Once upon a time Brooke and I went outside to go get the mail and somehow ended up snoozing on a lounge chair by the pool for an hour. You really all need to come visit because I cannot get over the amazing California breeze we have 24/7. I am truly sorry Utah but I will not miss your extreme temperatures and the snow and ice that made me fall on my face 2 times a week. Did I tell you that I will be in Utah for 1.7 weeks around Thanksgiving time?!? It is going to be incredible.
Speaking of my family, my mom was showing Curly (new readers: Curly is my 3 year old niece) the blog and as soon as Brooke’s picture loaded Curly said, “Baby Brooke! She my best friend.” I cannot wait to see these two play together.
After we both got an awesome nap we went to the store to get a treat for Billy. But first I taught her all about the different fruits and vegetables. Her favorite were the oranges and I think she is just like Billy in the sense that she doesn’t want anything to do with tomatoes.
The treat that I went to go get for Billy (don’t you love saying that you did it for someone else when in fact you were probably more excited about it than they are) was to get some Horchata. Horchata is a Mexican cinnamon and rice drink that is incredible. We are both hooked. I wanted to get it because I had taco night planned and what better way to wash down tacos than with a sugary drink.
I teared up last night when I was making dinner because I realized I reached chef status. You know you are a chef when you use all four burners at one time to create your meal. This is the first time this has ever happened to me because for years my biggest kitchen accomplishment was making one pot that included both macaroni and cheese and cut up hot dogs.
Taco salad from heaven. Complete with Mexican rice, beans, tomatoes, sour cream, ground beef and 1/3 quart of salsa added after the photo. Once again I impressed Billy with my salad heighth, 5 inches tall.
I finally experienced something that Billy suffers through on a daily occurrence and I didn’t like it one bit. I kind of felt the ‘I’m too full for dessert’ thing but being the brave/hardworking/persevering person that I am pushed through it and had dessert anyways.
Brooke went to bed crazy early and Billy and I watched a few episodes of Mad Men and hit the sack at 9:30. The crazy life of a first year law student and a mom that stays home and takes 500 pictures of her daughter a day, tough work.
PS Billy rocked 3.5 miles at a 7:20 pace yesterday, I am a proud wife.
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Are you looking forward to snow or change of seasons? Do you live in a place where you experience all four seasons?
How many times a week do you cook?
-I am getting hooked and really enjoying it so I will probably cooke 5 times a week and eat leftovers the other two days.
Is there a fruit or vegetable that you don’t want anything to do with?
Ever tried Horchata? Do you have a favorite sugary drink?
57 comments
Jenn @ RunItMyWay
We get all seasons here- andit’s definitely fall now! I like running in the cool crisp air, though I’m not looking forward to running in winter again just yet!!
Your m&m cookies look amazing.. haha must find some at lunch time :)
Katie @ msfitrunner
We get all four seasons – its fall here now and it’s awesome! Not looking forward to the winter! I cook probably 5 nights a week, and I always try to get as much as possible in one pot! Last night I got chicken sausage, rice, quinoa and broccoli all together:)
I really don’t want anything to do with oranges – I hate peeling them and having all the orange stuck all in my finger nails, I don’t want to have to work so hard to eat fruit!!
Khushboo
Papaya & custard apples- ICK…I love my fruit but those are the exceptions!!
Danica @ It's Progression
-I live in Minnesota so clearly the weather is psycho (and I’m not a fan)…Right now it gets down to the low 30s at night and then up to the low 70s during the day–it’s hard to know how to dress!
-I can’t stand mushrooms. I know they’re great for you but I just think the taste is horrid!
Melissa
Definitely look forward to the change in seasons (already getting chilly in the morning in the NE which I love!). Fall is my fav season too. :) I cook a couple days, my hubby cooks a couple days, and then we go out a couple days, lol. Mexican night is def one of my fav…and yours looks might delic!
Cortney
I dream of living in Cali. or FL. some day. I live in GA, which is not THAT cold but I love the warm weather and cannot get enough of it!! There is no such thing to me, as being too hot :-) Plus, I hate cold weather running and would LOVEEE to be able to run outdoors year round!
Connie @ Livin' Lean
I’ve always lived in Maryland or Pennsylvania, and I love getting all four seasons! I say that now, but when it starts snowing and I have to walk a mile to class, I’ll be cursing at life. Haha, I’m so excited that it’s fall now…I’m a huge fan of the chillier weather!
I want nothing to do with pickles. asj;alskfsdk can’t do it!
