So I made kale chips, and this is how they turned out...

Let's just jump on in shall we!

This past Friday night Ray had duty (meaning he wouldn't be home until the following day) so I had plenty of time on my hands and I was bound and determined to make these kale chips. However, after cleaning up after dinner and sweeping and swiffering the floors I plopped myself on the couch for the rest of the night. But, I DID find the motivation the next afternoon - so it's all good!

I've found sooo many yummy recipes on Pinterest, and only a couple not so great ones so I figured these would be great, healthy, yummy, not-potato chip-goodness.

Let's also note that I have never worked with kale. I've eaten it a total of one time, but it seemed so easy! Just as the directions said, I separated the leafy-ness from the tough stalk and veins and washed the leaves. Right away I noticed how much hardier kale is than regular lettuce or spinach and I was excited about what the future could possibly hold for my salty-crunchy craving. I got out my salad spinner I use on rare occasions, simply because I'm not a big fan of the contraption. Then I tossed the kale with olive oil and sea salt per instructions and laid them onto the cookie sheet. You can also enlist your child to help with this process, simply because it makes it a little more fun!

See looks promising!

Now, the recipe said to bake them for about 30 min, which I abided by and was eager to taste the first batch. My thoughts went like this:

"Mmm... crunchy, salty."
"Super thin."
"Like, tissue paper thin."
"But it has kinda good flavor."
"Did I just taste burnt leaves?"

A few minutes later and a few more kale chip tastings and I needed Ray's opinion.
"That tastes like burnt leaves."

Then I get defensive about my efforts and say that they were better straight out of the oven and I'd cut the time in half for the second batch.

Nope. Just nope. Still burnt leaves. (I'm also saving the most pathetic picture for last... because it deserves it.)

I was so disappointed! All that time (not really, it doesn't take long). But alllllll that kale... Now I'm at a loss for what to do with the remaining kale leaves and quite frankly I'm scared to take to Pinterest for suggestions on kale. So how about any of my readers? Suggestions on kale? Or how to better improve the kale chip?

Also, I have uploaded a new video! Feel free to check it out, give it a thumbs up, comment, subscribe... you know the drill ;) Click HERE!

3 YEARS Later!

Holy guacamole you guys! It has nearly been 3 years, THREE YEARS! since I made my last blog post. So much has happened I don't really even know where to begin. Well, I guess I'll start off by saying we have since made a new addition to our family. Our beautiful daughter Lila joined our family in September of 2013 and has been the biggest blessing I have ever received. Each day she teaches me something new and I don't know how my heart is still in my chest because it grows so much bigger every day with all the love I have for her (yes, sappy... but completely true).

In January of 2014 the Marine Corps sent Ray (and the rest of us) to be stationed in Virginia. It was a little sad moving from the base where I learned spent my first years as a military spouse. It felt like home, and the friends we made there felt like home. To be honest, since our move, it has been such an adjustment and I still feel like I'm readjusting every week. I still can't say that I feel like this place is our "home," but maybe we're getting there. Or maybe in a few years when we move, that's when it will feel like home. Ray has also since been promoted, which has brought on new responsibilities and a slightly different schedule. (Like I said, readjusting every week!)

At the beginning of September of 2014 I started daily vlogging on my YouTube channel. It was a lot of fun, but it also took up a good chunk of time that I knew I could be spending with Lila and Ray. After the holidays ended (we were able to travel to Missouri and visit family) I unofficially ended the daily vlogs. I absolutely love that I have those memories of our daily life during that time to look back on for years to come (especially since I was able to capture her first birthday festivities)! I will still do vlogs every now and then, but haven't completely settled on specific days. Don't you worry though, I'll be sure to let you know when I resume them!

For months now I've been feeling like I have some type of creativity inside me and it's trying to get out but just can't figure out how to express it properly. I'm still not sure if the way I should do it is through blogging, vlogging, home decorating, or just coloring in coloring books. So please bear with me while I figure myself out and also figure out this blog. It's still under construction, so please avert any judging eyes. 

Family pic! 

Baby doll and a baby doll

Baby girl and Me! See - heart full EVERY day!

 As always, sending our love from afar.

- Suzanne