Glorious Outerbanks Vacation 2014

Outerbanks Vacation Escapades

Hello Everyone!

I'm officially back from my great week vacation with my loving family...and Guess what? I'm missed you all! It's been pretty fast month for me, I felt like, I started to felt that vacation mode and the next thing I know, It's time for us to go back. Time went so fast when your having fun, "ika nga" But, Hey! I'm bringing those sweet, unforgettable and fun memories with me and I'm beyond excited to share it with you:)  Are you excited? Come on, hold my hand and join me, As, I uncovered my everyday fun food escapades, great beach adventures and my relaxing moments at Outerbanks.

Here we go!..wink:)

Outerbanks is the place where I can relax and enjoy every moment of it. Actually, I remembered blogging about my last year Outerbanks vacation.:) So, Anyways, Let's start the adventures by driving more than 11 hours. Yup! I know its exhausting thinking about it, but it was fun. We packed snacks and drinks with us and the movie LEGO is great entertainment for everyone. I actually, enjoyed it. " Everything is Awesome!!!"fast forward- We finally arrived at Windjammer the place where we always stay. Everything you can think of that perfect place for vacation, close access to the beach, gift shops, restaurants, indoor pool and hot tub.. and more.

Sunday- We went to the beach and then to the pool. Then we ate out in celebration of Granny's 75th birthday at The Dunes restaurant. The restaurant is amazing, very pleasant ambiance and so relaxing. I really enjoyed my food which is Blackened Mahi-Mahi with tropical salsa topping, Dunes Rice and summer veggies on the side. The dessert is scrumptious! I can't stop going back for more bite and more and more.. until its gone! I have a chocolate mouse cake with whip cream... I should stop! I'm drooling right now hahaha.

 As part of this awesome vacation is our family dinner together. The deal was, one family member should volunteer to make dinner for everyone. Which is pretty cool you think? I think so too. Anyways on our second and third day is pretty much hanging out on the beach and in the pool area. 

Monday- Granny made us meatloaf, mashed potato and green beans. It's really good!

Tuesday- Tacy ( my sister in-law) made us crabcake and corn- I can't get enough of it. It just that good!:)

 -We also explore the Tangler outlet and Wings for some shopping galore! It was really fun..promise!

 Wednesday- It's Quinn's birthday ( my niece/ Tacy's daughter ) The whole family went out for Dophin Watch Tour! I'm so excited! I never seen dolphin up close and I think its really fun experience for my kids too, seeing the dolphin and riding a boat. I surely was right, my kids loved it. Too bad we didn't see dolphin that day but the tour is amazing.  I enjoyed just looking the scenic views and the smell of fresh sea water.

The Dinner was Pizza and of course CAKE! It was unforgettable...

Thursday- If there's like " Beach Day" kinda day, This is the day! We pretty much just being at the beach all day long. My kids loved playing with the sand, we made some cute a.k.a "sand castle". I get to experienced to be buried alive on the sand and so my kids.

Sunbathing- check!

Picnic at the beach- check!

Relaxing- check!! check and more! It was so much!! and I made Beef and Broccoli for dinner! wohoo!! and can't be complete without my chocolate fudge brownie with lemon icing for dessert. Its kinda strange that chocolate and lemon together but it works...wink!:)

 Friday- Our last day at Outerbanks and we are making most out of it. Started off by taking a long walk at the beach with my kids, hitting the beach early and explore every minute exploring the place. My Mother in-law ( Cheri) made salad, baked beans, baked chicken, potatoes and tater tots and ice cream for dessert. Then, we head off to Jockey's Ridge.. how amazing! My kids have full of energy just running up and down at giant sand dunes. We also watched the beautiful sunset..and went out for souvenir shopping.

 We drove Friday night and got home Saturday afternoon.Vacation with family is priceless and a moment to be treasured for the rest of my life. I hope you enjoy reading my vacation escapades and when you get a chance to be at Outerbanks you surely know what to expect. I hope you have great week everyone! and I'll see you in few days...

xoxox- Melgie

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Sausage with Black Beans and Rice Recipe

Hillshire Farm American Craft Sausage with Black Beans and Rice

Happy Friday Everyone!
How was your week doing so far? Any plan for the weekend? What about a cook out/get together with friends. I think its perfect this summer! and I have a really delicious recipe for you to try. Super easy and quick to make and surely impress everyone taste buds. Anyways, This American Craft  Sausage with Black Beans and Rice recipe is so forgiving you can totally used whatever you have vegetables on hand,Delicious! I used the American Craft - Garlic and Onion sausage on this recipe, Oh my! the flavor of the sausage is really good. I can't wait to explore other flavor of  Hillshire Farm American craft sauges and incorporate on some of my favorite dish.
Talking about delicious! Let me share with you this awesome site that I join a month ago. Yes! I'm so new to the site  and still in the learning process. I welcome you to my first Bzzkit from Bzzagent..:)

What is BzzAgent? An international network of consumers who voluntarily participate in word-of-mouth (WOM) campaigns for a variety of products and services.
 What you do basically as Bzzagent? try the product and services for free and share your honest opinions toward the product online and offline. Easy peasy right? and It's totally FREE to join:)
I'm new to the site and I love it.  All I did was to take surveys, get invited, try the product, review and share, Keep it UP! I'm all in for my first Bzzkit! wohoo!

Are you ready and excited on what's on my first Bzzkit? Here we go!

