fruit pizza for the fourth of july!

happy fourth of july everyone!

i hope you have plenty of sunshine and relaxation on your schedule!

recently, i've been loving fruit pizza! 

just in case you're looking for a last minute sweet treat, 

i highly recommend this yummy one!

deep dish fruit pizza

[adapted from the pioneer woman]

what you need:

one roll of pre-made sugar cookie dough

handfull of strawberries

handfull of blueberries

half a nectarine

8 oz of cream cheese

1 jar of marshmallow cream

what to do:

place the sugar cookie dough into the base of your pan. you can use a pie pan like i did, 

or you can roll it out flat, or just make cookies like normal!

bake the dough according to the package directions, or, until it's golden brown. 

set aside and let it cool down completely.

while the cookie is cooling, cut up your fruit!

in a mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese and marshmallow cream.

be careful not to overmix!

spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie, and then top with the fruit!

see? easy!

what are you making this fourth of july?

something with noodles

each sunday, before we head to the grocery store, i ask bub-hub if he has any cravings for dinner that week.  each week, he says, "you know i'll eat anything, i'm not pickey! i'll just eat cheerios". but this week, i think he finally realized that i was looking for a real answer and so he asked for something with noodles.

#missionnoodleaccepted

 

veggie turkey lasagna

via mom.fashion.lifestyle

 

here's what you need:

1 lb of ground turkey

1 cup of onion

2 cloves of garlic

1 cup of fresh broccoli crowns

2 zucchini (one yellow and one green)

1 T. italian spice blend

1 pound of ground turkey

1 jar of pasta sauce, i used prego

1 pkg. no boil lasagna noodles

16 oz container of part skim ricotta cheese

1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg

salt and pepper to taste

here's what you do:

-preheat oven to 400 degrees.

-brown the ground turkey with the garlic and onion.

-while that is cooking, chop up the zucchini and broccoli and set aside.

in a separate bowl mix the ricotta cheese and egg, and set aside.

-when the ground turkey is finished cooking, add the zucchini, broccoli, pasta sauce (reserve 1/2 cup of pasta sauce), and all seasonings to the ground turkey.

-pour 1/2 cup of the pasta sauce in the bottom the pan, then add a layer of noodles, and then a layer of -the ricotta cheese mixture. top with a layer of the veggie and turkey mixture.

-repeat the layers and top with a layer of cheese!

-cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. remove the foil and bake for another 10, or until the cheese is bubbly!

 

this recipe was really easy to make and turned out fantastic! i made a half batch and we still had a lot left over, although it was really hard to resist going back for thirds!

 

 

jammin with oatmeal jammys

i'd like to introduce you to my new favorite cookie:

the oatmeal jammy

Source: bakeorbreak.com viaSarah Grace on Pinterest

recipe from break and bake

 

here's what you need

1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup packed dark brown sugar

1/8 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups old-fashioned oats

jams or preserves (i used blackberry)

 

here's what you do

1. preheat oven to 350°.

2. mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

3. beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.  then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each one.  mix in vanilla, and gradually add flour mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.  then, add in the oats.

4. scoop dough onto prepared pans, placing them about 2 inches apart.  using your thumb, make a hollow in each cookie.  fill each hollow with jam, maybe a small spoonfull. i used blackberry jam.

5. bake for about 12 minutes, until cookies are fully baked and the edges are golden.

 

 i know, my photos are horrible.

but these yummy treats speak for themselves.

bub-hub still prefers the tried and true oatmeal chocolate chip cookie,
but this is definitely my new favorite.

what type of cookie is your favorite?

 

mmmmmm cookies! :)

prepare yourself for greatness folks.
everyone has their go-to cookie recipe and this is mine.
i may or may not be eating a few as i type...
these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are so yummy straight out of the oven,
or for a snack the next day,
or for breakfast.
oatmeal. duh.

1 cup butter

1 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups wheat flour

3 cups old fashioned oats

1ish cup chocolate chips

[one] preheat over to 350degrees.

[two] in a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium for about 30 seconds, then add sugars, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

[three] once combined, mix in eggs and vanilla. 

[four] add in the flour and oats slowly and mix until completely incorporated.

