What's for Dinner [Italian Spaghetti Squash Casserole]

Spaghetti squash and I have a tenuous relationship.  I've had it several times and loved it, but had yet to accomplish such a meal at home.  The squash has been crunchy or burnt and on more than one occasion has actually exploded.  When I brought another one home from the grocery last week Hubby groaned and may have commented something about ordering a pizza.  But, y'all I finally did it.

Friday Five [11.6.15]

Happy Friday!!  Let's just get right down to it.....

ONE
Congratulations to Bestie AP and her sweet family upon the arrival of their little princess!!!!  She couldn't be more adorable!  I can hardly wait for some snuggles.

What's for Dinner [Keftedes - Greek Meatballs]

Keftedes are something I've been trying to master for years.  My papa made the world's greatest and my dad's are divine, but mine never turned out quite right.  They were ok, but didn't live up to Papa's or Daddy's.  Not even close.  But, if I do say so myself, I've gotten pretty good at it.  They're still not quite there, but they're pretty darn yummy.  When Market District had ground beef on super sale I decided I'd whip up a batch or two.

Local Love [Revival Food Co.]

I LOVE my hometown.  We are the home to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Colts, the Pacers, many a Final Four, and once a Superbowl.   The great state of Indiana is also the home to some incredible restaurants, over 54 local craft breweries, and yummy homemade products, including the almond butters from Revival Food Co.

Friday Five [10.30.15]

Happy Friday!  This week absolutely flew by!!  Let's get right down to this week's Friday Five:

ONE
Another tennis season is officially in the books.  Our number one singles player and doubles team competed in the individual state finals last weekend, with our doubles team capturing the state title.  I couldn't be happier for these two.

OXI Day

"Hence we will not say that Greeks fight like heroes, 

but that heroes fight like Greeks." 

 - Winston Churchill

Today marks the 75th anniversary of Oxi Day -- the day Ioannis Metaxas, the Primer Minister of Greece, rejected the ultimatum made by Moussolini with a single word: OXI (NO)!  The ultimatum demanded that Greece allow Axis forces to occupy strategic locations with Greece or to face war.  Although outnumbered, the Greeks fought for months resisting, and ultimately changing the course of World War II.

What's for Dinner [Greek Roasted Pork]

Hubby and I both love pork (well, Hubby did until he decided he's allergic, but that's a whole other story....) and although BBQ is probably the most popular way to fix a shoulder, in our little hive we LOVE to roast it Greek style.  Although it cooks for quite a while, the prep work is minimal and the result is juicy, flavorful yumminess.

Friday Five [10.23.15]

Whew!  What a week!  SO happy it's Friday!  Let's just get right down to it:

ONE
Last weekend boys were successful in capturing the school's 20th state tennis championship and a three-peat for this team.  Pretty exciting.

What's for Dinner [Spooky Quick Chili]

Several years ago a sweet friend shared Weight Watcher's Taco Soup recipe with me.  Over the years we've modified the recipe (a lot) and use it as a quick chili recipe.  Add spooky white cheddar ghosts (simply cut free hand from slices) and you've got a perfect meal for a chilly Halloween evening.

Three-Peat and #20

Well, my boys did it again....Saturday they won their third consecutive state title and #20 for our school (the next closest school in the record books has 8).

Friday Five [10.16.15]

Happy Friday!!  It's been such a gorgeous week!  The leaves are turning and the weather is crisp in the morning, but warm in the afternoon.  Perfection.  Here's hoping the weekend is, too!  Now for this week's five:

ONE
My boys are playing in the first round of the State Finals this afternoon.  We'll have to win three tough matches to win it all, but I'm hoping that's a good number, seeing we're going for a 3-peat!

Market District

If y'all are in the Indianapolis area you need to scoot on over and check out the grocery "experience" that is Market District.  It opened last week and has been absolutely hopping ever since.  Daddy went over the weekend and told me about some deals that just can't be beat.  I had no idea what I was really getting myself into....this place is enormous.  Although I'm not sure I will make this my everyday grocery....seeing that I don't usually go North of 106th, this is out of "my box"....but I will definitely be checking the weekly ad and will head there for specialty items.

