Vegetarian Taco Stuffed Peppers

I recently started following "Tasty" on Facebook. For some reason, the videos both intrigue and relax me. Weird, I know...but I love them. I saw a recipe the other day that I knew would be a hit in my home. The Henrys love tacos...in fact, we have a weekly taco night. So, I was fairly confident that Taco Stuffed Peppers would kill. So I took notes and made some vegetarian tweaks. Enjoy!

Ingredients

4 bell peppers *you'll definitely have enough filling for more if necessary

1 package of tofu (chopped)

1 onion (chopped)

1 clove of garlic (minced)

1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed)

1 can of diced tomatoes

1 cup of rice (cooked)

1 cup of Mexican shredded cheese (plus more for garnish)

Taco Seasoning

Olive Oil

Guacamole (for garnish)

Sour Cream (for garnish)

Directions

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees while you remove the tops and insides of your bell peppers. Rinse the peppers, place in a baking dish, and bake for 20 minutes.

While those bake, heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil over medium heat for your tofu. I like to squish mine a little while is cooks so it isn't so perfectly cubed.

Toss in your taco seasoning and let cook for a few more minutes. My kiddos don't like things too spicy, so I didn't use a ton of taco seasoning. Be your own judge!

Move your tofu to the perimeter of your pan and toss in your onion and garlic. 

Once your onions begin to look translucent and nicely sauted, toss in your black beans.

Let your beans get thoroughly heated and then toss in your rice.

After a few more minutes, toss in your diced tomatoes.

Lastly, toss in one cup of your shredded cheese.

Once your cheese has fully melted, remove from heat and remove your bell peppers from the oven. Stuff your peppers with the deliciously smelling mixture and top with more cheese!

Bake for another 15 minutes. Remove and let cool before plating it up!

I topped with a spoonful each of guacamole and sour cream...then sprinkled on even more cheese!

This dish was delicious and will be added to our list of regulars! Chris and I both tore it up....while Harrison and Lily picked at it. Lily said she liked it "a little" and basically ate the black beans and cheese! I tried to get a picture of her trying it but they were all blurry and she had her eyes closed in all of them! ;)

*The original recipe called for a pound of ground beef and a can of corn. I bet the corn was delicious...we just didn't have any in our pantry!

On the Road Again {5K Prep}

So...nothing says self-loathing louder than signing up for a 5K a year in advance and doing absolutely no training for it until a few weeks beforehand. And this is the exact situation that I currently find myself. Joy.

I have the desire to be a runner...truly. However, I cannot find a reasonable way to add that activity into my daily schedule. I know...this sounds all too familiar...what an excuse! Am I right?!?!? But I'm serious...between working, weddings, and general mom/wife/person activities, I generally can't find the time. We leave the house at 7:15am (cough) and don't get home until after 6:00pm. By the time the kids are down, the house is cleaned, and the preparations for the following day take place, it's after 10pm. The only solution is to wake up earlier...and I just can't fathom how I will function on less sleep. So...unfortunately, the deliberations continue. Since I'm currently on holiday, I've decided that is future Rachel's problem.

In the meantime, I've picked the habit back up and with gusto...or enthusiasm...maybe focus? I'm not sure what the right word is...but I'm excited!

Yesterday was, what I'm considering, day one. I "ran" one mile...in 13:25 minutes. Not stellar but I didn't pass out or vomit...so success! Today, I "ran" that same mile in 12:08 minutes. Already making progress! ;)

Blogging and social media are a way to hold myself accountable...lame, I'm aware...but it oddly works for me. So that is exactly what I am about to do. I'm going to track my little 5K prep adventure...the good, the bad, and the ugly. Oh Lord, help me! We'll see if it continues past January 16th...hopefully it does, but one goal at a time! ;)

With that being said, here I am...checking in at a 12:08 mile, 138 lbs, and already exhausted!

#ignorethemess #mirrorselfienewbie

The goal this week is to just jog continuously for one mile. Here we go!

May The Christmas Spirit Be With You!

Each year we grab on to a theme for our Christmas. This theme could pop up in our Christmas card, wrapping paper, decor, Christmas Eve pajamas, and maybe even the gifts from Santa. It started innocent with a few super hero pajamas on Christmas Eve a couple years ago...and then last year our love for Harry Potter influenced the card and gifts. Well, this year...this year we had a lot of fun.

For those not as familiar with the Star Wars universe, we are embracing Darth Vader, Queen Amidala, with Luke and Leia. The Skywalker Christmas card that could of been...possibly. 

Don't worry, for you purists, we added some "normal" pictures to the back!

