Friday, July 1, 2016

The Friday Five

1. Reading:
A modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice - count me in. 

2. Eating:

Cookie Butter Cheesecake Bites from Trader Joe's
Holy moly these things are good. I couldn't justify buying the Cookie Butter Cheesecake when it came out but these cheesecake bites are the perfect after dinner treat. 

3. Listening to:
X Ambassadors "Unsteady" from Me Before You
On. Repeat.
Along with the rest of the soundtrack.
I highly recommend the book and the movie, just make sure you have some tissues handy.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:
source
How Sweet It Is
Grilled Corn Tomato Salad
The perfect summer side dish.

5. Things making me laugh:
See above. 

Happy Friday!

Friday, March 18, 2016

The Friday Five

1. Reading:
From the Skimm: "Crazy, Stupid, Love" meets "Notting Hill." About an actress making it big and the complicated relationship she has with the guy she met as a teenager.

2. Eating:
The Easter Bunny came early this year and brought both original and royal dark Cadbury mini eggs. While I like the royal dark ones, the milk chocolate are still my favorite! 

3. Listening to:
Rachel Platten's "Stand by You"
This song is so catchy!

4. Recipe I'm pinning:
source
Half Baked Harvest
One Pan Lemon Roasted Salmon, Potatoes and Parmesan Asparagus
You can't beat a one pan meal!

5. Things making me laugh:
These return reasons a pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes I bought:

Mom sent me the funniest article on first dates. 
This sums it up well. 


Happy Friday!

Friday, February 12, 2016

The Friday Five

1. Reading:
This has been on my list to read for a while but after watching the trailer, I couldn't wait for it to be available at the library so I bought it on my Kindle. From Amazon: A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?

2. Watching:
Keeping with tradition, I went to see the latest Nicholas Sparks' movie on opening weekend and it did not disappoint. The Choice may just be my new favorite movie of his. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD so I can watch it on repeat again. You can watch the trailer here

3. Listening to:
Thomas Rhett's cover of "Love Yourself"
I may like it better than the original.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:
source
How Sweet Eats
Zucchini Noodles with Cherry Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce
I may have to make this Sunday night.

5. Things making me laugh:
I thought these cards were so funny and typical of little boys.

My thoughts on Valentine's Day. 

Happy Friday!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Weekend Recap

We kicked off Friday morning by volunteering at Habitat for Humanity as an office. I have a new respect for our contractors and will not be quitting my day job any time soon.
Friday evening, I traded in my work gloves for my dancing shoes and we headed to the Piedmont Club for the 1831 Gala. The evening was filled with good friends and lots of laughter and dancing.
Saturday, I spent the day in Greenville catching up with a dear friend and seeing some of the guys we went to school with. We had a delicious lunch at Tupelo Honey and did some shopping. I'm super excited about my new blanket scarf. Now I just need the cold weather to come back.
I swung by Trader Joes on my way home and let's just say I got a little carried away. I haven't been in a while so I made sure to stock up on some essentials - i.e. cookie butter and dark chocolate peanut butter cups - along with some new frozen items to try. I'm still trying to restock my freezer after it died two months ago. I did show some restraint and did not purchase the Cookie Butter Cheesecake. Who even thinks of these things?!

I capped off a great day by making the most delicious dinner and watching a movie. Sometimes you just need a big bowl of seafood pasta. You can find the recipe here
I couldn't decide between watching more episodes of Scandal or a Valentine's Day Hallmark Movie. As much as I hate Valentine's Day, I went with a cheesy movie since watching Scandal has been keeping me up at night. 
Sunday was a low key day complete with church and then a fun lunch afterwards. This was the second weekend in a row that I was in town all weekend and needless to say, I enjoyed it!

Friday, January 22, 2016

The Friday Five

1. Reading:
From Amazon: Wedding planner Avery Crosslin may be a rising star in Houston society, but she doesn't believe in love―at least not for herself. When she meets wealthy bachelor Joe Travis and mistakes him for a wedding photographer, she has no intention of letting him sweep her off her feet. But Joe is a man who goes after what he wants, and Avery can't resist the temptation of a sexy southern charmer and a hot summer evening.

2. Eating:
Lindt Caramel Brownie
I've really enjoyed this impulse buy.

3. Listening to:
Steve Moakler's Suitcase
Steve is back with a new song and my heart is happy.

4. Recipe I'm pinning:
source
Fine Cooking's Garlicky Kale Sprout Pizza
I made this last week and it was incredible.

5. Things making me laugh:
Stay safe and warm friends!
Happy Friday!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Weekly Meal Plan

I've challenged myself to branch out and try new recipes this year. I would like to think that I can manage at least one new recipe a week. If all goes according to plan, this is what I will be having for dinner this week.

Sunday
This is one of my favorite recipes. I ended up added shrimp since I had some on hand. You can also save a ton of time by using a packaged brussels sprout salad bag. 

Monday/Tuesday
Chicken Fajitas from Simply Recipes

Wednesday
Steak with roasted kalettes and cauliflower "mashed potatoes"

Thursday
I have dinner plans but will be making this for lunch.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Happy Birthday Lash!

Happy 30th Birthday to Lash!
Today is his actual birthday but Mary Loyal planned a surprise party for him on Saturday so we could all celebrate together. The day started with a meal at one of his favorite restaurants followed by bowling at the Alley and then the most delicious chocolate peanut cake while he opened presents.
 I hope today is full of fun and surprises. Thanks for being the big brother I always wanted. ILY!

Monday, January 18, 2016

What I Baked on Sunday

I've recently gotten into breakfast foods - whether it is egg scrambles or oat bran, I'm looking for something more filling than my usual protein bar. To save time during the work week, I've started making something on Sunday that will last me a couple of days. Last week was a big breakfast casserole with egg whites, eggs, sausage, onion, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. This week, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and made a frittata. It wasn't hard, I was just worried about putting my nice saute pan in the oven!

Breakfast Frittata
Recipe from Fat Loss Foodies

Ingredients
4 large egg
1/2 c. egg whites
2 Tbs. half and half
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. olive oil
1 bag of baby spinach, wilted
1 tomato, seeded and diced
4-5 slices of Applewood smoked bacon, fried, drained, and coarsely chopped
1/2 c. Swiss Gruyere shredded
Salt and Pepper

Directions 

  • Preheat the broiler.
  • Whisk the eggs, egg whites, half and half, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • Heat the oil and butter in a 9 1/2 inch diameter nonstick ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the wilted spinach, chopped tomato, and chopped bacon and saute until heated through about 2 minutes.* Lightly season with salt and pepper.  
  • Pour the egg mixture over the veggie & bacon mixture and cook for a few minutes until the eggs start to set. Sprinkle with cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until the frittata is almost set but the top is still runny, about 2 minutes. 
  • Place the skillet under the broiler. Broil until the top is set and golden brown, about 5 minutes Let the frittata stand 2 minutes before using a rubber spatula to loosen the frittata and slide it onto a plate. 

*Note: Use paper towels to drain water from the wilted spinach and diced tomato before reheating.

I had this for brunch on Sunday with a salad and a piece of toast. It was just as good, if not better for breakfast this morning. I'm already thinking about what other veggies to add in next week.