enjoying salad

Salads aren't usually my go-to meal, but this particular one I've made for a lot of different people and it's always a crowd pleaser. It's a spin on a recipe my friend gave me a few years ago from, I think, Eating Well magazine. The other night, Dave and I had it as our dinner - not a side. We just added shredded chicken and it was both tasty and filling. The salad has also made a few appearances on my blog, but never as the main star. You've probably seen it here or here.

Combine:
- Spring Mix of Greens
- Finely chop one apple
- Finely chop one pear
- Finely chop half of a red onion
- Top with crumbled goat cheese (Trader Joes is my fave. I suggest using about half the container...though I usually get carried away and use the whole thing.)

Dressing:
- 8 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 
- 1-2 tbsp. mustard (I love Grey Popoun Honey Dijon)
- a sprinkling of ground pepper
*Shake or whisk together* (I never cover the whole salad, just allow everyone to drizzle on their own dressing).

ties and mustaches

Halloween was simple and fun this year. At work, all us girls (like 30-some of us) dressed up like businessmen, adorned in ties and mustaches. Here's a few of us from the PR department. My stache kept falling off though. Lame.

That evening, Dave and I went to our friend's house where we hung out in the driveway passing out candy, eating delish homemade nachos, tacos and caramel apple slices drizzled in chocolate (they tasted as good as they sound). And we had a few strawberry margaritas. It was our second annual Halloween at their house, looks like a new tradition for us. :)

three things

Today, I'm thinking back to my fab weekend. On Saturday night, Dave's Aunts threw us a wonderful engagement party. So fun and loving the beautiful flower arrangement they had on display and gave me to take home! Also, finally caved and made my pumpkin nutella muffins (seriously can't stop eating them). And, we finally (it only took two weeks, but felt longer) got our engagement photos back, which we absolutely love. 

my beautiful engagement party bouquet

um, yum

one of 195 photos. we love almost all of them! (by o'grace photography).

friday night relaxing

Sometimes after a hectic week, Friday evenings are the perfect time to veg out. After a relaxing mani/pedi, it was time for some takeout from LGO and a glass of red while I perused pinterest, flipped through my latest magazines and caught up on my current read - The Happiness Project. It's the small things that make me happy. :)

yes, that is almost a half eaten pizza for one. it's that good.

pumpkin + nutella lovin

Okay - anyone that knows me, knows about my love for Nutella. Did you know there is a Nutella truck and it's coming to Phoenix in Nov. as part of their breakfast tour? I'll be there! (more details here). Anyways, I also love pumpkin desserts during fall so this Nutella and pumpkin combo is clearly epic in my mind. 

Last year, a colleague of mine turned me on to these delish Pumpkin Nutella Swirl Muffins from Real Mom Kitchen. Everyone that tried them fell in love with them and I'm anxious to make them again, now that the cooler weather is finally kicking in.

Here's my photo:

But I suggest you visit Real Mom Kitchen for the recipe + photos that will actually make you want to make them. 

three things

On Mondays, I often find myself reflecting on the past week and noting the little things that are making me happy. I'm currently loving the fall flower bouquet on my kitchen table, which I got to take home from my ad agency's 30th anniversary celebration last week (also feeling lucky that I have such a great job!). Thinking about Vanessa's baby shower and how great it was for all us old high school friends to hang out this past Saturday and look forward to meeting baby Ava! And lastly, loving my Trader Joe's cinnamon broom that makes my house smell a-mazing.

Beautiful centerpiece for the fall

All five of us, Megan, me + Cami, Vanessa (with the cutest little baby bump ever), Sarah & Michelle

(photo via Fashion Lush blog)

Cinnamon Broom! If you're doubting it, try their mini version for just 99 cents.

life reminders

Some days, you just need a few little reminders to start the day on the right foot, turn a bad day into a good day or to take a moment to truly appreciate all the fabulous things in your life. Here are a few of my pinterest "thoughts."