Quinoa Turkey Burgers

Wish the picture did it justice! 

Just in time for Memorial Day, I've got a healthy burger recipe that you'll actually really love. Promise. Pinky promise.  A while back I found a quinoa burger recipe on Pinterest (I know you're shocked) but I never did anything with it.  Fast forward to last Wednesday.  The day I decided to just make up my own burger recipe.  The day everything changed. Our weekly dinner lineups will never be the same.

The recipe is so stinking simple it's ridiculous.  And the result is so stinking good that my husband actually said, "So when do we get to do that again?"  I've told coworkers (some against their will) and just about anyone else that will listen how to make these fabulous burgers.  And now you get to read it.  And what a perfect weekend for it!

Ingredients:

• 1 Lb Ground Turkey meat
• 1 packet Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch mix  (shown below)
• 2-3 Tbsp Pampered Chef Smoky Applewood Rub (shown below) *Note: Any rub of your choice will do.  I would choose something in the same flavor family
• Pepper
• 2 Cups, Prepared Quinoa

To Prepare:

• Prepare your quinoa are directed on the label.
• Combine ground turkey and quinoa until well mixed
• Add the fiesta ranch mix and rub, one at a time, until well incorporated (trying to add both at the same time will not allow for proper distribution)
• Separate the mixture into four patties
• Sprinkle with pepper if desired
• Heat a pan over medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray
• Cook patties, flipping every few minutes, for 12-15 minutes or until done.  

We melted cheese on top and skipped the buns all together.  My husband scooped salsa on top of his while I opted for fire roasted tomatoes.  The only thing that stopped me from having a second was the fact that this burger was so incredibly filling I could barely finish the first one.  

Next time we're going to try mushrooms and caramelized onions as toppers.  And if you must have a bun, I get it.  But, believe me, these burgers don't need but so much dressing up. Really, give this one a try. Even if you're not a turkey burger fan.  Even if you can't say quinoa to save your life.  You'll be glad you did!    

Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

--Jess

Pampered Chef Smoke Applewood Rub

Baby Love

On May 15th, at 8:55 in the morning, my sister had a baby.  A six pound, twelve ounce, little bundle of pure perfection.  I think I would think he was perfect even if he wasn't.  Even if he didn't have all ten fingers and all ten toes.  Even if he wasn't cute.  (He is, though.)  I'd think he was perfect without his sweet baby noises and sweet baby smell.  And I'd think he was perfect if he was what some might say is "too small" instead of "just right."  Which he is. 

He's perfect because he's hers. 

He came from one of the most amazing people I know. One of the people in this world that I love more than anything else.  How could I find him anything less than perfect?

Oh, he gave her a go of it.  He didn't make things easy.  Not from the moment we knew he existed.  And right up until the end (which is actually the beginning, isn't it?) he made sure to let it be known this was his show.  Starting his grand entrance two weeks before his due date and then making his Mama wait and wait and wait once she got to the hospital. 

I won't get into the ins and outs of her delivery.  Deliveries are so different for every Mommy.  Just like all Mommies and babies are different.  And I sometimes think we can put too much emphasis on the in-between.  Babies being born are not contests.  We shouldn't try to outdo each other with whose was harder, longer, better, easier, or whatever adjective you'd like to throw on it.  We all have the same goal: to end up with a happy and healthy baby AND Mommy.  Done. 

But I will say this:  every birth is something to be in awe of.  No matter the method.  No matter the audience.  No matter the length of time.  Planned or in a hurry.  It is something that will leave you changed. 

I was not in the room when my nephew got his very first, "Happy Birthday!"  That was a special moment between my sister, her husband (and those angels that God made into Nurses).  But I was able to be there right up until the Big Show started.  And to see my sister, in the midst of what seemed like chaos and then to come back when her boy, her Jonathan Patrick, was here, was just amazing. 

She had done it.  They had created this wonderful little person.  But she, the Mommy, had brought him into this world.  And now we all get to love on him forever.  Or at least until he's old enough to beg us to stop.  Which we will promptly ignore. 

He's perfect.  And Aunt Jess is terribly smitten. 

Jack and Jonathan

 He wanted to hold him over and over!

