Monday, August 30, 2010

Captured by My Hubby!

B and I haven't whipped out the camera in quite some time, so yesterday we took advantage of the gorgeous weather and an afternoon off...





Love these pics that were captured by my hubby!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Thought For the Day

Agree with each other,
Love each other,
Be deep-spirited friends.
Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

La Mia Cucina: What's Cooking in My Kitchen Tonight?


On the menu this evening.....a yummy Chicken and Rice Casserole!

Ingredients:

3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 onion, diced and sauteed
1 8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 14.5 oz. cans French green beans, rinsed and drained
4 oz. pimentos (optional)
1 10.5 oz. can cream of celery soup
1 cup mayo
6 oz. long grain wild rice, cooked (I used Uncle Ben's)
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese


Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in large bowl and pour into a 3-quart casserole. Bake for 25 minutes.

And most importantly.....enjoy!!

Cozy Morning


I love days like today....
No rush, nowhere to be at any specific time, no obligations.
A day for me...to just do what I need to do.

It's been a crazy and busy past couple of weeks so I'm looking forward to doing some things around the house and spend some time reading (something I always wish I had more time for)!

Looking forward to a productive yet peaceful, cozy, rainy day.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Procrastinating...

My to-do list is out of control.
No...it really is.

Finish laundry, grocery shop, gym, finish choreographing for my dance team, respond to emails, etc,....
But instead...I'm sitting here wondering aimlessly around the internet world looking for new bedding.
That was not on my to-do list!

Ok, back to work I go.
But I did want to share this cozy bedroom I found. LOVE it!!

Happy Monday :)


Wednesday, August 11, 2010

La Mia Cucina: A Taste of What Was in My Kitchen the Night Before

Fettuccine in Asparagus Cream Sauce and Peas

Ingredients:

*about 8 spears of asparagus
*1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
*2/3 cup heavy cream
*Minced zest and juice of 1 or 2 lemons (I only used 1 and I thought it was perfect)
*Kosher salt and pepper (Kosher salt makes ALL the difference)
*3/4 cup freshly shelled English peas
*1 lb fettuccine
*Fresh basil
*Shaved parmesan for garnish


To prepare the asparagus, snap off the tough woody ends of the spears. Cut the asparagus on the diagonal into pieces about 1/8 inch thick. In a small saute pan, melt the butter (yes...I chose to use butter!) over medium heat. Add in the asparagus and saute for about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add in the heavy cream. Heat until warm. Add lemon zest, salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the cream mixture does not boil.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add in peas and cook for 30 seconds. Add in pasta and cook until tender rises to surface. Stir occasionally so that the noodles cook evenly. Drain the pasta and peas. Reserve a few tablespoons of cooking water.

Return pasta and peas to the large pot and season with salt. Pour the asparagus-cream sauce over the pasta and toss to coat thoroughly. Add in the reserved water to loosen the pasta if necessary. Add in basil and lemon juice to taste as well as additional salt to balance the flavors. Serve in warm pasta bowls and garnish with cheese.

This was absolutely wonderful and you can add in other things as well for added flavors. I plan on throwing grilled chicken in next time but I have also several recipes that use pancetta. This is a super easy meal to make. It took me a little under 30 minutes to have everything prepared and cooked. SO good! Will be keeping this recipe towards the front of my recipe binder......Brian had three bowls last night ;)

Enjoy!!!!

Monday, August 9, 2010

T.I.L (Things I'm Loving)

I know it's only August but....
Fall is right around the corner and it is my favorite time of year!

Here are some (early) fun, fall finds..... (of course from Anthropologie)



(These boots are my favorite...I love them!)


I'm looking forward to crisp days, changing leaves, warm cider and all the other fun things that fall brings with it.