What I'm Into: December 2015 Edition

In the Kitchen
Taco Tuesdays...need I say more? Try this Korean beef recipe and you won't be disappointed!

I love pretty much anything from Budget Bytes, but this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta is to die for. I looked at the recipe, and laughed when I read "1/4 cup parmesan".  A QUARTER CUP of cheese? Just a quarter cup? No, there's got to be a mistake. Well, I took the matter into my own hands and, omitting the parmesan completely, added an entire package of Herb & Garlic Boursin cheese. Oh yes. That made my heart (and belly!) happy.

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: (see sidebar)
Winter's Heart, Robert Jordan: Still trekking with the three ta'veren as they save the world from the evil that threatens to take over.  This is book nine of fourteen-a long investment, but if you like fantasty, it's worth it!

The Ersatz Elevator, Lemony Snickets (A Series of Unfortunate Events): This Junior fiction series is so depressing but cleverly written. Count Olaf is trying to get his hands on the Baudelaire orphans' inheritance, and each book tells a different tale of how they escape his clutches, but only just. 

Read:
What a Difference a Mom Makes, Dr. Kevin Leman: This book is written for mothers of boys, specifically, and it was very insightful.  I would highly recommend it; Dr. Leman covers a lot of ground, and caters to moms of all ages. 

Dad is Fat, Jim Gaffigan: I've never seen his comedy shows live, but I've heard he's pretty clean, and his book was excellent.  I found myself laughing out loud, and nodding my head in agreement as he talks about parenting his five children and shared about his comedic and chaotic life.

Through my headphones

Songza playlists, Audien's Something Better , Sia's Alive

Fitness
Blogilates- Loving Cassey's workouts still. Keep up with her monthly calendar, and you'll notice some amazing results!

In the Word
Jake and I have been trying to spend intentional time together in the Word.  Twice a week we read a chapter of a C.S. Lewis book and then a chapter in Ecclesiastes.  It's been really great for us to take our relationship to a deeper level with the Lord.  Over the years of our marriage we've always struggled with this, so I'm hoping the discipline will stick.
As far as my own study goes, I've been tracking with the She Reads Truth app, doing a Hymn study and a Gratitude study.

Love,
Ashleigh

What Im Into: September 2015 Edition

In the Kitchen

I may be slightly obssessed with graham crackers lately, and I mean buying boxes and boxes, even mid-week.  My favourite thing to do with them (aside from s'mores, of course!) is to spread peanut butter and sliced bananas on top.  It's the perfect way to add a bit of sweetness to an already sweet snack.  

I've also been making a lot of hummus chicken.  Simply cut into cubes some potatoes, onions, carrots, and peppers, toss with olive oil and salt and pepper, then place in a 9x13 baking dish.  Place raw chicken breast on top and then spread the hummus of your choice on top of the chicken.  Bake at 400F until chicken is cooked through (approx 40-50 min).  I've experimented with different vegetables. Our favourite combination was eggplant, mushroom, and red pepper.  

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: (see sidebar)

A Crown of Swords, Robert Jordan: The seventh installment of the Wheel of Time series, we continue on our quest with the three ta'veren and their friends as they battle with the forces of evil to make their world a better place.  I'm about halfway through the series and I feel like it's taken over my life.  The books just keep getting better and better.

Twelve Years a Slave, Solomon Northup: I'm listening to this one on audiobook and have actually become quite attached to the protagonist.  Written in first person, the author tells us his story of being captured into slavery even though he was born a free man, and his struggles and trials therein.  I would highly recommend it.  If anyone has seen the movie, let me know what it was like. 

Read:
Longbourn, Jo Baker: Written alongside the story of Pride and Prejudice, this book turns our attention too the downstairs life, the lives of the servants.  I enjoyed the imagination that went in to a book like this, and it was neat hearing the perceptions of the Bennet's life from the perspective of the servants.

