13 Personal Questions

I love blogging and I know it's mostly because I love to write.  I also love connecting with a bunch of awesome women who share similar interests that I do.  I also have been getting into Vlogs more and one of my favorite vloggers is Anna Saccone.  I was just googling random questions for bloggers and hers popped up. She did it back in 2011, but I figured it'd be nice to share some more information about me.

Anna's Blog post here

I know that with a baby, a lot of things can be pushed to the back burner.  However, writing really makes me happy so I want to make more efforts in doing so!!  I also want my readers to always learn more about me, since I'm not "just a mommy" and there is so much that makes me, me!

Feel free to copy/share these questions and let me know! I'd love to learn more about you too. 

13 Personal Questions:

1.  What do you order at Starbucks?

Hands down, my favorite drink is a grande Soy Vanilla Latte. 
If it's the holiday season, I'll order a pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha too!

Speaking of, where were these cute cups this year?!

pardon the crappy nails haha

 

2. What is one thing in your closet that you cannot live without?

A good pair of jeans!! Even while I was super prego, I still rocked my panel-skinny jeans.  Buying an 'in-between pair' a few sizes bigger also made me feel so much better, and I assure you, there will be much to celebrate when I shimmy back into my favorite pair of Sevens.

3.  What's one thing most people don't know about you?

Hmmm...maybe that I have my Master's Degree?  I taught English for 8 years, and now I am so lucky to be able to stay home and raise our daughter.  It's funny because if I think about it, I went to school a long freakin time to become a teacher, and when I got my Master's I didn't make a big deal of it.  High school graduation I had a huge party; College my family came out and I walked in the ceremony, ya-de-ya-da...but for my Master's I simply worked my tail off while teaching full time and just got my degree in the mail one day....like NBD.  Joe took me out to a nice dinner, but that was really it.  I am happy for all I accomplished with my education, but I am much happier being able to raise my daughter and teach her as much as I can before she's off in school.

4.  What is one thing you want to do before you die?

I really want to go back to Europe and visit my husband's relatives in Italy.  With his job, he can't take off more than a week, {or two like we did for a special circumstance aka our honeymoon}

I could go for some authentic Italian food right about now...

I have always wanted to "live" in another country for a bit...ya know, more than just vacation.  I really would love to see Australia, Japan, England, Spain, Germany....

5.  What's one food you cannot live without?

Mexican!! I try so hard to sneak it into our menu each week; I don't think hubby minds?? I love anything from a good old fashion taco, to enchiladas, burritos, I even just made Mexican stuffed shells--AMAZING.

6.  What is one quote you live your life by?

It's simple:

Be Happy.

When I first met Joe, I was rather negative and bogged down with my full time job, grad school (and its debt), owning a house, a fairly recent divorced set of parents, a drug-addicted sister,  and a bunch of crappy ex-boyfriend baggage!! He slowly but surely, taught me that life is all about what you make of it.  It's not supposed to be so hard all the time.  Yes, bad things happen, but it's how you handle it that is what life is all about.  I quickly learned to stop getting so involved in everyone else's drama and just focus on me, him, and us.  I've learned to accept that I cannot change anyone {including my sister} and that I don't have to let anyone bring me down.  Happiness is our birthright.  Joe almost died at 21 because of Crohn's disease, so he really is someone who takes life lightly most of the time.  He cannot stress because it makes him sick.  When I start to become all "Debbie Downer" and "oh woe is me" he reminds me of how good we have it.  And he's right.  I truly believe a positive mental attitude will help you get through most things.  (Like this annoying ringing in my ear--if I focus on how much I hate it, it seems to get worse; if I try to look at the bright-side: I'm not deaf and I can hear things very well still, it doesn't seem so bad.)

I am so grateful this man came into my life!!

7.  What do you like and dislike about the (You Tube) Community?

I'll insert my opinion more about blogging, since that's more of my forte; however it's all the same and it's probably pretty obvious.  I love love love the connections I can make with other people.  I don't have many new mommy friends, so it's so cool to see how others manage their days etc.  I also appreciate the support when I'm feeling down or the encouragement when I'm on the right track!

I obviously dislike negative people and nasty behavior.  Fortunately I haven't had to deal with much, as I try my best to steer clear of mean bloggers.  If I don't like what I'm reading, I just hit the "x" button and I don't leave mean spirited comments.  I am so busy with my life, when I do have time, why waste it on negativity?? It does boggle my mind that so many people do have the time to leave awful comments on both blogs and on You Tube...you have nothing better to do?! Crazy.

