Turkey Sausage Bake!

I fully intend on doing a catch up blog tomorrow but tonight I want to share with you one of my favorite recipes that I found on Pinterest. Not only is this recipe healthy, it's really filling too!

Baked Turkey Sausage, Peppers, Carrots & Potatoes

(Yes, I eat on tiny salad plates for portion control)

Here is what you need to do:

Ingredients

• 1 package (at least 1 lb) of your favorite sausage links (johnsonvilles, evergood, generic smoked sausage, whatever you like.  i used smoked turkey sausage, 2 long links)
• 4-5 decent-sized potatoes (i prefer yukon gold or red bliss)
• 1 small jar banana peppers
• 1-2 bell peppers, sliced (I didn't do this on this recipe but I added carrots)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 tbsp olive oil (yes, it has to be OLIVE oil)
• salt & pepper
• Parmesan Cheese (enough to sprinkle over the top)
• *optional — 3 tbsp creole seasoning ( I use Tony's because it's THE BEST)

Instructions:


Spray a large baking pan w/ nonstick spray (make sure there is at least a small “lip” that provides a “side” to the pan, don’t use a flat baking sheet.

1. Slice sausages into thin rounds, about 1/5″ thick. 
2. Cut potatoes into 1/2″ chunks
3. Slice onion and pepper into strips
4. Leave baby carrots as is if you use them. Just throw them in with everything else.
5. Place all ingredients on baking sheet and drizzle oil over.  use your hands to toss everything together in the oil, making sure everything feels coated.
6. Add salt & pepper and spices (if using)
7. Top w/ sliced banana peppers
8. Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese over the top
9. Bake at 400 for about 40-45 minutes or until potatoes are tender

There ya have it! This dish is really good and husband approved. It's one of his favorites as well. I added a salad to this meal too because I LOVE salad.

I'll be back tomorrow with a full 365 update and trip blog!

This photo is day 93 for the record. :-)

xxx

Ryan

Everyone knows what Friday is right?

Good morning my loves! I figured I better post a 365 update and write a little before I leave for our mini family vacation tomorrow.

I'm SO excited to be heading to Red River Gorge tomorrow. I could totally use some fresh air, campfires and family time. This is part of our Christmas present from dad and Jeannine. Every year we try to go somewhere as a family. 2 years ago we went to Gulf Shores, last year we went to the Gorge when Charlie was a mere 5 weeks old and this year we're heading back for another go round. We are staying in the "Living on the Edge" cabin and it is GORGEOUS! I'm so glad Charlie is older this year because last year it was tough taking care of a newborn while I was still recovering and trying to have a good time as well. So anyway, we leave tomorrow and sadly Ryan can't join us until Friday after work. He started this new work schedule a week too soon! If he had been on his old schedule just one more week he would have been able to come down with us on Thursday. Bummer.

Now, let's talk about Friday. Everyone knows what Friday is right? It's the HUGE Sweet Sixteen match up between UofL & UK. I'm honestly dreading this game. They beat us during the regular season but that doesn't really mean much when it comes to the tournament. This UK team doesn't have the talent or motivation that National Champion team had when they beat us in the Final Four two years ago. I really just dread this game because no matter what the outcome the fans are pretty shitty most of the time. I try not to be one of "those" fans. Especially on Facebook or social media sites. I always root hard for my Cards but I don't talk shit if we kick UK's ass. I'm all about a good rivalry but sometimes some of the fans are just shitty. And it's both sides. But it's not me. I'll talk smack all day when I'm watching the game with family and friends but I'd rather not boast or brag or be a crappy fan on Facebook. Not my style. On that note. Go Cards.

Here's an updated 365 post. Last week was an AWESOME week for me! Well, Day 81 was anyway. I'm part of a 365 group on Facebook with women (and one guy) from all over the world and we share our images daily. Well, a moderator normally picks one image a day for the top banner page. I've had some images that I thought for sure were going to be banner images in the past but I had never had one of my images picked. Well on day 81 that all changed. I went to lunch with Courtney, Molly & Charlie and snapped a shot of our delicious sushi roll when it came out for my 365 project. When I uploaded that evening to our group I was so excited when that image was chosen to be the banner page for a day! Sometimes I feel like my images aren't good and that I'm not doing enough or putting in enough effort but having that image chosen made me feel SO good! Aside from my image being posted I've booked 4 Spring photoshoots and a wedding in the past week. Yay!