[five] then, stir in the chocolate chips.

[six] using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop the cookies onto a baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart from each other, and put in the oven.  

[seven] bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops are slightly browned. 

[eight] remove the cookies from the oven and place on a cooling rack or paper towels to cool.

[nine] eat 'em up!

maybe you can make a dozen or three for your sweet treat swap partner! :)you can still sign up! so do it!

organized clutter 101

i would probably describe my personal style as organized clutter.

i love walls and shelves full of picture frames and books and prints.

i even have boxes of frames and books sitting in my closet right now. oops. 

but as much as i love being surrounded by stuff, i definitely think there is a fine line between organized clutter and chaos. 

#basicallyhoarderstatus

i'm excited to tell you guys about a partnership that i'm doing with Apartment Guide. they contacted me and asked if i'd be willing to share some tips about apartment living and making the most of a small space on a budget.  so i thought i'd give you a few tips and tricks on how to display clutter in an organized fashion. whether you're living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide offers tips on how to decorate your apartment and make the most of your space on the Apartment Guide blog

[1] a sturdy shelf or two or three - i love the rubbermaid shelves they sell at home depot.  they are really simple to install and can hold up to 25 pounds. do you know how many picture frames that is?

[2] some stuff!  you can use books, picture frames, knick-knacks, candles, flower pots, anything you want!

[3] patience! sometimes, everything comes together perfectly the first time around. but most of the time, it takes a few rounds of rearranging before you find your fit. just take a deep breath and try again.

1. work in small sections at a time. 
i like to start with larger objects, like these coffee table books, first and add smaller pieces in around them.

i love using coffee table books, especially for their color.  when using heavy books, be extra careful and make sure you have something, like a book end, to support their weight keep them upright. i used a basic book end i found in the dollar section at target on one side and a woodcut on the other.  i like to use frames, or in this case, a container of pretty flowers, to hide the book end and add an extra something special. :)
it's a budget-friendly alternative to the pretty, but expensive, designer book ends.

2. don't be afraid to stack objects. 
i love the way picture frames and art prints look when they are clustered together.  you can lean things against each other or even stack items.
larger art prints, or photo canvases, can rest against the wall to create height, or, you can hang it on the wall just a few inches higher than the shelf, with a nail or hook, for a floating effect.

3. play around and create different looks.
move things around, take pieces out, add pieces in, swap things around.
when you finally have a shelf full of stuff, take a step back and stare at your creation.
it may take a few attempts and some rearranging before your feel that pitter-patter of happiness in your heart, but you'll get there.

here is another set of shelves to ponder over.

this set is a little simpler, but it still allows me to display all of my favorite photos! :)

yes i know, i'm a little obsessed with my bub-hub.

sorry i'm not sorry.

and of course, a girl's gotta display her cookbooks right?

4. have confidence in your creation.

tadaaaaaaa!

you're awesome, so therefore, everything you do it awesome.

duh.

the beauty of this decorating method is that there is no right or wrong.
nothing had to match,
nothing has to coordinate.
you can use what you already have floating around.

so there you have it, decorating with organized clutter 101.

if you’re ready for a whole new space or looking to move, apartment guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you find the perfect apartment community. “like” apartment guide on facebook, tweet at  them @AptGuide on twitter, “circle” them on google+ and follow them on Pinterest for real-time tips and updates on how to make the most of your small space.

Disclosure Statement:

Apartment Guide and owner Consumer Source, Inc. partner with bloggers such as me to participate in blogger programs.  As part of that program, I received compensation.  They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about any products and believe that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Consumer Source’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

pinning for apples

 i've been seeing so many yummy posts about pumpkins and pumpkin spice lattes, and while i'm just as obsessed and in love as the rest of you, let's not forget about the other yummy things nature has to offer us during this fantastic season.

 

this week, i'm dedicating my pins to the forgotten fruit of fall:

the apple.

apple slices, crescent rolls, melted butter,  cinnamon & sugar.

cue mouth watering 

Source: recipebiter.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

apple pie bundles from one of my favorite baking blogs, bake or break:

Source: bakeorbreak.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

and how yummy does this apple crisp pizza look??

i wanna eat this so bad right now i can barely stand it.