Deconstructed Pumpkin Pie aka Pumpkin Dip

This recipe has been popping up all over Facebook and loving all things pumpkin I couldn't wait to try it.  Taking into account said pumpkin love, I slightly adjusted the recipe, increasing the amount of pumpkin and spices.  It comes together quickly and would look utterly adorable served in a hollowed out mini pumpkin.  The perfect Fall dish for parties, tailgating, and celebrations!

Prudhomme Love

I was terribly saddened to learn of the passing of Chef Paul Prudhomme last week.  It's a well known fact around here that I have a deep love for him. My family and I were fortunate enough to meet the gentle, welcoming chef on a trip to New Orleans.  He was incredibly personable and his love for food and New Orleans shone through.  It was a rare, true treat.

 I enjoyed one of the best meals of my life, one more than one occasion, at K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen.  It was an experience, not just a meal. 

Five on Friday [10.2.15]

Happy October, Y'all!!  I can hardly believe that it is here, but Fall Break is next week, and I. can't. wait.  The leaves here are just starting to change and last night was down right chilly.  I'm anxious to soak in some of the season.  Now for this week's Five on Friday....

ONE
In honor of a week off next week (although I do still have tennis...) I think I'll whip up another batch of Honeycrisp Sangria.  So yummy.  Fall in a glass.

DIY Sharpie Coffee Mugs

Earlier this week I shared a few of my favorite coffee recipes in honor of National Coffee Day.  (BTW, have you tried the chocolate cake recipe yet??  I'm serious when I say you won't regret it...and I don't even like chocolate cake.)  Today I'm back with a quick little DIY coffee mug.  I love making these.  The sky is the limit with how they can be decorated; just leave it up to your imagination. 

Happy Hour [Honeycrisp Sangria]

Last year Bestie KB and I tried out a Honeycrisp Sangria recipe from Pinterest...and it. was. awful.  It sounded terrific, cinnamon and spices, apples, wine.  It truly sounded like a grown-up fall in a cup.  The only problem was all the spices settled in the bottom of the glass.  It was just kind of funky.  BUT, I did use it as inspiration while throwing this together.  And this version is pretty darn yummy, if I do say so myself.

National Coffee Day

Today is National Coffee Day.  As I thought about how much I enjoy the ritual of the morning cup of Joe I thought it would be the perfect time to share and a few of my favorite coffee recipes.  I didn't fully appreciate my love of a good cup of Joe until this round up, but a few of my favorites include....

Greek Coffee

Five on Friday [9.25.15]

Happy Friday!  Although I had all kinds of great plans, I know I've been a little MIA this week.  Life just got too busy.  But, I'm so happy for the weekend! 

ONE
Fall is just creeping in around our hive.  We kicked off the first official day of fall with this Fall Bucket List printable.

Fall Bucket List [2015 Edition]

Happy First Day of Fall!!  Fall is one of my favorite seasons (let's be honest here....there all my favorite, with the exception of cold, dreary Winter....).  To kick off the season I created a little Fall Bucket List printable.  Please feel free to print and use in your own happy little hives!

Five (or Eight) on Friday [9.18.15]

I can hardly believe how quickly time is going by. Seems like summer just started, and yet here we are September already flying by speedily.  Boo.  Here's this week's "Five" on Friday (although since I missed last week, I'm including extra...)

ONE
I was thrilled to contribute to sweet neighbor J's brunch with a homemade scalloped watermelon basket.  They're easy, yet still lovely, at least I think so.

What's for Dinner [Lemon Chicken with Capers and Artichokes]

This dish came about because I just didn't want to go to the store.....what a happy accident this is!  It turned out great and with minimal cooking, just mix and bake.  Yum.  Everything came out of my pantry or freezer.

Italian Seasoning Mix

I've had several recipes on my "let's try" list, but have yet to make them because although I have a fairly diverse and full spice selection, I don't have anything labeled "Italian Seasoning".  A bit ridiculous to not make something, but there it is.  I did a little googling this weekend, and found a wide range of mixtures, but all had some common threads.  After deciding to choose the flavors we like best and combining several recipes this is what we came up with.  Success!

Book Bub

A couple weeks ago Bestie KP was raving about the book site Book Bub.  She's been using it for a while and highly recommended it.  Last weekend I bit the bullet and signed up myself. I have to say so far, I love it.  Seriously.