Each year we also add a little insert to review our past year. Chris typically writes it while I design it. Enjoy!

The Chenry Show

Episode V

Year in Review

It is a period of stability in the Henry galaxy. Two-thousand and fifteen has come and gone with many exciting events taking place for the family of four.

Young Harrison is growing fast. Now at 20 months of age, his mastery of creating chaos in the home is developing swiftly. His rebellious streak has lead to incidents of crayon on the walls, peas thrown at dinner, and pulled cat tails. Fear is growing he may turn to the dark side, but hope remains strong his happy, fun-loving nature will keep him in the light.

Princess Lily seeks to restore the balance caused by her brother’s commotion. The lady has taken her first steps into the world of team sports with forays into tee-ball and soccer. Both were had with mixed success, but we can be sure that trophies are the greatest reward in the galaxy. Little does she know that Kindergarten waits around the corner and the family eagerly awaits decisions on applications to learn of young Lily’s educational fate.

Turmoil has engulfed the Louisiana republic. Hoping to resolve the matter, Chris was dispatched from his job at Louisiana State University and has joined the state’s House of Representatives Fiscal Team to help settle the conflict.  The capital has proven to be an exciting place of employment full of characters that could fill the cantina at Mos Eisley. What spare time he has left is spent obsessing over fantasy football and enjoying time at Costco.

To everyone’s surprise, Rachel had an uneventful year. She continues to juggle weddings and LSU while attempting to maintain some semblance of organization for The Chenry Show. In a stunning move, she did embrace the technology of the FitBit and even ran her first 5k. Deliberations continue over the fate of her hair length. 

Gentle Oliver underwent two surgeries this fall to help curb his chronic ear infections. Outside of repressing memories of wearing his cone of protection, he is currently recovering well. The cats continue to be cats. All in all, the creatures of the Henry house continue to persevere.

We hope your year has been equally full of danger and excitement. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year,

and May the Force be with You!

Love,

Chris, Rachel, Lily, Harrison,

Mr. Kitty, Lola, and Oliver

We are now off to enjoy one of my favorite days of the year...Christmas Eve! On our agenda today includes service at Healing Place Church, last minute grocery shopping, some baking, and our traditional "Favorite Things Dinner"! Oh, I love it! Each of us picks our favorite food item and then we just enjoy a meal of all our favorites! For tonight, I think our menu will consist of Guacamole and Chips, Sushi, Olive Pizza, and Mac and Cheese! Then we'll slip into our Star Wars pajamas and wait for Santa to visit!

In the mean time, we hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Holiday Specials {Beauty Society}

I recently became a rep for Beauty Society...and, of course, I'm loving it! I've used the products for about a year and have been an Elite customer from the beginning. Everything I've used, I'm 100% comfortable sharing with others so it was a no brainer to sign up as a rep! Every other month new specials are released and today was the announcement of the "Holiday Specials" and they are killer! Enjoy!!

The first includes the Crystal Ball, Baby Clam Down, Liquid Luxury and a free Lip Glisten!

Crystal Ball is an at-home micro-dermabrasion treatment that buffs away signs of sun-damage, discoloration, enlarged pores, and acne scars. I use this product once a week and I'm obsessed with how my skin feels after using it! In fact, I use it every Sunday and might try to film a little video to show it off...hmmm....maybe! ;)

Baby Calm Down is a calming and hydrating gel masque that alleviates skin irritations, inflammation, and puffy eyes. I use this after Crystal Ball and might have to add this to the video! I use this one to two times a week and again, love it!

Liquid Luxury is a lipid repair oil that leaves skin soft, diminishes wrinkles and restores dry, irritated skin back to its youthful glow! Admittedly, I've never used this on my face but I have used it on my elbows, hands, and heels with great results!

Lip Glisten is a fabulous, long wearing lip gloss that comes with a mirror on the tube AND a light in the cap for easy application. It's really too cool! I've used three different colors with compliments every time! (insert sassy girl emoji!)

The second includes Photo Shoot, Spot Light, Blending Bombs, and a free Lip Glisten!

Photo Shoot is a facial primer that I'm obsessed with...seriously. I never saw the value in using a primer before and only bought Photo Shoot the first time because I needed one more item in my cart...and I'm so glad I did. I can't leave the house without it on now. Even when I don't wear make up, I'll use Photo Shoot alone. It gives this clean, vibrant glow that I just love. Seriously...a must!

Spot Light is a highlighting cream that just gives that extra pop of radiance. I use this on my cheek bones, down my nose, a touch on my chin and a touch on my center forehead...the T zone basically. Love it!