Uncle Steven can't wait to get this one on the cornhole team. Meredith, Hillary and I are way outnumbered now. 

London Grace Boutique--Time to Shop! (coupon code)

It's Monday again.  And, if your Monday has gone anything like mine, well, I'm sorry.  So I wanted to take a second to step away from all the this-is-about-to-make-me-pull-my-hair-out things and tell you about something a lot more fun than work meetings, traffic, keeping schedules or basically whatever else you may have to encounter at the start of your typical week. 

Caffeine & Concealer has done quite a bit of reviews of makeup, hair products and, my personal favorite, food.  I mean, I like the other stuff, too.  But there's no eye shadow out there that comes close to a chocolate chip cookie.  Which is also why we do monthly exercise challenges to review for you. 

To date, the main thing we haven't reviewed is clothes.  Until now.  My best friend has opened an online shop called London Grace Boutique.

Shameless plug for my best pal?  Absolutely!  But, I'd have a much harder time giving her space on the blog if the stuff she was selling wasn't so darn cute! 

One of my favorites, and one of the things her loyal shoppers are snatching up like crazy, are her jeggings.  I have to admit, I don't like jeggings.  Just the sound of the word is weird to me.  But, when I put on these pants, I changed my mind.  These things actually gave me--the girl with no bum--a little junk to my mostly flat trunk.  Plus, I had these things on for over two hours and didn't pull them up once.  NOT. ONCE.  They were like miracle pants! 

You have to get some of these. Seriously.  She sells them in multiple colors and they come in sizes S-3X.  This is me in the black.  And then Tiffany, LGB's owner, in the teal ones.
                            



*Check out the sweater I'm wearing, as well as Tiff's necklace and top!  All are London Grace goodies!!













Check out the website for even more great stuff like jewelery, tops, linen pants, adorable shorts and dresses.  She even has a Curvy selection in extended sizes. 

If you have questions on how things fit, shipping (always free.  YEAH, FREE!), exchanges, returns, or anything else, just ask.  Send an email to londongraceboutique@gmail.com, or go through the Contact Us link on the website and they will be happy to help get you in the latest and greatest that LGB has to offer. 

Don't forget to sign up for the London Grace Boutique newsletter.  It comes directly to your email and you'll be the first to get coupon codes for the latest sales and promotional deals.  Speaking of, if you use code THANKYOUC&C from now through May 31st you will receive 25% off your entire order!  So, go!  Shop! And don't forget to tell your friends, follow on Facebook and Instagram for all the best deals.     

*Below are some more examples of what you can find at the best little boutique the web has to offer!

 

 Perfect Jegging in Yellow

 

Piko top
Made from Bamboo (yes, bamboo) & spandex

Lace shorts--selling fast!! 

I had to include this dress because it is one of my favorites from the shop.  However, it is currently sold out.  See what happens when you don't shop fast?! 

 

Testtube- a review of a beauty sampling program

There are a ton of “beauty sampling programs” out there and they range in price as well as quality of the samples. I am currently receiving Testtube by NewBeauty . You can find it here! It’s delivered to your door six times a year for $29.95 per tube (plus shipping). I really have enjoyed it and feel that I get $30+ worth of product out of each tube! They give full size products as well as deluxe sized samples! Plus, you get a subscription of NewBeauty (their magazine) delivered quarterly!

A couple of months ago I got this powder brush in my “tube.” It’s a $48 purchase at Ulta!!!!! And I LOVE IT!!!!! It’s a brand I had never used and wasn't really sure I would have been interested in if I had not received this brush! After using this brush and seeing the quality- I will buy more of their brushes and venture into their line of cosmetics!

 

In the tube I got this week, I got Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless Shampoo. It’s one of those “conditioning shampoos” that do not “suds up." It promises these benefits:

• 6-in-1 cleansing conditioner
• Refines Hair Texture
• Optimizes Styling Process
• Drastically Cuts Down Blow Drying Time
• Perfect For All Hair Types
• Surfactant-free and Paraben-free
• No Stripping Suds

I have been hesitant to try shampoos like this since my hair is very fine and oily (I have to wash it every morning).  I thought they would make my hair greasy! So Wednesday I was getting ready for work and thought I might as well try it today and I was shocked by the results! My hair was not greasy at all!!!! I had no tangles (my Wet Brush glided right through my hair) and my blow dry time was noticeably decreased! I received a full size  (3.3 ounces) of this product which is a $13 value!

