Lately // End of Summer

{ rainbow on the ceiling }

{ bacon wrapped hot dogs with sauted onions, cheese and mayo, before they were topped with guacamole }

{ he dragged this stick from the park, all the way home }

{ fishies at our second home, the zoo }

{ giraffes are my favorite }

{ Maxi with his aunt Nettie, before we headed for brunch }

{ baked these delicious oreo cupcakes for a friends baby shower, by the time we were there they were completely melted ( it was that hot ) }

{ he said " ma', look! " }

{ my little Picasso }

{ Maxi loves getting foot massages at the zoo }

{ we've been going to the zoo all summer long and this was the first time this guy was out! he was very impressive }

{ feeding these babies }

{ this one stole my heart }

{ it's beginning to feel like fall around here }

{ I changed my hair, short black bob }

{ I want to have this shot engraved in my memory }

{ morning at the park, where I made quite a few memories as a child }

It's starting to feel like fall here. There is a constant cool breeze and some leaves are changing color. I've never been so excited for fall before but this summer was so intensely hot that I am welcoming fall with open arms. It feels good to not be drenched in sweat every. minute. of. the. day.

These are some of the things that I am excited for; a trip to the pumpkin patch, baking a loaf of pumpkin bread, buying a fall scented candle (any recommendations?), decorating for halloween, baking halloween cupcakes and Maximiliano's 3rd halloween!

What are you guys excited for? I'm also looking for activities to do with Maximiliano, he is such an active toddler and he won't sit down for more than 10 minutes. I'm trying to have him watch less t.v. I mostly let him watch dinosaur train and wild kratts, those are his favorite shows and some disney movies. I will be happy to get any suggestions of toddler activities!

XOXO

Lidia

Teriyaki Chicken (Weeknight Meals)

I could literally live off of this chicken. Should I say more?

I shared this quick recipe for an easy teriyaki sauce a few years ago. I thought I would share it again because I seriously make it every time I'm craving teriyaki or anytime I need a quick meal on the table. It is delicious, fast and easy. You can also make it in advance a few days, cool it and refrigerate it for later and just reheat when needed.

Teriyaki Sauce

- 3 T. brown sugar
- 1 T. minced garlic
- 1 t. fresh grated ginger (optional)
- 1/4 c soy sauce
- 1 c. of water
- 1 T. cornstarch
- 1/4 c. ice cold water

In a small saucepan stir constantly while adding brown sugar, garlic, ginger (if using), soy sauce and
1 cup of water, bring to a boil. Dissolve cornstarch in ice water and add to sauce. Stir constantly and allow sauce to thicken a bit.

You can cut chicken breast or thighs, grill and add sauce on top or you can also grill whole chicken breast or thighs and brush with the teriyaki sauce when almost done cooking. You may also add veggies to this. I love brushing mushrooms with the sauce.

Serve with rice and salad, or rice and steamed broccoli. There are so many possibilities!

XOXO

Lidia

Pinterest Inspo

This round up of my most latest Pinterest Inspo is mostly short bobs and pumpkin recipes.

Getting ready for fall over here but still nothing halloween, next Pinterest Inspo Post

will be full of it!

{these hair styles, since I plan on chopping off my hair soon}

{this bedroom, I'm in love with that mirror and hanging plant by the window}

{these words}

{this outfit and it's fall vibes, jacket and pants inspo}

{this pumking bread loaf that looks incredible and is vegan via my forever idol Martha Stewart}

{this homemade and totally healthy! pumpkin syrup via the velvet bird blog}

{ this pumpkin french toast bake via the minimalist baker, I love food that you can throw together in one dish}

XOXO

Lidia

Last Days of Summer

Can you believe this is the first time we've been to the beach this summer? and summer is practically over... Although we did go for ice cream and a walk on the bay the other night, we even got to see fireworks before we left. Just like last summer, Maximiliano absolutely fell in love with the sand and salty water. He was soooo happy in the water and I totally didn't wear a bathing suit the first time I actually happened to get all soaked by the waves!

This year has been rough for us. My husband was stuck in a really bad job, working every. single. day. Not only did he end up having to invest everything he made right back into his job but we also didn't really get to spend much time together at all. I am happy to say that things are finally looking up for us and I have a feeling this coming year is going to be our year.

Hope your enjoying the last days of summer. Meanwhile I'll just be wishing for cooler weather over here, these past two weeks have kicked my butt! San diego has never ever been hotter! I've been slacking so much, because of this heat. All I want to do is sit in front of the fan forever.

XOXO

Lidia

Ground Beef & Broccoli (Weeknight Meals)

Hey guys! It's been a while since I shared a recipe on here. This is one of our latest favorite weeknight meals. It's super fast and easy which is perfect for those times when you wish there were more hours to the day and on top of that it's full of flavor, a meal everyone will enjoy.

Ground Beef & Broccoli

serves 3-4

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 onion, diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 1/2 lbs. broccoli, washed and cut into small trees

1 tablespoon of cooking oil

2-3 tablespoons of oyster sauce

salt and pepper to taste

Heat about a tablespoon of cooking oil in pan over medium heat, throw in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add in onion, saute until translucent and then add your ground beef. Cook beef until nice and brown at this point you can add salt and pepper to taste.

Meanwhile the beef is browning, cook broccoli for 2 minutes in a pot of salted boiling water, drain and set aside. Once your beef is ready add broccoli and oyster sauce, stir to incorporate.

Serve on top of white rice with lots of sambal oelek chili paste or sriracha. Lately we've been preferring sambal oelek. You can find the sambal oelek, sriracha and oyster sauce in the asian isle or your local asian super market.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Lidia