Till Then Smile Often

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Be The Change
    • BeTheChange
  • Recipes
  • Sponsor/Contact
  • Books

January 20, 2015

Tomato Chorizo Soup | Paleo

I have sung the praises of the Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook before in my November Books post, and this recipe is adapted from her Tomato Soup With Chicken Recipe. I didn’t change much on it because it really didn’t need much. A little extra spices and switched chicken for Chorizo, since I already had chicken on the menu for the week, and this will make a nice lunch or dinner time meal. 

 

Tomato Chorizo Soup-4
 

Ingredients:  1 small yellow onion ~ 2 garlic gloves or 1 TSP minced garlic ~ 5 cups diced tomatoes (approx. 7-8 tomatoes) ~ 1 (13.5) oz can of coconut milk ~ 1 TSP sea salt ~ 1/2 TSP Pepper ~ 1 TBSP Italian Seasoning ~ 2 TBSP coconut oil ~ 1 package of Chorizo 

 

Directions: In a large soup or stock pot on medium heat carmalize the onions in the coconut oil. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Tomato Chorizo Soup
Stir in the diced tomatoes, stirring often for approximately 7-10 minutes.

Tomato Chorizo Soup-1
Season with the salt and pepper, then add the coconut milk. *Note: Do not use the coconut milk in the fridge/freezer section, use the can milk, it is slightly thicker. 

 

Tomato Chorizo Soup-2
Carefully pour into a blender and puree. Be sure and cover the top with an oven mitt in case any should spill out. Not that this happened to me (okay yes, it did). 

 

Tomato Chorizo Soup-3
Return to the pan and simmer. In a separate pan cook up your Chorizo.  You can remove the casing and use just the ground Chorizo or slices, halved. Add the Chorizo to the pan with the soup and serve. 

 

Paleo Tomato Chorizo Soup
 

If you are vegetatrian, swap the Chorizo for some kidney beans or white beans. Not a fan of Chorizo, try Chicken, Ham, or ground turkey. 

Martinis & Bikinis
signature
4.7 from 3 reviews
Print
Tomato Chorizo Soup | Paleo
 
Ingredients
  • 1 small yellow onion ~ 2 garlic gloves or 1 TSP minced garlic ~ 5 cups diced tomatoes (approx. 7-8 tomatoes) ~ 1 (13.5) oz can of coconut milk ~ 1 TSP sea salt ~ 1 TSP Pepper ~ 1 TBSP Italian Seasoning ~ 2 TBSP coconut oil ~ 1 package of Chorizo
Instructions
  1. In a large soup or stock pot on medium heat carmalized the onions in the coconut oil. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, stirring often for approximately 7-10 minutes. Season with the salt and pepper, then add the coconut milk.
  2. *Note:
  3. Do not use the coconut milk in the freezer section, use the can milk, it is slightly thicker.
  4. Carefully pour into a blender and puree. Be sure and cover the top with an oven mitt in case any should spill out. Not that this happened to me (okay yes, it did).
  5. Return to the pan and simmer. In a separate pan cook up your Chorizo. You can remove the casing and use just the ground Chorizo or slices, halved. Add the Chorizo to the pan with the soup and serve.
3.2.2885

Share this:

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • Reddit

Posted by Kerry 43 Comments
Filed Under: Recipes Tagged: Chorizo, paleo, Soup, Tomato, Tomato Chorizo Soup

January 19, 2015

Rainy Day Weekend

Well it would appear that I am nesting. The days are getting really cold here, and we even had a whole day of rain on Sunday. This pretty much means I don’t want to go anywhere, cleaning and reading become all that I have the energy for, and venturing out is not likely, unless essential. Welcome to Winter in New England. Speaking of New England, how about the Patriots going to the Super Bowl!! Woohoo! NOw for the rest of the weekend happenings:   

I Did

weekend
 

After getting my oil change which ended up costing me double since it needed to be cleaned out first I headed to Old Navy, and to pick up some pet food. I then headed to the gym which was cut short by the woman next to me and her offensively strong perfume. I think I will remain working out at home until February. I ended up doing a TurboFire workout and some weight training.  

 

I caught up on my DVR programs while trying to finish a knitting project. I swear it is never ending, so many steps. 

 

Similar to The Fault In Our Stars, the hype surrounding Me Before You was dulled a little bit since I could figure out basically what was going to happen. It was still a good, enjoyable read, but I cried more cutting onions. I started The Rosie Project so I can move on to The Rosie Effect. 

I did food prep on Sunday since it was cold and rainy, I made Pasta Sauce from scratch (dropped sauce down the front of my pants – winning), Paleo Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, and Paleo Tomato Chorizo Soup.

 

Watched the Patriots play their way into the Superbowl!!! Heck Ya!! 

I conquered

workout
 

Little by little I am organized different areas in my house, and before I worked out I organized all my workout DVD’s. The discs were all over the place and out of their sleeves. It was a mess. Looking much better.

Seamus Sightings

 

Seamus-1
 Seamus being his normal adorable self. 

 

How was your weekend? 

