Travel.Voyage.Viaggio.Reise.

trav·el [trav-uhl]

I have the travel bug. In fact, I always do. I've traveled alone and while it was fun, there is nothing like sharing another city or country with the one you love. Dan and I have been talking about taking a vacation to Mexico or another warm destination when he gets leave around Christmas. While searching online, I've been looking for all-inclusive vacations to different places in Mexico such as Cabo San Lucas and Cancun. I can't help but look further though. Why not Bali, Indonesia? What about every other exotic, far away destination? I just want to go absolutely everywhere regardless of the fact we can only be away one week.

We've been lucky enough to take a few vacations in our time together. In 2006, on Dan's R&R, we spent 5 days in Barcelona after we had first started getting to know each other. We went to Cancun in the winter of 2007, stayed at a gorgeous hotel and had an absolutely amazing time. We've taken many short jaunts to Tofino, Seattle, and even Las Vegas. I can't wait to explore more countries together and take more trips whether they be short or long.

My dream is to one day go on a fabulous getaway with Dan to Santorini, Greece. How could you not enjoy absolutely every moment with these gorgeous surroundings? It's definitely my number one destination for a romantic vacation!


So, what is your favourite vacation you've ever taken with your love and where is one place you would absolutely love to discover together?

Five for Friday.

I respect you because...

1. You are an incredibly hard worker and will always go above and beyond your call of duty. This applies to every aspect of your life.

2. You do everything in your power to keep everyone in your life happy.

3. Family and friends mean the world to you.

4. When I'm upset or sad you reach out to me and try and fix the problem.

5. You show me love.

Wordless Wednesday.

Looking up from your sunroof and seeing this man is not okay. I couldn't see the whole billboard - just the man!

Bake-N-Blog!

Happy Monday fellow bloggers!

My friend Jess, over at Jesstagirl and Her Officer, is holding a Bake-N-Blog (more details here) which I'm going to participate in!

Basically, each blogger will pick which cupcake they'd like to make from a specific list. In this case, we're choosing from Ming Makes Cupcakes. They all look absolutely divine! How can you not love these precious little things? I've decided to go out on a limb here and bake the Flourless Beet Chocolate Cupcakes with Whipped Cream.

Yesterday I went to a local health food store called Nature's Fare and bought some little chocolate zucchini bites. I don't remember what brand they were, but they were delicious! I'm currently feeling pretty confident about mixing my vegetables with chocolate. Just yesterday I was talking to my mom about how I wanted to eat more beets so what perfect timing!

If you're wanting to participate head over to Jess' blog and comment on her post! It will be fun! Stay tuned for my post showcasing the chosen cupcake on September 15th! (Oh, and the corn festivities will be continuing this week for my final two recipes!)

Day 2: Avocado and Corn Salsa

Last night, I prepared my second corn recipe. Oh my goodness. There are no words to describe how much I enjoyed this. I'm so glad I tried this recipe. Thank you Michael Smith of Food Network for your delicious Avocado and Corn Salsa. The only part that saddened me was that I didn't have chicken enchiladas in the oven or refried beans. Next time I make this, that is a must. I ended up cooking the Mushroom Pork Chops from the recipe on the back of the Campbell's can to accompany it. My mom made it quite frequently when I lived at home and I had a serious hankering for it. I'm fully aware that these two things don't really "go" together but that is one of the beautiful things of cooking for you and only you!

The recipe made about two cups worth - maybe more. I can't wait for lunch again tomorrow. I have a can of refried beans in the lunch room at work so I'm seeing a simple, fresh, and amazing meal in the making!



You need to try it. Really. It is salsa but I ate it with a spoon. Who needs tortilla chips?

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 avocado, pit removed and flesh chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sea salt
• Dash hot sauce

Directions

1. Toss all the ingredients together and either serve immediately or refrigerate overnight.

Ta da! Simple and delicious!

Five for Friday.

I'm sad because...

1. We can't spend Sunday mornings cuddling, going to the Farmer's Market, and making dinner together.
2. I had to BBQ alone again this week.
3. We don't get to do fun things on Saturday nights like normal. It makes me sad seeing other couples enjoying their evening together when I can't spend my night with you.
4. I miss watching Big Brother 12 with you. I kind of can't wait for it to be over because it's just not as fun being able to talk about it with my best friend.
5. My life feels lonely without you in it. I know you're still "in it" but without you physically here, I'm lonely even if I don't act like it most of the time.

But, I am ridiculously happy that we're almost three weeks through this madness! I have faith the time will pass quickly and it will be December and you'll be home for a visit!

Day 1: Cheese on the Cob!

Since I had all of the ingredients (or thought I did!) I decided to start with Cheese on the Cob by Paula Deen. My rendition of this recipe was delicious!

I came to my spice cupboard and do you think I had chili powder? Nope. Just every other spice imaginable! I was not interested in heading to the grocery store so I substituted with a sprinkling of paprika, cumin, and a swirl of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce (love that stuff!) I also neglected to read the recipe right and regardless of having both grated and shredded Parmesan, I used the grated. If you look at the recipe you'll see it says shredded. Whatever, it was amazing! I'm so glad I BBQ'd two cobs with this recipe!




Here is the original recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 5 ears corn, husks and silk removed
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan
• Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Prepare grill.

Brush a thin layer of mayonnaise on corn. Sprinkle the corn with cheese, chili powder, salt and pepper. Wrap each corn with foil and place on the grill. Turn occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes (until kernels begin to brown). Serve warm.

