Wolf Mountain Sanctuary in the Lucerne Valley

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On our Canadian trip, Esteban and I were going to go to a wolf or wolf-dog sanctuary. I told my students about it, and they were unimpressed and preceded to tell me that wolf sanctuaries existed in Socal as well, … Continue reading →

The Super Bloom at Walker Canyon, Lake Elsinore CA

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It’s another El Nino year in California so I decided to take advantage of the rainy weather by taking a trip to the poppy fields in Walker Canyon. Fortunately, I corralled two of my besties and convinced them to come … Continue reading →

Favorite First 7 SOCAL Hikes in Preparation for Machu Picchu

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The idea for Machu Picchu started with Laura’s cousin’s wedding … in Columbia! She somehow convinced me to tag along and dangled hiking Machu Picchu in front of me to seal the deal. I agreed to go with her, under … Continue reading →

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December/January 2018 Book Reviews

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I finally left my second job and have a bit of extra time again. It has been maybe a year or more since I got to read a book just for fun. Without further ado, here’s what I’ve been reading…

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS (B. A. Paris)

Behind Closed Doors - A NovelThis novel plays with time in that the chapters alternate between past and present. The past timeline eventually catches up to and explains the present timeline, which makes this book quite interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is about a newlywed couple who seems to have the perfect life, but not everything is quite as it seems. I can’t say more or I’ll be giving too much away. It is a slightly dark, thriller though so be aware! Continue reading →

The NO SPEND Challenge!

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wallet savingsI read an article on The Dough Roller’s blog here by Cait Flanders about not spending for an entire year. Of course, her goals and reasoning were different from mine, but nonetheless, I am really excited to try a “no spending challenge.” I am going to try to not spend for the next 3 months. I have been on a bad spending bender since Black Friday and I feel this is just the change I need to kick me back into normalcy when the 3 months are up.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to starve or not spend a penny for 3 months. I’m just not going to spend frivolously. Here are the following rules I am going to follow for the next 3 months (hopefully…): Continue reading →

My Wedding on Pi Day 3.14.16

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Thank you everyone who helped prep me for my wedding (Brittany,Jill,Maggie, and Susan for running back for the veil and flowers lol!) and thank you everyone who went out of your way to show up to a wedding that was ridiculously held on a Monday night so that our wedding date could be 3.14.16! It seems weddings are always surrounded by drama, but I felt so much love and support I cannot thank you all enough! It made me reflect on what great families and friends Esteban and I are so very blessed and honored to spend our lives with. I thought you all might enjoy some pictures from the night. Til the next wedding — make sure you’re ready to dance!

banandIlaughing Continue reading →

Mexican Quinoa

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I recently decided to become a Peskatarian (or pescatarian???) (kind of). To stay sane, I’m going to eat meat about one day out of every 2 weeks. Not that vegetarians aren’t sane, I just need a break to know I will commit to it. I was a vegetarian once for a month my freshman year of college, and well, it lasted one month. I’m hoping this allows me to last a year, or who knows how long? Anyway, I’m not putting a time frame on it because it may just last a month again. If you don’t know what a Peskatarian is, let me enlighten you with the Urban Dictionary definition: Someone who is too lazy to be a vegetarian, and will only eat fish. Refraining from the consumption of mammals. So there you have it folks.

Anyway, I’m going to begin cooking more since I feel like I have less options when I go out to eat. I started my cooking journey by making a one pan Mexican quinoa dish featured on Damn Delicious. I modified it just a bit!

one pot mexican quinoa

Mexican Quinoa: