So, if you aren't following me on Snapchat (kgrace01) or Instagram, you may have missed the fact that we got a new dog last week. Lola, the cutest wheaten terrier to exist. But with that sweetness, comes a puppy. And with a puppy comes potty training. To say I have time to make an elaborate dinner would be a lie. I need something I can do with one hand (while holding her) and in a record fast time.

If I'm being totally honest with you, spaghetti squash is not fun to make. It's tedious, boring, takes forever and just isn't that exciting. Oh, and Adam barely likes it. And when I say barley likes, I mean hate. When I say forever, I mean actually cooking the squash takes forever. But while it's cooking, you can play with your new puppy!

I make it because personally I love it. Like, eat it every night kind of love. Take it for leftovers for 4 days kind of love. It's serious and after this recipe, my love for it is even stronger.

In the past I've always made very plain spaghetti squash. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper and call it a day. I figured I needed to mask the fact that it is not pasta as much as I could if I was going to expect Adam to eat it.

I searched and searched Pinterest trying to find the perfect recipe. But I couldn't find the right one. So I made it up. I'm not usually a do it from scratch kind of girl, but hey this time it worked and Adam even had seconds. I consider that a win-win.

Ingredients:

• 1  spaghetti squash, roasted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 large cloves garlic, minced (of if you use the costco jar like I do...)
• 3 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 large chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
• 4 cups kale leaves, packed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

How to Make:

1. Roast the spaghetti squash and set aside until ready to use
2. In a medium-sized non-stick skillet, add the oil and heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until garlic is very fragrant and mushrooms have browned.
3. Add the strips of raw chicken, and cook about 30 seconds before adding the chopped kale leaves. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Add the lemon zest, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook an additional minute. 
5. Strip the spaghetti squash into spaghetti strands and place in a medium-sized serving bowl.
6. Add the chicken/mushroom/kale mixture and toss everything together.

Adam and I love a good road-trip. Whether it be a weekend getaway to the mountains or a drive across Eastern Colorado to visit Omaha, we love road-trips and we take them often. We are currently planning a road-trip to Arizona for labor day to visit the fam. Oh, and my mother is making me pick up all my childhood belongings now that I have my own house. Goody.

Let me tell you, driving a U-Haul from Arizona to Denver is going to be a long drive, but man oh man, do I love a good road-trip.

The most important thing to have on a road-trip is a great playlist. This can be tricky when driving with your husband. Especially when said husband doesn't love blasting Carrie Underwood for 12 hours straight. Sometimes I think I will never understand men.

[short road-trip story] One time I was driving back to school in California from Arizona and Dreamgirls had just come out. I was obsessed with Beyonce. I could not stop listening to Listen. I legit, listened to listen (does that alliteration annoy anyone else? no? okay) anyways, I listened to Listen for 7 straight hours. I am not lying. Except to go to the bathroom, I never turned it off. By the time I got to Malibu, I had lost my voice, but man, my road-trip rocked. Now only if Adam would let me do that on our upcoming 12 hour road-trip.

Summer is almost over, but I assume most of you have one great last road-trip in ya. Well, if you do, you are in luck! I have the BEST playlist for you. I promise it will satisfy all passengers needs.
Let's do this.Things that are necessary for a road-trip playlist.

1. A song to jam out to when you are getting tired.
2. A song for when you want to cry.
3. A song that everyone knows the words too. 
4. A song that is just good driving music.
5. A new jam that you love and by the time the road-trip is over you will be sick of. 
6. An oldie. 
7. A song for when you want to think about life.
8. A song you can belt. 
9. A song that will make you laugh. 
10. A song you can listen to on repeat and not get sick of. 
11. A sad song (yes I see this relates to #2, but car rides can be a good time for these kind of jams)
12. A goodie. 
13. One good rap song. 

So, while I love road-trips, the worst part of road-tripping is putting miles on your car. Wanna hear about something awesome? There is a company out there called Turo. Turo allows you to rent a car from random people and not some slimy rental car company. That's right. No charge for one piece of dirt on the floorboard. No more miles on your car! No more expensive rental car prices! And YOU can rent out your car if you'd like to make some extra money!

Happy Road-tripping friends! I hope the next time you hit the open road, you have a great playlist, a great road-trip buddy and maybe even a swanky new car!

