happy things

Good things are happening around here!

Something I am really excited about is my new running partner.

My friend, Carrie, and I just started running together about 2 weeks ago.

We are following the app, Ease to 10k, which has been great.

We run three mornings a week and we are loving it!

I am so happy to have her as my partner.

I am enjoying running more than ever before, and I am really enjoying our conversations.

It's been a great addition to my week.

I am also excited about this 6 MONTH old baby boy!

 Bennett is such a JOYFUL, sweet, cuddly, easy-going baby.

His personality is coming out more and more each day.

Love seeing his sweet smiles and hearing the noises he makes.

He is working on sitting up, but we're not quite there yet.

He's just so chill, absolutely no desire to go anywhere unless its in someone else's arms.

He started giving high fives this week and he's very proud of that!

He is really such a JOY! Such a precious gift!

I am beyond thrilled about Chucks MY new grill!

Our grill completely gave up on me a few months ago and I have been lost without it.

I LOVE to grill. 

A gas grill really makes my life so much easier,

when it comes to preparing quick, healthy, yummy dinners for my family.

FINALLY, Chuck brought this home last week and I am loving it!

 My go-to seasonings below.

Drizzle olive oil and Fiesta Fajita Seasoning over chicken, steak, pork chops, whatever...

throw on the grill and serve with vegetables.

Voila... a quick, healthy meal!

Don't be afriad of the grill ladies! It's a lifesaver!

I actually have been trying a new recipe once a week, and have been cooking more in general.

Finding the time to blog about my favorite recipes is a different story.

I do want to share this family favorite!

CHICKEN SPEZZATINO by Giada deLaurentis

You can find the full recipe in her Everyday Italian cookbook.

It is a perfect stew any time of year.

The vegetables make it such a fresh, beautiful one pot dish.

I love it!

Heat 2T olive oil over medium high heat. 

Add chopped vegetables: 1 small onion, 2 stalks celery, and 1 carrot.

 Saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Melting my frozen, homemade chicken broth.

 Add chicken broth, 1 can of tomatoes (14.5 oz),

1 bay leaf, 2T tomato paste, 1/2 cup chopped, fresh basil, and 2t dried thyme.

Stir to combine.  Then add 2 chicken breasts (bone-in) and submerge in liquid.

Cook about 20 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.

 Remove chicken from bones and dice. 

Add one can of organic kidney beans.

Simmer 10 more minutes or so.

 Serve it up!

Isn't it pretty?

 I love this meal all by itself, but you could serve with a crusty bread.

Hope you try it and enjoy!

Be sure to check out Giada's Everyday Italian cookbook.

Happy Wednesday!