Passion and Poppies

Musings and writings about cooking for my family, possibly complaining about the age gap in my children, trying to create a career, raising said children, traveling and celebrating the big and little things in life while drinking champagne!

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• National Donut Day • 🍩 What is your favor

• National Donut Day • 🍩 What is your favorite donut?? And what is your favorite donut shop?? My favorite donut is the big chocolate chip filled one, (not pictured, I didn’t need to eat it) and my favorite donut shop is Donut Shop West, here in Moorpark. I’ve been getting donuts from George and Christine since I was a little girl. Not something we indulge in often, but it’s a fun treat when we do. I just have to follow it up with some eggs or a sandwich, too much sweetness in the morning makes me sick. 😂 .
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#donuts #nationaldonutday #sprinkles #glazeddonut #breakfast #sugar #coffeanddonuts #bloglife

I just realized that my husband and I haven’t be

I just realized that my husband and I haven’t been out to eat or drink in almost 3 months. We were chatting about how crazy that is! Then came to the conclusion we eat like a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ restaurant and our drinks are on point, so why go out? But now that I just got done making my 3rd meal of the day, give or take, for 11 weeks straights. I’ve concluded, I’d like someone not only serve me but clean up after me. I think I’m ready to go out and I’m really ready for a vacation! ...⠀
📷: Photo taken by me, drink not made by me. ⠀
📍: Beach House Fish, Ventura .
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#beachhousefish #venturapier #ventura #805 #beverage #drinks

Listening and Continuing to Learn. Stronger togeth

Listening and Continuing to Learn. Stronger together ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽 Swipe for Educational Resources.⠀
#blackouttuesday #theshowmustbepaused

I am speechless... and heartbroken! We are all wor

I am speechless... and heartbroken! We are all worthy! I also understand, that I will never understand. However, I stand with you! ⠀
I know a single post isn’t enough. I also realize that being a silent non-racist isn’t enough. We now have to be out loud anti-racists. ⠀
We all need to listen, and come from a place of love and perspective. Educate ourselves, so we can educate our children and those around us. We weren’t born thinking this way. It is a learned and ingrained behavior, and it’s a repulsive one at that! ⠀
All this injustice, destruction and harm to the innocent has to stop. 💔 🙏🏼⠀
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“Our lives begin to end the day we come silent about things that matter” -MLK ⠀
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🖤💛🤎🤍🧡💙❤️💚💗

• Whipped Coffee • (Dalgona Coffee) My underst

• Whipped Coffee • (Dalgona Coffee) My understanding is that this has been around for a while. There are different regions that make this type of coffee, they call it by a different name. (Obviously ) It also seems that people keep saying they were the first to make it. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I only just found out about this a few weeks back, through my girls. And they were informed via Tik Tok. 😂 Naturally, I had to make it!! ⠀
I think it taste really good. It IS sweet, as it’s made with equal parts instant coffee and sugar. So, definitely wouldn’t have this every day. ⠀
The taste brings me back to my early mornings, in Kenya, with my dad. So I will definitely be making this again. Nothing better than having a warm cup of memories. It was like a hug in a mug for me 🥰 ⠀
I’ll be wrote a blog post later this week about it, but for now... you can check out my story for how it went 😘 .
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#dalgonacoffee #coffeejunkie #coffee #coffeelover #whippedcoffee #monday #mondaymood #mondaymorning

• Cauliflower Tacos • if you guys know me you

• Cauliflower Tacos • if you guys know me you know I LOVE tacos 🌮 🤎 Have you guys tried these yet? Quickly became a family favorite! Top with pickled cabbage, and some chipotle sauce. They are a little spicy and full of flavor! .
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#taco #tacos #tacosarelife #cauliflower #pickledcabbage #chipotle #food #dinner #dinnerideas #healthyfood #foodporn