So now that I've rambled enough. Here is my updated 365!

 Day 77. More food.

Day 78. Millie caught Charlie napping.

Day 79. Getting her gear ready for the game!

 

Day 80. My girl is 11 months old!

 

Day 81. The Sushi Shot! So proud of this image!

 

Day 82. Biscuits & Honey. One of my Honey's favorite things.

 

Day 83. Morning shadows.

 

Day 84. Millie and I got our days mixed up. Whoops!

 

Well after my trip I'm sure I'll have tons to update so stay tuned! Thanks for reading!

xxx

Ryan

Progress and daily life update!

Hello my followers!

I know I haven't written an actual blog in a while but I promise it's only because I've been so busy lately. I say this all the time but I will be SO glad when Ryan's night shift is over. Looks like it will be just in time for summer too. That makes me happy because we will get to go out and do stuff together with Charlie while the weather is nice. It hasn't been terrible during the winter but I would hate to spend the summer nights without my love.

SO! As most of you know I started a weightloss competition on January 5th. I'm in one with all my friends, who are totally kicking ass by the way, and considering most of us girls had babies last year we totally rock for wanting to get back in shape as soon as we could. (I'm a little late, my kid is almost 1 :-) ha)I'm also in another one on a website called dietbet.com. Totally genius idea and concept but you really have to be focused to at least win your money back. I bet $125 that I would lose 10% of my body weight by July. I'm well into that bet, I've already lost 6% and I fully intend to lose the 10% plus more. My friendly diet bet ends in April so I really need to kick my butt into gear for the next two months.

I've really been focused on eating right and staying away from fast food and garbage that I know my body does not need. I haven't totally kicked the diet cokes, I maybe have 2 a week but I know I need to give those up too because really they do absolutely nothing for me. I've been running 3 miles a day 5 days a week and sometimes my weekend runs are a little longer. Running at 530  in the morning is really the hardest thing ever, especially in the cold, but I would rather knock my workouts out early so I can spend time with the little bug when she wakes up. My pace is getting better too. When I first started running again my pace was like 12:50 per mile. haha. I'm back down in the 10's now so that makes me smile. 

I've decided not to run the mini or any of the triple crown races this year. Those races take so much out of me and by the time they are done I don't want to run again for like 6 months! So, I've decided to take this year off and focus on fun running for ME!

I'm still working on my 365 project and it's coming along. Shooting everyday has done wonders for me. It sometimes hard to think of things to photograph though. Especially in the winter. Especially this winter. IT'S BEEN SO FREAKIN' COLD! Ugh. I'm so ready for it to be over, but nope, snowed again last night. Jeez.

So yeah, that's what's been going on with me lately. I'm also planning little bugs first birthday party! That's probably a whole different blog I should write because there is no way a 1 year olds birthday party should stress me out the way this one has. More on that later. Probably after the party.

I'll be posting another blog later with the 365 update and following that up with a special blog about a special client of mine having TRIPLETS! I've snuck some in on Pinterest. Check the link--->

Hope everyone has a great day!

xxx

Ryan

Well hello there! A 365 update!

Hey friends! I just want to update the bloggy blog with my 365 pics! I've been super busy lately with the snow, the babe, birthday's, friend and family time & relaxation!

Thanks for following along :-)

Day 34. "Home"

 Day 35. "Reflection"

Day 36. "Ice"

Day 37. "Happy birthday Grandma"

Day 38. "Birdhouse"

Day 39 "Bowling with friends"

Day 40. "Scrunch Face"

Day 41 "Inspector Carrot Head"

Day 42 "Salt Rocks"

Day 43 "Reading My Mom & Me" *Love*

Day 44. "No 10 month pics mom"

Day 45. "Favorite" *Happy valentines day :-)

Day 46 "Debating on running the mini again this year"

Day 47. "So fresh and so clean"

The SUN is finally out here in Louisville and all this snow is melting. I seriously cannot wait to get outside and start shooting again. This winter has been such a drag. Hope everyone is enjoying the warm up!

xxx

Ryan

Our girl is 9 months old!

