Monday, July 6, 2015

4th of July Weekend!

 The 4th of July has to be one of my top favorite things for summer time.
BBQ's, parades, flags everywhere, fireworks and of course
a day that we honor and celebrate our country.
Below are some pics from my weekend. I was super excited that I didn't have
to work on Friday. A friend invited me boating on the lake and it was the perfect 
start to my weekend. Then the 4th was spend BBQ'ing, relaxing, and watching fireworks.
It was a top notch day as it is every year!
 ^^Some of the spread for the family BBQ...never dissapoints!
 ^^Mr. Mason just kicking back and soaking it all in!
 ^^These brothers of mine keep me laughing all of the time.
 ^^My niece's birthday cake that my brother made.
 ^^The birthday girl and I.
 ^^Sparkler party.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Italy {Milan}

 The last time I'd been to Europe {8 years ago}we briefly stopped in Milan. 
It was so brief I didn't have the opportunity to see any of Milan
other than the train station. So it was nice that this time when we flew into Milan
we actually got to spend some time there. The even better part is that locals
showed us around their town. We walked around the touristy locations
with some non-touristy locations mixed in. My friend Pia introduced us
to the most delicious street food for which Milan is known for called
panzerotti, which are these yummy fritters stuffed with cheeses, veggies and ham.
I'd go back to Milan just for those alone, they were that good!
 ^^My sweet friend Pia whom I've known for over 20 years...time flies!
 ^^The family with Pia and friends.

 ^^My cute mom.
^^We were so happy to find a patch of lawn to lay and rest our tired feet.

Next up: Venice

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Summer Recipe's

With summer in full swing my mind is racing with all the fun things
I want to cross off my list. Lazy days at the pool, outdoor movies, 
tennis, and of course food plays a crucial role in the summer months.

I've rounded up some recipes I've tried and loved and seem to make every summer.
Teriyaki Chicken:  This recipe is so easy and you can throw it all in a ziploc bag and marinade
it overnight and have it ready to grill on the BBQ. It's easy, delicious and you 
can make a big batch!
Fresh Broccoli Salad: I first tried this recipe at a cousin's BBQ and I was sold.
Crunchy, flavorful and I'm getting my healthy greens in for the day.  
This recipe calls for raisins and sliced almonds
but I like to switch it up with dried cranberries and chopped cashews.
You can get creative with your ingredients
and add sunflower seeds or any other nut or just omit the nuts altogether. 
 Fresh Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad is always a hit at any BBQ. I love this recipe
and I will usually add some chopped up pepperoni because I like the spicy flavor
it adds. Either way thought it's a good pasta salad.
Fruit Tart: I love to bake with fruit that is in season. Fresh berries are always 
in abundance this time of year so it's nice to have some go-to recipes that
incorporate them. This recipe is delicious and not rocket science.
Fresh Strawberry Limeade: When the temperature's rise, my desire to have
a cool and refreshing drink also rise. Sometimes it's as simple as some mint leaves and squeezed
lemons or lime and some sugar and ice and other times on special occassions I get real
crazy and make this yummy limeade recipe.



Thursday, May 28, 2015

Europe snaps.

Bonjourno! I'm back from Europe and still suffering from the vacation
blue's where I was wishing I was walking cobble stone streets with gelato in one
hand and snapping pics away with the other...but back to the grind it is.
Work hard to play hard I say. I need to organize all of my photo's and get
them posted, but in the meantime here are some 
instagram photo's from my trip if you want to take a look.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Spring wish list...

Here are a few things on the web I've been eying for the upcoming 
spring and summer seasons {clockwise}.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Easter weekend

I was so happy to be home this Easter.
Last year was wonderful, but I was in L.A. visiting with a friend.
I missed having our annual family traditions that we've done year after year
with loads of food, Easter egg hunts with the kids,
and pictures of all the ladies and men by the ol' tree. 
 ^^Kicked the weekend off by decorating sugar cookies with these cute nieces and nephews of mine.
^^As you can see minimalism was not their theme...