Sara @ Running in Pink
I want nothing to do with brussel sprouts. Not that I haven’t tried them because I have. And the sad part is I really really WANT to like them because they seem amazing – but every time I try them I hate them. Thus is life.
Aubrey
We sure get changing seasons in New England, and fall is my favorite. We have had the most incredible weather lately- 50s at night and 70s and sunny during the day (perfect running weather!). The foliage is incredible where I grew up in VT, it’s like the mountains are on fire.
I love pretty much all fruits and veggies. I’m not so into papaya or lima beans, but I will eat even those if I need to.
Jennifer
I’ve been meaning to ask….Billy has struggled with IT Band issues but have you ever? I am 4 weeks away from a triathlon and having major IT Band pain and it’s so frustrating! Wondering if you had any tips?
PS Brooke is probably the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen and she truly brightens my day each morning when I read your blog! :)
Emily
Illinois gets all four seasons and is known for it’s crazy weather! This summer proved to be the most ridiculous in terms of heat and humidity… so I wouldn’t be surprised if we got snow in October!
I LOVE to cook! Next time you have taco night, you should try using ground chicken, it’s delicious!
I HATE PEAS. :(
Natalie @ Free Range Human
I cook about 6 days a week. I really love to do it! I love snow! Unfortunately, we don’t get much of it here.
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
Those two are make the best memories together!!
I don’t really cook. And I guess I will never reach chef status because I only own one pot and zero pans. But I do have way too many baking dishes!
I tried Horchata once. I just thought it was okay. Odd because I love a sugary drink!
Lacey @ familyfitnessandfoodery
My Mister went to a Mexi Restaurant with a friend and tried authentic Horchata and loved it too! He said he can’t stop craving it since.
We cook every day at our house. We both enjoy it and I have finaly, after 4 years of marriage, figured out how to cook for 2 rather than 12. Hooray for small victories.
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale
We DEFINITELY get all four seasons — but fall is the longest and by far my favourite. I’m a happy camper being outdoors these days. :)
I used to prep food once a week and heat it up daily, but I’m slowly starting to cook every day. I still pretty much make the same thing, but it’s much yummier warm and fresh rather than reheated.
I have a HUGE food aversion to mushrooms and all kinds of peppers — don’t even bring them near me. I WILL GAG!! (The same happens with shepherd’s pie as well.)
I’m putting a shout-out to you in my post today — your candy corn/peanut combo is going to be one of my food challenges for the coming week (I’m trying to move forward in my ED recovery, and the mix of tastes just seems too great to pass up!!) — so thanks for sharing it! A little nervous, but I’m sure it will be so awesome it will erase any anxiety!!
blair
You should make your own horchata! Sooo easy.
Mackenzie {SusieFreakingHomemaker}
I absolutely love that you have reached chef status!! You go girl!! I cook something at least 6 days a week! You’ll get really good at it! Make the double batch of good stuff so you have leftovers all week!
Allison
I live in TX and that means we have two seasons. Hot and less hot for about three weeks. Normally we wear shorts at Christmas.
I love oj. So suggary and so good.
Katie
I’m so excited for winter! I love cuddling up in a blanket at night with my kitty while reading a good book. :)
My boyfriend does all of the cooking, but his work schedule is going to change soon which means I’m on my own for dinners. Which also means the crockpot is going to be my new bff.
Oh my, there is definitely NOT a fruit or veggie that I don’t like. I love them all!
Lindsey
We’re in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We have all four seasons and I love them all however, winter sometimes likes to linger a little longer. I’m really looking forward to winter because it looks so pretty and Christmas is my favorite holiday.
How many times a week do you cook?
We tend to cook 2-3 days a week with leftovers:) My husband is a great cook….me not so much.
I love all fruits and veggies but i’m 7 months pregnant i just can’t do broccoli and brussel sprouts (which I usually live off). However, on a daily basis i probably eat almost 100 grapes, 2-3 small apples and any other fruit in the fridge….mmmm fruit:)
Have a great Wednesday with Brook….keep the pics coming:)
Cathryn @ MyHeartsContentblog
The weather is perfect in NorCal isn’t it!!! We are so lucky!!! And I’m making tacos tonight, I’m dying for some more!! And Billy is SO speedy! That must make you proud and annoyed at the same time ;)
Blaire @ Just Been Running
We sort of have 4 seasons here in North Carolina. It definitely gets really hot in the summer, perfect in the Fall and Spring, and in the winter it does get cold but we rarely get snow!