The Fault in Our Stars, John Green:  This book was written from the first person perspective of a terminally ill teenager, whose story begins in her mid-teens and spans about a year.  We see her fall in love and acheive a life-long goal.  While witty and interesting, the book lacks much hope.

Through my headphones

An audiobook, the radio, and Songza.  Nothing much to write about here.

Fitness
Blogilates- Still doing this, although some days are easier than others.  Keep up with her monthly calendar, and you'll notice some amazing results!

In the Word
I'm still following the She Reads Truth program, and working my way through the Fruit of the Spirit series.  Last week we studied about love, peace, patience, and kindess.  I love how much scripture we are set to read each day, and the encouragement from reading with other women.

Love,
Ashleigh

What I'm Into: March 2015 Edition

In the Kitchen

I've been eating pretty close to a paleo diet lately, which means no grains (including rice, and quinoa).  This is a personal choice, and I'm not going to lie and say it hasn't been difficult, but I've been enjoying the physical changes I'm seeing.  I'm still abstaining from sugar for Lent, only allowing it on Sundays.  Needless to say, our meals haven't been exactly interesting.  More protein (which Jake is loving), and so many vegetables and fruits in the fridge.  It's scary.  Not saying that vegetables and fruits aren't interesting, but it's hard adjusting to the absence of a particular food group.

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: 

I gave up reading fiction novels for Lent, so I haven't been reading too much the past couple of months.

Read:
Yes Please, Amy Poehler- I just finished this memoir.  It was okay...nothing really magical or enlightening. It's always reading about the secret life of actors 

Through my headphones

Outlines, Dragonette
Lean on, Major Lazer & DJ Snake
Sam Smith- His voice kills me.  It's so beautiful
Anything EDM, pop, and whatever my sister sends me to listen to

Fitness
Blogilates- Cassey Ho is an energetic and inspiring YouTube fitness instructor.  I've been enjoying doing her monthly calendars, and using the Blogilates app has been useful since all her videos are right there, and I can check them off when I'm done.  I lost 5 inches in the month of February simply by following her videos and cutting out sugar most days, as well as trying to eat healthier in general.  Cassey has been good for me.

Yoga- Yoga with Adriene has been great.  I'm working through her 30 Days of Yoga series, and finding it's been excellent for de-stressing and flexbility

Readings in my Bible
I'm still following the She Reads Truth program, and working my way through the Bible-in-a-Year plan.  The Lent readings have been good, as we've been focusing on Christ's sacrifice, working our way towards Good Friday and the celebration of His resurrection.  So thankful for this time of year, when we take the time to remember the forgiveness and grace we have in Christ Jesus.

Love,
Ashleigh

What I'm Into: January 2015 Edition...

In the Kitchen

Coffee, coffee and more coffee.  And the odd cup of tea. But I've been obsessed with drinking coffee.  We were bad and splurged on a big box of chicken nuggets at Costco, and paired with some roasted potatoes and a salad it's a pretty tasty meal.  I bought some gnocchi thinking Adrian would enjoy it, which he did (the first time), but now I'm addicted to it, especially with a little bit of rose sauce on top.  Also, smoothies made in my new Magic Bullet.  I think I'm in love.

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: 

The Eye of the World, Robert Jordan: This fantasy novel is the first of fourteen, which may seem a little daunting at first, but I must say that I'm quite hooked.  The characters are likeable, relatable, and the story is interesting and suspenseful, a Lord of the Rings-esque tale woven with themes of good versus evil. 

Read:
State of Wonder, Ann Patchett: One of the best books I read last year, it was the adventure book to sate any adventure lover's appetite.  With the majority of the book taking place in the Amazons of Brazil, it's no wonder I was so captivated!

