May 28, 2014

A High School Graduate

Hard to believe we have a High School Graduate in our house!

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From this little guy

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To this handsome young man

Kyle was 10 years old when he came into my life and from the get-go I was accepted into he and his dad’s little corner of the world.  I am eternally grateful for that kid and the joy he has brought to my life.  I love his easy-going personality, humor and outlook on life.   Honestly, the coolest kid I know.

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The last 8 years have been full of adventure and entertainment.  I am sure the one thing Kyle won’t miss once he leaves for college is listening to me crabbing about the million vehicles in our driveway.    I mean, seriously.  How many trucks does a 17 year old need?

Apparently when you have Clint for a father, owning multiple trucks is not only acceptable, but expected.

What’s that saying?  Choose your battles?

I lost that one.

 

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Did I mention we also park trucks in the front yard?

Completely acceptable.

…

May 18th, 2014 crept up on all of us!  I can’t believe how fast 8 years went for me.   I can only imagine it felt the same way for his dad and mom as they looked back on 17 years.

Clint is so proud of Kyle.  It shone through in multiple ways on Graduation Day.

 

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In true Kyle fashion, the family found out he was leading the Pledge of Allegiance AND providing the Class Welcome by reading it in the program prior to the ceremony.

Nope… he didn’t tell a single one of us.   Is that a typical boy for you or teenager?

Regardless, I’d say that is pretty awesome to be nominated by your peers to lead the address.

 

 

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He of course did such a great job.  The kid shows no nerves.  Ever.

He is much like his father.

They like the attention. 🙂

 

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What a great moment it was to watch him walk across the stage and receive his diploma!

 

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His charming personality shown through as he convinced this lovely lady to turn and face his family for a photo opp.

 

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Happy kid, I’d say!

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Soon after the ceremony was finished we found ourselves walking around like paparazzi trying to track the man of the hour down.

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My brother has some killer style.

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After a few short minutes, we got to him.

Brace yourselves for proud papa moment #2, my friends.

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🙂

We had the graduation party immediately following the ceremony at Kyle’s moms house.  He had a great showing of support and love.

Party = Success

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Aren’t those cupcakes adorable?

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A few of Kyle’s awards

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And a few other snapshots from the day:

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Proud papa moment #3.  Watching Kyle’s slideshow.  ❤

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Same smile.  Same laugh.

Proud papa moment #4

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Once the party started wrapping up you can bet Kyle was ready to bust out of there for the night.  And rightfully so.  His day!  He totally deserved to go and be with his friends.

Clint tried to keep him around for a little longer.   I have visions of college drop-off in August already in my head.

With that, I will leave you with Proud Papa moment #5.

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Congratulations, Kyle.

We sure do love ya, kid.

May 26, 2014

Mushroom Artichoke Chicken w/ Honey Mustard Red Wine Vinegar Glaze

Artichoke Mushroom Chicken

 

I’ve gotta be honest with you.

I could have omitted the chicken in this recipe and been just as satisfied.   Don’t get me wrong.  The chicken was great but the honey mustard and red wine vinegar glaze over the mushroom, artichoke combination was the winning combination.

 

 

Artichoke Mushroom Chicken

 

This recipe is easy to assemble and only takes an hour to cook.  No fuss recipe in my standards.

 

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Step 1

  • Heat oven to 350 and prepare a large baking sheet with olive oil spray
  • Drain artichokes, halve mushrooms, slice onions and spread in one layer on pan

 

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Step 2

  • Trim chicken breasts of any fat and skin
  • Slice tiny slits in top of chicken to allow glaze to seep in
  • Lay chicken breasts on top of mushroom and artichoke slices
  • Mix together honey, spicy mustard, garlic, olive oil, water, red wine vinegar, thyme, basil, tarragon, sea salt and pepper.
  • Using a pastry brush, evenly spread on top of chicken and mushroom/veggie mix.  Reserve a small amount of glaze.

 

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Step 3

  • Place in oven for an hour
  • Baste chicken 2-3 times during the hour with remaining glaze.

 

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Step 4

  • Once chicken is cooked throughout and top begins to crisp, remove from oven and allow to sit before serving.
  • Enjoy

Mushroom Artichoke Chicken

 

Mushroom Artichoke Chicken

 

Mushroom Artichoke Chicken

 

 

Cheers!

 

Harleys and Heels is now on Facebook!

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Pin It!

Mushroom Artichoke Chicken with Spicy Honey Mustard and Balsamic Glaze

May 25, 2014

Vanilla Protein Cake

I have a problem.

A sweet tooth problem.

My weakness has ALWAYS been candy, cakes, cookies, chocolate.  If it contains sugar, I am eating it.  And most likely, all of it.

Not a good obsession when I am trying to shake off the body fat.

What’s a girl to do?

Well… considering I am trying to up my protein intake each day I decided to pair my sweet addiction with my protein needs and create some delicious protein treats!

Ladies and Gents, I bring to you:

Vanilla Protein Cake

Vanilla Protein Cake

 

Simple ingredients, 1 minute prep time, 1 minute cook time, 1 minute cool down time and this little baby is all yours.

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Mix all ingredients in a microwave safe mug OR bowl.

I always choose a bowl because the cake grows. Mugs are far too tiny unless you’ve for one of those gigantic soup mugs.

Pop in the microwave for 1 minute. (Watch closely).

Slide the cake right out onto a plate and eat as is OR whip together a little frosting using Greek yogurt, sugar free pudding mix (I used cheesecake flavor) and a little milk for consistency.

 

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Share or eat all by yourself.

Nutritional Information

Without the frosting:

  • 180 calories
  • 8 grams carbohydrates
  • 31 grams protein

 

With the frosting adds:

  • 40 calories
  • 9 grams carbohydrates
  • 7 grams protein

 

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Enjoy!

Vanilla Protein Cake

May 23, 2014

Two Tickets to Paradise- Giveaway

Just admit it.  

The title alone had you singing.

I’ve Got… Two Tickets to Paradise.  

Got a surprise waiting for you.

 

On June 6th, 2014 Rick Springfield, Eddie Money, and Little River Band will share one stage at the Mid-America Center.

 

 

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Sounds like a pretty fun night out, if you ask me!   And what could make it even better?

Getting those tickets for FREE!

 

 

Who doesn’t know Rick Springfield’s:

 

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Or Eddie Money’s:

 

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And what about Little River Band’s:

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Are you ready for this?

I have an offer code AND giveaway, so keep on reading!

Tickets and information can be found through the Mid America Center by clicking here.

  • You can purchase tickets via Ticketmaster.com.  Prices range from $40.00 – $60.00
  • OFFER CODE: How about $10 OFF your ticket price?  Simply type in HarleyJ where it says Offer Code.

 

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HUGE thanks to the marketing folks for this special offer code.

Please be sure to use it when purchasing your tickets so we can have more like it down the road!

  • Friday, June 6th ~ Doors open at 7PM  ~ Show starts at 8PM
  • Parking is FREE –  (Eat your heart out $8 Century Link parking)

 

Now ~ Are you ready to try your chance at winning?

 

 One lucky Harleys and Heels reader is going to WIN TWO Tickets to Rick Springfield, Eddie Money and  Little River Band!

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 That’s right.   Click on that little red button.  You’ve got it!

 

Cheers and Good Luck!

 

*I received tickets to the concert for me and two tickets to giveaway on behalf of Harrah’s Council Bluffs and the Mid-America Center.  Thanks to Katie from Yellow Mango Life for the offer origination.  All opinions are 100% my own.