This past week, Ninja and I celebrated 15 years of absolute wedded bliss! 🤣 Well, not quite bliss but we have been married for 15 years.
In the last 15 years, we got married, bought a business, suffered a devastating miscarriage, we welcomed Ninja’s parents and my Sis and her family to the Valley. We lost my Nana, my Mom, my Grandpa, and our Nephew. We had another baby (SBean), got a dog, built a house, travelled to Vancouver, Nelson, Chilliwack, Edmonton, Calgary, Seattle, Toronto, Portland, Winnipeg, New York, Las Vegas, and Spokane. Most of those places, multiple times. We got through Covid, lice, tinnitus, stitches, and over the last few years, we have been learning to manage anxiety, teenagers, perimenopause AND my MS diagnosis.
I guarantee when Ninja made those vows to me 15 years ago he had no idea what “in sickness and in health” truly meant.
We met when I was 22 and Ninja was 25. We had no fear! We were living a “semi-charmed kind of life” where ageing seemed like something only old people did and chronic illness… Well, I don’t even think that term was coined yet. The point is, we thought nothing would ever slow us down, the adventure was just beginning, and that those words, “in sickness and in health” meant something faaaaaar away. Actually, to be honest, I don’t even think the thought really crossed my mind. I just knew I wanted to spend my life with him. HBear was 18 months old at our wedding. We had already started our family, had a business goal in mind, and were now tied together in the three legged race, called life! My goal then, and to this day, is to make it to the end, with him by my side.
On our honeymoon, we went white water rafting. We promised each other we would always be each other’s adventure partner and celebrated our first anniversary by zip lining across the canyons of the Valley. Now, I’m not that same person.
It’s been really hard the last 3 1/2 years because I feel like I’m not the same person I once was. Which means, I’m not the same person Ninja married 15 years ago or fell in love with 25 years ago. But, that’s how I know that we are a strong couple. We have been tested and we come out stronger. Over the last quarter of a century lol we have evolved and throughout our individual evolution, we have also evolved as a couple. Through all the changes though we have remained best friends and despite (or maybe in spite of) all the changes and even the bad habits that we can’t seem to shake (see candy drawer in nightstand), we’ve fallen in love with each other over and over again, in all the different stages of our lives.
I am so grateful that I chose the right guy. I mean, you should’ve seen some of my earlier picks 😬. The last 15 years have been some of the best years of my life and also some of the worst. But throughout it all, I know he has my back, he knows I would do anything for him, I know that he will always make me laugh, he knows I will always challenge him lol, I know he will always make my dreams/plans come to fruition, and I will always dream and plan big things for us.
We go together like peas and carrots. But not in the boring way our Grandmas used to make peas and carrots, more like wasabi peas and honey glazed carrots! Flavourful opposites that in fact, complement each other. That’s us! I’ve always been a team player, and he is the best teammate anyone could ever ask for. Confident, loyal, steadfast, smart, thoughtful, funny, and patient.
The man has the patience of a saint! Did I mention also, he is HOT!
This year we didn’t do a grand adventure for our anniversary, but we did carve out time in the middle of a busy Peachfest week to celebrate, us! We started at Laughing Stock Winery. Laughing Stock was our wedding wine and has been one of our favourites since we moved here. It was our first tasting there, and we fell in love all over again, with each other and the wine! Next, we went to Serendipity Winery and Bench 1775 for tastings. We stopped for lunch at Wesbert Winery for some sips and woodfire pizza and then finished up at the new Evolve Sparkling House for a flight of bubbles.
It is our Crystal Anniversary and Ninja got me a handmade crystal Tree of Life bookmark and I got him a handmade wooden watch with a crystal face.
