Caleb's European Graduation Trip Part 1

Since Caleb had been a junior in high school I had been saying that I wanted to take him for a cultural trip to a foreign land to get him off and running into adulthood and being a traveler.  At first I had the idea of just buying him a one-way ticket but I thought a bit much and sort of like throwing him to the wolves.  I settled on us taking a trip together...I need a vacation and plus who's a better teacher of world travel than a world traveler LOL!!! I wanted somewhere very exotic that was a complete 180 from what he was used to. Somewhere we could immerse ourselves in culture and come home really appreciating our lives and the privilege of travel.  I was dead set on Turkey and the Middle East but right when I was making my argument with my parents Turkey exploded and a travel ban was issued making my case that much harder to plead.  I was vetoed and I wasn't happy about it.  I had no other ideas on where we could go to get that sort of experience that I had my heart set on.  I came up with two separate itineraries for Caleb to decide from...a week long trek through Peru or a split of time between London and Ireland.  Caleb and my Mom had already mentioned Ireland and that is the one he chose.  I got to planning and before I knew it we had both graduated... him from high school and me from grad school and June was upon us.  I made the final checklists and travel plans and we left out on Wednesday June 15, 2016.  

After flights and traveling "into the future" LOL we arrived in the morning of Thursday June 16, 2016.

Asleep already and we hadn't even left DFW yet!

Once we arrived we took the underground from the airport to the hotel.  We stayed in the Ashburn Hotel which was a really cute and nice boutique hotel. We arrived at the hotel around 9:30 am and it was way too early to check in but they did store our bags and I used the lobby bathroom to freshen up and put on different shoes.

NOTE: I love hitting the ground running and find that ESPECIALLY when traveling into different time zones the best way is to just keep pushing forward.  We were very tired even at this time in the morning from traveling and a nap could have gone a long way but we had so much to see and do I wanted to make sure we got it all in.  Also once you succumb to jet lag it is VERY hard to get back on track and I didn't want our days to waste away.

After dropping our bags and freshening up we headed out to start our full day of exploring. I had my checklist and pen ready to mark some things off.  I had purchased our London passes before traveling and we had to pick those up... but first coffee.  I found an open coffee shop up from our hotel on the main road and grabbed a black coffee before hailing a black taxi cab. The London Pass was sort of a waste for us as we didn't utilize it in its entirety but the Oyster card was the winning prize of the combo purchase. An Oyster card is your public transportation pass that you can reload at different locations around London.  If I ever return I will just buy an Oyster card and leave the London pass and just take my chances on the museum fees and missed discounts.  Once we picked up our passes we utilized our map to see what was nearby and we set off!

Right off the bat we were surrounded by all the things you see on TV and on movies... I loved all the little iconic red phone booths spattered across the city. This was the first of many. I would have loved to stop and take posed pictures with all the booths but come on...you know how I feel about looking/acting touristy LOL.  This was also one of the most touristy trips I have been on in a while. We saw all the historic and iconic sights to see in London and didn't get involved in that much deep culture but with our limited time I wanted to be sure we felt accomplished especially seeing there is just so much to see and do. Much like Paris, France you could spend months immersed!

Piccadilly Circus

We found ourselves in Piccadilly circus which during the day is not crowded at all...at night...well that's a whole different story the place is packed and a complete mad house.  While here we saw several double decker buses and when leaving all these British flags celebrating the Queens jubilee and birthday (I'm pretty sure but not certain). On our way to Buckingham Palace we exited a side street and saw the London Eye for the first time. It's such an exciting feeling seeing so many things that you recognize and want to experience but they are all in different directions. Instead of making a bee line for the Eye we stayed on our path and headed to the Palace.  

First view of the London Eye

The main street leading to the palace is beautiful.  The light posts are all topped with colorful crowns, the landscaping is beautiful, and the street gives you a direct view to Buckingham Palace.  We took the long way around instead of just walking the street we walked through St. James Park.  The park was so nice and I can see why when the weather cooperates that all Londoners take it to the parks to enjoy. They are beautifully landscaped and are little escapes from the city. 

Outside Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

We didn't pay to go in the Palace but we came, we saw, we conquered LOL.  On our way towards the Eye and on our way to other sights we saw these members of the royal band lining up for inspection. 

After our pass by the palace we made our way towards the London Eye by way of Westminster Abbey and BIG BEN!  I got so excited seeing Big Ben. It is really beautiful and the old setting near the river is just stunning. Really too much beauty to explain or soak up in a few hours.

I didn't realize that really all the main sights of London are really in a general vicinity of each other and if you enjoy walking and soaking up the day and the culture it makes for a perfect day. We had yet to ask for a cab or take the tube to our destinations yet.  Big Ben is one piece of a square that also housed Westminster Abbey.  This is one of the places I for sure wanted to purchase tickets for a visit inside. I stole a few quick snaps inside then had to put my camera away but old architecture amazes me. The ornate decor and general size of these historic buildings are mind boggling alone then add in their stories and it is truly amazing. 

