Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Chocolaty Peanut Butter and Banana Grilled French Toast Sandwich


My children love Peanut butter and Banana sandwiches, they also love french toast, so why not fuse the two together ??  While the kids are home for Christmas break I have been trying to make them delicious treats since we get in the cold cereal rut during busy school mornings.  This morning I made these little delights and they were a big hit!  My kids were certain I should win the Mother of the Year award after they were presented with these beauties, and I have to admit I kind of agreed with them ;)  These were super simple to make, and I had all the ingredients readily available in my pantry!


I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine did!  Enjoy :)




Friday, December 4, 2015

Quit Trying to Make a Point and Put Your Boobs Away!!

I have sat quietly watching this latest movement that has become quite popular on breast feeding.  There are women all over the Internet baring it all in support of public breast feeding and breast feeding advocacy.  I will start by saying I have nothing against breast feeding, I breast fed all three of my children.  I fed them wherever I was when the time came that they needed nourishment, even in public!  I never got shamed, asked to cover up, or to leave an establishment, because just like this lady below, I did not have to expose my whole breast to get my baby fed.  I think it is wonderful that God made our bodies to be able to care for our young and provide them the nourishment they need.

Here is where I have a problem.  Quit trying to make a point and just feed your kid already!  Lets be honest boobs are distracting!  There are establishments where men go pay lots of money to watch topless dancers for entertainment.  There is a huge market for low cut tops, cleavage enhancing bras, you get it!  When you are staring down someone in a restaurant with your whole tit hanging out to make a point and then posting about it on social media, you are looking for attention not just trying to feed your baby.   How do you women even know people are looking and giving you dirty looks if you are not looking around for someone to be watching?  There is a time and place for everything.  If you are in a movie theater sure bare it all, but in a restaurant across from someones husband, maybe just maybe this would be a time to be more discreet.  Maybe I'm crazy but chances are he is going to peek and chances are his wife may give you a dirty look...just saying.


Why post pictures on social media?  I don't know call me crazy again, but what is this going to do to your child when they are older?  The last thing a teenager wants all their friends to see on the Internet is them sucking on their moms tit!  We are told not to write about our children without their permission, because of how it may make them feel.  Don't post pictures of your kids faces or them taking a bath as a toddler for fear of predators seeing them.  Do none of you realize these same sickos are out there possibly touching themselves to your baby suckling on your nipple?  Wake up!

Breast feeding is indeed a beautiful thing, the only reason it has become a big deal is because you have made it a big deal.  Feed your baby, put it away simple as that!

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Make Their Holidays Bright With Brick Swag! A Monthly LEGO Box Subcription.


Christmas is my favorite time of year!  The holiday music and twinkling lights, there is nothing that compares!  I love exchanging gifts and am always looking for the perfect gift for that somebody special.  I don't know about you, but I have never found a child who does not LOVE LEGOS!  Now I can't say the same for their parents involved, because we all know if you have ever stumbled across a pile of LEGOs in the night there is a pain like no other!  HaHa!  That being said parents would do anything to see their child's eyes light up on Christmas morning with the perfect gift!  Even if it is gifting them LEGOs!

The only thing I dislike about the Christmas season is when it comes to an end :( You clean up the last of the wrapping paper and bows, take down the tree and lights, and have to wait 365 days to do it again.  What if You can see the joy on your child's face month after month well after the season has come to pass!?  Now you can with BrickSwag!  BrickSwag is a monthly LEGO Subscription.  They have many plans to choose from anywhere from monthly to an annual membership!  Every month your child will receive Lego Swag right in your mailbox.  This is such a great gift for any young child you are shopping for!  It truly is the gift that keeps on giving!  Imagine your child's face every month their LEGO Box shows up on your doorstep with their name on it, filled with fun new bricks to build with!

I think this Monthly subscription box is an awesome idea and I am so excited to be able to offer BuckeyeMomsMeets readers an exclusive discount code Go over to brickswag.com, choose your plan and use code FAM20 for your extra 20% savings!

I hope you are as excited as I am about this cool holiday Gift Idea!  BuckeyeMomsMeet would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

My Five Running Must Haves!

*Disclosure: I have received the running belt and towel for free through Tomoson.com to review in exchange for my honest opinion.  I agreed to review these products because I found them useful in my daily life.  All opinions expressed here are my own and are not influenced in any way!  I hope you enjoy and find this post helpful!

