Vegas 2013

Nov23

Kevin and I spent last week in Vegas! It was a great vacation and a great way to celebrate our third wedding anniversary and Kevin’s 30 birthday!

I don’t have a ton of photos to share with you from the trip because I didn’t want to be spending all our time snapping photos! The trip was about spending time together and enjoying Vegas! Needless to say we rocked it!

The weather, the food, the shopping were all magnificent! As always! We have been to Vegas a number of times and these things are yet to disappoint! I was super excited to find the Nike studio wraps that I saw online and have lusted after for months!

Yoga just got cuter 😉

The food! Seriously Vegas is a foodie heaven! Everything we ate was outstanding. I made a point of not letting myself feel guilty for enjoying the food despite the calories. After all we were on vacation! Plus all the walking helped burn off some calories! We had omelets at Cafe Bellagio, Gourmet burgers at The Paris, Pizza at The California pizza kitchen, and many amazing meals in between!

We went to the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Soul2soul concert at the Venetian and I have to say it was the best concert I’ve ever been to! The small venue paired with the fact we got upgraded to amazing seats was absolute perfection! For a good portion of the night Tim and Faith were close enough to touch! I may or may not have had a star struck moment over Tim McGraw! It was the best way to spend a Friday night in Vegas!

Kevin took me to the Mirage to see the dolphins and big kitty’s because he knows the Secret garden is one of my absolute happy places . There is something so calming about being so near to those dolphins. I could sit there for hours watching them play. No matter how many times we go to Vegas the experience never gets old.

We did all sorts of fun stuff and then we hung out in the pool and the hot tub for a while to unwind. We sipped drinks, we gambled, we just enjoyed our time together just the two of us.
It was amazing and I can’t wait until May to do it all again!

Thankful Thursday ~November 21

Nov21

I am gonna keep this short and sweet because I’m exhausted and still battling a cold!

I am thankful for the woman who saw our house was on fire on Monday and called 911! I am thankful my brother and husband stayed calm and battled the fire until the firemen arrived and I am most thankful no one was injured and the damages are much less severe then they could have been.

All About Tea!

Nov10

A few months back I took part in a candy swap with some online friends and in my package of treats I received a few David’s tea tea bags in Forever nut and I was hooked! Shortly after that fateful day I ventured to our local location to give the tea thing a fair go!

I ended up buying the tea starter kit, the fall flavors set and a large can of Forever nuts! I was in love. Since then I’ve found myself poping into the local locations any time I’m near one. Up until my David’s discovery I was pretty brand loyal to Tazo teas by Starbucks. Don’t get me wrong I still love my Passion tea but its no David’s!

I did a tea swap with a friend in Victoria and with another blogger and received even more flavors to try! Just when I think I’ve narrowed down my list of favorites I find a new to me flavor and fall in love all over again. I am weak!!

My weakness was evident Friday morning as I was up bright and early to order the 24 days of tea advent calendar on the website. My excitement turned to disappointment as I learned the website sold out within an hour of release! I guess Lululemon isn’t the only company that uses the scaracity model! BC folks had little hope of online purchase because of upload time. I now know how the Lulu girls out of my time zone feel every Monday night! Sadsies!!! I decided to take a chance and head to Guildford to try and get my hands on the elusive highly sought after tea advent calendar!

If you ever told me I’d be standing in line for tea I would have laughed but stand in line I did! I was actually first in line at 9:45 and by store opening at 10 am there was a substantial line! Kevin shook his head as us ~~hens~~ ladies discussed our favorite flavors! Mine are Guava cadabra, Birthday cake, Pink lemonade, Lime gelato, and of course Forever nuts in case you wondered!

I am looking forward to sharing my tea experiences with you thorough out December!!

As I have mentioned in the past I am working hard to learn to slow down, to embrace time, experiences, and life. While tea is just a simple beverage to most it stands as a reminder to me that good things take time. It reminds me to slow down, step back and wait to avoid getting burned, figuratively and literally.

