My Summer Reading List

Summer is the perfect time for taking long road trips, back packing through foreign countries, or simply enjoying the sunshine in your very own backyard. All while reading a good book. I have read a few books this summer and thought I would share a short review of each. 

I started the summer by reading this lovely gem, "An Abundance of Katherines" by John Green. If you know anything about John Green, you know that any one of his books is a good read. However, I found it quite difficult to become invested in this book at the beginning. I'm not sure if it was because I was distracted with things going on in my life or if the book just didn't appeal to me. The story starts out with a recent graduate from high school who sets off on a self-discovering road trip with his best friend after being dumped by the love of his life (or so he thought), Katherine. The book is full of quirky footnotes, and math equations. I know what you're thinking, math? During the Summer? Trust me, it's not what you think. You'll have to read it to find out ;) With that, I loved the book once I had finished it and I definitely recommend giving this book a go.

Harry Potter! The boy who lived! I hadn't read Harry Potter since I was a little kid, and so I thought it would be the perfect time for a re-read. I bought the whole series and set in. Boy was I surprised! I didn't remember the books much at all from when I was a kid and now I know why some people dislike the movies. They changed so much from the books! But I understand that they couldn't put everything from the book into the movie, and that it needed to flow and work for the film. Regardless of this discovery, I love the Harry Potter series. I've recently just finished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and will start the 4th book very soon. These books are perfect for children and adults alike. They're full of the wonder, imagination, and of course, magic, that every person dreams of having. Harry Potter allows you to step into a world full of wonderment that you cannot achieve from the "muggle" world. Plus it's exciting to think that magic could actually exist ;) I recommend Harry Potter 100%, 24/7, and to any with a brain.

Hoping you enjoyed this little review because I may do some more in the future!

Love Always, 

S. Smith

July iPhone Snaps

I can hardly believe that July is over and we're a week into August! Today is the perfect day to go back into July and show you just a little bit of what I've been up to. These are just a few pictures from last month. Enjoy :)

(From left to right)
-Bean helped me study for my anatomy final by sleeping at my feet... so sweet
-Bean using me as a personal pillow :)
-Freaked out when I saw the light on in Las Vegas, NV. I made mom stop and go in at 9pm :)
-Wild fire on the way into Salt Lake City, UT
-Enjoying the green soft grass in West Jordan, UT. Much better than the grass in NM
-Neighborhood kids running through smoke bombs
-Bubbling homemade root beer
-Creamy delicious homemade ice cream
-My new nephew, Kyle, born just two weeks ago
-Mom & I enjoyed some hot cocoa at Denny's while it rained and thundered outside in Tooele, UT
-Got my hair and ombre re-done at the beauty college
-Found this amazing Kodak camera at a thrift store for only $25!


Love Always,
S. Smith

Chicken & Broccoli Braid

I often find myself in need of comfort these days. For reasons I am not sure. Today was one of those days. A storm has rolled in, and as the rain hit the windows I knew that this would be the perfect pick me up. There is something about warm biscuits, chicken, and a few veggies to warm you up inside. I discovered this recipe a few years ago when a dear friend at the time shared it with me and instantly fell in love. This meal is inspired by the original recipe by Pampered Chef. You can find the original recipe here. I do make a few changes, so make sure to keep reading. Enjoy!

Start out by cutting 1 Cup of broccoli (leaving just the florets). Dice up a 1/2 Cup of red bell pepper and onion and 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded:

Next, measure out 1/2 Cup of Mayo, 1 tsp. of both dill and parsley (fresh or dried) and 1 tsp. minced garlic (equivalent to 1 minced garlic clove):

1 Cup of glorious cheddar cheese and a little salt & Pepper (1 tsp. of each):

Add all of the above ingredients into a large mixing bowl, and combine well:

Set the bowl aside, and grab 2 tubes of refrigerated crescent dough. Do NOT separate the crescents. Simply unroll the dough and lay it out onto a greased cookie sheet:

Next, cut in from the sides towards the center. Making 1 1/2 in. long strips:

Grab the chicken mixture, and spoon it down the center of your dough. Leaving room at the ends of the dough. Like this:

Finally, grab adjacent strips, bring them to the center, twist them together once, and lay the strips down the sides of the mixture. Making a braided loaf: 

Place in the oven at 375 degrees fahrenheit for 30min. or until golden brown. Your chicken & broccoli braid should look like this when done (absolutely scrumptious and beautiful): 

Hope you guys try this out and love it as much as I do! Get the printable recipe here.

Love Always,

S. Smith