Summertime Chili

Chili is one of my favorite meals of all time.  Some people consider it a "winter-only" meal.  I, however, disagree.

I think chili is perfect for the summertime!  My recipe is incredibly simple, but worth repeating.

Summertime Chili

Chop onion and jalapeno.  Sautee in skillet with garlic and ground beef until meat is browned.

Add one can each of: pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans and diced tomatoes.

Now for the most important ingredients: Worcestersire sauce and heaping spoonfuls of chili powder! 

Simmer on low heat for an hour.

Scoop into bowl and sprinkle with cheese.

Eat & enjoy!

Do you eat chili year-round, or only in the colder seasons?

Busy & Broken

The past couple of weeks have been so hectic and eventful, I've been too busy to write about it!  Also, my camera is broken.  I have spent a lot of time sulking in the corner, missing my camera.  Hopefully the Camera Doctor will have it fixed this week!

Meanwhile, I still have some photos to share!  To celebrate Father's Day, Austin's dad came over and we cooked a wonderful meal.

Austin grilled t-bone steaks and barbequed chicken.  Stubb's BBQ is the best!

I made Eggplant Casserole.  My aunt gave me the recipe because her mom (my grandma) used to make it.  I loved it, especially since it was a family recipe!

I also sauteed mushrooms.

Austin prepared Caesar Salad in my new mixing bowls from Zak! Designs.

After dinner, Austin and his dad relaxed and drank wine while I cleaned up the kitchen.

Last weekend, Austin and I packed up our bikes and went to Galveston for the day.

We took a leisurely bike ride along the seawall.  We rode for about 45 minutes.

Then we had dinner at Float Pool & Patio Grill.

I ordered the burrito - it was huge and delicious!

We also shared chips and queso.

Austin had fish tacos.

At this point, my camera started malfunctioning because I had dropped it in the sand earlier in the day.  We squeezed in a couple more artistic photos before sending my camera off for repairs.

How do you survive without your camera?

I always seem to need my camera the most when I don't have mine with me.  I usually ask to borrow someone else's camera!

***Don't forget to enter my Birthday Giveaway!***

Birthday Giveaway

In honor of my upcoming birthday, I am hosting a giveaway for all of my readers!  The winner will receive a Gym in a Bag!

My Review

I began using the Gym in a Bag about two months ago and I am impressed with the concept of portable workout equipment.  The grip-free cuffs are incredibly easy to use and allow for greater muscle development.  The resistance bands vary in difficulty, so you can increase the resistance as your capabilities allow for improvement.

This workout equipment is perfect to use while travelling.  Everything fits into the compact-size bag!

The most interesting piece of equipment is the door attachment.  This little device can be used to do several unique exercises that you normally cannot do unless you're at the gym.

My favorite workouts incorporate the use of the bar.  I especially enjoy rowing!  You can check out other suggested exercises here.

I am truly impressed with the versatility of the Gym in a Bag.  I enjoy working out with it because I don't even have to leave my home to get a great workout!

Giveaway Details

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post.

Deadline to enter this giveaway:  July 7th.  Winner will be selected via random number generator.

Cruisin'

Finally, this is my last vacation-related post!  In case you missed it, here are links to my other recaps:  Wakulla Springs, Key West, Nassau, and Eating on a Cruise Ship: Part 1 and Part 2.

We took a lot of fun pictures on the cruise.

  

The sunsets were gorgeous.

Sunsets are the optimal setting for photo-shoots!

I love this close-up of our Aggie rings.

Aside from taking pictures, we also did a lot of fun activities on the cruise ship.

We got massages at the spa.

We slid down the waterslide.

Everyone hung out at the swimming pool and hot tub.

We relaxed on the balcony and watched the waves roll by.

On top of all our indulging on the Lido Deck and in the Sensation Dining Room, we also sampled the sushi bar and shared a bottle of wine.

A couple of us gambled in the casino, while the rest of us watched.

We got temporary tattoos!  My aunt and Annie got matching roses, and I got a butterfly.

We learned how to create Towel Animals!

I truly enjoyed spending so much time with my family!  I hardly ever get to see them since they live in Florida.

Happy 70th Birthday to my Grandpa!  The cruise was a perfect way to celebrate.