Monthly Meal Plan-June (No Bake/No Cook)

It's almost June! Which means summer! Which means warm weather--which means we may not want to turn on our ovens. Which is why every recipe in this month's plan is no bake and no cook-yayyyy!

This month's recipe round up was brought to you by:

The Cooking Actress | Pies and Plots | The Spiffy Cookie | Kelly Lynn's Sweets & Treats | Savory Moments | The Pajama Chef

Something Saturdays (5/27/17)

Happy Memorial Day weekend!!!

Last weekend the wedding I helped coordinate went great (the ceremony was in the middle of the woods!) Then Sunday I worked and then celebrated my 17 year old cousin's birthday and played games with the family. Monday Michael and I ran a couple errands. Tuesday I had dinner with my dad and grandparents. And then I just worked Wednesday and Thursday. Yesterday I hung out with my cousin and then my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Today I work and then we're going to Youngstown to see one of Michael's cousin's who is in town (he is getting his master's degree in Wales).

Movies/TV Talk (assume there'll be spoilers)
Jane the Virgin-Yay Ro&Xo! And all the Michael feels. (And ew Tyler Posey is Adam?? He's so young to me. NO. I VOTE RAFAEL.)

Law & Order: SVU-That was a rough one.

Instagram Lately (a few highlights from this week on Instagram)

Something Saturdays (5/20/17)

We had a fun, but busy weekend last week, followed by a fairly uneventful week. It's been pretty boring, actually. The highlight was checking out an ice cream place near us that we ended up really liking! Today, I'm working a wedding so I'll be busy busy busy. 

Salted Caramel Pots de Crème

PSA-if, while making these and filling up the pan with the hot water bath, you accidentally get some water in one of your pots de creme, it will still come out pretty tasty, if just a bit thinner in texture. Glad I could do that bit of research for you. Totally intentionally, not at all accidentally.

Smooth, creamy, rich, decadent, PERFECTION. These pots de creme (which are essentially little custards/puddings) are so insanely full of salted caramel flavor (...even the one that had some water get into it before being baked...) and they're sort of kind of MIND BLOWING. And they actually aren't even hard to make. So there's no reason not to have them in your life.

I feel like this is a dessert to impress, it's the kind of thing you serve guests and sound fancy when you offer them their pot de crème and they ooh and ahh over the little single servings of custardy goodness with the pretty flecks of sea salt on top. It's going to make you the coolest person around, really. That's why I'm not cool, I just haven't thrown the right dinner party yet...ha.

But seriously...I loved digging into these while sitting on my couch in my pajamas, so they're appropriate for all occasions, really.

Something Saturdays (5/13/17)

I'm slacking. I know. I'm sorry. I have no excuse for you. :(

But let's chit chat.

Last Sunday I was with Perfectly Planned at a bridal show-super fun but I was exhaaausted afterward. Monday-Wednesday I sort of just hung out and got stuff done. Thursday I had a doctor's appointment and worked. Yesterday I worked. Today I work and then Michael's dad and stepmom are coming over for a late dinner. And tomorrow is Mother's Day! I'm making lunch for my mom and then we're going to Youngstown with Michael's mom to see her side of the family. Do you have any fun plans?

Something Saturdays (5/6/17)

Woo! What a week! Last Saturday I helped coordinate a beautiful wedding (for an amazing couple) at Gervasi Vineyard and everything went amazing. Sunday I enjoyed a day off, and got some food at Table 6 with the hubby. Monday I just relaxed at home. Tuesday I watched a dress rehearsal of my old high school's play (Dracula) and gave them some notes. On Wednesday, Perfectly Planned put together a completely amazing styled shoot that I am SO EXCITED about. I worked on Thursday (and I'm working today). Yesterday, I did an Escape Room with my family. My mom and aunt and grandma and some other "adults" from my family did one room while me and my teenaged cousins/their s.o.'s did another. We got out and the elder group didn't, teehee. 

Today I'm working then going back for another hangout night with the fam (we have a cousin in from out of town). What are you doing?

