Hello all! Happy Wednesday! I hope you are all having a great week! I hate to say it but I have been slipping on making a new meal once a week. It’s definitely been harder to make it happen in the summer with more family time and a more relaxed family schedule. We sometimes eat later or go out more. I’m looking forward to getting back to cooking in the fall.
I have still made a few recipes this summer, some of which are staples in my home.
We will start out with my Italian Pasta Salad. I think we got this recipe on a box years ago. We tried it and loved it and haven’t looked back.
My favorite summer pasta salad.
Here’s what you need and how to make it.
What you Need:
Rotini Pasta (or your favorite kind of pasta)
Italian Dressing
Cherry Tomatoes
Mozzarella Cheese Balls
Sliced Cucumber
Steps:
In a pot, boil water to cook pasta. (I change the amount of pasta I use depending on who I’m cooking for and how many servings I need.)
Drain water and then put pasta in large serving bowl.
Slice cucumber and then add cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella, to pasta.
Stir in all the ingredients and drizzle Italian dressing.
Put in fridge to chill until ready to serve.
*If you plan on saving and serving again, make sure to add more Italian dressing
If pasta isn’t you choice, maybe you like to snack on chips and salsa.
When we went on vacation, we had a great shrimp cocktail sauce salsa. It was full of so much flavor.
Appetizer night
Here’s an idea of how I’ve made this tasty dish.
What you Need:
Cocktail sauce
Salsa (I like a peach salsa or a medium hot salsa)
Baby Shrimp (can be frozen or in a can)
Steps:
In a bowl mix half of the cocktail shrimp sauce and half of the salsa in a bowl
Mix in the baby shrimp and then chill until you are ready to serve.
Serve with tortilla chips or pita chips.
*If you aren’t a big fan of mixing half of each sauce you can change your parts to ¼ of one and ¾ of another.
Also pictured is brie cheese with raspberry sauce. I like to cook the cheese and add the sauce at the end, it’s full of flavor and filling too.
I like to enjoy it with bread or crackers.
All of these recipes are super easy for entertaining in the summer and are easy to throw together.
What are some of your favorite snacks to serve and share.
Happy Wednesday! We made it to the end of March! This month flew by. I can’t believe next weekend is Easter!! Spring is definitely in full swing and by full swing I mean, some days are warm and sunny in the 50s and other days it is cold and rainy. If that doesn’t describe spring I don’t know what does. Haha! As another month comes to a close, it’s time for another dose of currently. Grab your coffee or tea (iced or hot) and let’s settle in.
What I’m up to: This month has been a mixture of work, spending time outside and enjoying hobbies outside of work, from reading, to cooking and seeing friends! Also, lots of family time…my favorite!
What I’m wearing: I am bringing out more pastel and spring colors! Yay!! Everything from blues to pinks and greens or at least trying too! Haha! I wear a lot of black…no secret there and I’m finally looking forward to putting it away for brighter days and colors ahead. The tricky part about spring is jackets! I am always cold, literally it could be 65 degrees out and I would still need a jacket haha. I always have a jacket with me but it always depends on how thick it is. Can I go lighter or do I have to have a warmer one? I am counting down the days until I can do a heavy duty cleaning of all my winter jackets…fingers crossed it’s coming up. Also, the fact I have been able to wear sneakers or converse while I have been out and about is a huge game changer!
Been trying to incorporate more spring colors in my wardrobe.
What I’m reading: I have been doing a lot of reading lately. I am reading a little bit every day. Here’s a recap of some of my recent books. God’s Behaving Badly by Marie Phllips , we read this book for our book club in February, it was a mix of Greek mythology with a modern twist.
Our March book was The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom, this is a faith based book about people who receive phone calls from loved ones from heaven. Is it God or is it someone else.
This past month was a great book month because I also wrapped up, 52 Small Changes by Brett Blumenthal. This can be read at once or one day at a time about big and small ways to change your life.
What I’m Watching: I watched Firefly Lane last month which was good. It’s a Netflix mini series about two women and their friendship from young girls to grown women. This past month, many of my favorite shows came back, hello This is Us,Grey’s Anatomy, A Million Little Things, so those have been keeping me busy. I also have been watching a lot of movies. Some people may love their sports season, but your girl loves her awards show season. I have been watching a lot of movies nominated for awards which has been super fun!
