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Mr. and Mrs. Powell
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Gosh I love weddings.
They make me so happy.
My cousin just got married this past Saturday and my mom and I threw her bridal shower.
( My aunts and grandma's pitched in and helped us cook all day )
I flew up to Utah with Ryan for a week and half and it was so much fun being with all my family and extended family 
( there are a lot of us )

The Bridal Shower turned out stunning.
My mom is incredible when it comes to stuff like this so it was fun being her shadow through the whole process. Just trying to learn from her and her skills HA.
I LOVED the clean look of it all.
Each dessert / appetizer had a place. Whether it was a skewer or a shooter glass or a stick, it had a spot.

We made cake balls for the first time ever.
6 hours later we finished but goodness were they beautiful! ( and really yummy )
Nothing was catered. Just spend 2 full days in the kitchen and you can make anything happen HA.

We transformed my mom's dining room into food central.
The shower was from 7 PM to 9 PM so we had mainly desserts with a few appetizers.
( Appetizers included - Fruit, Veggies and dip, and Caprese skewers - MY FAV! )

I like to call it… "Pretty in Pink"
And I will just let the photos do the rest of the talking.


( ^^ Bar of soap party favor - "From Alyssa's Shower to Yours!" ^^ )


( Hi daddy! ^^ Taking the picture )


She decked out her kitchen in pictures of the bride and groom.
Beautiful.


After throwing this I got all into PARTY MODE.
I'm ready to Pinterest away and throw another one!
Considering I have about 70 cousins and 5 siblings still not married I think this is the first of many. :)

Flowers - Costco  ( my mom arranged them )

Candle Sticks - Pottery Barn

Veggies and Dip - Recipe here

Caprese Skewers - Recipe here

Peanut Butter Dessert - Similar

Pineapple No Bake Cheesecake Dessert - Recipe here

Berry Trifle Recipe - Recipe here

Shooter Glasses for all desserts and appetizers - Zurchers

Mini Spoons for shooters  - Standard Restaurant Supply

Happy Monday ALL!! XO

Some of my most frequent emailed questions regard healthy eating.
My husband and I are very passionate about healthy eating so stuff like this gets me pretty excited.
I have been wanting to start a "recipe" section on my blog for quite a while now but sometimes life just gets a little crazy and with the move, everything has been pretty fast pace around here :)
However, we are settling down and I am really excited to share some favorite recipes of ours every now and again.

We eat out maybe 2 times a week over the weekend and I cook all the rest of the days so I get creative HA.

I don't consider myself the best cook in the world, 
 but I do LOVE finding EASY, HEALTHY new recipes to try -
( And occasionally not so healthy HA )
Thank you Pinterest.

This is a recipe that I originally found HERE.
I LOVE her food site and almost every recipe I have tried from her has been incredible so I would totally recommend it.
I literally make this salad about once a week ( we love it so much ) so I have tweaked a few things over time ( adding seasoned chicken, homemade tortilla strips, ETC. ) and it has become one of our favorite meals.


First things first.
Chicken.

#1. Wash and cut chicken into strips.
( For this particular time we were feeding more people but when I am just cooking for Aaron and I, I do about 2 breasts of chicken total )

#2. Make seasoning in separate bowl
( Serving size - 2 chicken breasts )

2 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt


#3. Cook chicken over skillet.
I NEVER use vegetable oil or butter for my skillet. Occasionally I will put a touch of olive oil to keep from sticking, but for this case, I just sprayed with PAM and it works awesome.

Sprinkle half of the seasoning on the top side of the chicken, then flip the chicken over and sprinkle the rest of the seasoning.

Cook on medium until chicken is cooked through.


Next step : Homemade BAKED tortilla strips

While staying with our family friends a little while back, she introduced me to this incredible HEALTHIER version of Tortilla Strips and I have never gone back!

**All you need is some corn tortillas, a little olive oil, and a baste brush.

Step #1. Pour Olive Oil into a small container and lightly baste each side of every tortilla.

Step #2. Cut corn tortillas into strips ( I just used a pizza cutter )

Step #3. Season with a touch of Kosher Salt ( or regular salt, I like Kosher salt better )


Step #4: Spray cookie sheet with pam and dump tortilla strips onto cookie sheet.

Step #5: Bake at 400 until crispy. About half way through I flip them to make sure both sides are crisp.


Wahhlaa! You have a way healthier version of chips for your salad.
( P.S. make sure to watch them because I have had my fair share of burnt tortilla strips :)


Next up : Chopped Southwestern Chicken Salad 

Guys this is so easy and looks so pretty and delicious.

5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 roma tomatoes sliced in cubes
1 can of corn ( drained )
1 can of black beans ( drained )
1 avocado, halved, seeded, and diced 
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Grilled chicken - cubed

** This is my tweaked version of how we like it - Original recipe is -- HERE


DRESSING : Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
This is a CREAMY greek yogurt healthy dressing and so easy!

