grapefruit margarita

going against what everyone knows and says,

my mom basically taught me to play the lottery.

during the spring of 6th grade,

it was time for our middle school's ASB elections.

for some reason i really wanted to run for secretary

but everyone knew that only the 7th graders,

who would soon be the big bad super cool 8th graders,

could secure these highly esteemed positions on campus.

i must have somehow mentioned the situation to my mom....

you know what advice she gave me??

you should run! 

SOMEONE has to win!

it might as well be you!

and you know what...

that advice might as well be convincing you to 

buy a powerball ticket next time the jackpot gets big.

because SOMEONE is going to win! 

why not believe it's going to be you???

good advice, right?

what my mom really taught me: believe in yourself

my translation: play the lottery

it's a loose connection, i know :)

(yes, i was elected secretary)

recipe via sprouted kitchen cookbook

ingredients

sugar for the rim

pink or ruby red grapefruit

1/4 cup grapefruit juice

1 tablespoon agave nectar

2 tablespoons triple sec

1/4 cup reposado tequila

splash of coconut water

ice

makes 1 cocktail

(you will want to make more than one)

directions

1. pour thin layer of sugar on a small plate.

rub grapefruit wedge around the rim of your glass, 

and roll in the sugar to coat. set aside.

2. put the grapefruit segments into the bottom of prepared glass and fill with ice.

add remaining ingredients and stir. serve immediately.

marcy gave this bevy her stamp of approval.

summer & jesse's wedding preview!

all photos taken at the arctic club

moscow mule x2

roasted cauliflower pasta

i love cookbooks.

good ones inspire you with

intricate recipes and beautiful pictures...

and pretty soon you're imagining all the amazing things 

that could come out of your kitchen!

i got two new cookbooks for my bday. lucky me :)

recipe via the sprouted kitchen cookbook

i don't know about you, but when i make pasta dishes, 

i like more 'stuff' and less pasta.

for that reason, i actually thought you could have either 

INCREASED the ratio of 'stuff' to pasta, 

or just lowered the amount of pasta in this dish. 

but that's just me :)

overall - loved the flavors. 

the caramelized cauliflower, sweetness of the nutmeg and hazelnut, 

with the freshness of the basil. YUM. 

i couldn't resist - i also ended up adding red pepper flakes 

at the last minute to give it some kick :)

ingredients

1 head cauliflower

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons lemon pepper

sea salt & fresh ground pepper

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/2 pound whole grain pasta

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

handful of fresh basil leaves, cut into slivers

*i would have doubled this, but i LOVE basil*

1/2 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts

shaved pecorino for garnish (optional)

directions

1. preheat oven to 425 degrees.

bring large pot of salted water to a boil for your noodles.

cook pasta according to the package instructions.

2. meanwhile, cut the cauliflowers into 1-inch florets, 

discarding the thick middle stem.

spread florets on a rimmed baking sheet and toss 

with olive oil, making sure each piece is coated. 

sprinkle with lemon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, nutmeg & toss.

roast, gently stirring about halfway through the cooking time, 

until there are lots of caramelized spots, 25-30 minutes.

3. meanwhile, in a large saute pan over medium heat, 

warm the butter and swirl it around the pan until it 

starts to bubble and just begins to smell toasty - about 2 minutes. 

turn off heat.

**i felt like the 3 tablespoons of butter was a bit much, 

so i dumped about 2 tablespoons prior to adding the rest of the ingredients**

4. drain pasta, reserving a bit of the water. 

to the pan with the browned butter, add the pasta, a splash of pasta water, 

balsamic vinegar, basil, half of both the cauliflower and hazelnuts, 

and a pinch or two of salt. toss everything to combine.

*i would double the basil next time*

5. divide the pasta mixture into bowls and top each serving 

with a portion of the remaining cauliflower and hazelnuts, 

as well as a few grinds of pepper. 

garnish with cheese if your heart desires.

the top ten things i learned in my twenties...

1. surround yourself with the most amazing people you can find.

ones who are passionate, thoughtful, and generous.

friends really are the JOY of life.

it's about quality not quantity.

2. your worth is not determined by your accomplishments.

you are worth far far more than anything you will ever achieve.

ribbons, trophies and promotions aren't WHO you are.

3. the best is yet to come.
the best days are truly ahead of you and not behind you.

4. family is everything.
make your family a priority.
celebrate birthdays, send christmas cards, do life together.
friends may come and go, but family is forever.

5. travel is a marvelous thing that lets you see
and experience things you will never forget.
travel has been one of the greatest gifts i've ever been given.
travel as much as you possibly can.

6. do something that makes you happy.

both personally and professionally.

even if it's not the coolest, sexiest or most popular thing.
it will bring you JOY and will make your days worth living.

7. generosity is a lifestyle.
be generous with your words, your time and your money.
build people up, don't tear them down.
you don't have to be rich to be generous.

8. happy girls are the prettiest girls ~audrey hepburn

don't take life to seriously! laugh at yourself!
put a smile on your face and let loose a bit!

9. step out in faith.
go on an adventure. try something new.
passionately pursue your dreams.
you have nothing to lose.

10. a smooth sea never made a skillful sailor. ~franklin d. roosevelt
trials and tribulations and surprises WILL come along the way.
embrace these! look at them as opportunities...
to become a better person, learn a lesson,
have a second chance, and ultimately to step
into the better days that are ahead of you.

thanksgiving top ten

1. dufur, oregon

2. 'lady arabelle'

(the name of the house... monogrammed towels and all)

3. playing football & riding four-wheelers

4. bedtime stories with raleigh

5. raleigh's favorite game - 52 card pick-up.

i pretend to time him every time :)

6. prepping for dinner

7. the aftermath

8. the beautiful table

9. dessert

10. these crazy kids and an accidental black eye