Thursday, May 27, 2010

Service Auction

A couple months ago my Relief Society had a Service Auction. All the sisters, that wanted to, donated something. I decided to donate a baby blanket. The sister in my ward that won my baby blanket is expecting her first grandson. I was so excited and found this super cute fabric!!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Amazing Saturday

This past Saturday was such a great day. I was fortunate enough to get to tag along with my Mom, Grandma and Aunt Linda for a Mother's Day celebration. Since I am not a mother my mom let me tag a long with the girls as a thank-you for everything that I will be doing for my little sister while they are gone on trips this year.

We first had a yummy lunch at CPK. I love this restaurant and I always get either the BBQ Chicken Salad (which is what I had because of my diet) or the BBQ Chicken Pizza. Both are amazing!!

Lunch was followed by the most relaxing 3 hours of my life. We spent the afternoon at the Glen Ivy Spa in Brea. When we first arrived we all changed into our bathing suits and relaxed in a giant hot tub for close to an hour before our appointments. Our first appointments were Swedish Massage's. I have had massages before but never like this. I don't think I have ever been so relaxed in my whole life. At one point I don't think I was still connected to my body. Needless to say the girl who gave me my massage was really good and I am looking forward to the day that I get to return. After the massages we had our Facials. Again, it was extremely relaxing and I felt like my skin was glowing when I left.
After this amazing few hours, we sadly had to leave. I am so happy that I was able to spend time with my family and have a fun girls day. Thank you Mom for allowing me to tag along!! I love you and I can't wait to figure out another thing we should celebrate at Glen Ivy.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Linguine with Shrimp Scampi

Barefoot Contessa Family Style
Serves 3
Level: Easy
Ingredients
-Vegetable Oil
-Kosher Salt
-3/4 lbs. Linguine
-3 tbs. Butter (unsalted)
-2 1/2 tbs. Olive Oil
-1 1/2 tbs. Garlic (minced, about 4 cloves)
-1 lb. Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
-1/4 tsp. Fresh Ground Pepper
-1/3 c. Fresh Parsley Leaves (chopped)
-1/2 Lemon (zest grated)
-1/4 c. Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
-1/4 Lemon (thinly sliced in half-rounds)
-1/8 tsp. Hot Red Pepper Flakes

Directions
Drizzle some oil in a large pot of boiling water salted, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the linguine, and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or according to the directions of the package.

Meanwhile, in another large (12-inch), heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic. Saute for 1 minute. Be careful, the garlic burns easily! Add the shrimp, 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, and the pepper and saute until the shrimp have just turned pink, about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat, add the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.

When the pasta is done, drain the cooked linguine and then put it back in the pot. Immediately add the shrimp and sauce, toss well, and serve.

Mother's Day

I know I am a little late with this but I wanted to document our Mother's Day this year. First off, I woke up on Sunday and Jared gave me these beautiful flowers and a loving card. I love him so much!


So, I was a big time loser this year and when we went to Jared's parents I forgot about my camera and I didn't get any pictures. So I found this great one of Jared and his parents from our wedding.

I am so grateful for my mother-in-law. I have to say that I have the best mother-in-law. She is so sweet, funny, loving, and has made me feel very welcoming into their family. Jared and I feel so grateful that we live so close to his parents. We love you and hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!!!
I want to say a big Happy Mother's Day to my Mommy! I am so grateful for my mother and all that she has done for me. She is always there for me when I need her. She is caring, fun, amazing, helpful and smart. Mom, I dont know what I would do without you. I love you and hope you had wonderful Mother's Day!!

The Gang at my grandparents house.



Chloe and her cake

Monday, May 10, 2010

Cinnamon Twists w/ Cardamom-Honey Dipping Sauce

Recipe By: Giada De Laurentis
Cinnamon Twist Ingredients
1tbs. Ground Cinnamon
1 tbs. Sesame Seeds
1/2 tsp. Ground Cardamom
2 tbs. Light Brown Sugar
1 (9x10") Sheet Frozen Puff Pastry
1 Egg, beaten

Directions:
Thaw out the puff pastry and cut into 20 long pieces. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the cinnamon, sesame seeds, cardamom, and brown sugar. Twist 2 pieces of dough together to form a rope-shape. Pinch the ends together to seal. Brush the dough with the beaten egg and roll gently in the cinnamon mixture until coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool on a wire rack.

Cardamom-Honey Dipping Sauce Ingredients
1/2 cup Honey
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1/3 cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. Ground Cardamom

Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, powdered sugar, cinnamon and cardamom until smooth. Pour into a small dipping bowl.

Baby Cooper's Blanket

This is the cute blanket that I made for my cousins new little baby. I love the blue and green fabric that I found for this blanket and I can't wait for little Cooper to get here and cuddle with his new blanket. I am so excited for Chelsea and Ryan with this new little addition to their family. I love you guys!!!!