 

This shampoo is pretty expensive so I’m not sure if I would buy it again but I am now intrigued by the Herbal Essences one that was $5 at Target!

 

I have truly enjoyed receiving my Testtubes! It’s such is nice surprise to come home from work and have a pampering kit waiting on your porch for you! And you have no “clues” as to what is in it so it’s a thrill to open it and go through it product by product! They do supply a pamphlet of the products that came in the tube for a little extra explanation too!

<3 Rachel

Early Morning Workouts (Bikini Series Day 1)

My alarm went off at 5:05.  AM.  On purpose.  I actually got up that early to work out.  Again, I say, on purpose. 

I went to the kitchen to grab my water and stood at the counter ready to cry.  Seriously.  Like, grown up tears.  I did not want to be awake.  I did not like this new fitness-minded self.  I would not be doing this again tomorrow. 

Huffily, I trudged up that stairs to the elliptical that awaited me.  I flipped the dang thing on and got moving.  And then something kind of weird happened.  I started to actually kind of love it. 

I loved being up and moving and starting my day that way.  I really liked not rushing directly from my bed to the process of getting ready for work.  I enjoyed my morning "jog" in my unfinished upstairs, all on my own. 

Told you, weird.  Because this is so not me.  But I'm thinking it's going to be.

It's the first day of the Bikini Series that we told you about a week or so ago.  It is a fitness challenge that lasts for the next eight weeks, taking you right up until the official start of summer.  Each week the Tone It Up team sends out a weekly workout schedule to follow.  You don't have to get up with the freaking chickens to make it work.  However, they suggest morning workouts, so I'm giving it a try. 

I took all my measurements again last night.  (That's always a fun way to spend a Sunday night, right?  "Hey, Honey, come tell me exactly how big my thigh is!"  Whatever.)  And I weighed this morning.  An even more fun way to spend a Monday morning.   

If you still want to join us on this challenge, go to www.toneitup.com and sign up for the 2014 Bikini Series!  It's free to join.  There are nutrition tips and tons of workouts and positive motivation. 

And please do not worry if you can't drag your rear out of bed at 5AM.  Or even 6AM.  Just do the
workouts whenever you can fit them it. 

I can't promise I'm going to love this early morning stuff every day.  But, for right now, I'm all in.  And for me, that's a big step. 

It's time to get healthy for all the right reasons.  Not just to look better in my clothes.  But to feel better all the time.  To live better.  To show my little boy what healthy looks like.  It had to start with Day 1. 

Bring on Day 2! 

--Jessica

Worry? Who, Me?

I can be a bit of a worrier.  I've probably said that before, haven't I?  Thoughts of what could go wrong get stuck in my head and there they stay until the reality of what actually happens either proves them wrong or, gasp, proves them right. 

Truth be told they're usually wrong.  I mean, I've got a pretty good imagination for the potentially terrible.  I can make the thought of any might-be-bad situation exponentially worse within the confines of my mind.  To the point of being almost disappointed once what transpires is pretty comparatively mild.  I mean, can you imagine the one-liners, conversation points and funny, life changing stories I haven't been able to use because the people involved in my made up scenarios didn't stick to my imaginary scripts?  It's a shame, really. 

Except that it's not. 

It's good that things don't go near as badly as I think they will--with a few exceptions.  Exceptions can be doozies.  And doozies are not good.  Ever. 

Steven and I have a few things coming up that are causing a little anxiety for us.  Some personal, some professional.  (But really, don't professional things affect the personal?)  None of it is bad stuff.  Not now any way.  In fact it all has the potential to be very good.  But I guess the very good, if it doesn't go like you want, can turn around and smack you right across the face.  And that's what I want to be ready for.  Ain't no bad news gonna come at me like a ninja.  I'm going to be prepared.  So I'm going to over think, over analyze and potentially over dramatize (who, me?) what could go wrong.  Just in case it doesn't go right. 