Seven Years

Today Hubby and I are celebrating our seventh anniversary. We've had a rough couple weeks (him especially) and are relishing in a quiet, calm day together. 

Cherry Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake

Don't you just love a good coffee cake?  I have to say, this one's a keeper for sure!  Typically it's made with cranberries and not cherries, but even though I searched high and low, no cranberries were to be had, fresh or frozen, in all of Indianapolis. I guess it's too early in the season??  So, Plan B went into action.  I love the cherry mix from Costco with my morning Greek yogurt, so figured it would make a great coffee cake combination, too.

DIY: Watermelon Basket

When sweet neighbor J mentioned he was hosting a backyard wedding brunch in honor of his daughter and new son-in-law I immediately knew I wanted to contribute.  He is the kindest, most wonderful neighbor and it would be terrific to finally be able to do something for him, just as he does for everyone else.  After some scheming with the bride we decided on a watermelon fruit basket and a coffee cake.

Happy Labor Day!

Just popping in to wish y'all a Happy Labor Day!  Hoping you enjoy this day with friends and family making wonderful memories!

Happy Labor Day!

Five on Friday [It's September]

I can hardly believe how quickly summer flew by!  We're looking forward to a long weekend of rest and relaxation here.  Here's this week's Five on Friday:

ONE
We're soaking in the last bit of summer and have been enjoying watermelon and feta salad all week.  Yum!

Fall Inspiration

Although the weather is in the 90s this week, my mind keeps wandering to one of my favorite seasons right around the corner, fall.  I'm holding out on whipping up some homemade pumpkin spice lattes and pulling out the fall decor, but that doesn't mean I'm not dreaming deciding on what I'd like to do this season.....

I'm still loving the monogram pumpkin I made last year....

DIY: Tassels

Last weekend was my church's Greek Festival....one of the best weekends of the year.  Traditional Greek Dancing has always been a passion of mine, and we are so fortunate to have a spectacular instructor who danced with a professional group in Greece.  He not only teaches the steps, but takes the time to teach the story behind the dances, the regions, and the costumes.  It's consistently my favorite day of the week.  But, I digress....

...

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Hubby still can't quite wrap his brain around this combination (probably because he just won't try it), but to me it's absolute perfection.  The sweetness from the watermelon, paired with the salty brininess from the feta.  Mwah!  Heaven.  It's simple, easy, and quintessential summer.

Watermelon and Feta Salad
Pretty Simple:

• Cube watermelon
• Add feta, chunked
• Other optional ingredients: fresh mint, sliced red onion, kalamata olives, sliced cucumbers (although I personally just like to keep it simple)

Happy Summer Cooking!

Today I'm partying with Cozy Little House and

Five on Friday [8.27.15]

Woo-hoo!!  It's Friday!!  I'm so excited for this weekend, so let's just get right down to it.

ONE

This is one of my favorite weekends of the year...the weekend my church hosts our city's Greek Festival.  So. much. fun.  I'll be performing with the adult dance group Friday and Saturday and working in the bakery on Sunday.  Opa!

DIY Oatmeal Packets

During my meal prep bonanza last week, I whipped up some quick DIY oatmeal packets while I was at it. It's not that it takes that much time to make a bowl of oatmeal, it's that for me, in the morning, every minute counts!  Making the packets myself rather than the ready made ones from the store enables me to adjust according to my taste.  This time I added brown sugar and cinnamon. I also enjoy them with dried fruit like cranberries and sometimes nuts.  The sky is the limit, throw in whatever sounds good to you!

What's Always in Our Kitchen

Last week Miss Dixie shared her favorite items that she always has her kitchen.  I love talking food, and am a firm believer that one can always learn from others, so was delighted to see her thoughts.

I can still picture Hubby standing at the fridge peering in after we first got married commenting on the fact that we didn't have any milk.  Or bread.  Let's just say he was annoyed perplexed.  In fact, he may or may not have even muttered something about them being staples.  To me, they weren't really because they weren't something I always reached for, which is how I define a staple.

In our kitchen you can always find:

Feta, Greek Yogurt, Olive Oil

This was literally all this Greek girl purchased at Costco the other day.

Fresh Fruits and Veggies

Masterpiece Me!

