3 decades

One of my dearest friends turned thirty this weekend and although I couldn't celebrate it with her, I sent a video message and some photos from the past decade. It's hard to believe that we're both thirty and in two years, we'll have been friends for 20 years!  

6th grade, in all our glory!!

Easter 2011, on the train to Center City in Philadelphia

Easter 2011, shopping in NJ

July 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC

July 2012, Myrtle Beach, SC

Katie's favorites, February edition

Valentine's flower's from Brandon.

Valentine's meal with the boys, grilled, while it was snowing outside!

Some of the most beautiful sunrises!

Preparing for Lent

Eating one of my favorite meals that Nate makes; homemade marinara and angel hair pasta

Nate's Valentine's

Getting my DIY on!

Running in wool socks, and freezing temps!

Pre-run, with more layers!

Reasons why I'm ready for February

1. I love Valentine's Day. The hearts, the crafts, the chocolate that I always throw away, balloons, flowers. I have always had terrific a Valentine's Day. My parents used to make it really special, and in later years when I was teaching, my dad would send me flowers and a really sweet note. My brother flew me out to Dayton a few times (prior to moving here in 2011) because Presidents Day weekend also landed on Valentine's 2 years in a row (or close by). Such fun memories, and such a fun holiday.
2. February is a short month.
3. Presidents Day = another day off school. I'm a history nerd, so I used to enjoy pulling out some of my favorite classroom biographies about Washington and Lincoln and reading aloud to my class. 
4. This year, Lent begins on February 13. I have an awesome Lenten calendar/countdown that I'll post pictures of ASAP. I love the historical framework of Easter and looking back at the original Passover story. It is packed full of references to our Savior, and provides a beautiful picture of the final sacrifice.
5. February means one month closer to warm weather. I'm finding out that I'm a total LOSER about winter. This is the first real winter that I've experienced in over a DECADE! Give me a break. My first year in Ohio was unseasonably warm and everyone told me that it was a fluke. Sure enough, this year has been pretty cold and snowy. 
6. Season Premiere of Smash. Don't judge.

Downton Abbey downer

Why do I subject myself to to an hour of this EVERY Sunday?! At the very least, it gives me a chance to catch up on blog reading, finances, menu planning, and Pinterest. I've had to laugh while "cleaning" up some of my Pinterest boards. I have more Mexican food, and burger recipes than I realized.
One of my newest projects that I've taken on is budgeting. I say this as a well educated 30-year old, who has never taken the time or effort to manage my finances. Along with budgeting, I'm working on becoming a better meal planner throughout the week.
Here's one of my favorite budget friendly meals that is healthy, and reheats well for leftovers.

Vegetarian Mexican Night: 

• Perfect Black Beans (I like to add tomato paste, green chile, cumin, salt/pepper, mild chile powder)

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/perfect-black-beans-recipe/index.html

• Brown rice (I've taken a tip from Chipotle (and Brandon) and added fresh lime juice to the brown rice, sometimes a little fresh cilantro)

• Sauteed onions/bell peppers
• Roasted sweet potatoes (I usually have these on hand)
• Trader Joe's Fire Roasted Corn (Again, I usually have this on hand)
• Fresh salsa/avocado/sour cream/fresh grated cheese (skip the preshredded)

I personally like corn tortillas, or this can be served over rice. The black beans can be made into refried beans pretty easily, or made into vegetarian enchiladas. I love the versatility of this meal!