1 cup loosely packed cilantro
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Recipe source -- HERE


Serve with love!
* I will occasionally warm corn tortillas to eat with it on the side - personal preference because I love eating a salad like this with tortillas!

Happy cooking and Happy Tuesday all! XO
Today, I'm really excited to have the darling Sharon on here today!
She is such a sweetheart with the biggest heart and has one beautiful beautiful family!
She is also way into Fitness and I absolutely LOVE her fitness posts ( Fit Pregnancy, Fit Mom etc. ) so along with the rest of her blog, make sure to check her out and give her some love!
Thanks Sharon!


Hello, this is the Sharon from Adoring Creations and today I have the honor of guest posting for Karina on
Mr. & Mrs. Powell!


I found Karina's blog via this post on Pinterest. I thought she was the prettiest pregnant momma and was looking for some stylish pregnancy tips. I know you can agree that through her blog I found so much more. I was immensely inspired throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. Karina greatly encouraged me with her optimism, love for family, health and fitness tips.

 My husband and I have been married eleven years and we have four precious children whom we consider to be pure joy and treasures from God. I am a former certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I previously taught fitness classes for our local university but have taken a break so I can classically educate my children at home. I hope you enjoy what I have prepared for you today :)


 6 Simple Tips on How to Feel Like an Elegant Mom
Feel Elegant and ready to face the day by implementing these simple tricks I have learned as a fourth time mom:

1. Streamlined make-up routine. While my children are small I have a very simple make-up routine. I fit all of my cosmetics in a small bag which I keep in my purse. Try to time yourself. How long does it take you to put on a bit of concealer, lipstick, eyeliner and mascara? With practice you will be able to apply your makeup in 5 minutes or less. Knowing my make-up routine only takes 5 minutes motivates me to efficiently apply my make-up before my husband leaves for work so I can kiss him good-by and face the day dressed and ready.

2. A "go-to" set of classic accessories. During the little years I have a "go-to" set of accessories that I can put on with any outfit to feel polished and put together. Choose a few of your favorite pieces of beautiful quality that are neutral in color. For the first few months of my daughter's life I slept in my favorite pearl earrings and a simple, feminine necklace that I never took off. I kept my bracelets and watch by my toothbrush so all I had to do was grab them and slip them on as I head out the door. I have a set of gold and silver accessories that I always know will go with any outfit I may choose for the day. This is only a season, you will have the luxury of time to choose multiple accessories in the future. Right now you are too busy getting sweet baby cuddles to worry about what jewelry best matches each outfit!

3. Elegant tunics: I appreciate a flowy, elegant tunic because they provide plenty of coverage if you are still wearing your bella band to keep your pants or skirts in place :) My favorites are from Anthropologie, White House Black Market and Target. A button down or crossover top is preferred to give easy access to my nursing baby girl. Which brings me to my next tip...

4. Oversized scarves. Not only are scarves an elegant way to pull an outfit together, they double as a nursing cover. I was in the middle of a conversation with some girlfriends last weekend when my sweet baby girl gave her signal that it was meal time. I simply pulled my scarf over the both of us and inconspicuously nursed her. I was pleasantly surprised when my friend commented that it was the classiest nursing session she had ever seen :D It takes some practice but using a scarf as a nursing cover can be quite discreet.

5. A spacious yet stylish bag. My purse is roomy enough to hold my items and baby's items. I keep two diapers in the zippered compartment and a small pouch of wipes. A lovely, tiny baby outfit easily fits inside If I roll it up neatly. As a fourth time mom I have found I do not need all of the extras I used to lug around when my first baby was little :) I do have a large diaper bag packed full of necessities that I keep as a back-up in my car and if I am going to be on a longer outing (Sea World or the Zoo) then I will bring my big bag. If we are just headed to the store or church I only need my purse.

6. Fashionable shoes. I find this is the first step of putting an outfit together. Even if you are going to be lounging around the house with your little one, you can still wear cute shoes! Find a neutral ballet flat or even a wedge you find comfortable and you will be inspired to put together a simple, chic ensemble any day of the week. Even if you are just staying home with your baby. Especially if you are just staying home with the baby. You will feel better prepared for what may come your way and able to face your day with dignified grace!

With a small amount of effort and determination you can achieve style and elegance. I find that the larger our family grows the more I want to take the time to look put together and avoid the frazzled mommy look. Simplicity is key along with a few short minutes of intentional effort. Blessings to all of you as you enjoy this fleeting, joyous season of motherhood!


Grace and peace,
Adoring Family
Thank you again, dear, sweet Karina for the guest post!
xxoo

OH HEYYY Y'ALL!! 
I am pretty excited to be here today! 
Mommy has been all stressed with unpacking the house so she put me in charge for the day.
Here's a little bit of what I have been up to the last couple days...



Since I was on here last, I have a new house.
I really really like it.
I still call it "Yayan's new house" and every time we get in the car to come home from the grocery store I make sure to tell mommy I want to go to the "new house" and not the "old house"
( Just in case she forgets you know ) HA.