All I saw when I was snapping this courtyard at the Abbey was Harry Potter.  I could imagine myself on a broomstick learning to fly! :)

Next we walked across the river to the London Eye. I stood in line for a good bit to get our tickets...I could have purchased these in advance but due to the chance of bad weather I didn't want to chance it.  The views are amazing and they just keep getting better and better all the way around. The bubbles that you are in are really roomy and there isn't any extra movement from wind or anything like you have on a ferris wheel or ski lift.  I'm not afraid of heights but even if you are this is something you would definitely enjoy. 

Some of our views from the London Eye!

Big Ben and Parliament

After we were finished riding the London Eye we made our way down and back across the river across a different bridge to of course see more sights and find a lunch spot that had great reviews. 

Captured Caleb between new age, London Eye and old school, Parliament

We stopped at lunch at The Clarence Pub neither of us were that hungry even though we hadn't ate all day. I think it was the jet lag and we were just going nonstop our bodies were all out of whack.  We ordered a couple beers and a couple appetizers. Caleb got mini bangers and I got a little order of fish and chips...when in Rome.

After our light lunch we walked to Trafalgar Square which sadly was under a bit of construction at the time and then visited the National Gallery which was a free entry. 

After that we were REALLY worn down and it was nearing 4 in the afternoon. We decided now was a good time to head back to the hotel and get settled into our room.  We navigated the underground to get back to our hotel and it is so easy and fun. We felt like such city slickers!  

Back at the hotel we both showered and got all our bags situated and took a little nap. I barely got Caleb up but I finally was able to convince him to go to dinner at 9 at a nearby Italian restaurant.  The restaurant was very authentic and very good.  

After dinner we went back to the hotel and stayed up watching The Night Before. It was a really good movie and a perfect end to a jam packed day full of culture, sights, travel, and TONS of walking.  

Stay tuned for Part 2, more London!

Recipe: Roasted Garlic Potato Soup

I adapted my recipe from THIS recipe I found on Pinterest.  I made it a couple Saturdays ago when it was Winter in Texas for the weekend.  The entire weekend I never left the house and it was glorious.  Saturday after getting the house cleaned and the laundry done I whipped up this recipe and had it ready for dinner that that.  We had just enough left over for Hendrik to snack on the next day.  It will for sure be a staple in our cold weather pantry from now on.  It was so comforting  and not TOO unhealthy.  I made a couple unhealthy choices when I made it (bacon) but they can definitely be left out and/or substituted.  

What you'll need:

• Red potatoes
• Whole cloves of garlic
• Chicken stock/broth
• Celery- I didn't have celery on hand so the closest thing I had was celery salt...it worked
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Whole kernel corn
• Parsley
• Black pepper
• Onion powder- I have to use onion power rather than REAL onion due to my finance's "allergy"  but real onion would be BEST
• Bacon

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 400 and then prep the 3 cloves of garlic to be roasted. (watch and remove when roasted to your liking)

2. While garlic roasts slice and boil your potatoes.

3. Once potatoes are finished drain excess water and slightly mash with a hand masher

4. After draining using the same pot add in broth, cream of chicken, and cream mushroom soup to your boiled potatoes.

5. Add in celery salt

6. Add in all remaining spices and can of corn

7. Mix well- don't over mix because you want a chunky style soup

8. Cook bacon and add it to soup- Note: I separated my bacon into 2 batches.  The first batch I cooked but left soft and added that into my soup.  The next batch I made extra crispy to add more flavor and a crunchy element to my soup.

9. Once your garlic is roasted and removed from oven remove from outside wrappers and mash well in a bowl using a fork. Once mashed add it to your soup.

10. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed in and simmer for 10 minutes or so. Stir often to makes sure nothing sticks to the bottom.  More broth may need to be added.

11. Remove from heat and serve or let sit.

 I made my soup early in the day and so I covered and let it sit.  It was still warm when we ate and it ate great being reheated as well.  I didn't get any finished pictures since we ate later on that day... I forgot.  When we at our soup we added grated cheddar cheese to our individual bowls to taste.

This soup was EXCELLENT and like I said in the beginning I can't wait to make it again.  This is only my variation and if you look in the Pinterest recipe it didn't even call for corn but I threw some in anyways just for added elements and flavor.  You can really take the meat of this and run in any direction you like really making it your own.

I hope you try this amazing recipe and love it as much as we did!

Recipe: Easy 5 Ingredient Cajun Dirty Rice

I made up this recipe several years ago and we have it at least once a month.  It is an easy go to on a night where I know the following day is going to be really busy.  It grows in size as you stir, it seems, so there is always plenty to have leftovers the next night.  I always keep/ have the ingredients on hand and you can substitute to fit your taste, make healthier, or whatever!

