Chicken Stir-Fry

I found the basics of this recipe on Allrecipes.com, but I made some adjustments to fit our taste. We loved it!

Ingredients

3 Chicken Breasts

4 tbsp vegetable oil

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

2 cups broccoli florets

1 medium onion (sliced into wedges)

1/3 cup soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

3/4 tsp garlic powder

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tbsp chicken bullion

2 tbsp cornstarch

1/2 cup cold water

Directions

Cut chicken into 1/2 inch strips. In large skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add chicken and cook until all pink is gone.

While chicken is cooking, mix soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, ginger, garlic powder, and chicken bullion in a small bowl. (Bullion will not mix well until later. Hang tight.) Set aside.

Mix cold water and cornstarch. Set aside.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside. Heat remaining oil. Add carrots, broccoli, and onions. Cook until vegetables are tender (approx 8-10 minutes).

Place the chicken back into the pan with vegetables. Add soy sauce mixture, stir until boiling. Add cornstarch and water. Cook until think and bubbly.

NOTE: Taste sauce before serving. If it is too salty, add more brown sugar to entire dish. Keep tasting and adding if necessary.

Serve over cooked white rice. Enjoy! :)

Have You Checked Out West Elm?

West Elm is one of my favorite interior decorating websites. I don't remember how I came across it, but I was very excited to do so! I would say that West Elm is a modern style, but not an obnoxious modern. Know what I mean? It is subtle. In college, I was very into modern design, and as I got married and bought a house, I got more into a European Antique style. Now I see myself leaning more towards the modern side.

One major issue with modern is that it can be pricey (other than IKEA, of course.) West Elm is very reasonable.

They have everything from bedding, to lighting, to pillows, to rugs, and even indoor and outdoor furniture!

Click Here for westelm.com!

Best Workout Jacket Known to [Wo]Man

I have been exercising (or been doing some kind of consistent physical activity) for all of my adult life, as I did for most of my teen life. Cardio and I get along pretty well. I get very bored with yoga and things of the like, so you won't see me doing much of that. I have been through numerous pairs of pants, shorts, sports bras, tanks, Ts, and SOCKS in my lifetime. You either have pants that fall down or that fit so uncomfortably that you don't even want to wear them to work out in. Or then there are those that are so tight that you're lucky that you bought the black ones because NO ONE wants to see what they're revealing. Tops that aren't supportive, BRAS that aren't supportive. You name it! I want to share my favorites with you all, so I'll do one item of clothing at a time.

I honestly believe that I have come across the most comfortable jacket known to man (or woman?).

Let's assume it's chilly outside, but you MUST get your run in. I have been through SO many hoodies! Please ladies, don't waste any more of your money on these. Plus they look disgusting. I recently purchased a breathable, lightweight, polyester/spandex jacket and let me tell you, I will never wear a hoodie on a run ever again. This jacket is amazing. I got mine at Old Navy for $25, but I got online to find a picture and couldn't. Here is a very inexpensive one from Target that is similar to the one I have:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/189-4805184-1694921?asin=B003ZHWDKA&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=|B003ZHWDKA&CPNG=&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B003ZHWDKA&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

I know it is good to sweat when you're running because it helps you to lose the water weight. However, this breathable jacket will make for a more comfortable run. That way you can focus more energy on getting to your goal distance or time! I promise!

Ranch Chicken Tacos

This is one of the main reasons I wanted to start a blog. So I can share my so very exciting findings in life with you all!

I have a habit of walking into my kitchen, opening the cupboard (does anyone use this word anymore?) and throwing things together. Sometimes my recipes they turn out GREAT, and sometimes, well, don't worry because I won't be sharing those with you. ;)

I have had my fair share of chicken tacos. Some are dry, and some just taste strange. These tacos are very easy. Tye loved this dish, and Ethan (age 4) loved it too! Check it:

Ranch Chicken Tacos

Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can Mexican Rotel
5 cups water
1 cups chicken broth (if on hand, if not just use water)
1 packet Ranch dressing & seasoning
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup milk
1 packet taco seasoning (I like Taco Bell brand because it's not too salty)
Flour Tortillas
Toppings (cheese, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, guacamole)

Directions
Bring chicken, broth, 3 cups of water, and rotel to boil in 6 quart saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer approx. 15-20 minutes.

WHILE CHICKEN IS COOKING:
Wisk together packet of ranch, packet of taco seasoning, mayo, and milk in a bowl. Set aside.

After chicken is cooked through, drain off water and broth, leaving as many of the tomatoes and green chilies in with the chicken as possible. Using a fork, shred chicken on cutting board. Place the chicken back into the 6 quart saucepan and stir in ranch and taco seasoning mixture. Add the remaining 2 cups of water. (Chicken will be VERY watery. It's ok.) Place on burner and cook on high until the majority of the liquid has evaporated (approx. 10 minutes).

Wrap flour tortillas in moist paper towel and heat in microwave for 20-30 sec. Make tacos. Enjoy!

Genisis 1:1

So, I created a blog several years ago. I have no idea what the name of it was, what blogging website I used, or what the heck I was thinking. I don't think I ever ... blogged ... on that .. site...

ANYWAY, I have always loved writing, and I would like to get back into it. Not only will I get to share all of my wonderful stories with all of you lovely people, but I will have something else to do while I procrastinate and NOT do my homework.

I love cooking, sewing, *sleeping*, and I think it would be fun to be able to share recipes and patterns or projects that I come across. Now that I am finished sounding like I am 68 years old, I also may post a story or 5 about how I'm feeling at the moment. Is this turning into a journal? Goodness I hope not! I guess we will see. Happy readings! ;)