Chocolate Covered Strawberries and a Dinner

Joe and I invited Mal and DLW over for Valentine's Day and my birthday! Between DLW's allergies to everything and Joe's pickiness, I decided that we would do a "Make Your Own Pizza Night"! This way, I wouldn't have to cook and it would be really easy to prepare (Like always, I waited really late to invite them over).  I must admit, I was a horrible blogger and didn't take very many pictures. 

The Drinks

Due to Mallory's very exciting news, I felt as though Shirley Temples where in order! They are a perfect go to non-alicohlic drink. 

What you need:

• Sprite
• Grenadine 
• Cherries
• Cute paper straws (not needed, but much more fun! 

The Pizza

DLW and Joe just watched as Mal and I tried our best to make the pizzas! It was a lot of fun and really easy to make. 

Ingredients: 

• Pizza Dough - I bought mine from Safeway for only $1.50, it was in the cooler area. I know Pubix also sells the homemade dough. Mal also suggested the whole wheat Pillsbury Doughboy dough. 
• Pizza Sauce - I bought a few small jars that I found near the spaghetti sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Toppings - I did pepperoni, bell pepper, and onion. 

Once the pizza has been put together we put them in the oven on 425 degrees for 15 minutes. 

Only photo that Joe took of us making pizza. 

The Dessert 

Mal brought some amazing mini cakes and I made some chocolate covered strawberries! I actually took a ton of photos of making the strawberries, because this was done before Mal and Dan came over. :)

Chocolate Covered Strawberries:

• Strawberries 
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate - I used Ghirardelli Chocolate
• Small Pot
• Microwave safe bowl 

I never realized how easy it was to make chocolate covered strawberries and I will be making some again in the future. 

1. Wash Strawberries

2. Bring water to a boil in a small pot

3. Place a microwaveable bowl on top of the small pot and add chocolate

4. Once the chocolate is melted dip the strawberries into the chocolate 

5. Place the chocolate covered strawberries on to parchment paper 

6. Let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until hard

It's always nice to have friends over and really nice when you don't have to prepare to much!

What is your go-to meal when inviting people over?

How was your Valentine's Day?

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Cheers to Mal!!

This week I am sending my cheers to my good friend Mallory! Mal Smiles was one of the very first blogs that I ever followed. Mal has always been one of the kindest people in the blogging world. She has given me advice on how to get the most out of blogging and how to make my blog the best it can be.

Mal / Kaitlyn / Stephanie 

It was a very fortunate turn of events when her husband DLW got stationed at Ft. Carson. I admire Mal's commitment to work, she moved to Colorado a month early so that she was able to maintain a career as a teacher, while still being a supportive army wife. Mal and I moved around the same time and she was one of the biggest supporters during Joe's deployment.

It was so nice to learn that we have a ton in common.  Mal and I both love to do anything outdoors and active. We have hiked up the incline and ran a 10K. We are also able to just hang out. It is nice to have a go to friend here in Colorado. Since Joe has returned we have been able to hang out as couples. Joe and DLW also have lots in common and they also have become friends. 

So cheers to you Mal! Thank you for being a great friend. Here is to many more years of friendship! 

Link up with Casey for Cheers not Jeers! 

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Cara Box - Fall!

cara (car-rah) noun : beloved friend
Awesome things in the mail + Meeting new women + Encouragement = Cara Box

Thanks to the wonderful lady of Wifessionals for creating this monthly box swap. 
I have had a very busy week with work. It was a nice surprise to come home to a package at my door. I mean, who doesn't like packages? It was my Cara Box!!! This Month I was paired up with 2 Stephanie's!!! Crazy right? I received my box from Stephanie who writes over at Army Crafter! She is a Army wife who loves to run, crochet, bake, and do all things crafting. I loved getting to know her better. I feel like we truly had a ton in common! The other Stefanie blogs over at The Husak Household! This Stefanie is Czech and loves her heritage. She met her Czech husband at a Czech event and even knowns how to play the accordion. Both ladies were fun to get to know and I look forward to keeping in touch with them! Go over and say hello!
Now to the box!

