Friday, November 15, 2013

11.15.13

Cheesy Pasta Bake.


You know those days when all you want is some warm, gooey, cheesy, comfort food? For the last three days, that is all I have wanted. Probably because it's about 32 degrees outside and I'm cold! To fulfill my need I went back to my trusty "favorites" file (aka Pinterest board) to look for inspiration. This Creamy Caprese Pasta dish jumped out at me. I headed to Trader Joe's and realized two things: 1. I really needed some more veggies in my life, and 2. I didn't really have the time to stay completely true to the recipe. I re-worked it and ... oh. my. god. It completely hit the spot and the left-overs are even better! I promise you will love it.


Note: I didn't actually make this because homework took over 
but Colin jumped right in and followed my directions to a T. 
(Love him)

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb. whole wheat pasta (I used fusilli but penne is great too)
  • 1 jar of your favorite vodka sauce
  • 6 oz. fresh mozzarella cut into cubes
  • 1 pint of grape tomatoes, halved 
  • 10 oz. mushrooms (I used baby bella)
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced
  • 1 bunch of fresh basil leaves, cut into strips
  • Parmesan cheese
Steps:
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  • Boil water and cook pasta according to directions
  • When pasta is done cooking, drain and keep in pot
  • Add in mozzarella, veggies, and basil
  • Add vodka sauce to your liking (we used the entire jar but you can use less)
  • Mix everything and pour mixture into a large pre-sprayed baking dish
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly - 5 minutes before it is done, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top
*** Serves 6









Wednesday, November 13, 2013

11.13.13

Have you heard about ... SHOPbymonika.

Blogging has been a great way to hear about new things, such this cute little online shop. I first heard about The Doctor's Closet through Glitter Guide. I very quickly realized how much I love Monika's eye for aesthetics. When I saw she was opening up her own little pop-up shop I knew I'd probably love everything. And I do. The shop literally just opened last Friday and already items are selling like hotcakes! Below are a few of my favorites:














Monday, November 11, 2013

11.11.13

Weekend Recap.

This weekend was filled with friends, good times, and NO photos. What?! As much as I love my phone, sometimes I hate that I bring it out as often as I do. Imagine my surprise when I sat down to write this and realized - I don't have any pictures to go with my post! Instead of being disappointed, I'm actually quite happy that I was having such a good time I completely forgot about my little device. What could have possibly made me forget, you ask? Well for starters, my new favorite restaurant, DalĂ­. Colin and I had date night there on Friday and even though we waited for 45 minutes it was completely worth it. Decor - amazing. Sangria - great. Patatas bravas - excellent. Rabbit - mouth watering. The list goes on. Additional cool factor, this is Boston's first ever tapas bar and has been open for 20+ years. Next up was watching a big college football game with die-hard fans. LSU vs Alabama to be exact. For about 2 hours, I almost convinced myself that I was part of the LSU alumni crew. Geaux tigers. Sunday consisted of yet another football game, the 49ers. Even though we didn't win, I was so happy that my friends trekked their way to The Point just to support me by watching the game.

Last but certainly not least, Sunday was also Patty's birthday. Even though I could not be with my beautiful mama, I know she was showered with love (I know this because her friends have literally taken her out almost every day for the last week!). Cheers to you, Mom!

(This was taken in April when she came to Boston to visit. Isn't she the cutest?!)

Friday, November 8, 2013

11.8.13

Have you heard about ... The Little Market

If you haven't heard about The Little Market, you most certainly have heard about one of its founders. Lauren Conrad (LC to those who religiously followed Laguna Beach and The Hills) and Hannah Skvarla have teamed up to bring this online shop, featuring artisanal work from women around the world. Their goal is to help these women share their traditional skills with a broader audience while also helping them earn a living for themselves and their families. I chose to spotlight The Little Market particularly because they feature products from my native Peru. You should definitely check it out, they have some beautiful holiday decor right now!


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

11.6.13


On My Mind ... Pajama Party

Hello, November it's so nice to see your cold weather again! As temperatures drop (you know to the 30's and 20's), there is nothing cozier than sleeping in beautiful pajama sets. I just can't get enough of them. I used to defer to the college uniform of a T-shirt and sweats until Patty saw me. She took one look at me and gasped. At the time, I had a boyfriend and her actual response to me was, "I'd rather you go to bed naked then look like that in front of your guy." Did your jaw drop? Ya, mine did too. Regardless, I have embraced PJ sets with open arms!


Pajamas

Clockwise from top: Bowden // J. Crew // Jack Wills // Eberjey // Topshop

* Collage made with Polyvore

Monday, November 4, 2013

11.4.13

Weekend Recap.

Another beautiful fall weekend. If you didn't already know, apple picking is one of the best things about the fall season. This year, we weren't able to do any actual picking but we still got to enjoy plenty of apple cider, apple cider donuts, and other seasonal treats. Also, there's nothing better than walking around, surrounded by beautiful New Hampshire views.


Sometimes I can't believe places like this exist.


Jams and butters with the cutest packaging.

Flavored honey sticks.

Getting lost in cornfields. 



What's your favorite fall to-do?