veggie tacos

I had a burst of inspiration, or energy....call it what you will...point is, I was a highly motivated camper today.  The other day I made a very simple pasta salad, so I thought I would look for different pasta salad recipes.  While flipping through one of my many cookbooks, I came across a recipe for simple veggie tacos.  I did tweak it a little.  I've been wanting to experiment with mushrooms that weren't the typical white capped or canned.  The canned ones make me sick and the white ones smell HORRIBLE while they are cooking.  (I'm not a fan of mushrooms).  I've heard that portobellos and shiitakes add a meatier texture to vegetarian cuisine, so I thought I'd give it a shot.  So, this is what I did...

I went to the store with a budget of $30 (I also had to buy enough food for the next couple of days and gas for my car out of that $30).  

I peeled and diced the zucchini and onion (the recipe didn't call for me to peel the zucchini, but I really didn't feel like taking the time to get the wax coating off...this was, after all, supposed to be an easy meal!), and sliced the shiitakes into thin slices.

 

Next, I heated 1 Tbsp olive oil in the largest pan I had, added the chopped veggies and a bag of frozen corn, and sautéed them until the onions were soft.  Since I used a pot instead of a pan, I think it took longer than it normally would...but I had to use what I have.  

Once the veggies were ready, I added a can of black beans and 1/4 Cup canned salsa and heated that through.  

While the whole shibang was heating through, I warmed a couple tortillas and shredded some romaine lettuce.  

Then, as my final step, I put the tacos together.  I layered the lettuce, the mixture, some shredded cheese, and added a dab of sour cream, and voila!  Veggie tacos!!

UPDATE:  I made breakfast using the leftover filling from the tacos.  South of the border omelets!  (I really should have added some hot spices to change it up a little...but, I didn't think of it...)  Every time I make omelets, I whisk a special blend of garlic, basil, and some other spices and cheeses directly into the eggs.  Next time I make them I'll actually measure and share so they won't be so secret ;). 

Best breakfast ever!  Lunch will be the topping on a bed of spinach.  I'm poor...don't judge!  

Latte Art

I've started practicing my latte art again....I'm VERY rusty!  This is not my best work, but at least it resembles a leaf...even if it's a dying leaf....

I want to practice every day...so, today is day 1!!  Maybe, one day, I'll be good enough to compete!

Losing weight

I started weight watchers last week.  My starting weight (on Monday, June 3) was 217.4, and on Monday June 10 it was 214!!  This photo was taken on Wednesday, June 12, so I may be down a little, but it's the closest thing to a before pic I have...besides, I don't think a couple pounds will make that big a difference, appearance wise!  I'm also working out, trying a few programs...so every once in a while I will update you on my progress!  

enough is enough

I'm sick of living from paycheck to paycheck. I'm sick of wondering if I'll have enough money to eat, or pay rent, or car insurance. I'm also sick of not having health insurance when I need medical help. So, I'm resolving to make a change...well, several, in fact. I've already taken the first step and bought a car and car insurance for the very first time. Up until now, I've relied heavily on my parents generosity to get by. Thank you mom (Kristie Buehler) and Dave (Buehler) for supporting my ass for the last 30 years. I love you both!
The next few steps are going to take a considerable amount of time more. I want to get back in shape...not just because I'm trying to re-enlist, because that's not even a guarantee at this point, but because I want to feel and be healthy. I'm sick of being tired and achy all the time. I've started my container garden (which I will post pics of as soon as the seeds start budding) and I'm trying to walk 2 miles a day. I know that I won't always do that because I'm feeling tired or lazy, but I've set a minimum goal of 6 miles a week. Luckily, the grocery store is exactly 1 mile from my front door and I can get my shopping done while I'm out. Two birds.
The next step is to start saving money (to help pay for school...). My goal: save $5 from tips every day, and 10% of each paycheck for school. I'll use the rest of my tips (which is usually a considerable amount...like $15-$20) to buy my groceries for the evening and next morning. the bulk of my paycheck will go to car insurance, rent, and car payments. Anything left will go to a general savings account. I want a nice cushion in case something happens.
I will go to school next semester, so to help ease the hit on my bank account, I'm signing up for financial aide. Hopefully I'll qualify for something.
And finally, I'm going to really concentrate on getting my etsy shop up and running. Mrs. Wondra Vanian and I are going to keep each other on track with that (remember Wondra?). I also want to look for a few craft shows this summer. Any profit I make this summer will go to school things (tuition, books, parking, gas, food, etc.).
Well, I think that's a solid plan. Now, I'm going to be relying on my friends to help me make sure I'm on track with this!

Headband

I walk to work. I try to walk as often as I can as a matter of fact, but over the past month or so it has been bitter cold. By the time I get to my destination, my ears are red and sting horribly (this whole being outside in the winter thing is a new concept to me, so I'm learning what I need to be doing...). In any event, the weather has prompted me to make something that would cover my ears and keep me toasty and stylish at the same time. Here is my version of the blueleaf headband by Adrienne Krey (found on revelry.com):

A Productive Year

So far, 2013 has been a hugely productive year...much more so than 2012 was. It's less than a month in, and already I've written and knit two patterns. I also have sketches of a few other ideas that I want to start on as soon as I'm finished putting the first two together!

In any event, the two patterns I wrote are both Aran pillows, updated to fit a modern living room. I used bold colors and large needles but with traditional Aran cables and moss stitch. Both pillows will be about 24"X24". The yarn is super soft and warm...perfect to cuddle into.

wow, it's been a long time since I've posted...sorry to anybody who follows my blog on a regular basis...you two know who you are!  I've been VERY busy....but here are a few things I've been up to these last 8 months!