I think Stephanie really got a good feel for who I am as a person. She sent me the following items:

• Ear Warmer - She made me a really cute ear warmer to keep my ears warm here in Colorado. 
• Halloween Kitchen Towels - I am trying my best to get into the spirit of the Holidays and these will be a good addition to my kitchen!
• Paper Airplane - I don't think it's a secret that I love all things aviation. 
• Note cards - I am a sucker for a handwritten note (which Stephanie also included) and stationary. So these cards are absolutely perfect!
• Pumpkin Bread - Stephanie sent me some homemade bread! It was so yummy, it barely made the picture above :)
• Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Decoration - This was so cute and is still sitting on my porch! I love it. 

Thank you Stephanie for all of the lovely items!! 

Happy Sunday and I hope you all have a wonderful week! 

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Things I am Missing!

I have been here in Colorado for just over 2 months and time is flying. I am really enjoying my time here in Colorado, I have met new friends (some bloggy friends turned real life friends; Mallory, Kaitlyn, and Hannah!), started a new dream job, put our new house together, and am trying to get back on a running schedule. Life here has been very busy and fulfilling. But I would be lying if I told you that I didn't think about life in LA every single day!

Here are a few things that I am missing about California:
My Family- I miss having someone to always go to the store with me, go to a movie, or just hang out with.

My old job and co-workers- I loved working at the airport on the field. I miss the tight group of friends that I gained from my job, both inside and outside of the work place. I always had Ana to work out with and be my bestie, Brenda to talk about aviation stuff, and Mereca to remind me what it means to be young and have fun! I worked with so many amazing people and I miss those days! I also miss seeing celebrities every day (Josh Duhmel, Justin Timberlake, and Adam Levine I am talking about you).

I miss Disneyland! - I am really missing just getting up and going to Disneyland. It was always an option, even if it was just a few hours! I spend countless hours with my family making memories. I loved every minute of it. I miss trying to get all of the character signatures, I miss training for the Disneyland Marathon with my sister, I miss late nights watching fireworks. I miss it all. 

I miss the Food! - Food Truck Friday was my favorite day of the week! There is nothing better then just heading to the food trucks to try all kinds of fun and different types of food all out of a truck! There was also a really great breakfast joint near my house that I am really craving! I also miss the amazing farmers markets. I loved all of the fresh from the field produce, it made my green drinks so good. 

The list really could go on, I miss home. 

What have you been missing lately?

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Things I am loving about Colorado

I have been in Colorado for over 30 days now and I am really enjoying it. Here are a few things that I am currently loving about Colorado:

• I am loving the mountains. It's so nice to look out my window and see Pikes Peek or go from a run and have trees all around. I am so blessed to live in such an amazing place. 
  
  
  
• I am loving driving in less traffic. Living in Los Angeles was great, but the traffic was horrible. It is amazing how much traffic can affect your mood. Last weekend I went back home and realized that traffic gives me so much stress. It is so nice to come to Colorado and have less traffic. I drive 70 miles to work and I don't mind the hour drive because I am actually  moving. 

• I am loving my new friends. It is so nice to move some where and have friends instantly. That is kind of what happened to me here in Colorado. I had my Blogging friends Mal and Kaitlyn. Plus, I had a few other friends in the area. Some through mutual friends and family. Mal has been my go to friend her in Colorado, we have had many dinner dates, watched a movie, and just hung out. I am sure we will continue to be great friends. Kaitlyn has been amazing, she was my resource on Colorado before I even got here. Once I did get here, she invited me over to meet some of her friends. 
  
  
  
• I am loving my new job! I had been stressing about not working once I moved out here for about 6 months. Joe assured me that everything would be ok if I didn't have a job but I need to work for my sanity. I love working, it is part of who I am. I received the call almost 2 months ago and within a few weeks, I was moving to Colorado. Denver International has been amazing. I have learned so much about airport ops and my co-workers couldn't be any nicer. I am also loving my 3 day weekends! Working only 4 days a week is awesome. 
  

I am excited to explore Colorado even more, once Joe gets back in November. This will be our first home together and I can't wait to make a ton of memories and share some of them along the way. 

Do you know of anything fun we should do in Colorado?

What do you love about where you live?

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Meet my Little, Haylee

I am so excited to introduce you all to Haylee, she is my little from the Big and Little Blogging Network. I have been having a great time getting to know her and figuring out this blogging world with her.