8.  What's your #1 song on your iPhone/iPod?

Well, currently I am loving "#thatPOWER" {get my workout on}

And "Get Your Shine On" is another one of my faves at the moment.

9.  What kind of style would you describe yourself as having?

Classic with pops of trend?   It's tricky at the moment, as I'm still in the process of shedding the baby weight.  I believe in not spending a fortune on trends, but rather investing in good classic pieces.  

//Maxi dress from Target last year//sleeveless cardi Charlottle Russe two years ago

10.  Favorite number?

2

11.  Two hobbies?

I love to write [blog] and I love to cook/bake. Both of which I need to 'up my ante' here...

12.  Two Pet Peeves?

People who can't drive; okay, or more like people who are Texting while driving; STOP please.

Rude or Fake people.  It's a tie. Where have all the manners gone?  Sad, sad. 

13.  Guilty pleasure?

Real Housewives of wherever.  I don't watch much TV, but I love those stupid shows!!

And everyone here knows mama loves her white wine!!

Pinot Grigio

Any other questions for me?! 

Again, feel free to copy/share these questions and let me know! 

I'd love to learn more about you too. 

Operation Lose Baby Weight--Progress

Since I just updated all about Brooke at Four Months...I figured I should tell you a little more about me! I know my blog has turned more "baby" but for obvious reasons, I just can't help it! I really feel like the more I write, the more I am apt to figure things out...and will not lie, I love the support of you my dear blog friends, real life friends, and family who read this silly little space of internet land that I call "my own."  

I'm happy to say that I am doing much better today than I was a month ago...like this post here.

I love my little family

 So at Four Months Post-partum, I can say that my hair is driving me nuts!! I am shedding and losing it everywhere!! Seriously, I found a strand in the freezer...and my poor husband found a long blonde piece in his eggs.  It's awful and last Friday I was ready to chop it, but my awesome hairdresser reassured me that this happens to 50% of women, and I just happen to be in that lucky 50 that experience this.  I think it was a tad traumatic as I have A LOT of hair and it's super thick, so now it seems like all of it is falling out, when really I know it's not.  I got a trim and I'm much happier, but daaaaaaaaaaaaayyyuuum. It sucks.

Moving on. 

What doesn't suck?  My body! Like I briefly stated in the last post, I am feeling so much stronger and better about myself.  I need a belt with my "in between pants" now!! Why? Well I attribute it to a lot of things really...

Smarter Snacking:
I have never been one to eat "3 square meals a day".  I love food and I am a snacker.  So, I  really have to be aware of what I'm putting into my mouth during these 'snack sessions.'  If I'm hungry, I am trying to reach for non-processed foods.  It's hard I know; the first few hazy newborn months, granola bars and Gatorade were my easy go-to items.

Now I stop and take time to juice.  I don't do it every day, but I do try to squeeze a few in during the week.

To be honest, I've been on a smoothie kick and so I've been enjoying those:

And my latest addiction addition, enter Shakeology.

I got a weeks worth to sample from Jen at Get Fit Couture as she was running a contest.  I decided to enter, to try out these shakes and also get my booty in gear.  I don't know how many pounds I can literally shed in one week while still nursing, but I figured it was worth a shot.

I had to take a picture of my feet on a scale with my starting weight and send it in on Monday....oy!!

Well I'm on day 4 and I am feeling great!! I'm not stepping on the scale again until I have to, but like I said I'm feeling stronger and healthier every day. I like the option of these Shakeos because sometimes after a workout I don't want just a juice or smoothie and these definitely offer something more!

I poured 1 cup of almond milk, some ice and half a banana in a blender and it seriously tastes like a frosty or a milkshake....OK it does taste a tad healthier, but it is really yummy!

I know the price can be an issue when looking at these shakes, but like Jen said, it's about $5 a serving...that is the price of a latte at the Bux!! Well, actually it's cheaper I think.  But I would say that you will definitely get a better bang for your five bucks if you enjoy a Shakeo instead of a fatty or calorie ridden latte.

Priorities.  Just sayin.

I'll do another post at the end of my "biggest loser" contest and let you all know how much I actually lost!!