Monthly Meal Plan-May (BBQ/Memorial Day)

It's already almost May! Yay! And we have some recipes that are perfect for summer weather and barbecues. ALSO if you scroll past the food, you'll find a giveaway (that is perfect for Father's Day!)

Something Saturdays (4/29/17)

Hey guys, sorry for being pretty absent. I've not been feeling too well lately and I've been somewhat busy as well. Forgive me?

Last week's wedding went well! Today I have another one at a vineyard nearby that should be lovely (although I'm hoping it doesn't rain all day). The rest of the week I got things done and worked. Tuesday was a monthly meeting of creative professionals that I attended with my wedding planning boss, and then we had tacos afterward (well I had fried ice cream but you get the idea)! Fun fun fun. 

What was the best part of your week?

6th Blogiversary

6 years ago today I started this little blog!!! It's hard to believe it's already been that long, but it also feels like I've been blogging forever lol.

All I can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to all of you who are reading this, and anyone who has ever read this blog or come to it for a good recipe or a laugh. I hope to continue to provide the tasty and the fun for a long long time. <3

Something Saturdays (4/22/17)

First off--sorry no recipe this week. Things have been crazy. So sorry!

Anyway, if you celebrate--how was your Easter weekend? Saturday Michael and I met up with a few of his cousins and hung out and played games, which is always fun. Sunday we had lunch with his stepmom's side of the family then dinner with his mom's. It was nice, as always :) Michael had Monday off from work so we kind of just relaxed and hung out. Then I just did stuff around the house and ran a couple errands on Tuesday. On Wednesday, my boss and I had a meeting with our July 1st bride. Thursday I worked. Friday I babysat my cousin's baby all day. Today is the official beginning of wedding season for Perfectly Planned this year--we have our first wedding! I'm so excited :) And tomorrow we are having belated Easter with my mom's side of the family. Funsies funsies. 

Something Saturdays (4/15/17)

It's Easter weekend (for those of you who celebrate)! Doing anything fun??

Tomorrow we're having 2 Easter meals, one with Michael's stepmom's family and one with his mom. My mom's side of the family is doing theirs next weekend (my grandma and mom are both in the Bahamas right now and coming back next week).

Last weekend the weather finally got nice and stayed that way, so Michael and I got some dinner at Main Street Grille again, which was really nice. Sunday we spent a bit of time with Michael's mom and siblings. Other than that I've pretty much been just dealing with some stuff and working this week :) We did have dinner with Michael's dad and stepmom on Tuesday (they left for Florida on Thursday so we won't be seeing them tomorrow) which was super nice. But yeah...that's pretty much it lol.

Sweet & Salty Kitchen Sink Cookies {Panera Copycat}

These are the best cookies I've made in awhile. Like...can't get enough of them. Which makes sense because they're modeled after another cookie I couldn't get out of my head: the kitchen sink cookies at Panera.

At one of our meetings with a bride, my boss and I had a couple kitchen sink cookies at Panera. And I knew I needed to recreate them. They were HUGE (like...bigger than these ones. For the first time in my life I struggled with making cookies big enough!) And had pretzels and little bits of caramel and chocolate chips and...of course...there was sea salt on top. So-pretty simple to recreate actually. I amped up the flavor an extra notch by using one of my favorite browned butter cookie bases, because--why wouldn't I?

I think my version might be even better. They're sturdy but chewy and full of so many fantastic textures-crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, melty chocolate. They're so so good. Addictive to the max. They also freeze really well if you-like me-can't be trusted with an entire batch. I froze some and then just pulled out when I needed a special treat ;). 

They're also great for sharing with new friends to endear yourself to them-hence why I brought along some for my "girl-date" with my boss/friend, Val and our new friend, Evie. They both loved them. Of course!

Something Saturdays (4/8/17)

My obsession with the new Beauty and the Beast movie is still going strong, in case you were wondering. Particularly with Dan Stevens (who plays Beast) and I keep listening to Evermore on loop (but without the Beast voice effects, because I enjoy Dan Stevens) and crying.

Then to lift my spirits I just watch the transformation scene and swoon. Then, on Tuesday, I went and saw it again. I had to.