Love in a Broken Vessel, Mesu Andrews: It's been a while since I've read some cheesy Christian fiction, but I think this one accomplished its goal.  The story was Hosea from the Bible, and his struggles with God's call for him to take a prostitute as a wife.  I thought Andrews did a great job of focusing the book on his desire to obey his God at the ire of his wife.  It actually made me want to go back to the Bible and read Hosea all over again.  I think that is what Christian fiction books should do, give us the desire to get into the word and hear what God has to say.  

Delicious!, Ruth Reichl: Oh my, what a tasty book full of delectable descriptions of gustatory delights!  I would recommend this one for all the foodies out there, especially if you love a little dive into mystery, intrigue, and World War II.  This novel set in present day New York will gratify your senses. 

Through my headphones

Music from 'Annie'- I watched the new 'Annie' this week in theaters, and the music was not disappointing!  They stuck to the original music, but added to it making it their own, and I was pleasantly surprised.  It's definitely worth it to go and pick up the soundtrack or buy it from iTunes.

'Irresistible', Fall Out Boy- This track is a delight to all brass players, with underlying horns blasting over a rock rift.  Perfect! 

Anything Pentatonix.  Acapella just rocks!

Readings in my Bible
I've started the new plan on She Reads Truth for reading the Bible in one year.  Haven't done this in a while, so I'm looking forward to reading some of those obscure and difficult texts that I usually avoid!  I would actually like to read it in 3 months, so I need to pick a time to do that as well.  

Love, 

Ashleigh

What I'm Into: November Edition

In the Kitchen

It's been stir fry's for dinner, and cinnamon everything.  Joy of Cooking Overnight Rolls, Joy the Baker's Cinnamon Popovers, and good old cinnamon coffee cake. I even tried making microwave cinnamon buns, but the real, yeasty ones were definitely the best. I bought a huge ten-pound bag of white flour from Costco, in the hopes that I can get some Christmas baking done this year.  I may be in over my head...

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: 

Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert (Audiobook[AB]): I watched the movie a while ago, and decided to "read" the book to gain a better perspective.  Not sure how I feel about it yet.

Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God's Agenda, Henry & Richard Blackaby: So far, this book is great, and I'm getting some good insight into what godly leadership looks like.  It's tedious, but has a lot of great information.

The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama, Michael W. Goheen, Craig G. Bartholomew: We're studying this one in our weekly Bible study, and it reminds a lot of one of the classes I took in college.  Progress of Redemption took us through the Bible as a whole, with the focus being on Christ as the center, everything before Him leading up and pointing to His time on earth, death and resurrection, and everything after telling the story of His hope.

Read:
A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle (AB): I have heard of this book for many years, but now that I've finally listened to it, I want to buy it for our own home collection.  In my opinion, it's on par with the Narnia books in terms of the fight between good and evil, and good always winning.  There were some Biblical references, and many, many biblical analogies.  It's definitely a children's story, but has merit for adult readers as well.

Amity and Sorrow, Peggy Riley: I wouldn't recommend this book unless you feel like exploring the extreme oddity that is polygamous and cultish communities.  It tells the story of a woman and her two daughters who run away from their community and try to live in the 'real' world, juxtaposing their 'rules' and 'values' with a society where, to them, anything goes.  This book was truly disturbing, and exposed issues you would expect to find in a typical polygamous community, things such as brainwashing, emotional abuse, and incest.

Juliet's Nurse, Lois Leveen: I would highly recommend this book if you're a Shakespeare fan.  A new take on Romeo and Juliet, as seen from the nurse's perspective, is moving and tragic, but very enjoyable and detailed.

Through my headphones

Iesu dulcis memoria, Tenth Avenue North ft. Audrey Assad

The Piano Guys Christmas

Audiobooks - I love how I feel like I'm still getting books read, knowing that I can do it when I'm walking, doing housework, or nursing Adrian.  How convenient!