Max patiently waiting on his portion of the sausage

What you'll need:

• Rice- I currently have a huge bag of jasmine rice but I usually use brown rice.  Quinoa would also be a great substitute that I would love to use but Hendrik isn't all that keen on it.
• Sausage- I use the skinless sausage and depending on my mood sometimes I will add ground beef or even chicken.  Turkey would make a great healthy addition.
• Beans- I used to use red beans but as my healthy lifestyle grew so did my pantry and now I use mainly black beans and sometimes I will throw in a can of chickpeas to add some different texture.  Mix it up and have fun!
• Stock/Broth- again any that you have an hand will do I usually run out of beef faster so go to the chicken.  I like using broth or stock over water to add extra flavor.  Try to get the organic and low sodium broth.
• Cajun seasoning- I buy this in a big container from Sams but any grocery store has a premixed container in the seasoning isle.

What to do:

1. I start my rice off either on the stove or in a rice cooker

2. As your rice is cooking prepare the meat and beans.  In a large pot or dutch oven cook your meats.

3. Once your meat is cooked add in your beans of choice along with broth.

4. Once your meat/bean mixture has cooked together for a few minutes I add the cajun seasoning to taste and more broth to make the mixture a stew consistency. 

5. Cook the mixture without rice until boiling and let the meat and beans soak up the seasoning.

6. After the meat/bean mixture has boiled and simmered for a bit add in the cooked rice.  

7. Let entire mix cook on low together for several minutes to soak in flavor.  More broth may need to be added as the rice usually soaks up a good bit.

8. Serve on a plate or bowl.

This recipe should take no more than 30 minutes the longest part is making sure the rice is finished.  I like the recipe even more the following day as the flavor really stands out more after it is reheated!  I love it and is the perfect meal for a quick dinner.  I hope you try it and like it as much as we do.

Book Review: While You Were Sleeping

I started a psychological thriller last week and last night I stayed up really late finishing it.  I read the majority of yesterday afternoon and last night when we got home from dinner with friends I had to find out WHO KILLED LEE!!!!  This book will lead you to believe that every other character has to be the killer and in like the last 10 pages you FINALLY get all the answers and I'll tell you what....my head is still spinning.  I did NOT see that one coming.  I really enjoyed reading this book because although it was a mystery which is my normal genre but this mystery was what it said...a phycological thriller that was gripping.  They don't lie.  I look forward to reading more of this author but for now here is the Amazon synopsis.

Amazon Synopsis:

You wake up to find the man beside you is dead.

He is not your husband. This is not your bed.

Tara Logan adores her perfect little family: husband, Noah, and two children, teenager Rosie and eleven-year-old Spencer.

But her happiness is shattered when she wakes in her neighbour, Lee Jacobs’ bed, with no memory of how she got there or what happened between them. And worse – he has been stabbed to death.

Convinced she didn’t kill Lee, Tara flees home and stays silent, holding her breath as the investigation grips the neighbourhood.

But as her daughter spirals out of control, and her husband becomes increasingly distant, Tara starts to wonder if someone in her own life knows what really happened that night. And when the police turn their questions towards her, Tara realises she has to find out.

But what will it take to uncover the real story, and can she survive the truth?

A gripping, shocking psychological thriller, with a twist that will take you by surprise.

Currently reading:  Everybody Rise buy it HERE

Recipe: Homemade BCAA Jello

One of my favorite subscriptions on Youtube, Buff Bunny, made BCAA jello gummies a long time ago and after watching the video I bought unflavored gelatin to try out my hand at some BCAA jello. Last week I came across the gelatin in the pantry so I whipped up some watermelon jello real quick.  

This "recipe" is so easy and yummy.  I have been eating quite a bit of sugar free jello lately so this is why I all of sudden decided to try this.

What you'll need:

• 1 package of unflavored gelatin mix. The box I got from our local grocery store had 4 individual packages of gelatin and I used all 4 packages
• 4 cups of water
• large pool or casserole dish
• BCAA's of your liking.  I had several flavors to choose from and decided on the watermelon

What to do:

1. Pour 3 cups of water in a pot and set to boil
2. With the remaining 1 cup of water put in your dish and add all packets of unflavored gelatin.
3. Use a spoon and mix lightly and let sit as your water boils

4. Once water boils add to the gelatin and water mixture

5. Add in no more than 6 scoops of BCAA's.  I really like my watermelon flavor so I used all 6 scoops.  If you are using a smaller bowl or dish then I wouldn't use the maximum amount of scoops.

6.  With a spoon or whisk mix well until all powders are dissolved

7. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until molded into JELLO

8. Enjoy!

See I told you this little recipe is so easy and a great tool to recovery after those hard afternoon workouts.  I will for sure remember this recipe once that Texas heat sets in this summer.  I will be so refreshing, low calorie, and a great way to take in your supplements.