 

Linking up with Biana from B Loved Boston.

Weekending
signature

Share this:

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • Reddit

Posted by Kerry 45 Comments
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: DVD's, seamus, Weekend, weekending, workout

January 16, 2015

Friday Favorites | Sleepytime

 Happy Friday!!! I can’t believe we’ve made it, but we have and what a week it’s been. I am looking forward to taking it easy and getting a few things done around the house because next weekend is going to be really crazy. Hopefully I will have some quiet time to finish my 100 list for the year. So let’s get to it already so we can get this work day over already! 

 

Favorite Mug: I got this mug as an after Xmas gift to myself using a gift card. I absolutely love it and you can customize it how you want! Get yours here. *Not an affilite link I bought it with my own money. 

 

Mug

Favorite Recipe: I love a good salad. This apple walnut cranberry salad looks divine. 

Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

Favorite DIY: This Giant Jenga would be a fun outdoor game in the summer! 

Love Bug Living: DIY Giant Jenga Outdoor Game - Fun party game.

Favorite Quote: What are you made of…..

.

 

Favorite Funnies: 

 

.

 

 

Heels are dangerous! 

Girl fails....all of these had me dying laughing.

 

Linking up with Amanda

Meet At The Barre

 Also linking up with Natasha for 5 on Friday.

 

THE GOOD LIFE BLOG


 

 

signature

Share this:

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • Reddit

Posted by Kerry 56 Comments
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: DIY, Friday Favorites, funnies, Quote, Salad

January 15, 2015

A Little About Me + Q&A

This week has been a struggle, it’s been really busy at work and I’ve had a headache every day this week. I know, whah whah woah is me. So today I bring you light and fun. 

 

 Last week Heather posted this fun Q&A and I loved the questions, and she gave me permission to post it so here are my answers. 

1. What movie deserves a sequel? Are sequels ever better than the original? I wouldn’t want to ruin my favorites with a bland follow-up, so none. 

2. What one toy would you like to throw repeatedly at a brick wall? Anything that makes a ton of noise. 

3. What is one thing a woman should never do? Settle for less that she deserves

"there is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living" - nelson mandela
4. Who would you hate to see naked? Pretty much any and all politicians

5. What is your favorite kind of cereal? Fruity Pebbles

6. What is one thing you always wanted as a kid, but never got? My mother

7. If you were in a witness protection program, what would be your alias? Holly Golightly

8. What is the nicest thing someone else has done for you? There are so many moments but when someone does something just to make me happy is so nice. A gift on my birthday, a text to say hello. It all matters. 

9. If you could bring someone famous back from the grave, who would you choose? Audrey Hepburn – not only a film and fashion icon she was also a big humanitarian. 

I was inspired to write this weeks Motivational Monday on this picture I saw of Audrey Hepburn with her fantastic quote, "I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe happiest girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles." ~Audrey Hepburn -- http://howtobelovelyandageless.com
10. Where do you not mind waiting? I always mind (it’s a pet peeve) but having a good book to read lessens my annoyance. (PS. I totally ordered this wood piece)

Nothing Like It!  Large Wood Sign - There is Nothing Like Reading a Good Book - Subway Sign
11. If you could lock up one person in a mental institution, who would it be? This is pretty offensive, so no-one. 

12. What is your favorite potato chip flavor? Salt and Vinegar

13. If you could project yourself into the past, were would you go? I would probably go to the 50’s. I am kind of old fashioned and I think I would fit right in. 

14. What is your most impressive car repair skill? I can change a tire and I check my fluids regularly. Everything else I leave to the professionals.

15. What is the best sports stadium/arena you have been to? Duh, Gillette Stadium. 

16. What would you refuse to do for one million dollars? Eat weird food. The only reason I didn’t tryout for Fear Factor. 

17. If you were home on a rainy Sunday afternoon, what movie would you want to see on television? The Family Stone, Dirty Dancing, Elf or P.S. I Love You

18. What historical figure would you most like to have a discussion with? Abraham Lincoln

19. If you could close one fast food chain, due to disgusting food, what would you pick? It used to be The 99 Restaurant but they have gotten better. I don’t really eat a lot of fast food. 

20. What is one thing you refuse to share? My closet 😉 

21. If you went to a psychiatrist, what would he/she say you suffer from? Slight OCD and trust issues. 

22. If you could be on the cover of any magazine, what would you choose? Muscle & Fitness Hers or Fitness

23. What makes you really sleepy? Not getting enough sleep, duh! Oh and too many carbs. 

24. What one thing annoys you most at a restaurant? Slow service or absent server. I have been a waitress and it’s not their fault the kitchen is slow but it is your fault if you don’t communicate with people. 

25. What do people do too much of today? Look or play with their phones. I am guilty of this myself at times. 

 

If you could ask me a question what would it be?

