Gerardo's Birthday-Camping @ Sand Hollow

This year we have been lucky enough to experience warm weather really early in the year. This is a perfect opportunity to start one of our favorite summer activities, CAMPING! It was Gerardo's 25th birthday and we wanted to be outside soooo badly. We drove to Red Cliffs and of course it was full and we were in a group of 20 year olds and there were mostly families and we didn't want to disturb everyone. We drove a little further south to Sand Hollow to find a nice spot on the beach to set up camp.

Let's just say that we were not disappointed in our decision :)

Beautiful sunset on the beach before hopping in our tent!

Sunglasses for 2012

Color:

The classic black and tortoise shell will always be classic and never go out of style. This season there are some exciting new trends with bright colors and patterns. Some of the top trending colors are pinks, reds, and yellows. 

 Shape:

Retro-influenced shapes are all the rage. The cat eye, circular, the aviator and many more are ruling the trends and making the oldies forever long "goodies".

 

Pairing the bright new colors and the bold shapes you will have the hottest sunglasses this season!

Louisiana Bound!

The time has finally come and my family will be traveling to the SOUTH, more specifically good ole' Louisiana to visit our family. Obviously LA is going to be humid and hot so we "tried" to get down there as soon as possible. May 31-June 4 and we are planning on jamming it packed full of exciting things to do down there. 

 WE WILL BE REUNITED :)

It's Official!

Leg	Date		Flight	Depart	Time	Arrive	Time
1A	Thu, May 31		472	LAS VEGAS,NV (LAS)	07:50 am	SHREVEPORT,LA (SHV)	12:40 pm
2A	Mon, Jun 4		473	SHREVEPORT,LA (SHV)	01:30 pm	LAS VEGAS,NV (LAS)	02:35 pm

Favorite Quotes to Live By

Everyone has their favorite quotes, montra, motto, etc. The one that has personally stuck with me from my favorite movie "Blow" with Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruise.

"May the wind always be at your back and the sun upon your face. And may the wings of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars." -George Jung

One of my new favorites is light-hearted and exciting!

This one is a little more straight forward and may seem a little more cynical, but you gotta be strict with who you let in your life. 

 These are some of my favorite quotes to live by. What are some of yours that you live by or try to implement in your life?

Easter, Farmers Market, etc.

Easter weekend could not have had better weather here in southern Utah. It finally felt like we were in the midst of the spring season. My mom had the idea, since we are all a lot older than the typical child getting an Easter basket that we would get Easter goodies for those that really needed it. She said that everyone is thinking of others around Christmas, but sometimes Easter gets forgotten. We spent the day shopping together, which is always a good time instead of for ourselves for others. 

 On our way home we saw some delicious fruits and could not help ourselves. My favorites are the mangoes!

 Taylor and Haley were busy picking out the oranges. Haley being a dancer is always ready for the "action" shot.

PW's Shrimp Scampi

One of the best blogs on the whole internet is the one and only Pioneer Woman. I trust that her recipes will turn out great and she even gets me to try things I normally wouldn't she takes pictures step by step of each recipe. I wanted something light and easy so i went with her 16 Minute Shrimp Scampi.

The Pioneer Woman 

The Pioneer Woman-16 Minute Meal: Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1/2 whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
• 4 cloves Garlic Cloves, Minced Or Pressed
• 1 pound Large Shrimp, Peeled And Deveined
• 1/2 cup White Wine
• 2 whole Lemons
• 4 dashes Hot Sauce (I Used Tabasco; More To Taste)
• Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
• 8 ounces, weight Angel Hair Pasta
• Chopped Fresh Basil To Taste
• Chopped Fresh Parsley, To Taste
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Preparation Instructions

Boil water for pasta; have it ready.

Heat olive oil and melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for two or three minutes, or until onions are translucent. Add shrimp, then stir and cook for a couple of minutes. Squeeze in lemon juice. Add wine, butter, salt and pepper, and hot sauce. Stir and reduce heat to low.

Throw angel hair pasta into the boiling water. Cook until just done/al dente. Drain, reserving a cup or two of the pasta water.

Remove skillet from heat. Add pasta and toss, adding a splash of pasta water if it needs to be thinned. Taste for seasonings, adding salt and pepper if needed.

Top with grated Parmesan and minced parsley and serve immediately.

Finished Product :)

My pictures aren't nearly as good as her's haha

Mexican Casserole

One of my boyfriends favorite dishes is my mom's recipe for Mexican Casserole. Super cheap and easy, which makes it one of my favorites. And on top of everything else it tastes delicious.

      

      Recipe:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups chunky salsa
• 1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise/Miracle Whip
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 2 cups cheese

Favorite Sides:

*fresh tomatoes *ranch *lettuce *sour cream

Putting it together:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring to crumble, until evenly browned. Drain grease. Remove from the heat, and stir the salsa, corn, mayonnaise and chili powder into the beef. In a 2 quart casserole dish, layer the ground beef mixture, tortilla chips and cheese twice, ending with cheese on top.
3. Bake for 20 minutes uncovered in the preheated oven, until cheese is melted and dish is thoroughly heated. 

 **No final images (sorry) we were hungrier than I thought ;)**