Confessions of a Klutz

~ Elizabeth ~ Leave a comment

Admit it, we’ve all made some senseless blunders that left us shaking our head.  Whether it’s with beauty, fashion or just plain lack of common sense – it happens.  Well my friends, I’ve had my fair share of them lately so don’t feel so bad.  I’m known for being a complete klutz and I’m convinced it’s hereditary- my sister and mother suffer from the same and it leaves my poor father perplexed.

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We’re not perfect, we’re human.  Everyone tries to appear to be so pulled together and strive for perfection, but that’s not reality.  So let me give you a dose of my reality and share some of the embarrassing things that happened to me lately.  My hope is this post makes you laugh through the ridiculous moments and shake them off – we’re in this together 🙂

1)  Hair raising morning:  I singed my hair with my curling iron, resulting in a chuck of my hair coming off.  No idea how the curling iron was turned up so high, but that was not the way I wanted to start my day.  Nothing a little product and a creative hair part can’t handle.

2)  Self tanner gone wrong:  Tried a new self tanner that left me streaky.  I didn’t realize how bad it was until I was in the natural light- oye.  Should have exfoliated better – rookie move.

3)  Caffeine crash:  After standing in a long line at Starbucks and waiting even looooonger for my iced latte, I picked up the cup and it literally slipped through my hands and all over the floor.  It was a sad sight to see and luckily the nice barista felt sorry for me and poured a replacement.

The weekend is almost here…we’re sooooo close.  Hang in there if you’re “having a week”.

 

 

Cover your Assets

~ Elizabeth ~ 1 Comment

Summer is almost here!  Bring on the sunshine, pool and cocktails.  But, Summer means it’s time for bathing suit shopping which is never fun unless you’re Gisele Bündchen.  However, there are so many adorable options and the one piece is making quite a comeback.

I’ve been on the hunt for a great cover-up for my jaunt to the rooftop pool or next boating adventure on Lake Michigan.  If you’re in need of a cute option for covering your bits, take a look at these adorable finds.

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Oodles of Zucchini Noodles

~ Elizabeth ~ Leave a comment

I’ve been a spaghetti squash fan for years and it’s a great alternative to traditional noodles. You can top with your favorite homemade sauce and it’s just a delight.  I was missing Mom yesterday and remembered I had a container of her homemade pasta sauce in the freezer- bonus!  No matter how many times I make her recipe, I still can’t replicate the taste.

Knowing spaghetti squash would take too long to cook in the oven and I didn’t have it on hand, I used my veggie spiral cutter to create delicious thin noodles in minutes.

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This is how I did it:

  1. Take one large zucchini (wash/dry)
  2. Select thick or thin (I chose thin)
  3. Place one end into the spiral cutter and start circulating to cut into a bowl
  4. Discard the core
  5. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute (I like mine a little crisp)
  6. Top with your favorite sauce and sprinkle fresh shaved Parmesan

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Best Dressed Guest

~ Elizabeth ~ Leave a comment

Wedding season is just around the corner.  I attended my first wedding of the year last weekend- thankfully as a guest.  Spring is a tricky time to dress for a wedding because the weather is unpredictable and tights are just unacceptable (hello spray tan).  You’ll never outshine the beautiful bride, but you can be the best dressed guest in the room.  Here are some of my recent favorites to consider for your next wedding.

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Girls Night In

~ Elizabeth ~ 2 Comments

As much as I enjoy going out with my best girls, there’s something great about staying in.   We’ve been so busy lately and agreed it was time for a girls night in.  I thought about serving a full dinner, but decided it would be more fun to sit around and nosh on some heavy apps and wine (of course).

It’s always a struggle to host friends while you’re prepping and cooking in the kitchen.  This time I made a few easy and delicious options that I was able to prep in advance and make quickly so I was able to enjoy my company.  Here are some of the snacks I served and hope they provide some inspiration for your next girls night.

Classic Bruschetta 

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Ingredients:

  • Fresh rosemary baguette
  • Package of grape tomatoes
  • Fresh basil
  • Garlic
  • Red onion
  • Meyer lemon olive oil
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Shaved Parmesan
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cream of balsamic (balsamic glaze)

Directions:

  1. Wash and chop the package of grape tomatoes
  2. Chop 3 fresh garlic cloves
  3. Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onions
  4. Combine first three ingredients in a bowl and toss with 3 tbsp of Meyer lemon olive oil.  Regular olive oil works great too, but this adds such a fresh burst of flavor.  Cover and refrigerate for a few hours for flavors to combine.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
  6. Cut your baguette into 1/2 inch slices with a bread knife and place on a cookie sheet.  Lightly brush the top off each piece of bread with a light coating of extra virgin olive oil.
  7. Place bread on the top rack of the oven and set the timer to 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the edges.
  8. Remove the tomato mixture from the refrigerator and mix with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Wash and dry fresh basil- about a bunch.  Stack each leaf on each other and roll like a cigar.  Take your knife and chop into confetti like strings to top your bruschetta when your ready to serve.
  10. Place a spoonful of mixture on top of each piece of bread.  Sprinkle with a pinch of shaved Parmesan and a few pieces of fresh basil.  Finally, top with a drizzle of cream of balsamic.
  11. Place on your serving dish and you’re ready to enjoy.

Fig-Prosciutto Pizza with Arugula

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Ingredients:

  • 1 piece of Naan bread
  • Fig spread (I use Dalmatia Dried Fig Spread)
  • Fresh Mozzarella
  • Shaved Parmesan (optional)
  • 2 slices fresh prosciutto
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Spread a generous amount of fig spread on the Naan bread
  3. Slice one medium size ball of mozzarella and place pieces on top of the fig spread
  4. Place on parchment paper and bake for 10 min (keep checking depending on your oven)
  5. Note:  The cheese is going to go everywhere- don’t worry, it will crisp up
  6. Once it’s baked to your liking, remove from oven
  7. In a bowl toss the washed arugula, olive oil, salt and pepper (to taste)
  8. Place the arugula mixture on top of the warm pizza
  9. Break up the pieces of prosciutto and lay on top of the arugula with a few sprinkles of shaved Parmesan (optional)
  10. Cut into pieces and serve warm

Chicken Italian Sausage Pizza

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Ingredients:

  • 1 piece of Naan bread
  • Pizza sauce (I used Rao’s)
  • Shredded Mozzarella
  • 2 mild Italian sausages (in casing) from meat counter
  • 1/2 medium red onion
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil

Directions:

  • Chop 1/2 of a medium red onion into thin slices
  • Heat olive oil in a medium size pan
  • Saute onions over medium heat
  • White the onions saute, remove the casing on the two sausages and discard
  • Break apart the sausage meat into the pan and cook thoroughly with onions
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  • Take 1 piece of Naan bread and add a layer of pizza sauce on top (to your liking)
  • Add the sausage and onion mixture on top
  • Then add shredded mozzarella cheese on top (to your liking)
  • Bake in the oven for about 10 min (keep in longer if you like it crispy)
  • Remove from the oven and add the fresh basil on top just before serving