I have a little more room to roam around here and get into everything I probably shouldn't.


I still sleep in my crib because my big boy bed is coming soon.
It's taken so long because mommy couldn't decide which one she wanted to buy..….Typical.
Any day now mom.
Me and baby tiger are ready for our new room!


Until then, I will keep jumping on my crib bed while singing "no more monkey's jumping on the bed"


Bath time.
The best. I like to get "pruny" and play with my sharks.
Daddy taught me the "Jaws" tune and I have it down.
I like the new bath tub lots.


Park dates with mommy.


I have become smoothie master.
And I tell mommy I'm a really good helper.


Sometimes this happens... "UH OH, I sorry mommy".


I am starting to sit at the big boy table for lunch and I feel pretty cool.

Every day I ask for a peanut butter sandwich.
And when mommy doesn't give me a peanut butter sandwich , I'm like, "what the heck is this food!"?


Mommy is such a perfectionist and she wouldn't let me picture it here because it's messy right now,
but I'm most excited about my new playroom.
There is room for every single one of my toys and my mommy is in the process of putting it together.
Can't wait to show all of you.

P.S. Have you seen me dance yet? It's my favorite thing.
Me, mommy and daddy have dance parties before I go to bed!
Mommy says it gets all my wiggles out!
Daddy teaches me new crazy moves and I'm catching on.
Check my mommy's Instagram for the first of many videos of my new moves.

P.S.S. My grandpa and all my aunts and uncles fly to Texas tonight!
I'm so excited to show them my new stomping grounds!
Grandma is going to help mommy decorate this casa.
Mommy's pretty excited.

Welp, see ya later alligators!
Turns out, moving is a little stressful ;)
Ryan survived the move with bubble wrap and one too many episodes of Daniel Tiger.


We finally said goodbye to the cute little townhome that we spent 3.5 years in.
The little place that got us through law school and the 'oh so exciting' sleepless nights of becoming first time parents.
Lots of memories made and it will always have a place in my heart!

That being said we were so ready to call a place "our OWN!"
Last Thursday we signed the papers and made it officially ours.
Pretty cool feeling.


A few of the first things moved into our house were Ryan's teepee and our fake dog Spot.
Go figure.
Ry had all he needed to be happy.


One of our favorite parts about this home is that ^^ THIS ^^ is literally 50 steps away from our front door.


Ryan is in heaven overload.
Talk about park every day, all day.


Ry has been my little CLEANER helper these last couple days.
With all the movers, and new furniture, there has been SO MUCH dust.
And let me tell you, dark floors show it all :) HA I tell my husband they are worth it!
We clean every day and Ryan has somehow been pretty happy about it.


Between the park and the counter top munching, Ryan's making himself right at home :)


And so are we.
We have only been here three nights and I'm loving waking up to this view.

Boxes are still all over but we are in heaven over here.
Nothing like your first home.

^^ Still enjoying our favorite time of the day. ^^


^ Sun peaking through the windows while reading book after book after book. ^


^^ While I pack, he sits on my bed and colors while eating cheerios. ^^


To ADD to the craziness...
^^ My sweet in-laws have been building a home for A YEAR. ^^
It FINALLY finished ( not the best timing ever but we all survived and made it work :) so we spent this past weekend moving them in!
It turned out so beautiful and I'm so happy for them.
( At least our moves weren't the SAME weekend... RIGHT!? )


(( After this coming weekend, I may never want to touch a moving box again ))


^^ Somehow managed to squeeze in a romantic date with my favorite person ^^
( How dreamy looking is our mall?? )


^^ Between packing boxes we take breaks for "ootball games with Yayan". ^^
( Trying to be a good "Boy mom" HA )


Marshalls makes me so happy.
I could spend hours in that store! ( My husband doesn't get it HA )
^^ I am seriously bargin shopping all decor for this home and I'm pretty excited about it so far ^^

My mom is flying down to help me decorate in a week and a half ( I'm so excited to see my family! ) so we have been texting pictures back and forth of her finds in Utah, and my finds here.
I put her on a job to go out and shop for me. 
( She is the pro )
She just sends me pictures, I "okay" the price and she buys it for me. 
HA it's quite the system we have going.
With Marshalls, you have to keep checking ( almost every day ) because they are ALWAYS getting new things. The more "Marshalls / TJ Maxx" stores you check at, THE BETTER.


^^ Friday night pizza nights never fail me  ^^
( Sometimes I wish every day was pizza day )


^^ While we survive with no couch and no furniture, ( we sold it all HA ) we lay on the floor and take snap chat selfies. ^^

Life is so crazy,
we close on our house in 3 days and move in in 4.
It's a crazy life, and a really really beautiful life.
Sometimes I need to take a step back, admist the craziness, and always remember that.
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Hello!! We are the Powell family - Aaron, Karina, Ryan, and Luke; but let's be honest, you will mostly just hear from me. We are lovers of all things fitness, traveling, and thin crust pizza. You can read more about us here.

@kmpowell

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