I am so excited to be signed up for another virtual race!  This particular race will be run on my birthday this year, December 21st!  I will be participating in Elf On The Run 5K!  I am most excited about the medal!  I love race bling and this particular medal has the cutest little holiday elf on it!  Christmas is my favorite holiday probably since I was born just three day before.  I love all the twinkling lights and holiday cheer that comes this time of year!  I plan on running my race in the evening in hopes of seeing lots of Christmas lights along the way.  I have put together a Small list of my five running must haves to share with you!



  1. First on my list is a comfortable pair of running shoes.  the shoes must fir properly to avoid blisters, and for me must have a well cushioned sole to ease my knee pain!  Everyone has their favorite brand and fit.  As for me, I am really loving my K-Swiss Tubes right now!
  2. the second thing on my list is comfortable running clothing.  You want something that fits properly and that you are comfortable in.  I personally like Capri running pants, but again everyone has their own preference.  just be comfortable!
  3. Number three on my list is a running belt!  I am so excited I have finally found a belt that is comfortable and is able to fit my phone in it.  I have tried different products in the past and they either slid on my arm or my phone just did not fit.  I am going to be using the SKMEI LED Running Belt for my virtual race, because it not only holds my phone in a comfortable belt, but also my money, I.D, a small towel, and house key!  I love this new belt not only because it holds all my essentials but it also has an LED light on it so cars can see me while running at night! You can check out the belt in action here!
  4. Four on my list is a small towel.  This may be TMI but while running I sweat A lot, not only that my nose begins to run right along with my legs.  So I have learned to bring something along to wipe my sweat or my nose if the need arises.  During my virtual run I will be using a Ultra Compact Sporten Microfiber Towel!  I love this towel because it fits perfectly in my belt and comes in very handy for any natural disasters!
  5. Number five on my list is a head band!  There is nothing more maddening than fly aways sticking all over your sweaty face while running!  I love the buff style head bands so I can adjust it to the conditions.  If it is cold I can have it cover my ears which keeps more more comfortable in the cooling temperatures!
That is my top five must haves.  Do you have a must have while running?  What is it that you can not live without while out on the trails or running paths?  I would love to hear about it!



SKMEI LED Running Belt

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

A real life fairy tale...

Once upon a time there was this little girl, her hair a golden blonde, her eyes a mysterious shade of green, born on the first day of the winter.  The girls daddy was a submarine sailor and her mom was always in her eyes site.  She had a feisty big brother with fiery red hair, who often would pick on her, but she loved him anyway.  She traveled to far off lands as a baby and came to settle in a small California gold mining town in the eastern mountains of San Diego county.  At the young age of four the fierce flames of a very hot fire took her home and every last belonging from her.  Her favorite blanket, her dolls, her winter coats and even her shoes...gone.  The girls family had nothing, they found themselves living off the land with no home, running water, or electricity, but she was happy!

This girl had a big smile, she was told it lit up the room!  She had scraggly hair, freckles, and her bones were long and lanky.  She grew up playing in the dirt, making forts in the bushes, and climbing trees.  She had no cable television or telephone.  She was happy, she was fun, and she was loved.  While other kids were busy growing with the outside world, she was busy growing her heart.  One day she would find the one to share this big heart with.


Meanwhile there was this little boy.  He had blonde straight hair, and eyes the color of chocolate.  He had a dimple in his chin and an honest tongue.  Unlike the little girl He grew up in the same house in the city with a manicured lawn, and paved streets.  He loved to ride his bike and play with his neighborhood friends.  This little boy was the baby of his family with two older sisters.  The little boy grew up watching the relationships around him and one day would be able to share his findings. The little boy's dad was a hard worker and great provider for his family, his mom always had children in the home showing him love and compassion for babies.  One day this little boy will grow up to be a great provider and a daddy.  One day he will share this with the one.


The day had come that the little boy turned eighteen, thirteen months later so did the little girl, they were now adults!  Coming from two different worlds, the two were about to cross paths.  Their whole life seemingly leading up to this point.  It was a dark quiet night In a far off land, another country to be exact.  The little girl and the little boy crossed each others paths.  She noticed him from across the smokey dim lit room.  He approached her and asked her to dance.  He bought her a single rose and they exchanged numbers.