BzzKit Includes:
2 FREE coupons
Enjoy the exceptional flavor of American Craft sausage; available in three bold flavors at Walmart:

• Smoky Bourbon: A dose of real bourbon gives this sausage a smoky, full-bodied flavor
• Jalapeño & Cheddar: Enjoy the perfect balance of rich cheddar cheese and a kick of jalapeño!
• Garlic & Onion: Two classic ingredients, one irresistible smoked sausage

1 Hillshire Farm Apron
1 Hillshire Chopping Board
Magnetic shopping list
$1.00 off coupon to share with friends.

* I tried the Garlic & Onion and Smoky Bourbon. They are equally delicious! I love more the Garlic and Onion for this recipe. I'm be on the look for Jalapeno & Cheddar next time for friends get together. Yum!

 American Craft Sausage with Black Bean and Rice Recipe

Notes: Grilling the sausage is optional. Used whatever vegetables in hand and taste according to you preference.

Ingredients:

1 pack of Hillshire Farm American Craft Garlic and Onion Sausage

1 can of Black Beans 14 oz- rinsed and drained

2 tomatoes chopped- combination of green and red tomatoes

1 small onion- sliced

2 stalk of green onion

1 green chillies- optional

Salt and Pepper- to taste

2 tsp. of cooking oil

Directions:

1.) Grilled the sausage to achieved that bold and grill flavored. Then chopped it into bite pieces. Set aside.

2.) Step one is optional its all up to you. Chopped the vegetables you have in hand, Drain and rinsed the black beans. Set aside.

3.) In large pan heat up the cooking oil on medium heat. Add the chopped grilled sausage and the vegetables.

4.)  Add the black beans, Salt and Pepper to taste. This recipe is so forgiving, add water if you need too. Let it stand for 5-6 minutes.

5.) Done! Served it on the top of rice or it could be your next favorite side dish.:) Enjoy!

I hope this recipe inspire you to make something new and different with your Hillshire Farm American Craft sausage. My family love this recipe and I hope you give it a try:)
See you in few days and I hope you enjoy the weekend :)

xoxox- Melgie

Disclosure: I received the Bzzkit compliment from Bzzagent. Opinion and experience through the product is 100 percent mine. Thank you, #BzzAgent, #BzzKit, #Gotitfree # americancraft

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Lumpia Shanghai Espesyal Recipe

Lumpia Shanghai Recipe -Updated

Hello Everyone!

Did you get excited seeing Lumpia on the photo? I'll do! This is my second favorite food next to Pansit. This is like updated version recipe, Since, I posted Lumpia recipe back when I started this blog which is like two years ago. I've seen few variations of lumpia recipe, so far I tried the Lumpia Shanghai-  which compose of meat usually ground pork and Vege Lumpia- which compose of vegetables but some folks add some rice noodles into the mix. What kind of Lumpia is your favorite? I prefer the Lumpia Shanghai myself, Since, I always made them for my daughter's birthday and some special occasions. Actually one of my favorite!  In this blog post, I'll be showing the step by step on how easy it is to wrap the Lumpia. Awesome!

Now, let's talk about the main ingredients? The Lumpia Wrapper-  If you are living abroad, you'll find lumpia wrapper at any Asian store. The Lumpia wrapper is so thin, delicate and easy to dry up. Make sure that you put towel on the top to make sure that it will stay soft and easy for the wrapping process later on. 

What to do if the Lumpia wrapper is frozen? which is so typical when your living abroad.

* Defrost- I leave the wrapper on the counter for like an hour or so while I'll make the filling

* Put in your microwave on DEFROST for like 25-30 second. Once you feel its soft and you can bend it. Then its good to go.:)

Some folks put some peppers, cabbage and other vegetables. I think they are equally delicious and I Love them all. What are your favorites on your Lumpia? 

The recipe that I'll be sharing you today is the recipe that my Mom taught me. So simple and so easy! C'mon you guys join me in my kitchen and I'll show you how easy it is to make this cute babies. So perfect for any occasion and surely impress everyone.

 Notes: Adjust the taste according to your preference. Don't forget to add your favorite vegetables. Double the quantity for larger crowd..wink:)-

 Lumpia Shanghai Recipe

Ingredients:
1 lbs. ground pork
2 medium size carrots- peeled and chopped
1 egg
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Lumpia wrapper
1 medium onion- chopped
3 garlic cloved
Salt and Pepper
Water- used to seal the tip on the lumpia

Filling Recipe
 * Put the carrots, onion and garlic in food processor ( if you have one) or chopped into little pieces. Set aside. In large bowl, mix all the ingredients ground pork, chopped veggies,breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper. Mix it together until everything is combine. Set aside.
* Defrost your Lumpia wrapper-

Instructions:
1.) Carefully separate the Lumpia wrapper.
2.) Put spoonful of lumpia filling towards the center of Lumpia wrapper.
3.) Fold the two side towards the middle. Make sure that you leave a space on the middle.
4.) Then, fold the other pieces towards the middle. It should look like the photo above ref.#4
5.) Start rolling the lumpia and make it tighter as you go. Make sure that you leave a little space. Brush it with water and it should seal the lumpia.
6.)  Put the perfect rolled lumpia onto the container.  DONE! Just do it all over again until your finish.
- See the photo above for super easy tutorial.:)

How likely are you going to make Lumpia on your next potluck party? Anyway, I hope you find this recipe so easy and delicious. Its so perfect with sweet chilli sauce by the way. Yum!
P.S- To all my lovely readers and followers- I'll be out for a week of vacation with my family. I'm beyond excited, we are going to Outerbanks! When I get back I'll be sharing my adventures and food escapade..:) Just keep checking and reading my blog and I hope my recipes inspire you to cook. Keep the comments coming, guys! I'll be reading them all. I'll see you next next week. Have great day.:)

xoxoxo- Melgie

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