Ground Beef or Turkey Eggrolls

This is my favorite Eggroll recipe. It takes a few steps but is actually pretty easy.

I don't have an exact recipe as I usually just make it as I go but I will to the best of my ability share the recipe with you.

First you will need

Eggroll wrappers

Soy Sauce

Head of cabbage

Shredded carrots

Ground Beef or Turkey

Small dish of water

Oil for cooking

Tempura Dipping Sauce (optional)

First brown your ground meat with a little bit of soy sauce. Shred/chop your cabbage. Add cabbage, carrots and to taste soy sauce to the pan of meat.


When mixture is done cooking and looks like above picture you can start to assemble your eggrolls. Place wrapper at a diagonal. Place meat and veggie mixture in the center. Wet all corners of the wrapper.

Fold like this picture and create a roll

After this process you can let them sit the fridge for a while or go straight to cooking. You can bake with a little oil, boil them, or the best (& worst) way is to pan or even deep fry them.


I like to enjoy them by dunking them into tempura dipping sauce, yum!

I've also made them by adding additional veggies like celery or even broccoli

Enjoy!

Meet the newest member of our family...

BENTLEY

Bentley is a labrador mixed with a Pointer Beagle

We adopted Bentley from a shelter in early November. We are so in love :) So far he has been a good dog with a few puppy tendencies. We've taught him how to sit and stay as well as potty training. Hopefully we can soon teach him how to walk on a leash so that he becomes a good walking buddy for me.

30 Before 30~ Finding a great church

A while back I created a list of 30 things I wanted to accomplish before I turned 30. Since they were in no particular order I started with #29 to find a great church. Shortly after making the 30 before 30 blog my house was broken into. It was heartbreaking, and scary all at the same time. In the middle of the day by breaking a door in the sun room somebody came into our house and stole all of our jewelry, most of our electronics, and much more including the feeling of security. Friends and Family were of great support and I cannot thank them enough for their kind words, offers to stay, and even some financial help, so that we could replace some of what was lost. We will never be able to replace the rings that were blessed on our wedding day, but our love for each other will never be lost.
I decided that this was a better time than any to turn to God. Ever since we moved to Long Beach I said that I wanted to find a church where I could feel like home so I finally set out to find one. I started by a mere google search for churches near my house. Then I looked at websites and narrowed it down to 3 churches. I went to United Church of Christ first, and I liked it a lot and felt good about my first visit, but wasn't sure if it was my "home" church or not.
Then I went to Parkcrest the following Sunday. As soon as I got there I felt good about it, but then the sermon started and I realized this was the church I was supposed to be part of. I never even needed to go to the 3rd church. The sermon was about rethinking fear. It was exactly what I needed to hear after my house was broken into. I had felt broken, and unsafe in my own home. The sermon taught me to not allow fear to have the final say, and to be proacive instead of reactive. So we got an alarm system, and a new Dog. My FIL also put bars on the windows. I feel safer trusting God and relying on him in the midst of my fear. So since my first visit I have been attending Parkcrest heartwell campus. The sermons have been amazing and I really look forward to Sunday mornings.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7




ETA: I brought my Mom to church with me last Sunday and it turns out the associate pastor Married my Parents!! And the main pastor Mike interned under my old pastor, the one who married Josue and I. SO I guess this church was meant to be.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

I had a potluck to go to on Monday. I didn't want to go to the store so I thought what crowd pleaser can I make (as I am stuffing Jalapeno Poppers in my mouth) Then I realized I can't make poppers since I didn't have enough but I could put all the components together. So I created Jalapeno popper dip. (I did a google search later and realized I hadn't invented it, it was still really good all the same) I wasn't sure how it would go over, but everyone loved it and asked for my recipe :)

So here ya go!

Ingredients

1 bar of cream cheese softened
1 cup of sour cream
1 cup of Mexican crema
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
1-2 cup(s) of panko crumbs
4 Jalapenos diced and seeded. (You can add some seeds into mixture to give it a little heat)


Preheat Oven to 400 degrees
In a saucepan add cream cheese, sour cream, crema, jalapenos and 1/2 cup of panko crumbs. Melt and add to a oven safe dish cover with panko crumbs and parmesan cheese. Put in the oven for about 15 minutes and broil for a minute to brown. Serve right away with tortilla chips or Club crackers. ENJOY!

I also saw a recipe online where they added some cheddar cheese to the melting process, that sounded good too. I may try that next time.