It was our darling art teacher who had this darling idea for the halls in our school.  I certainly can't take the credit.  But, it's too fun not to share with y'all.  For the start of school (before any of the kiddos produced their own art, as she explained it) she made our own "Museum of Art" filled with classic works of art -- with a twist.

Cranberry-Apple Quinoa Salad

Yesterday I shared my weekly meal prep,...which worked last night so fingers crossed that I can keep it up,...but neglected to share the recipe for the quinoa.  A sweet friend shared the weight watchers recipe several years ago when I was a little unsure of the whole quinoa revolution.  I enjoy the salad cold, and it only gets better after the first day, which makes it the perfect addition to lunches packed in advance.

Weekly Meal Prep

Now that school is back in session it's time to buckle down and get organized.  Hubby and I were pretty relaxed this summer with the meal planning and unfortunately it shows both in the wallet and the waistline.  I took some time yesterday to prep our food for the week.  Typically I pack my lunchbox and a few snacks for the week, but haven't prepped beyond that.  Yesterday I did anything I could ahead for meals.  Hopefully it will pay off.  Hubby says I was a little overzealous and that this much food will last us longer than just a week, but better to be over-prepared than under, right??

Five on Friday [8.6.15]

What. a. week.  School started with a bang on Monday, combined with the summer tennis program wrapping up, the boy's tennis season starting, and just plain 'ole life in the middle.  Ready for some rest and relaxation this weekend.  Ha.  But before we get to that or, if I'm being realistic, least attempt to relax, here's this week's Five on Friday:

ONE
I've been enjoying fresh mint tea from the garden.  It couldn't be simpler, and tastes so much better than the bagged version.

PSA: PKL The Cellar

Boy do I have a fun little tip to share with y'all today.  I'm almost afraid to say something, because I certainly don't want any more competition vying for their gorgeous finds :).

The incredible gentlemen at Parker Kennedy Living and the fabulous Paige of The Pink Clutch have teamed up to create PKL The Cellar on Instagram to sell truly amazing vintage pieces.

Think loads of blue and white....

Mint Tea

We've been enjoying our mint from the garden all summer.  It's delicious and prolific.  The perfect addition to any garden.  We've been enjoying vodka mojitos, have mixed some in with watermelon and feta, added it iced tea and meat marinades, but at this point in the summer it was beginning to look a bit straggly.  I decided to cut it back and harvest the mint in hopes that it will grow back fuller (which it usually does) and that we can have yet another harvest before it gets too cold.

We haven't yet used it to steep tea, which is a favorite, so I decided to brew a pot for a little afternoon treat and dry the rest for later use.  It couldn't be easier and tastes so much better than premixed tea bags.

In My Lunchbox [Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad]

Last week I shared Shredded BBQ Chicken as "what's for dinner x 2" and as luck would have it, I managed to get lunches out of the same recipe, too!  My kind of recipe...cook once and eat three ways.

With the new school year starting today...yep, you read that right, today....I snagged some new bento boxes from Amazon.  I love that they came in a set of 10.  I'm able to pack lunch and even breakfast, if I choose to, for the entire week.  I know myself well enough to know that if I don't do it on Sunday, it won't get accomplished later in the week.

While I'm happy with these, and the quality is fine for a what I'm using them for, I think next time I'll go with these instead, for no other reason than I like the way the sections are divided a little better.

I also ordered these silicone muffin cups to divide further if needed.  Unfortunately, I didn't read the description very clearly and they're smaller than I anticipated.  Happily, though, they still get the job done.

The only thing that made packing lunch even easier this week, was using part of the shredded BBQ chicken to whip up a little salad.  Couldn't be more simple.....

Five on Friday

Well.  School started this week....you know the saying....ready or not....So with that in mind, let's go straight to this week's Five on Friday.

ONE
In anticipation of the busy schedule that ensues when school and tennis are happening simultaneously, I whipped up a little weekly schedule for the fridge. I confess, I love it.

 

Back to School Wishes

Today is Teacher Report Day - the first official workday of the 2015-2016 school year.  I can hardly believe how quickly summer flew by! I'm just popping in to wish all teachers, students, and parents a wonderful school year.  Sweet Lauren at at Simply LKJ shared some wonderful, inspirational thoughts about the impending school year.

