our trip to the market

One of JJ and my favorite things to do together is grocery shop.  When we lived in Minnesota, we'd visit this "high-end" grocery store called "Byerly's."  Sometimes if we couldn't think of anything else to do, we'd walk around Byerly's carpeted store listening to the smooth tunes coming out of the store speakers.  When we'd leave, we would feel refreshed and relaxed.  It was like a free spa!

Now that we live in Florida, we head over to our local produce only market.  As seen from the pictures, it's far from "high-end," but it's so much fun.  I love going into the market and seeing the store owner chat with happy customers and watching kids run in with their parents excited to eat the fresh organic fruits and veggies.  The last time we went, we were leaving the store and saw a dad and his sweet son sharing a bag of peanuts they just bought as they sat under the shade of the store front.  I told JJ that someone should take their picture and have it be an advertisement for the store. :) 

I never realized how awesome it is to support these local businesses and in return receive such excellent customer service, awesome prices, and feel so confident about feeding their products to my family. :)

new sofa!

This is our new couch!  This past week, I found it on Craigslist of all places, but originally from Ikea.  JJ and I love the Potterybarn couches...but are way too pricey for us.  So, we settled on this comfy one that happens to look very similar to the expensive style we would like to have. :)  We even had it delivered to our front door. 

JJ and I are excited to enjoy many movies and naps on this new addition to our home. :)

last night's dinner

Last night, I made a delicious pasta dish from my "Cooking Light" cookbook...a gift we actually got for our wedding. :)

It seems as though whenever I make a receipe, I always put my own twist on things depending on which ingredients I have, which ones I modify so JJ and I will both enjoy the meal, and how expensive my grocery list has added up to be.

So, here's what was in our dinner last night:
1 3/4 c. Penne Pasta
1 c. Tomatoes
1 small Red Pepper
1/2 c. Red Onion
1/4 c. Basil
Parmesan to taste!
2 Garlic Cloves
2 tsp. Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 can of chick peas (drained and rinsed)

It's super easy...you just boil your pasta...and heat your olive oil. Add your tomatoes to the oil and cook on medium-medium/high heat for 3 minutes, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, toss in the red pepper, chick peas and onion and cook for 3 minutes.  Once the pasta is done, toss in everything else!  Heat thoroughly and enjoy!

It was a hit!  Although, I will say, next time I won't add as many chickpeas...a lot of them ended up in the garbage. :) 

brooke peterson photography

Today was a very exciting day for my sis-in-law, Brooke (see picture above--this is Brooke and her husband, Roy last Christmas!)  Her photography website is up and running!  www.brookepetersonphotography.com  Check it out!!

Brooke is a fantastically professional and creative photographer who captures images you will be proud to hang on your walls for life. :) 

I'm so excited for you, Brooke!  I love your work and I can guarantee that all your clients will be supremely satisfied. :)

here's to you, carrie and dru!

This past week, JJ and I went to bed at 9 p.m. and I missed a very important call from our dear friend, Carrie.  I had a feeling it had to do with a proposal from her sweet boyfriend, Dru....and it was!!!!!!

JJ and I met Carrie and Dru through our church and it has been one of the biggest blessings in our lives.  We are so glad to have such fun friends!  It has made our move to Florida so much easier. :)  (Although now that we've been living here for more than a year, perhaps we're not so new to FL anymore...)  In any case, they're the best.  :)

To celebrate, we went to dinner with Carrie's parents and the happy couple at "Anthony's Pizzeria."  http://www.anthonyspizza.com/  We shared a greek salad and had the Mediterranean pizza.  Delicious!  If you like your veggies, this is your pizza.  Plus, it doesn't have a greasy crust--it's thin and light--just how you'd like to feel after eating a piece of pizza!  Anthony's is located in a wonderful part of Orlando, Thorton Park...and is a definite foodie goodie. :)

So, all in all--CONGRATULATIONS CARRIE AND DRU!  Absolutely thrilled for you! :)

bikes, beans and bordeaux

Today, my good friend Jessica and I headed to a neighborhood cafe called, "Bikes Beans & Bordeaux."  The whole theme of the restaraunt is cycling.  From its decor, menu and even how the employees are dressed. :)

Jessica had the "Lance-wich sandwich" which affectionally is named after Lance Armstrong.  I had the a half tuna fish sandwich and side salad.  It was delicious.  Absolutely delicious. :)  We both left with our complimentary jelly bellies in hand and  full tummies.  Because "Bikes Beans and Bordeaux" uses fresh, healthy and ripe ingredients, it was a pleasantly full tummy.

We headed back to work in refreshed, replinished and ready to forge through the 2 p.m. slump. :)

Check out their website at:  http://www.bikesbeansandbordeaux.com/index.html

labor day brunch and shopping

Today, we had our sweet friends, Megan and Carrie over for a Labor day brunch.  We had a delicious spread of Krusteaz Cranberry-Orange Muffins, scrambled eggs with green pepper, red onion, basil, garlic, cheese and tomato (thanks Carrie for the eggs--and Megan for making them!), fruit and some turkey bacon.  It was the perfect meal before a trip to the mall. :)

JJ headed to Urban Outfitters (as he's seen with these sweet headphones... :)  while the girls and I roamed the mall.  What a fun morning!