Jen also got my sister all set up, so we can purchase these yummy shakeos from her!!

Shakeology information---click HERE 

Other snack ideas:
Cheese stick & almonds
Carrots & hummus
Can of organic green beans
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Apple & nut butter
Homemade protein bars

Breakfast- it's pretty standard:
1 egg
2 pieces of whole wheat toast or wheat bagel
fruit
water
coffee

Lunch - varies whatever I decide to make for hubs and I.  I will usually try to make a big salad or I will make a green juice and have some small portion of whatever meal I make for Joe.

Dinner- Not dieting--but I always have the salad or veggie consume 3/4 of my huge Food Network plate and then some sort of protein {steak, chicken, shrimp, pork} and a little carb.

I try not to eat after dinner, but if I am really hungry, I do listen to my body and maybe have a bowl of cereal or some fruit.

Limiting sweets.  I just don't keep them in the house or bake them right now.  If my husband wants them, he gets the bakery cookies at the grocery cookies and I may sneak a bite, but I am really trying to just say no!  I do have dark chocolate I may have a square if I'm feeling the need for a sweet.  Usually I'll go for a glass of vino instead though!

I know I can eat more veggies and should, I need to be better about that.

Working out
 My goal was to just move every day.  I am doing pretty freaking awesome at that I must say!! What does this mean to me?  It means go for walks with the dogs.  Take a walk with Brooke.  Jump on the elliptical for 30 minutes while baby naps. Do tri-cep dips on the end of my bed or 50 squats while I'm getting ready/putting my makeup on.

I am loving the Tone It Up workouts because they're quick and convenient; but they're not too easy!

After enough begging, my husband got me an elliptical!! I am loving the convenience and it is a NO JOKE cardio sesh.  Even hubs has jumped on it a few times, so yay for good heart health!

We purchased it off of Craigslist--seriously a smart investment. I don't know if the guy even ever used it, but we scored a great deal and I am loving what it's doing for my legs!

I tried this workout but I was not quite ready for the intensity...

Get outside!!

Staying Motivated:   
There will be people who really truly push you to be a better you, and there will be those who tell you you look fine the way you are.  What I appreciate most is support of me, wanting to be the BEST version of me I can be.  I don't want to be bigger than my pre-pregnancy weight, post baby.

To be blunt, my husband married a confident and happy size 6 woman.  I will take a size 8 at my 5'8 frame, but I loved how I felt at my wedding weight.  That is what I owe myself and quite frankly him to be! He has never said anything about being bigger, but I want to be healthier and feel like the girl he married.  Maybe sizes aren't the best way to explain this, but if I'm not content with myself at my current weight, getting back to where I was feeling best is the only rationale I have.  

Instagram is a great way I've connected with other women striving for good health.  Seeing others workout and their progress surely makes me want to be able to do the same.  I also text good friends and we try to push each other to just squeeze in another workout.

I have played the "breastfeeding card" long enough, and that is no excuse to not get up and move my booty!! Just because I'm nursing doesn't mean I can't exercise and eat healthier.  I'm not one of those women who can eat cookies and cake and nurse away all my baby weight---it just wasn't happening folks!! Sure I lost more than half at first, but these last 15 pounds I'm working for.  

Get some new music with fun beats and sweat to some tunes!!  If you don't want to pay for it, simply go to Pandora and put in "Today's Hits" 


 Read all about it!!  Buy magazines that will give you new ideas and ways to improve your health.

And then of course the teacher/craft lover in me decided to take it one step further and my current project:

An Inspiration Board--
You have to be mentally strong in order to achieve your dreams.  If you've ever read or watched The Secret you'll know the importance of creating visuals to get to your desired results.  

Clearly it's not finished, but I keep finding motivating phrases and I'm looking for pictures of what I hope to be.  {Quite frankly I'm waiting for a VS catalog--I usually get tons and lately I haven't gotten any?! There's always pure motivation in those stinkin things...}

Journal
While I'm not following the TIU series to a "T" I am implementing suggestions such as this one...I bought a cute little journal and I try to jot down my workouts that I did or hope to do... some entries are long and wordy and others are short like this....

