crunch wrap supreme

Ever since watching "Super Size Me" in my 7th grade Home Economics class I've been pretty anti-fast food. The idea of consuming food, especially meats, that contained that many preservatives just didn't sit well with me. That can't be natural for us to be fueling our bodies with such genetically engineered ingredients. Of course, at the time Taco Bells Crunch Wrap Supremes were all the rage and I definitely may have broken my rule a few times to consume in its deliciousness. But now, I have a guilt-free version that contains all the flavor without the questionable meat!

Crunch Wrap Supreme:

large flour tortillas (burrito style)
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning (mccormicks)
sour cream
nacho cheese or shredded cheese
corn tostada shells or tortilla chips
tomatoes
lettuce

Directions:

Cook beef according to taco packet instructions.

Spread choice of cheese around center of your first large tortilla(recipe should make around 6 wraps) and top with cooked ground beef covering no larger than the shape of the tostada shell. Layer with tostada, then sour cream, shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.

Fold up soft tortilla toward center and continue all the way around until completely folded over in the shape of a hexagon(just like Taco Bells version).

Place folded side down of wrap down onto lightly greased non-stick pan. Press with spatula and cook until nice and brown, then continuing with opposite side(1-2 minutes) until finished. Serve with store bought Taco Bell Hot Sauce or your own favorite version!

Tip: For a faster alternative use a panini press! (PS. totally one of my favorite appliances).

peppermint chip cookies

If you're like me you have plenty of leftover Christmas candy still laying around the house. One of my families favorites is Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark! This limited edition candy has milk and dark chocolate variations but I'm a personal fan of the dark combination. Both have the white chocolate and crushed candy cane and are a great addition for Christmas cookies. Of course you can play around with your own combination of these flavors if theres no peppermint bark available in your area but I'm a big Ghirardelli fan!

Peppermint Chip Cookies:

1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional for extra minty-ness)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups peppermint bark(or any combination of chocolate chips/bark)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and sugar until creamy, about 3 minutes, scraping bowl as needed. Add the eggs, one by one, followed by peppermint and vanilla extracts.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients until just combined. Chop peppermint bark into a chocolate chip-like size, measuring out 2 cups, and then mixing into cookie mixture. Spoon cookie dough into rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake until until edges begin to turn golden brown, about 9-11 minutes.

Let cool, and enjoy!

pathetic for puppies.

Occasionally my Grandpa will forward me these chain emails with the silly animal pictures or stories of heroic dogs such as the Retriever that saved hundreds of people from the Twin Towers (don't get too excited because that one was actually proven wrong on Snopes.com). Fiction or not, they do however bring cheer to my day and I love how my Grandpa takes time to send them to me, his animal-loving Granddaughter. I mean who doesn't enjoy looking at a teacup Pomeranian stuffed in an actual teacup every now and then? But believe me when I say that this specific video really hit home for me. Here I am on your typical Friday night and I'm actually tearing up. Guys, this is RARE. Now that you've been warned, I present to you the video of Daisy the Pup: Now, if you're still left wondering why the sudden waterworks over this video of a dog, you must understand that this video has become so much more than that for me. It hasn't just been a rough day, but a rough YEAR. Living multiple months(added up all together) in and out of the hospital with no direct answers will definitely get to you. Especially when sometimes the time spent out of the hospital even feels worse than being trapped in it because the progress it worse. Through all these complications of health I'm still living some how this puppy really got to me. I could feel her pain as I watched her story. However even so, I'm left with a renewed inspiration and a touched heart. One day, I will be that running pup. While I don't know what exactly is going to cure ailments and bring me back to my healthy adventurous-self I do know that it's going to happen. I've been put down a long road, but my hope is that my story can inspire others. All my pain and troubles will be worth it in the end. And how happy will be my story.

january 2005

june 2009

PS. Take a look at the cause of my HAPPY tears Christmas morning of 2004! Macy Moe, my little shadow, and best companion there ever was. Of course she's even sitting by my side as I write this. Love this little furball.

with all thine heart.

It's no question that I've been hit with quite the load of health trials this year. People often ask how I do it and honestly sometimes I wonder the same thing myself. I've never been one to ask why these things may happen to me, I just try to carry on and wait for the storm to pass. Optimism will always get you further than you think. I believe my mom likes to call it denial, but hey- take your pick. 

My ultimate favorite scripture has always been Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct they paths."

     You can thank freshman year of seminary for that one. It's perfect. Though I may not understand everything I go through and setbacks I face I can always count on my Savior. His plan for me is far more perfect than anything I could have planned on my own. If we put our trust in Him we cannot fail.

     Never underestimate the power of prayer. You build trust with Jesus Christ, along with your Father in Heaven, the same way you would your friends and family. Through constant communication and loyalty. If I want to build a close relationship with someone they need to know they can always rely on me. Here's where obedience to the standards comes into play. If I want to have that same relationship with Christ why wouldn't I obey his commandments? It just makes sense. PS. this reminds me of one of my favorite talks "The First Great Commandment" by Jeffrey R. Holland which includes this marvelous quote: "Love God and remain clean from the blood and sins of this generation... Your Father in Heaven expects your loyalty and your love at every stage of your life." Love it.

it's time.

Tonight was Cassidy's graduation from Mission Viejo High School. The theme was "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons check the song out, good stuff! Man I love that school... sorta made me wish that I walked for graduation. I guess life happens right? Mission Viejo High School rocks! Congratulations Cassidy and here's to many new and exciting adventures ahead! Love ya!!!

daddy's girl.

My dad is the greatest. He's always been there as my biggest mentor and motivates me to become something remarkable. I'd say my father's basically the modern Mr. Disney but I highly doubt Walt had the same charisma and ability to shoot a free throw. My dad is very business-minded which is something I continue to admire as an aspiring entrepreneur myself. He very much fits the definition of work hard, play hard. I love that. His constant drive and ambition are a definitely a hard one to match but no matter how busy as he gets, he has no problem setting time aside to relax and have fun with the family. He's a great story teller, just his life story alone would make a great book! His creative spirit and love for adventure continue to make life interesting. As much as that may drive my mom crazy sometimes, it has always been one of my favorite things about him. He has a huge heart and is always giving to those around us that may be struggling for one reason or another but never takes any of the credit. There are so many traits that I love so much I can only hope that one day I can marry someone as amazing as my father. I love you dad :)

Alaska... it was cold, okay?

PS. It amazes me the way no matter how old I get I still make weird faces in pictures with my dad. Whoops.

my best friend.

We may be about 26 years apart but that doesn't stop my mom from being my ultimate best friend. She's always been there for me through the toughest of times and I've had many years to only grow closer during the times I've been limited from attending school. I can always count on her to be right there by my side during hospital stays or doctors appointments no matter how many miles away they may be. Who knows how many times she's slept in those uncomfortable cots! Plus she's basically the only person who can actually see through this thick shell of mine and tell when I'm really not feeling well-which has saved this stubborn soul quite a few times. We have the same taste in TV shows from Gilmore Girls or Criminal Minds and chocolate cake with white frosting is both our favorite birthday dessert. I can tell her anything and everything and she's always got my back no matter what. (not to mention the fact she has the best advice and I know I'm not the only one who looks up to that!) Our trust is unbreakable. She's such and upbeat, caring and fun person even my friends love having her around. I've never had to forge a note at school or break curfew because she's always got my back in those moments. One time she even drove me and my friends during a mutual activity to TP another members home. My mom is a pro when it comes to designing pools and floor plans or booking the funnest vacations. Countless memories have been created because of her that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Love you Mom :) PS. She makes the worlds greatest tacos and if you don't know that already you're seriously missing out!