Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad

This just screams summer to me and was so fresh and amazing. Even Kyle liked this salad, the strawberries add a nice touch to it. Definitely add it to your summer menu or next bbq

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/5-ingredient-strawberry-caprese-pasta-salad/

Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Banana Muffins

I made this recipe into mini muffins. I loved them, but they are definitely not a recipe you can fake someone with. Kyle didn't like them, I guess not enough sugar for him.I shared with a few friends who also liked them.

http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/skinny-peanut-butter-chocolate-and-banana-muffins/

Strawberry Mango Oatmeal Smoothie

I made this to take to work for that mid morning time where I get starving, but it's too early for lunch. This was so tasty and came together quickly in the blender. Here's the link to this amazing smoothie

http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/strawberry-mango-oatmeal-smoothie-blendtec-giveaway/

Roasted Corn and Basil Tomatoes

These were a great side dish and were so filling. Love the brown rice in these. Here's the link to try these next time you need something to go with dinner.

http://pinchofyum.com/roasted-corn-and-basil-stuffed-tomatoes

Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary Butter Sauce

These were delicious on the grill, since we had a high flame on for the meat we were making I made these in a pan made for the grill. So didn't get grill marks like the recipe, but still had a wonderful taste. Will be making more grilled sweet potatoes this summer

http://www.lifeasaplate.com/2011/08/15/grilled-sweet-potato-medallions-in-a-rosemary-butter-sauce/

Lemon Chicken pasta

Since it was rainy and stormy here I cooked inside instead of grilling outside. This was a quick and easy recipe I pinned and it was wonderful. Perfect for those nights you need a quick dinner

http://www.framedcooks.com/2013/03/lemon-chicken-pasta.html

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

These are the perfect make ahead breakfast for work and so delicious. I will be sharing more of these recipes as I try them out. Here's the link for this one

http://vegga.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/apple-pie-overnight-oats/

Skinny Chocolate Brownies

These were so good and hit that chocolate craving while not being as bad for you as regular brownies. You couldn't tell these were healthy since they were so rich. Here's the link to these amazing brownies

http://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/skinny-double-fudge-brownies-no-beans/#_a5y_p=1672824

Sweet and Sticky Shrimp

I served these with a salad and loved the sauce they marinated in. Here's the link to make these next time you grill

http://www.thenovicechefblog.com/2013/07/sweet-sticky-shrimp/

Greek Salad with Zesty Lemon Dressing

I added some of our favorite white vinegar to this dressing and was perfect for this salad. Will be sharing a ton of salads I pinned to make this summer. Something about a salad speaks summer to me and I'm so excited for the warm weather finally arriving. Here's the link to this great salad and dressing

http://natashaskitchen.com/2014/04/08/greek-salad-with-zesty-lemon-dressing/

Pork Chops with Creamed Corn

I made mine with boneless pork chops and am usually not a fan of creamed corn, but loved this recipe. I indoor grilled these since it was raining the night I made them. Definitely a wonderful dinner.

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/17844_Pork_Chops_with_Herb_Creamed_Corn/index.html

Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes

I love those days I have time to make a homemade breakfast and pancakes and waffles are my favorite to make. These were so tasty and I made extra to freeze so I can have a quick and easy breakfast before work. Here's the link for next time you want pancakes, these are just delicious.

http://www.momontimeout.com/2013/06/blueberry-buttermilk-pancakes/

Parmesan and Spinach Orzo

This was a great side dish and I'm so glad I saved it on pinterest. I love the touch of adding parmesan to it. Here's the link to the recipe
http://damndelicious.net/2014/02/10/parmesan-spinach-orzo/

Scrapbook Pages and Cards

Homemade Chicken Salad

I love chicken salad, I served mine on spinach leaves instead of bread. This was a delicious lunch and the perfect thing to do with leftover chicken I had from dinner. Will be making this again this summer. Here's the link to try this amazing recipe

http://tworedbowls.com/2013/07/12/homemade-chicken-salad-or-my-version-of-paneras-napa-almond-chicken-salad-sandwich/

Greek Yogurt Cupcakes with Blackberry Frosting

These cupcakes were so light and fluffy. I love that they had greek yogurt in them. These are the perfect summer cupcake and you should make this for your next party. Here's the link to this wonderful recipe

http://natashaskitchen.com/2014/02/24/greek-yogurt-cupcakes-with-blackberry-frosting/

Buttermilk Strawberry Bundt Cake

I made this for Mother's Day and it was delicious. It was gone in minutes. I didn't color the icing as they show in the original recipe so you can do that if you wish. Strawberries are one of my favorite fruits so I was so excited to see this recipe on pinterest. Here's the link to this recipe

http://blog.kitchenaid.com/buttermilk-strawberry-bundt-cake-recipe/

Chopped Salad with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

The recipe I found on pinterest added bacon to this, since there was none on sale at the market I just left it out. The dressing was amazing, Kyle loved it and he's not a big fan of ranch dressing. I love making homemade dressings and this one came together so quickly. I love using mason jars for these dressings, makes it easier to store in fridge and serve. I'm glad farmers markets are starting up around here again to get some fresh produce. Here's the link to this recipe:

http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/02/blt-chopped-salad-with-homemade-creamy-buttermilk-ranch-dressing.html