Thankful Thursday ~ November 7

Nov7

I recently heard some good advice and it really struck a cord with me. There is no harder there is just hard! Stop trying to convey to people why your life is harder than theirs. It isn’t a contest! Stop living in a world where you are constantly comparing yourself to others. Just live and for the love of God don’t apologize to anyone for being true to yourself!

None of us can actually live in anyone else’s shoes so we can’t ever truly understand how things wear on anyone else. This doesn’t mean we can’t be empathetic and caring. What it does mean is that you have no right to tell someone your hard is harder then their hard!

At the same time realize that being empathetic means not comparing apples to oranges! Don’t tell someone who just had their leg amputated that you know how they feel because last summer you broke your leg! Don’t pretend to have all the answers to a situation you know nothing about.

Don’t throw stones in your house of glass because eventually you will find yourself standing in the cold all alone!

Don’t lie or twist a story to make yourself a hero , eventually your true colors will be glaringly obvious to everyone else even if you are still blind to them!

You maybe wondering what all of this has to do with Thankful Thursday! Well tonight I would like to tell you how thankful I am that I’ve learned to be true to myself.

I am thankful that I am not a door mat for others. I am thankful I have enough self worth to stand up for my beliefs and challenge those who try to make me feel like less of a person!

I am thankful I am who I am. I am unapologetic for being me! I love me and while I know I am not perfect I do not need to justify myself to anyone! I know I am far from perfect and that is okay because anyone who is real admits they aren’t perfect.

I am thankful that my self-worth is strong enough to weather the storms of life and that my character is strong enough to stand up for what is right and apologize to those I have harmed unnecessarily. I refuse to be a pawn in anyone else’s dirty games! I respect myself enough to walk away from toxic people and situations and not look back.

Live with purpose not with malice and remember others may cast stones about you but their words cannot take away your truths. Their opinions of you don’t make you, your opinions of you make you.

Buffalo Chicken “Cupcakes

Nov6

So after three nights of not making dinner, unless you count toast at midnight dinner! I finally felt well enough tonight to spend some time in the kitchen tonight!!

I have spent some time looking at recipes on Pinterest and a version of this dish caught my eye. I decided to go to work inventing my own recipe for Buffalo chicken cupcakes! Of course because the hubby doesn’t do spicy I did half the batch as BBQ chicken cupcakes.

These are super easy to make and I think they would make a great appetizer. I ate a couple for dinner with some veggies because I’m ~~awesome~~, no it’s cuz I’m awesome!

This recipe makes 12 “cupcakes” using a regular sized muffin tin. I did 6 buffalo and 6 BBQ by simply separating the chicken/veggie mix before adding the sauce.

Ingredients
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup real bacon bits *optional*
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup hot sauce or BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 can of refrigerated pizza dough
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Cooking spray

Method
Chop chicken, onions, pepper into small pieces and pan fry in butter, adding Italian seasoning and garlic halfway through cooking.

Preheat oven to 375

Spray muffin pan liberally with cooking spray.

Cut pizza dough into 12 equal portions and form each into a dough ball with your hands.
Use a roller to roll out each section of dough into a small circle and place into greased pan.

Once chicken/veggie mix is cooked toss with your choice of sauce. Divide mixture evenly between the 12 muffin tins.

Bake uncovered for 15 minutes and the remove from oven, quickly top with cheese and bake for another 5 minutes to melt cheese.

Remove from oven and remove from muffin tin pan by running a butter knife around the edge of each “cupcake” !

Enjoy

Thankful Thursday ~ October 31

Oct31

Happy Halloween Friends!! Hope everyone had a great night enjoying the spookiest of holidays!

My Thankful Thursday post will be quick and simple tonight as I’m exhausted!

I am thankful for my family. I spent tonight at my parents house handing out candy to all the little ghouls and goblins and enjoyed dinner with my parents. Don’t get me wrong we have our ups and downs like any family but things are usually pretty good.

My brother and I spend a lot of time together these days and it has reminded me blood is thicker then water!

