Life in Texas & Trisha Yearwood's Fancy Chili

Hey, friends! I'm back and it feels like so long since I could get on here and update. I now have internet and am now in Texas! Land of sunshine:) I'm loving the warm summer temps here right now. As I said before, the weather had been very mild (spring-like) when I left Minnesota and this is the time of year is when I want to enjoy summer. So that's what I've done here! I get warm and fuzzies being back here, my heart loves it here! 

Here are some photos of adventures here so far, and a great chili recipe posted below (I know it's summer, I made this a month ago and just had to get this recipe posted, it's SO good!).

My first few afternoons were spent right there - this pool is so relaxing. My dad keeps it in very good shape and works on it just about daily to keep it looking good.  

Clouds rolling through 

 I'm loving the sunshine and getting back to my summer wardrobe

 Along with quality time with my parents. We can't wait for Nick to arrive in a few days!

Pool day with not a cloud in sight.. ahhhh...  

Here's what my lap looks like many nights -

I love the dog cuddles! Boo is on the left, my mom has had him for about a year and a half and Baby Indy is on my lap, mom got her a few months ago - she is so sweet and is much more gentle where Boo is more of a wild man. He also used to be much more aggressive towards anyone but my mom and dad. He still has his moments, but Baby Indy has been a great calming example for him and he's so much better than he used to be.

Another night of cuddles 

 Baby Indy

Baby Indy likes to sleep on me, I think she likes the comfort of physical touch. Such a sweetheart. 

The past week has been particularly interesting as Baby Indy is in heat and they aren't spayed or neutered yet. We've all (mostly my mom!) been on dog patrol until we decided to diaper them:) ha! Boo doesn't love it, but until we can get them in to get fixed, it'll keep things in order around here. 

Prepare to see more fun photos as we settle in over the next few weeks/months! A new chapter has begun and we are excited to see what God has in store.

Next up is a delicious recipe I saw on Trisha Yearwood's Southern Cooking show. I enjoy catching her show Saturday mornings when I can - she's great! Many of her recipes are also easy and have some sweet memories around them.

Fancy Chili

Recipe from Trisha Yearwood on the Food Network

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup chopped green onion

1 pound lean ground beef (I doubled this!)

2 tablespoons hot chili powder

One 28-oz can fire roasted dice tomatoes

One 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced

4 carrots, peeled and grated

1/2 tsp brown sugar

Pinch of salt

 Pin the recipe easily to Pinterest using the "Pin It" button.

Directions
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and green onions and cook for about 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder until fully combined. Add the tomatoes, beans, bell pepper, carrots, brown sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer the chili for 15 minutes. Enjoy! It's that quick and easy, and SO delicious. Nick and I both loved this recipe and will definitely be making it again.

Happy Saturday, all! Wherever you are, I hope it's a great one!

Today's Pinspiration:

(Source on Pinterest)