Wednesday, April 30, 2014

What I Baked on Sunday

Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip
source
I stumbled across this recipe for Baked Broccoli Parmesan Dip about an hour before Colleen was coming over for dinner last weekend. I didn't have all the ingredients but figured I could sub them for what I had in the fridge. The result was a delicious, cheesy dip that I will have to start making more often.

Ingredients
       (Adapted from Damn Delicious.)
Olive oil
1/8 cup Panko
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup plain greek yogurt
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp creole seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

Directions
  • Preheat oven to 375*. Grease a small baking dish with nonstick spray. 
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add Panko and toast until browned, about 3 minutes. 
  • Combine broccoli, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, yogurt, Parmesan, and seasonings in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. 
  • Spread mixture into prepared dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake until warm and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. 
  • Sprinkle with toasted Panko and serve immediately with your favorite bread, crackers, or chips. 

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Weekend Recap

Friday was a big day on campus as our 11th president was inaugurated. The office closed for a few hours so that we could all attend the ceremony followed by a picnic lunch. Thankfully the rain stayed away. 
Friday night, there was a campus wide party to celebrate. I had the best time with these ladies.
We sipped on the "Boss's Brew Terrier Ale: A Liberal Arts Libation" and danced the night away.
Saturday was my last event of the spring semester. I could not have asked for prettier weather. The event ended at the baseball game and I enjoyed watching the Terriers play.
That night, we decided to grill out at Ashley's house. Sara and I wanted to take something sweet, so we threw together a no bake lemon pie. You can't beat this recipe, it's only 3 ingredients, comes together in no time, and freezes well.
source
Sunday, I spent the day at the barn before re-reading Insurgent. I can't wait to start Allegiant tonight.

Friday, April 25, 2014

The Friday Five

1. Reading:
I download this as an audio book on a whim and ended up finishing it within 3 days. I was hooked!
From Amazon: Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking too much at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever. Twelve years later, the woman now known as Abigail Lowery lives alone on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she works at home designing sophisticated security systems. Her own security is supplemented by a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. Unfortunately, that seems to be the quickest way to get attention in a tiny southern town.

2. Eating:
This things are delicious. Ash and I picked them up during out last Costco trip. They kind of remind me of the natural white cheddar cheese puffs I used to eat in high school.

3. Listening to:
Nico and Vinz "Am I Wrong." This song came on the other day when I was working out. I may have stopped in the middle of my workout to find out who sang it.  

4. Recipe I'm Bookmarking:
Sweet Potato, Kale, and Sausage Bake
A complete meal in one.

5. Things making me laugh:
I want to be friends with these two. 

This guy's take on Pure Barre.
Happy Friday!  

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Lately

Following the conference, I headed home for a few days of R&R. The weather was absolutely perfect and I took full advantage by spending every afternoon by the pool. Dad thought I was joking when I told him my plan was to sit by the pool and drink margaritas. Let's just say my mission was accomplished. 
May Lo joined us for the weekend and we continued the tradition of Friday night pizza. Believe it or not there is pizza under there and even sausage.
Saturday morning we headed to the Farmers' Market before walking the Spanish Moss Trail. This is one of my new favorite traditions when I am home. 
I had my first waffle cone of the season last week. Never mind that it was 47 degrees when we went to get it. The peanut butter crunch ice cream was definitely worth being cold for. 
This happened last week. Sometimes you just need to rock the shades inside and put your feet up. 
Saturday I tooled around Greenville and treated myself to these shoes. You can't beat a low wedge.
Sunday I headed to Columbia for Easter. I met baby Beth and am so in love. I told my mom that I had baby fever, she told me not to get any ideas haha.
Last night, we had a girls night and went to Red Bowl before going to see Divergent. I couldn't decide what I wanted to eat so I went with the Bento Box and tried a little bit of everything. I loved the movie. I read the book back in the fall and now I want to reread the second book before starting the third. It was the perfect Monday night. 
These are just a few things that have been happening lately!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Weekend Recap

On Saturday, we headed to Myrtle Beach for a work conference. The conference was held at the Sheraton Hotel near Broadway at the Beach. With as much time as I have spent in that area, this was my first time going to Broadway. We checked into our hotel and then we checked in at the conference. 
After killing a few hours, we headed to the Sea Captain's House for dinner. Located on the beach, it is removed from the Broadway area and isn't as touristy as the rest of Myrtle Beach. Since we had a large group, we had to wait a little while for a table. We entertained ourselves by taking pictures and playing a game. Once we were seated, we had a delicious meal. Sara and I split an order of fried shrimp and one of the specials, pecan crusted grouper. Everyone else seemed equally as pleased with their dinner choices. After dinner, we walked the boardwalk and checked out Senor Frogs since we were hosting a reception there the next night.
Sunday started bright and early with a 5k. We started at the Sheraton and then ran on the beach before looping back around. Sara and I ran the first half before walking the rest of the way. Running has definitely not been a priority lately but it was fun to be outside and active. After showering and getting ready for the day, Ashley and I made a quick trip to the outlets before the conference started. I was on the hunt for a new pair of skinny jeans and found them for $20 at the Loft Outlet. Talk about a great find! 
We grabbed a quick lunch with the rest of the office before heading to the conference. It was nice to attend a conference and not be planning one. I volunteered to help with registration but that was the extent of my duties. After the final session of the day, we headed back to the hotel to change for the night. Since we were having the reception at Senor Frogs, we decided to eat dinner there.
Around 8 pm, we were joined by 150 conference attendees. It was fun to meet new people but I had the most fun with my coworkers. We danced and laughed the night away before heading to the piano bar where we danced and laughed some more. 
Monday, was a full day of sessions followed by the conference social. We ended up grabbing lunch as an office at Lulu's Cafe which we ran by during the 5k. Looking back, I wish I had gotten a t-shirt from there.

The conference social was held at Wonderworks, which is the upside down building on the boardwalk. It is full of interactive exhibits and had a little bit for everyone. We had a lot of fun playing with the bubbles, battling it out during laser tag, and climbing on the ropes course. (Don't let that picture fool you, shortly after it was taken I decided I am not a fan of heights and was ready to get down).
Tuesday, we closed out the conference with some final sessions and a brunch. Overall, the conference and weekend with my coworkers was great. I learned a lot and we certainly laughed a lot. I took the rest of the week off and drove home yesterday for a spring break.

Friday, April 4, 2014

The Friday Five

1. Reading:
There were times in this book when I thought Nicholas Sparks was writing about my life. From Amazon: In the tradition of his beloved first novel, The Notebook, #1 New York Times  bestselling author Nicholas Sparks returns with the remarkable story of two couples whose lives intersect in profound and surprising ways.Ira and Ruth. Sophia and Luke. Two couples who have little in common, and who are separated by years and experience. Yet their lives will converge with unexpected poignancy, reminding us all that even the most difficult decisions can yield extraordinary journeys: beyond despair, beyond death, to the farthest reaches of the human heart.

2. Eating:


This salad from Costco. Make sure you grab a bag next time you are there. I had it as a main dish one night topped with shrimp, sauteed it to make kale and brussel sprout tacos, and then as a side with bbq chicken. 

3. Listening to:
I've been loving Ed Sheeran lately. 

4. Recipe I'm Bookmarking:
Spring Veggie Bowls with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Mom and I just might have to make this when I am home next week.

5. Things making me laugh:
I could have used these bottles the past two weeks.

Happy Friday!