Thankful!

My dear friend Melissa, started writing what she was thankful for on her blog each day in November. Each time she writes one I feel all warm and fuzzy inside and wish I had thought to do the same. But yesterday her words really hit home and I wanted to share since I feel the exact same thing.

So as Melissa so eloquently wrote

I am thankful for...

God. I believe that he has his own plan, that I cannot control what lies ahead. He will guide me down the path he has already written for me. His tests make me stronger

30 Before 30

Just after my 25th birthday in February I started compiling a list of things I really want to accomplish in the next 5 years. I like to think I am a goal oriented person so I hope that writing these things down and setting these goals for myself means I will accomplish them. These are not the most adventurous things, but just normal things I will aspire to finishing.

Daniella Karinne's 30 before 30 list

1. Buy a house
2. Make a family; have a child
3. Run a 5K (well at least jog it)
4. Go to Hawaii
5. Go to the Dominican Republic
6. Make it to somewhere in Europe
7. Be brave and go back to Mexico
8. Visit NYC with Josue
9. Go on a classic American road trip (ending in NC)
10. Visit Vancover Canada and Seattle, WA
11. Go on a mission trip
12. Learn conversational Spanish
13. Lose 30lbs
14. Read the bible all the way through
15. Purchase one piece of expensive jewelry for myself
16. Go snorkeling
17. Go Kayaking
18. Find a job I love
19. Take a pole dancing class
20. Begin more philanthropic ventures
21. Learn how to make a gourmet 5 course meal.
22. Finish my in progress scrapbooks
23. Make a first year scrapbook for my phantom child
24. Pay off our debt (school loan & Truck)
25. Grow berries and more organic things in my garden
26. Write a book (TKN?)
27. Start a retirement plan or an investment portfolio
28. Make a difference in at least one person’s life.
29. Find a church I really like
30. Forgive and move on

As I finish these I will cross them off my list and write a blog about each one.

When I am finished I will write a 40 before 40 list and so on.

Hopefully by then I can add some more adventurous things to my list.

Keith Smith – National Linebacker Of The Week - SJSUSpartans.com—Official Web Site of San Jose State Athletics

My cousin Keith Smith (SJSU #31) was National college linebacker of the week for his 3 sacs and 14 tackles. I was cheering for him at SJSU this last weekend. All I can say is that I am so proud of my cousin. What an accomplishment, especially as a freshman. Now if only we could get their offense to step up, we could win some games ;)



Keith Smith – National Linebacker Of The Week - SJSUSpartans.com—Official Web Site of San Jose State Athletics

Want a laugh?

The comedian Colleen made yet another amazing video. California Gurls by Katy Perry.

Enjoy!

Goodbye

Saturday we had a memorial service for my Aunt Jamie, who left earth for heaven on 9~11~2010. It was a sad yet uplifitng day. Our family is amazing and really came together. Goodbyes are always hard, but this one just didnt seem fair. She was an exceptional woman! She battled with cancer for 3 years and suffered greatly for the last 6 months. But through all her pain she was still able to smile and give us a wave or even a kiss. Jamie was a godly woman and she inspires me to share her love of christ with others. I hope I can be just half the giving, compastionate, & selfless woman that she was. Auntie you will never know how much that last goodbye and Kiss meant to me. Through all your pain you still made me laugh and cry =) I will miss you dearly and you will always be heavy on my heart. Say hello to Grandpa up in heaven for me. I promise I will be here if any of your kids if they ever need me. You left a great legacy. I love you always!

Jamie Lyn Alonzo <3

Jamie's Award Winning Salsa, yum!

Jamie's Ashes <3

Some of Jamie's delicious dessert recipes.



Some of Jamie's creative outlets,and gifts she made for us!

City of Hope walk for Breast Cancer October 2009



My Aunt at our wedding, thank you for sharing in our special day Aunt Jamie, we love you!!

Long Beach Cupcakes Reviewed

Miss Priss Cupcakes N Such

~

We had these cupcakes for Josue's Birthday. I bought some of there bitties to share and some regulars for the Birthday boy =) When you walk into the store you can see what a cute small business it is. You can choose from bitties (mini cupcakes), regular, or big daddy cupcakes. They have a variety of flavors, but I have to say Chocolate Chip is my favorite here, and a must try! I liked that even though they looked professional they tasted homemade. They cupcakes moist and the frosting is light and delicious. They also do custom orders which are gorgeous, and can't be done at all places.


