Shrimp with Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes & Goat Cheese

Welllll helloooo! As I said in my earlier coffee talk post this morning, I am LOVING getting to try some new recipes in the kitchen and this one did NOT disappoint! I am a HUGE shrimp & asparagus LOVER so this was seriously a dish made for ME! It got 5 stars from all the family EXCEPT the teenage daughter (um, she's hard to please these days so I don't TOTALLY count her rating because she HATES shrimp and doesn't like anything with ANY heat! LOL)

This was super quick and easy and it will DEFINITELY be in my rotation again! It could even be swapped out for chicken if you aren't a shrimp fan. Go ahead and whip this up and let me know what you think!!!

Ingredients:

Whole grain penne
1 bag of shrimp
Mrs. Dash seasoning
1 tbsp of coconut oil (or olive oil)
a bunch of asparagus, chopped up
cherry tomatoes, halved (do this to your preference, I didn't use a whole container because we aren't all fans so I did maybe a quarter of the container)
garlic, minced (again, it's how much you like, I personally like to keep the Vampires away so I use quite a bit ;) )
Red pepper flakes (optional, I did put them in, but you can choose to omit them if you don't like heat)
Lemon juice
Crumbled goat cheese

1- Remove the shells and/or tails from the shrimp and season with a large pinch of Mrs. Dash seasoning

2 - Cook the penne according to the package

3 - While the penne is cooking, heat the coconut oil over medium heat, add the asparagus and saute for 3 minutes, Next add the tomatoes, garlic and red pepper flakes and saute another minute or 2 more.

4 - Add the shrimp and a large squirt of lemon juice (I know, I know, I don't have exacts, LOL) Cook until shrimp are pink on both sides and completely cooked through.

5 - Drain the pasta and add to the skillet

6 - Top with crumbled goat cheese.  VOILA!!!

ENJOY!!! XO

(My necessary phone pics...because that's how I roll....LOL, Ok fine, it's because the family will seriously take me down if I whip out my big camera when they are all STARVING!)

Coffee Talk!

Hello lovelies! I hope everyone survived Memorial Day weekend!!! Can you believe it's coming to SUMMER?! Thank goodness! Now let's get to our gossip.....

5 Random Thoughts:

1 - Ok, that moment when you earn an exclusive phone call with the CEO of Beach Body!!!! EEEEEKKK! Oh you know, for doing what you love! Helping people reach their goals! I still feel like someone needs to PINCH me! I am soooo in LOVE with this company! My next challenge group is starting June 1st. Please message me if you would like more info or to join! :)

2 - Lucky...let's talk about LUCKY! Lucky is having a few absolutely STUNNING newborn shoots these past couple weeks and another one this Friday! Seriously, can they get any sweeter....between the lips, the hair, the cheeks, the rolls, the SMELL...hellooooo that NEW BABY smell! I heart it!! I can't thank everyone enough for referring me out and trusting me to capture one of the most important memories in your life. Muahhhh!

3 - Our Memorial Day Weekend getaway was so much fun! There was wine, cannoli ice cream, cafes, antiques, and just plain old relaxing! Cannoli ice cream would have been the death of me if I was there ANY longer! A girl can NOT survive on that alone....or can she?!

4 - I got to receive some super duper EXCITING news this past weekend. Yep, this girl is going to be an Auntie......AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Um, yeah, next to being a mom an Auntie is the absolute BEST. THING. EVER! If you aren't one yet and it's in your future, get ready, you will love it. :)

5 - These challenge groups are causing me to step out of my comfort zone and really experiment in the kitchen with some new recipes. I have been trying to post them on here as well. If you get a chance to try any of them, let me know what you think and if you have any new ones to share...please DO! I love new meals to put into the rotation.

