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Things to do in SLC; Trolley Square Area

Posted on Sunday, April 17, 2011


It is always so exciting to have to occasional Saturday off, it means me and Jason get a whole day together to do fun things!  This Saturday I decided we should walk around Trolley Square, I hadn't been there in years, and let me tell you, there isn't much to do at Trolley Square besides eat.  Eat great food though!  I think that may have to do with the sad shooting that happened there a few years ago.

Here is what we did at (more like across the street from) Trolley Square

Buy yummy candy at the London Market. 
 (I prefer a Lions bar)  My friend Ashley and I used to come here in Hair School and stock up on chocolate, the prices have gone up since then, but it is a fun little shop to wander around in.  I even match!


Eat At Tucci's Cucina Italiana.
We had a groupon here, I love groupon it is a great way to try new places!  And Tucci's is a winner! I love that all the waiters there were Italian. Great food, and cheap lunch prices.  (But am I the only one who thinks that $3.00 is a bit pricey for a fountain drink?  Without refills?)

City Geocaching 
Jason and I both like geocaching, but have you ever thought to geocache around your city?
Of course I'm not going to tell you where this one is, but download the iPhone app and try to find some close to you!

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What We Ate For Dinner Tonight; Mango and Quinoa Salad

Posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011

I have made versions of this salad several times, and tonight it was so yummy I decided to share it.
Mangoes are one of my favorite fruits, and they are especially delicious this time of year.
Ever since we got married and Jason was gluten-free, (I have meaning to post more on that 'was'),  I have loved experimenting with different grains other than rice since other carbs were out of the question, and Quinoa remains my favorite.

Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of my salad, but it looked like this minus the black beans, but only because we had none available.



Mango & Quinoa Salad
1 cup Quinoa
13/4 cups Vegetable Stock
Mango, diced
Red Bell Pepper, diced
Fresh Cilantro
Cumin
Half a Lemon
Olive Oil

1. Cook Quinoa according to directions, (or google it like me)
    For best taste substitute vegetable stock in place of water.
2. While Quinoa is simmering, Prepare the mango by dicing it.  If you are anything like me cutting a mango is confusing, so go ahead and laugh,  but i watched this video on youtube and now I feel like a pro.  Dice the red bell pepper (I used about half), and chop the fresh cilantro.
3.  Once the quinoa is done cooking, fluff with a fork and mix in the mango, pepper, and cilantro.
4.  Squeeze the lemon over salad and pour a dash of olive oil in and mix as a dressing.
5.  Season with Cumin, Salt & Pepper to taste.

I love this easy summer salad, it tastes fresh and is so healthy too!




On a side note, me and Jason went to Ben & Jerry's in the Gateway to get our free cones and picked up this little guy in Urban Outfitters...

Maybe someday I can put him in a collage kinda like this?



And then we came home to the cat walking around wearing this bag on like a cape,
....
???

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Happy (Late) Birthday To My Cute Husband!

Posted on Thursday, April 7, 2011

Jason turned the big Two-Five on the fifth.
And what a better way to celebrate than with his family in Oklahoma!
Tuesday included Steak N' Shake a new iPhone (jealous!), Compadres, and Bananagrams.

Happy Birthday Jason!



Below, Jason and I in front of his Oklahoma home.  Notice the trees blooming.



Jason with his Momma and his best friend BC. 



 We were greeted in Denver by slushy rain and waiting for our next plane to be defrosted.  Sad to say that that slush hasn't left us since.   It's tough to go from blooming spring trees to the gray world that was Utah this afternoon, but at least we got a taste of the Spring to come.  And we get to see this goofy cat again.
 PS-who thinks the birthday boy needs a haircut? ;)

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I Like To Believe Oklahoma is Part Of The South

Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2011

Even if Jason insists that it is the mid-west, any state where you can find people with southern drawls wearing cowboy boots and Carhartt jackets who are all proud members of the ARA pretty much qualifies as southern in my books. We can at least agree that Oklahoma is country, even though Jason's family in a more populated area than mine, in highland with a view of horses and bison right out the window.


So guess what!  I am sitting here writing this in Oklahoma!   Jason's birthday is on the 5th and we are in town to celebrate!

In the past I have visited Oklahoma in July and January, the two times of the year when the humidity is killer.  Spring here is nice, with plenty of green fields spotted with violet wildflowers.  Unfortunately Spring means killer allergies!  No amount of meds seem to be able to clear my sinuses even enough to taste the yummy food we are eating.

Jason's Oklahoma trip so far has looked like this...
Guns, explosives, greasy food, b-ball and conference.

Mine looked like some of the best garage sale and thrift shopping you will ever do!  Me and Brittany and Cindy sorted through piles and piles of stuff and came out with some pretty good treasures.  Maybe I will snap a few pics to show you my finds.  I wish thrifting wasn't all the rage in Utah, and i wish there were more garage sales to hop around to, but I'm probably not the only Utahan wishing that :)

More updates of the trip to come!  I keep hoping I will become a better blogger!

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The Best Groupon Your Money Can Buy!

Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011

My salon is launching having a Groupon tomorrow!   
However it is for first time clients only, So those of you haven't been in to see me yet and need your hair done sometime relatively soon, head over to the Groupon Website tomorrow, and check out the Salt Lake City deals so you can get a great deal on great hair.


Check out Moore Hair Design's website as well to learn more about the salon.

Below is the cute salon promotional video our owner Megan recently made!


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The Tastiest Salad You Will Ever Eat

Posted on Thursday, March 3, 2011

I Have been making this salad a ton lately, so I decided I must share it with you.  The flavors are so fresh and go so well! And the chicken and sourdough pieces make it more filling than a usual salad.  The recipe was found here.  You just have to try it!

  PS- why when i preview this is my font going into all caps?  Don't worry, I'M NOT SHOUTING AT YOU! 




Warm Sourdough Bread Salad with Chicken and Pine Nuts Recipe

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 2 garlic cloves, skin on
  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
  • 4 cups 1-inch chunks of crusty, rustic-style sourdough bread
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 tablespoons golden raisins
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed and roughly chopped
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups loosely packed arugula, watercress leaves, or mixed baby greens, washed and drained
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

Directions

Start the vinaigrette
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1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the lemon, cut side down, and the whole garlic cloves in an ovenproof dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Roast the lemon and garlic until they’re soft and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven (but keep the oven on) and set aside until they’re cool enough to handle.
Make the salad
1. Increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C).
2. Toss the bread chunks with the olive oil on a baking sheet and season with salt. Scatter the chunks in a single layer and toast until the bread is golden brown and the edges are crispy, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
3. Juice the lemon into a small bowl. Peel the garlic cloves, add to the bowl with the lemon juice, and smash them with a fork. Add the vinegar and gradually whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir in the parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Add the chicken, raisins, pine nuts, and garlic to the bread and combine. Drizzle with half of the vinaigrette, season to taste with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
5. Spread the salad on a rimmed baking sheet and place it in the oven for about 5 minutes, just to warm it slightly.
6. Remove the salad from the oven and return it to the bowl you tossed it in. Add the arugula and scallions, and drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine, season with additional salt and pepper if desired, and serve warm.