• Do small things with great love • ... I wish

• Do small things with great love • ...
I wish this wine barrel heart was hanging in my kitchen, but it does look super pretty in the parents backyard. 🌿
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Have a wonderful weekend! 💚
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#hearts #winebarrel #winebarreldecor #backyard #creepingfig #weekend #weekendvibes

• T G I F • Its a watermelon mojito kind of da

• T G I F • Its a watermelon mojito kind of day!! These are so refreshing and oh so easy to drink! Cheers to the weekend! 🍉🌱⠀
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#watermelon #watermelonmojito #drinks #cocktails #mint #weekend #weekendvibes #friday

Proud Post! 🥰 First, to clear up any confusion,

Proud Post! 🥰 First, to clear up any confusion, I mentioned my dad had a heart attack on Memorial Day. He IS my dad, he raised me, but he’s is factually, my stepdad. The man in this photo, (not Regan 😂), is my dad, biologically. I was blessed to have both my dad, (David) and stepdad, (Randy) in my life. My heart aches that I can only physically, touch one of them. My dad, David, passed away in 2012. I wasn’t sure I was going to survive that heartbreak. But, as grief goes, it’s super hard in the beginning. Comes in waves, then life seems to have its way of moving on. And even though you continue to miss them dearly, you put one foot in front of the other, and plug alone. ⠀
I wanted to share, because I am a super proud daughter. I love this man, miss him deeply and today he’s celebrating another birthday in heaven. That is his bronze sculpture named, “The Regan Elephant”, giving it to Regan, in the Oval Office, during his second term of his presidency. My dad was an amazing artist. His talent crossed many modes. From paint, drawing, clay to photography. I can’t hug him or tell him Happy Birthday. But, he left behind a legacy, and I have some tangible pieces that I hold close to my heart and cherish. I love you dad, happy heavenly birthday. .
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#artist #davidschaefer #bronze #sculpture #ronaldregan #president #clay #africa #africanart #elephant ⠀

As for me and my house, we will serve Tacos! Sals

As for me and my house, we will serve Tacos! Salsa24:7 ⠀
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My daughters “Quarantine and 16” was also a Taco Party! It was awesome! Topo Chico and Tacos. I need to do one of these every month! Taco ‘bout YUM!! ⠀
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What’s your favorite way to eat tacos?? Ground beef, turkey, cauliflower, tofu, steak? I’ve got cauliflower on the menu for tonight! 😋 ⠀
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#taconight #tacoweek #tacotuesday #tacothursday #tacos #tacoparty #party

I love drinking water, and I have no problem getti

I love drinking water, and I have no problem getting my daily amount of it. But sometimes, it’s just boring to drink. Drinking fizzy or gas water is a nice change, but I still find that boring some days. Especially these days when everyday seems like it’s summer time and/or the weekend. ⠀
So I’m finding adding fresh muddled mint and fruit to my fizzy water helps, a lot. This is a great substitute and helps so I don’t go to grab a sugary beverage, or one that has alcohol in it. At least some days 😘
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#fizzy #water #fizzywater #freshfruit #mint #blueberries #beverage #h2o #hydrate

Happy Memorial Day ❤️🤍💙 First and foremo

Happy Memorial Day ❤️🤍💙 First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to all of our service men and women, past and current, who have and are fighting for this country. The fact that you put your lives at stake so we can have our freedom, I commend you. And today (yesterday) to remember those that lost their lives. And the families that only have their memories to hold onto. ❤️ ⠀
And second, I know I am a day late at hitting the “post” button. But, well...that’s my life. I still remembered and honored the day. I took the photo and wrote the words. And then life happened. Still juggling making memories for my daughters “Sweet 16”, still preparing all the food, still cleaning, still playing and giving my family the attention they deserve and then there is the fact that in the middle of all that, my dad had a heart attack. He is good, now, and will be home tater today. But for a brief time, the world stopped and I was brought to my knees. This is life. And real life these days, is that he had to go through surgery alone. Lay in the ICU, alone, and recover, alone. It is crazy to me that this is the times we live in. But at the end of the day, he is all good, antsy to leave, but we are lucky he gets to come home. ❤️ ⠀
This life is crazy, unexpected and strange to say the least. Just remember, at the end of the day, be overly grateful for the ones that you hold close to your heart. Either you choose to actually hug them or stand 6 feet apart. Be thankful for heartbeats 💓