Ah well, I'm a few days behind. If I could get some energy together I would be able to post consistently but since my kid wants to keep me sick all the time I do what I can :-)

I am finally feeling much better and was able to squeeze in a two mile run after getting back from Molly's slumber party princess birthday party thingy. I glimpsed into my future tonight and it was filled with little girls, screaming, tiaras, pink, giggling & fun. I'm cool with that. I do wish I could have stayed and helped my sister a little longer but as we all know, Charlie has a pretty strict bedtime and if she's not in her crib by 8pm she's not a happy little camper.

I'm a few days behind on posting my 365 on the blog.

Here is day 17.

This was yesterday morning. Little bug decided to sleep until 8:20. Yeah, she never does that on the weekend. I was just going to wake her up so we could get ready for daycare because I have to be at work at 9 and she was just sitting there waiting on me. Not even making a peep. She's so silly.

Today I decided to take her 9 month pics. The week is so busy so I don't really have a lot of time to do things then and also, the light isn't very good in the house when we get home at 5 so I knew that I was going to snap a few photos today.

Here is day 18 and Charlie's 9 month picture.

Those blue eyes kill me. I just love this little bug so much! I cannot believe it's been 9 months since she was born. It seems like just yesterday we were going through those rough first few weeks, the jaundice, the colic and the growing pains. I'm so glad we have such a great routine now and our girl is happy all of the time.

Louisville is about to play some ball so I'm not going to write much more. Gotta cheer on my CARDS! Here are a few more pics from today. :-)

xxx

Ryan

Facebook - RC2

Days 9 & 10

I've been under the weather the past few days. I feel like I'm sick all the time. Once Charlie gets all these daycare bugs out of her system we are going to have some pretty healthy immune systems! I look forward to those days.

Day 9.

We have a lot of military books in our house. My husband was a sniper in the Marines and I was an ABH in the Navy. With that being said, we really wanted to get out this weekend and see Lone Survivor but he's had the flu and like I said earlier, I haven't been feeling so great myself so it looks like we're going to spend the weekend home relaxing and trying to get well.

Day 10.

Friday morning I woke up and felt like there was a fire in my throat. Seriously, I never get sore throats but on Friday I felt like I was going to die. Since I couldn't really eat much I decided to juice myself some breakfast. I LOVE juicing. This recipe is really simple and one that I use a lot.

Handful of spinach
3 small Gala Apples
1/2 lemon (peel and all)
1 whole cucumber
Kale
3 celery stalks
5 baby carrots

It really takes a ton of fruits and veggies to juice. All of that made this one glass of juice. Crazy. But it's so good. Especially if you're not feeling good and you drink some fruits and veggies the nutrients and vitamins make you feel better instantly.

I have something delicious cooking in the crockpot for today (Day 11) so I'm saving that photo for a recipe blog later. Have a great Saturday friends!

xxx

Ryan

Baby, it's COLD outside.

Hey y'all! Hope everyone is having a great Monday. It is SOOOO cold outside! -2 is way too cold for me. I think I need a vacation somewhere warm very soon!

Today is day 6. And today happens to be a selfie day. I took about two dozen photos today of random things, including what I was cooking for dinner for a recipe blog but I didn't like any of them once I started processing.

Day 6.

I actually have a ton to write about but honestly I'm wore out today. I've started running again so this morning I was up and on the treadmill at 530. Tomorrow I will post a little bit of a mixed blog about running, our weight loss competitions and the whole Louisville Football coaching mess and my thoughts about it.

Hope everyone likes day 6, especially because it's of my face! haha :-)

Don't forget to like my FB page and my blog! I seriously need more followers. I know you guys come check this out from Facebook so just FOLLOW it! Spanks!