Frosted Cupcakery~Belmont Shore

Josue and I have tried this place a couple times whenever we are in the Belmont area walking the beach or something. Unfortunately I only have one pictures, but it will suffice. This place has more of a commercial feel, kind of like sprinkles. My favorite cupcake here is the red velvet, yum! Their cupcakes are dense and moist at the same time! The frosting is thick and sweet! I enjoyed my cupcakes from here, but almost thought the frosting over powered my cake, which I am not a fan of. They have so many flavors to choose from, which I like but it makes it hard for me to make a choice ;)



Overall I liked Miss Priss better, though they are both great cupcake places. The prices are better at Miss Priss, and over all I liked the taste better. So if you are ever in Long Beach (or you want to come over)
Stop by Miss Priss Cupcakes N Such to try at mini or heck even a big daddy =)


MMMMMM now I want a cupcake ;)

Italian Risotto

Italian Risotto

I normally make my Italian Grandmother's risotto, but I decided to use Pioneer Womans recipe. With a few tweaks of my own ;) This isn't a healthy dish, actually it is pretty rich. Pair it with a grilled piece of chicken or fish and a nice vegetable.

Ingredients
■ 2 1/2 cups Arborio Rice
■ 3/4 cups of each Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago Cheese
■ 3 cloves Garlic
■ 1/4 whole Large Onion
■ 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
■ 1 Tablespoon Butter
■ 7 cups (to 8 Cups) Chicken Broth
■ 1 cup Heavy Cream
■ 1 Tablespoon Basil, Chopped
■ Salt And Pepper, to taste

I made just cheese risotto for blogging purposes but some options that we love to add are;

Italian Sausage

Feta Cheese

Broccoli

Asparagus

Mushrooms

Pepper Flakes

Chicken

Etc.

Preparation Instructions
Grate 2 cups of cheese. Peel and finely dice 3 to 4 cloves of garlic. Dice 1/4 of a large onion.

Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil. Then add 1 tablespoon of butter. Throw in the garlic and onion and sauté for a couple of minutes until the onion is translucent.

Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat the rice thoroughly. Adding 1 cup at a time, add 7-8 ounces of chicken broth, stirring constantly after each addition. As soon as it appears that the rice has absorbed each helping of broth, add in the next helping. Do not stop stirring. This process will take at least 20 minutes. Rice is done when it no longer has a hard bite.

When more of the broth is absorbed pour in 1 to 1 ½ cups of heavy cream. Next add the grated cheese and stir thoroughly. Add in plenty of fresh cracked pepper and about 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped basil. Add salt to taste.

Enjoy!

Maui, Hawaii

About a week ago we returned from our awesome trip to Maui, Hawaii. We really enjoyed our vacation. We went with two other couples who are very dear friends to Josue and I. Overall I think group vacationing is great! I wish Josue and I had a little more alone time to celebrate our anniversary, but we can do that at home ;) We stayed in a 3 bedroom condo. (in Kihei, Maui) Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of it, but here is a picture of our amazing view right outside it.

On our first day we went shopping, settled in and went swimming. Josue and I took a sunset stroll on the beach outside the condo. It was great for our friends to all meet and see the beautiful first Maui sunset.

The next day Josue and I went on the road to Hana with Yeimy and Ronald. We had fun laughing and talking on the way up and then hiked to the seven sacred pools and then headed up to the 400ft waterfall (Waimoku falls) through the bamboo forest. If you e er find yourself on The Road to Hana, make sure you stop for some delicious banana bread! We ended our afternoon at a gorgeous black sand beach in Hana, the water was great!

~Josue at the seven sacred pools~

Later that evening we met up with Temo and Cecia at Fred's and ate/drank the night away.

The following day we went on a helicopter ride which was amazing!! I have to admit I was scared at first, but it wasn't scary at all and no turbulence!!! It was an awesome view and totally worth it! After our helicopter ride we rented mopeds and rode down to Wailea beach, super nice!! Then we had a group BBQ outside our condo on the Lanai, what a beautiful sunset yet again!

~Temo, Cecia, Myself, and Josue at the Helipad~

~ Rainbow over some waterfalls view from the helicopter~

Thursday we went to Kaanapali Beach. We rented jetski's. I haven't been since I was 9 (when I was thrown off) so I was a little nervous. Josue drove and I held on tight! Of course we tipped over our first 5 secs on, but once we got going it was a blast. That evening we went to a traditional Luau. (Myths of Maui) The food was ok, and the "open bar" was weak, but the service was phenomenal, and the show was fabulous.