It has been 22 years since the two crossed paths and today marks their 15th wedding anniversary!  The little girl has found the one to share her heart with, and the little boy is a hard working husband and daddy of three beautiful children and an angel .  The little girl believes these two were put on this earth for one another. They lived happily ever after.

The end....




Sunday, November 15, 2015

Holiday craft time!! Reindeer gift set :)

Hello, Thank you for visiting today!  It is a rainy day here in Buckeye, so what better thing to do than some crafts with the kiddos!  We set off to the dollar store to pick out some supplies.  I saw these cute reindeer online and thought they looked simple enough for me to tackle!  I am one that some may call, "craft challenged".  I don't really have a craft bone in my body, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it any less!

This reindeer was super simple, and only took a few short steps!


Here is what you need:


  • (1) Wash Cloth
  • (1) Bar of Soap
  • (1) Rubber Band (to secure ears)
  • (2) pipe cleaners (for antlers)
  • (2) Craft Googly eyes
  • (1) red pom pom (nose)
  • Ribbon or bow





 Instructions:


  • place wash cloth in shape of a diamond
  • place soap in center of wash cloth
  • pull the top and bottom corners together and then roll down towards soap
  • pinch the two ears together and secure with rubber band
  • bend first pipe cleaner into a v shape, cut second pipe cleaner to construct antlers
  • stick down in between ears secured by rubber band
  • add eyes and nose
  • wrap bow around the ears
  • Finished!!!  Isn't he adorable!?

These make wonderful teacher's gifts!!


Friday, November 13, 2015

Meat Lovers Spaghetti and Meatball Garlic Bread Hoagie :)

Today I would like to bring to the table something like non other!  The Meat Lovers Spaghetti and Meatball Sandwich  served on a garlic toasted hoagie bun.  Now before we start I am not claiming this little handful of heaven to be healthy, diet food, gluten free, all natural, vegetarian, or anything else you may wish it to be.  You are more than welcome to adjust it to your liking or preference!  The truth is, it's full of carbs, meat, cheese, butter, and everything good (or not so good) in your life.  Now you have been warned, so don't be blaming Ronda over at Buckeye Moms Meet for ruining your diet.

I got the inspiration for this sandwich from my nine year old son.  We were sitting at dinner one night eating Spaghetti and he says, "wouldn't it be weird if someone made a spaghetti sandwich?"  Ding...Ding...Ding, I'm weird, I can make a spaghetti sandwich!  So without further ado, I bring you The Meat lovers Spaghetti and Meatball sandwich!

  Warning:  This is super delicious and just might wreck your diet!



Things you need:

  • Hoagie buns or french sandwich rolls
  • Spaghetti noodles
  • sweet Italian sausage
  • meatballs (you can make your own or buy ready to eat)
  • spaghetti sauce (again, make your own the way you like it or buy a jar of your favorite)
  • red bell peppers
  • onions
  • minced garlic
  • butter
  • honey for taste 
  • fresh basil for garnish
How to get this handful of heaven on your plate:

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil 
  • add spaghetti noodles to your boiling water ( boil according to package directions) then strain and set aside
  • brown Italian sausage in a skillet 
  • add diced onion, bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning to the sausage
  • add spaghetti sauce and meatballs to the sausage mixture (let the flavors dance for a good five minutes on low)
  • I like to add a little bit of honey to my sauces to balance out the acidity.
  • add the cooked spaghetti noodles to your sauce and stir
  • butter your bread sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, place in toaster oven until lightly browned
  • add spaghetti inside  your toasted bun
  • top with meatballs, Parmesan cheese, and basil for garnish!
Enjoy :)

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Why I Have Taken a Break From My Blog...


Hi, It's me Ronda!  I wanted to stop by BuckeyeMomsMeet.com and give my apologies, for I have stepped away from my office for a bit.  I will start by saying, I love being a blogger!  I started blogging a little over a year and a half ago because I LOVE writing!  I have always kept a journal since I was a young child.   Writing has always been an escape for me, an escape from the thoughts stuck twirling around inside my mind.  I have almost every thought documented since the age of eight.

I started out blogging sharing some of my old poetry and writing fun little creative pieces about random things such as lost socks.  I was then introduced to some opportunities where I could sample some free products and write reviews about them.  I thought this was fun and I got some cool free products in the process.  Blogging was still very much a hobby for me.....and then I went to my first blogging conference!

