The Friday Five

1. Reading:

From Amazon: Ellie's life is turned upside down when her best friend, Lucy, is murdered. She drops everything to travel to London to pick up the pieces, desperate to help Lucy's traumatized child, who has simply stopped speaking. Ellie turns to the book that gave her comfort as a child - THE SECRET GARDEN. And while its story of hurt, magic and healing blooms around them, so too do the secrets Lucy kept hidden, even from her best friend. As Ellie peels back the layers of her friend's life, she's forced to confront her own as well. Suddenly her carefully constructed existence spins out of control in a chain of events that will transform her life - and the lives of those around her - for ever.

2. Eating:

For my birthday, Sara gave me some green chile infused olive oil from Olive and Then Some. We drizzled it over the pizza we made and earlier this week I made roasted broccoli with it. It definitely has a kick to it but it is so good.

3. Listening to:

Sam Smith - "Stay with Me"

4. Recipe I'm bookmarking:

source

You don't really need a recipe to make this Peach Caprese Salad but add it to your summer menu.

5. Loving:

These cookies!

Life Lessons from Coach Taylor

I need to start the next season of Friday Night Lights. 

Happy Friday!

Weekend Recap

The birthday celebrations continued over the weekend. On Thursday, Davidson and I had a joint birthday party at RJ Rockers with a bunch of friends. It's been a while since I've been to Rockers and we had a great time being together. 

On Friday morning, Sara, Ashley and I packed our bags and headed to DeBordieu for a weekend getaway. We could not have asked for better weather and spent the afternoon on the beach. Even Collins came to celebrate my birthday.

Saturday, we got in as much beach time as possible before heading to the Beach Club for dinner. If we hadn't had dinner reservations, we could have stayed on the beach all night. The ocean front view and fresh tuna tarter made up for being inside. 

 

Sunday, we got in a few more hours of sun before heading back to Sparkle city. It was so fun to have friends at the beach with my parents. I'm so thankful that these weekends can be a reality now that the beach is within driving distance.

Weekly Eats

Ashley and I spent last week in Chicago for a conference and our time in the city inspired me to get back in the kitchen. I am working on a post about our adventures but in the meantime here is a look at some recipes I made this week. 

Penne with Zucchini and Ricotta

I've posted this before but this is a classic summer recipe. Few ingredients and easy to make. 

Shaved Asparagus and Whipped Ricotta Pizza

I love all of Jessica's recipes from How Sweet Eats. Sara and Ashley stalked my pinterest and then her blog to figure out what to make me for my birthday dinner. They subbed the proscuitto for tomatoes to keep it vegetarian. So good.

Summer Veggie Pasta Skillet 

I was trying to figure out how to use all my veggies before going out of town this weekend when I saw this recipe. I left out the corn and added in some leftover shaved asparagus. This might be my new favorite summer meal. It was so light and fresh.

Needless to say, I made quite the mess in the kitchen this week but I loved every minute of it. And no, I am not going vegetarian even though these pictures suggest otherwise.  

Birthday Recap

Thanks to all who made yesterday so special! From being showered at work to a delicious meal with dear friends it was a great day all around. I can't wait to see what all 25 has in store for me!