What's for Dinner x 2 [BBQ Chicken]

It's a long story, but Hubby has decided that he's allergic to pork.  I'm not even going to elaborate on my feelings about this ridiculous statement, but I've mentioned that as a result, then we will need to eat more chicken (his least favorite).  The maiden recipe was actually pretty perfect...it's easy, has minimal ingredients, was a bit hit, and even served as two meals.  I'd say that's a pretty big score.

Happy Hour [Pink Sunset Delight - Grapefruit Cocktail]

Hubby and I are trying to squeeze in as many relaxing summer evenings as we can before school starts later this week.  Enter in the Pink Sunset Delight, which is really just a pink grapefruit cocktail.  We were enjoying them on the back porch, watching the pink sunset, when I quipped, "Pink sky at night, sailor's delight"  -- and the Pink Sunset Delight was born.

Chinoiserie Inspired Weekly Planner

I'm so bummed to say it, but we're back to school this week.  Staff reports on Thursday and the kiddos arrive next Monday.  So. not. ready.  Between school and tennis, Fall (and I'm using that term liberally considering it's only JULY!) is a crazy time of year in our hive. In an effort to organize things a bit, I whipped up a little weekly printable for the fridge (I have to say it's a huge improvement over last year's notes usually scribbled on the back of an envelope from the junk mail).

Five on Friday [7.24.15]

Happy Friday!!  I can hardly believe that we go back to school next week.  I'm trying not to think about it.  Until then I'm still tennis-ing.  We are hosting our large philanthropic tournament this weekend which benefits Riley Children's Hospital, an endeavor that is near and dear to my heart. Without further ado, here is this week's Five on Friday....

ONE
Last week we had the loveliest evening on the boat with our dear friends.  I packed a simple antipasto picnic sandwich.  All my favorite things compiled into one sandwich.  One stop at Trader Joe's and you're all set!

Nora Fleming Memo Board

A few year ago we were gifted a Nora Fleming platter along with a few of her darling minis.  I love them, but have been disappointed that we don't have the opportunity to display the seasonal minis more often.  Then I discovered the memo board -- and it was on sale.  It seemed like the perfect solution to showing off the seasonal cuteness.

Currently a busy little bee is perched on the board brightening our happy little hive.

What's for Dinner [New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and Grits]

My love for New Orleans is no secret.  It holds a special place in my heart.  The spectacularly delicious food certainly doesn't hurt.  This recipe fits the mold perfectly.  It can be served over grits, as it is here, or with a good crusty bread and a salad.  Either way is beyond yummy.  Seriously.

What's for Dinner on the Boat [Brick Pressed Sandwich]

Hubby and I enjoyed a lovely evening on the boat with Besties DB and KB last night.  (Do you call boys "besties"??? Regardless, I still count him as a "bestie"!)  We had a terrific time -- Hubby and I can hardly wait to do it again!

The weather was lovely (finally no rain!!)...

Five on Friday [7.17.15]

The weeks are flying by so darn quickly.  I can hardly believe that we will be back to school in a couple short weeks.  I'm sooooo not ready!  But until then, just trying to soak up every last drop of summer.  Now for this week's Five on Friday:

ONE
We started the week with a quiet little birthday celebration for Hubby.  I keep warning him that next year I'm going to do it up big as it will be a big birthday.  For now, though, we kept it simple, just like he likes it.

On My Bookshelf [Save the Date]

Save the Date, by Mary Kay Andrews, is the perfect light, quick, and easy summer read.  She is my go-to author for "chick-lit".  This book was the quintessential back porch read and was exactly what I was looking for.

Peach and Cherry Flambee

Yesterday we celebrated my sweet Hubby's birthday.  He's not much of a traditional cake fan, so I opted for something a little out of the box for a special dessert.  It was a huge success....Hubby loved it and the presentation made the treat special enough for the special birthday!

Happy Birthday, Hubby!!!

Just popping in to wish Hubby a Very Happy Birthday!  I'm so lucky to be married to such an incredible man.  He is generous, thoughtful, and kind.....so much so that Brother #1 referred to him as "an angel" the other day.  I'm one lucky girl.

 

Five on Friday [7.10.15]

ONE
Although it's been cold and seems as though the rain will never end, Hubby and I have been enjoying these Nutella Popsicles.  They are divine and so, so easy.