I love attending blogging conferences!  I mean what is there not to love!?  You get treated like royalty at fancy places all over the US.  You get to learn so much from very talented people.   You walk away with a ton of knowledge and new friends, and don't even get me started on the swag!  I have had the pleasure of meeting so many wonderful people at the top of their game, leaders of this industry!  Everyone is always so very nice and forth coming of their knowledge.  Every person I have met at these great events have been very supportive!  You make friends and acquaintances, you follow each other on social media sites, it really is like one big blogging family!

I attend these conferences like a big sponge.  I am eager to learn!  I started taking all the little advice and new found knowledge I had heard and learned, and started trying to apply it to my blog.   So here are the thoughts twirling around in my Brain.   You need recipes!  You need pinnable images on your posts.  You need to monetize your blog.  Ad placement.  Subscription pop ups.  Hashtags.  Videos.  Better picture lighting.  I need to invest in a better camera.  Do I need to re brand?  What is my niche anyway?  Am I helping people?  What kind of products can I sell?  I need to charge more,  raise my price.  Don't work for free.  You are worth it.  How is it I get more followers.  numbers. numbers. numbers.  numbers.....

Some of these women and men make a lot of money at what they do!  They have this blogging thing down to a science!  How are they so successful?  Why?  Because their blogs are their passion!  They write about what they love!  The moment I started writing about bladder leakage just to get paid, I sold myself out!  I was no longer writing because I enjoyed it, I was writing to try and keep up.  I was trying to make a dollar, rather than just doing what I am passionate about and enjoy.  My blog was becoming work that I hated.  I was worrying about who liked me and how many followers I could get so I just might get picked for a high paying campaign.  It became about money.  It became about competition.

Blogging is not easy!  It is not a way to sit at home on your butt and make easy money while getting lots of free things.  It is not for the weak at heart.  There is a lot of applying for campaigns and pitching brands.  There is a lot of being turned down.  There is a lot of feelings of failure.  There are deadlines and contracts.  It is a lot of work, which takes a lot of time...and a lot of PASSION.  Without passion you have just another forgotten page lost out in the cloud.

This world is driven by the dollar sign.  I refuse to sell my self short and cause myself to hate what I am doing any longer.  I stepped away for a while to get back on track.  Life is not about numbers, or followers.  I am not defined by the number of opportunities that pass me by because my numbers don't add up.

I am taking back my blog.  I will not work for my blog any longer!  My reason, that old wonderful quote that says,  "if you choose a job you love, you will never work a day in your life"  :)

Thank you for understanding my need to take a step back.  I am excited to bring all the things I love back to BuckeyeMomsMeet!  Have a beautiful day!


Sunday, October 4, 2015

Today...Choose Kindness!


I wanted to share something with you all.  I stopped watching the news years ago because it was too sad.  Story after story was heartbreak and despair.  I decided I didn't need to know of all the sad things happening in the world, and that I could be happier in my naive little bubble.  It's not that I don't have compassion for the struggles of others, I have too much!  I feel deeply.  Floods, tornadoes, wars, third world countries starving and having no fresh water, earth quakes, tsunamis, school shootings, theater shootings, children dying of disease and cancers. There is so much sadness in this world when I see it, I think about it, I pray about it, I cry about it, and I obsess about it!  So I turned off the news.  Every morning and throughout the day I am on various social media channels trying to engage with my following and I have learned I cannot hide from the sadness, because everyone EVERYONE is going through something!


I started blogging a little over a year ago, mostly because I enjoy writing.  I have kept a journal since I was eight years old.  I attended a birthday party of some of my friends in elementary school and I won the "pin the tail on the donkey" game.  My prize was this pink puffy diary with hearts all over it and a magnetic closure.  My first entry into my diary was that night at the sleepover birthday party talking about how I won the diary.  Over the years I have used that diary to write down my thoughts, mostly to get them out of my own head.  I keep my diary hidden...really hidden.  If someone were to read it they would probably be very concerned, mostly because that diary is like the news it's full of sadness!  I am not a sad person, most people say their favorite thing about me is my smile.  I love to laugh and have fun, because the only way to fix being sad is to be happy!