Sermons and The Current (CBC Radio Show- I love this one because I keep informed but I don't have to browse a newspaper)

Readings in my Bible
I downloaded the She Reads Truth app, which is a great devotional app for both iPhone and Android users.  Geared towards women, the app focuses on one particular theme or book of the Bible for a couple of weeks.  I just finished the study on 'Hospitality', and it was some great insight for me.  I realized that I don't let the Lord lead me to be hospitable enough, and I don't allow people to see me in my mess [without guilt, at least].  

Love, 

Ashleigh

What I'm Into: July Edition...

In the Kitchen

Oh, friends, I wish I could tell you all the amazing things that I've been whipping up lately.  My days get so busy that by 5pm I'm done for the day. I don't know what we've been eating, but it's not as balanced as I'd like.  I did, however, make stir-fried bok choy as a side with fish and potatoes.  I've never cooked with bok choy before, and both Jake and I enjoyed it immensely. You can find the recipe here:

Image source

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: 

Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis: This is one of the four books that Jake challenged me to read this year.  I have heard many good things about it, so I'm looking forward to being challenged.

Katherine Parr: A Guided Tour of the Life and Thought of a Reformation Queen, Brandon G. Withrow: Another one that Jake challenged me to read this year. The first half is a bit of history about Katherine Parr, which was a little dry for my taste.  The second half are prayers that she wrote, and some of them are amazingly relate-able.  

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May Gaskin: One of those books you see on display at the library which tickles your fancy.  I was curious to see what I would learn from this book, since I've heard much about this famous midwife from the U.S.

No fiction, you gasp! Yes, I need to remedy that as soon as possible!

Read:
The Silkworm, Robert Galbraith: A crime novel written by J.K. Rowling written under her pseudonym.  The murder mystery is a great story, and kept me on my toes.  I can't tell you how much I enjoy her writing.  She's fantastic, and she really knows how to make the characters come alive.  That being said, one of her characters is quite rough around the edges and swears quite a bit.  

Amandine, Marlena de Blasi: Oh my goodness, if you like plots set in World War II and enjoy having a good cry, read this one.  For all the mothers, get ready, it will tug at your heart strings [at least it did for me!].  Set in France, this heart-wrenching story is about, yup, you guessed it, 'Amandine', a little girl who understands the unfairness of life through one tragic scenario after the other.  She is incredibly strong for all she has been dealt, and you will cry and cheer her on as you journey with her to find the one thing her heart desires the most.

Through my headphones

Latley it's been A LOT of Baby Mozart.  It's surprisingly relaxing, and Adrian thinks it's hilarious when we dance to it.  

Readings in my Bible
I've been reading 2 Samuel to Adrian, and have been reading and meditating through Romans, chapter by chapter.  Romans 6 has always been one of those places I go when I need to be reminded that, as Christians, we are free from sin, Christ reigns victorious, and there is no need to wallow in guilt! 

Love, 

Ashleigh

It's That Time Again...

There are more than a few updates to share with you today, so I'll just highlight them and get into today's edition of What I'm Into.

• I am now a certified ESL teacher! I completed my practicum in April, and received my certificate shortly thereafter.  
• Jake is back to work after taking a 10-week parental leave of absence.  The house feels empty without him home today.
• We went on a Rivers' family trip to Florida, which included day trips to Gatorland and Disney World.  Adrian even got to go on a couple of rides at Disney!
• We've moved :) We're now closer to our church, and Jake's work.  If you'd like the address, please mention so in the comment section!
• I joined a local concert band about 6 weeks ago, and for the first time in 9 years I'm playing the French horn again.  The weekly practices are a nice treat for me.

And now....

In the Kitchen

Everything has been in upheaval since the move, but I made a couple of soups last week: Split pea, and a Brazilian caldo-inspired corn and spinach chowder.

Also, this one minute microwave brownie in a cup: 

Image Source: Chocolate Covered Katie

Now tell me you don't want to make that for yourself...