I really really like snow, but I think it’s because I’ve never really lived in a place that has snow 5 months out of the year…we go to Michigan every year for Christmas so I always get to see it then which is amazing, but then we leave and come back to just cold drabby weather here!
I pretty much LOVE all veggies and fruits! The only fruit I don’t care for is watermelon..haha I know I know, I’m sure you think I’m crazy because it’s your fav!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
I’m so jealous of your gorgeous weather! Our weather up here in Canada is always having mood swings, and I’m definitely not looking forward to the next 6 months of snow and ice. I was actually just in Cali the other week and found myself thinking “Yup, I could definitely live in weather like this”.
jessie
I love all fruits and veggies! The more the better. We live up north from you in Marin, so no real seasons here. I get cold super easily–could not take it if we lived somewhere snowy. I did notice that it was pretty dark and chilly this morning when I got up at 6:30–summer has definitely left us and I am sad. I have to cook every day–have 4 kids and they need to eat. I am a miserable cook and would do takeout every day if I could afford it. I love horchata too–mmmmmm….
Annette@FitnessPerks
I’m glad you ‘pushed’ through & perservered! Dessert is worth it for that ;)
I don’t love Horchata, actually. Which is weird b/c I LOVE cinnamon. Maybe it was the kind I had?
Here it’s nice Fall weather, which is fun. But I miss summer…..
Elizabeth M.
I love that you spelled “cooke” like “Brooke” at the end of the post :)
Heather @ Run Eat Play
I live in the Chicago suburbs and I hate the winter and I hate the snow and I would give anything to live in CA :)
I usually cook dinner every week night – usually easy things though.
I hate tomatoes and raisins. They’re squishy and gross.
Robin
I have been wanting to cook lately, but at 7+ months pregnant with an 18 month toddler, the heat wave that will not die in So cal, and the fact that my appetite at night has been sad, I’ve been doing a lot of egg whites with salsa. Your taco salad look soooooooo good, but even lettuce these days is giving me a stomach ache.
Brittany @Berries and Barbells
We are currently in Logan Utah so we get a lot of extreme temperatures! Although I do have to say, we are having a gorgeous Fall.
I usually cook 4 or 5 times a week. We eat leftovers a couple time a week and go out to eat one or twice a week.
I’ve never worked up the courage to try horchata, I always figured I wouldn’t like it. I’m not a big fan of sweet drinks. I’d much rather eat a big bowl of ice cream.
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life)
One of my favorite things about living in Charlotte is that we get a taste of every season. I do wish it snowed more in winter, but the mountains aren’t far if I need to get my fill :)
mary @ minutespermile
wow, he’s fast! yes, you should always push through to dessert. i make time to do so after every meal. it’s a tough job.
Jaeme + Randy
Since I’m too lazy to look back for my jogging stroller comment to respond back to you, I will just respond on this post haha. I haven’t bought it yet but I’m getting the B.O.B Ironman jogging stroller.
Wow all 4 burners, that is impressive! I don’t think I have accomplished that one yet.
I love all having all 4 seasons but I must say, I am super jealous of your pool. I asked Randy before he moved why we had to get into school somewhere that winter is the longest season and not somewhere with a nice beach like California or Florida :p.
michelle kim
Since we’re in the Bay Area, we don’t get that obvious change of season (just a little colder… windier I guess). But if you guys go visit Lake Tahoe (which you definitely should!), you’ll get some snow.
Then again, last year, the snow came really late in Tahoe… like in March or something.
Kay
Yum your dinner looks awesome!
I try to bring lunch to work every day unless something is already planned – I’ve been eating out a lot for dinner with friends but trying to get back into eating at home recently!
Erin @ The Grass Skirt
I’ll have to try some Horchata. It sounds like a pregnant girl’s dream. And congrats on reaching chef status! :)
Kelly
Go girl on reaching chef status! I can only handle two burners at a time, and that is often disastrous! So jealous of your beautiful Cali weather. Brook is adorable and you seem like the happiest mom ever!
Andrea @ Andrea Out Loud
I cook dinner, probably 5 nights a week! I love cooking, lately i have acftually been super busy or we have had people and i feel like ia m going out to eat too much!
I am allergic to celery so cant eat it anyway, but i actually really disliked it when i have tried it and wouldnt eat it if i could anyway! ew!
i have had horchata! we served it at a coffee place i worked at forever. It is okay, for a sugary drink I enjoy a good hot chocolate here and there ;)
Lauren @ Powered by Oatmeal
What kind of ice cream is that?! Looks awesome.