I have been through a lot in my lifetime.  I have seen a lot, done a lot, and survived a lot.  I often disregard what I have been through because as they say someone has always got it worse!  This is so true!  Everyday I log on to Facebook I see people close to me losing family members to suicide, children missing from their homes, cancer taking the lives of children.  I see people asking for help to lift their families up in prayer.  We as a world need to be more kind!

Life is hard, really hard!  Everyone is going through something and to each one of these people it's a BIG something to them!  We don't need to watch the news to see the sadness because most likely it's right next to you hiding behind the smile of your neighbor.  Be kind!  Give someone a compliment today.  For God's sake let that car in, in the school pickup line.  Hold the door for someone.  It all goes back to that lesson in life we have all heard, treat others as you would like to be treated.  People are always trying to prove something, prove that there is still kindness in the world!

Have a beautiful day, and please be kind!


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Smokey Pumpkin Spice Soup :)

I love this time of year and as the weather starts to cool my favorite meal is a warm cup of soup! Today I am bringing you a fall favorite, My Smokey Pumpkin Spice Soup!  This soup is really simple to make and just definitely hits the spot!  It is like a party of Autumn in your tummy.  I hope you enjoy!

Smokey Pumpkin Spice Soup :)


Serving size (1 C.)

Servings per recipe (8)

Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 29 oz. can pure pumpkin
  • 2 tbsp. flour
  • 1/4 tsp. ginger
  • 1/8 tsp turmeric
  • 2 cups milk
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 4-5 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
  • chopped chives, sour cream, bacon for garnish

How to prepare:

  • Saute onions in parsley butter until translucent
  • stir in pumpkin
  • blend flour, spices, and 1/3 cup milk in small bowl, stir into pumpkin mixture
  • Add remaining milk and crumbled cooked bacon into pumpkin mixture, stir constantly for 5-8 minutes until thickened.  (Do not allow to boil)
  • mix in chicken broth and heat to almost boiling.
  • Serve hot garnished with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.

Enjoy :)








Monday, September 28, 2015

All Natural Roll On Deodorant! Nutrexin!!

Have you ever looked at all the horrible ingredients that make up your antiperspirant  and wonder what in the world you are putting into your body?  With all the recent studies linking deodorant and antiperspirant to breast cancers and other health concerns I have been on a mission to find the deodorant that will not only offer reliable protection but also diminish the risk factors involved in using them.


My family has fallen victim on several occasions to breast cancer, so I nee to be very vigilant when it comes to my health.  I have three young children whom need their mama for a very long time!


I was recently sent a pH Alkaline Deodorant from green Moms Meet and Nutrexin to try out and tell  you all about it!  Nutrexin is a pH Alkaline roll on deodorant that is Aluminum, Fragrance, preservative, and artificial color free!  This Deodorant is made of all natural ingredients that offer daily protection with a balanced alkaline effect.  It is made with healing plant extracts and beneficial soothing skin moisturizers!  This can be used safely on all skin types, even sensitive skin!

I have been using My Nutrexin Alum-Free Deodorant for about two weeks now, and I have to say I really like the peace of mind I have while using it.  I am not sure if it lasts the full 24 hours as it states, I have found the need to re-apply it in the afternoon.  Over-all I like the way it feels on the skin.  It doe snot irritate the skin what so ever even after shaving.  The fresh light scent is something to be admired.  I think it lacks the all day protection, but I have no problem with re-applying it.

Nutrexin USA does not only offer this great deodorant, but also so many other great products!  I also have been taking  Nutrexin Vital Restore which is a natural antioxidant formula.  Vital Restore Optimizes Metabolism & Digestion.  Improves fitness level and stamina, also assists in recovery from fatigue, illness, or injury!  I really have enjoyed taking Vital restore and have notices a significant boost in my energy levels!


Another great product Nutrexin offers that I have tried first hand is pH Balance Restore Bath Salts!  These bath salts are recommended 1-2 times per week in a full bath soak or can be used daily in a foot soak!  These bath salts offer detoxification, relaxation, and soft supple skin after each use!  This may very well be my favorite of the three products!  I mean who doesn't love a relaxing bath or foot soak?  Am I right?  I always feel so relaxed and balanced after each use and my skin has really loved the healing properties!

I give this company two thumbs up for great innovative products!  I would highly recommend these products for the many benefits they provide.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Five Arizona Farms to Visit This Fall!!