Thursday night there was a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a meteor shower from atop a volcano. I was so tired, but Yeimy convinced us to go with them, and I am sure glad we did! It was amazing!! No pictures, but the memories will never be forgotten.

Friday was our big snorkeling trip, wow!! I think this was my favorite adventure! All 6 of us took the Pride of Maui snorkel trip. We went to Molokini island and Turtle Town. After coming home napping and getting ready we went to the town of Paia. We ate at the Paia fish market, I think every one's favorite place to eat. Afterwards we walked around the quaint little town and of course Cecia and I had to have our daily Shave Ice =)

Saturday we wento Makena beach and just enjoyed the sun. Then we had a group lunch back at the condo, yum! In the evening we went to IO Maui in Lahaina. We enjoyed a lovely dinner, and another gorgeous sunset. After dinner we walked around Whaler's Village and had a drink at oceanside Bubba Gumps.

Sunday we spent the morning paddle surfing in Kihei and then packing and cleaning up =(

Once we got the car loaded we headed back to Paia and walked around and bought souvenirs. They have a beach in Paia; Baldwin Park Beach. My favorite beach in all of Maui, almost white sand, calm waves and clear water. Breathtaking!!!! We had dinner at Flatbread Co. delicious!!
Then we headed to the airport for our flight back to Los Angeles.

~ Baldwin Park Beach~

Our trip to Maui was fantastic! I still have to say that I am spoiled with the caribbean waters, but Maui was so pretty in its own right. I think we would like to go to Oahu the next time we make it out to Hawaii, but wouldn't hesitate to recommend or go back to Maui one day.

If you have any questions please email me =)

Brazilian Blowout

Thursday my friend called me and told me her salon was having a friends and family day and that I could go in and get a Brazilian Blow Out for 30.00! I hear it can help smooth, straighten, and defrizz your hair. I was sold! It was a long process; First you have to have your hair washed 3 times then apply the solution and blow dry and straighten it. Then they rinse your hair and dry it again!! But the results are wonderful!!

I even air dried my hair today, and it looks quite similar. I do have to say that the solution can really burn your eyes, so I suggest keeping your eyes closed or wearing a shield. I know its pretty expensive under normal circumstances, but I definitely recommend it!!

Long time no post!

I apologize to my few readers, I never even finished bloging about my vacation! I'd like to say that I have been overly busy and just didn't have the time, but it just isn't so. I would like to report that I passed my NCLEX exam and just recieved my license in the mail today! I will be out looking for a job. Now as a new nurse, TTC our first child and buying a house in the next year should be cause for lots of bloging and I hope I can keep up as I should be getting busy. Thanks for reading- Daniella

Here are some photo updates =)

Nursing School Graduation

My BFF's Graduation from CSUF

St. Kitts

St. Thomas U.S.V.I.

Our first stop on our Caribbean cruise was the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas. We took an ultimate island experience tour. This was my first bus trip since the fatal one and I was nervous, but excited too! After driving with some amazing photo stops including Drake's Seat we spent a few hours in Megans Bay Beach, one of the worlds top 10 beaches. It was gorgeous, and a must see if you are ever in St. Thomas. The waters were crystal clear, and calm. We snorkeled and saw sea turtles!

One of the many picture stops on our tour

After Megan's Bay our tour took us to Black Beard's Castle. I enjoyed this walking tour. Mostly because it included a tour of a rum factory and rum tasting ;) We swam in the waterfall pools, and walked along the museum route. The walking tour ended with an Amber museum with a huge Amber waterfall, that has a legend that if you touch it you will recieve finacial fortune. Of course we rubbed that baby! (We actually won in the cruises' casino that evening!!)

Then we continued with our tour to main street that has some fabulous shopping! We bought some souvenieres and Josue got a new wallet! We concluded our tour with a Harbor Cruise back to our ship. It was just beautiful!

The Harbor Cruise

The Amber Waterfall

The View from one of the museums

St. Thomas was beautiful and one of my favorite islands!

Valentine's Day!

This Valentine's day we had a nice low key picnic at home in the living room while watching movies! It was a nice day just to spend together. We made a fruit tray, and a cheese/cracker tray and I made pioneer women's chocolate cake that was super yummy! In the early evening we took a stroll around shorline village to work off all the cake =)

I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Day! I love you Baby!!!