained in the shoes you'll be running in..or you feet might regret it.
4. Stay Hydrated - Not one tip is more important than this one, in my opinion. Staying hydrated will keep you from getting fatigued and keep cramps at bay during the race and will also keep your focus off unexpected hunger. Proper hydration is so key!
5. Stay Healthy- This should be a no-brainer and hopefully by deciding to start training for any type of race you've already jumped on the health bandwagon - good for you! I highly recommend daily vitamins & supplements to boost your immune system and recharge your overall health.
6. Have Fun - Simply put, enjoy yourself. This shouldn't be grueling. Make small goals for yourself  and what you know you can handle. The reward will come on race day when you cross that finish line - I promise!

It is amazing to me how far I've come in just one short year. It was only a short time ago I was training for a 10k, now I've completed a Half. I'm so proud. I hope you get inspired as I did to challenge yourself and take the time to conquer a goal (even its a small one). This was something that was important for me to complete - and I'm so glad I did. Onto the next adventure!!

Disney World Tips & Tricks

Hi all!!! Happy first day of Spring!

I apologize that its been quite some time since my last post, but after planning Disney throughout the holidays I vowed to take a break and focus on my kids (and plan for a 1/2 marathon which I will discuss later). This winter weather hasn't been on our side so we've been sticking together, indoors mostly, trying to come up with activities to keep us busy. Anyway, since our trip I've gotten tons of questions about Disney - how to plan, where to begin, where to stay, meal plan or not, etc. Here are a few of my tips & tricks that I would recommend to you. There are so many resources out there - these just happened to be a few I loved!

I honestly could not have planned the trip to Disney myself. I reached out for help of many of family members and spent countless hours on websites researching what to wear, what to pack, where to go, what rides are best, what time of month to go....you get it. I would like to share some of those people and websites that made it all come together so seamlessly.

1. I've recommended her before, and I will again, but Staci Kimball from Glass Slipper Concierge is amazing. I won't gush on her again, but feel free to read my previous post on her and what she can do for you. You won't regret it!
2. Magic Bands: Read up, but I don't think our trip would have been as successful as it was without these babies. From holding information such as your room key, to your meal plan, to pre-booking Fastpasses for rides, these are a revolution for Disney!
3. WDW Prep School's What to Pack was essential - and they were right on the money.
4. WDW Planning Resources Page. Need I say more. Your welcome.
5. Disney Tourist Blog's What to Pack for Disney is a good resource as well.
6. Disney Tourist Blog's Dining Plan: This was something that was confusing to me until we got to Disney. The overview on this site is very helpful to allow you to lay out your options and walk you through what is available to you when using the Disney Dining Plan (which I highly recommend).
7. My Disney Experience website & App: After downloading the app to your mobile phone you are able to plug in all of your Disney details and reservations so they're easily accessible and readily available any time of the day or night!

Those are just a few of the people and website that helped my through my planning process. The fact that people have already done the research and lay it out for you so simply is amazing. Take their advice, but remember this is YOUR family whom you know best. Enjoy yourself and your trip will be perfect no matter what. Its Disney World after all!