What's on your playlist?

Here we go people, it's go time. After the long awaited season of watching JoJo say Ben's name 1000x it is finally time for her to pick her husband. I feel like I've been waiting for this moment forever. We are only 5 minutes into the episode and Chris Harrison is even mentioning Ben. Oh boy.

Based on the sounds of it, JoJo is going to say I love you twice, there will be a lot of tears, an appearance by Chad and the perfect amount of drama. Sounds like the perfect Monday night to me. Let's do this ladies. I hope you brought your wine with you.

Adam is in Breckenridge tonight with him family, which is semi-devastating for his lack of commentary. But, to hold you over, he calls JoJo's brothers, Hans & Franz. So, every time they talk I hope you laugh.I'm so glad we get to see JoJo's mom again, she is the best.


Let's get to Jordan's date. I'm going to be honest and upfront - I am rooting for Jordan. I think he is genuine, call me crazy, but I really like him.  Can we talk about how hot it must be there? They are all sweating profusely. Like go inside people. JORDAN. Why didn't you ask her dad? What were you thinking? PS, your arms are really tan. Good on ya. I think you win. She adores you.

Oh Robby. "Tell them how much I love their daughter, that's what matters right?" It's like he's trying to tell her he's a fraud. Like, of course I'm going to convince your family how much I love you so I can convince myself and win the show, I mean your heart, I mean the Bachelorette. Why is Robby's chest so red? That only happens when I'm having a nervous breakdown or I'm lying.

So it's clear that the Fletcher clan loves Robby. But come on, you know Hanz and Franz are hoping they will have season ticket rights for the rest of their lives. Wasn't Robby the one she couldn't trust because of the ex? But after one convo she's simply forgotten about that?

Obvs I'm team Jordan so I'm trying to be as non-bias as possible. But I get what he is saying. Asking a dad for a hand in marriage is huge! It's as if JoJo thinks this is just about her. Jordan wants to feel confident too and I'm assuming only asking a dad once. But he could ask, not knowing where JoJo stands and get dumped. I totally get it

Good job Jordan on asking her parents. And good job both of you for writing such sweet notes. I am so excited to find out! I am so very nervous. YES.


Ok I cannot lie, watching Robby (JoJo, all the second place people) say how much they love the host breaks my heart. It's unbearable to watch. I didn't like Robby this whole show, but holy smokes, watching his heart break is devastating.

Excuse me while I just bawl my eyes out. JORDAN. They are the cutest and are going to make the most beautiful babies.



The After the Finale Rose actually made me like Robby more. But I am loving some Jordan and JoJo action.

Let's go to Paradise now people. Thanks for reading along throughout this very long journey. See ya'll next season. Here's hoping they announce the Bachelor soon!

Happy August everyone! Sorry for the lack of posting lately, life has been nuts!

I am so glad August is here. The last few months have been a whirlwind and I'm so glad we can finally slow down. Let's catch up with each other!

• This past weekend we celebrated Adam's 30th Birthday! It was a surprise craw-fish boil and I think it went off without a hitch. Thank you to all our friends and family who flew in from around the county to surprise Adam. It was the greatest weekend. A recap post on surprise parties is coming Thursday! 
• Two weeks ago we spent the week in Lake Tahoe for the most epic family reunion. It was so fun to hang with out family. That recap will be next week! If you're looking for Tahoe places to go, I will have all the suggestions! 
• THE BACHELORETTE finale is tonight and I am dying to see who JoJo picks. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post for all the scoop. If you need some recaps I've got them here --> JoJo
• Did you catch my post on traveling with your pup? Henry is quite the world traveler and he is sharing all the tips! 
• Speaking about dogs, we are getting PUPPY NUMBER 2 on Wednesday and I could not be happier! Her name is Lola, I cannot wait to share pictures with you! I'm not sharing any more than that, because obviously she has to be somewhat of a surprise. Get ready for tons of dog pictures and puppy posts. Dog #2 tips are welcomed! 
• Did I tell you I saw Adele a few weeks ago? People, if you have the chance to go, GO! It was the best show I've ever seen, ever. I want to go again more than anything. 
• Did you know Wednesday is ONE YEAR from my knee surgery. Ugh, I'm glad that is over. Wednesday I'll be sharing all the tips on recovery and how I'm prepping for ski season this year. 