Argentina
Dessert: Next time you have a mexican dinner have flan, its easy to make and super delicious!
Nicole@TheKidlessKronicles
I think we will have two seasons. Summer and non-summer.
I cook probably 4-5 times a week. I enjoy it. It was too hot to bake but I will rev that up soon.
I don’t like any vegetable that resembles soggy lettuce.
I have never tried that drink. Does a Frappuchino count as a sugary drink?
The Kidless Kronicles
CatieB
I try to cook most nights. I’m not great though… Pasta and sandwiches… that’s about it! haha
New York has four seasons and I hate it. The west coast is where it’s at! I would LOVE to live in California! I gotta get Ryan to move with me!
Kari @ Running Ricig
I LOVE cold weather, so it’s good we live in New England and are kind of stuck with it.
I cook most nights, but by cook, I mean, throw something edible together for both of us.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
We get a mild summer and winter here in Chicago… occasionally a month or two of fall thrown in there. I grew up in Kansas City where we had four distinct seasons… I miss that. And I am an awful chef. I use the microwave as much as possible and get really overwhelmed if I have too much happening at once.
Crystal G
I LOVE horchata! I miss being able to go down to the local taqueria and get a 32oz cup of it. YUM, I’m jealous :-)
Jacqueline
I made tacos for dinner last night too. Ha!
Dang, Billy is super duper fast. Great job, dude!!
Laying out by the pool is one of my favorite things to do.
Missy
I live in Charlotte, NC and we have ridiculous humidity! That is the only thing I would complain about, otherwise we really get a taste of every season which is really nice but I would take Cali’s no humidity and mild weather any day!
Katie
Horchata is soooo good! I’ve only had it a few times, but my sister just introduced me to RumChata–aka Horchata with a little rum. It tastes amazing mixed with root beer. I bet if you mixed the Horchata with some root beer it would surprise you with its tastiness. It’s just like a root beer float. But better somehow.
Katie
Wow, I am impressed by your chef status! Way to go! That’s pretty much my favorite thing to make- and we eat Mexican AT LEAST twice a week. I’m just a little obsessed with black beans. And yum, horchata!
Jill
We have all four seasons here but winter seems to be the longest (Alberta Canada). I love the snow though and being 8 month pregnant I am ready for the cold weather!
I cook a few nights a week. I don’t enjoy it but when u have kids u can’t live off of take out! I love to bake and would bake something everyday if I had the time :)
I hate cauliflower and find mushrooms gross. And I can pretty much down every fruit but don’t care much for blueberries.
Lauren
I still can’t decide if I’m looking forward to the change of seasons! We only have two seasons and they are: summer and rain. I am sick of the heat, but come January I am going to wish that I never said that.
I looooove to cook. I cook almost every day, although sometimes we get too lazy and go out to eat.
I also really hate bell peppers. I even want to like bell peppers. I try really hard to like them, I try them whenever someone gives them to me… and I just can’t get myself to like them.
Horchata is delicious. I also love ginger ale.
Kristen
Since you got me hooked on Cafe Rio salad dressing, I thought you should know that there are recipes on pinterest for making your own at home that’s supposed to taste like the real thing… it might just be prefect for your taco salads!
Irina @ Chocolatea Time
I LOVE Fall…it’s my favorite season! And while I don’t exactly love winter, I would never be able to live without Fall (so dramatic :) )
jenny
omg. this is so funny. i just found horchata last weekend at the grocery store here. i bought it because i’ve had it before but my daughter had not. i think she has already drank it all. she loved it.
Sonia the Mexigarian
LOVE Horchata! I grew up on that stuff (besides SunnyD and FlavorAid [too poor to buy KoolAid at one point]). And when all 4 burners go in my house, the Husband slowly backs away and waits for the food to be done.
Sandra
Hi Janae! I am from Barcelona (Spain) and I love to read your blog <3. It is the first time I leave a comment because my english is not good… I want to tell you that Horchata is originally from Valencia (Spain) and it is made with Chufa (the principial ingredient plus water and sugar) There are variations with rice like yours but the original is with chufa :) Congratulations for your baby!
Janae
Sandra!!! Thank you so so much for your comment!!! That is so cool that it is originally from Spain! I may need to come visit to try it!! Yum! Hope you are having an amazing day!
Sandra
Thanks!! I hope you too! :D
If someday you visit Spain and you need something, contact me!! ;)