Sunday, May 31, 2015

Recipe: Asiago Alfredo Spinach and Chicken Pizza

So today I wanted to do something new, and make something delicious before DH went to work.

I had a box of Tastefully Simple Asiago Alfredo Warm Dip in the pantry, and saw the pizza recipe on the side.  So off to the grocery store I went.

I used Pillsbury Whole Wheat pizza crust, and baked it according to the directions.  I took it out of the oven, layered the asiago dip on the crust as the cheese base, and followed with pre cooked chicken, baby spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

You can find the recipe here.

I really enjoyed this.  It is pretty healthy, isn't greasy, and is just plain good.  What is your favorite make at home pizza recipe?

Need to buy more!!

Right out of the oven!

Disappeared pretty quickly!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

#EmilyStrong

As many of you know, I am from Chicago.  There is a great, inspirational story about a little girl who was battling cancer, Emily Beazley.  Unfortunately, she lost her battle with cancer last night.

Childhood cancer is one of the most underfunded studies across America.  If you can make a difference, whether it is voluteering, donating $, etc, every little bit helps.  Praying for all the littles enduring the fight now, and who have earned their angel wings.

Emily's Story.

Ways to Help:
St. Jude
St. Baldrick's
Lurie Hospital

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Influenster: Soap Box

I received some Soap Box shampoo and conditioner complimentary to test and/or review from Influenster!

This stuff is nothing short of amazing.  Not only is is great shampoo, but the social aspect and story behind the product is incredible.

My shampoo and conditioner have a "hope code" on the back of the bottle, where I can track down who/where my purchase is helping.

I entered the code on the soap box site, and discovered that both bottles were helping children get access to clean water in China.

If I can buy some fantastic shampoo and conditioner, and benefit a great cause, sign me up.  I can't wait to buy some more soon!

Soap Box!!

Monday, May 11, 2015

Mother's Day Brunch

Well folks..another successful brunch in the books!  I didn't do my all out fancy brunch, but something simple to start our day!  I loved being able to do something nice for my mother in law, especially since we have lived with her for the past 6 weeks while we renovate our house!

I made petite crust-less quiche, banana bread, and had mixed fruit to the mix.  I love using SkinnyTaste recipes-especially so I can lighten up some oldie but goodies!

Banana Bread right out of the oven! 

Look at that plate!  So delicious!



Sunday, May 10, 2015

Mother's Day

via

What does Mother’s Day mean to me?
It means so many things.  It is happiness.  It is sorrow.  It is old memories..it is making new ones.
My mother passed away 9 years ago, and it is sad to know that she is no longer here with me, but taught me to be the best that I can.  She taught me that it is ok to fail.  To get up.  Try again.  To love unconditionally.  To live it up in college-you only live once.  To always rely on your siblings.  To never show up at anyone’s home empty handed.  How to make meatloaf.  I think that is my husband’s favorite.  Her memory will always live on with me, and my siblings.
It is standing in the kitchen, waiting for some homemade banana bread to be done baking for brunch tomorrow with my mother in law and family tomorrow morning.
It is praying for those who are trying to conceive and be a mom.  A road that is not easy for many. 
It is praying for those moms of angel babies, who yearn for their children on this day, and many days.  
It is helping out those new moms, who may just need a hand at home.  A break from mommy duty.  A friend to just listen, and not to judge.
Mother’s day is a day to appreciate those women all around us that much more.  Those that are here.  Those that are the role of mom, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend.  Those that just do those mom things. 
Cheers to all the moms.  Both here on earth, and in heaven.  Those with us today, or 2000 miles away.  The world is a better place with women like you!!

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Chicken Fajitas

So in all things Cinco de Mayo, I made my famous Mexican salad, and some chicken fajitas.

The salad is always amazing, and healthy, packed with protein.  The fajitas were from SkinnyTaste and they were a hit in my house.  The marinade was amazing.  I let the chicken marinate for about 6 hours, and then put the breasts on the grill.  I made two huge Costco sized breasts for 4 people, and it was enough.  Definitely making these again!

Skinny Fajitas+Skinny Margarita=Huge success.  Now I just wish I took a picture of the food...



Monday, May 4, 2015

Weekend in Da City..

This weekend was a whirl wind in ever best way possible.

Friday I spent doing stuff at our house which is being remodeled.  I cleaned, organized, and painted the front porch.  Then my in laws made some of the best hamburgers ever, and we relaxed and ate dinner together.

Painted this beast of a porch.  Flowers are growing.  New doors this week!!


Saturday I had brunch with one of my besties.  Such a great brunch.  We went to Zia's Lago Vista in Chicago.  Highly recommend it.
After brunch we went to the NFL draft.  I scored some VIP tent tix, and we went and looked at Draft Town USA.

Love her.  

Draft Town USA baby.

Da Bears!


Check out my Instagram and my Pins from the Draft!

Sunday I had to work, which was good, because I met my new boss, and got acquainted with what I will be doing in the Reserves.  I got home and relaxed, which I needed after such a great weekend.

How was your weekend?

Friday, May 1, 2015

Go Cubs Go!

I went to my first Cub game of the season this week.  The Cubs got their butts whooped, but I had a great time catching up with my girls.

A little bit of Goose Island, some girl time, Chicago baseball, and a live band to dance the night way from afterwards was a great way to spend the day!

Cubby Blue.  Great beer only available at the Wrigleyville location.

Let me take a selfie.  

Cheering on the Cubbies!

I love the friendly confines.