 I also write down my feelings and sometimes even what I ate so I can keep a tab of how I felt when I ate certain foods... For me it's easier than typing into an iphone. I've tried all that, but I am a visual person and if I literally hand write things down, I digest them better.  It's also handy to have a notepad for things like Brooke's sleeping schedule/eating and it's all in one place to flip through.  As much as I share on the blog, there are still things that sometimes I just want to write out and not really tell anyone...I love it!!

My biggest motivation like I've said before, is my daughter.  She's gonna be running around and wanting to play all day.  I want to be strong and have lots of energy to keep up with her!!  And of course a sibling I hope, but not yet...maybe in another year or so!

I want her to grow up knowing what it means to be healthy.  I don't want her to ever fear being fat or worry about being skinny enough.  I know all too well the pressure young girls face with weight issues, and I promise I will always be the best role model for her.  Eat healthy foods, stay active, and be confident.  No crash diets, no stupid pills, no 'fat talk'.  I know she will look to me first for what it means to be a healthy woman.  I owe it to her to show her the way.

Brooke is 4 months!

 It's May and that means my little girl is already FOUR months old.  We had a few trying weeks there, and I was so unsure as to what the deal was!!  I believe we found the solution, and I am so happy and thankful to say we have our happy baby back.  The issue?  Baby girl was hungry.  And no matter how much nursing I was doing {cue every 3 hours for 24 hours a day} the crying kept-a-comin.


My dear Brooke Lynn,
  I never imagined myself breaking into tears over having to decide whether or not Rice Cereal at 4 months was a good idea.  I had it in my purrdy little head that I would exclusively breastfeed you for 6 full months.  After that, I had high hopes of making my own organic baby food and do all of my 'research' behind what foods to try first {veggies of course, because fruits are sweet and I know you'll love those.}  Well, after your four month Dr's visit, talking with the nurse and the Doctor, I decided giving you a little cereal may not be a bad idea...my mom gave it to me when I was really young and said how well I did with it. I know your father was a big baby and loved his food too!

Speaking of, seriously....could you look any more alike?!?

Brooke: 4 months Daddy: 6 months

Stats:
4 months
16 lbs 3 oz 88th percentile
26 1/4 inches long 99th percentile

Dr. said you're doing a few "6 month" things such as grabbing your feet

And you bring your hands around in front, as if you're ready to pass a toy from left to right hand...

Still in 6 months clothing--onesies, pants, most dresses
9 months sleepers
Size 3 diapers
Your eyes are still really blue!!

As I talked with the doctor, she applauded my hopes and dreams of exclusively breastfeeding, but she also said as babies near the 20 pound mark, sometimes they just need a little more.  She said it was totally normal, and even though I have read and was nervous about rice cereal, I figured it would be worth a try.




Why was I so nervous?  Well for starter's, your father's Crohn's is the main concern.  Sometimes little digestive systems aren't quite ready for solids and if they begin too soon, it could potentially cause harm.  Once I read a little more on this debate, I realized that there were parents starting to give their babies solids at just a few weeks old...and that if she's going to "get Crohn's" perhaps it's already per-determined. 


Now, if it's one thing I have learned as a mother, it is do not judge.  Every baby is different, every parent is different, situations are different and you just cannot compare one thing to another.  I've also learned to rely on my intuition and lean on people who care about me and my daughter and can support us and our decisions.  There is nothing worse than being judged by someone else, when you thought they had your back.

So, after talking with your daddy, who is certainly my better half, we decided you, big girl, were ready for this next step.  And a week later?  I have a sleeping, happy, cooing, talking, babbling, bubbly baby whom I continue to fall more and more in love with every day!!

 This last month was huge for me, for us.  I feel as though I'm heading in the right direction with my health and well-being.  I think part of my tear fest over the cereal was that I was being very hard on myself about losing weight and still trying to nurse.  I thought maybe if I just ate 24/7 and stopped being so active I could continue to breastfeed; but after many talks with good friends, family and my sweet husband, everyone basically said the same thing; happy mama = happy baby...and everything else falls into play.

I am so much happier now that the pounds are starting to shed, my legs, arms, and core are becoming stronger and I just love feeling good about myself.   You also think it's quite the comedy show, watching me do my silly workouts with the dumbbells and exercise ball.

