Easy Breezy Summer Meal

Yesterday, I grabbed some naan flatbreads from Fairway.  They were on sale 2 packs of 2 pieces for $5.  Last night after a longer than normal workout, I wanted to make something and QUICK.  It was after 6:00 and by then I'm usually hangry.

 

Ingredients:

 

3 Naan flatbread (these are so perfect for pizza as the bottom gets super crispy)

1/4 cup pesto (I had leftover spinach/basil pesto that I made a few weeks ago)

1 cup sliced zucchini

1 beefsteak tomato, drained on paper towels of excess liquid (this step is important) & sliced

1/2 cup shrimp, cooked and chopped

1/2 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded

4 handfuls baby spinach, sauteed in EVOO

Crumbled goat cheese

Salt & pepper

 

Instructions:

 

Layer in this order - bread, pesto, zucchini slices, spinach, shrimp, chicken, goat cheese, sliced tomato.  Spray grill with EVOO (I use my Misto) and grill (closed lid) on low for 20 minutes and until bottom is slightly dark and cheese is melty!

 

 

 

 

It came out great!  Let me know if you try it or what kind of pizza you like to make.

 

Have a good day!

Thrifty Thursday

Since I started couponing and using Ebates to save money about 2 years ago, I rarely pay full price for anything, or at least TRY not to.  In fact now when I do pay full price, I cringe.

To date, I've received $517.11 cash back simply by logging on to Ebates before making an online purchase (even for big purchases like shades for our home and booking our honeymoon!)

Here's the proof:

Every 3 months or so, the money goes directly to your PayPal; or a check is mailed if you're old school ; )

Recently, I needed more of my Bare Minerals foundation and salt/sulfate free shampoo/conditioner because I color my hair.  Normally, the 0.2 oz foundation is $28 but I found the 0.6 oz size on QVC for $39 ($45 with shipping).  It should literally last me a whole year.  So, triple the size for only $10 more.

I first purchased AG's salt/sulfate free shampoo at a local beauty store.  $15 for a regular sized bottle.  *Cringe*

I just saw the triple size bottle on Ulta's website for $21.99, plus they have a $3.50 off coupon code and 8% cash back through Ebates.  So, for almost the same price, triple the amount of shampoo and that should last probably 6 months (prevent me from coloring my hair too often!)

Lastly, I love Lululemon workout gear but it's very pricey.  I own 3 pieces and got them all on sale at the nearby outlet store.  The cropped pants I've worn 230582 times are finally starting to get stretched out/loose.  Last night after putting some items on eBay to try to sell, I figured why not check for some Lulu gear?  Score!  A pair of workout shorts for $22 (normally $52) and I'll have them by this Saturday.  The consignment shop claims they were maybe worn once.  Their products are great because they're moisture wicking and SUPER comfortable.

So my advice to you?  SHOP AROUND!  Sure, it might take some time but to me, it's fun and sort of a hobby.  I am not sure if that sounds lame but oh well!  Happy thrifty shopping!

 

 



Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Party Gifts

Hi everyone!  I've been having major writer's block lately.  Not much is going on now that the wedding is over - ha, kidding - sort of! 

 

Today I'm sharing the gifts we gave to our bridesmaids and groomsmen!  We gave the gifts to them during our rehearsal luncheon.

 

 

 

 

Bridesmaid Gifts

 

 

Two toned tote bags from Vista Print

 

 

Flip flops from Old Navy

 

 

 

Personalized flower bouquet charms

 

 

 

 

Pearl/Rose earrings and necklaces

 

 

Groomsmen Gifts

 

Personalized Knife/Opener

 

Razor, shaving sponge, and extra blades

 

Coral socks to match the girls dresses

Personalized tie clips

The proud and happy groom after the guys opened their gifts at the rehearsal.  He did a great job and got creative with the wooden boxes!

 

I think they all enjoyed the gifts we picked out.  I think the jewelry can be worn again which is why I bought it, it's simple.  The guys may not want to wear coral socks again, but you never know! :)

 

Have a great week!



7 Years

July 9th, 2007.

 

 

The unofficial day Saro and I started dating.  We didn't pick that day probably until 2009, knowing it was sometime around the 4th of July.

 

 

I was 23 and still living at home with my Mom.  By then I "knew" Saro for maybe 2 years but just as coworkers (if that's what you want to call it.  He worked there full time and I worked part time so I'd maybe see him there 2x a week).

 

 

I was having a work BBQ and I told a mutual friend to invite Saro.  I really didn't think he would come, but he did.

 

 

We've basically been inseparable ever since.

 

 

 

 

At the time, Saro was going through the divorce and I honestly didn't think we would have a serious thing, let alone ever get married.  Well, here we are, 7 years after the summer "fling" or so I thought.  In the beginning, I knew he didn't want to marry again.  This honestly didn't phase me for about 3 years.  By then, I think we both knew it would end up happening but not at that time.  From 2007-2010, I had worked a lot and saved a lot of money.  I was planning on moving out, just didn't know where, if it would even be with with Saro, rent/buy, etc. 

