Hello readers!

About a month ago I decided to save money on my almost daily trip to Starbucks and went ahead and invested in an espresso machine. I also bought Starbucks espresso beans and different flavored syrups.

Today happens to be a warm day here in Dallas, so what better than start making iced coffee. I recently went to Walmart and bought their brand of mason jars, which was only $7 instead of the “real” brand which would have set me back about $20. They are the same both in size and quality only difference is you do not get the name on the glass. I really don’t care, but if you do, go buy the real ones, more power to you.

Anyways, I made 2 shots of espresso (or if you don’t happen to own an espresso machine, brew really dark coffee of your choice, just double the strength of a cup of java.) then I packed the mason jar with ice then poured the coffee, pumped 2 shots of Torani Chocolate Syrup (you can use Hershey Chocolate Syrup, it will taste the same) and topped it off with skim milk (or whatever milk is of your choice.)

And there you have it, my iced mocha. Also, blogger and Food Network Chef The Pioneer Woman makes a wonderful version as well. Check it out here: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/perfect-iced-coffee/

Until next time,

Cinnamon Pecan Praline. #delicious #sprinkles #cupcake #foodporn #food (at Sprinkles Cupcakes)

Monster #salad. #dinner #healthy #foodporn #food

In today’s Pinterest Wednesday installment, I bring to you, summer drinks! What a better way to spend summer afternoons than with a nice cool refreshing drink! 

Here are some of the findings on my Pinterest feed.

Raspberry Beer Cocktail {recipe via A Cup of Mai}

Cherry Beer Margarita {recipe via The Blond Cook}

Roasted Peach Lemonade {recipe via The Naptime Chef}

Watermelon Lemonade {recipe via What’s Cooking Chicago}

Fresh Strawberry Margarita {recipe via How Sweet It Is}

Pink Grapefruit Margarita {recipe via There Goes The Cupcake}

There you have it, today’s Pinterest finds. This Texas weather is beginning to get a lot warmer! Time for something refreshing. Cheers!

Until next time,

Happy first of the month to all my readers! What a great way to start the month then by working out! Went to the gym for 2 hours and had a nice session on the treadmill and elliptical, which happen to be my favorite machines. 

School is officially out for the summer in just 1 week! Well, I have one more regular/review class day this week, then on Tuesday I have my only 2 finals. I will then look into finding a job or a paying internship (these are rare). Life of an undergrad.

I love a blog called Gina’s Skinny Recipes and came across a recipe that resembles my grandmother’s on the go oatmeal shake recipe! I tried it yesterday and is basically tastes the same as my grandmothers.

Here is the recipe:

Avena - Healthy Oatmeal Shake

Servings: 4 • Size: 1 cup • Calories: 123.9 • Fat: 1.8 g • Protein: 6.8 g • Carb: 21.3 g • Fiber: 3.2 g

• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup fat free milk
• 1 cup ice
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cook oats and water in a small pot for about a minute or two, stirring often until it becomes thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and let it cool a few minutes.

In a blender add milk, sugar, cinnamon. Add oats and ice. Blend on high until very smooth. Chill in refrigerator or pour in a glass over ice. Enjoy!! Makes 4 cups.

                                   Image Courtesy of skinnytaste.com

I thought I’d do some cooking today, well I used the oven, but nonetheless I did cook. I made Parmesan Oven Baked Chicken Strips! I saw the recipe online and thought I’d give it go. I really loved how the parmesan prevented the chicken from drying out considering it was a skinless boneless chicken breast. I then tossed the strips with a cup of crisp romane lettuce and 2 tablespoons of caesar dressing.

I’d say it was a pretty healthy dinner; better than frying the chicken or going to buy something ready made at a fast-food place.

Here is a little photo of my food:

food