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD.



Well at least we know who is going to be the next Bachelor. Guys, how was I so wrong? This is crazy. Excuse the pause in the action, I got a little teary-eyed! That was so sad! Babe, why did she send Luke home? She's crazy. 

Don't get me started on hometowns. While I am a huge proponent of the Bachelorette (duh), I'm not a huge fan of the overnight. YES, I think spending alone time together is important, but potentially sleeping with three people, three nights in a row is so creepy to me. Why can't everyone be like Sean Lowe when he chose to forego them - look at him now, married with a baby.

Is anyone buying this shit that Robby is spewing? When did he start calling her Joelle? Hands up for those who think Robby wrote the note himself.

I know there are probably as many Jordan haters as there are Robby haters, but I honestly kind of love him. I have yet to feel that icky feeling like I do with Robby. I think he adores her. And the thing I like about Jordan is that, yes he feels it with JoJo, but he isn't forcing it like Robby is. Robby is telling her exactly what she wants to hear. Jordan seems to be more real.

Why was she so hard on Jordan and not Robby? I'm starting to think JoJo isn't the best judge of character. Do they really had to show JoJo laying on the bed while he closes the door?

You all know how I feel about Chase (aka he was my favorite besides Luke) but I just don't feel it. Um, did anyone see JoJo's face post I love you. Yikes. Poor little Chase bun. Cue Chase shutting down.

WHAT ARE WE ALL MISSING REGARDING ROBBY. Chase is one of the good ones, told ya so.

PS I will not be blogging tonight via Men Tell All, but let's tweet together! Come find me - @kristengrace1

Happy Friday loves! We finally made it. Even though it was only a 2 day week, it certainly dragged over here. But then again, weeks always drag when you are preparing for vacation! I haven't done a Friday Favorites in a while so I figured it was time. There's a lot of crap going on in the world and on the internet, so why not talk about the good stuff.

• That picture of Lake Tahoe above -- isn't it amazing. PS make sure you're following me on Snapchat (kgrace01) for all things Tahoe! 
• Everything Striped: Besides craving a new wardrobe, I am lusting over everything summer and striped. Christina at Christina Lea Loves is sharing all her favorites HERE. 
• Summer Reading: So many amazing book reviews. Like this one from The Nerdy Katie, A Study in Charlotte, 
• Summer cooking: I don't know about you, but finding new light recipes is my favorite thing for summer. Chrissa at Physical Kitchness is sharing Paleo Sweet Potato Blueberry Breakfast Muffins, Patricia from AZ GrabaPlate shares her Pork Tenderloin Bites with Mango Salsa, Jessica at How Sweet Eats shares her Peace Pie Ice Cream and Caitlin from Southern Curls and Pearls is sharing healthy chicken salad lettuce wraps. People, I love food. 
• SEO. Do you guys know how to do that or what it even is? I struggle with it. Luckily Katie from A Touch of Teal is giving us all we need to know about SEO.
• Do you guys know Jennifer from The Champagne Supernova? If not, you should -- she is the funniest person alive. Especially this post on the difference between dating and marriage. I died. 
• I'm a BIG reader. I love love love browsing the book store. Chelsea at The Girl who Loved to Write is talking about 9 moments every book lover has experienced. It is so accurate.
• Oh you're obsessed with Nordstrom half yearly sale too? ME TOO! Lee Anne at Life by Lee is sharing everything amazing they have to offer. 
• This quote below. Yes. 

Recipe [Recreated] is the newest addition of "themes" over here at Everyday Grace! I follow a lot of blogs that post delicious meals and I want to be able to share those meals with you.


Recipe [Recreated] will be recipes I have discovered from other blogs/books/ect and have not created on my own. With all of the Recipes [Recreated], I have done something a little different; added my own flair, but the idea/suggestion comes from someone else.

Reason ONE for doing this is I want to be honest with you about where and how I come up with recipes and TWO I want to give credit where credit is due! I never want a blogger/chef to feel slighted.

It's all about sharing the love people!

This burger recipe is from my favorite Paleo Website, PaleoOMG. She just came out with a cookbook and my girl, Callie got it for me for my birthday! AH! It's seriously the greatest. She shares paleo ketchup, paleo truffle sauce and everything and anything, I reference it about 10 times a week. It's my favorite.