LOOK AT THE EXPRESSION ON HIS FACE

Anyway...

This week Michael went back to work and school-boo. But, while still on break, on Saturday we had a nice dinner out with my boss, Val, and her husband, Darrin, at Table 6-which was SO GOOD. As always. Monday-Wednesday mostly I just wallowed in my BATB obsession, although I did meet up with one of the brides whose weddings is this month at her venue with some other vendors. Other than that this week has just been boringness and work. And BATB obsessing. 

Creamy Chicken Pasta

I've been doing a lot more experimenting in the kitchen these days when it comes to cooking. Less recipes and more throwing things together. It's a little bit freeing! But...when you throw together the same recipe again and again and you love it and you realize...this recipe must be shared....then you write it down. And take pictures. And share it on your blog. This is what everyone does, right?

Naming recipes is hard. I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but it is. Trying to succinctly but accurately sum up what the recipe is like is SUPER tough! Like this...you pan fry chicken. Then you add the sauce ingredients into the same skillet (thusly using the delicious flavor left over from the chicken) and make a creamy sauce. And you eat it with the cooked pasta and chicken. And it's like...what do you call it? I feel pretty good about Creamy Chicken Pasta, but I don't know-what do you think?

It's really just comfort food. Like super flavorful creamy pasta and crisp chicken...it's a feel-good kind of meal. And I mean...feel free to mix some veggies in if you are so inclined. Personally that sounds terrible to me but I have an unfortunately strained relationship with the vegetables, and if you are one of the lucky people who likes them then I am envious and encourage you to enjoy them in this. Or not. Either way (as long as you like chicken) make it. It's gonna become a new favorite of yours like it is a new favorite of mine!

Something Saturdays (4/1/17)

Happy April Fool's Day! Michael's favorite day and the day I am suspicious of everything lol.

This week has been SO NICE. I love having Michael home!

Last weekend we enjoyed the beautiful weather on Saturday by checking out the patio on a new-to-us restaurant nearby, The Main Street Grille--we loved it and will definitely be back! Then we watched Moana and spent the rest of this week having all the songs in our head.

Monday and Tuesday we went down to Marietta, OH (the oldest city in the state, a super cute small river town). Michael was helping with some trainings for work so I spent my days exploring. I spent most of my time at Front Street, Marietta's downtown. I started with lunch at Boathouse BBQ, a spot right on the river-it was pretty tasty but the view was definitely the selling point. Then I checked out some local shops (SP Curated and The Cook's Shop are a blogger's DREAM!) I also grabbed dessert at The Buckley House and had a chocolate caramel mousse that was TO DIE FOR. When Michael was done with work we had dinner, and he had a beer, at Marietta Brewing Co. (Michael loved their milk stout and grilled chicken sandwich, and I really liked the Brewhouse pizza-it had braised ribs, turkey, bacon, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and bruschetta...OMG). The next day I had a few chocolates from Putnam Chocolates (I actually wasn't a fan), did some more shopping (Whit & Whimsy was my favorite of the day!), enjoyed the park and saw some steamboats. Before we headed home we got dinner at The Levee House where we both loved our appetizer (fried ravioli and spinach artichoke dip that came with salsa) but were both meh about our entrees (burger and root beer pork). Wednesday, back home, Michael and I spent the whole day shopping/running errands and then had dinner with his family. Thursday his friend David came over and they hung out and also hung up some paintings in our living room. Friday we saw Beauty and the Beast (EEEE!) and did some more shopping. Today we're having dinner with my boss Val and her hubby, and then showing them our house! Fun fun!

Also....we're attempting to decorate and are terrible at it. We like simple, clean, modern decor and it's ridiculously difficult to find what we want apparently. If you have places to shop let me know!

Raspberry Pie

Michael loves pie. Like...on ultimate Pi day, a couple years ago, he was sincerely upset that I hadn't made him pie (oops). He particularly likes fruit pies...which is tricky because I don't really dig fruit pies. So I only make them for him on occasion. Thusly, it's a special event when I do.