When the Fall Season rolls around it means cooler weather, pumpkin spice, and Fall Festivals!!  My family enjoys visiting the local farms to get us excited for the new season.  There is something about being out on the farm that is so fulfilling to your heart!  Getting lost in the corn mazes, picking out that perfect pumpkin, and just being outdoors after the incredibly hot summer!   I put together a list of some of Arizona's best farms to visit this fall!



Tolmachoff Farms welcomes you to pumpkin days and corn maze October 1-November 8 2015!  My family adores this farm in the heart of Glendale, Arizona! Tomachoff Farmsis located at 5726 N. 75th avenue, Glendale AZ 85303  The farm is open 7 days a week and is $9 for ages 2 and up! 


~Rocker7 Farm Patch Test your navigation skills through their four-acre corn maze!  There is a 1.5 mile maze path for most folks and a .25 mile path for families with small children.  Pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch, visit the sunflower field, go on a hay ride, visit the petting zoo, and so much more!  This farm is fun for all ages and the weekend admission lets you enjoy all the activites offered including the giant bouncing pillow!  Located in the far west valley Rocker7 will be open this year October 10-November 8th and is located at 19601 West Broadway Rd.  Buckeye, AZ 85326 (623)208-8676  


~Mortimer Farms Locally owned Mortimer Family Farms says, you are all invited to attend our Pumpkin fest & Corn Maze every weekend in October!  This Huge Festival's centerpiece is a 15 acre pumpkin patch & 25 acre corn maze!   Games, farm activities, live entertainment, barn dances, hay rides, petting zoo, food , and so much more!  Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October for $15 per person (2 and under are free)  




~Schnepf Farms Pumpkin Patch& Chili Party Voted by Phoenix Magazine, New Times, Sunset Magazine, and numerous others as the best family fall event in the valley!  The only way to know for sure is to go and check it out for yourself!  Hours are every Thursday-Sunday in October from 10-9pm!  Prices for admission are $17 per person or you can save $2 per person by purchasing tickets from your local fry's food store!  Schnepf is located at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road in Queen Creek Arizona 85142 


~Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival Is in Marana, Arizona located at 14901 N. Wentz Rd. (502)305-5481 This farm is open October 3-31st Monday-Thursday from 3-7pm and Friday-Sunday 9-7pm.  Visit Marana Farm and pick from over 15,000 pumpkins, find your way through two unique corn mazes, jump on a huge jumping pillow, and fill up on festival food before stopping by the petting zoo!  Price for admission is $10 Monday-Thursday and $12 Friday-Sunday!


I hope you find this list helpful and you enjoy your time out on the farm!  Happy Fall Ya'll!!  :)








Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Mouth Watering Sriacha Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tostada :)

Fall is upon us!  The best things about fall are the changing colors, and the changing recipes!  I have always thought of Sweet Potatoes as a fall food, maybe because I grew up eating sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving In forms of pies or casseroles.  The great thing about sweet potatoes is, they are packed full of goodness!

Sweet Potatoes are a Native American plant which was a main source of nourishment for the early homesteaders!  These roots are among the most nutritious foods in the vegetable food group.  Sweet potatoes are packed full of calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and also A!

Today BuckeyeMomsMeet is bringing to the table a Tostada like no other!  Unlike the traditional Tostada, This recipe is packed with a punch of vitamins and spices that will have you coming back for seconds, or even thirds!  The Sriacha Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tostada!!



Ingredients:

  • (1)TBSP Avocado oil
  • (1) Can of Black refried beans
  • (1) sweet potato
  • (1) small onion
  • (3) cloves minced garlic
  • (1) tsp. liquid aminos or soy sauce
  • (1) tsp Dijon mustard
  • (1/4) tsp. ground cumin
  • (1/4) tsp. chili powder
  • (1) TBSP. Sriacha 

Toppings:
  • lettuce
  • mixed blend grated cheese
  • avocado
  • sriacha
  • sour cream

Preparing:

