San Diego!

Over Thanksgiving, Alex and I took a trip to San Diego! My cousin had a soccer tournament there, so we shared a house in Carlsbad with some of my family. It was the perfect getaway from the cold, and so fun because we both hadn't been here! This was the fourth time going to California this year, but we hadn't made it as far as SD before. I love the beaches, the food (especially seafood), the palm trees, the sunsets...so amazing! We will be back.

We got there the evening of Thanksgiving (we ate our Thanksgiving meal the Sunday before), and just in time to see the most beautiful sunset on Carlsbad beach! I loved this town. It's cute and quiet.

The second day we went to the San Diego Safari Park (pics seen below), and to downtown. We found the famous kissy-statue and took a walk around the harbor. We went shopping (black Friday, woot!), and then to the most delicious dessert place EVER (called Extraordinary Desserts). They have different desserts every day, but I'm pretty sure everything there is amazing. My only complaint was the tea wasn't hot enough (I like mine burning). Afterwards, we saw the San Diego temple and it was as beautiful as I expected. They put up the prettiest Christmas lights which made it even more magical!

We were deciding between the Zoo and SeaWorld, but we chose to go to both zoo parks. They're not that different, except for the safari at the Safari Park. Alex and I love animals so we enjoyed our time at the zoo! We spent a few hours at each park and pretty much saw everything we wanted to. After the zoo we went to get fish tacos because let's be honest---that's what we were looking forward to the most. The place we went to did not disappoint! We got fried octopus and clam chowder then got two fish tacos each. I tried shark, and it was incredible. We're kind of (and by kind of I mean definitely) big foodies. It's what we get most excited for on trips and just life in general.

Went to the cutest breakfast place in Carlsbad. I looooooove eggs benedict, so we tried two kinds. Tri-tip and crab avocado. Plus they gave us a "small" side order of M&M pancakes. Like I said...foodies. Breakfast is my favorite meal too.

The last day we spent a lot of time at mission beach, where the boardwalk is. It's super touristy, but wasn't that crowded when we went. We got the best ice cream and walked all up and down the beach. I miss the ocean and ocean sunsets! Waves, fresh air, sandy toes--nothing like it. #westcoastbestcoast

Our last night we went to the funnest restaurant and little "village" area. My chiropractor recommended this place, and we are SO glad we went. This place is called Casa De Reyes, and is in Old Town. I wish I would've taken more pictures because it was so cute! There is a mariachi band playing and people dancing, lots of cute shops, and an outdoor restaurant in the middle. We got fajitas, the best freaking guac ever, and a chili verde soup that was to die for. We are for sure going back every time we come here. It was that great!

Another fun trip for the books! San Diego, we will be back!

xoxo,

kay

Kayla's Kitchen: It's Been a While

I haven't done a food post in months, and since I finally have some free time over Christmas break, I am posting some of my favorite recipes I've made in the last few months! Also most of my pics come from my phone so the picture quality sucks.

First up is one of my favorite meals to make: fish tacos!! We got a cook book for our wedding and didn't open it until about a year later. This easy fish taco recipe is found in the book, and I've made it several times since I discovered it. I usually use Tilapia or cod. White fish is the best for fish tacos. You can cut any veggies. I always do cabbage, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and lime. The sauce is the winner of this meal though. It's an avocado, cilantro, garlic sauce. Amazing. Kind of like the Cafe Rio sauce. The rice is flavored with cilantro, lime, and cumin. Super yummy.

I have to include a couple of easy breakfast foods because breakfast is my favorite meal and I love starting with something healthy. I have been making scrambled eggs since I was like 10, and am a master at them (not like it's hard haha). I will usually cut up extra veggies I have in the fridge such as tomatoes, onion, cilantro, green onion, peppers, etc. and put garlic salt instead of regular salt then any kind of cheese I have on hand. Easy way to turn a simple dish to a full breakfast.

Another breakfast we all eat is oatmeal. A lot of people hate oatmeal because it's "bland", but it doesn't have to be. This may seem like a weird combo, but I put in cinnamon, peanut butter, and blueberries. I usually never add sweetener except stevia if it really needs it. Peanut butter, berries, or cinnamon will always give it flavor. So healthy and easy.

Next up, stuffed peppers! I really try to make as many healthy meals as I can, and they don't have to be just boring chicken and rice! I mixed turkey burger, quinoa, spaghetti sauce, spices, tomatoes, and peppers and then just stuff the pepper and bake in the oven. This will fill you up! Make a few more, and have leftovers for all of your lunches. 

Okay, this really might be my favorite thing I've ever made! Stuffed chicken breasts with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese and basil. Meals like this always looked too complicated, but are really so easy! You need a meat tenderizer, and then fill the chicken with a spinach, ricotta mixture, wrap them up, dip in egg and breadcrumbs and bake. Cover them with marinara, cheese, bake some more, then garnish with fresh basil! Oh my gosh, so freaking good. I need to make this again. Pretty sure I found it on Pinterest.

Last up for this post is a twice-baked sweet potato! My favorite thing to substitute is greek yogurt for sour cream. I have yet to find someone who can tell a difference. This is the easiest meal. Just bake the sweet potato, scoop it out and mix with greek yogurt and a little cheese. Then you can add anything on top. I put avocados, salsa, and cilantro. This will also fill you up and is so healthy!