Sometimes Michael sits around and questions why certain pies don't exist...and then I tell him they do exist. One time that was grape pie (although admittedly it sounds weird, it apparently exists). And then another time he questioned raspberry pie. Before looking it up, I knew that it wouldn't be difficult-it should be the same premise as blueberry or blackberry pie, and of course I was right and I found various recipes online. So I was a nice lady and made him some raspberry pie. And right before this year's Pi day, so he finally got his Pi day pie. 

It's actually fitting that I share this recipe today, because I'm spending the whole week with Michael while he's on spring break (and he took off from work today-Friday). I so rarely get to spend this much time with him, between work and school (and the fact that on the weekends I am usually working) so this is a special treat! Just like pie :D

Anyway, more about this actual pie. It's my first time making a lattice top crust-I thought it turned out pretty well! You do not have to do a lattice, you can kind of do whatever you'd like. The lattice is so evocative of a classic berry pie though, you know? And I used my favorite butter pie crust recipe which was flaky and delicious. The filling has a pleasant tartness and lots of pure raspberry flavor-I mean the ingredient list for the filling is beautifully short. It's essentially just raspberries, sugar, and cornstarch. I love that, it really let's the raspberries true flavor shine through. Michael was super super happy about this pie, and I bet you will too!

Monthly Meal Plan-April (Easter/Spring)

Wheeeere did March go?? How is it almost gone?! It's already time to prepare for April, which is exciting because April means SPRING! I am so ready and these recipes are here to get us all even more ready!

This month's recipe round up was brought to you by:

The Pajama Chef | Ninja Baker | The Cooking Actress | Pies and Plots | The Spiffy Cookie | Foodtastic Mom | Kelly Lynn's Sweets & Treats | Savory Moments

Something Saturdays (3/25/17)

HOORAY! Today marks the first day of Michael's spring break! I'm so excited to spend lots and lots of time together and hopefully get some stuff done. Yippee! But today I just want to enjoy the nice weather that we're having :)

Rewinding, what did you guys do this week? Monday I took our taxes to Michael's friend (who is also an accountant). Tuesday I got some stuff done and then had a meeting with my boss Val and a wedding photographer whose work we love. Then I had dinner with my mom, which was nice. Wednesday I had another girl date with my boss Val and our friend/fellow wedding professional, Evie--which is way too much fun, always! Everything else this week was fairly chill. 

Half-Fried Chicken and Gravy

The original title of this post was Fried Chicken and Gravy. BUT...it's only kind of fried. It's fried and then baked. And it doesn't taste exactly like straight up fried chicken so...I changed the name to better represent what we're working with here.

Whatever you call it, I will admit that it wasn't quite as crisp as I wanted and...I don't know. The chicken itself wasn't my favorite (but that's just me, goodness knows I'm particular)--but the GRAVY. Oh mama the gravy is goooood.

The gravy is rich, and creamy, and so perfectly flavorful. And when you serve it with chicken and over some mashed potatoes, you are in comfort food heaven. Rainy or cold day? Make some of this. Had a fight with someone you care about? Make some of this. A beloved character on a TV show you love dies? DEFINITELY make some of this!

Something Saturdays (3/18/17)

Happy day after Saint Patty's day! Are you all feeling ok? I hope so! 

I don't really do St. Patrick's Day, but power to all you green-wearing peeps.

So, I did a good amount of work this week-blah. But I also was in the kitchen a fair amount-yay! Michael was out of town for a work conference for a couple days (he left Wednesday night and got back last night) so I missed him a bunch :( To keep my mind off it, on Wednesday I had lunch with my boss/friend, Val, and our new friend and fellow wedding professional (she's an amazing calligrapher-check out Pine Calligraphy on etsy!), Evie, at Sarah's Vineyard. We ate deeeelicious food and had so much fun chatting. Then I went to my friend Kevin's house and played with his sweet spaniel puppers, Tali and Atlas (Tali is a couple years old, Atlas is a new little pup!) Thursday and Friday I just worked, and then I got to be reunited with my Michael on Friday night! Today I'm working and tomorrow I'm also working, but then we're going to a 2 year old's birthday party, yay!