Book Review

 

 

Good afternoon!!!

 

I wanted to share a few of my favorite recent reads because I am one of those girls who will literally talk your ear off until you go and purchase/rent a book that I have just absolutely fallen in love with. Here's the thing, I am not a one type book kinda' person. I love thrilling mysteries, romances, biographies, historical renditions, autobiographies, Christian authors, and cook books. If it looks interesting I am going to try it. 9 times out of 10 I end up finding a new author that I really enjoy thus expanding my broad view of literature! This book that I am going to suggest today is one of the best books I have ever read.  The book " Bread & Wine" is written by Shauna Niequist, a pure genius in her writing where her words completely captured my heart. She writes about food and wine ( two of my favorite things EVER) but also about her memoirs of life. She is raw and honest in telling her tales of 3 miscarriages, life's beautiful moments with her family and friends, delicious recipes and friendships that gather together at her table. Intertwined with her lovely and truly page turning stories, she shares her faith and testimonies. I cannot quite put into words what the style of her book is like except that it's worth reading...try it.. grab a cup of coffee or glass of wine and curl up on your couch and read this book. I put it at the top of my review list!!!!

 

Other books that I suggest are

 

Liane Moriarty: The Husband's Secret, What Alice forgot, and Big little lies

 

She is a really easy read.. if you want something light, fun and page turning she is great for that.

 

If you are looking for something dark and twisted I invite you to read

 

V.C. Andrews The Flowers in the Attic saga

 

These are SUPER old books but are now recently coming back to life as I saw they created the saga in a movie series on lifetime. I read these books in College, and like I sad if you want light hearted these are not for you. This tells a story of a truly devious family secret, a hauntingly chilling story of four siblings locked in the attic.. try it you may like it!

 

Julie Julia Project

 

This is easily one of my favorite books ever.. I am sure you have heard of the movie Julie/Julia?? It is basically an collection of stories from a blogger who has decided to write her way through Julia child's famous cook book. Having recently received this amazing cookbook last Christmas I decided to read the novel that went along with it. I read this book in three days flat, it was cute, funny, and honest. Easy little read!

 

 

 

 

Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Muffins

As promised...I baked yesterday afternoon and perhaps made some of THE BEST muffins I have ever made. These little muffins are perfect for breakfasts on the go, an afternoon snack, or to share with friends like I plan to do :) My taste testers AKA Brandon and Elein said they were really yummy, so I am fulfilling my duty to my blog friends and posting them!

Easy Peasy!

Shopping List

* I substituted some of the ingredients to make ours a bit healthier so I will put my substitutions in Italics.

Ingredients:

•     1/2 cup butter, melted ( Instead I used two containers of cinnamon applesauce)
•     1 cup white sugar ( I used raw cane sugar found in the health aisle of your grocery store)
•     1 egg
•     1/2 cup chopped walnuts (  I discarded this for nut allergy people at my work)
•     1 cup all-purpose flour ( I used whole grain organic unbleached flour)
•     1/4 teaspoon salt
•     1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•     1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•     1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix well with your  mixer and pour into your greased muffin tin. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes!!!!

These taste like a little bit of fall heaven :) You don't have to use my substitutions, the original recipe will taste great on its own I just attempted to tweak it to make it fit our needs!

Tuesday Life Lately

I have not posted ANY recipes lately.. I have been super busy..

BUT ...today I am making Apple Brownies and I am going to post them tomorrow!

Since my friends told me it was to early to decorate my house for fall I figured I could at least start making "fall-ish" food...nobody will complain with some apple brownies :)

Happy Back to school everyone!!!!

Life lately...

Evening walks in our neighborhood are truly gorgeous..we live in the hill country and at certain points you can see a huge view of san antonio.. I love where we live.

This my friends is my first DIY project!!!!! My mom and dad are buying a house and I wanted to create a sentimental housewarming gift...that I did myself! I plan on distressing this bench and painting it a really cute color...then changing out the cushion and adding super cute throw pillows for either an outdoor porch or somewhere inside..either way I hope it turns out as I envision!!!!

This is my boy and me right before our walk :)

My husband Brandon and me out to dinner for an early Bday celebration!!! I will say that this Cali boy of mine is the most supportive and hardworking man I know. He is so good to me and I appreciate him...love you B!

Right before Meet the Teacher! I have the cutest group of kids this year!

The day that my annual Erin Condren planner arrives is usually a fantastic day. I live for organization..and since I am super OCD type A this planner is so necessary for my life. Even if you are not crazy-plan-girl like me this will fit your needs for sure!!! Visit her website HERE

I am binge watching Grey's Anatomy right now with Brandon... I know ya'll are like " GF you have been hiding under a rock with this Grey's Anatomy business!!!" I know...I just discovered what it is like to "binge watch". I am telling you there is nothing better than lazing on your couch on a saturday or sunday evening and watching your favorite show :) Happiness!