Last weekend Kev and I ventured over to Nanaimo to visit with his family. I thoroughly enjoy being a McGavin. They are thoughtful and loving without being over bearing! And I happen to think I have the best mother and father in law a girl could ask for!

Since I haven’t been working my furry family has stuck close to my side. Tonight Muffin and Jasmine chilled on the couch right beside me and followed me to greet every trick or treater!!

I am a lucky girl.

Thankful Thursday ~ Oct 24

Oct24

So despite the fact that last night and today have been “bad” days in terms of my pain level, I still took time to reflect on what I’m thankful for.

I am Thankful that I live in an area that is surround with so much natural beauty! We have the ocean, mountains, vast farm land, lakes, and a gorgeous city all within driving distance of our door.

Today despite the pain we went to Campbell valley park to stretch our legs. Muffin was getting restless and I definitely had a major mood outburst earlier in the day so it was evident fresh air was needed!

I love Campbell valley park. I wrote a blog post earlier in the year about the proposed changes a racing group were trying to implement in the park. You can read that post Here

I am insanely thankful that proposal was shot down and the park remains as a gorgeous, tranquil, peaceful haven. As I’ve said before this park is one of my favorite places.

I always feel calmer and happier after a walk, run, or ride through this amazing park! Today was no different, I loved it!

Seattle 2013

Oct19

Last month we took a trip to Seattle and I loved every minute of it!!! I loved the architecture, the food, the sights, the sounds and the Seahawks!! I have tried to write this post a few times and can never do my experience justice!! It was an amazing trip and I am already longing to return to that beautiful city!!

We took in so many amazing things while we were there! We visited Pike place market daily, took in the views from the space needle, went to watch the Seahawks kick ass and the Mariners try their hardest! I was enthralled with the gorgeousness that is Seattle center park. The Chihuly glass was stunning and the aquarium stole my heart! I really can’t even put into words how much I loved Seattle and how much I enjoyed my time with Kevin and his parents!

What I can tell you is how amazing the food was!! I had done some research prior to going and was informed by other bloggers that I had to try the macaroni and cheese at Beechers!!! Ummm they were correct! If it’s one thing bloggers know it’s food!!

The secret to Beechers amazing pasta offering is the homemade cheese! You can actually watch them make the cheese while you stand in line! Don’t let the line discourage you! It’s worth the wait and the calories!!

Beechers is located at Pike place market a few doors down from the first Starbucks location!! If you know me at all you know how excited I was to visit that particular Starbucks location! Again don’t let the line discourage you it moves rather quickly but if you can plan a weekday visit there won’t be much of a line to contend with.

I’m not sure if it was the best skinny,half sweet iced caramel macchiato I’ve ever had because the baristas at that location are pro or if because I was on a vacation high! Either way it was worth the line and I happily remember my visit each time I use my prized mugs I bought at the first Starbucks location ever!! Yes I’m that girl 😉

We tried many nibbles of delectable offerings at the market but the mini donuts from A Daily Dozen at Pike place hold a special place in my heart and on my thighs! If I lived in Seattle my proximity to those little donuts would cause me health issues I assure you!

They put those suckers in a brown paper bag to hide your addiction like an alcoholic would hide his bottle!!! My inner fat girl longs for more paper bag shame!!!!

The sights of Pike place market are amazing. The flowers, the fish, the fruits and veggies, the gum wall!! I don’t even know where to begin! We spent hours and hours there and it wasn’t enough.

We decided to take in the views from some higher places and took a ride on the massive Ferris Wheel on the board walk! Such a neat experience and I was very proud of Mom for taking the ride despite her feelings about heights!

While the views from the Ferris wheel were amazing they were not as amazing as those from the top of the Space needle. If you do one thing in Seattle eat the Mac and cheese! If you do two, go up the Space needle and sip an overpriced glass of wine while you marvel over the stunning view of this amazing city!

We had the pleasure if visiting the Aquarium while we were there and of course I adored that!! There were otters and otters are on my list of things I
love!!!!