On my Night table 

Currently Reading: As always, I've got a few on the go.
Pomegranate Soup, Marsha Mehran: A story about three Iranian sisters who open up a Persian restaurant in Ireland

As Sure as the Dawn, Francine Rivers: The third book in the Mark of the Lion series, this is a favourite of mine, and I'm re-reading it for possibly the fifth or sixth time, maybe more.  It's about a gladiator who is returning to his home country of Germania after earning his freedom from 10 years of fighting in the arena.   It's set in the Roman empire shortly after the death of Christ.  I would recommend reading the first two books of the series first, to get his back story.

Hybrasil, Margaret Elphisone: I'm not too far into this one yet, but the journal entry-like story tells of a travel-book writer who explores a near-mythical country of Hybrasil, and her adventures therein.

Read:
East of Eden, John Steinbeck: I don't really know what made me read this.  I guess I had heard that it was a classic and I wanted to try it out. Well, it was a heavy read, and explored the depths of humanity.  I was reminded just how depraved we are while exploring the complexities of the characters.  The story follows a man who has two sons, modeling something similar to the story of Cain and Abel from the Bible.

The Beach Trees, Karen White: This drama takes place in Louisiana, and includes a little bit of historical mystery and some romance.  If you like delving into secrets of the past, hurricanes, and lots of good character development, then this is a story for you.

The Divergent trilogy, Veronica Roth: A little like The Hunger Games, but, in my opinion, more enjoyable (OK, I'll be honest, it had more romance! C'mon, give a girl a break.) This post-apocalyptic thriller will have you on the edge of your seat and rooting for characters as they come of age in a world of uncertainty and chaos.

Through my headphones

Latch-Disclosure (ft Sam Smith)
Magic-Coldplay
Pompeii- Bastille

Readings in my Bible
I've been reading 1 Samuel to Adrian, and have been studying 1 Thessalonians on my own (and with a ladies Bible study group at church)

Other than unpacking and dreaming of sleep, this is me right now. Leave some comments below!

Love,
Ashleigh

What I've Been Up to Lately, When Not Blogging...

In the Kitchen

Oven Fajitas

A must try.  Jake loved these so much the first time I made them that he requested to have them once a week. Surprisingly, I have been doing just that.  If you know me, this is a very rare event.  I must really enjoy them, too (either that or they're a super easy meal option-try it yourself to find out!)

Kimchi Bokkeumbap

If you don't have access to a Korean store (or friend) to obtain the traditional Korean staple known as kimchi, more's the pity.  This fried rice dish took me only 15 minutes to prepare (which is saying a lot for someone who tends to stretch a 20 minute prep time into 40 minutes), and paired with a salad or some sort of meat dish it would make for a completely satisfying meal.  (It's probably a major faux pas in Korean cuisine, but I used brown rice and it still tasted amazing!)

What mine looked like

Enfrijoladas- (Homemade Refried beans recipe)

Since purchasing a pressure cooker in Brazil, I have sworn that it is my best kitchen tool.  I love how much I can save by buying dried beans, which is why I included the refried beans recipe for this tasty Mexican dish.  Not only fun to make, enfrijoladas also make an appeal as international 'comfort food', much like Kraft Dinner is to some people here (*cough cough* Jake *cough cough*)

Cold Soba and Cucumber Salad

The perfect medley of sweet and spicy, this recipe could be your gateway to cold noodle salad if you've never been a fan before.  Delicious freshly made, even better five days later.  Try it, and you won't be disappointed.

Dessert Honourary Mention: Oatmeal Raisin Cashew Cookies

Maybe you saw me go on about this one on Facebook already.  Well I don't care.  I LOVED this recipe.  Super easy to whip up, the only thing that takes a bit of time is assembling them on the cookie sheet (since the batter is quite sticky and hard to work with).  SO. WORTH. IT. Trust me, you need to make these today.  If you are worried about the price of those fatty little cashews, a friend had success substituting them with mixed nuts, so NO EXCUSES.  These will blow your mind.

