I'm Still Here

It feels like it has been months this I last posted.

Oh, wait. It has.

Work has been busy, and much of my time has been spent at the hospital. The rest of the time has been spent exercising, catching up on sleep, relaxing with my sweet husband, and baking/cooking. I have been cooking up lots of new recipes (thanks pinterest and foodgawker!) that I hope to share soon, but I'll save that for another day.

Some exciting things that have happened since last fall:

1. Adam passed his PCA licensure exam. This means he can become an ordained pastor. Once a position is available of course.

2. My brother graduated from marine boot camp this past week. I wasn't able to go to his graduation because of work, but spent part of the weekend with him and the rest of our family celebrating. We are all so proud of him and thankful for what he is doing.

3. I have a job for next year. I graduate from my pediatrics residency this summer. This is both scary and exciting, but it is also a huge relief to have a plan for when I'm done. I'll be working in a county hospital doing both inpatient pediatrics and working in the pediatric urgent care center. It is a fabulous program and I'll be working with many other pediatricians whom I admire. I never thought I would really come so far, and could not have without God's grace, kindness, and patience.

Some other random fun things:

These super fun earrings I ordered. They arrived in the mail a few days ago, and I love them! They do not feel heavy and are very different from other jewelry I have.

My new favorite restaurant. We ate there for the first time a couple months ago, and keep finding ourselves wandering back. The food is delicious. And let me just say, best cheese plate in town.

I've said before how much I love soup. Try this recipe. It's a bit more time consuming, but it is hearty, delicious, and healthy!

Back to watching the Grammy's. I can't wait to see Adele perform and so glad she already won an award!

Let's Talk About Soup

I. Love. Soup.

Why you ask? Oh, just a few reasons.

1) It's easy to make.

2) It warms me up on a cool day.

3) It's easy to make a healthy and filling soup.

And now that the weather is cooling down, I can actually eat soup without sweating.

This past Labor Day was cool, dark, and rainy. It was glorious. So, I naturally dusted off my crock-pot and put together one of my favorite soups: Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup.

It is so good. And, the soup alone is less than 300 calories. Score. Now, if you add all the delicious toppings like avocado (healthy fat, and a super food!), cheese, and tortilla chips, it won't be quite as healthy. But it'll be so worth it.

Below, is one my favorite version of this soup. I combined a few different versions to make this one. The lovely thing about most soups is you can really just put in whatever you want!

Recipe:

2 skinless chicken breasts

1 can Rotel

1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce ( i love the trader joe's brand!)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups water

1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 bayleaf

1 can black beans

Throw everything into the crock pot and cover. Cook on low for 6-8 hrs or high for 3-4 hours.

Enjoy!

I just ate the most amazing stuffed peppers. Beautifully color bell peppers from the market loaded with lean beef, brown rice, onions, garlic, and a tomato cream sauce. And we can't forget the basil and mozzarella. YUM. Recipe here. I used much less cream than the recipe calls for.

I saw The Help last night. I don't say this often, but it was just as good as the book. Some minor difference, but it really captured my attention. I also think I was the only one in the a theatre full of middle-aged women that did not cry. Not sure how that happened since practically I bawled my way through part 2 of HP 7.

Tonight I helped my husband study for his licensure (you can think of it as boards for pastors). He is brilliant and it blows my mind how well he knows the Scriptures. I think I could learn a few things from him. :)

Fall is almost here!

Fall is Near

The weather has started to cool, and ever since I have been highly anticipating fall. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Apple picking- Every fall Adam and I talk about going, but we've just never made it happen. Well, we are finally going to do it next year. There is a place about 45 minutes away from our home, and I am so excited to go. I can already smell the apple scones, pies, and cakes that will be made out of all the apples just waiting to be picked!

2. Boots. I have a pair already, but it never hurts to have choices right? :)

3. Sweaters, cardigans, leggings, scarves. I just love fall clothing. Fall clothing is both trendy and comfortable. I've been having fun searching clothing websites and stores trying to find the perfect additions for my closet. Pinterest and polyvore have been helpful guides.

4. Pumpkin spice lattes! The barista at the Starbucks in the hospital told me they would be selling pumpking spice lattes in the beginning of September. The "true" sign that fall is truly on its way!

5. Celebrating my wedding anniversary. I loved having a fall wedding, and it has been fun to celebrate so far. This year we will be heading to Charleston the weekend after our anniversary. We'll be staying at a little bed and breakfast right in the historic district, which means we'll be able to walk anywhere we want to go. Bliss.

Farmer's Market Fun

I went to our local farmer's market last weekend for the first time in awhile. I met up with my sweet friend Dorothy, whom I hadn't seen in ages. Not only did it provide for good company, but I left the market with a lovely supply of fresh fruits and veggies, including heirloom tomatoes, grape tomatoes, blueberries, and a gigantic bunch of beautiful basil.

I unfortunately did not take any pictures of my goodies, but I can show you what I did with the tomatoes.

One of my favorite cookbooks these days is Cooking Light's, Cooking Through the Seasons. It is an amazing cookbooks and it's divided into the 4 seasons, filled with recipes based on the foods unique to each season. I haven't made many recipes from it. But I do love looking through it, mouth watering, wanting to make everything I see immediately.

I was trying to find a new recipe to use the tomatoes, and I found a flatbread recipe, topped with tomatoes, basil, and goat cheese. I didn't have goat cheese, so just used mozzarella instead. The dough was a cinch to put together, and only needed 2 hours to rise.

Lovely tomatoes.

Here's the finished product.

We paired it with a simple chicken, topped with honey-roasted tomatoes. It was absolutely delicious, and I'm pretty pumped about making it again. Check out this cookbook and make sure you try this recipe.

Snippets of Summer

This summer has been very hot and busy. Full of long days at work, but plenty of fun times.

Favorite flowers.

Incredible used book store in Asheville.

Spa at the Grove Park Inn. Pure bliss.

My sweet niece Ally. Can't wait to see her baptized this Sunday.

This building used to be a Saks 5th Avenue. I'm quite glad it's now Forever 21.

Delicious vanilla cupcake at Baked bakery in Charleston. Checkout their cookbook

Best place to get breakfast in Charleston.

My niece and Adam's mom. Isle of Palms, SC.

Margaritas at Juanita Greenburg's. Most amazing quesadillas. Period.

Isle of Palms. View from the balcony.

Homemade pizza and beer.

I'm not ready for summer to be over. I am ready for this heat to cool off a bit though.

The weekend is upon us. Good things will be happening.

Dinner Friday night at Pomegranate. Hopefully on their back patio. Hello pomegranate martini.

Cooking out with friends from work on Saturday.

Celebrating Mother's Day with my sweet parents at their lovely house on the lake.

Saturday morning, I will be heading for the Greenville Saturday Farmer's Market. I have been waiting for its return pretty much since the last Saturday of the season in the fall. Cannot wait for those fresh fruits and vegetables, and fresh pasta!