And it leaves me feeling anxious, tired and a bit like I might throw up.  And that, my friends, is not any way to live. 

During one of my quick passes through Pinterest (does anyone ever get on Pinterest quickly?) I saw this little bit of truth: 

There's that lightbulb.  Jess, you're a smart cookie.  Let's act like it.  Stuff is going to happen.  The little, the big.  Getting all freaked out about which one is going to happen next isn't going to stop either of them.  And ruining all the really good stuff going on right now over-thinking what might not even happen later is a waste of time, energy and good creativity. 

I've already told you that I'm trying to think more positively about the things that are going on in my life and the people that come in and out of it.  Well, it's about time to get that way about the future stuff, too. 

Live in the here and now.  God's taking care of tomorrow.  And when tomorrow gets here, I'll deal with it.  Whether it's little or big.  Whether it stinks or comes up roses. 

This stuff isn't easy.  When I think about what may come I still get those butterflies in my belly.  I'm human.  I'm a mom.  I'm a girl, for crying out loud! I'm just plain hardwired for some of this. But the best way to battle those feelings, to stop the self-nagging, and tomorrow-dreading, is to turn to the only One who has any control over any of it anyway.  Trust Him and His plan.  He's got this, remember?  And just because it may not turn out just like you want does not mean it won't turn out just as it should.  Pray for the peace that comes with truly believing that. 

Then worry can't steal any more todays.  And tomorrow doesn't seem quite so scary. 

Quinoa for Quinoa Haters

I'm kind of in love with quinoa right now.  It's true.  And I've got the Pinterest boards to prove it.

This stuff is good and good for you.  Killer combo.  The best part?  You don't have to dress it up too much for me to chow down.  I'll take it plain, just as is, thank you very much. 

However, there really is so much you can do with this little gem of a grain.  And that's probably good, since my husband has yet to embrace all things quinoa.   Don't get me wrong, he'll eat it. But usually only when it is hiding in the chili we make (that's a killer recipe you can find here) or underneath a good dollop of barbecue sauce.

For some reason he's just not getting into the quinoa tossed with steamed veggies like I am.  When I put that on his plate, I swear he's thinking, "Can't we just eat rice?  For the love of all things edible, won't she just make rice?!"

No she won't. 

But I will keep trying to make things with quinoa that he won't gag on or spit out.  You're welcome, honey.

So last night we tried a One Pan Mexican Quinoa that--wait for it--everyone in my house loved.  Yeah, you heard me.  Even the almost-three-year-old gobbled it up.  "Can I have another bite, Mommy?"  When that sentence is not about cake, it's music to this mommy's ears. 

I found the recipe on Pinterest (um, duh) by none other than my favorite food blogger, Chung-Ah of Damn Delicious (and again I say, duh).  I mean, this girl might have to start cutting me a check for all the advertising I give on Caffeine & Concealer!  I'm joking of course--sort of. 

However, she's got the best ideas and this was no exception.  This one was easy and fast.  Two of my requirements for weeknight cooking.  And, it was made with quinoa and other good for you ingredients, making it a guilt-free meal as well.  Win! 

The recipe is below. (Taken directly from Damn Delicious--all credit to Chung-Ah.  The picture is
hers, too.)

The only change I made was eliminating the extra salt it called for.  I'm not a salt-adder (Word?  No? Fine.).  I don't think it's necessary when you already have canned items (like the tomatoes, and broth) that will have sodium in them.  And I'm always interested in keeping the sodium to a minimum.  Just a personal choice. 

Oh, and I didn't add the cilantro.  I don't like cilantro that much.  Again, just a personal thing.  So I guess I changed two itty-bitty things. 

So, if you're a quinoa hater, try this out.  It may not make you love it with steamed veggies.  But I bet you this won't be the last time you make this meal.  Hate no more! 

--Jessica

 

One Pan Mexican Quinoa

Damn Delicious

 

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapenos, minced
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and jalapeno, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in quinoa, vegetable broth, beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder and cumin; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until quinoa is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Stir in avocado, lime juice and cilantro.
• Serve immediately.