"Pretend like it's the weekend..."

So today I must have been feeling a little adventurous, or maybe I've just been listening to Jack Johnson on repeat for a while, but today I felt like having pancakes. With syrup. For lunch (don't judge me). But not just any pancakes...Whole Wheat Brown Sugar Banana Pancakes. 

Everything all laid out for ease.

 And OH MY GOODNESS, they tasted like heaven! Sweet, banana-y, delicious heaven. And I didn't feel all that guilty for eating them. I used whole wheat pastry flour, a brown sugar-Splenda blend and sugar-free maple syrup. 

The finished product-maybe a tad darker than I would've liked.

For real though, I think I've forgotten how to make pancakes since I've been gone! I made them much, much darker than I would have preferred, but in all honesty, I don't think it made them taste any less delicious. I had 2 (the recipe makes about 12) and these things kept me full all day!

What are pancakes without bacon??

Here's a link to the recipe: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/06/whole-wheat-brown-sugar-banana-bread-pancakes/

Brain Food!!

Happy Wednesday! For all y'all with work and/or school, the week's half over. Andddd, since I have a younger sister and a younger brother (both of which are still in school), we always try to have a healthy and delicious dinner to fuel their bodies and their brains!

Sweeeeet potatoes. Except they're savory. Brain teaser??

Salmon patties - delicious fish in an easy to eat package!

 That means Salmon Patties (full of super good for you omega-fatty acids). Seriously though, I love most types of fish, and I could eat salmon for days. Anyway it's made. But these patties are super-quick and super easy. Just salmon, cornmeal, salt and pepper (and any other spice if you're feeling adventurous) and fry them til they're golden. I suppose you could even bake them, but for something quick, frying works wonders.

Zucchini squash, fresh from our garden.

And, our family absolutely loves grilled veggies. Zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, onion - you name it, we like it. Slice some up, add olive oil, salt, pepper, and (if you like spicy things) a dash of chipotle seasoning, and toss in a skillet.  

Plain for Tanner, cabbage and tomato for Mom, and everything + mozzarella balls for Me :)

And if there was one thing I missed while I was living in a home-stay in Buenos Aires, it was rich, hearty salads. Gabriela, my host mom, wasn't a fan of veggies, so I usually resorted to snacking on whole avocados and cherry tomatoes in my room. But now that I'm home, our family seriously has a huge salad before every dinner. It's been a month and I still can't get enough. 

Cake and Presents!

Happy Birthday to 2 Fabulous Women: 

 My mom (44th birthday) and my bestie Stacy (21st)

Peach Margarita

 Me and Stace split a pitcher of peach margaritas, while mom went with a Strawberry Daiquiri. 

Chicken Fajitas

 My mexican go-to: Chicken Fajitas. It can sometimes be hard trying to avoid lots of bread and carbs, especially at mexican, but Fajitas are perfect (and delicious!) I just don't eat the tortillas or all of the rice.

Yummy goodness.

After dinner, my sister and I surprised our mom with homemade Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Me, Mom and Michaela

Totally South Beach Diet approved. And delicious!

Bridal Shower Cheat-Treats

Bridal Shower = lots of gifts, games and, of course, food. My cousin, Lauren, had her first of 3 bridal showers this weekend, and I definitely indulged. In family-time, friend-time and in food. Lots and lots of food :)

all home-made = damnnnn.

 There were meatballs and pulled pork barbeque, buffalo chicken dip and pepperoni-stuffed rolls, vegetarian pizza and baked beans, potato salad and coleslaw. It was a smorgasbord of homemade, southern cooking. I literally thought I was going into a food coma. 

I made sure to try a little bit of everything. 

Lauren's matron of honor (and her mom, who does party preparation in Man, WV) made the cutest pink and white cake to match the theme of Lauren's shower. Complete with a GIANT pink bow on top :)

Bridal shower cake.