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

candied pecans, crisp apples, and yummy gorgonzola. yes please!

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

and a yummy apple spice cake with my favorite,,,,cream cheese frosting :)

Source: smittenkitchen.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

and of course, apple cider doughnuts.

i'll take seven please.

Source: smittenkitchen.com via Amber on Pinterest

please don't judge me by my sweet tooth alone.
every now and then i do enjoy apples on their own, just the way nature intended.

you can find me on pinterest here:

happy wednesday!!

 

 

turkey tacos for dummies

i love to cook and bake (especially bake...), but sometimes, after a long work day, it's hard to find enjoyment in spending two more hours cooking and cleaning in the kitchen.  i've been trying to find recipes that require minimal time in the kitchen while still making home-made and healthy meals.

 

today, i would like to share one of my favorite week day meals with you.

tadaaa!!!!!

 

black bean turkey tacos

one pound of ground turkey breast

olive oil

taco seasoning

one yellow onion

two bell peppers (i used red, but yellow or orange are yummy options as well!)

one can of black beans

[one] gather your ingredients

(always a bub-hub required first step)

[two] chop and dice your onion and peppers

[three] in a skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil in the pan, about a tablespoon or so.  when the oil is hot, add your onion and peppers, and cook for about 5 minutes.  next, add in the turkey meat and generously sprinkle with taco seasoning.  once the meat is cooked through, you can stir in the black beans.  keep stirring until everything is warmed through.

[four] get your toppings ready! i like to add guacamole and lots of salsa to mine.  right now, our favorite salsa is the central market "green chile salsa roja".

a.k.a. the bomb[dot]com.

[five] assemble your tacos! you can use tortillas, taco shells, or use lettuce to make taco salad.

[six] fill your tummy and clean your plate! :)

this is super easy to make and is one of our go-to meals. we probably have some variety of this once a week. it is full of lean protein and nutritious veggies and it's easy to change it up so there's no risk of burn out! it also freezes really well, so it's great to make a big batch, and split it up for a quick dinner during a busy work week.

 

enjoy! :)

 

 

24 day challenge: Cleanse Phase Snack and Meal Tips

it's ok to not be able to stop thinking about fro-yo and cheerios right??

ever since i started the advocare 24 day challenge, i have not been able to stop the cravings for fro-yo an cheerios...it's a problem people.
thank goodness it's only for 10 days.

the diet for the 24 day challenge is pretty straight forward,

but with all of the yummy pinterest recipes floating around out there, 

it's really easy to be bummed out and think you're going to be stuck eating celery and peanut butter for the 10 day cleanse phase of the challenge.

i would not survive.

but it's only 10 days, and after that, you're home free!

you can do it! :)

for the 10 day cleanse portion of the challenge, here were are few of my go-to's:

my go to snacks:

apple slices with peanut butter

rice cakes with peanut butter

as much fruit as i can fit in my grocery cart: grapes, nectarines and more nectarines, oranges (regular size and minis!), bananas

raw veggies and hummus

my go to at-home meals:

grilled chicken and broccoli

baked chicken and green beans (original right??)

taco salad (with ground turkey)

salad, but be careful with the choice dressing! avoid creamy or sugary dressings.

fajitas sans tortillas :(

omelets and scrambled eggs 

on-the-go meals:

chipotle - you can load up with chicken, veggies, brown rice, black beans, salsa and even guac! just no cheese or sour cream.

boston market - chicken and veggies to go! i order the half chicken meal and it's the perfect amount for bub-hub and i to split! just be sure you pull the skin off the chicken first, and try and avoid the dark meat, and good luck resisting the corn bread, which is basically impossible.

pappasitos (or your favorite mexican food haven) - fajitas are my go-to here.

it's so hard to say no to the chips and salsa and green sauce, but you can do it! you can also swap out your rice and beans for grilled veggies! avoiding temptation at every turn!

after you wrap up the cleanse, 

you can incorporate carbs, dairy and sugars back into your diet, but don't go crazy!

try to stick to complex carbs and whole wheat & high fiber breads. 

be smart with your sugars and avoid yogurts and dairy products that are high sugar and low protein. try greek yogurt, like chobani!, and load it up with extra fruit or honey for additional sweetness.

