It Could Be Worse

I love starting my week on a Tuesday, don't you?

Especially after a nice, long weekend of home improvement projects, barbecuing with friends and family and lounging in the hot Jersey sun. Things could be worse.

My waistline that was on the cusp of trimming down could now revolt.

At least I used a sandwich thin. Though my palette seriously missed out on the good, old-fashioned potato roll.

I could have found a delicious and refreshing new homemade poppy seed salad dressing that my sister Christine whipped up, possibly knocking out my favorite balsamic-honey-mustard dressing. The balsamic dressing simply won't be happy to hear about this.

I could have lamented that though I'm jumping for joy over corn season, Jersey corn hasn't quite hit yet, leaving all other corns inferior. But it's still fairly wonderful.

Especially when it's cut off the cob, leaving no pieces stuck in my teeth. Smart, right?

This little girl could have eaten her own doggie food, rather than hide out under the kids' chairs in hopes of finding lots of 'crumbs'.

I could have spent the day indoors or out on my sweltering terrace instead of lounging at my parents' pool with them, my sister Christine and my cousins.

Things could be worse.

How did you spend your long weekend? Any parties or picnics? And please weigh in...Do you eat your corn on or off the cob?

Memorial Day Weekend Eats

It's Friii-daay! It's Friii-daay!

Excuse me while I get my happy dance on. Not only is it Friday, but it's a holiday weekend Friday which pretty much rocks my world. What do you have planned? Shaun and I are getting our home DIY on, having dinner and drinks with friends and just relaxing a bit. What do you have planned?

One of my favorite things about summer holidays is, you guessed it, the picnic and barbecue food. I can't wait to eat some of these this weekend! I thought I'd share a round up of some of my favorite picnic food ideas. I hope you've already eaten breakfast, because these will most certainly get your tummy rumbling.

Grilled Zucchini Coins

I love these. So simple, so delicious and so healthy. Make them today. And tomorrow.

Carmelized Potato & Parsnip Tart

Another great way to get some veggies. I served this on Christmas Eve, but it would be perfect cut up into bite size squares and served outdoors on a big platter for guests to pick at. Oh and it doesn't hurt that it's gorgeous to boot.

Grilled Caprese Salad

Melted mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes...it doesn't get better.

Creamy Fruit Salsa

It really couldn't be easier. Find some delicious fruit salsa (I like Target's peach salsa) and mix with a dollop of sour cream. Serve with chips. Yum.

Pizza Dip

It's an oldie but always a goodie and always a crowd pleaser. I always, always serve this at parties and gatherings. Although it's one of the easiest dips ever, it's always the first plate to be cleaned.

Asiago-Fig Macaroni & Cheese

This can easily be prepped in advance and baked off once guests arrive or at your final destination. Guests and hosts alike will love you for it. I promise.

Burgers & Corn on the Cob

I can't imagine Memorial Day weekend wthout either of these items. I can't wait to finally eat some Jersey corn this weekend...it's the best!

And for dessert? Something about summer gatherings always makes me want bars. So I'm sharing my 2 favorite bar recipes thus far.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars

Find me someone who won't like these. It won't happen. They are delicious and extremely rich so one tray goes a looong way.

Pineapple Carrot Bars

These are not only delicious, but look how cute they are! Not to mention, cream cheese frosting makes everything better.

So there you have it. Lots of delicious recipes for your holiday weekend! I hope you enjoy some of these! What are your plans for the weekend? What's your favorite picnic/barbecue foods? I'm always on the hunt for new ones, so dish in the comments!

Thursday Thoughts

I'm so happy that it's Thursday. That means it's almost Friday. And once it's Friday, that means long, Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer. I am excited!

I'm not so excited about the fact that I am feeling extremely jet lagged yesterday and today. It's like the jet lag gods fooled me into thinking I adjusted without a problem, only to be hit with a major case of it. Sleeeeep!

Last night I finished reading One Day. Have you read it? It's a story visiting the lives of best friends and sometimes lovers Emma and Dexter for one day every year of their post-college lives. It took me a while to really get into this book and admittedly I almost put it down. But. I'm glad I pushed through. Though I did have some major issues with the characters at times, looking back at the story as a whole...well, I kind of liked it. And I really enjoyed the format. And there's a movie coming out later this year. So if you are into romance, friendship, heartbreak (all the elements of a good book, after all), I say go for it.

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I also reread Something Borrowed and Something Blue on my trip. I have to say, I think that I actually enjoyed Something Blue even more than Something Borrowed. I really hope that this gets greenlit to be made into a movie! I would love to see it on the big screen. I would literally jump for joy.

Has anyone seen Water for Elephants? I really, really need to get on this. I had the bright idea to go while we were on vacation, however, I realized that it would not be in English. Agua para Elefantes, anyone?

 I really, really need to replenish my stock of protein powder. My smoothies (though fantastic) are just not filling enough in the morning. Currently, my favorite combination is: 1 C almond milk, 1 banana, 1 giant scoop of peanut butter, 1 giant handful of spinach leaves, vanilla extract, cinnamon, Splenda and 2 tbsp flax seed meal. What kind are you digging?

Shaun and I blew right through the first 2 seasons of Breaking Bad while on our trip.

I just can't get enough of the whole gang. I think that aside from Walter, I'm really loving Jesse and his story and how he can somehow never win. I just want to hug him. I'm now counting down until Season 3 comes out on DVD next month so that we can get on that before Season 4 starts in July!

I'm on the hunt for some not-entirely-unhealthy dessert options. Something small to just fill that sweet craving after dinner. Thoughts? Ideas? Please send them.

That's all of my thoughts for today. Hopefully I will get a few more that do not revolve around how I am filling my time with media...What are your thoughts today? What are you reading? Watching? Eating? Tell me some stories friends.