You can always make the same substitutions (ahem...mistakes!) that I made too and I promise it will be delicious! Enjoy!

An Abundance of Corn!

Today, at work, we received a few boxes of corn! If you don't already know, I work for my parent's transportation company and apparently we received some corn to sample! I figured this would be a great opportunity to get me started on making fun meals for one! I am going to make the corn four different ways. Once I've tried them, I will produce a picture and a review!

Here are the recipes I'm going to try:

1. Bacon Wrapped Corn by Paula Deen

This recipe is obviously incredibly simple. It includes bacon so I really can't go wrong here. In a great attempt to be healthy I'm going to use my new favourite Lilydale Turkey Bacon. It tastes almost like Canadian Bacon and is the best in comparison to Butterball. This recipe hasn't received rave reviews but I'm hoping the switch to turkey bacon will make a difference.

2. Cuban Corn by Dave Lieberman

I love cilantro and I can't wait to taste it on the corn.

3. Cheese on the Cob by Paula Deen

Another dietary staple along with bacon is cheese!!! Okay, I think I've officially been hanging out with Dan too long. Regardless, I have a feeling it's going to be delicious.

4. Avocado and Corn Salsa by Michael Smith

Another love - avocado!! So, so excited to try this!

Look for my updates throughout this coming week to find out how the recipes turn out!

Wordless Wednesday.

Cooking for one.

(How precious does that look? Yeah, I just don't see it happening!)

Who loves cooking for one? ...anyone?

Hmm, I don't see any hands. Yeah, I feel the same way. I have noticed in the two weeks that Dan has been gone that my meals are quickly becoming quick, dull, and really quite boring. Last week I ate hashbrowns and eggs for a couple meals. I've also eaten yogurt and fruit for dinner. How about rice cakes with peanut butter? I'm not going to lie, I love all of these things but what happened to all the yummy food I'd make when the boy was here? This week I bought a bag of vegetables and fish! That's what I intend on eating for the rest of the week. I'm too lazy to cook just for me!

I find when I cook a delicious meal while alone, I end up eating it for a whole week or more. Sometimes this is good, but other times I'm dying for new flavours. Freezing food is always an option too and something I enjoy doing for quick, healthy meals. Soups, casseroles, stews and meatloaf all freeze well but being that it's summer, I really don't feel like this kind of hearty food!
How do you go about cooking for one? Do you make individual meals or do you prepare a lot in advance and freeze it by portions?

(Any small portioned recipes or "recipes for one" you'd like to share will be greatly appreciated! I promise to try them and report back! )

Five For Friday

I can't wait for you to come home so...

1. I can buy lots of Groupons so we can go out and try fun restaurants for cheap!
2. We can spend time alone just being us.
3. You can give me a hug when I'm sad.
4. You can eat dinner with me. It gets lonely eating by yourself and cooking for one.
5. We're four months closer to this whole separation thing being over so we can be together again for good.

I miss you.

Wordless Wednesday.

My car was broken into at some point last evening. While I'm angry and irritated with this happening so frequently, this note made me giggle. I might be resorting to this soon.

Book of Tomorrow

The last couple of days I spent my time reading Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern and loved it! Initially, it was progressing a little too slow for me but after a short while, I couldn't put it down! There were quite the twists in the end, as a young girl named Tamara searched for answers from her family about their past history. I read for three hours straight yesterday waiting for the mystery to be revealed and I definitely wasn't disappointed! It was a fabulous book and I definitely recommend it!

I'm now reading The Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes so I'll be sure to share my opinion when I'm finished!

What are you currently reading?

Five for Friday.

1. You told me you are "thinking of me all the time" in your e-mail and it made me smile.

2. When I immediately had a problem after dropping you off at the airport Monday you tried so hard (and did!) solve my problem even though you weren't physically there. (and were incredibly busy checking in I might add!)

3. You call to make sure I'm okay. I promise I am.

4. You constantly want to please others and do nice things for them even when you only have a few days left to yourself (and me!) before you leave for a million months. We all appreciate you.

5. You're just so damn cute and it makes you even more lovable.

Wordless Wednesday

Can we take the "wordless" out of this Wednesday?

I love this picture. That is exactly how I feel about each and everyone of us enduring the separations that military life brings. We CAN do it and the strength that we possess not only individually, but in our relationships is very great.

I was absolutely miserable a few weeks after Dan told me he was leaving. I was horrible, never happy and just simply not myself. I'm not sure Dan thought it was ever going to end because I was being so irrational. I must have got all my bad energy out during those few weeks because I feel SO positive and wonderful right now. I mean, I obviously miss him a lot. I almost started crying on my walk home from the gym when I saw a couple playing at a park having fun together and the smell of the summer BBQ's but I managed to hold it together.

I love being independent and having time for myself. Currently, I'm working on a 30 Day Gym Challenge which is going great and I will fill my Dan-less time with similar challenges, school, and participating in anything where I can better myself.

What do you do during your "me" time?

And so it begins...

Goodbyes are not forever.

Goodbyes are not the end.

They simply mean I'll miss you

Until we meet again!

~Author Unknown

Well isn't that the truth thank goodness! I took Dan to the airport this morning. I wish I could have held him hostage and kept him with me. I know we got extra time, but it's never enough. I'm not going to whine or complain. (I'm sure that is all to come!) I already miss him and I can't wait until Christmas so I can see him again! Thank you all for your support today! It means so much.