Hello, Living in the Moment readers! It’s a pleasure to guest-post for Steph; isn’t she great? She is my blogging big, and it has been wonderful getting to know her.

My name is Haylee, and I blog over at Jets and a Brunette. My little corner of the web features anecdotes and adventures from my day-to-day life. I am a twenty-something newlywed to my wonderful husband, Brent. He and I are walking life together as we figure out marriage and Air Force life.  

The wife:

The husband:

On my blog, you will find a smorgasbord of topics. Among the most common are: silly fiascos, married life, advice, meal planning, and weekend shenanigans. I have a passion for cooking, photography (although I am not the best photographer), reading, planning, shopping, and, of course, blogging.

Some of my most popular posts are:

How we met - Our Dating Story

Bridal Shower: Hostess Gifts

Engagement Pictures

What’s for dinner this week?

I started blogging as a hobby, and it has quickly became one of my favorite things to do. I love meeting fellow bloggers, and I would be overjoyed to meet you as well. I hope you’ll hop on over to my little space and say, “Hello!”

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I'm so thankful it's Friday!

This week has been so hectic. I'm still trying to get adjusted to life in Colorado, I've been struggling with the deployment, and I have started work at my new job!

1. Last Saturday Kaitlyn was kind enough to have Mal and I over for a BBQ and to watch some football (all though not much football watching had happened.) it was so nice to be able to meet other military families. Also, it's amazing how we all have so much in common. I'm happy that I have been able to meet these lovely bloggers in real life! 

2. It was my first day of work. I'm am officially a Denver International Airport Operations Team Member! I'm so blessed to be able to find a job in my industry and near Joe. 

3. On Wednesday I went to my first City of Denver company picnic. I meet the Blue Bear, meet a bunch of co-workers, eat free food, and watch some planes land. 

4. I have been exploring the airport all week with training and I got to ride in one of our firetrucks. 

5. It's finally Friday, this week has been very tough. We are finally less then 100 days until Joe comes home, but this week it feels like he is never going to come home. I have been feeling extra lonely for some reason. It also doesn't help that this new schedule is messing with our communication schedule. I have been very spoiled and I get to talk to him at least 2 times a day for as long as I need to. But now, I'm lucky if I talk to him for 5 mins a day. Even though its been very tough, I'm very happy that Joe has been super supportive through all of this. I know that we are making the best decision for us. Last night I was able to Skype him for 30 mins and it reminded me that I have an amazing man by my side and he makes me so happy. So I woke up this morning happy as can be. 

Have a great weekend! 

July Cara Box - Link Up

cara (car-rah) noun : beloved friend
Awesome things in the mail + Meeting new women + Encouragement = Cara Box

Thanks to the wonderful lady of Wifessionals for creating this monthly box swap. 

This month I participated in the Cara Box exchange for the second time. I was much more happy with the results this time around. Last time, I got a partner that was "too busy to send a package". But Kaitlyn took great care of that. I wasn't so much disappointed that I didn't get a box, but rather that I didn't get to meet another blogger/write a post about my box. 

This time around I sent my box to Casey  and I received a box from Ashley. 

Both ladies were very nice and I had a lot in common with them. (on a side note, this is my 2nd month blogging and I find it so strange that I have so much in common with sooooo many bloggers. It's a good thing for sure). Casey is a newly wed that has moved to Up State New York to be with her sweet husband. She is currently training for her first 1/2 Marathon! Ashely is a mommy and wife and is a fitness enthusiasts. She introduced me to an amazing community of fitness junkies, like me, called Sweat Pink! 

What's in the Box:

• Airplane Necklace- I love this!!! 
• A Lily Pulitzer Craft Caddy - Perfect place to store my care package goods
• EOS Lib Balm - My Favorite 
• Glass Jars - Perfect for my new house
• Sweat Pink Shoe Laces - I am a new Sweat Pink Ambassador 

I love everything in the box and I feel like Ashley really got a good feel of who I am as a person. Thank you Ashley!! I can't wait to get to know these two girls even better! 

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H54Fitness...eh I mean Friday!