 

 

His Mom was also interested in buying a house so we had the discussion.  Fast foward to 2011 when we bought the house (my MIL lives upstairs from us).  Still no talk of marriage at that time.  Wedding talk started in late 2012.  Engaged Summer 2013 and married Spring 2014.  I like to think I was very patient for a few years so I dove head first into wedding planning.  Currently, I am having planning withdrawals, ha!   

 

 

He's my best friend and I sometimes feel he knows me better than I know myself.  He can annoy the heck out of me one minute, and make me laugh the next.  He's the most honest, trustworthy, genuine, selfless and hard working person I know.  He's also great Dad.  I can see it more now that one of the girls is living with us.  We are trying our best to guide her, lead her and prep her for post high school life. 

 

 

It hasn't always been easy or without obstacles, but it's our life and we are happy.  In fact, we've been through a LOT in 7 years, so I can only imagine what the next 50 will bring.

 

 

So cheers, my husband, to many more happy & healthy years together.  You make me happy when skies are gray.

 

 

 

 

If You Could Live Anywhere

First I'd like to say that I LOVE our house.  It's perfect for Saro and I and we don't really plan on leaving anytime soon.

 

But, lately I've been thinking day dreaming a lot about where I would live, if it was so simple just to up and move.  The reason it's not is for many reasons - family & friends first, our jobs, Saro's daughters, and it's where we both grew up.  I live 4 miles from where I spent 20 years of my life and we are only about 15 miles from Saro's childhood neighborhood. 

 

I feel very much at peace when we go camping.  It's only 2 hours away on the Delaware River in PA but life is so different there.  The staff is a hippie family and it's just so chill.  So different than this hectic, over populated, polluted area of the country.

 

I don't think I'd want to live THERE specificially but I picture myself in a lake town or something, and having a simple job.  Something creative.

 

I wouldn't hate living here.

 

But, I'd have to be in pretty close proximity to a store and some stores, even if it was a small town.

 

Currently, we are spoiled.  Everything is within reach.  We live within 5 minutes of 5 differnt supermarkets and within 20 minutes of 6 huge shopping malls (however, I shop more online now) and I'm starting to feel like my Mom by hating going to the mall.  As a teen, I'd always want to go and she HATED it.  Now I know why.

 

So, if you could live anywhere, where would you live?  Are you like me that you can just picture yourself in a different type of place, but not a specific town/state?  Are you perfectly content with where you are?

 

Red, White & Blue!

We have a half day today - woohoo!  I have a hair appointment after work (thinking about chopping it - eek) and then we are going to our friends for a party.

 

I'm decked out in red, white and blue today.  I couldn't get a selfie of much more than my face but I am sporting navy blue pants, white sandals, a red button down with white polka dots.

 

I also purchased these cute & festive bangles from Ellie's Sparkles.  Just a tip if you order from there, I ordered the standard size and it was too big.  I exchanged for small and although it fits my wrist, it's hard to slip them on.  A clasp would help :)

 

 

And I did my own manicure last night

 

 

Festive, Festive!

 

Have a great & safe 4th of July!



A New Challenge: Piyo

Hey all!

 

Nothing messes up your Friday like realizing it's only Tuesday.

 

Only 2 1/2 more days of work.  I'm hoping I feel better by Thursday.  I'm super congested and my body is aching.  I think I caught something over the weekend.

 

Anyway, on Sunday I spent a good two hours food shopping, chopping & prepping food for the week.  I'm following the Piyo eating plan.  This is what I eat each day.  I am trying to avoid bread, wraps, pasta, ice cream & alcohol.

 

5 servings primary vegetables (ex: 1 cup cooked spinach, unlimited cucumbers, celery)

2 servings secondary veggies/grains (ex: brown rice, potato, etc.)

5 servings lean protein (ex: lean meat, chicken, fish, yogurt, eggs)

2 servings fruit (ex: 1 cup berries, 2 kiwi)

4 servings healthy fat (ex: coconut oil/milk, olive oil, avocado, nuts, peanut butter)

 

I'm on the 3rd day now and feel good.  I took before pictures last night (WOOF) so I can't wait to see the results.  I haven't exercised in a few weeks and can't believe how stiff I was during last night's workout.

 

With Piyo, you workout every day except one day/week (their schedule shows Friday but it's up to you) and the workouts range from 25-40 minutes.  So, still short which is a plus.

 

It's a lot less impact than T25 - which I never had major issues with but here and there felt pinching in my lower back.  T25 is a ton of jumping, kicking, etc.  A great workout though.  Although it's less impact, it's still a sweaty workout.  I'm hoping this series stretches me out and makes me more lean.  I also like that it's barefoot.

 

More updates/reviews on Piyo to come.

 

 

 

*I don't agree that jumping and weights destroy your body but for people with certain ailments - back/spine/shoulder injury, this series may be a better option.  It's still new so I'm eager to see how it goes and what other's think of it.  Some people can do intense lifting and cardio and never have any injuries!

 

Have a good day!