Baby Shower

Hello all!

I know, I know. I haven't been posting very frequently... or at all. I hope to change that!

This weekend, I threw my best friend Rachel a baby shower. I scoured pinterest to see what great ideas I could get. Today, you get the benefit of my hard work!

First, let me show you some pictures from the baby shower. That way, you can see if you even want to replicate it. I think it turned out great! The shower colors were yellow, red, gray and white.


I had a "Ready to Pop!" area with soda pop, pop corn (caramel and butter), and some blow pops. I made some food labels using some I found on pinterest. YOu can find them here. They are originally in yellow, and I just used photoshop to make them gray. I then added some red text to them. My handwriting is HORRIBLE so I printed out text, but if you have great handwriting, there is no need to print out the text then!

I also had a food area where all the food was labeled with the same print out. I picked out the food based on what my friend had been craving throughout her pregnancy  She had been craving eggs, bananas, apples, and rootbeer. So, I had deviled eggs, a fruit salad with apples and bananas, and some rootbeer in the soda pop area. I just happen to make a great pasta salad, so I provided that as well. I also had a "baby brewing" area with some great tea I brewed at home. I also had some cupcakes, but they didn't turn out well. I don't think cupcakes like me very much!

(Sorry about the semi-blurry pics. I was rushing to take pics before the guests arrived!)

I didn't want to go out and spend some more money on placeholders to put the labels on, so I just used some binder clips, and it worked like a charm. Who needs fancy stuff anyways?

Anyways, there you are! It turned out great! I found a bunch of these ideas off pinterest and just kinda mixed them all up! Guests loved it. Have you thrown a baby shower? Do you have any ideas to add? Cheers!

Veggie Lasagna

I have been craving some delicious Italian food, like manicotti, lasagna, and tortellini. I have been looking for an easy and delicious veggie recipe that wasn't horrible for me, and I finally just decided to attempt one.

I made a veggie lasagna for my husband and I, and guess what? It was delicious and easy! It took about an hour to make (1/2 was baking time),

Ingredients:

(Serves 3-6 people. Double recipe as needed).

•  3/4 cups shredded Mozzarella & Parmesan
• 15 oz container of low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• your favorite veggies (I used spinach, onions, and green onions).
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• Dash of nutmeg (optional)
• Lasagna noodles (about 9 noodles) for a 9 x 13 pan.

Directions:

1. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain of all liquids before anything.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Rinse with cold water, and drain. (or if you buy quick-cook noodles, follow directions on box).
3. In a large saucepan, cook and stir vegetables, including onions, garlic, green onions the pasta sauce. If using spinach,   
4. Mix together ricotta frozen spinach.I also put the salt, pepper, oregano and some garlic powder in as well. (Also a dash of nutmeg, cause why not?!



5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread 1/4 pasta sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 1/3 lasagna noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, and Mozzarella/Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering, and top with remaining the remaining mozzarella/parm cheese.



6. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. 
7. I put the broiler on for about 5-10 minutes and let the top get really cooked to be crispy. If you like a gooey top, then take it out!

Crispy top... mmmmmm.....

8. Let stand 10-15 minutes before serving.

I hope you enjoy!

End of an Era

Isn't this a cheesy picture?

I make reference to my law firm every now and then, as I am sure you have noticed. This week I have been unable to blog as much, because my wonderful law partner is leaving the firm to join another firm. It is an exciting opportunity for her, and I will miss her greatly. We've worked together for about a year, and it's been fantastic! She has inspired me to cook and create more things than I ever thought I could, and I thought I should give a shout-out to her. She has also started her own blog, and I would advise you to read it (she's a pretty fantastic cook). It's called eatshop, check it out.

Next week I hope to be my normal blogging self. I have a lot of posts about my 'staycation' and other goodies. See you then!

Happy Labor Day!

Happy Labor Day!

Today,  my husband and I are going to work around the house, relax, and maybe enjoy a cookout tonight with some friends. I hope your labor day is just as relaxing and non-laborious!

Findings Around Target

While out shopping at Target, I often dream about what I would buy if I had unlimited money. Today on my blog, you are going shopping with me. Here are some finds I found at my local Target that I would snatch up if I had the money. 

First, I should warn my readers that my husband and I have a clock obsession. We have at least one clock in every one of our rooms, except the kitchen. We are actively seeking out a clock to fit in with out kitchen decor... but that's another story.

While this clock is not a good fit for our kitchen, we have been looking at it ever since Target put it on the shelf for $9.99. It's a perfect little clock for a small, unoccupied area. I think we'll buy it soon. It comes in many different colors, but I think I like the red the best. Cute, amiright?

Next, I found a bunch of lamps that I love. All kinds of colors and shapes! I really love the simple silver lamps, but a little punch of color in a room never hurts!

I love the coral color and simple shape of this lamp! It ran around $20.

Same lamp but in another color, more neutral. Still love it!

Fun and funky yellow lamp with a cool shape!

More expensive, but pretty awesome lamp!

Next, I moved on to amazing pillows! I have no idea why pillows are so expensive, but I would take any of these off of Target's shelves if they were about 1/4 of the price.

I think that last pillow is my favorite. The shape and simple sewn-in design is really eye catching. I might be dreaming about that pillow for a while! I also really like the blue coral pillow, and I think it would be great in a sea-themed room. What do you think?

I hope you enjoyed my small shopping trip to Target. What have you found there or at any other of your favorite stores lately?