7.28.2010

The Perfect Snack

Lately I can't get enough of almonds. I love them raw and fresh out of the freezer. A handful a day is the recommended amount nutritionally, so I'm trying to watch how many I eat. They really do fill me up and are a good "pick me up" mid-morning!


Besides being delicious - here are some more reasons to keep on snacking on this tasty little nut:
  • good source of nutrients
  • aids in weight loss
  • helps reduce heart disease
  • improve brainpower
  • improve skin and hair
Cheers!

Up Do?

I truly believe that hair is one of the most important decisions a Bride has to make (after the dress of course). I always envisioned wearing my hair up - but after much thought and feedback I am thinking about going with something like this:


Feedback is much appreciated!

Cheers!

7.27.2010

Rehearsal Dinner

There are few times in a woman's life where it is appropriate to wear white. I fell in love with this BCBG MaxAzaria gown and decided it would be perfect for our rehearsal dinner. LOVE.


Cheers!

Taking Time

As most of our weekends this summer have been enthralled with Wedding planning (and I'm not complaining) this weekend we decided to just celebrate summer in the Northwest. We spent our days lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun and had a Fiesta Potluck on Saturday night - we ate outside and barbecued steak and pork. Delicious! Its hard to sit back and try to enjoy the summer when we are so busy, but I think that we accomplished it this weekend.


Danielle's Salsa Recipe
  • 5 vine ripe tomatoes
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 1 large jalapeno
  • 1/2 bunch cilantro
  • juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 cucumber, seeded and peeled
Chop everything and mix together - enjoy!

Cheers!

7.26.2010

47 Days

Is it just me, or is my list getting longer?

  • appraise and insure engagement ring
  • finalize menu/drinks
  • pick out songs
  • tuxedo shoes for Shawn
  • gift for ring bearer (any suggestions?)
  • hair & makeup trial runs
  • book day of mani/pedis
  • marriage license
  • ceremony music selection
  • wrap wedding party gifts
  • make sure groomsmen/dads are fitted for tuxes
  • work out wedding day timing
  • ceremony seating arrangement
  • photo list
  • finalize flowers
  • decide on reading
  • find something "borrowed"
  • hostess gifts for showers/rehearsal dinner
  • confirm timing with photographer
  • loose 10 pounds
I'm sure there is more.....yikes.

Cheers!

A Taste of Heaven!

Pam graciously brought over a bottle of my favorite champagne, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label this weekend. It had been a while since I had endulged in the "good stuff". We chilled it with our new wine chiller (thanks Amy & Milan) and it was declious!


Cheers!

Itching to Try

How good would this be iced!

7.22.2010

All the Single Ladies!

Last Saturday I had one of the best nights ever. I have the best girlfriends and sister that a girl could ever ask for. My bachelorette party consisted of pedicures, cocktail hour at a GORGEOUS suite at the Hotel 1000 decorated to the nines with male parts; dinner at Joey's at the BEST table in the house, drinks and dares at the Hard Rock Rooftop Bar; and dancing the night away at Venom. All in all, the night exceeded all expectations and I didn't want it to end. Thank you girls - I LOVE YOU!

Cheers!

7.20.2010

Love me some Quinoa!

If you have not tried this complete grain - you are missing out! It is delicious and so simple to make! Because I have not made it to the store in weeks, I have been living off of quinoa with olive oil and salt for lunch for the past couple of weeks. I'm addicted! It is delicious alone, but you can also add almost anything to it to make it amazing. Quinoa Tabouli is probably my most favorite - try this recipe for a great easy summer dinner!


Cheers!

53 Days to Go!

I know that I have been a little absent as of late and neglecting my blog - but things have been somewhat crazy to say the least. Between getting all of the last minute details ready for the wedding, work, summertime events, etc I have not had much time to blog. I've definitely had plenty of inspiration, just lacking actual time to sit at my computer to type away.

But, I promise to be better this week.

Cheers!

7.14.2010

Let the Parties Begin!

Last weekend was the first of our festivities for our wedding - a couples shower hosted by Rochelle and Harry Alhadeff. Sun, Mexican food, margaritas, pool party, great friends and family - it was PERFECT. I can not thank Harry and Rochelle enough for the shower. This whole wedding thing is becoming very real - this weekend we are off to our bachelor and bachelorette parties - should be a good time with lots of stories!


Thank you for everyone who came, and for all of the fabulous gifts!

Cheers!

7.12.2010

Happy Birthday Mom!

I hope that you have a wonderful day today. I love you so much - you are the most beautiful woman inside and out!


Cheers!

7.08.2010

I love Potatoes Part 2

Again I am raving about yet another Smitten Kitchen recipe, and yes, potatoes are involved. This might be a new favorite, and as I forgot to bring blue cheese to the cabin I used Parmesan and Gruyere instead - AMAZING!!! I decided on this dish for a 4th of July/Birthday celebration not only for the butter, cheese, and potatoes, but also because it is Red, White, and Blue!



  • 1 Savory Tart Shell, below
  • 1 pound small red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/4 inch slices
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 pound blue cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)
  • 1 Tablespoon finely chopped herb or herbs of your choice, such as a mixture of thyme and rosemary
  • Fine sea salt for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 350*. In a medium saucepan, cover potato slices with water by two inches. Simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. If the potatoes don't seem very dry, pat them dry with towels.
Arrange potato slices, overlapping slightly, in concentric circles around the tart pan. Sprinkle blue cheese over potatoes. Whisk cream and egg yolk together and pout into tart shell, then sprinkle tart with herbs of your choice and salt. 

Bake tart on a baking sheet until bubbling and golden brown, about 45 to 50 minutes. cool in pan on rack and serve warm or cold. 




Savory Tart Shell
  • 1 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons butter, diced
  • 1 egg
In a large bowl, combine the flour, constarch and salt. Cut the butter in with a pastry blender, fork or two kinves until it is in very tiny bits. Add on egg and mix with a fork  until a dough forms. If this does not happen easily, toss it out onto a counter and knead it together. This dough is rather tough but with a little elbow grease, it does come together nicely.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 12-inch circle. Place the dough in a 9-inch pie plate or tart pan and press to remove any air bubbles. Level the edges and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Proceed with a filling of your choice, no parbaking required.



Cheers!

7.01.2010

Happy 4th of July!

We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal,
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July.



Cheers!