::bloggers:block::

Hello everyone!

I haven't been blogging too much - this is due to what I would like to all "bloggers block" - that and I had a crap-tun of things that were going on that I needed to deal with first and foremost. Things are slowly being pushed to the back-burner and things are going pretty good. I still have tough days here and there but nothing that I can't tackle. 

I do hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their gorgeous Fall season! :)
There are some exciting new things that I'd like to undertake within the next few months...such as doing some online courses as well as getting back into art & being all around creative. I also need to get out of my writing funk and get inspired. There are many things that I would love to share with you guys and as always there is the fashion/editorial aspect of it. :) Of course! Lol.

When I was in California with my boyfriend our eyes were opened up (finally after much struggle with trying to lead a semi-healthy lifestyle and just eventually saying "to hell with it!") to a lifestyle of health and self-love. 

My parents are very conscious of what they put into their bodies and how they take care of themselves. This means daily exercise no matter what kind it is, portion control, healthy food, healthy drinks, and just taking care of oneself. 

It's easy for young people that move out on their own to gorge themselves on junk food, drink pop or beer, sit on the couch and watch TV all day because they just can...you don't have your parents sitting there "nagging" you to clean your room, to help with the yard work or walk the dog. 

This is what leads to a sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle that ultimately leads to some major health problems if you don't take particular care of yourself.

Anyways...while on our trip we ate healthy (of course we had little splurges here and there) and did some form of exercise on a daily basis...we both lost around 10lbs in 10 days...which I would say is pretty good! 

What's even better, is we took this new knowledge and self of renewal with us back to Canada and despite the weather being cold and rainy, and soon snowy! We will still be doing some form of exercising daily...we are eating way healthier as well and just have a new attitude and a lease on life which I am happy about! :)
It's not about a diet anymore or losing weight, it's about being healthy and feeling good about yourself everyday.

I just wanted to share that with you guys. Because ultimately it's what you want out of life and if you're happy and surrounded with love, then that's all that matters. :)

Anyways, I think we are LOOOOONG overdue for a recipe!
As some of you may know - because I ramble on about it - I am a HUGE lover of cookbooks, I just started "collecting" them (if you will) about a year ago (much to the dismay of my boyfriend and our bedroom space, lol). 

But there are just so many darn great cookbooks out there with gorgeous photo's that just make your mouth wwwwwatttter. 

I just picked up the new Michael Smith cookbook that has some awesome recipes you guys should check out (Amazon has it cheaper then your local bookstore). 

I will try and share some recipes from my cookbooks in the next little while since I know that I share a lot which are online. 

But we can't forget the online sites such as Kraft, Canadian Living, Everyday Food, AllRecipes, etc, etc, etc. 

Not to mention some amazing blogs out there that a lot of you post about some delicious recipes!

This next one I found on the Kraft site. 

I find their food isn't *astounding* but it's pretty darn good and simple and quick to make. There are a tun of recipes on there that you can check out and make  under 30 minutes or less. 

This recipe I made myself last week and thought it was delicious (I made it with yellow wax beans and some garlic mashed potatoes). It was sooooo good! I love pesto too (and cheese! who doesn't?!) so that was a total bonus with this recipe. 

Anyways, give it a try and let me know what you guys think. 

It's quick, easy and healthy!

Bon Appetit!

Crispy Baked Pesto Chicken

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 4 servings, 1 chicken breast (150g) each

What You Need4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1lb./450g)
1 pouch Shake'N Bake Coating Mix

2 Tbsp. Pesto

1/4 cup Kraft Mozzarella Shredded Cheese

Make It

HEAT over to 400ºF.
COAT chicken with coating mix. Place in 8-inch square baking dish.
BAKE 20 minutes or until done (170ºF).
TOP with pesto and cheese; bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned. 

Kraft Kitchens Tip / Serving Suggestion
SERVE with hot cooked rice and steamed fresh vegetables.

-S.*