It was not zip-cording across the Valley, but it was intentional and meaningful and we had a great day, bookmarked by the Peachfest Parade in the morning and the Peachfest carnival and show at night. Next week we are off to celebrate Ninja‘s birthday and our anniversary on the Island! We can’t wait! We have not been away, just the two of us, since February 2020. Happy Anniversary Ninja. I love you more than I thought I could ever love someone. I always want to give you the biggest piece of cake, let you sleep in the “dry spot”, and let you choose the movie (just not the music). I love our life together, the family that we have made, and the future that we have planned. I’m SO sorry that my stupid brain has put obstacles in our way in the form of lesions, but I am forever grateful to be going through this with you by my side. You are my perfect partner, my forever boyfriend and the dreamiest hubby I could have ever imagined. I love you and I appreciate you more than you could ever know. Thank you.
To celebrate our 15the Anniversary, I read a book! LOL This one has been in all my feeds this summer AND sounded like it is about marriage so, here it is!
Cruel Summer – takes place in the summer. OK disclaimer, this is an explicit book. Lol when I chose to read it for our wedding anniversary, I had no idea what it was about. It was a brand new release and there were 12 people on hold ahead of me. That’s crazy in my small city. I’ve never read a Meghan Quinn before so I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t get it in time for my summer post but I did get it in time to read for this post. Again, I warn, this is a SPICY book with explicit language and it is bleeping hilarious, if you find that funny. Sex Palace 🤣. This was a surprisingly good book that had a good storyline, great dialogue and some of the best spicy scenes I’ve read in a while lol. I loved Wilder and Scottie and their marriage “therapist” lol.
We eat a lot of chicken. I mean, chicken is SO versatile! We love to make chicken dishes loaded wth fresh veggies and different flavours. Sometimes we make chicken with potatoes, sometimes with noodles and sometime, with rice! Here are 3 BRAND NEW Chicken and Rice recipes that we absolutely loved!
This Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice was beautiful AND yummy! The scent of the coconut is so tantalizing. I love when a dish smells like it is going to taste! I was a BIG fan of this dish and can’t wait to do more dishes that are fragrant, filling and fabulous.
This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl was all about the sauce and the spicy mayo drizzled on top. SO good! You could add whatever veggie you like to this amazing dish, we love broccoli, so that’s what we had with it. The sauce mixed with the rice was a party in my mouth. We also used the spicy mayo on all different things throughout the following week. Delish!
I like heat. My family does not. This Firecracker Chicken & Rice is the perfect happy middle ground for all of us. This dish was full of veggies, heat and sweetness. It was a firecracker in my mouth! It didn’t have too much heat, so my Kids din’t complain, in fact SBean loved this dish, especially the snap peas! Winner winner, chicken dinner!
Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken with Rice
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
3-4 chicken breasts
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 can coconut milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cups rice, cooked
Directions
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the grill and set aside.
In a large skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute. Sprinkle in cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
Stir in fresh basil and lime juice. Serve over Rice.
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
4
servings15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
2 cups rice, cooked
2 cups broccoli, chopped
3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
- Sticky Sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Spicy Mayo
1/2 cup mayo
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2-3 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds, garnish
Directions
In a large bowl, toss chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano until evenly coated.
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large skillet and place seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook until chicken is cooked through.
While chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, hot sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Bring sauce to a boil over medium heat, whisk in slurry, and simmer 4-5 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Steam broccoli in a steamer basket over boiling water for 4-5 minutes or in microwave until bright green and tender-crisp.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and hot sauce. Add water gradually until you reach a drizzling consistency.
Divide cooked rice among serving bowls. Arrange steamed broccoli and cooked chicken over the rice. Pour warm sticky sauce over the chicken, drizzle with spicy mayo, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Firecracker Chicken & Rice
4
servings10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 lb chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 cup snap peas
3 green onions, sliced
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring the chicken as needed. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil onto the hot skillet and add the peppers and snap peas. Cook until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hot sauce, tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper. Set aside.
Once the veggies are nice and tender, add the chicken back into the pan and mix together. Pour the sauce over top and mix well, making sure everything is coated, and bring the sauce to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer until sauce has thickened up and everything is incorporated.