Being married to a McGavin man means you have to be a Seahawks fan! It’s not debatable and when you go to a game with the boys you have to cheer with all you’ve got! I also had a team inspired pedicure which I am certain helped them win! It isn’t hard to get into the Seahawks spirit when you are in Seattle! You make friends and get high fived just for sporting team gear. It is impossible not to get sucked into the hype at a game when surrounded by cheering fans and fueled by garlic fries. The Seahawks game was by far the coolest sporting event I’ve ever been to.. And don’t tell Kevin but I kinda like watching games with him now!

After experiencing a Sunday night Seahawks game the Monday nights Mariners game was much quieter but still an awesome experience I fully enjoyed!

I could go on for hours telling you all about our trip and my new found love of the city. I could tell you about early morning swims, beer tastings at the brewery, the antique shop, the wine, the best ranch dressing I’ve ever tasted, the game of chicken we played with the fountain, and the love I have found being part of Kevin’s family. I once again feel this post doesn’t even begin to touch on the amazingness I experienced while in Seattle. If you ever get the chance to take in that beautiful, inspiring city do it. Seattle doesn’t disappoint. The food, the views, the people, the Seahawks, all amazing!

Thankful Thursday ~ October 17

Oct17

Good evening folks!

Wow this week has been an experience! I didn’t realize how much getting laid off would affect me. I don’t me negatively, I simply mean all the thinking and contemplating it has brought about for me. As most if my friends and family know I am very stubborn and I like having control. Sometimes in life you learn the most when you can’t have control of a situation!

This week I am thankful for many things. Some of the things I am thankful for are silly things! Psssttt I’m thankful for the chocolate chip banana muffins from whole-foods!! I’m thankful for being able to shop at Whole-foods! I know right, so petty but honestly sometimes it’s little silly things in life that cause us to reflect the most.

In all honesty this week I am thankful for my husband. Kevin has been extremely supportive and understanding through this journey to the end of my nursing job.

I can’t even verbalize how much easier he has made this time in my life. He had consistently reminded me that things will be fine. He has kept me entertained and has checked up on me when he couldn’t be near me. He has been free with the hugs and has kept me laughing.

I adore my husband and am extremely thankful for the support I find in him.

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

Oct13

Every year Fort Langley plays host to the annual Cranberry Festival. Yesterday was that time of year again and Kevin and I decided to check it out with some family and friends.

I’ve been to and volunteered at this event many times over the years. It gets a little bigger every year. This year I notice the local cranberry theme was weak and the whole event had a very farmers market feel about it. None the less I enjoyed my day with family and friends.

Fort Langley is a beautiful little village that lays along side the Fraser river with a rich history that affects not only British Columbia but the whole country of Canada! Fort Langley is the location where, a century and a half ago, Hudson’s Bay Company established it’s fur trading post! The post grew to trade with the First Nations of the West Coast. The trading post grew, evolved, and influenced history in many ways, eventually leading to the creation of the colony of British Columbia. A little history lesson for you! You can visit the Fort itself and learn all about our country’s rich heritage, Or you can spend the day browsing the many unique shops the Village has to offer! The area boosts a number of amazing wineries, restaurants, and parks. The Fort to Fort trail is a gorgeous walk!

Back to the Cranberry festival! We saw many interesting offerings from local artists, bakers, crafters, florists, etc.

Emma tried her hand at Sugaring off.. A Canadian tradition of pouring hot maple syrup on fresh snow and rolling it on a stick to form a yummy treat!

We decided to take on the issue of lunch by visiting some of the food trucks and sharing a bucket of donuts. We aren’t proud of it, but it happened 😉

Other then the food we saw some giant pumpkins, a giant beaver and just enjoyed browsing and our afternoon together. We walked away with a few purchases and some fun memories! If you’re ever in the area I highly suggested checking out Fort Langley as it is a beautiful little village!

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and enjoys their time with family and friends.

Life With The McGavins

100% Not Sugar Coated

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