Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michigan. Show all posts

Healthy Shepards Pie & Movie Night at the Air Field


Jaime had to work this past weekend so I decided to find a new recipe to make for us and plan a unique date night! We rarely go out on dates simply because Jaime works hard and works a lot. The last thing you want to do when you've worked all day is dress up and go out. I understand that and am usually content on the couch watching Prision Break (our new Netflix show) cuddling. Thats what Jaime loves and I always try to do what he loves. But every once in awhile, I want to get out of the house and do something different. He's understanding that too! Marriage is a learning journey that you get to experience together.




Receipe: The Real Food Dietitians

Pie Filling Ingrediants
  • 1 lb. ground turkey
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped (I grabbed a handful of carrots from the bag)
  • ½ green pepper, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ½ tsp. dried rosemary
  • ¾ tsp. chili powder
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • 3 oz. tomato paste (about 6 Tbsp.) 
  • 1 Tbsp. flaxseed meal + 2 Tbsp. water (or substitute with 1 egg white)

Sweet Potato Topping
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (I didn't peel mine since there is nutrition in the skin)
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp. sea salt

    1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. For the topping: Steam or bake (at 375 degrees) the sweet potatoes until fork tender.
    2. Combine the flaxseed meal with water and set aside.
    3. In a skillet on medium heat. Begin to brown ground turkey.
    4. Once turkey is partially browned, add chopped carrots, onions, peppers and minced garlic.
    5. Cook on medium heat until carrots are soft, about 10 minutes. Make the topping while the meat filling cooks.
    6. Once the carrots are soft, stir in tomato paste, flax gel, seasonings salt and pepper.
    7. Add all of the topping ingredients to a food processor (or blender) and process until smooth.
    8. Final step: transfer the meat filling to a casserole dish (9 x 9 inch dish will work) and top the meat filling with the Sweet Potato Mash.
    9. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and serve.

    It was delcious! Or at least we thought so! Jaime took the left overs to work for lunch and was just as good warmed up! Enjoy!

    We left for the air field as soon as we scarfed down dinner. The movie didn't start until it started to get dark around 9:30 (close to our bed time). I saw a flyer downtown last week and it said it was about two french air force pilots like a modern day 'Top Gun'. Admission was $1 a person and to bring lawn chairs.

    I was excited to do something different and didn't know what to expect. We pulled up to the air field and there was only a couple cars there. We were the youngest couple by 20 years, if not more. They had concessions and chairs set up. I never did know what they were raising money for but nevertheless it was fun. The movie was indeed French with badly synced English acting.  We left at intermission since it was already passed our bed time but we had fun just hanging out together. Good memories!




    Jaime's just not as skilled at taking pictures of us. ha!


    I don't remember what he was explaining but he's cute.




    So go try new things! Make a new recipe. Plan a date for you and your man. He works hard for your family, he shouldn't also be expected to plan dates too. Real life isn't Pinterest. Real men love and take care of their family. Some are romantics. Some aren't. It's okay. I'm learning and I want to remind you to make sure you are doing what you can to make your marriage thrive too.

    The married life is good ya'll.

    Hope you're having a great night!

    Hello Michigan!

    Say hello to our 5th home in the past 3 years of our marriage.
    We arrived last Sunday night to bitter cold and snow covered...everything! It was Maggies' first time seeing or using the restroom on snow but now she completely loves it! We had a appointment at  9:15 Monday morning to look at the townhouse. After the last townhouse being a nightmare, we wanted to make sure this one was solid. And thankfully, it was! They completely updated it and we love it! It's perfect for us and the doggies. We hope we're here for at least a year because we have unpacked and hung pictures and feel right at home...plus there's a pool in the back yard and I want to use that this summer. ha!


    Before we hit the road.


    I love following this man all over the country. He's the best.


    The sweet front desk lady let us bring our dogs in and didn't charge us. I think Maggie was happy about it.




    Jaime working hard beside us.


    Our first meal in our new place. HUNGRY HOWIES! I first had it in Pensacola when I was in college and I have missed it so much! I know where our cheat meals will come from.


    This small town and their local shops and restaurants (even the townhouse we rent from) does not take credit or debit cards. So we've been writing alot of checks because we never have cash on us. It's kind of fun and old school! We ate brunch one day at Kate's Diner. 


    Here's the mess I had to go through...but it was well worth it. I have counterspace and can cook! It's so wonderful! After being in a camper, I look forward to cooking! Did I mention, I have counterspace!








    My handy husband just happens to pick up electrical work like its easy or something. Michigan only uses gas dryers and to save us $500 for a new gas dryer, Jaime went to Lowes and got all the electrical stuff so we could plug in our dryer from the breaker box. So basically he's my hero.


    I got a happy door mat and tried a new coffee shop. Super good!


    Patiently waiting for me to return from the dumpster.


    I love having a coffee pot and being able to use 3 electrical things at one time without tripping the breaker. ha!


    Before: the mess we stuffed into the hall closet. Also, I built the little shoe divider and I'm proud of it.


    After: All nice and neat.


    Maggie sleeping on the hump in the couch.


    The biggest snuggler there ever was. I mean Jaime.


    Went to a interview last friday.


    Maggie loves the snow so much.



    Working that wind.

    Okay so enough of my dogs, here's the finished/unfinished/decorated/not decorated inside. Enjoy!