Serve over rice and top with sliced green onions.
Check out How Was Your Week, Honey? Episode #436 Bicycle Bros This week we get together to discuss: new greenhouse, beer, bro, KVR Trail, RIP Kenny & Margo, Peachfest, Anniversary date, SOW, & aging Canadian artists.
The second half of summer started with a rest day after our BC Day bike ride on Monday lol. But then it was full speed ahead! Thrift shopping, getting caught in a crazy rainstorm, Snowbirds, goodbyes to my BIL, date night a Joos Box with CPatch, Bad Guys 2, Our 15th Anniversary, the Peachfest Parade, a wine tour, Sloan, the carnival and a full moon! Wow! So grateful I was feeling good and able to participate in all the FUN! 💕
24 thoughts on “15th Anniversary Plus Chicken & Rice 3 Ways”
What a ride you have – love it and congrats on 15 years together, and I am sure you’re looking forward to the next 15 together. Congrats again. I am a bit ahead of you; this year it will be 48 hours, and still lots of adventures every day for us.
Visiting via For the Love To
My entries this week #17+18
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Thank you and congrats on 48 years! Something for us to hopefully look forward to! Thanks for having me at the link parties. See you next week!
Aw, Happy Anniversary! I love that photo of the 2 of you. Here’s to your next 15!!
We eat a lot of chicken and rice too since I love chicken and my husband loves rice. But I do try to change up the flavor profile whenever I can. These recipes sound delicious.
Thank so much! Chicken and rice can get boring for sure, hopefully you and your husband will enjoy 1 of these new takes on our trusted favourite!
Happy Anniversary!
The Coconut Basil Chicken and Rice is what I’d order.
Thank you! Ha ha it is TOTALLY what I’d order too!!
Happy Anniversary.
Thank you!
Happy Anniversary and congratulations!! Our ideas of adventures change as we get older and life happens, right? I know our definition has changed as the years went by – we just celebrated our 38th anniversary a couple weeks ago. Visiting from ST&F today – nice meeting you!
38! Wow, congratulations! You are so right about the difference in adventures from our youth to our later years! I appreciate you stopping by, thank you 🙂
The coconut basil chicken sounds yummy! And happy anniversary. 🙂 Visiting from the Sweet Tea & Friends linkup.
Thank you so much!
I’m all about easy meals with lots of flavor, this is perfect. Thanks for sharing and for joining Fiesta Friday party!
Me too! Thanks for having me at your link party, see you next week!
Happy Anniversary! We will celebrate 50 years next year…and I swear I’m only 25! OK, maybe 35. It’s in those really hard moments that you find out what marriage is really about. We have also survived a miscarriage, loss of our parents, lice (ewwww), COVID, and now two hip replacements (him, not me). It’s about learning how to read the room and, sometimes, be quiet and, sometimes, be loud. I wish you the best and am so glad you linked up with the Traffic Jam, or I would never have found you!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. Congratulations on 50 years. What an accomplishment considering you’re only 35! You’re absolutely right, marriage is work but so rewarding. Thank you so much for having me at your link party, see you next week!
Happy 15th Anniversary!! You two are so cute together. Love the recipes as well.. can never go wrong with a coconut curry.
Thank you! You are absolutely right, you can never go wrong with coconut curry! Lol thanks for stopping by 😊
Happy anniversary, I adore your bookmark! The book sounds a little too spicy for me but I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you! I adore my bookmark too! It is way spicy! Super Duper spicy lol I’m glad I put a warning on that review because it certainly isn’t for everyone! Thanks for stopping by 😊
Happy Anniversary you two! Woot woot 🎉🎇❤️. I appreciate your chicken recipe I’m going to have to try this.
Thanks bunches for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
{{Hugs}}
Thank you so much! See you at your Linky party next month!
Congrats! I love that book mark!
Thank you so much! It is so pretty, my husband did good! Thanks for stopping by 🙂