A Different Kind of Dinner

Hungry for something different, but not wanting to go to the extreme, I decided to try something different.  In the refrigerator I found flax seed flatbread, a new container of garlic hummus, feta stuffed olives, good cheese, and fresh veggies.  The result:

The details:

• I marinated the mushrooms, asparagus and onion in a little balsamic vinegar.  Then I placed them on a cookie sheet, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with a little salt and pepper then baked for ten minutes in a 400 degree oven.  Adjust time to accommodate your "doneness desire".   
• While the veggies were baking, I spread hummus on flax seed flatbread, rolled and sliced into two nice size pieces.  
• I added fresh mozzarella, aged gouda, pickles and olives to the tray for a nice touch and some added flavor.
• I served with a few Triscuits.

It was tasty and EASY!  

Fun Gift Idea

My friend and her husband are heading to Hawaii in just a few weeks.  They will be renewing their vows as they celebrate 20 years of marital bliss.  On my travels, I saw this fun little t-shirt and thought it might be a perfect thing to tuck away in the suitcase to use as a cover up or something.

However, I didn't want to simply put it in a gift bag.  So, I tried to get a little creative.

I found a Hawaiian lei and cute flip flop note pad at Target for $1.00 piece.  I rolled the t-shirt and then wrapped the lei around it three times.  With curling ribbon, I attached the notepad and card to the lei and voila . . . a cute, simple, and fun little gift.

A Fun Food Find

So, who doesn't love Aunt Annie's?  Yum!

I'm not one to normally purchased boxed or pre-made food.  But the box was just so enticing.

The advertising on the front of the box held true . . . FUN, EASY, AND DELICIOUS!

EASY - The kitchen aid worked like a pro.

Super EASY - After mixing you place the dough in a warm spot for 35 minutes.

FUN - Roll and cut in ten strips

FUN - Shape into pretzel shapes

EASY - Dip each pretzel shape into a baking soda mixture

DELICIOUS - Bake and enjoy.  Try it - you'll like it!

A Cottage in the Woods Part IV: The End

As I sit in the Club Lounge at Ohare, my mind is taken back to the cottage in the woods.   Take a look at this video . . . you'll fall in love too!

This video was done a few years back, but the place still looks exactly the same.  AMAZING!  I am inspired by many of the homes details

• the chalkboard in the kitchen
• the screened in porch
• the bamboo flooring
• the full length drape separating the living area from the kitchen and guest bedrooms.  

So many things to add to my dream list for my next home.

Happy weekend!

A Cottage in the Woods Part III: Sleeping In and Eating Well!

I don't know about you, but my getaway retreats must always include two things:  1.  sleeping in with no alarm AND 2.  eating a BIG breakfast.  Mission accomplished this trip for sure.

Fiddlehead has an amazing, well stocked kitchen (look for the link this weekend to all the pictures, etc.).  So, what's a gal to do with a well stocked kitchen.  Make breakfast . . . a big, yummy breakfast.

Homeade pancakes cooked on a gas stove!

Strawberries, bananas, AND powdered sugar!

Scrambled eggs, bacon, and you caught me . . . BIRTHDAY CAKE!

Delish!

A Cottage in the Woods Part II: Smores!

One of the many little luxuries at Fiddlehead Cottage is the fire pit.  It sits in front of the house and is surrounded by beautiful trees and perennials.  The owners left no stone unturned with this little gem.  Surrounding the fire pit was a darling stone bench for folks to sit awhile enjoying the fire, stars, and company.

Being my first fire pit experience EVER, I was like an excited child.  I insisted in making S'mores.  Since this wasn't my own home, I wanted to ensure that I treated their items with care.  Therefore, it seemed necessary to avoid anything from the kitchen that could be breakable.  That created a dilemma for bringing out the ingredients for S'mores until I reinvented the cupcake pan.  It actually created an invited display and made a wonderful holder for the fresh graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and tasty milk chocolate!  YUM!

A Cottage in the Woods

Have you ever had "that time of year"?  That time when you simply need to unplug and relax?  A few weeks ago I felt the urge to get away from the day to day craziness with friends.  After an extensive internet search, the "spot" was located.  Just inside Michigan sits the perfect cottage filled with magical ways to unwind and rejuvenate.  There were so many surprises to be found for sure.

This is the photo of the exterior.  Quaint.  Charming.  Adorable.  Perfect.

Fiddlehead Cottage - Union Pier, Michigan

Stay tuned for more details of the amazing four day weekend "away from it all"!  :)

Too Cute for Words!

Sweet Miss Zoe is getting a surprise in the mail.  It took me awhile to find the perfect "one", but good ol' Etsy never fails.  Suzanne, of One Posh Pup, http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnePoshPup?ref=seller_info, makes the MOST ADORABLE dog beds.  I think the one I selected will be a perfect match for Zoe.  She  LOVES things that are soft and likes curling up throughout the day after her exercise and playtime.  

And what's a girl to do . . . I couldn't resist the adorable coordinating blanket.  The best part of all, is the puppy bed and blanket are stylish "home accents" as well.  They aren't your typical beige oversized pillows that you feel compelled to "put away" when company comes.  

Having a puppy is so much fun!