Link to a giveaway

My good friend over a B in Real Life is doing some awesome giveaways and here is one for you all to check out!

B in Real Life Giveaway

Our Girls

The Big news around here is that we are having a Baby GIRL in July. I have waited to post anything on the blog because I felt so awful during the first trimester, then the gender reveal was just a month away. I must say that this pregnancy has been more challenging because I am chasing a busy 2.5 yr. old around. We were thrilled to see a healthy baby on the ultrasound and I was only mildly disappointed about it not being a boy. Most of the disappointment was selfish because I wanted to be able to make cute boy things, have a new experience, etc... All of those thing can and will happen with this little one too. I am beyond excited that all of Chloe's clothes will work for the new little one. They will be 3 yr. and 4 weeks apart, so seasons are the same. That is a huge provision for us financially! Now the name game. We had a heck of a time coming up with Chloe's name and I doubt this time will be much easier. I am always concerned about meaning of the name and Brent is concerned about how it sounds first. So I am going to start hitting up pinterest for some inspiration for fresh baby girl ideas. I am also starting to brainstorm some ideas of my own to share in this space. Chloe is terribly excited and keeps saying, "I can't wait to meet the new baby girl, I am SO excited." She has some things to learn between now and then, but will be a great big sister.

The BEST Green Beans!

I lived in China for several years. Garlic green beans was one of my favorite dishes. Over the last year I have finally perfected a recipe that has those who love Asian food and those who don't begging for more. I have never had so many people ask me for a recipe. I hope you and yours love it as much as we do!

Ingredients:

1 pkg steamable green beans
2 cloves diced garlic
2-3 TBSP olive oil
salt (pepper) to taste

Steam green beans in microwave 1 min shy of package instructions. 4 minutes in this case.

(Cleaning microwave is optional:)

 In large skillet heat oil.

Add garlic (I use trader joe's frozen garlic cubes), saute until light brown

 add green beans

 Stir to coat beans in oil and garlic, mouth watering begins now

 Put a lid on the skillet for 3 or so minutes

 Add salt (and pepper if you like it) and stir replacing lid if you want a more crispy bean like I do

(I love my thumbs!)

 Get the beans so they are brown on the edges 

Plate and get ready to eat the whole bag!

I have used fresh green beans and just steamed them to make them a bit softer before putting putting them in the skillet. I have also used the same method with broccoli. It takes a bit longer to get them a bit crispy, but also very delicious!

GREEN BEANS
1 pkg steamable green beans
2 cloves diced garlic
2-3 TBSP olive oil
salt (pepper) to taste

Steam green beans in microwave 1 min shy of pkg. instructions. In large skillet heat oil, butter. Add garlic, saute in oil, add green beans, stir. Put a lid on the skillet for 3 min, stir and continue until the green beans are crispy on the edges. Add salt (and pepper as you go) I do this with broccoli florets too! Yum.

Snow Fun!

We had our first big snow of the year. I am so thankful that it was preceded by a week of 50 and 60 degree days. Chloe had SO much fun crawling in, rolling in and throwing snow. She spent lots of time outside and ate her share of white stuff too. I have lots of fun things to write about coming up soon including an awesome tutorial and recipe for THE BEST green beans you have ever eating this side of Xi'an! (recipe by yours truly) So until I can snap some mouth watering pictures, here is the cutest snow bunny I have ever seen.