We are finally all settled into the our new house, and I am so relieved! For whatever reason moving this time felt like it took longer and was harder. I think it might’ve been because we had actual furniture to move. Before this last house Greg and I had lived in places that came with furniture so moving big heavy stuff was never a thing. Also, when we bought our furniture last year we had it all delivered and set up for us, but this time we had to pack it into a U-Haul and get it into the new place. We got pretty sweaty doing that, but it looks so nice now and totally feels like home!… Read More »
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
One of our favorite things to do together is try out new, healthy recipes. Greg and I cook most nights of the week, and we always try and make our dinners yummy but also good for us. We totally love the veggie substitute craze because we can swap them in for some of the heavier, not so good for you ingredients. Zoodles (zuccinni noodles) were our first experiment. We started making those for spaghetti and meatballs and chicken alfredo a while ago, and they were soooo good! We barely missed the noodles! Then, Greg really stepped up the game with eggplant lasagna, and then he found a recipe for cauliflower crust pizza, and we had to try it!
Our cauliflower crust pizza turned out really, really good. It tasted almost exactly like real pizza, and we are definitely going to make it again. Plus, getting to have pizza, eating a bunch, and still feeling good afterwards is a total win, so I thought I’d share our recipe and how we did it.
Here are the steps:
First, Greg chopped up the cauliflower really small. You can do this in a food processor, but if you don’t have one, chopping a way like we did works really well, too.
Next, we steamed the cauliflower so it was soft enough to moosh up. We mooshed it all up in a bowl with an egg, a little cheese, and some Italian seasoning, aregeno, and basil.
Then, we formed the crust on our pizza tray. We had put coconut oil on the tray so that the crust wouldn’t stick, but it still did a little bit. I think next time we’d put parchment paper down to solve that problem, but the main thing is that the cauliflower layer should be thin. (Ours was a little too thick in the middle).
Once this was done we put it in the oven for 35 minutes at 400 degrees. At this point I was dying to see how the crust was going to turn out, and Greg turned the light on in the oven so that I could keep peeking. 🙂
Finally, we took the crust out, put our marinara, cheese, mushrooms, peppers, and pepperoni on it, and popped it back in the oven until the cheese melted. You can use whatever pizza toppings are your favorite, that’s just what we were feeling that night!
…and then we got to eat it! We ate it with forks because the crust is still cauliflower, and our center was a little too soft, but the edges were perfect and tasted exactly like thin crust pizza! If we could’ve gotten the whole pizza to taste like the edges it would’ve been perfect. I was laughing because when I was eating the middle I kinda felt like I was eating cauliflower with pizza toppings on it, but cheese and pepperoni would be good on anything so no big deal! But honestly with that little adjustment, we both feel like the cauliflower pizza is a total winner and a must try!
If you make one, let me know how it turns out, how you liked it and who you shared it with! 🙂
10 Reasons to Marry a Hunter
Recently I saw an article on why you should never marry a hunter. It just totally inspired me to write 10 reasons why you should marry a hunter because Greg and I love sharing this hobby together, and the countdown to our wedding has officially started. Whether it’s a good hunt or a not so successful hunt we always leave our spot feeling so connected, relaxed, and happy. So here it goes:
1. Adventure will always be a big part of your relationship.
Greg is extremely adventurous. He likes finding new spots to hunt, different ways to hunt, and is totally fearless when it comes to the outdoors. He is also really fearless in other parts of his life, too, and it is really inspiring. He’s even jumped out of planes before! We are always on a new adventure or coming up with a new idea to try out. Recently we joined an archery league together.
2.You will get to spend extra quality time together.
Waking up really early or sitting out in a field for a long amount of time might sound difficult, but it is actually really special time. It is uninterrupted hours where you can chat or cuddle together in the chilly weather. Usually phone service is pretty bad so it’s just you and your love. You look forward to your hunting trips because you know it is just going to be a great time for you both, and sometimes you even get to stay in a hotel!
3. You get to wear super stylish camo together.
It is just so perfect because camo is so in right now. Even Kim K is wearing it. 😉
4. You get to develop a skill and work on your hobby together.
One of the best parts about hunting together is also getting to cheer each other on during a hunt or in practice. Hunting is really exciting especially when the animals work the way you want them to. You get to witness the great shots, adrenaline surging, and sometimes you can even get their moment of glory on video!
5.Hunters are relentless when it comes to meeting goals.
Meeting goals is such a big part of success. Greg has hunted since he was little, and every part of hunting also plays a role in other parts of his life. Greg has big goals when it comes to hunting and always puts a plan into action in hopes of being as successful as possible. If a hunt is unsuccessful he will try a new strategy for the next hunt. As a couple, we are able to set goals and work together to meet them just like we do out on a hunt.
6. Hunters are innovaters.
Whether we are in a sticky situation in water or in the woods, Greg has a solution! He also uses these skills to help me when I get into one of those positions… like that one time I couldn’t get these silly fake eyelashes off! He did not give up until they were removed, and I felt better! 🙂
7. Sharing hunting as a hobby can lead to bonding in so many other areas.
Greg and I love to do absolutely everything together. We’re into each other and love to share our interests. We love to take part in what makes the other one happy. We shop together, cook together, we watch the same tv shows together, and we spend every free moment we can together. I think sharing such a exhilarating hobby makes us connected and in sync.