The Blending Bombs are basically make up sponges on crack. I was completely skeptical before using them but I'm totally sold now. They really do create this streak-free, almost airbrushed effect. I use mine damp and basically dab and roll my make up on.., and I love the results! This might have to be a second video!

And then the awesome Lip Glisten!

This set includes a classic black eye pencil, Enormous Mascara, Success perfume and a free Lip Glisten.

The classic black eye pencil is brand new and exactly when I need. I tried the liquid eyeliner and it just wasn't for me. I looked completely ridiculous! The pencil is just more my application style! Plus, it truly glides on easily and has a built in sharpener!

I haven't tried the Enormous Mascara yet, but it's on my to-do list! It has the Enormous Lash ingredients in it that work to increase the length and thickness of your eyelashes...I can't wait!

Success is a roll-on perfume that smells amazing! I've been wearing it about a week and I can't stop smelling myself! It isn't too strong but it lasts all day...I'm a big fan!

And then again, an awesome Lip Glisten!

This set includes Clean Shave and Bank cologne.

Clean Shave is a face-wash and shave gel combo for men. Chris has tried it a couple times and seems to like it. It has eucalyptus and tea tree so it leaves that awesome clean tingly feeling!

Bank cologne smells of sandalwood and bourbon..and I like it...a lot. Like a lot, a lot!

I can't believe we are already in "holiday" mode but tis the season! ;) 

If you have any questions or want to try any of the products out, just give me a ring!

Check out more at rachelhenry.beautysociety.com!

Weekend Wrap Up {October 4}

What a fabulous first weekend of October! We rocked the windows open all weekend and it has been so enjoyable! With a break from weddings, we were able to really enjoy each other this weekend and it has been fabulous!

The weekend was really kicked off in a festive way with Friday being LSU Fall Fest. Who can't get in the spirit at that event? It's just so much fun and the weather was really perfect! I volunteered to help and ended up passing out burgers. How funny is that...the vegetarian passing out burgers! Now that is LSU love! ;)

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A low key evening was Friday night due to Saturday being such a big deal...Lily's first soccer game! Oh, how excited I was to get her ready for her first game! Frozen themed shin-guards...check! Frozen themed cleats...check! Superheros (her team name!) uniform...check! We were off! Little did we realize how chilly it was actually going to be on the field...so Daddy dropped the girls off to head back to the house to get jackets!

As expected...the first game was hilarious! A bunch of 4 year olds running around chasing after a ball...with no strategy, no communication, and basically no idea what they are doing. It was amazing! Lily was really into it for about five minutes...and then she was done. She was the best combination of Charlie Brown and Daria. You'll notice in the photos to follow that she (number 7) isn't really in a lot of the action shots...

Lily throwing it in!!!

I know I'm not supposed to be keeping score...but thanks to the adorable little blonde brothers on the team, we won 16-2! Go Superheros indeed! ;) I think after a couple more games, she'll get pretty into it. Until then, I'll keep cheering from the sideline to "Pay attention! Stay with the ball! No hands! Go Lily  Go!" Also, how cute are these two:

We spent the remainder of the afternoon grocery shopping and puttering around the house! Little man had a hard time keeping up...

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As with every first weekend of October, I finally start decorating for Fall! I didn't go crazy over the weekend, but I did put out a few of our fall decor!

Brand new flag pole finally hung! Yay!

Yes...we are inflatable people. Sigh...

Hard to see, but we have little trio of yarn candy corn, a candy corn themed H, and a little pumpkin! Hoping to add some real pumpkins and maybe some mini-hay bails this week!

I don't do a lot of decorating inside...but I added a couple spices to our entry table.

I'll add a little here and a little there throughout the month. But out main focus will be costumes...that is where we tend to shine this time of year! I think we have narrowed down our various costumes so stay tuned! They should be fun!

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Probably the most difficult thing we finally tackled this weekend was saying adios to the nighttime bottle for Harrison. Yes...you read that right. Even though that child is 19 months, I've still be rocking that sweet boy to sleep each night with a little bottle. I know, awful and selfish...but I loved it and wanted to keep him a baby as long as I could! It has been long overdue, but we finally ditched it. The transition has been a little rough, but I know it's so overdue and necessary. Now, we will just have to cuddle and rock as we read his night-time story. Don't mind me...I'll just be over her sobbing into my pillow.

