Summertime Pasta

Here in Kentucky it went from Winter to Summer...I mean 30 degrees to 80 degrees. No wonder everyone has either allergies, a cold or the flu. Our bodies are so confused! So, I decided to roll with it and make a summertime pasta to go with our grilled BBQ chicken last night. 

{Recipe Source}

Ingredients:

14.5 oz uncooked elbows

1 10oz package grape tomatoes, cut in half

1 small to medium zucchini quartered

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

7 tbsp light mayonnaise (I used Kraft with Olive Oil)

2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp fat free Greek yogurt

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp oregano (I honestly don't measure)

1/4 tsp garlic powder (Again, I don't really measure)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta in generously salted water according to package directions. Drain 

and rinse with cold water.

In a medium bowl, combine onions, mayonnaise, vinegar, yogurt, mustard, oregano, garlic powder; mix well. Add tomatoes (and any juice) and zucchini (I added a little salt and pepper too) then toss well.

Pour cooked pasta into a large bowl and add your sauce, tomato and zucchini mixture. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

After eating some for dinner, I found myself adding a squirt of the mayo, mustard and vinegar to just keep moist. 

ENJOY!

Getting Creative

I'm sure most of you have seen the {pins} about cutting up a swim noodle and putting them in your boots to help them stand up. TRUE...but I have a free solution for you to try!! 

All you need is: Old magazines!

Who doesn't have tons of these laying around? If you don't, start saving them..or ask a friend or relative.

Roll them up and plop them in your boots!

TA~DA!

How simple was that?? Seriously genius! 

Suggestion: If you have heavier or taller boots, just roll up 2+ magazines in each boot for more stability. I can't believe I haven't done this sooner!

The Day of Love

Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. 

Banner came from Esty & wooden plaque from TJmaxx

What Valentine's Day means to me? Well, I think it is always important to show your mate affection, appreciation and love every day. Valentine's Day is really just a day to brag about how much you love that special someone. Come on, stand up and scream "I LOVE ________!" Kind of like AshLee on the Bachelor did this past Monday. haha When she did that, Andrew and I just looked at each other and starting laughing like "OMG did she really just do that?"

Heart pillow via Target, Heart Plates from Tuesday Morning & "LOVE" sign via TJmaxx

Being a Designer, I tend to go a little over board with holiday decor (I can see Andrew saying right now, "That's an under statement!"). I just can't help myself! It's a nice way to get yourself in the spirit and it's a good reminder for Andrew because, let's face it, he's never been good at remembering anything but his birthday. 

 

Above is a little project I did from some inspiration I got from Pinterest

What you need:

1. Large Vase

2. Smaller Vase that will fit inside and leave enough room for your decor to fit around

3. You decor filler (I used the offical Valentine's Day candy hearts)

4. Flowers of any kind (I used my favorite, yellow tulips)

5. A little bit of plastic wrap

Directions:

1. Add water to the smaller vase and make sure to dry off the exterior

2. Put plastic wrap around the top of the smaller vase

3. Place the smaller vase inside the larger vase. Leaving equal space around the perimeter. I had to hold mine in place so it wouldn't move.

4. Pour the decor of your choice in the gap left between the two vases (this is where you will see the plastic wrap comes in handy)

5. Remove the plastic wrap from the smaller vase

6. Add flowers of your choice

TA-DA!

Now just wait for the compliments to come rolling in!!

("Oh, you're so creative!"  "That is sooo cute!"  "Wow, I love that!")

For all the singles out there without a significant other....this is still YOUR holiday too. Celebrate with your friends, family, coworkers or even pets! Showing a little appreciation can go a long way! Make some baked goods to take to work, write a handwritten note or even go out for a martini with a girlfriend!

Raspberry Chocolate Kiss Martini

 Fact: pets are the most loyal things on this planet. Since we have our little "children," I can't seem to leave them out of any holiday celebration. While we were in Nashville a few weeks ago for the Justin Bieber concert (YES, you read that right), we went to breakfast and then hit Petco. I walked in and saw all the Valentine's toys...I couldn't resist! Our pups need love too!

I hope you enjoy the Day of Love with people that fill your life with love, laughter and joy.