  1. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.  Add onion, garlic, liquid aminos, mustard, cumin, chili powder, cook until onions are tender.
  2. Add refried beans to the onion mixture and mix well.  Add the Sriacha and continue heating up the beans.
  3. While you are heating your bean mixture steam your sweet potato either on the stove top or in the microwave until soft.
  4. set bean mixture aside and mash your sweet potato with a fork or potato masher.  You can add a little cumin to your sweet potato if you would like more flavor.
  5. get a small rubber spatula and spread your bean mixture on a tostada shell.  Next add the mashed sweet potato mixture on top of the bean mixture.
  6. top with lettuce, cheese, avocados, sriacha, and sour cream!
  7. Enjoy :)



Monday, September 21, 2015

Queso Fresco Cactus Salad :)

The Queso Fresco Cactus Salad is a light salad made from edible cactus pads (Nopales).  Our local grocery here in Arizona usually carry the Nopales.  I like to get mine already prepared and sliced for cooking!  I often Pair my Queso Fresco Cactus salad with Chipotle dry rubbed pork loin.


Directions

~I tend to buy the cactus pads (nopales) already prepared for cooking, If yours are not already peeled then you will need to peel the thorns with a potato grader until all thorns are removed.  Leave the skin intact and cut into thin strips!

~Heat your Avacado oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Add your Nopales and garlic and saute until the cactus is tender usually between 5-8 minutes.
~once the cactus pads are tender you are going to add your black beans, green onions, fresh cilantro, lime juice, agave nectar, cumin, chipotle powder, and the optional ingredients if you wish for your salad to be a little sweeter.

~arrange the lettuce on your plates, and top with a scoop of cactus mixture.  Next you will add some diced tomatoes, queso fresco, and a dallop of sour cream on top!

~Enjoy!!!  Paired well with Chipotle dry rubbed pork tenderloin!!



Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Great Camping At StageCoach Trails! Southern California's Must Stay Getaways!


Nestled in between some mountain ranges in the high desert of San Diego county sits a camp ground like no other!
Just East of the old historic gold mining town of Julian, California, you will find Stage Coach trails.  I recently went to visit my granny who lives down the road from Stage Coach trails horse camp and RV resort, so my family and I made a reservation for one of the cabins that are available at the camp ground.


Stagecoach trails camp ground is very quiet with some very friendly staff.  If you are looking to get away from it all, this is the place!  The night sky reminds you how far you are away from the city lights by the extraordinary abundance of stars that appear in the night sky!  Great for star gazing.  The cabins here are clean and comfortable.  Our cabin slept the five of us with plenty of room.  There was a bathroom, shower room, a small kitchen with a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.  There was also a TV, but only for DVD usage.  no cable.  They do ask that you bring your own linens.  The beds had a fitted sheet but no blankets.  They provided bath towels and soaps.


The camp ground is very well kept with plenty to do for the whole family!  There are horse shoe pits, tether ball, beach volleyball courts, basketball courts, and a swimming pool to cool off in the warmer months.  There is no spa on the grounds, but if you wanted to relax your bones there is a hot springs nearby that is only a short drive away!  My kids really enjoyed playing tether ball, mostly because they had never seen such a game and were completely intrigued by it's simplicity.


When I said getting away from it all, I meant it!  There is no cell service at the camp ground, but honestly I didn't miss it that much!  It was kind of nice being completely unplugged for our time there.  If you absolutely need to check your emails, call, or text someone there is service a little over three miles down the road.


The Stagecoach store is well stocked with anything you may need.  My daughter was having allergies and I had forgotten to pack our Claritin, but purchasing it at the store was no problem.  The store however does not sell Alcoholic beverages or tobacco.  So if you want to relax with a glass of wine, or a beer under the stars  make sure you bring plenty before heading down the hill!  There is also no gas station near the camp ground.  The nearest fuel stations are either in Borrego Springs, or Julian.

This camp ground boasts plenty of space!   Plenty of RV spots with full hookups, tent spaces, cabins, and even horse corrals!  The horse camping is a fantastic set up!  plenty of corrals, a circle pen, and lots of places to ride.

During the day, stay at camp and enjoy their many amenities, or venture out!  There are plenty of hiking trails nearby.  You can go to Julian for the day and pick apples or enjoy a piece of their famous apple pie. You can tour the old gold mine, or visit a winery.  You can head the other direction and visit Borrego Springs, where you can play a game of golf.


We had a great weekend visiting family and enjoying the simple life of no cell phones, emails, or Ipads.   Thank you Stage coach for providing a comfortable place to lay our heads.  We will be back!