Spaghetti with Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli in Italian Dressing

By now everyone should know how much I love quick and easy meals, so here is yet another. 

(I got two thumbs up from the family tonight!) 

Here's what you'll need:

-1 pound of shrimp (cooked or uncooked, deveined)

-4 cups of broccoli florets

-1/2 pound spaghetti 

-1/2 cup of KRAFT Tuscan House Italian Dressing

-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese  

-2 minced cloves of garlic (1 tsp of minced garlic)

How You Do It:

1. Defrost your shrimp by lightly running cool water them.

2. Simply twist off the tails to make sure you do not take off any meat with the tail.

 3. I got fresh broccoli for this recipe, just cut and wash the florets.

4. I like to go ahead and measure out all of the rest of my ingredients ahead of time.

5. Cook the spaghetti just like the box says but don't add any salt. 

At the same time in a large sauce pan heat your 1/2 cup of dressing and garlic on medium high heat. 

6. During the last two minutes of cooking your pasta add in your broccoli and stir. Also at this point add your shrimp to the sauce and toss that in the dressing.

7. Take the spaghetti and broccoli off the heat and drain it and put it back in the pot, add the shrimp and dressing mixture AND your Parmesan cheese!
8. Mix everything lightly!

9. ENJOY!

morning munchies

Within the past few weeks my morning have been getting progressively busier. I seem to only have time for a quick breakfast in hand while either opening up the boutique where I work or running errands of some sort. So I thought I would share with you what my "morning munchies" have been and ask for some recommendations on breakfasts on-the-go. 

Latest obsession: Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch Clif Bars 

and, of course, I need a large coffee with extra creamer, isn't the saying on the cup just so perfect.                 (I love sheetz Columbian brew)

I have to admit I have been counting calories using my all too wonderful fitness pal app and this breakfast tends to be quick and easy and relatively low on my calorie count with a great energy boost for my busy mornings. This particular Clif bar is so incredibly yummy for those of you who like peanut butter and chocolate combo. Plus, it has 10g of protien... you can't beat that! 

"Show the morning who's boss"

xoxo

going bananas (peppers, that is)

Some of you may think i'm quite the nerd for this, but who doesn't like fresh produce from a friend's (sister's) garden. My older sister and her hubby have planted an incredible garden this year and I have been reaping the benefits ever since. I absolutely love banana peppers, but I have a tendency to lean towards pickled ones more than regular. Since I have been craving some pickled banana peppers I decided I needed to learn how to pickle them myself. So if this interests you at all... grab a jar and get ready for some "fun". 

what you'll need:
-banana peppers (I had 5 peppers)
-jar/with lid (I grabbed one my mom had just emptied of relish)
-1 1/3 tsp. pickling salt (I used regular mortons)
-1/2 cup white vinegar
-1/2 cup water

here's how it works:

1. Grab your fresh banana peppers and cut them into whatever size rings you prefer.
2. Put all of your beautiful rings into the jar of your choice.

3. Add together the salt, vinegar, and water into a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Once you've come to a boil, take the pan off the heat and pour contents into your pepper jar.

5. Use a knife to swish the peppers around a bit to remove any air bubbles.
6. Put the lid to the jar on and let the jar sit out on the counter for 24 hours.
7. REFRIGERATE! (for up to 2 weeks)

I loved how easy this was to do and now I get to enjoy one of my favorite snacks!   

Enjoy!

Chris Young Concert Attire!

Concerts are absolutely one of my favorite ways to enjoy the summer. The atmosphere of a good country concert is something that is truly irreplaceable. I finally got to ring in the summer (a little late due to summer courses) with one of my favorite artists, Chris Young! As I know I have said before, any excuse for me to break out my cowboy boots is an excellent idea to me. Here is what I wore for my fun night out with friends.

One of my best friends, syd, being a goofball

Unfortunately, we did not get a long enough picture to show off my boots. 

What I'm Wearing:

Dress: american eagle 

Boots: rack room

Necklace: gift from a friend

Easy Pep Talk

As I was scrolling through pinterest... as usual, I came across the cutest motivation and decided to make it my background on my laptop. I have really found that if I keep a motivational quote on my computer screen it helps me get through my work and the day just a little bit easier. My challenge to you: find yourself a good motivation and change that background right away! 

Here is what mine currently looks like:

What will motivate you?

xoxo

Summer Concert

One of my favorite things to do in the summer time is go to concerts with friends! I thought I would give you a sneak peak of the type of outfit I think I will be sporting to the Chris Young concert next week. Just another excuse for this southern girl to break out her boots! 

What do you wear to a concert?

xoxo

101 in 1001

Lately I have been obsessed with making lists and checking things off, but in an academic sense. I suddenly remembered that I am still in the process of working on my "101 in 1001". If you haven't heard of this fun and adventurous project it has become a absolute hit with me and my best friend! You can see an example of her 101 in 1001 on her amazing blog right here. Basically it is a list of 100 things (with making a new list when the old one is completed as 101) that you would like to complete within 1001. This forces me to think in the big picture and not just within the frame of next week. I love this because I can get fun and adventurous with it, but still have time to long range plan for certain items if need be. I have found that it forces me to get up and try new things and some are even out of my comfort zone! So I challenge you to start thinking... 

What will you put on your 101 in 1001?

Friends, Family, and Fireworks

Hey guys! I thought I would share a few pictures from my Fourth of July fun and show you what I wore. Disclaimer: if I were doing more than just a cook-out with the family I would have gotten more decked out... but being that that was not the case I kept it pretty casual. 

What did you wear?

xoxo

fourth of july

I know it might look like a pretty eclectic outfit choice, but I totally believe in casually fun cookout attire. I love a good Fourth of July cookout with friends and family. Later we all load up the trucks and head over to the fireworks! This outfit would be the perfect combination of patriotic and cute.

What are you wearing for the fourth?

xoxo