Here is another selfie from today. Just for fun.

(I don't do serious well. I prefer to smile :-)

Have a good night! Stay warm!

xxx

Ryan

Sunday Funday!

Hi again!

Today was day 5! Woo.

Today I attempted to shoot some indoor portraits which most of you know is totally not my thing. In fact, the photos from today that I love the most are outdoors. Luckily we caught the weather at just the right time and we were able to get some fun stuff outside. I've got some indoor shots as well but the photo I chose for the 365 project was taken outside.

This is my Aunt Theresa. She's fun, spunky and has tons of personality. I frequently shoot portraits for her and she is so willing to do whatever! I really liked her expression in the picture below. I labeled it "Waiting" on  my project. It looks like she's waiting on something. Either for me to leave her alone, the snow to come or for me to let her go back inside. Haha. Anywho, her expression really made this photo for me. So this is our day 5!

I did a lot of post processing to this photo. Mainly the grass, background and coloring. The grass this time of year is not really what you would call pretty so I added some color, some texture and a little dodging and burning. I love this photo. Hopefully my Aunt does too!

Second topic of the day. TWINS! I've never got to photograph twins before so I was really excited when I met Sean and Alex. They were so fun and I'm glad their mom, Pam, contacted me to shoot some photos of them and discuss possibly shooting her daughter's wedding in the summer. Alex and Sean were cracking me up through their whole shoot. They are quite comical and were willing to do whatever I asked which was awesome! I hope to see them again maybe in the summer/fall to shoot some senior portraits! Fun Fun! Anywho, here is a shot from their informal pics today.

Again with the processing. I brightened things up a bit.

Well, that's about it for today. The weather is about to turn freezing so me and Charlie are in our jammies staying cozy watching some football. Our Eagles lost yesterday so we're pretty bummed about that. Hope everyone is having a great Sunday!!

xxx

Ryan

Day 2! It's a new recipe kinda day!

Hello friends!

As some of you know I LOVE to cook, bake and try new recipes and tonight I made a delicious dish and decided to blog about it and incorporate my 365 photo to it as well.

The dish is called One-Pan Venison Enchilada Pasta. Of course you don't have to use venison, but since I have a hearty supply here in my freezer thanks to the husbands hunting adventures, I rarely use any other type of meat. Plus it's so lean, I don't have to worry about all the fat and icky stuff that's in ground beef. Bleh.

Enough about that. Here is what you need:

Ingredients 

• 2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced ( I was out so used a little garlic powder and garlic salt)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1.25 pounds of taco seasoned ground venison, turkey, or beef
• packet of low-sodium taco seasoning
• 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 19oz can of red enchilada sauce
• 8oz (about 2 1/2 cups) of dried rotini pasta
• 2 cups of freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese 
  
  
• green onions
• black olives (optional I didn't use olives)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil over medium low heat until softened.
2. Add ground meat and cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon until browned.
3. Once turkey meat is cooked through, add pasta, chicken broth and enchilada sauce to pan.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduced heat to low and cover.
5. Cook on low, with pan covered for about 15 minutes.
6. Then remove lid and let simmer for additional 5 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has reduced.
7. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheese.
8. Top pasta with additional cup of cheese and melt under broiler for a minute or tow, or place lid back on pan and let heat from the pasta melt the cheese.
9. Garnish with black olives and green onions.

The end result looks like this (minus the matte Lightroom filter :-)

Please don't mind my old as dirt pan. I think if I'm going to start taking pictures of my cooking I should probably get some new pots and pans. But hey, if it's not broke, don't fix it right?

Thanks for checking out the recipe and day 2 of my 365 photo project! I'm going to try and do a recipe a week. Don't forget to follow my blog and "Like" my Facebook page! Click the link below and it will take you there!

Please "Like" my Facebook page :-)

Next time I will take more photos of the cooking process as well! It's hard to do when you're trying to entertain a 9 month old in a highchair and cook dinner at the same time!

xxxx

Ryan