Today is a great day! We are off to Tahoe for the rest of the week! Talk about the best (and most needed) time for a vacation! In about 5 hours I'll be sipping a vodka/soda with my fambam and I cannot wait.

Henry has been traveling with me both in airplanes and in cars since he was a very little pup, 8 weeks to be exact. He took his first trip to California on Southwest when he was just 10 weeks old. I'm pretty sure he's been on more planes than most humans. When we travel, people often ask me how do I do it.

Is he drugged? Does he like it? How much does he cost? What do you do with him? 

The truth is, it's not the easiest thing in the world, but having my pup with me on vacation is totally worth any bit of hassle (or cost).

1. Make sure it's safe for your specific breed to travel. There are certain pups that cannot travel. Certain pups have small nasal passages that make it hard for them to breath at that high of altitude. This website has a great article on short-nosed pups and why they shouldn't fly. Check it out here. 
2. Check the airline you are flying for their rules and policies. I usually fly Southwest. They charge $95 each way for your pup. (Save the gasp for later -- I know it's crazy). Each airline has their own rules and costs. Southwest is the cheapest! 
3. Get a great bag. We've been through a lot of different bags trying out which bags he likes the best. We've settled on the one linked here -- it's great because it's large enough and doesn't collapse on him. It's big enough that I can put Henry in it (obvs), a blanket and his chewer. 
4. Know your pup and talk to your vet. The first time I flew with Henry I chatted with our vet about what she thought I should do. Because Henry was so little she thought he could do it without any meds. Some dogs though are overly worried or panic so ask your vet about either an anxiety med or a proper dosage of Benadryl. I give Henry half of an adult Benadryl and it doesn't knock him out, it just calms him a little and makes him sleepy. By the time we land, it's worn off and he's ready to party. 
5. Bring something that will make your pup feel safe and happy (& treats). Ever since Henry was a pup he's had the same blanket and the same stuffed animal. I make sure to bring them everywhere because I know he's used to them and it make him feel a little more secure. Also, he gets a few extra treats on travel days. 
6. Get your pup used to his bag. Before Henry got used to it, I would take the bag out a few days before we left and let him feel it out. I would take him to the store in the bag. I would carry him around in it, so he got used to being in the bag and feeling comfortable in it. Now when it comes out, he automatically jumps in the bag without me having to ask. 
7. Give yourself extra time. This is key. Before we go in the airport, I make sure Henry has a little mini walk around to pee one last time. Then you have to pay for him, go through security ect. In regards to security - you have to carry your pup through the metal detector, no body scanner for you. Then they have to swab your hands and test them. I've had this go off a few times which in that case you have to have a full pat down in a private room. Most times the swab doesn't go off and we are good. But the few times it has, it has left us running to the gate. 
8. Check the airport rules. Some airports like Phoenix have dog parks you can take your dog too in the airport for them to use the bathroom. Phoenix even let's you walk your dog on a leash in the airport Some airports like Omaha don't allow you to have your pup out of the bag. Denver let's me hold him right up to the point of walking on the plane. It's important to know the rules for where you are leaving from and arriving in to. 
9. Be considerate of others. The matter of the fact is some people don't like dogs and don't want dogs near them. I always ask before I pick a seat if they are comfortable with a dog. 99% of the time, people are ecstatic. But I've had people practically yell at me that I couldn't sit by them. Their loss because I will 100% guarantee that my dog is quieter than the baby that they let sit by them. Oh and remember, when traveling with a pup, no emergency row for you! 
10. Be considerate of your dog Most dogs are not as airport friendly as Henry. Traveling, like for humans, creates a lot of chaos, anxiety and nerves. Like I said before, a lot of people love dogs and they will want to pet your pup. Remember that being a bag with tons of humans wanting to pet him can be nerve wrecking I try to keep Henry to myself most times just to make sure he stays calm. Hey, if people think I'm being a bitch, that's fine. The safety an well-being of my pup is way more of a concern than you wanting to pet him. 

HOMETOWNS IS MY FAVORITE EPISODE.


Does anyone remember last season when JoJo's mom was caught chugging the wine bottle? The possibilities are endless people. Let's get ready people, first stop, COLORADO.