I am still nursing pretty well and we're working on a flexible routine...I still let you lead the way:

4/5:00am wakes, change, nurse--back to sleep
8/9:00 wakes, change, nurse--nap
11-2 usually play time, tummy time, walks in the stroller, or we run our errands/appointments
Some time in there we have a bottle with a little cereal
By 3 she can easily be down for a nap again...
Late afternoon we try some 'solid foods': So far she had avocado & peaches
We play, she rolls over, she loves her excersaucer...
Pending on her nap length she may take a quick snooze around 5
7-8 is bath time, tummy time, reading books, singing songs and a bottle with cereal.

You're usually asleep by 8:30 and will sleep until 4 or 5.

 During your naps, I have gotten better at being SUPER productive.  I try and get some cardio in, clean, and even write a blog post or two!  I will admit though, there are some days I still nap with you, even if it's just a short 20 minutes.

I am trying to be good about pumping; some days are easier than others.  I still love nursing and prefer it to a bottle, but like I've said, she is doing so well with the extra bit of cereal.  I had quite the freezer stash of milk, and sadly I am going through it very quickly.  I seem to be able to store one bag a day from pumping, but some days I pull two bags from the freezer.   I did buy some organic formula to have on hand as I continue on this journey; when we are away I don't want to run out of milk or have something happen.  And you know what? I'm totally okay with all of these decisions.  I'm doing my very best as a mother and I have absolutely no regrets about any choices we are making.

So baby girl, you continue to teach me to just go with the flow, not be so uptight and realize that you just can't control it all.  {Like trying to conceive you; you happened when I least expected!}  I love being your mommy and wouldn't change it for the world. I'm so happy to be able to stay home with you each and every day.  Every day we grow closer and closer and I cannot believe how much a bond can truly grow between mother and daughter.  I may or may not have cried while rocking you to sleep after taking your 4 month photos that night.  I just can't believe how quickly time goes by.

Current loves:
Raspberries on your belly or just making the noise with my lips
Itsy Bitsy Spider gets you super excited
Sitting up {assisted}
Playing in your excersaucer 
Bath time--you now smile in there!
Rolling over
Screeching and yelling "ahhhh ahhhh ahhhh ahhhh"
Stuffed animals and toys, you just adore the bear Daddy bought you for Christmas!

I think you two are already the best of friends

Great Grandma Owl embroidered that Lovie for you!

 And some more photos because I could not just stop taking them! Look at these non-blurry smiles!

Sooooo big!

 Pretty Girl

omagosh mom, enough already!!

I look forward to what next month brings baby girl; I love you!!

My First Mother's Day: As a Mom

My first mother's Day as a mother was beautiful.  I woke up to an eerily quiet house around 7:45, checked the monitor and saw that baby girl was not in her crib, I simply assumed Joe had taken her downstairs to play while I got a little more sleep....

I was wrong!! A little after 8, they both came in the bedroom and surprised me with a yummy Panera breakfast sandwich and Starbucks coffee in bed.  What more could a mama want first thing??
{no picture, but I assure you, I thoroughly enjoyed both!} They went on a small little joy ride and came back with goodies for me.  So sweet.

Brooke even picked out and gave me my first card as well as writing "Mom" {I died} one from hubby...

"Sleep" was of course the answer!

She then gave me the gift of sleeping while I got a nice, long, hot shower in, makeup, clothes ironed and hair blown-dry before she stirred!! I actually had to wake her, as we had places to go and people to see.

I also got two matching hanging planters for us to enjoy all summer long on our back deck.  I am so ready for the weather to warm back up again!

I did make sure to get a few photos of my beautiful baby girl and I.  I kept hugging and kissing her all day, thinking that she is the reason I got to celebrate Mother's Day. What a beautiful, beautiful thing.

 My little lady

Some family time after our brunch...

We headed out to my dad and step-mom's for an early afternoon brunch full of mimosas and quiche.  It was nice to gather for a little while and see everyone.  It's nice to have so many amazing women in my life to celebrate this loving day with.  And of course, we cherish the men in our lives who continue to support us in all of life's endeavors.

We also stopped by my in-laws and saw them for a bit.  My mother in law was in the middle of making Chicken French and gave us some to take home---that will be eaten tonight, for sure! Thanks Mama D!  We wished her a happy day and shared some of miss Brooke with her.   People just can't get enough of her cuteness!

I wish we could have completed the 'rounds' down to Charleston, SC to visit my mom, but within a month she will be here and we'll celebrate for that I am sure.

