Monday, July 11, 2011

Back to the Grind

I hope everyone had a nice relaxing weekend, I know I didn't! I was super busy, but this coming weekend should be more on the peaceful side. Is it bad that it's Monday and I am already thinking about Friday?!

I need to go grocery shopping tonight (..and also, embarassingly, watch the Bachelorette!) One of the things I need to buy is a bunch of tomatoes! I found the best recipe for an upside down pizza (atleast that is what I am calling it!) I made it last week and it was super delicious, it is more of a side dish or a snack though. I ate it after I worked out one day. It was the first time I made it (so the presentation was not the best), but I used another recipe I found originally on Pinterest as a base.

Upside Down Pizza
Active Time:
Total Time:

Ingredients

  • 2 tomatoes, halved horizontally (can of course use more)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup italian seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

 

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 450° F.
  2. Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet. Top with shredded cheeses first, then top with the bread crumbs. After sprinkle the oregano, salt and pepper. Lastly, drizzle with oil and bake until the tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.


Right before I put them in the oven

I didn't use as many bread crumbs in this batch, which is why I changed it to 1/2 cup in the recipe above as I felt it needed a little more crunch to it. If you are not a big fan of tomatoes, you can also use the tops of portabello mushrooms instead! I will try those next. Also you can add peppers or onion on top to make them more hearty.



How they turned out - Again, not the best presentation, but they were yummy!

If you have tried any good recipes lately, please comment and share!
-M

Friday, July 8, 2011

Sometimes on Friday you need a treat...

And that treat might just be some yummy, creamy Starbucks coffee! But what could be even more exciting is a Starbucks Proposal! I love me some starbucks, and what a creative way to incorporate a fetish, your first date story, and a romantic proposal! Now this boy really did some planning...








See more about this couple at Green Wedding Shoes, a blog I really enjoy!



Then I found some cute Save the Dates also incorporating the coffee and Starbucks theme! So clever!





I hope you all have a great weekend! I am only working half a day today =)
-M

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Having it All...

Do you ever have a moment where you really are getting the best of both worlds? I love it when that happens!

Coffee & Make-up



Family & Best Friends



Music & Romance



Eco-friendly & A Cellphone



Chocolate & Nachos



Roaring fireplace & Nice Weather



The Ocean & Brunch




It's almost the weekend!
-M

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Craving Summer Pasta...

I can say for sure that I easily get sick of the same old pasta dishes. Yea spaghetti with marinara and meatballs is classic and tasty, but there are so many different things you can do with pasta noodles!! I stumbled upon a huge list of new, inspired summer pasta ideas. Here are some that I would love to try. Several of them seem light and healthier as well, and of course you can substitute wheat pasta to help with the carbs. If you have any yummy pasta recipes, please share!



Daddy's Carbonara



Summer Pasta alla Caprese



Ricotta and Chive Gnocchi



Mussels Marinara with Angel Hair Pasta



Linguini with Breadcrumbs and Kale



Rhonda's Spaghetti with Fried Eggs and Pangritata for One


Images via Huffington Post
All recipes via Food52


Happy hump day everyone!
-M 

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Big Ideas, Small Places

With living in an older Chicago apartment building, the rooms are not quite as big as I would like. Overall the space is plenty for what we need, but I have to be creative at times to make my furniture fit. I love finding ways to take advantage of the small amount of space I have without looking cluttered. I am sure everyone has somewhere in their home that is just a little too quirky to make the most of it.







I love that desk, so chic!
-M

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 4th

I love Google's main picture today, it is so festive!



I hope you are all enjoying your holiday weekend, and celebrating with some friends and family! Eat some good food, enjoy some bright fireworks, and relax in this gorgeous weather!
-M



images via google and dnjournal

Friday, July 1, 2011

Fashion Friday

Finally the holiday weekend is here, the weather is warm, and the barbecues are starting. The big question now is - What to wear? I am going to keep it casual, comfortable and of course cute! Here are a few things in my closet this summer.

















Sunglasses via Rayban, Dress and Sandals via Top shop, Fedora via Style Bistro, Bag via Cheap Girl


Have a wonderful long weekend!
-M