Monday Meal Planning

Last week proved rather successful with regard to new recipes. Somehow, I managed to try several new things but none of them were the things I initially planned on attempt. So it goes. I had one tragically flawed attempt at homemade mayonnaise. Perhaps, I aimed too high. I did make a fabulous strawberry pie in preparation for my first recipe group meeting this week.

Strawberry Pie

I had never even tasted Strawberry Pie before last week. Now I dream about it. 

If you've never partaken, I strongly recommend correcting this immediately.

Avocado Egg Salad

Trying to look for health, easy lunch options for the week.

This looks like it might be a winner, but I might swap out the mayo for some Greek yogurt. 

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos with Lime

I haven't brought out the crock pot since the oatmeal fiasco of February.

It's time we made amends and what better way than with my favorite cooking combo

(sweet potatoes & black beans)?

Hummus

Now that I've overcome my fear of the food processor, it's time to branch out.

a moment of zen

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Blog Redesign!

I've secretly (or not so secretly) commissioned the fella to create a new header for the ol'blog. That one won't be coming for a while I decided to rework the look myself to serve as an intermediary. Hope you enjoy. I've also decided to include some inspiring images as a sort of "mood board" for the new blog!

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Fashion Friday:: Something Poofy

How I love a poofy skirt. 

It appeals to the six year old that lives inside of me, remarkably close to the surface.

I am not above twirling.

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For the Home:: Pillows

Silly as it seems, the pillow can make the room. It's true.

I present my argument:

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Mid-Week Motivation

Okay.. I am back at the gym. I took a longer-than-expected hiatus (but aren't they all?) from the gym for (ahem) the holidays then the fella was totally taxed by his office relocating in January to a new building that required an extreme amount of physical labor every day. And, then, we got caught up in the rush of moving our own home and office. Excuses, excuses. This week I am looking into switching gyms to one that is closer to our house. Next week, I'm there. This week's motivational session was inspired by the need for gym inspiration.

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Tuesday Project:: Framed Keys

Now, that we're all moved in I plan on framing the keys from bluehouse to hang in the new place. Something to remember our first place by...

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Monday Meal Planning

The meals from last week were a huge success, for the most part. I had to postpone the black bean burgers because I didn't plan ahead and cook the black beans enough in advance for dinner. I use dried beans rather than canned so they're not as mashable without first being cooked. The Spinach Pistachio Pesto was super fabulous. I made some modifications and added it to a pasta dish for a new family favorite. This week I'm planning some of my old standbys (like garlic brown sugar salmon based on the garlic brown sugar chicken recipe I posted here) and maybe a taco salad or two! I still need to think of a couple meals for the week ahead. And, I have my first meeting with a recipe group next week so I might want to try out a couple of things on the fella before I present them to a crowd.

 Vegetable Strudel

Upside Down Potato & Onion Tart

Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion, & Spinach Quesadilla 

Quinoa & Kale Patties

a moment of zen

The weather is getting warmer. For Phoenicians, this can incite panic. Take a moment to breathe and reflect upon all the splendor summer has to offer. We will survive the heat and retain the memories. 

Make them good memories.

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Popsicles are to summer as hot chocolate is to winter.
Yes, there is a recipe for these popsicles on the original page.

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Fashion Friday:: Understated Elegance

There is nothing as elegant as simplicity.
I think.

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