8. The post hunt/ adventure naps and cuddles are heaven on earth!
After each early morning hunt Greg and I usually hop in the shower, and then snuggle and take a nap together! It is one of the best feelings because you’re so sleepy, and you both zonk out instantly in each other’s arms. 🙂
9. So many memories are made out in the wild!
Whether it’s slipping in the mud, killing out in an hour, or getting lost in the woods (I always get worried we’re lost in the woods, and we never do lol) you can look back at those hunts together and laugh and talk about all of the fun parts or reminisque about when I was just learning how to hunt.
10. You’ll always feel safe and loved.
It’s the toughness, certainty in all situations, ability to shoot a gun super accurately, and preserverence that make you feel like you can overcome anything. Also, Greg knows first aid, and his kisses and hugs make even the slippery, dark hunts feel easy and safe. Plus, the passion is just the best.
Down and Dirty
For this post we wanted to show some of the preparation that we do before we are out in a field to hunt. Greg and I get the truck loaded up together with our decoys, hunting gear, camera, and guns. We always double check to make sure that we have everything so that we can maximize the chance for a successful hunt. We also have a pretty good method for getting everything out in the field. We make sure the decoys are organized so that we can carry them or put them in our layout blinds and drag them to the spot. When we get out in the field, I pop the heads on our goose shells and Greg sets them out in their formation.
On this hunt, we also had our friends Pat and Michelle with us. We were able to get way more decoys out, and it was so funny getting them out to our spot because it was so so muddy! The boys carried the heavier decoys, and Michelle and I were in charge of the silhouettes, some of the big foots, and the camera gear. As we were walking mud was just getting caked onto our boots. We were literally like big foot and our feet were so heavy! For some reason the mud was also making us laugh so hard! We were getting stuck, having trouble lifting our feet, and dropping gear like every two seconds, and it was just the funniest thing ever! All of our organization beforehand did not matter because the mud just totally took over.
By the time we got to our spot we were all muddy, sweaty, and just laughing so hard! ( I was also happy I got a model shot in before our hunt because my pony totally fell out, and there was mud everywhere!) We all got everything set up together, and then we were able to watch the geese come in. The outdoors is just so fun, and on this hunt we all got down and dirty.
The Most Magical Time of the Year
Christmas is one of our absolute favorite times of year! Last December, Greg and I got engaged on the 23rd so Christmastime will always hold a special place in our hearts. On Christmas Eve we hunted and then got all cleaned up, and went to Greg’s aunt’s house. His whole family was there, and it was so fun seeing everyone. When we got home on Christmas Eve we still had presents to wrap and lots to get ready because we hosted Christmas Day for our families! Greg and I made a pizza, wrapped presents, and then we dozed off on the couch for like an hour before we went to bed lol.
When Christmas morning came, we got up early together and exchanged gifts just us two and had some coffee and cuddles together. I put on Christmas music (I like the Jessie James Decker Holiday pandora station), and we cleaned and cooked together, with the help of Greg’s sister Katie before our families came. Greg is a master chef in the kitchen. He did most of the cooking because he is such a pro. Seriously, everything he makes in mouthwatering. I always try and copy his cooking, but his always turns out better. I was really just in charge of cleaning up and making the gluten free brownies for Greg’s grandpa; brownies are my speciality lol. Oh and my sister, Olivia, made the green bean casserole.
We were super excited to have everyone over at our place for Christmas, and it was really special and fun. We had my mom, dad, my brother and sister (Kevin and Olivia, Greg’s grandparents, his dad and dad’s wife, Colleen, and his two sisters (Katie and Emily). It was so nice having everyone together to eat, have some drinks, yummy desert, open presents, and have some good sports on in the backgrounds thanks to my dad and brother :)! My mom made pretzel jello, which Greg loves. Greg’s grandma made the most amazing salad, and Olivia made a turtle cheesecake that turned out like it was professional! Christmas always makes me and Greg feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and we definitely felt that way being able to share all the fun and create really special memories with our families together.
A Christmas Goose
Duck season is officially over in central Illinois, but Greg and I have started field hunting for geese! I absolutely love field hunting. It is super comfortable, and you can get all cozy in your layout blind. I even bring a sleeping bag and blankie with me so that I stay extra warm. They’re camo, too, of course! Hunting on the water for duck is not always the warmest or most comfortable experience because it’s wet, but in a field you can hide well and just stay warmer. If you are a new hunter or want to try waterfowl hunting I would recommend field hunting first because sometimes the lack of comfort while hunting can be shocking, and field hunting is the perfect way to ease into the sport.
At first we weren’t sure if we were going to get to field hunt this year because we didn’t have an official spot once duck hunting was coming to an end, but one of Greg’s super sweet coworkers knew of a farmer who had land with water, field, and geese, and the farmer is letting us hunt it. I am just super excited about this because field hunting is my favorite.