Alright loves, I am in serious GO MODE....This being back at work & wrapping up all of my shoots before our vacation next month is draining me, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel so this girl is DETERMINED! I am off to get ready for a weekend full of shoots (which of course means you will get to see some gorgeousness on here soon) Have a wonderful weekend! XO

Panko Crusted Honey Mustard Salmon

Hi loves! After the holiday weekend festivities it was time to get back on TRACK with our eating so I made this little lovely dinner last night. I can't say enough about the pure little taste of heaven each bite leaves in your mouth! If you are a salmon LOVER, definitely give it a try and let me know what you think. I can't believe it's back to work time! Have a fabulous week! XO

Ingredients:

4 - 6oz salmon fillets

1 1/2 Tbsp dijon mustard

1 1/2 Tbsp honey

1 clove minced garlic

3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp lemon zest

2 Tbsp olive oil

salt and freshly ground pepper

1 - Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray

2 - In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, honey & garlic. In a shallow dish toss together Panko bread crumbs, parsley & lemon zest. Drizzle olive oil over mixture then toss evenly to coat.

3 - Brush the top of each piece of salmon with the honey mustard mixture and season with salt & pepper (don't over do it with the salt & pepper because you will be doing both sides), then rotate and transfer to the bread crumb mixture (honey mustard side should be facing down), repeat the same process (honey mustard mixture and then bread crumbs) for the other side. Transfer to baking dish and repeat for the rest of the fillets. 

4 - Bake in preheated oven 13 - 15 minutes until salmon has cooked through. I served mine with roasted brussel sprouts and broccoli. Recipe for brussel sprouts is here. :)

Enjoy!!! XO

Miss Emmerson Teresa

Happy Memorial Day loves!!! Ok, so I FINALLY got the A-OK from Mommy to post this session and I am ECSTATIC! Seriously, this little princess was to DIE FOR!!!! The hair, the cheeks, the lips.....I could go ON an ON! Instead I will just say that she was a perfect little angel and Mommy & Daddy are head over heels in LOVE....once you see her, you will totally understand why!  Thank you so very much for letting me be a part of Emmerson's FIRST modeling debut! She was a natural, of course!  Here are some of my favs!

I have a couple more sessions to get on here so stay tuned for some more my lovelies!!! XO

Coffee Talk!

Well loves it's that time again! I swear we have to stop meeting like this!!! ;)  We are becoming coffee JUNKIES!!!

5 Random Thoughts:

1 - So we had our AWESOME visit with our fabulous friends and it was way better than we could have even expected!!! (Minus the fact that I was off my "A" game of being organized and put together! UGH, I think I was missing at LEAST one ingredient for every meal I attempted to make!) My daughter said it best....each time with them is BETTER than the last! We seriously CLICKED with this family and they just melt my heart!!! Now the countdown begins for our next visit! :)

2 - It's been an editing whirlwind! I HEART sessions sooooo much but when the editing gets backed up...WATCH OUT! I am a serious lunatic!!! Happy to report the late nights paid off! I am ALL caught up and now I have a new slew of sessions to edit! (pssss....I wouldn't have it any other way!)

3 - My little guy had his band concert this week and I must say he looked like a little heart breaker! What I wasn't prepared for (at the ripe age of 10)......being introduced to a girl AND her family! What THE?!! Awkward doesn't begin to describe that moment....LOL! I am putting this in the memory bank to bring back out in another 10 years!!! ;)

4 - I started reading a personal development book that I earned for reaching a milestone in Beach Body! (eeeekkkkk, I LOVE presents!) Yes, I LOVE it....I may NEVER put it down! 'You are a Bad Ass'.....why, thank you! I'm now starting my days with at least 10 - 20 minutes of this quiet time and it is really a great feeling! Speaking of which, this little side "gig", Beach Body....LOVE! I am getting some wonderful messages from challengers who are just seriously kicking BUTT and making changes!

5 - Is is possible that it is really going to be Memorial Day weekend ALREADY??!!! I can NOT wait! We are off on another getaway and I can't pack my stuff fast enough!!! Family time, relaxing, photos, cocktails, seafood.....BRING it!! I hope you all have a memorable weekend!!!