That's it for life lately!! Lots of Preschool teaching, playdoh making, and lounge time...I am ready for Fall, Pumpkins, and cooler weather. I think I may have stated this 3894385437859 times in  my last posts.. just keeping it real!!!!! #FALLROCKS #ITSTOOHOT

Weekend In ATX

These are SO my #vibes right now...

Tis' the Sunday night before school starts....:) 

Anyways...

Brandon and I spent the weekend in one of our favorite cities in Texas...Austin. Brandon and I actually were supposed to go to our annual Colorado summer vacation but couldn't due to a various amount of reasons..and one of those being that I start working tomorrow!!! So we improvised and he mentioned a hotel that has always piqued my interest ;)...the W! I was very happy at the thought of staying at this swanky hotel downtown and enjoying a little getaway with my hubby so I said book it and he did :)

Starting our trip off right ...

at Trudy's of course!!!!

#favoriterestauraunt

Once we arrived and checked in we walked the streets of downtown and shopped...and stopped at Jo's for some iced coffee bc it was 101 degrees....

Happy to be here!

Changed and ready to lay out at the pool!!!! 

The W pool is amazing... well the "area" is amazing.. the pool is just one tiny strip encompassing about 324732382438237 drunk people. Brandon and I opted *not* to get in the pee infested  over populated pool. Instead we lounged in the cabanas, people watched ( literally the best thing ever!), and then decided it was way to hot to be at the pool if you aren't exactly going to be * in * the pool.. so we left to get ready for dinner :)

Hi!!!!!!!!

see....this strip goes ALLL THE WAYYYY DOWNNNN...with lots of people :) 

this was my spot!!!!! The people watchin' spot!

We were pretty tired from the day and had 8 pm reservations at my favorite restauraunt Eddie V's...however I not feeling the urge to put on the 6 inch sparkle stilettos I brought with me, or the need to spend 2 hours getting all fancy for our elaborate date...so I asked brandon if he was cool with just finding a local hot spot to dine at and he ( more than happily) obliged :) 

Barchi- a very great sushi spot downtown!!! We devoured it!

The next morning at Jo's...coffee and breakfi...

after breakfast we headed to Zilker park and then home. 

The End!

September Goals

I wish it felt like this looked outside right now...

I know Texas feels me.

In San Antonio the heat has risen to a whopping 101 degrees each and every day..unlike the humid heat over in Houston, San Antonio has a dry desert like heat...its lovely ...especially when you are walking from the parking lot into the grocery store and look like you just took a shower...in your own sweat. 

(sigh)

Here is a list of goals from a Texas girl dreaming of cooler temps..

September

1. Bake once a week

I do this usually every fall but I really want to try and stick to it because it is so awesome to see how much one little batch of cupcakes or one apple loaf can do to make a neighbor or friend feel special. The teachers at my school LIVED...I mean LIVED for my pumpkin loaf and pumpkin butter...I actually ended up creating recipe cards to go along with whatever I was making so that they could have their own copy. 

2. Decorate for Fall

Yep, September 1st is Fall decorating day in the Frankhouser house!!!! I cannot WAIT to get out my pumpkins and autumn leaves and turn my house into a fall wonderland. I already have my new pumpkin Volupspa candle waiting to be burned..and a host of new pumpkins I found on sale from Hobby Lobby...

3. Evening Walk 

It is insanely hot right now...to hot to walk the dog during the day..to hot to pretty much even breathe outside...I am hoping that once september hits and "hopefully" cools down a little bit we can start doing our evening walks again. I love going on a walk with my hubby and dog our neighborhood is developing a new section where we walk and during our stroll we love to look at the pretty pond and all the hills..a perk of living in the hill country :) its just pretty!

4,  Take it Easy

I am normally such a  go go go person... but right now I am having to take it easy for a little while and it is SO HARD! There is nothing better to me than waking up grabbing coffee, working out, running a million errands, doing chores, cooking dinner, and ending my day with a glass of wine and my hubby... for now, Brandon has been cooking most dinners while I relax with a book on the couch..I cannot go to the gym..so I am trying to find time just reading and watching movies and hanging out. 

5. Pick out Carpet for the upstairs

we are ripping out our old carpet and replacing it-simple goal but needs to be done!!!

6.  Dare I say Christmas shop???

Oh would that be too much!!!!? I think not!

I think I could snag a gift or two right now while the hefty bustle of the season is gone and out of the way... hmm I think this is a brilliant plan!!!

Just us!!! In leiu of our trip to ATX today 

us last year in Austin! Our favorite town!!:)

Life Lately

Nothing to crazy on our side of town..we have a big month in September so August has been kind of hum-drum and I like it :) back to school starts next week and even though I will only be part time this year I am so excited to see those sweet faces :)!!!! Here is life lately

Pizza Night :) made by yours truly

OOTD- GAP GAP AND GAP

Found my first gray ( grey **) hair. WHAT?

shopped solo this day with a starbucks

Had an amazing girls night! I hosted an In-house massage...it was heavenly

we road tripped :)

I have taken this exit many times in Austin to visit some very best friends!