Chase - Highlands Ranch, Colorado (aka my neighbor!): First, that gorgeous park is Daniels Park. It's stunning. Good on you Bachelor. Chase's mom is a bun. Stop. Chase telling JoJo he is falling in love. I'm dying. She asked for emotion, she totally got it. Move to Colorado JoJo!

Chase is 3/4.

Jordan - This is the weirdest hometown date. Hey babe, let's go to my high school where my glory days were born and also where they died. And, now they're making out in the library. Next. I'm with JoJo, I would by dyinnnngggg to know what the deal is with his brother. As much as this pains me to say, she obviously loves Jordan more than Chase, just based on how nervous she was to meet his parents. AARON WHY HAVEN'T YOU COMMENTED ON THIS FEUD? This episode made me like Jordan so much more and not think he's slimy. But it does make me think twice about Aaron...

Jordan is 2/4.

Robby - Before we start this, can anyone out there in blogland honestly say they like Robby? That they trust him? Because blech. One, good for JoJo sticking up for herself and two, drink that wine girl. It is time for him to go home.

Robby is 4/4. 

Luke - They are the cutest little couple ever. My gosh. Luke's sister is a super model and his grandpa is the cutest. Um, this setup Luke created is to die for! The sun setting on bales of hay and perfectly placed lanterns. Good on you Bachelor. Welp, if Luke doesn't win after the flower heart and Dan + Shay playing, I don't know what wins.

Luke wins, he's 1/4. 

WHAT DID SHE JUST SAY? LUKE. WHAT. Babe, what did we miss with the Luke thing? 

This is a joke. To be continued. This has to be a joke.

See ya next week people.

After a week hiatus, it's time for The Bachelorette. Cue the over-analyzing by Alex and the over-aggressiveness of James, only to result in both of them going home.

Let's play The Bachelorette. Where men turn into ladies and JoJo rules the roost.

Alex: This is so boring. Can we talk about how completely uninterested she is in him. Why doesn't she just send him home? JoJo looks amazing and Alex looks like he's in a play. Can we talk about how weird that horse thing was and how corny Alex is. This is the type of shit I draw the line on..when they're cuddling a horse in a field. Wow, JoJo looks like she is searching for words to say after the I love you drop. Yikes.

I give Alex a 8/10 for effort. You go Alex, and when I say go, I mean home. 

Jordan: It's cute that he thinks he has to work hard for her. She loves him, or at least lusts him. They drank the foot wine. Blech. This whole conspiracy theory that Jordan is a certain way in the house is so weird because it's never shown on TV. The only example they give is that his brother is famous. Holy Jordan with his speech -- winning the game. Slash does anyone else wanna talk about why Jordan doesn't have a relationship with his famous brother?

I give Jordan a 7/10 for being "emotional." Whether it's real or not, I believed him and that scrappy head of hair. 

The Group Date: It's pretty funny. But then they are all laying in bed together. Robby: I can kind of see him having a wandering eye. She is not sure about him. He's not super convincing. Robby is getting a little crazy -- his front runner talk is silly. Chase: This conversation kind of makes him sound dumb. But good on you for opening up. James: JoJo said it right, he has all the qualities that she would want, except for that attraction. She obviously knows how sweet and wonderful he is, but I think she's bored.

I gave Robby a 3/10, mostly because he gives me the heeby jeebies, but also because I think he's a bit rehearsed. 

I gave Chase a 6/10 because he's trying. Not very hard, but he is. 

I gave James a 10/10. Do what you gotta do (even if its not enough) Throw Robby under the bus, eat a billion french fries, watch other men take their clothes off. You are (were) in it to win it. 

Luke: The true front-runner. The best is when she goes to celebrate after shooting the skeet and Luke grabs the gun from her. He's the protective type. They'd be perfect.

I gave Luke a 10/10 because I think he wins and he's just the cutest with her. 

Are the guys seriously going to the rose ceremony in a horse drawn carriage with the dogs chasing the carriage. I can't. CHRIS HARRISON WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? James you are the sweetest little bun cakes.


The ones who left: Alex and James. (Did I tell you, or did I tell you)

Let's go to hometowns people! Welcome to Colorado JoJo, let's be best friends.

How would you rate the men this episode/season?