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OH! I almost forgot! One crazy little thing I did do this weekend was sign up to be a rep for Beauty Society! Random, I know...but, I've been using the skincare and make up products for about a year now and really enjoy them! So, I took the plunge and I'm really excited! Don't worry, I'm not going to spam your social media or constantly invite you to parties...but I'll share my journey here and if you want to know more, just ask!

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All in all, it was another amazing weekend. This time of year is just so tough because there is so much going on between football season, now soccer season, and, of course, wedding season. I love, love, love weddings...but sometimes a weekend off is just the perfect thing! I did a couple bridal meetings and had a lovely visit at Houma's House, but all in all, it was a gorgeous weekend at home loved up on my sweet family! There is just nothing better!

My goals for the week ahead are to love on my family, be a positive person at work, gear up for an awesome Truly Haute wedding, catch up on my readings, blog an amazing meal, and wake up each morning for a quick run! We'll see...

Taming The To-Do List {P31OBS Week 2}

"The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name." 

Psalm 91:14

Oh wedding season, how you drain me at times! I've tried to dedicate my lunch breaks to catching up on my readings for this study, but I've been falling behind. Thankfully, I'm surrounded by amazing woman at work that continually encourage me to keep moving...even if it is as a slower pace! So, week 2...wow! Each chapter this week has completely hit home...which is both reassuring and terrifying.

In chapter 4, we addressed the price we pay for over-committing our time or procrastinating various tasks. Just as there is a price to our bad decisions, there is a price to good decisions too. She uses a great example that completely correlates to a goal of mine: If I say yes to reading my Bible every morning than I must say no to something like sleeping in a few more minutes. She mentions that if we want to be sincere followers of Jesus we have to put Him first in our lives and the cost of not doing so is just too high. She continues to explain that these costs of our decisions can be costs to our character, calling, unmet potential, and health. So many of her examples felt like pages torn out of my personal story. I have the talent to justify any decision, good or bad, with notions of what I deserve or "need".  I get so overwhelmed due to over-committing, that I tend to put off the hard projects until I have to push through them. I white lie about progress so others don't get a sense of me being overwhelmed because I put way too much value on my "to-dones" than I should. Too often have I equated "I don't have the time to do that" as an admittance of weakness. All of this leads to unnecessary stress that can seriously affect health...and has affected my health. Just so uncool! This biggest "aha" moment of the chapter was when she mentioned that the greatest cost any of us can pay is in our relationships...first with God and then with those we love. Oh, how true this is! I will kill myself to get tasks done...even if it means putting off the time I had dedicated to reading my Bible or going to church or even spending time with my family. Seeing those words in front of me was the nudge I needed to make a change! We must prioritize God and people over everything! I love that!

In chapter 5, she busted so many of the myths we tell ourselves. I just mentioned how I can justify any decision...and she tore my reasons down! I work better under pressure...I'll feel more like it tomorrow...I'm too busy to get that done...I'VE GOT THIS! Oh no, I've said all of these and more! True procrastination involves a voluntary delay of something we could do but chose not to...period. I could do all of my tasks strategically or methodically, but I chose not to because I'm too consumed with something unimportant that I shouldn't have agreed to do in the first place! Because of this chapter, I've started making a list of what my actual priorities are and the tasks that directly correlate with those priorities. If I have time to do more after, great...if not, oh well.

Chapter 6 wasn't my favorite because it was the least relevant for me. It was all about overcoming fears. She talks about fear of failure...and I do have a fear of failure and a fear of the loss of control, but it isn't entirely debilitating. I don't think my underlying reasons for procrastinating tasks is due a fear. She continues to explain misplaced identity and I can admit that I placed a huge star next to this portion. I do place too much of my identity on results...even bad ones. If I stumble, I label myself clumsy. If I make a mistake, I label myself stupid. If my house is too dirty, I label myself pathetic. Even if its temporarily, that label is there...and it never feels good. What's worse...that negative labels always trumps any positive labels I give myself..always. I love how she transitioned next to mention that only one label really matters...as His chosen and beloved child. (John 1:12).

So many truth bombs this week...and based on the titles of the chapters of week 3...I think there are more truth bombs ahead! Loving this study...even if it is making me feel a tad bit vulnerable!

Taming The To-Do List {P31OBS Week 1}

"Ever just wish the world would stop for a day so you could catch up?"

When I read this in the email from the Proverbs 31 Ministries advertising their Fall online Bible study, I was immediately intrigued. I would LOVE an off day to catch up on my never ending to-do list. I feel like no matter what I get done in a day...it's never enough. I can't celebrate the achievements I do cross off the list, because I'm too focused on the items that got left behind. I'm so overwhelmed with my busy work that I tend to forget my best work. The items I tend to focus on throughout the day definitely do not align with my priorities...so what does that mean? I signed up for the study within minutes of receiving the email...and then I did the unthinkable. I emailed a bunch of ladies that I work with at LSU and invited them to do the study with me. To my delight, several jumped on board...and away we went with 'Taming the To-Do List" by Glynnis Whitwer.