• Overnight Oats Part II • When I make my over

• Overnight Oats Part II • When I make my overnight oats, the 1 to 1 ratio makes me 2 breakfasts. And usually, my second day ends up in a bowl, because well...bananas. I find it easier. Have you made this? The options for toppings are endless! Berries, banana and peanut butter, cinnamon, maple syrup, crush pecans.... really, the list goes on. ⠀
Did you know you could even use coffee for liquid? I probably wouldn’t use equal parts, (like 1:1) but I would do 1 cup oats, 1/2 to 3/4 milk, then 1/4 to 1/2 cup of coffee. ⠀
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•1 cup milk - almond, oat, rice...coffee⠀
•1 cup oats⠀
•1 tsp chia seeds ⠀
•Sweetener (optional) maple syrup, agave, sugar⠀
• Put in mason jar or whatever container you have, place in fridge over night. ⠀
•warm up in the morning, add toppings and enjoy! ⠀
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#overnightoats #breakfast #oats #mealplan #breakfastideas #easy #easybreakfast #food #goodmorning ⠀

What is a Bloody Mary without vodka called? Virgin

What is a Bloody Mary without vodka called? Virgin Mary? This tastes so good that I didn’t even miss the vodka. And my picked green beans went perfectly with it! ⠀
What do you put in your Bloody Mary, besides vodka? 😂 This is what I have in mine, currently. ⠀
Bloody Mary: ⠀
V8 Spicy ⠀
Horseradish ⠀
Worcestershire ⠀
Pepper⠀
Jalapeño, muddled. ⠀
Vodka, optional ⠀
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And a little tip, rim your glass with agave and the salt stays on perfectly! ⠀
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#bloodymary #weekend #weekendvibes #merrymonday #memorialdayweekend #memorialday #bacon #jalapeno

Fun fact: I love making and decorating cakes. Once

Fun fact: I love making and decorating cakes. Once upon a time I wanted to be a cake decorator/baker. But if you swipe, you’ll see why that profession didn’t seem to be for me. ⠀
1st photo: is how the cake looked. Exactly how I wanted and expected. ⠀
2nd photo: 1) cake melted, I wasn’t prepared or that. 2) I don’t know how to make a chocolate drip layer that is easy to cut through 🤦🏼‍♀️⠀
3rd photo: at least it tasted good. But I would’ve fired myself. 😂 .
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#birthday #birthdaycake #fail #smores #cakedecorating #yum

Happy Sweet 16 to my middle who isn’t very littl

Happy Sweet 16 to my middle who isn’t very little anymore! We definitely haven’t been able to celebrate the way I would’ve like to, but it has been fun none the less. And this S’mores Bar was definitely a highlight! ⠀
And a shout out the person that helps me make all my party dreams come true! The custom cake topper and back drop are from @GoodObsession. Thanks Auntie Kell ❤️
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#sweet16 #birthday #quarantineandsixteen #quaranteen #smores #smoresbar #chocolate #lazercut #custom #customsigns #goodobsessions #cake #baker

• Overnight Oats • I’m always so happy when

• Overnight Oats • I’m always so happy when I remember to make this. Especially these days. I get really tired of trying to figure out something to make/eat for breakfast. ⠀
You just have to remember to make them the night before. ⠀
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Recipe: (this makes 2 breakfasts)⠀
1 cup oats⠀
1 cup almond milk (or your preference)⠀
1 tsp chia seeds⠀
1 tsp agave or sweetener of choice (optional)⠀
Mix and store in fridge over night. ⠀
Remove lid, warm up and add topping of your choosing. ⠀
This photo I added peanut butter, blueberries and pecans. .
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#overnightoats #breakfast #breakfastideas #easyrecipes #oatmeal #chiaseeds #healthyfood

