back to basics

We're finally back from our European vacation. I'm looking forward to sharing all our photos and adventures in future posts. For now though, I'm recovering from the nine hour time difference, getting back into the swing of things at work and working on eating healthy. After two weeks of indulgence (think lots of cheese, croissants and wine - not to mention all the multiple course dinners), I'm craving fish and veggies.

Well, thanks to my MOH's blog, Wake Up Smiling, I discovered the amazing website Food on the Table and made this for dinner tonight. It seriously makes life easier. Thanks Sarah! :)

Right before I put the Lemon Pepper Salmon Steaks in the oven, yum!

railroad park

The last few Sunday evenings have been spent at the McCormick Railroad Park in Scottsdale with Dave's family for their free concert series. At first I didn't know what to expect - but this park is seriously the coolest park I've ever been to. Lots and lots of families showed up for the concert and there are all kinds of activities for kids to take part in - train ride, carousel, playground, various exhibits, a snack shop that operates out of a caboose and Hartley's General Store with souvenirs and food. The music was great too!

Dave and I treated ourselves to some mint chocolate chip ice cream on a sugar cone this last time around.

perfect saturday evening

A few Saturdays ago, Dave and I decided to spend the evening driving neighborhoods. Checking out other areas we might like to live other than where we each live now. We had so much fun picturing our future and imagining where we might end up. After our little house/neighborhood hunt, we dined at Spinatos - one of my favorite pizza restaurants ever. His first time! And he loved it. We will be back for more soon. Our fave combo is sausage and pineapple, yum.

all-american fourth of july

We spent our July Fourth evening at the Dbacks game with my future in-laws. Baseball, hot dogs, nachos and fireworks...doesn't get much better!

Here's Dave with his niece, so cute! 

afternoon coffee date

Coffee dates (well, actually ice tea dates) are a regular occurrence with my bestie. These days they're even sweeter since they now include baby Camdyn. What's better than two hours of gabbing on a lazy Saturday afternoon and holding the cutest little newborn ever?

This last time we met up, Sarah gave me a beautiful engagement gift too! So sweet! A homemade decorative "S" for Schmitt, champagne and a frame with a picture of my fiance and I that says "Fairy Tales Do Come True." So thoughtful and perfect.

spontaneous baking

The other night, I was scrolling through Facebook when I came across a three-ingredient peanut butter cookie recipe. I hadn't planned on baking that night (after going to spin class) but when I peeked at the recipe and I had all the ingredients, curiosity got the best of me (just three ingredients?!). 

In no time at all, I whipped these up:

Jan D'Atri posted the recipe on her website here. It's just peanut butter, sugar and an egg. And you know what? They're almost as good as the real thing. They don't have the same density and old-fashioned taste my mom's recipe has. These are a bit chewy, but for a quick little snack, definitely worth it! 

cabin getaway

Usually Memorial Day weekend is filled with poolside fun, bbqs and sun. But my fiance (I completely intend to overuse the word 'fiance' throughout our engagement) and I decided to get out of the heat and head to my parents cabin in Forest Lakes for the long-weekend.


Friday after work, we went grocery shopping, packed a cooler and headed up north. In just a few hours, we were in the pines and away from nearly all technology. It was an unexpectedly cold weekend, but we welcomed it. At night, it was forty degrees and during the day - the low fifties!
Saturday morning, Dave made our fave - cinnamon rolls (even better up north because they get really fluffy!), over-easy eggs and bacon. Then we drove up to some shops in Heber, stopped by a few antique stores on the way and went sight-seeing through a few neighborhoods. We got home, made lunch and relaxed. Next up - foosball and gin. After flipping through some bridal magazines, we sipped on wine while he grilled us some great steaks and corn on the cob. Later that evening, it was cold enough for a fire and the perfect excuse to roast marshmallows and make smores. Mmmmm!


Sunday morning was another great breakfast (love that my fiance cooks so much). Then an afternoon of practicing our shooting skills ensued. We did some more sight-seeing, had some lunch then played Arizona Trivia (you never know what games you'll find lying around in a cabin) and made a draft of our wedding guest list.


A wonderful, yet nontraditional Memorial Day weekend. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

~ It may not look amazing, but it was a delish breakfast ~

 ~ This store had some great finds. We will be returning! ~

~ Bison Ranch in Heber ~ 

~ Grill Master! ~ 

~ His ~

~ And hers ~

~ Yes, it was that cold! Gotta love roasting marshmallows. ~

~ Shooting practice! ~

~ <3 ~