These pictures are from two hunts from this weekend. We hunted the eve of Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve. It was merry and bright (lol) to be able to hunt those two days together! We would have also hunted Christmas morning, but Greg and I hosted Christmas day for our families (totally magical and fun and more about that tomorrow). Plus,the weather was beautiful. Setting up decoys, Greg and I even got a little sweaty and had to take off our jackets.
This is also a really sweet spot. Driving to the field the geese were swimming on the water. We didn’t harvest anything either day because we’re still kind of scouting the land, but we did see a TON of birds! Watching the sky while hunting is one of our favorite parts. Geese flew over us and we could just hear and see them so clearly. It is honestly fascinating watching animals in nature like that, and I always leave our hunting spot feeling a deeper connection to Greg and nature. It is a total endorphin high because your heart just gets pumping as the birds get closer to you!
We’re going to go hunt this spot again this Thursday, and hopefully have some better luck. We learned some lessons like hiding our layout blinds better, and we think we have the feeding times for when birds get to the field nailed down. We are just itching to get out again because of how many birds we did see on those 2 hunts!
My hunting gear: jacket – overalls/bibs – boots – sweatshirt
Greg’s hunting gear: jacket similar here – pants – boots – shirt similar here
Birthday Wishes and Kisses
This past weekend I had the best time celebrating my 23rd birthday with Greg and my family! I love love love birthdays. They always feel so special, especially when you get to share them with the ones you love the most. I also think getting older is fun. It’s like each new birthday comes with a new year where you get to experience new things and learn more. It is so awesome! Plus the older people are, the more wisdom they have to share, which is so special. I have been so lucky to have so much wisdom and good advice shared with me.
Greg and I had the best weekend. I opened my presents early on Saturday when we first got in because my mom and sister were so excited to give them to me and I was so excited to open them (so cute). None of us can keep presents a secret! Then on Sunday we went out to this cute little breakfast place called Elly’s with my brother and sister. Afterwards we went to the mall and window shopped and held hands. 🙂
On Sunday night we went to a restaurant in Rosemont called Hofbräuhaus. It was a German restaurant and super yummy. The boys got their big beers which I think are called steins. We also all had the yummiest meals. It is just the best when we can all get together and really enjoy each others company. There was also a lady singing German songs, the waitresses had on the little German outfits, and there was lederhosen, which made the restaurant even more festive! I think Greg could totally rock a pair of lederhosen.
It was also snowing a lot; this is one of the best parts about having a winter birthday. Sometimes you get snow! After dinner we enjoyed the pretty Christmas lights… but just for a second because Greg threw the hardest snowball at me lol so we got in huge snowball fight! I think I won because I threw one at him and he tried to block it with his hand and it exploded in his face lol. We then ended the night with some chocolate ice cream and the coziest car ride home.
Our Wisconsin Weekend
This past weekend Greg and I went hunting in Wisconsin! It was the perfect little weekend getaway. We drove up on Saturday evening, stayed at the Lake Lily Resort, and got to hunt some place we have never been to before together.
Our hunting trip started Saturday night with our drive to Wisconsin (we always love being in the car together), a quick trip to the Walmart in Kenosha for a hunting license, and some nachos, wings, and grilled shrimp when we arrived at Lily Lake! We also got to snuggle up in our hotel room before our 5 am wake up call to go hunt.
Greg researched this hunting spot a ton. We totally thought that it was going to be the perfect spot to hunt, and we were hoping to see tons of birds! We were also totally prepared with our new wadders and decoys, but when we got to our spot the lake was dried up! It just made me think of The Notebook, where Noah tells the story of how this lake froze, and the birds flew off with it! I think the birds must have flown off with this lake last year lol. Luckily, we were able to set up our decoys in a flooded field and spot a few birds.
My favorite part about being in Wisconsin was running into the different hunters. Hunting is such a big sport in Wisconsin. In just a few hours while we were watching for ducks and geese, we ran into a group of deer hunters and two groups of pheasant hunters! We also met the cutest little hunting puppy named Boo.
Hunting in new places is so fun and totally feels like a mini vacation. We are so excited to take more trips this year!
Hunting Gear for Cassie: waders – coldgear turtle neck – hat
Hunting Gear for Greg: waders – similar here zip up – similar here hat
Early Teal and Goose Hunt
First official blog post! Greg and I have been hunting/fishing/adventuring for 3 years together now, and it has been such a big part of our relationship! I honestly feel like each time we get to spend a day in the outdoors together it brings us so much closer. We totally reconnect in our little private escape as we discover and explore together. So, we wanted a place where we could share one of our biggest passions and hobbies with you all.
This past Sunday we hunted early goose and teal. I love early season. It’s still warm; this is great for me because I love being warm! It also gave us the chance to work some kinks out before we’re hunting in what I think feels like arctic temps! We were able to get our blind set up, but it definitely still needs some work. It’s crazy how heavy grass and straw is! We were also able to get our boat in the water effectively. Getting the decoys in was another project. Greg was ready to strip down and swim around because the spot that we were in was too deep! We did get all set up, though, just in time for shooting!
Overall, it was a really great hunt for early season. We got 2 geese and a teal! Also, any day we get to spend on the water together is a great day! 🙂