I've never done an online study before but this has been a breeze! Each day I receive an email with either a video or blog post to supplement the readings. Each Monday I receive an outline of a proposed study schedule and each Wednesday I receive an action item that coordinates with the readings. I've been doing my readings during my lunch break and since the weather has been so amazing, outside...and it has been beyond refreshing! The best part has been the fabulous conversations at the office coffee pot with the other ladies doing the study. While I shouldn't be rejoicing that other women have the same challenges and insecurities that I do...I kind of am! It's just so nice to know you aren't alone!

Now, the first three chapters, I could have written myself! I've been making notes in my book and I've actually written "YES! PREACH! I'm SO guilty of this! HA!" I've been underlining and staring so many things...it's definitely been hitting home...hard.

So far, we have focused on procrastination...which I never realized is something I'm quite successful at doing...and the various reasons why we procrastinate. I literally murder to-do lists each week. I'm knocking items off left and right. But, after really evaluating those items, I'm realizing those are the easiest items on the list while the large and sometimes much more important items get pushed to the next week...week after week after week. Talk about ground breaking! I've been focusing on quantity over quality. 

If anyone were to ask what my priorities are, I would immediately respond with faith, family, self, community. But, my list of "to-dones" don't necessarily line up with my priorities...so why? Over-commitment issues, people-pleasing issues, resistance to anything uncomfortable, dependency on emails/texts/social media and the crazy need to respond immediately which causes me to shift my focus...the list goes on! 

I'm so looking forward to diving into more of the book to learn about what I can do to better match my to do list to my priorities! I wanted to start sharing my journey with this study to, selfishly, help me absorb the lessons more deeply but also in the hopes that I can encourage anyone currently in the same boat. Being Type-A is just exhausting and, at times, completely debilitating. I was desperate for a change and, after much prayer, discovered this study that has already been so refreshing! If you aren't really interested, please be patient with me...it will be 8 weeks of sharing! ;)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5

Weekend Wrap Up {September 13}

The Henrys had a truly wonderful weekend! All week long we counted the sleeps until GranZee and Pops were to visit. The excitement was REAL! 

The kiddos' school {University Methodist} celebrated Grandparent's Day on Friday with a little party at the school. GranZee arrived just in time and was greeted with one of the biggest hugs ever! Lily was so ready to show off her GranZee! Harrison was excited too...which he displayed in various grunts and laughs!

Clearly taking a picture together wasn't working...so we split it up for some silly faces!

We had to call it an early night because Saturday morning was going to be HUGE! It was Lily's first soccer practice at Healing Place Church Athletics. We really like doing the athletics through the church because it's such a positive environment that is more about the smaller kids developing an appreciation for the game and just having fun! Plus, it was only $85 for the season which included the uniform! We did have to supply the cleats and shin-guards...so...of course...we went as Frozen as we could...

Lily was PUMPED! She does Happy Feet at school so she was ready! She had no issue kicking the ball into the net and she loved running around...but in terms of running WITH the ball...hilarity ensued! She really wanted to add a little flare to her run and kept doing this stanky leg dance thing...but she never missed and eventually got exactly where she wanted to go! I'm REALLY looking forward to the first game!

Of course, Little Man wanted in on the fun!

After some much needed errands and a trip to LUSH in the mall...which will eventually have it's own blog post because what I picked up was amazing...we head home to prep for the big LSU game. Carrying over the fun from last weekend, we heated up the oil and had a little fried fest! We...ok Chris...fried up some more amazing hush puppies, catfish, fries, and pickles! 

It was wonderful...and after an Oreo for dessert...we were DONE!

Literally, I made it maybe 5 minutes into the game before I was sound asleep! I didn't know if we won or lost until I got online Sunday morning! Please don't judge me...it was all the tasty fried food's fault! ;)

Surprisingly, we all made it to the 9am service at Healing Place Church this morning...shocking, I know! We enjoyed a funny little lunch at IHOP and headed back home to relax! GranZee made her way back to Leesville while Pops head on to Baton Rouge! So yes...my kiddos are good and spoiled with grandparent lovin'! They get to love on Pops all week...so maybe add him to your prayer list this week! He'll be dealing with funny, busy kiddos and nothing but vegetarian meals! ;)