and of course, avoid fried foods.

want to learn what the 24 day challenge is all about?
[here you go!]
want to take the challenge with me?
you can purchase your 24 day challenge bundle here:
[https://www.advocare.com/12082838/]

come on guys...you know you want to! :)



<left><a href="http://gracefullymade.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s393/SarahGraceChastain/advocare24daychallengebutton.png"/></a></left>

conquering the omelet

omelets + sunday mornings = meant to be.

when bub-hub and i were in mexico for the honeymoon, every morning, without fail, you could find us at the omelet station. fresh tortillas, fresh veggies, real mexican cheese. can't beat it.

this video kind of inspired me.

i've always been intimidated by omelets.

mostly becauase i'm a messy cook to begin with,

and eggs, in any form other than scrambled, just make me nervous.

maybe i'll try it. in honor of martha.

what do you like in your omelets?

blueberry-lemon boondt cake! :)

we were blessed to be invited over for dinner at a new friend's house,

so, of course, i volunteered to bring dessert!

summer is the season for amazing fruit...especially when it comes to berries.
so i took to pinterest, google and my recipie books for berry-inspiration.

there are so many lemon-blueberry bar and cake recipes floating around on pinterest right now,

but i was itching to use my new bundt cake pan.

[maybe i was channeling my big fat greek wedding]

so it was martha stewart to the rescue!

blueberry-lemon bundt cake
via martha stewart

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 teaspoon for blueberries and zest
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
Nonstick cooking spray, for pan
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting [optional, but highly recommended! :)]



Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, whisk 2 1/2 cups flour with baking powder and salt; set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars on high speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated.

Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions of sour cream.

In a bowl, toss blueberries and zest with remaining teaspoon flour; gently fold into batter.

Coat a 12-cup nonstick Bundt pan with cooking spray. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake cake on bottom rack of oven until a toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes.

Cool in pan 20 minutes.

Invert onto a rack; cool completely, top side up.

Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving, if desired.

tadaaaaaaah!

this turned out fantastic! it was the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and would even be perfect for breakfast or brunch!

what are you favorite summer-berry recipes??



p.s. have you heard about the 24 day challenge??
check out my post on it here and consider joining in with us!

o how pinteresting: summer treats and eats!

how does summer keep getting hotter??

i know that summer technically doesn't start until late june,

but in my mind, summer starts in may,

and by my count,

it should be cooling down.

but no, the temperatures keep cranking up higher and higher,
and we've still got more than a month to go.
yay sweat!

all this hot weather has me craving frozen cocktails...

what drink screams summer more than a frozen margarita?
ummm....none.
this is such a fantastic alternative to homemade margaritas in a blender that never seem to turn out as fabulous as the overpriced [but still fantastic...] ones at cyclone anayas.

Source: thismoment7.tumblr.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

or if the tequila isn't your drink of choice,,,,

why not try a champagne (or gingerale...) float?
adorable owl stirring sticks not required, but definitely recommended.

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

another fantastic plus for summer,,,,the fruit! :)

nectarines and blueberries and peaches,

o my!

i'll trade steamy afternoon for a juicy nectarine any day of the week!

Source: life-chasers.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

and of course,

you can't leave out the summer veggies...

cheesy succhini rice anyone?!
please ignore the fact that my one veggie selection also includes an incredible amount of cheese. sorry i'm not sorry.

Source: melskitchencafe.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

we don't have an ice cream maker

(although, as i'm typing this, i'm thinking maybe that's what i should use my macy's gift card for...hmmmm)

so when i see the yummy sherbert and ice cream recipies floating around on pinterest,

my heart breaks a bit.

this recipie however only requires a freezer.
meant-to-be.

Source: womansday.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

i really want to try this fruity frozen cheesecake recipe,

and maybe make it into minis??

i'm loving everything mini right now! :)

Source: kraftcanada.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

and on a totally unrelated note:

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Sarah Grace on Pinterest

 just because i laugh everytime i see it pop up on my pin-feed.

what summer treats are you pinning?

have you tried any of them?

join michelle's link up to find more super fabulous pinterest finds!