Life at a "Swell's" pace

I have joined in on the fun over at Carolina Charm with her Five on Friday linkup. I adore linkups and this one is a lot of fun. It's similar to the Spark of Loves this Week post that I have been doing already, but this time it will be five things I am loving. In the process, I get to do the Friday loves with a whole slew of ladies that love to blog too. So without further ado, here are my Five on Friday loves.

1. This Starling.

Because he was dancing in the rain and just putting on the cutest show. Here in Oregon Starlings are a nuisance, but this one was showing that he was more than just an annoying little bird, he also has some skills.

2. Our Homeschooling Room.

This year I have finally done what I have wanted to do since Skylar started school, homeschooling. We have had such a great time with it so far and I hope we can continue for the following years after. We set up a small section on the far part of our dining room and it's working out just great! Skylar even picked a name out for our little school, The Rain Valley School and our mascot is the Red Snails. Ha!

3. This Hike.

For Worldwide Day of Play, Skylar and I headed out to McDowell Creek Park to hike to the waterfall. We had a great day and my legs and back got a VERY good workout!

We even got to see a small rainbow on the drive back home.

4. These Invitations.

Skylar is celebrating his 10-year birthday this year and for that we are having a small mini-golf party for him at Lake Shore Lanes Miniature Golf Course on Sunday! I can't wait to see all of his little friends and him putting the golf balls around the course. I just hope the Oregon rain stays away that afternoon, if not, we will be doing some bowling at LSL instead.

5. This Curl.

With all the rain of Oregon lately my hair has been displaying its natural curls. This little curl was at the end of my ponytail and I loved how perfect it looked.

I've started linking up with What's Cooking? Wednesdays over at Going the Distance Blog with Jenn. You can link up as well, every Wednesday with your own recipes to add to the mix. And while you are over there, visit some of the other blogs that have linked to find out new and exciting recipes.

These are one of my favorite things to make for Meatless Monday, or just a lazy dinner night in our house. Everyone loves them and they are so quick and fast to make.

Here's what you'll need:

• Regular cheddar jack or 'Mexican" cheese blend shredded cheese

• Flour Tortillas

• Taco Seasoning Mix ( You can also make your own)

• 8 oz. Sour Cream (Fat Free)

And here's the process:

Combine the taco seasoning package (1.25 oz.) to the 8 oz of sour cream and combine completely. Let sit for about 10 minutes to incorporate the seasonings into the sour cream.

Meanwhile, on an electric griddle, lay two of the flour tortillas and allow to heat thoroughly. Don't allow to brown completely though. And then flip over.

Coat the entire surface of your tortilla with the taco seasoning mixture.

Add the cheese......

Cheese is my weakness so I always add a lot.

Add another tortilla on top and allow to brown on both sides. Flip only once and then cut with a pizza cutter into 4-equal triangles.

Or, flip the side over for half a quesadilla and serve with the sour cream mixture, salsa, or guacamole.

Have you ever tried pineapple on the grill, or how about avocado on the grill? It's rather tasty and I do recommend it. The two pair nicely with the recipe from above!

Enjoy!

Eco-Tip: Be sure and insulate your windows for the upcoming winter season. Insulating your exterior openings can really help cut down on the lost of heat this season. For this and other tips on going green visit, The Earth and Me: Go Green!