Friday Favorites!

Who else is excited for the weekend? Our pool still isn't open (crazy, I know!) so we will probably spend most of our time at home. Our last weekend swim lesson is tomorrow and I am planning a trip to the farmer's market. There is plenty on the "to-do list" at home that will keep us plenty busy! 

Today I am sharing a few things I am loving at the moment!

For years I've loved TJ's Thai Lime & Chili Cashews. On my last visit, I discovered the almond version and they didn't disappoint! They are perfectly spicy and the flavor is amazing. Perfect as an afternoon snack or with a chilled cocktail. 

How have I not tried La Croix before now? I was looking for something refreshing but caffeine-free and calorie-free in the afternoons. This is the perfect replacement to my usual iced tea or diet coke. I wasn't sure what to expect and thought it might be really sweet. Not at all! It has a light flavor and is nice and crisp. I am excited to try more flavors! 

The next thing I am loving is my vegetable garden! I finally got it planted this week - two weeks behind schedule! I planted something similar to big boy tomatoes (can't remember the name), romas and sweet 100s along with hot banana and red peppers. I always line my garden with marigolds to keep the pests and animals out. I don't know if that really works but it was something I was told when I was a child. Even if it doesn't work, it adds a pop of color. Besides veggies, I have an herb garden too. 

My last favorite thing for the week is Essie Gel Setter. I haven't tried gel at the salons - I just don't have the time! I do love the result on others though so I thought I would try this new product. It isn't as thick as the salon gel but it is much better than my OPI topcoat. My nails dried quickly with no imperfections. I am really happy with this product! 

I hope you found a new product or two to try out! What are products you are loving right now? 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

xo,

Stephanie 

Poppyseed Pasta Salad

I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing Memorial Day weekend! Ceci is at the age where she is excited to learn about history and the meaning of holidays like Memorial Day. Dan took her to a ceremony to help instill the importance of this day. She came home with a lot to say! Thank you to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow us to live in this amazing country! 

Over the weekend I made a batch of my favorite pasta salad. I love having a prepared salad in the fridge ready to pull out for lunch or dinner, especially during summer months. We spend so much time at the pool, playing in the yard or with other activities so it is nice to have one part of a meal ready to go. 

Poppyseed Pasta Salad is a recipe I started making in high school so it has survived the test of time! It is delicious and easy too! The recipe is courtesy of my first "real" employer, Mocha Mike's. It was a coffee shop in my hometown - think Central Perk but way ahead of its time where I grew up.

~ Poppyseed Pasta Salad ~

- one box spiral pasta (I like Barilla tri-color rotini)
- 3-4 carrots, chopped
(the original recipe shreds them with a peeler but they tend to clump at the bottom so I chop)
- medium cucumber, seeded & chopped
- 1/4-1/2 c. black olives, sliced
- 1 bottle poppyseed dressing
(I prefer Marzetti. I've tried others but this really is the best, IMO.)

Cook pasta according to directions on package. When finished, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, add to bowl. Add carrots, cucumber and olives. Stir to combine. Add enough dressing to coat the salad. Serve immediately or chill in fridge. Add more dressing, as needed, if it starts to dry. 

Enjoy! 

Hope everyone has a great week! 

xo,
Stephanie 

Tasty Tuesday: Chipotle Bowls!

Today I am sharing one of our favorite meals at the Dodd house - Chipotle Bowls! Our kiddos are really good eaters who love a lot of flavor so this is a perfect fit. Oh, and this meal could not be easier!

This is how I make them:

Rice

I tend to use brown rice. Combine 1 c. rice, 2 c. water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil then lower to the lowest setting on your stove. After 25-30 minutes (less time with white rice), you have perfect, fluffy rice. Rice freezes nicely so you can make a batch and pull out when needed.

Black Beans

Simmer canned black beans with cumin and a bay leaf.

Meat

This meal is great for a busy weeknight because the main part of the dish is cooked in a slow cooker. Two of my favorite recipes are Skinny Taste Chicken Taco Chili and Chipotle "Copycat" Barbacoa. (Follow me on Pinterest for more of my favorite recipes). Neither of these recipes is too spicy but are full of flavor. 

Toppings

Last, top your bowl with cheese, sour cream, salsa, freshly chopped cilantro and more! I always have these toppings on hand. 

These are always a hit even with our toddler! Hope you enjoy!

xo,

Stephanie

Weekend Recap!

We had another busy weekend! It was a weekend full of great memories and big celebrations. 

On Friday, Ceci's 1st Grade class hosted a Mother's Day Tea. They served us tea, lemonade and homemade cookies. Each child then read a poem they wrote for their Mom. So sweet and such a wonderful idea by their teachers! 

My favorite first grader!

Friday evening, our niece was confirmed. I still cannot believe she was just a year old the first time I met her! I cannot say much about the Mass because I spent most of it chasing a very active (and grumpy!) toddler outside. 

We were able to capture a picture of all the Dodd girls! Even my SIL from NJ flew in for the weekend!

On Saturday evening, we celebrated my FIL's 75th birthday! We had a delicious meal and sat around for almost three hours eating, drinking and laughing. Thank goodness for private rooms so the kiddos could run around! We missed having the rest of the NJ family with us but look forward to seeing them this summer.

Hope everyone has a productive and enjoyable week! 

xo,

Stephanie