Totally random, but I remember that 6 years ago on Mother's Day I made a "Match account" with my sister.  If it wasn't for that fateful day, I would have never met my husband months later!! How funny.

For dinner hubs decided upon pan-seared scallops, lobster tails and a side salad.  I didn't resist.

Needless to say, the elliptical and my Shakeology "Biggest Loser" contest couldn't come at a better time.

More on that later...

As for yesterday, I counted my blessings and teared up many a time, as I reflected on what 'being a mother' truly means to me.  I want to be my daughter's friend, but I will always be her parent first.  I know there will be trying moments of our days, but the reward is so great in the end.  She's only four months old, and she has taught me a love that is pure and deep.  I look back and see how little I truly worried about before she was born, and how much I hope to protect her throughout her years.  I could have sat and rocked her all night, as I know all too soon she'll not be needing me as so.  It is in these quiet moments, I silently thank God for all the rights in my world and focus on nothing but peace.  Even the 3am cry for me to nurse, makes me smile as she spits out her pacifier and starts babbling about as if it were 3 in the afternoon.  It is these moments I cherish, these moments I will miss.  She won't be a baby forever, but my daughter, she will always be.

I hope your day was just as love-filled as mine.  I look forward to macaroni necklaces and homemade cards, but for now I cherish the baby moments, as I know they won't last for long.

Two Must Try Summer Recipes!!

We have made this recipe three times now, and I am an awful blogger for not sharing it sooner!! Last summer I had a craving for Thai food when I was preggars.  Hubs doesn't always love Thai, so I searched around online and found these two recipes that we are just love love love!!

I am definitely going to be making more of my own marinades this year; the flavor is unbelievable and knowing exactly what ingredients I'm putting in it, makes me feel so good!

A few things to know: 

1.) Soak wooden skewers for at least 1/2 hour before using on a grill
2.) Let the chicken thighs marinate for at least that amount of time, if not more!
3.)  Use chicken thighs vs breasts because they have an amazing flavor when grilled!!

Asian Chicken Skewers {recipe found here}

1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of Sriracha (Asian hot sauce)
1 tablespoon of light brown sugar
2 teaspoons of Soy sauce
1-2 garlic cloves
one chunk of fresh ginger roughly chopped
sea salt
1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup prepared dipping sauce {Sweet Chili Sauce is perfect!}

*12 wooden skewers soaked in water at least 30 mins

In a food processor or blender combine the cilantro, oil, hot sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and blend until smooth.

I then pour the marinade into a ziploc bag and throw in the chicken thighs and let them marinate for however long (at least 30 mins)

After that, I cover a baking sheet with foil and thread the chicken thighs onto the skewers and cover with foil until hubby is ready to grill them up!

These are a tad spicy, so the sweet dipping sauce is the perfect combination!

I'm sure these would make an excellent appetizer at any summer cookout! I'm already planning on getting some ready for our 4th of July blowout!

Of course my real craving was a peanut sauce, so I thought this recipe would pair nicely; and pair it did!!

That my friends, is so scrumptious!

You do need a few quirky ingredients, but trust me, you'll make this again and again!!

Thai Noodles With Spicy Peanut Sauce {recipe found here}

Noodles

12 ounces linguine <------------yes, regular old pasta!!!
4 tablespoons sesame oil

Sauce

1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup finely shredded carrot
2 cups frozen stir fry vegetables (I just add frozen organic broccoli, it's great!!)
3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce

Directions:

1 Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.
2 Drain and return to pot.
3 Add 2 TBSP sesame oil and toss to coat.
4 Set aside.
5 Heat remaining 2 TBSP sesame oil in heavy pot over medium-high heat.
6 Add green onions, carrots, stir-fry veggies, garlic and ginger.
7 Saute until vegetables soften, about 4 minutes.
8 Add honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar and chili-garlic sauce and mix well.
9 Simmer sauce 2 minutes.
10 Pour sauce over pasta and toss well.
11 Transfer to platter and serve warm.
12 Garnish with additional green onions, if desired.
13 Yields 8 side dish servings or 4 main dish servings.
14 **Chili-Garlicsauce can be increased or decreased depending on how spicy you like your dish.

 

Serve with a little lime and extra cilantro for more flavor.

 

 

I prep all of the ingredients and then throw it all together while my husband grills the chicken and it comes out wonderful.  I hope you try these two recipes, as they really are worth the time!!  Enjoy.