Gardening and such

We planted my garden today! 

I love gardening. Well, the planting part anyway, the weeding kills me but that's what kids are for right?

Deacon enjoys planting too. He is such a helper.

We planted four varieties of tomatoes (mmm salsa!), cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, strawberries, many varieties of peppers both sweet and hot, two varieties of basil, cilantro, chives and watermelon.

We should be set for the summer!

I found this variety of basil called cinnamon basil and it smells amazing! Basil is by far my favorite herb. I can't wait to make pad thai with this!

Miss Abby got in on the action. 

And I am so excited about the new fire pit Kevin is building me!

He got off to a great start today.

I decided blackberries are straight from Hell!

 How can such yummy berries come from such a wicked plant?

Ouchy! Darn blackberries!

Have a great weekend!

Blessings, Nicole

Disneyland 2013

They gave it a good try but that sword was not budging! 

Deacon hamming it up. 

He makes one cute Yoda though!

The Iron Man armor was very cool!

Caleb built a custom light saber with the help of Uncle Andy.

Auntie Monk and Uncle Andy who graciously shared their military discount with us.

Thanks guys!

Deacon on the rocket ride. 

He was "too big" to ride with his mamma (sad face).

My  Boys!

  

The new Cars land was awesome! It felt like you were really in Radiator Springs.

I I leave you with my very favorite pic of the whole trip! 

Those are my crazy eyes!

Disney always brings out the kid in me.

Fun times and great family memories made!

Blessings, Nicole

Disney bound!

We are leaving tomorrow for Disneyland!

 I am looking forward to making fun memories with my hubby and boys.

Be back next week with a bunch of pictures, you could expect no less from me! :)

Blessings, Nicole

What I Wore...Goodwill rocks it!

Top, shorts, belt, bracelets all Goodwill, sandals Franco Sarto Marshalls, necklace Stella and Dot.

 Love my denim shirt! The single most versatile item in my closet. 

Trust me, get one!

Top and shorts Goodwill strikes again! Fedora F21, watch fossil  via Ebay, same sandals.

Grrrrr... I am loving everything animal print right now too! So classic and chic.

I guess you all know where I like to shop.

 Goodwill rocks it! And I'm not ashamed to say it!

Blessings, Nicole

Open House

  

The school year is coming to and end. Summer is near. 

The school had an open house and we got to see all the Boys's hard work.

They always impress me.

Caleb played his clarinet for the whole school and he did great!

How cute is this? My little brave soldier!

Next year they will be in 2nd and 6th grade!

How fast time flies!

Blessings, Nicole

lately...

I ordered these beauties for around $20 each! 6pm.com is awsome! I will definitely be rocking these ALL summer.

I mean stripes and wedges? A match made in heaven!

My pretty and power packed lunch. Steak, zucchini, bell peppers, squash, kale and quinoa. 

Did you know quinoa is not a grain? Nope! It's actually a seed! A super food too!

I am totally obsessed, it is so yummy!

Nursing this sick boy. Fever, chills, vomit.....not fun.. 

Hopefully the rest of us will be able to avoid his germs.

Lastly, we are leaving for Disneyland on Saturday! Yippeee! So I am bleaching everything. No sickness on vacay please!

That's lately...

Blessings, Nicole

Silky Avocado and Cinnamon Smoothie

Since following the Trim Healthy Mama plan I have been making smoothies every day and I love them!

The Boys love them too!

It may sound strange to add an avocado to a smoothie however it is a staple drink in the Vietnam street culture. Of course it is not the healthy version I have recreated below. But the avocado gives such a silky texture like none other and really a subtle flavor. It is DELSH!

This recipe is a definite S if you are following the THM plan like me. :)

If you read my blog you know I don't measure anything so I will give an estimate and you all can play with it till your taste buds are happy. This it one big serving.

1-2 hand fulls of ice.

2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

1/4-1/2 an avocado, pealed of course!

1-2 tablespoons half and half, however cream would be good too!

a splash vanilla.

a dusting of cinnamon.

and sweeten with stevia to taste, I used a teaspoon but I like sweet things.

Blend till creamy and smooth.

Wha La...... Yumminess!