Fall Anyone? Pumpkin Smoothie

2 Oct

Mmmm….the delicious taste of fall in a glass!

I saw some beautiful pumpkins at the grocery store this week and it prompted me to try this pumpkin smoothie recipe below. I typically never add sugar to my smoothies, but this one is pretty bland without it.

To freeze the pumpkin puree, simply pour it from your blender (or a can!) into an ice cube tray or silicone brownie mold pan. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for storage and use in recipes like this one!

Pumpkin Smoothie

Simply blend the following ingredients in blender on high for approximately one minute:

–1 cup coconut milk

–1 large dollop greek yogurt

–1/2 cup frozen pumpkin puree

–1 tsp. cane sugar

–sprinkle of cinnamon

–sprinkle of nutmeg

–top with whipped cream and cinnamon and add a cinnamon stick

Note: vanilla ice cream would be a delicious alternative to the yogurt if you’re not concerned about the calories

Looking for more smoothie recipes? Click here.

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Warning: Addiction Likely

11 Sep

Let’s just say these PopCorners disappeared quickly after this photo was taken!

I stumbled upon my new favorite snack indulgence at the grocery store last week. Though I typically try to stick to the outer sections of the grocery store (produce and dairy), I do wander occasionally into the middle aisles where all of the processed foods lurk.

PopCorners come in several flavors!

That’s when I discovered PopCorners. PopCorners taste exactly like popcorn, but in the form of a chip. They are delicious and gluten free (watch for my upcoming post on why I made the switch to gluten-free living). I seriously could eat an entire bag.

Oh, and PopCorners come in Kettle Corn flavor, too!

The best thing about PopCorners? I’ve been wearing braces now for 20 months, and popcorn has been a forbidden food choice throughout my orthodontic treatment. Now it’s an option for people with braces, too!

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New Windows for This Old House

13 Aug

The anticipation is killing me. And the large picture window for the front of the house that will be flanked by two double-hungs is delayed a week due to tempering the glass…sigh.

If you’ve visited Around My Home lately, you know that I’m in the middle of attempting a lightning-fast remodel of this recently-purchased 1950’s house.

Window installation began this weekend and I’m both anxious and excited. I’m trusting people I’ve never met to open up massive holes in my house with the promise to put something better in it’s place and seal it up tight before sundown.

A real nail-biter for sure.

The scary part – one big hole. What if the window installers decide to go to lunch and never come back? And why is there a toilet on the back porch?

That’s one happy window guy!

A bit of a preview: deciding to put a picture window in the breakfast area was definitely the right call. The backyard now looks HUGE! I can imagine drinking my morning coffee seated at the window and not wanting to leave that spot.

Here’s a shot of it from outside – far from finished yet, but on the way to beautiful…and energy efficient! When completed, wood trim will frame both the interior and exterior of each window.

One Window In!

Painters return today to paint the first coat of new exterior paint over the primer they applied last week.

What else is happening today? New countertops in the morning and kitchen sink in the afternoon!

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The Big Reveal: This Old House

8 Aug

Little J’s Wedding Gift Someday…

A few weeks ago, I shared with you that I was working on a super-secret project. Now it’s official – I’m the proud owner of the sweet little house pictured here. It’s a vintage charmer, built in 1955 in an adorable Austin neighborhood, and walking distance to just about everything!

We purchased the home from the estate of the original owners, who did a lovely job maintaining it. It’s obvious that there was plenty of love and lots of great memories here, and we look forward to filling it with many more.

Once I started “kicking tires”, things happened much, much faster than expected. So, the current plan is to do a mini-remodel and then lease it out until Little J’s wedding day (he’s 15 months old as of this post).

During the last week, the house has been swarming with contractors – electrical and plumbing being the primary focus areas. The city inspector is scheduled to come out today to review, and hopefully pass, the work that’s been completed. Unfortunately, they don’t give you a time window, so someone has to be available at the house from  7 am until 4pm – ugh. Not so much fun with a 1 year old in a construction zone!

There are some gorgeous wood floors throughout most of the house, and some not-so-gorgeous vinyl tile in the kitchen. Some updates are needed, so I’m planning to change a few things, while still maintaining the character of the home and neighborhood. I’ll be posting regular pics and updates of the remodel here.

Now, let’s see if I can get it done and leased before school starts on August 27th…things will be moving fast and I’d love to have you along for the ride on this one!

Oh, and don’t get attached to the exterior paint color, because it’s about to change radically next week.

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Shhhhh….It’s A Secret!

14 Jul

I’m working on a super-secret project. I can’t say anything just yet, but it’s one of the most exciting things I’ve worked on to date.

I should be able to let you in on the mystery soon, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, take a look Around My Home for tasty recipes, DIY tools, and other fun tips for everyday living.

Peanut Butter Power Smoothie

3 Jul

Peanut Butter Power Smoothie is quick, easy, loaded with protein and energy-boosting!

Sometimes the best and most nutritious meal option for me to beat the summer heat is a smoothie.

I’m constantly experimenting with new smoothie recipes and this Peanut Butter Power Smoothie is a regular item on my lunch menu.

It’s quick and easy, very filling, and best of all, gives me the energy I need to chase my active toddler during the dog days of summer.

Add some frozen blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or all three for a PB&J version!

Peanut Butter Power Smoothie Recipe

Combine the following ingredients in a blender on high for about a minute:

–1/2 cup vanilla coconut milk

–2 large dollops plain greek yogurt

–1 heaping spoonful peanut butter (smooth or crunchy – doesn’t matter)

–2 frozen bananas

Makes one 16 oz. smoothie

Note: the consistency of this smoothie will vary based on the thickness of your yogurt, whether or not you use frozen bananas, etc. If you want it thicker, add a few ice cubes or try the PB&J version (above) until you achieve your desired consistency.

Enjoy!

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Summer Sweet Potatoes? Why Not!

26 Jun

Sweet potatoes are a terrific compliment to almost anything you prepare on your outdoor grill!

Sweet potatoes are an acquired taste for some people. I happen to love them – pretty much any way they are prepared.

Though traditionally served during Thanksgiving (U.S.) and Christmas, I enjoy this super-food year-round.

Sweet potatoes are a terrific compliment to almost anything cooked on the outdoor grill. They are loaded with Vitamins B, C, and D, potassium, magnesium, and have a low glycemic index (minimal impact on blood sugar).

Trouble is, I’ve not had luck preparing them “just right”. Until recently, when I surrendered my strong stance against owning a microwave oven.

So, if you like sweet potatoes, and you’re not opposed to the use of a microwave oven, read on for the quickest, and in my opinion, tastiest way to prepare them.  Continue reading →

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