Grilled Chicken Quesadillas
Prep Time: 35 Minutes

Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 5 Minutes

Servings: 6

“This recipe is a delicious snap. The meat is coated with adobo seasoning, grilled, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Then a tortilla is layered with cheese, chile peppers, chicken, and olives.”

Ingredients:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

adobo seasoning to taste

12 (10 inch) flour tortillas

1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

1 onion, chopped

1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

1 (7 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
Directions:

1. Place the chicken on a plate, and sprinkle with adobo seasoning on both sides. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Heat grill for medium-high heat.

3. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place chicken on grill, and cook for 10 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. Remove chicken from grill, and cut into bite-size pieces.

4. Place one or two tortillas on the grill, and sprinkle with a thin layer of cheese, chicken, onion, olives, and chiles. Top with another tortilla, and grill until brown and crispy on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut into wedges to serve.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2013 Allrecipes.com

Printed from Allrecipes.com 8/16/2013

There is a song by the Rolling Stones, “Time Is On My Side,” but I’m realizing that may not be the case. I feel like I’m always running out of time. Busy with this job, busy with my part time job, busy being a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter. I wear many different hats, and sometimes my head gets tired and I just want to rest.

I am a fan of lists, so here is my list of things you can do to save time for the important things in life.

5. When doing work on your home computer, shut all other apps down. Sometimes I am working on my second job at home, and I not only have my work website up, but I have my Facebook, email, this website, that website… I realize if I shut everything down but the one thing I should be working on, my work gets done in more than half of the time.

4. Stop saying yes. Instead of saying yes to every summer cookout, event, party, take some time for yourself and for your close loved ones. On the 4th of July, my husband and I decided to stay home. We got wine and a bunch of different cheeses and just relaxed. It was absolutely wonderful! My parents joined us for a bit, and it was so much better than running here and there to make everyone happy. Instead of fireworks, we had smores. Delicious!

3. Slow down. Don’t schedule things so close. I find with two jobs and a household it can be a difficult juggling act. I am constantly answering emails for job number two while I’m riding the bus to work, talking with clients on my lunch break, and the minute I leave work at 6 I’m on the phone with clients. Sometimes I have to just step out of the office for lunch and actually enjoy a nice salad and some chit chat or go home and watch a movie with my husband instead of talking with clients. It’s all about time management.

2. Keep a journal or blog. Write down fun things that you have done, experiences that you have had. This way you can read back on them in years to come.

1. Instead of spending money, spend time. I love to just take the day, take a drive with my husband, or go to a port city with my sister, or the zoo with my parents. Instead of birthday presents, say let’s spend the day together!

Need a refreshing and healthy salad? This is the one! It’s super easy to make and delicious.

What you will need:
-1lb jumbo cooked shrimp-chopped
-1 medium tomato-diced
-1 avocado-diced
-1 jalapeno- seeds removed-diced fine
-1/4 cup chopped red onion
-2 limes
-1 tsp olive oil
-1 tsp chopped cilantro
-salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl combine red onion, lime juice, olive oil, pinch of salt and pepper. Let them marinate at least 5 minutes to mellow the flavor of the onion.

In a large bowl combine chopped shrimp, avocado, tomato, and jalapeno. Combine all the ingredients together, add cilantro and gently toss. ENJOY! 🙂

Bruschetta Servings: 8

“A little French …a little Italian …and the end result is a sensational appetizer. A scrumptious spinach/basil pesto is whirled in the food processor until of spreading consistency. Slices of baguette are lightly toasted and then anointed with the pesto.”
INGREDIENTS:
1 (8 ounce) loaf French baguette
1 1/2 cups spinach – packed, rinsed and
torn
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups finely chopped almonds
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 clove garlic, minced
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Arrange the bread slices on a non-stick cookie sheet.
2. In an electric blender or food processor combine the spinach, Parmesan, almonds, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend until a paste forms. Pulse in 2 tablespoons olive oil; continue pulsing until the mixture is the consistency of soft butter.
3. In a small mixing bowl combine chopped tomatoes, green onion and 1 tablespoon olive oil; stir.
4. Bake the bread slices for 5 minutes or until crisp and brown.
5. Arrange toast on a serving platter. Spread each piece of toast with a thin layer of the blended pesto, then top with the tomato mixture.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2013 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 7/31/2013

Only about two or three times a year do I find a book that I absolutely LOVE. I mean “stay-up-all-night,” “can’t-put-down” love. Last week I found that book in “Defending Jacob” by William Landay. I usually don’t go for crime dramas, but this one was based in Natick, MA and came highly recommended. I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re looking for a great read, this would be my #1 suggestion!

Summer time is here and what better way to refresh than with zesty, simple refreshments to offer family, friends, or neighbors when they stop by. Anything lemon or lime is a huge hit in my family and is always a welcome treat!

Here is a <strong>“Two Ingredient Lemon Bar”</strong> recipe that came from my church newsletter. The note at the bottom states <em>“It’s like you cut yourself a slice right out of the middle of a lemon pie.”</em> How luxurious is that? And the recipe is so simple!