On my Night table 

Currently Reading:

Indigo: In Search of the Colour That Seduced the World, Catherine E. McKinley

The Chaperone, Laura Moriarty

Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster

I have been having the hardest time getting through these books.  They are all amazing, but I have been too distracted to sit down and just read.

Read:

Night Road, Kristin Hannah

If you want a good cry and a time to rage about the unfairness and tragedy of life, this is the book for you.  I always enjoy Hannah's writing.  She goes into so much detail that you can almost imagine yourself experiencing the joys and sorrows with the characters.  A great read about the coming-of-age and overcoming stigmas about ourselves, this book had much to offer in way of revenge masquerading as justice, redemption, and learning how to forgive.

First Time Mom: Getting Off On the Right Foot From Birth to Grade One, Kevin Leman

I know what you're thinking- isn't that a broad age gap to span? Well, it is and it isn't.  No, the baby hasn't even arrived yet, but it's always good to start thinking about the future.  Often situations creep up on us in ways that leave us flabbergasted and unable to react appropriately.  I feel a little more prepared for what is to come from having read this book.

The Cuckoo's Calling, Robert Galbraith

I'm sure most of you know by now that this is J.K. Rowling's latest, penned under her not-so-secret pseudonym. I enjoyed this mystery novel.  Even though it was slow and somewhat repetitive at times, Galbraith delved into the deep character development that is so true to Rowling's nature and story-telling characteristics.

  **Caveat Emptor: There is A LOT of swearing in this book

Through my headphones

Your Great Name, Natalie Grant

Brave, Sara Bareilles

Tidal Wave, Sub Focus

Jiya Re, from the Bollywood movie Jab Hak Tai Jaan

Favourite Online Articles

Diana Nyad's historic swim- I was so impressed with this woman's tenacity and will to overcome any obstacle.  She is a definite role model for perseverance in my books!

How to Keep Green Onions for Days- Finally!

How to Make Popcorn in the Microwave- I once bought an air popper from Value Village, and it broke on the second use.  Since then I have been lamenting over a severe lack of popcorn, and I don't always have time to make it on the stove.  I stumbled across a couple of articles for making loose popcorn kernels in the microwave. First I tried the brown paper bag method(which worked but ended up burning a little-also, mega waste of brown paper bags!) as well as using a glass casserole dish with a fitted lid (which availed only 15-20 popped kernels.) After about 5 failed attempts, I then discovered this article, and my life has significantly 'popped'.  It turns out that all I needed was a little bit of ventilation for success and delicious, perfectly popped, homemade microwave popcorn.

Favourite Teaching Aids

Controversial Statements- I always enjoy these kind of agree/disagree lessons with my students, and they seem to be challenged by the discussions

Have you ever...?- Some of these questions are random, but they help us to talk about things we might not have otherwise, such as 'eating frogs' legs'.  Surprisingly, more people have tried them than you think!

The Game of 'What?'- I use the scenarios in this game to generate creativity in thinking 'outside-of-the-box'

Readings in my Bible

Philippians

Judges

Again, the distraction problem is real.  Yesterday I stopped reading so that I could look up something baby-related online.  It would seem that my priorities are out of alignment.

Movies Worth Mentioning

Jab Hak Tai Jaan- a great and fun Bollywood film (find it on Netflix).  Be prepared for 3 hours of cheesy songs and romance, as is the custom with much of Bollywood.  I wouldn't have it any other way!

Wolverine- because Hugh Jackman.  That is all.

Elysium- I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this newest one from Matt Damon.  A new take on the old theme of separation of the classes, it kept me on my toes the entire time.  I also loved the surprise ending in this futuristic action flick.

Enjoyment

Baking/cooking

Walks and movies with Jake- we even went to the drive-in, which was a first for me!

At the drive-in

Firming up baby names

Getting the nursery prepared

Coffee dates with friends

TV Shows: Once Upon a Time, Castle, Pretty Little Liars, North & South (BBC)