Gone Green

There is one meal that screams summer to me above all others, maybe because the hubs is screaming for it!   He has started adding carbs back into his diet and this was the one thing he requested I make.  I love it since the oven does not get turned on and the kitchen is filled with the aroma of basil.  I plant extra basil just to keep up with the almost weekly craving of this meal.    I tossed it with whole wheat penne and shrimp.    I love the vibrant green color. I snapped some quick pics with my phone using the light from the kitchen window. 

 

Pesto (modified from Giada De Laurentiis)

• 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 or 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

In a  blender or food processor, pulse the basil, pine nuts, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until finely chopped. With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and thick consistency. Add the Parmesan and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  

my hint - If using over pasta, add about 1/2 cup of pasta water before tossing it with pasta.

It is the end of strawberry season and my sister & SIL picked the last at a local farm.  She was kind enough to share with me.  Not enough to make jam, so I made a low sugar pie to keep the carbs down esp for the hubs.

Memorial Weekend

Memorial weekend kicks off pool openings across this great country of ours as well as sales.  Granted, I love a sale as much as the next gal, but are people forgetting the reason Memorial Day was created in the first place?  Let us not forget the men and women that have died serving this amazing country of ours.   I proudly fly a flag year round.  I wish more people did too.

I do admit I am ready to enjoy a relaxing weekend at the lake.    Here a picture of an adorable two piece.  I don't know about you, but I love the flower detail. 

I wish y'all safe travels and a great weekend!  And take a moment to think about those that have worn a uniform and died fighting for our great nation.  

Props

Today I received a huge compliment from a very fashionable person where I work.   She was commenting on my outfit and shoes and suggested that I should do a blog.   No one other than the hubs knows about this and I am never in any of the pictures.   I guess I could start taking pics of me in my outfits and either crop my head out or hold an umbrella or other large item over my face/head.  That is just too much work and I will be the 1st to admit that I am lazy.  Last week another co-worker told me she would love to raid my closet.  I consider that HUGE props since she is a little fashion plate around my workplace.  I work in a pretty conservative field, but I am doing my best to add an appropriate splash here and there.

My new wallet from the sample sale arrived last night.   Above is a quick pic I just took with my phone.  It is a beautiful coral color and perfect for the summer.   I hope you receive a compliment today.  Heck, I hope you get them everyday!

Concert season is here

A pic of me taken by Patrick Monahan of Train

Tonight marks the first concert of 2011 for me.  I am so glad that the weather is going to be beautiful.  I love listening great music outdoors, it just seems right.   Hopefully the Rapture followers are wrong and I will be able to enjoy this concert and many more.   I hope you have a fun weekend with those you love.  Now,  I better go figure out the perfect outfit to wear.

Sample Sale

Like many others, yesterday I received a lovely email from Kate Spade New York announcing a sample sale.   I've been looking for a new wallet and decided to go ahead and order one, it was on sale after all,  as well as a fun bangle.  Normally I do not wear "costume" jewelry but there are so many cute pieces out there that I am slowing building a collection.  It just happens that all of them have been Kate Spade.

go to town idiom bangle

I hope you all got to pick up something you wanted too.  

Race to a diner

Saturday was the 5k charity run that I posted about back in March.   I wore my new kicks and I was ecstatic  not be the last person crossing the finish line.  I consider that a huge accomplishment since I am still not a runner.   I was grateful to have my ipod with me and have decided I need to make a dedicated play list for running.   The hubs finished ahead of me, but was cheering me on at the finish line.   He wants me to find more races for us to do and I think he is out of his mind.  After the race we went to a diner that has the most amazing french toast.  They use scratch made Challah and it is heavenly.   I was still feeling the need to carb load and the hubs ordered eggs benedict.  He is slowly introducing more carbs back to his diet and I am so happy for that.   Here is a quick pic I texted to my BIL since he has been there and I had to rub it in.  

Nothing says the weekend like a great breakfast/brunch at a diner or favorite restaurant.  I better go looking for our next 5k.

Bourbon and pie are quite a pair

Saturday was the 137th Kentucky Derby and the BIL was unable to get tickets (at face value) so we will go another year.  Instead some neighbors came over for a Derby party which turned into my fav kind of gathering ~  one spent on the porch.  The weather was lovely for porch sitting.   I previously decided that we had to have Derby inspired pie for dessert.   It was super easy to make and the hubs loved it, he normally does not like walnuts.  I have a feeling this will be made more than just the 1st Saturday in May.

flour and sugar in mixing bowl

adding the choc chips

used a store bought crust

The pie recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of bourbon.  I was not a huge fan of bourbon, it is a little strong for me, but it is perfect in the pie.   I also made Mint Juleps using a recipe from Southern Living.   I prefer American Honey over the Woodford Reserve Bourbon.  That may be too sweet for some, but it was just right for me.
 

Derby Choc. Pie and a Mint Julep

I was unable to buy silver julep cups for this year, I will have them for the future.    Maybe I can find them on sale now that the Derby is over.   Cheers to Animal Kingdom!

Two bags & a ring

 I  was so happy to find the vintage clutch featured in a previous post in my mailbox today.  It was wrapped in tissue paper with raffia bow and cute tag from Honey Pie Vintage.  I was thrilled that it is in excellent condition.  I should have taken a picture of the packaging but I was too excited and immediately ripped it open.  That made my day.   While I was running errands the wonderful brown truck left me a box with another new bag.  I have been stalking the Kate Spade site for this purse and found it on sale.  It would be sold out one day then listed again,  I think I ordered the last one on Wednesday.  

Evangeline in ash

I also ordered the date night ring.  I love the pink color but warning,  it is HUGE.  I should have read past the line regarding ring sizes in the description.  I am going to think about it over the weekend if it is a keeper or not.  It is a great color. 

 date night ring in flopink

 So needless to say, having two bags and a ring to open in one day was a bonus.  I showed them to the hubs and he could have cared less.   I better prepare my shopping list for tomorrows Derby party.   Maybe I will wear my new ring to Piggly Wiggly. 


 Photos courtesy of Kate Spade

Derby Party

Late last night the hubs decided we are going to have an impromptu Kentucky Derby party on Saturday.  I think he just wants an excuse to drink the bourbon we bought on our recent trip there.  I have a hat that I can wear, not as spectacular as a fascinator, but it will do.   Mint Juleps and other libations will be served.  The menu will be simple ~ cooking out, easy finger foods and Derby pie for dessert.  I love to entertain and miss all the parties we held at our old house.  

The official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby purchased at Woodford Reserve will be served.  I hope I can find some silver julep cups before then.  Here I am planning a derby party on Cinco de Mayo.  I think it is time for a margarita.  Cheers.

Fascinated by the fascinator

I don't know about you, but I loved seeing the coverage from the royal wedding.  A favorite of mine was the hats and the fascinators.  I wish that across the pond we wore hats more often.  I know they are the rage for the Kentucky Derby, but they are a rarity for any other occasions.   I am so tempted to purchase a fabulous hat or fascinator and I know that my BIL is going to try to get us tickets for next years Derby.   Hmmm... maybe I should should go ahead and get one in anticipation.  I came across the site Fashion Addict during my search and their selection would not break the bank.  Here are a few examples of what I found.

Statement

Robyn

Whitney

Kimberly

Now, do I get one with or without feathers?   Cheers!


Photos courtesy of fashion addict.com au