<strong>Ingredients – </strong>
One box angel food cake mix
Two 21 oz cans lemon pie filling

<strong>Directions – </strong>
Mix dry cake mix and cans of pie filling together in large bowl (may be mixed by hand)
Pour into greased 9 x 13” baking dish
Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until top is starting to brown slightly
Cool on wire rack then sprinkle with powdered sugar

<em>So simple and delicious, so easy to have on hand for guests!</em>

Found this fruit pizza idea on Pinterest and am making one for my son’s first birthday party. Its super cute and a great alternative to other sweets, candies, and even cake. This fun and easy to make summery treat took only 20 minutes to make. Has anyone made a fruit pizza and did your party goers enjoy it? I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Fingers crossed for success!

If your life includes pets, then you know that making travel plans (whether for business or pleasure) includes deciding whether to take them with you or leave them in the care of a sitter or boarding facility. Like many pet owners, you’d like to take your pet with you but don’t know to prepare for pet-friendly travel. Here is a checklist of ten tips on preparing to travel with your pet.

#10 Identification Tags

No matter how you choose travel, it is vital to outfit your pets with proper identification prior to setting out. After all, if you should become separated from your pet, their identification is the surest way they’ll find their way back to you.

#9 Permanent Identification for your Pet

In addition to fitting your pets with I.D. tags, your veterinarian may recommend fitting them with a microchip. You can also have your pet tattooed with the National Dog Registry. But, if you decide to use this method to I.D. your pet, register the number or you will not be able to find your pet.

#8 Train Them Young

Our article, Training a Puppy for Car Travel provides many useful tips on how to acclimate your new addition to car travel. Train your puppy to remain calm and focused on your commands with practice sessions in the car, and a reward system. If you have more than one dog, train them separately.

#7 Secure Your Pet for Their Safety

Now that you’ve trained your pet to behave in a car, you may think it’s okay to let them roam freely in the vehicle. Not so. Just like people, pets can become injured if the car makes a sudden movement, say to avoid an accident. For safety, it is always recommended to crate your pet.

#6 Best Travel Crate for your Pet

Fabric carriers are a good way to transport your dog or cat, but a hard plastic carrier is more versatile. If you want to travel with your pet, invest in a plastic carrier, they’re safer for different modes of travel, such as transporting your pet via air.

#5 Pets and Cars

Dogs and cats are quick and agile, and they will put all those talents (and more) to use if they feel their safety is threatened. If you leave your pet loose in a moving vehicle and they become startled, they’ll panic, and go into attack mode seeking out the safest spot.

#4 Consider Sedating your Pet

Initially, the idea of calming your frightened pet with medication prior to transporting them may seem like a bit much. But if your pet experiences extreme anxiety in an unfamiliar setting (such as an older pet) giving them a sedative could save them from trauma, not to mention a fear-induced potty accident.

#3 First Aid Pet Kit

When you prepare a pet travel kit that includes a copy of their current medical records, consider your pet may need first aid during travel. The Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) can provide information on the nearest animal hospital. Also make sure to pack a simple first aid kit, including gauze, bandages, and hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if necessary. Always take steps to contact an animal healthcare professional first, before personally treating a pet for possible toxin exposure.

#2 Pet Food and Water

Unexpected turns and delays are a part of traveling, so when your plans include your pets, take along extra food for them. A travel delay (or getting lost en route to your destination) could result in your pet waiting an undetermined amount of time for food or clean water. Be prepared ahead of time.

#1 Be Extra Vigilant

No matter how well you think you may know your pet, you never know how they’ll react if they’re startled by a loud noise or unfamiliar stimuli. A cat left loose in a car, for example, may seek safety under your legs… while you’re driving. An irresistible urge to chase down a tantalizing smell could inspire your uncrated dog to jump out of a half-open window. Keep your pet safe and secure at all times.

All the rules of traveling with your pet focus and maximize on keeping them safe and happy. Taking extra precaution prior to leaving your home with them will keep everyone safe and sound.

Happy Travels!

Did you know that today, July 15, is Rembrandt’s birthday. If he were alive today he would be 407 years old. In honor of this celebrated Dutch artist visit your local art museum today.

Portland has a wonderful art museum located in the heart of the city. The current exhibit is Shangaa: Art of Tanzania. A little far removed from the works of Rembrandt but fascinating I’m sure.

If you are close to the Boston area a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts is a must. I spent many weekends in college just wandering this beautiful museum. It didn’t hurt a poor college student that it was free to get in either! My favorite part was the French Impressionists. Did you know that at one point the MFA had the largest collection of work by Monet outside of Paris. Who is your favorite artist?

I recently took a trip to the New England Aquarium in Boston with my family.  We were on vacation and it was a rainy day so we figured it would be a nice indoor activity to do.  I loved the aquarium as a child and have been since as an adult.  It was a good trip overall and I loved showing my kids all the different fish and other animals like the sea lions.  My son loved the sea lions the most and everytime we’d leave where they were he’d point and want to go back to see them.  Since it was his first visit my husband went back 4 times to show him them.  I do wish I had checked out their website though before we went because I didn’t know that they were reconstructing the penguin habitat and were working on the main giant tank where all the fish swim around.  They had little signs up which were cute that said that the penguins were on vacation and that we could see the baby penguins over by the sea lion exhibit.  The baby penguins were cute but I definitely want to go back when they finish the reconstruction of the penguin habitat.  It just wasn’t the same to me without them, even though my kids didn’t mind I want them to get the whole experience as I did when I was younger.  I am hoping the penguins come back from vacation soon so we can take another trip to the aquarium!