That's it for today while I scramble to finish up some editing and get ready to get out of here for a few days!!! There will be some serious cuteness hitting this blog here shortly, so stay tuned! XO

Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco

Hi Loves! Ok, are you looking for a super quick but absolutely scrumptious dinner for your family? I swear this one is soooooo good and EASY, a great combo for busy weeknights. This is one of my family's favorites! I can guarantee happy bellies when I whip up this dish!

Ingredients:

4 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small container of grape or cherry tomatoes
1 box of whole wheat penne
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup cooking white wine or any dry white wine
salt & pepper
basil leaves
shredded Parmesan
2 cups grilled chicken breasts, cut into cubes

1 - Spray a microwave oven safe dish with olive oil (did I say, microwave?! Yes, I did, wait for it!) Slice garlic into the dish and add the tomatoes. Cover and microwave on high 4-5 minutes or until tomatoes begin to burst, stirring after 2 minutes. Crush tomatoes and then add the uncooked pasta, broth, wine, salt & pepper (these are to your taste)

2 - Return baker to microwave, cover and cook on High 18 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring after 10 minutes. While that is in the microwave cooking that is when I go ahead and grill my chicken up on the stove top as well as slice the basil into thin strips.

3 - When the noodles are cooked, add, cheese and mix well, then throw in your chicken and basil. Mix it altogether and top with some extra basil and cheese if you like.  Serve it with a fresh salad and Voila! DONE!

Let me know how your family enjoys this one!! XO

(you are LUCKY enough again to earn another CELL pic!!! ;) SORRY!)

My NEW Addition!!

Helllooo LOVES! Phew this weekend was BUSY!! Super fun, full of memories, but I am exhausted and I swear we really didn't do much but just enjoy the company of our friends. Can you say OLD?! ;)  Anywho, so last week I FINALLY went in and picked up a little something I have been eyeing now for WEEKS! I have no idea why I didn't buy it as soon as I saw it because I literally was head over heels in LOVE at first sight but I tend to do that with purchases. (um, think cart full in store, by the time I get to the register I have put back 90% of the stuff because, I didn't "need" it...It's a serious, REAL problem! LOL)

So here it is........My new Himalayan Salt Lamp!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, yes, I get that some of you may be shaking your head thinking What The?!! Let's go back to how in LOVE I was with the Laundry Room remodel and that should give you a little insight into what excites me!!!! :)

So there are said to be ACTUAL benefits to these little beauties: (I have no scientific evidence that any of these are true I'm just giving you the low down on what they are "said" to do)

• Help with Respiratory Problems (including colds)
• Allergies
• Skin problems
• Mental & Stress Related Disorders
• Headaches & Migraines
• Blood System Disorders
• Improve the Quality of Air in their Immediate Environment
• Achieve a Feeling of Relaxation & Meditation (THIS IS MY REASON FOR WANTING ONE!)
• Improve Various Disorders and Maintain Good Health

So they say not to expect massive improvements if you tuck away a single lamp in the far corner of your house where no one ever goes. These lamps have a limited range. You will achieve the best results if you place them somewhere where you and your family spend a lot of time, or where there are a lot of electronic devices. 

It is suggested to have more than just one lamp. It's similar to plants - the more the better. Over time you should aim to have at least one in every room you frequently use, such as bedrooms and living rooms.

A good way to improve the quality of air in your house is by frequently airing it out, so the air can circulate. Of course, in the winter months or when there are high levels of air pollution, that isn't always possible to be leaving windows open, so that is when the salt lamps can be particularly useful and can help cleanse the air and remove the stubborn winter bugs. (Um, if that is true, my family NEEDS these...I swear sickness FINDS us, LOL!)

There are a lot of fake and cheaper versions on the market that don't use Himalayan salt. The real lamp is made from pure, food grade Himalayan salt. Substitutes from rock salt will not provide you with the same benefits.

So for me, I honestly got this because of the relaxation and mood benefit. I LOVE the ambiance it gives off and it's a beautiful addition to my office. I will keep you posted if I feel like it's helping with any of those other "said" benefits, but for now I'm going to sit back and enjoy the calming glow as I edit my photos and check in with my challengers!!! XO