My bestie found her dress!

I made hummus crusted chicken- it was so good! Recipe up soon!

These beautiful flowers live all over San Antonio.. I want to plant some in my back yard but I don't know what they are called...anyone?

We shop with wine at our HEB! 

Our kind of Friday- Cooking with all of our favorite neighbors

My pool essentials, although it has been too hot even for the pool :(

Puppy runs with Colty Colt

I love it!!! Randomly spying my mom while driving home from somewhere...love having her so close that this stuff happens:) yes I know it was a little dangerous to snap a pic. I lived.

Thats it!!!!!

Pizza Night!!!!!

So about my day yesterday...

yesterday I was so exhausted that I could not find my car in the parking lot. Sure, we all have our days where we press our car beeper button about a thousand times and think to ourselves " OMG someone stole my car!!!!" because we just CANNOT, for the life of us, remember where we parked.  Well yesterday that happened to me, but instead of the usual finding of the car after the usual initial panic attack ..the inevitable happened . I could not find  my car.  Basically my thumb was having involuntary seizures from pressing down on the beeper button so hard and it was the first time I couldn't hear my car..A la someone stole it!!!!

I called 911 and they met me ( at this point I had surveyed the parking lot for a good hour so I didn't just totally spaz..I was reasonable..an hour people) in the parking lot where I told them details and sweated in the hot sun while they jotted down notes about my car. The nice officer invited me into his car and told me we were gonna just survey the lot once more just incase I was a lunatic. ( he didn't actually say it but I was sure thats what he was thinking)  so I obliged and we started looking. At this time Brandon is on the phone with the insurance company and comes roaring into the parking lot with his huge Ranch Hand F350. He begins to survey the lot as well...

5 minutes into it I hear Brandon's Truck having a Horn Beeping attack...

he found my car.

I ended up being crazy.

The kind officer took one look at me and said " Don't worry ma'am it happens all the time"

Sure it does buddy sure it does....

SO EMBARRASSED!!!!

So hopefully you get a little chuckle at my ridiculous story but that is why I decided to bring on some pizza that night.  Here we go!!!


Shopping List


Flat bread pizza crust your choice ( I use a whole wheat brand)
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
s&p
1-2 cups of baby arugula
1/4 shallot chopped
1/2 lemon
one brick of park-shaved with a knife
1/4 pound of prochuttio
buffalo mozzarella


Procedure

preheat your oven to 450
spread a nice even coat of olive oil on your pizza and then salt and pepper it
slice the buffalo mozzarella and place on the pizza until the top is mostly covered.
bake pizza for 8 minutes or until crust is brown and cheese is bubbly

while the pizza is cooking

take the arugula and place in a bowl, squeeze the lemon onto the arugula, salt and pepper it, and add a dash of olive oil and mix together. Set aside.
Once the pizza is ready to come out immedietly place the arugula salad on top, then add the prochuttio, and lastly top with the shaved parm.


This pizza is so delicious!!! I love the way the peppery arugula cuts the soft buttery mozzarella...its a fancy pizza that is easy to make and tastes wonderful!!! Enjoy!

Chicken Fajita Taco Bowls

We love love love a Taco Tuesday in our house...however with the traditional taco comes the yummy corn tortilla that most of us are trying to avoid when trying to stay fit. I decided that on this particular "taco" night we could skip the tortilla and get a little creative. I have been following some of my food bloggers on IG and saw that they use sweet potatoes as the base to so many of their recipes!! This inspired me to give it a go... then I just layered my favorite toppings and dug in!! It was simple and delicious...the main theme of this blog!!!!

Shopping List

Two sweet potatoes-skinned and diced into medium chunks

one can of black beans

1/4 chopped yellow onion

one yellow bell pep

sliced tomatoes

chicken ( grilled, steamed, baked whatever...we grilled it!)

guacamole or avocado chunked

Monterrey Jack cheese

cumin, salt, pep

cilantro for garnish

Procedure

1. Begin by layering your diced potatoes on a greased baking dish. Season them with olive oil, SP and any other special seasoning. Pop in the oven at 400 for about 10-15 minutes..

meanwhile..

2. Grill your chicken!!!! We seasoned our chicken and threw it on the grill, then allowed it to cool before slicing it up.

3. Take your onion and bell pepper and start to saute' over medium high heat in some olive oil and salt and pepper.

4. warm the beans...season them with cumin SP and any other seasoning 

now its time to layer!

5. First, place the desired amount of potato "hash" into your bowl, then layer them with some warm black beans, next add on your grilled onion and pepper, then add your chicken...

last get crazy with toppings!!! I only added cheese, Guac., sliced tomatoes, and cilantro..however you can go crazy! Corn would be a nice addition, and so would fresh jalepenos . ..the list is endless 

Enjoy!!!!