Good Bye...

When I started this blog on January 8, 2016 it was a challenge to myself to start something, stick to it, and leave a footprint of sorts. I've had an amazing time being creative, sharing my experiences, and most importantly sharing my first love. 

I thought what better way to bring this to a close than sharing my final Prom with my best friend... My Tony!

I had an amazing weekend with him. One of our first photos as a couple was in front of the local flower shop's make shift lighted Gazebo. How fitting the last photo was in front of this Gazebo. 

My thanks for allowing me to share and visit with you each Saturday. 

It's time for me to say goodbye to this blog and move on to new adventures. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

XOXO, Penelope

18...

Well, the day has finally come. Yes, the big 18! 

My last 5 birthdays I have been away from home and family. This is bittersweet because I'm celebrating at home with my family. 

I find myself in the in between so to speak. Feeling like I want to stay in my shelter bubble of life and wanting to bust out on my own at the same time. It's a scary prospect but I think I'm ready for the big beautiful world. Hope it's ready for me.

"I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman"

I used to think

I had the answers to everything,

But now I know

Life doesn't always go my way, yeah...

Feels like I'm caught in the middle

That's when I realize...

I'm not a girl,

Not yet a woman.

All I need is time,

A moment that is mine,

While I'm in between.

I'm not a girl,

There is no need to protect me.

It's time that I

Learn to face up to this on my own.

I've seen so much more than you know now,

So don't tell me to shut my eyes.

I'm not a girl,

But if you look at me closely,

You will see it in my eyes.

This girl will always find

Her way.

Citrusy...

Citrusy Burger... no photos! My dad and I were so engrossed with making everything we completely spaced taking photos. It was so good!

Ingredients:

1 cup of fresh lime juice

1/2 cup of honey

Salt

Pepper

1 pound 85% lean ground beef

1 large onion chopped

3 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 Bell pepper chopped

1/2 chopped stevia leaves (optional)

1 tsp olive oil

2 avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, and sliced

Step 1:

Cook the lime juice, honey, 1 tsp of salt in a small saucepan set over medium heat until everything is completely dissolved. Allow it to cool.

Step 2:

Put the ground beef in a large ziplock back, and pour all but 1/4 cup lime juice over the beef. Put the bag in the fridge and let the beef marinate for at least an hour.

Step 3:

Drain the beef, then form 4 patties and season with salt and pepper. Cook the burgers as you normally would. We grilled ours.

Step 4:

While the burgers are cooking, mix the onion, tomatoes, pepper, and stevia leaves, if using, in a bowl with the olive oil and a dash of salt.

Step 5:

Build your burger: Bottom large piece of lettuce (opted for no bun), burger, a couple of avocado slices, a scoop of the vegetables on top, 1 tbsp of lime juice, then top bun and done.

We are enjoying the Arizona heat with this citrusy sweet burger!