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:

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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!

Weekend Recap

On Friday afternoon, Amy and I jumped in the car to head to Charleston for the weekend. 

We left a few hours before Sara, so we stopped on Daniel Island to kill some time and enjoy the nice weather before heading to her house.

I ordered a Shocktop and it came in a fill from the bottom cup. These fun inventions haven't reached Spartanburg yet and I may have made a small mess trying to figure out how it works. Lesson learned.

After our happy hour adventure, we headed to the store to pick up some necessities for the weekend. I had never had dill pickle chips before and kind of wish I didn't know they existed now.

Saturday morning, we headed straight to the dock for the day. With the sun, beer, boiled peanuts, and watermelon, we were happy campers.

The activities for the day included fishing (for them) and reading (for me).

Sunday morning, I headed to Mt. Pleasant for brunch with Corby and Elliott. I was being indecisive about heading to Charleston until I found out Corby was going to be in town. We hadn't seen each other since the fall and I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to visit! Sara and her mom suggested Five Loaves Cafe and our meal hit the spot. Elliott and I both had the quiche of the day with butternut squash, ham, zucchini, and red peppers. I would definitely go back next time I am in town. 

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That afternoon, Amy and I said our goodbyes and headed back to Sparkle City. 

I spent Monday getting ready for the week ahead, seeing Heaven is for Real, and eating dinner with friends before watching the Bachelorette. It was a great Memorial Day weekend! 

The Friday Five

1. Reading:

To those who matter in 1950s Hollywood, Lena Scott is the hottest rising star to hit the silver screen since Marilyn Monroe. Few know her real name is Abra. Even fewer know the price she’s paid to finally feel like she’s somebody. To Pastor Ezekiel Freeman, Abra will always be the little girl who stole his heart the night he found her, a wailing newborn abandoned under a bridge on the outskirts of Haven. Zeke and his son, Joshua—Abra’s closest friend—watch her grow into an exotic beauty. But Zeke knows the circumstances surrounding her birth etched scars deep in her heart, scars that leave her vulnerable to a fast-talking bad boy who proclaims his love and lures her to Tinseltown. Hollywood feels like a million miles from Haven, and naive Abra quickly learns what’s expected of an ambitious girl with stars in her eyes. But fame comes at an awful price. She has burned every bridge to get exactly what she thought she wanted. Now, all she wants is a way back home.

2. Eating:

Sara brought these home after a recent Costco trip. They are nice change from the pumpkin seed ones.

3. Listening to:

Green River Ordinance "Dancing Shoes"

I love this song so much.

4. Recipe I'm Bookmarking:

Easy Weeknight Mushroom & Kale Pasta


5. Things making me laugh:

Happy Friday!  

Weekend Recap

On Friday morning, I headed to Charleston to celebrate Lash's graduation from Medical School. I missed the ceremonies but met up with everyone for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we headed downtown to get settled in. 

We stayed at a friend's condo right off of King Street and took full advantage of the rooftop throughout the weekend.

Everyone came over for a drink before dinner including Lash's family. It has been a long time since the five of us were all together.

Not long after, we headed to Fulton Five for dinner. Since we had a large crowd (11 people to be exact), they seated us in a private room upstairs and used a pre-set menu. I started with the antipasto spoleto - mozzarella and tomato wrapped in romaine and grilled prosciutto with cauliflower puree and basil balsamic dressing. Hands down it was one of the best things I have ever eaten. I ordered the shrimp and pasta as my main dish and had a few bites of the scallops and grouper. I would highly recommend going there if you are ever celebrating a special occasion in Charleston.

Saturday morning mom and I got up to go for a walk. We walked out of our bedrooms and realized we were matching. Like mother like daughter. 

After walking the battery, we returned to ML and Lash's to help them pack. Even though they are staying in Charleston for Lash's residency they are moving to a house. On to the next chapter!

Saturday night, we made a homemade pizza before watching the sunset from the rooftop. Sunday morning, we repeated Saturday with another walk and more packing. It was a great weekend overall and I am so excited for Lash to officially be a doctor!