I am so happy that it is Friday!! This week has gone by so quickly and I think most of that is because I am officially back to my fitness routine! Most of my pictures have to do with fitness. :) which is fitting because I am also the newest Sweat Pink Ambassador!

  

1. I woke up bright and early on Saturday to go for a 2 hour hike! It was amazing. I went with a friend of mine who is also in the aviation industry and we talked shop as well as caught up. It's always so nice to have friends that know what you are talking about when you are talking about your job. 

2. On Wednesday I met up with Ana for my first Zumba class in over 3 weeks. I was measured and too my surprise I lost about a 1/4" everywhere. It's not much but I'll take it! I thought I would have gained a bit from my 3 weeks of no working out. 

3. Kale was on sale!! $.99 for a large bunch of organic kale, I couldn't pass up this deal and I have been drinking green drinks daily! (Check back tomorrow for some of my favorite recipes) 

4. I finally went to go pick up my Bruno Mars tickets for a concert on July 27! I won these things back in February and I have been really looking forward to it! I'm so excited. 

5. I did it!!! I ran 7 miles after 3 weeks of no running. This was just one of many runs I had this week. All of the others were 5 miles. 

This post is short and sweet, but I have a lot of life changing things going on. I'll be sure to share once it's official! But please send me good vibes today!! I need them. 

Hope you have a fabulous day!! 

Link up with Lauren Elizabeth of H54F!

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Back on the Wagon!

The past two and a half weeks has been very tough, I have not been able to work out because of my eye surgery. But, I have been given the ok from my doctor and I am back at it. I couldn't be any more happier. I really did miss my workouts. It is amazing how quickly you can "fall off of the wagon"! In just that short amount of time, I was tired and making poor food choices. I would be in bed by 9 and sleep until 6:30. I didn't want to do anything.

Last night I debated on going for a run or just starting my running on Monday. I am only 7 weeks away from my race and I am very behind on my training. So, I decided it was in the best interest of my health that I just get up and go for a nice 3 mile run. I went for a run with Stevee around dusk and it felt amazing (Stevee felt otherwise)! For the first mile, we were able to maintain an under 8 minute per mile pace!!! We slowed down for the next two but I easily finish the 3 miles. After my run I went for a brisk 3 mile, uphill walk with my mom. 

This morning I woke up at 6:00 to meet a friend at a hiking trail at 7:00. We went on a great 2 hour hike. It was nice to catch up, talk about aviation, and get a good work out in. After the hike we went to a local breakfast place and I had an egg white omelette with avocado and tomatoes with a side a fruit. 

I think it's safe to say that I have caught up to the wagon and jumped back on!

What's you favorite weekend fitness activity?

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We Call HER Stevee!

This is Stevee hard at work!

Let me tell you about my best friend... HER name is Stevee, yes you read that right Stevee. That is her real legal name. Well, I guess she is not my best friend. She is my sister! I was never super close with my sister growing up. We never fought either, she was just there. This past week she admitted to my mom that she doesn't even remember being my sister. Who says that? ha Stevee does. She says a bunch of random things. But, what I think she meant to say, is that she doesn't remember me being around. I am 7 years older then her and left to go to college in Florida when she was in the 6th grade. So I guess I really don't blame her. I don't really remember what happened last month let alone when I was in elementary school. But ever since she spent her last summer with my in Florida we have gotten to know each other well! We ran our first half marathon together, go hiking together, and even travel together. I always remember Stevee as being a shy, nice little girl and now she is out going, adventurous young lady! We have a ton of things in common, even if she doesn't want to admit it.

Here are some fun facts about Stevee:

• She is a really great artist. She is going to school for graphic design but I really think she has great drawing skills as well.
  
• She has over 20 pairs of Classic Converse All Stars.
  
• She loves to go to Disneyland.
  
• We ran our first 1/2 Marathon together- The Disney World Princess 1/2 Marathon in 2010. We will be running another one together in less then 2 months!  - Disneyland 1/2 Marathon.
  
• She is really good at doing nails but will never do any nails but her own. 
  
• She is about 4 inches taller then me. 
  
• She just got her drivers license last week, at age 20. This was her choice. She really had no want or desire to drive. 
• She has been on Pretty Little Liars, The Big Bang Theory, and a few Disney Shows.
  

 Do you have any siblings? Are you close with them?