What I’m Loving: I did a post about this a few weeks back, to read it, click here, but I have been loving all my new hobbies and activities outside of work. Now, that it’s finally warming up, I t’s been so nice to be outside whether it’s for a walk or reading or even spring cleaning. I’ve already been on a few zoo trips, near and far which has been fun! I can’t wait to be outside more. You don’t realize how much you miss the sunshine and warm weather until it’s gone.
The weather was so nice, a trip to the zoo was necessary!
What Inspires Me: I’m inspired by spring!!! There’s a sense of hope and promise and new beginnings in the air. I can’t wait to pick fresh flowers, go outside for lunches or dinners. I am also looking forward to changing out my wardrobe and just sprucing things up for the news season.
What I accomplished: I’ve been really happy with my new hobbies, from reading and cooking. It’s been such a fun and creative outlet. Plus, I’m really happy with some of my recent pieces at work.
My latest dish…chicken and risotto.
Goals Accomplished from Last Month I got so much quality friends and family time in during the last month. Between walks, book clubs and coffee dates. I also spent a lot of time with family after work between dinners and movie nights. With summer right around the corner, I can’t wait for nights spent by the pool or grilling.
Goals for the New Month: This month I want to be outside for as much as I can whether it’s with outdoor projects or just walks. Easter is next week, even though I’ll be working, I’m looking forward to celebrating the holiday before and after work with my family. Something else I am looking forward is clearing off my schedule more. As much as I like being busy, I am looking forward to some open time in my schedule.
That’s a look into my life the past month. Lots of hobbies, friends, family time and work. Not too exciting, but we are keeping it real. Have a great week ahead!
It’s warm and sunny out, we are officially in the spring season! There’s a sense of hope every day as we get closer and closer to summer and brighter days ahead.
One of my goals for 2021 was to have more balance in my life and even though it’s only March, I’m so proud for how far I have come this year.
Last year, between starting a new job (one that I love but that can be unpredictable) and the pandemic. I felt rundown by the end of the year and I was looking for new outlets for creativity and hobbies and I have found that these past few months.
I am so happy where I am in terms of my work life and personal life especially when it comes to hobbies and activities outside of work.
I have added a few hobbies to the mix and it has made my life much more fulfilling.
A fun and productive activity that I have gotten into is cooking! I love to bake and cook, but I don’t always have the opportunity to bake or cook. This year, one of my goals was to cook one new meal a week. It’s a way for me to practice my cooking skills and I get to see my hard work payoff with a meal. I love cooking for my family, it’s a small way for me to give back to my family as a thank you for all the things they do for me. I have made soups, and sandwiches, pastas, and many more different dishes. Not every dish is a winner but I love being able to try new things and learn as I go. Cooking has been a great creative outlet for me this year and I know the things I’m learning now will help me greatly down the line.
My latest dish…spicy shrimp and pasta
One of my other goals was to be more consistent with friends. Thanks to my book club, I am talking to some of my best friends from high school every week over facetime since we all live in different places. We talk about the books we are reading, we talk about how our work is going and what’s new. It so fun to consistently talk and catch up. Also, this helps so much with my goal to read every day. Whether it’s a chapter of a book or 30 mins of reading, I am accomplishing my goal of reading every single day and I absolutely love it. There is nothing better than books and good friends.
Book Club!
Speaking of friends, I have started to go on weekly coffee dates and walks with one of my childhood friends. Every week for about a month now, we have been getting coffee from local shops and then going for a walk or browsing little shops or stores. We haven’t seen each other consistently for 5 years! It’s been soooo fun to catch up consistently.
These three outlets have brought me so much joy! From learning new cooking skills and saving them for future use, or reading a lot more and being able to share that love of reading with friends or just getting outside and supporting local places with childhood friends. It’s amazing how much these little or mundane things bring so much joy and purpose into my life!
What are some things you do or have done to make your life more fulfilling this past year?
Hi everyone!! Happy Wednesday. The snow is falling, I have a warm cup of tea and a candle going. It’s the perfect mix of warm and cozy!!!
It’s been a while since I have done a Currently. I have a lot to catch you up on, so let’s get to it!
What I’m up to: A new year always means a fresh start for me. I love creating new routines, setting new goals, and getting things fresh and clean. With the recent snowfall, I have been staying in more too! I have been doing lots of reading and binge watching too!