Leave it in the comments and I’ll do a follow-up post. 

signature

Share this:

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • Reddit

Posted by Kerry 42 Comments
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged: Q&A, QandA, questionnaire

January 13, 2015

December Books I’ve Read

The month of November I read 11 books, and this month I was down to 5 books. I think the holidays played a factor and I did some knitting that took up my reading time. I also had one book that I started and it took me forever to get to page 40 and I finally just gave up. Here are the books I read: 

 

My rating system:

Five Stars: Blew me away, made me want to stay up till 3am to finish, would read again and again.

Four Stars: Really good book, fast paced or thought provoking

Three Stars: Okay, didn’t thrill me but didn’t disappoint me either.

Two Stars: I almost didn’t finish, it may have irritated or offended me in some way. 

 

 

 

Five Stars

 

21412412

The Life Intended – Some books just really hit you hard and speak to you in such a way that it leaves you raw long after you finish the book. This book did that for me, I cried while reading it more than a few times. It could be because it dug up things I have been feeling lately, but also because it leads you to think about your own life and how you affect others. This book deals with a widow named Kate who upon getting engaged to a good caring man starts to have dreams of her lost husband and the life she would have led. It leads her to question her life and also to take new uncharted paths. They lead her to take sign language and take on work with hearing impaired children in the foster care system. She starts to question if she is living her life or still just getting through it. This book left me broken and feeling every emotion, I urge you to give it a read. 

four stars

 

17572903

 

The Girl You Left Behind – The first half of this book discuss the life of Sophie, the wife of a French artist Edouard Lefevre. Edouard painted Sophie and it hangs in the family hotel during WWI and draws the eye of the German Kommandant. Sophie risks her family, reputation and life for a chance to save her husband. The second half of the book you find Liv who was given the painting as a gift from her now deceased husband. That painting has become a symbol and life force for her. When she gets notice that the Lefevre family wants to reclaim the painting the fight begins to tell the story of the paint and Sophie’s history. 

 

three stars

 3564564

 

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club – Just after Jo’s husband asks for a divorce he gets into a fatal accident. This leads Jo to move with her two sons to a little villa in London to take over her Gran’s knitting shop. It comes with a stuffy set in her ways assistant and all the local color of the community. After a movie star befriends her while trying to hide out while pregnant her shop gets a boost and new knitting group can hardly contain themselves. The Goodreads summary would lead you to believe this is a romance but it really doesn’t come into play into the last 100 pages. It is more her journey of moving on, and the cast of characters who helps make it easier. 

 23164002

The Memory of Flight – This story is the tale of a mother and daughter, told from both points of view. Marilyn, the mother escapes from her marriage to move her family into her parents guest house, and struggles with mental health. Ginny, the daughter  escapes behind a camera preferring to view the world behind the lens. Her mother’s increasingly erratic behavior leads Ginny to need to escape more and more. I think this book would be great for a book club. I felt the telling was gritty and full of struggle but I failed to see the point, other than life is not always sunshine and roses.  

 

Two stars

 

12332573

Jeneration X – I read this book for the Semi-Charmed Winter Challenge and I wish I could get that time back. I have read a few other books from this author, but this one was just horrible and really made me dislike this author.  Normally she is sarcastic and tells it like it is. She went through some really rough times losing everything and she kept her humor about it, this book was basically her whining about everything, being paranoid to the point of chasing people down the street. She blasts Generation X but talks about her love of designer brands and luxury travel. i just can’t relate to her in any way. 

 

 What books have you read this month? 

Will you add any of these books to your list? 

 

Linking up with Steph and Jana for this months reads. 

Life According to Steph
 
 
signature

 

Share this:

  • Share
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Print
  • Twitter
  • Tumblr
  • Email
  • Reddit

Posted by Kerry 54 Comments
Filed Under: Books, Uncategorized Tagged: Books, reading, Showusyourbooks

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • …
  • 121
  • Next Page »
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Email
Subscribe

Recent Posts

  • Fighting Dirty | Book Tour | Review | Excerpt | Giveaway
  • December Books I’ve Read
  • DIY Photo Project and Seamus Update
  • Surprise I’m Alive
  • Long night, more hugs

Archives

  • January 2016 (4)
  • December 2015 (10)
  • November 2015 (12)
  • October 2015 (12)
  • September 2015 (14)
  • August 2015 (11)
  • July 2015 (12)
  • June 2015 (16)
  • May 2015 (15)
  • April 2015 (15)
  • March 2015 (17)
  • February 2015 (17)
  • January 2015 (17)
  • December 2014 (14)
  • November 2014 (14)
  • October 2014 (19)
  • September 2014 (14)
  • August 2014 (11)
  • July 2014 (17)
  • June 2014 (15)
  • May 2014 (18)
  • April 2014 (19)
  • March 2014 (19)
  • February 2014 (21)
  • January 2014 (23)
  • December 2013 (21)
  • November 2013 (16)
  • October 2013 (22)
  • September 2013 (19)
  • August 2013 (20)
  • July 2013 (19)
  • June 2013 (19)
  • May 2013 (19)
  • April 2013 (22)
  • March 2013 (18)
  • February 2013 (15)
  • January 2013 (15)
  • November 2012 (1)

Theme by 17th Avenue · Powered by WordPress & Genesis