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes

I love trying new recipes, especially breakfast ones. We don't get many mornings off together, so when we do I try and make something new for breakfast. This was delicious, I just topped these with a little butter and syrup. So tasty and will make these again. Here's the link to try these for your next breakfast (or even breakfast for dinner)

http://www.handletheheat.com/2014/04/chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookie-pancakes.html#_a5y_p=1573164

Personalized Iced Beverage Cup

Made this cup as part of the Mother's Day Basket I'm making. I bought a plain blue iced beverage cup and adding rub on alphabets and flowers to personalize it. Turned out really cute and I will be making more of these. Also sharing the Mother's Day Card I made to go with it.

Caprese Salad with Garlic Balsamic Dressing

I changed up the salad a little bit, adding spinach and since the grocery store we went to only had marinated mozzarella balls, we got a huge brick of fresh mozzarella and cut it up and placed on my favorite mixed greens. With the dressing I used an amazing white balsamic I found at the market and it was delicious. Here's the link to this recipe. 

http://www.laurenslatest.com/caprese-salad-with-garlic-balsamic-dressing/

Healthier Fettuccini Alfredo

I added chicken to mine (cooked the chicken in the oven and added to the finished pasta and sauce. This was so good and you couldn't even tell it was a lighter version. Here's the link to this recipe
http://www.texanerin.com/2014/04/healthier-fettuccine-alfredo.html

Scrapbook Layouts

 First time using this new stamp, picture from Kate's bday last year

 Another new stamp set

 Flowers in Hawaii

 Hula Daddy Coffee

 Hula Daddy Coffe

 Hula Daddy Coffee

 Our hotel

Parmesan Risotto with Shrimp

I love Risotto, so when I saw this recipe on pinterest I had to make it. Was so good and worth the long wait I had at the seafood market to pick up the shrimp. Here's the link if you want to make this
http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-parmesan-risotto-with-roasted-shrimp-recipes-from-the-kitchn-200084

Grilled Rosemary Chicken Melts

Discovered this recipe while watching Rachael Ray and this was a great sandwich and was perfect because I haven't used my panini grill in awhile. This would be great for lunch or dinner.

http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipe/17838_Grilled_Rosemary_Chicken_Melts/index.html

Chicken Fried Rice

I added mushrooms instead of peas, because I'm not a big fan of peas. This was really good and even the leftovers were great the next day for lunch at work. Here's the link if you want to make it.
http://therecipecritic.com/2014/03/chicken-fried-rice/

Scrapbook Pages

 I'm doing monthly highlights this year in the project life form, they will go in an album with other layouts I do of yearly activities. February was very snowy for us, we went to our favorite sushi restaurant and I made chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's.

 March is all about St Patrick's Day (my grandparents wedding anniversary and why I picked our wedding date 3/15 - close to St Pats), I also made a few new Easter decorations

 April spring is finally starting to arrive- or so we thing, a few frost warnings in the morning and my daffodils died. On the nice days we went for walks and princess got a bow at the groomer for my bday

 Love these pics I took during our scenic drive in Hawaii

 We did a coffee factory tour and this was pictures from the front of the factory

 Just thought this sign was funny when we saw it in Hawaii

Lemon Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

I got this recipe from the latest food network magazine and it was the perfect side dish. Next time you're thinking of what side to make definitely make these. I used all red potatoes, but I will share the recipe that was published.

• 1 1/2 lbs baby yukon gold potatoes, halved
• 1 1/2 lbs baby red skinned potatoes, halved
• kosher salt
• 4 cups cubed day old sourdough bread
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest, plus wedges for sering
• ground pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 450
2. Put the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1", season with salt.
3. Bring to a boil and cook over medium high heat until just tender, about 7 minutes and drain.
4. Pulse the bread in a food processor, combine with olive oil, garlic and lemon zest, 1 tsp salt and pepper.
5. Combine potatoes with bread mixture and arrange on baking sheet. Roast until golden and tender, about 10 minutes. 
6. Sprinkle with parsley and parmesan and roast 5 more minutes. 
7. Transfer to serving dish, season with salt and serve with lemon wedges.

Lizzie's Roast Chicken

This was so delicious, almost forgot to get a picture till I started cutting it. This is a recipe from Michael Symon's wife and we loved it. The house smelled wonderful while it was cooking and it was so juicy. Here's the link to make this recipe:
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/lizzies-roasted-chicken