What I’m wearing: I have been loving all things warm and cozy on days off like hoodies, leggings, and cabin socks. But on days when I work, I am loving long sleeve dresses. I love the dress to look professional but when it keeps me warm is even better!
What I’m reading: One of my goals for the new year is to read every day and even though we are only a month in, I have been doing very well. Here are some of the books I have read so far. HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Fashion by Elizabeth Holmes. I found her Instagram account several months back and immediately fell in love! She covers royal fashion at home. She breaks down all the Royal Family members outfits down for their different appearances. Holms recently came out with a book that follows the fashion of Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. I really loved seeing the incredible photos and beautiful fashion. I also loved learning and reading about the history and background of the fashion and the events. It was especially fun to read it while I was watching The Crown. If you are a fan of The Royals or fashion, or both, this is the book for you! I would give it an A.
Such a good book!
Another book I read this past month was Drawing Home by Jamie Brenner. It’s your typical, light and easy summer read, but why not read it in the winter when you are needing a burst of sunshine! It tells the story of a young girl, Penny, and her mother, Emma, who live in a small town and how their summer unfolds after they inherit a house from a famous artist who dies. But why did he leave it to them? When his business partner, Bea, comes to town to claim the house, a battle between Emma and Bea begins. I finished this book in a week after reading a little bit after morning. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and a whole lot of smiles!!! Was it my favorite book? No. But was it still a fun and light read in the winter? Yes! I would give it a B. I save all my reads to my instagram account and you can follow along at elspethsdaybyday.
Another fun book for the summer or winter!
What I’m Watching: Besides reading, I have been doing a lot of binge-watching. After a year I finally finished 30 Rock! It was a good show, but I still love The Office or Parks and Rec more. It was definitely a relief to finish it! I have been watching some short series and documentaries. I watched The Social Dilemma, which was an interesting look at social media and how it influences our lives. I also hopped on the bandwagon and watched Bridgerton, it was soooooo good. I loved how it was Pride and Prejudice meets Gossip Girl. Such a fun concept and easy show to get through. I am currently making my way through The Queen’s Gambit which has me hooked. I also started Virgin River was has kept me busy too. Staying in during the winter means lots of reading and tv watching.
Finally FinishedAnother great watch!
My latest binge
What I’m Loving: I am loving everything warm and cozy! Whenever I am getting work done at home or watching or reading, I always have a blanket and a candle going. I also have been enjoying lots of outdoor walks too! I have been enjoying lots of warm drinks like cooc and tea. I’m also loving the idea of fresh starts and new beginnings for the new year.
How beautiful is this?!
What Inspires Me: I’m inspired by a fresh and clean slate. Anyone else like to do a deep clean for the start of the year? I did a lot of cleaning earlier this month from organizing to cleaning and getting rid of stuff. It gets me refreshed for the new year.
What I accomplished: I felt a sense of accomplishment by wrapping things up for the old year and starting fresh for the new year, there was no better feeling than getting my planner set up for the new year.
Goals Accomplished from Last Month Last month I got in the Christmas spirit with cooking, baking, Christmas gifts and movies. Even though I worked a lot, I was so happy I still got to enjoy the holidays when I could and be surrounded with family and friends.
Goals for the New Month: I have added a few more things to my daily routines to make my days go smoother and I’m looking forward to seeing how they help my day to day life. I’m looking for new hobbies for the new year and one of them is to try new recipes. I’m also looking for other hobbies so if you have any ideas send them my way.
More time outside is also on my goal list!
That’s just a look into my life this past month. Lots of new goals and fresh starts and a clean slate for the new year. What are some things you have been up to this year??
Hi everyone! Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is off to a good start. As we embark on a new year, it’s time for some new and fresh content. Every year when I work on my blog, I always like to add new pieces and content. The closer I get to living on my own, the more I like to try out new foods and recipes. Get ready for some fun recipes that I plan on making and adapting.
One of my favorite types of food or meals to make are ones with things I already have at home, not only is it resourceful since you aren’t wasting food but it’s also a creative outlet with cooking.
This week’s recipe is Southwest Chicken Salad. This is so easy to make. I started with making some barbecue chicken. I just make regular chicken breasts and put barbecue sauce on top and cook them. Pretty simple, right?!
Southwest Chicken Salad
As far as the salad goes I start off with a simple garden salad. I added lettuce, celery, and onions. I then had little bowls for all the sides, but if you like them all you can just put it in the large salad. In smaller bowls I put black beans, corn, cheddar cheese, and taco chips. I also had dressing like Ranch and French available for toppings.
