June 15, 2011

Oh 28...

Well another Birthday has come and gone! 28 is not really an exciting year so we kept things pretty low key. All I wanted to do was spend time with those that I love and I got that wish.  My b-day celebrations were calm, relaxing and with the people closest to me.
For my birthday dinner this year we had Indian Food from Wing Express at UConn which was delicious! I love everything about Indian food. The smell, color and explosion of flavor is just incredible and a nice change from our basic takeout of pizza or chinese!

Photo Credits
The Vegetable Pakora, Vegetable Samosa, Baigan Bhartha and Shrimp Tandoori Masala were fantastic & a perfect way to celebrate another year! Cheers to another healthy & happy year to everyone!

May 18, 2011

Birthday Wish List...

Since my Birthday is right around the corner I (like every year) decided to create my Birthday Wish List. My husband is always good to me but since we have a lot of travel plans this summer I really don't want to get carried away! I am having a hard time deciding between the MK Watch and the Initial necklace. I love Max & Chloe Jewerly so we shall see ;) 

April 29, 2011

To Be a Princess...

I think most girls woke up extra early this morning just to see one of the most beautiful women in the world walk down the isle. Kate Middleton is absolutely stunning with a presence of royalty and grace. I wish I could go back to my wedding day when I too... felt like a princess.



Photos from CelebBuzz

May everyone live Happily Ever After...

April 26, 2011

Amazing Easter Cake!

Easter weekend was beautiful with finally, some warm weather! My cousin Kayla made the most amazing cake I have ever seen!
The eggs are red velvet cake
The Basket is a peanut butter frosting with a banana cake and filled with chocolate ganache!






By far one of the best cakes I have ever tasted!

April 13, 2011

Perfect Pancakes

Since it is officially Spring and we now have fresh produce in our markets I have become obsessed with everything Blueberry this year. When I received this set from Stonewall Kitchen I was so excited to go home and make pancakes! My husband and I have breakfast for dinner a lot and since we are on a healthy regime I wanted to work that into this recipe as well.

Instead of using the batter as directed I substituted the eggs for egg whites and used 1/2 Stonewall batter and 1/2 whole wheat pancake batter. I also added a handful of oats, a splash of vanilla and a hint of cinnamon. Needless to say... they were delicious! The Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup is also from Stonewall Kitchen and even with my love for Maine aside, it too was perfect!

April 7, 2011

It's finally Spring!

The weather here in CT has finally cooperated and we have taken our first family trip ( and Ariel's 1st trip ever) to the lake house for the year! There is something about being here that is so peaceful and serene.

 I cannot wait until the warmer days so I can bask in the sunshine and let my playful pups jump in the beautiful water! Spring is officially here which only means that Summer is on it's way ;)


March 23, 2011

Happy Wife, Happy Life...

I have a pretty amazing husband! Way better than flowers (plus I already have some beautiful purple tulips) and healthy too!

March 22, 2011

Chicken Pesto Pizza


I am excited to finally have my husband home for dinner tonight! Here is what we will be cooking up together!

Ingredients:

  • 1 tube (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza crust
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 envelope pesto sauce mix
  • 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 jar (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
  • 4 plum tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

Directions

  • Unroll pizza crust into an ungreased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan; flatten dough and build up edges slightly. Prick dough several items with a fork. Bake at 425° for 7 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, combine the water, oil and pesto sauce mix in a saucepan. Cook until heated through (do not boil). Add the spinach, ricotta and onion; mix well. Spread over crust. Top with the chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes and Swiss and Romano cheeses. Bake at 425° for 7 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 slice equals 368 calories, 16 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 54 mg cholesterol, 866 mg sodium, 32 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 24 g protein.

March 16, 2011

Rain in the Style

Rain in Style
Rain in Style by Ecsuash featuring wellies rain boots

Let the Rainy Season Begin... in Style of Course! I am happy so see rain which means Spring and Flowers but really, who likes to get wet while walking to work, shopping, etc?
Rain in the Style with some of these must have rain accessories!

February 17, 2011

New Obsession in Nails!

Since the start of 2011 I have only been to get a Manicure 3 times, and in all of those weeks my nail polish did not chip once!
This is all thanks to the wonderful world of Gel Nail polish! With OPI's hot new trend it makes it easy to match your toes to your nails (since they are the same colors in Gel) and keep your nails looking Fab for more than two days!








I encourage everyone to try! The cost is usually between $25-$35/a session and well worth it! Let me know what you think!

February 15, 2011

Getting Ready for Spring!

The countdown to Spring is on!


I have officially started my summer diet and am on the path to a healthy happy new Ashley for the Summer! Here is a helpful website to get your iPod ready and your body moving!

Gym Music!


Best of Luck to everyone getting ready for the Spring/Summer!!

January 26, 2011

Pumps for the Puppies!?!

Too Cold... Even for the Dogs!
The weather here in Connecticut has reached an all time COLD of -10 Degrees and even my dogs are upset about it!

My snow loving Ariel has been crying in pain because her paws are so cold that it makes it difficult for her to walk. I have always been against doggie snow shoes but if this keeps up, we might not have a choice!
I have been on the search for reasonable dog shoes and have found a few fun websites! After all, they get cold too!

A Few Fashions for our Furry Friends:
Neo-Paws- The Bootiful Leader in Safety Pet Apparel
All Dog Boots- Paw-Wear for your Pooch
Glamour Dog.com

January 21, 2011

Welcome Baby Mason!

Could there be a better way to start 2011 than a Caribben Cruise and a Healthy Beautiful New Baby Boy?
Mommy Lynn & Mason
I could not be more proud of my friend Lynn who became a first time mom to this little man on January 16th! I am a very proud Auntie!

January 5, 2011

So Sweet 2011!

Let’s Go 2011!
Since the overload of holiday sweets is FINALLY over it is time to get back on track and bring in the New Year with some Healthy and Tasty treats! Going through sugar withdrawal is not a fun process but luckily the new trend of 2011 has already been added to my pantry and is the next new best thing! What is it you ask? It’s Agave Nectar! This sweet substitute to sugar has little calories and no harsh chemicals, it is all natural!

I have been researching what my first trial baking would be with this Agave since it already use it in my coffee and on fruit and I stumbled across this wonderful recipe on Baking Bites. I cannot wait to get back from vacation (which will be another Detox in itself) and try out this delicious concoction!

Photo from Baking Bites

I will keep you updated on how it turns out! Happy 2011 Everyone and Check out Baking Bites for MANY Wonderful and Exciting Recipes!