Soaking up the last few minutes I have all to myse

Soaking up the last few minutes I have all to myself!! Being as unproductive as possible. #fridaygoals And if you don’t know by now, I love comfy. My daily attire consists of lulu’s, top buns and comfy shirts! Not gonna lie, this is one of the comfiest shirts I now own. I need to order one, in every color. Plus, it’s super cute and supports small business. I think you should get one 😘 If you’re interested you can order one, or 5, at; ⠀
www.thecrafthouse805.com ⠀
Or ⠀
www.HereForGood805.com .
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#supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #customshirts #comfy #weekendvibes #thecrafthouse

Good Morning ☀️ and happy Friday! What are you

Good Morning ☀️ and happy Friday! What are you all up to this weekend? ⠀
My baby girl turn 16 on Sunday! I can’t believe that! And because of quarantine and this strange world we live in these days, I don’t get to throw her the big party she deserves!! Well, lets be serious, I threw a big party, but with minimal people. Because, why not! I love entertaining and throwing parties. Covid has really put a damper on that. So I’ve decided I’m throwing parties even if it just my party of 5. I can’t wait to share my party pics with you! This photo kinda captures the theme. Also, I got these sunflowers over a week ago, and they still look amazing! 🌻 .
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#sunflower #sunflowers #themeparty #decoration #weekendvibes #freshflowers #tgif #friday

Have you ever pickled green beans? It’s one of m

Have you ever pickled green beans? It’s one of my faves. I seemed to have misplaced my recipe, so my guesstimation will have to do. Do you have a pickling recipe you wanna share? I’d be happy to have it ☺️
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#pickling #pickles #greenbeans #garlic #pickleeverything

How many eggs should one eat in a week? I go throu

How many eggs should one eat in a week? I go through phases of what I want for breakfast, right now it’s eggs. My favorite way to eat eggs is to poach them in boiling water that you swirl, with a splash of vinegar. And for exactly 4 min! ⠀
What’s your favorite way to eat eggs? And should I not have them every day?? 🙈
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#eggs #poachedeggs #breakfast #breakfastideas #avocado #tomato

The best days are when your house smells like pean

The best days are when your house smells like peanut butter chocolate chip cookies!! Even better when you don’t have to make them. The girls have this recipe dialed in! ⠀
If you’re looking for a great peanut butter cookie recipe, you have to try this one. My moms been making these ever since I was a little. We love it! Recipe is on the blog. ⠀
LINK IN BIO, then search Peanut Butter Cookies. ⠀
www.passionandpoppies.com⠀
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#cookies #bakingfromscratch #baking #peanutbutter #peanutbuttercookies #homemade #chocolate

Breakfast Shake, made with our home grown blueberr

Breakfast Shake, made with our home grown blueberries. ☺️ Now, if my strawberries would grow that would be great too. And I need to grow spinach. I just need to grow all the things! Baby steps! ⠀
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#homegrown #breakfast #shake #smoothie #breakfastideas #healthy #healthyfood #garden

• Pizza • Who doesn’t love pizza?! I made s

• Pizza • Who doesn’t love pizza?! I made so much pizza dough the other weekend, that we still are eating it! (*stores great in the freezer) If you’re going to make something, make extra, that’s my motto!! And the reason my fridge is always busting at the seams. But, I’m glad I did! All I have to do is pull out my frozen, already rolled, dough, and let it defrost (takes like 15-20 min.) and we are ready to go!! ⠀
Have you tried my dough recipe yet? Super easy and 100% worth it! It’s up in the blog. ⠀
LINK IN BIO! ⠀
Search pizza dough on blog. ⠀
www.passionandpoppies.com ⠀
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#pizza #homemade #doughrecipe #homemadepizza #dinner #pizzatime #pepperoni #pizzatime