All the ingredients
For my meal I added salad with black beans, corn, chicken, chips, cheese and dressing.
This meal was fast and easy to make. I had all the ingredients in my fridge and it was very filling and healthy. I was even able to have leftovers for other meals.
This meal will definitely be on rotation for my meal planning. I can’t wait to learn more meals and share them with you too.
Hello everyone! Happy Wednesday! There’s a lot going on in the world and nation right now, from the Election, the pandemic and the holidays approaching, so with that being said, today, we are talking about none of those things and instead we are talking about apple recipes!!!
Something fun and something new and something you can do this weekend!
Last week I took a trip and went apple picking and for the past week I have been enjoying all the apples and I have been baking a lot too!
Fun day apple picking
Last week, I baked my apple turnovers. They are so easy and tasty, perfect for a dessert, snack or even a sweet breakfast! Here’s the recipe from when I made it in the past.
Apple Turnovers
I then made some oatmeal apple crisp! It was perfect with some cold vanilla ice cream! I love the warm apples, with the oats and crisp topping.
You can find the recipe here for the one with an oats topping.
If oats is not your thing, you can find an alternative one here.
Apple crisp with Oats
Lastly, I made a new favorite for the fall! I saw this on Pinterest and I wanted to try it. I love the strong apple taste and the crumb cake like topping, plus they are perfect for a breakfast on the or something sweet after a meal. Here’s therecipe I used from Pinterest.
Apple Muffins
I have loved all the recipes that I made this past week, but there is nothing that beats a fresh apple. Let me know what recipes you try!! Have a sweet week ahead!
Hey everyone! Another week, closer to the summer and getting through the pandemic. Although, this past weekend was Easter and it was a little different, it was still nice to celebrate the holiday with family and a nice meal all together. These past few weeks have really showed me how important the little things in life are, like being together, going for a drive or spending time with people in our lives.
Now, I don’t know about you but there is only so much house work or projects you can do at home, which is why we have been getting creative with things at home. On my days off, I like to spend it with my brothers or parents, we have been watching movies, playing games, or even taking out some of our favorite childhood activites out to bring back childhood memories.
So, of you are looking for some fun games/ ideas for the days at home with children, here you go!
Games
Break out your old favorite childhood games, play board games you haven’t played in a while, it’s something fun and it gets you away from screens for a while.
Jenga games
Crafts
Bring out your creative side and get crafty, the other day my siblings and I found out favorite childhood crafts and we did something creative while always enjoying some childhood memories.
Throwback to childhood, shrink-a-dink crafts
Competitions
My siblings and I range from 21-13, so there’s an age range, competitions are always fun with siblings whether it’s ping pong, foosball, or video games, it’s always good to bring out a friendly competition with siblings.
Ping Pong Competition
Cooking/Baking
One thing I found myself doing through this time home has been looking to try new recipes, I’ve gone through old cookbooks to find new things to try and make, it changes up your meals and once again you are doing something creative with a good and tasty product.
These are just a few ideas or helpful hints to help you pass the time while being at home. Netflix and reading are also up there with things to do. (Hello Tiger King!!!)
How are you coping with being at home? What things are you doing to pass the time? Stay strong and stay safe! Sending love and positive vibes!
Hey guys! Can you believe that it is Christmas Eve?! December flew by, between wrapping up school, graduation and moving back home, it has been whirlwind. I have been doing my best to cram in all the holiday cheer. Although, it has been busy I have been making time for all the special holiday traditions.
Before I left school, I went to a Christmas lights display with one of my friends and we had the most magical time. From the atmosphere, to the lights, and all the Christmas music, it was a great way to start the holidays.
I have watched my favorite Christmas movies including Love Actually, Christmas Vacation, and other children’s classic movies. Watching a Christmas movie at the end of the day is a perfect way to enjoy the season.
I have been doing lots of baking, from traditional cookies, to festive ones, and ones that are special recipes. Baking is one of my favorite ways to prepare for Christmas.
This past weekend, we got our tree and decorated it. It was so special to spend quality family time together.
I am looking forward to spending the next few days with my family. These past few days have also reminded me that Jesus is the reason for the season, although the red and green and gifts are great, remember the true meaning of Christmas lies with Jesus.
