Shrimp Chipotle Alfredo

I have a new dinner recipe for you! I've been absent from blogging for a while, and I'm so excited to finally be catching back up on things!

The best part of this recipe is that is comes from Keith, my sweet hubs. You see, he is off from school for a short summer break and, up until this week, has spent his time studying. So, I jokingly said he should make dinner tonight since he had more free time than me :) ...and he surprised me by actually doing it! And the meal was fantastic-o.

Keith altered this recipe from Kraft quite a bit to make it taste so good. This is one of my new favorites. Here it is!

Shrimp Chipotle Alfredo

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Ingredients:

1 package of sliced baby portobella mushrooms

1 tomato, seeded and diced

1 lb fettuccine, uncooked

6 Tbsp butter, divided

2 lb uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 oz pkg cream cheese, cubed

1 cup skim milk

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 Tbsp canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.

Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbsp butter in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp, cook and stir 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp from skillet; cover to keep warm.

Add next 4 ingredients and remaining butter to skillet; cook on low heat 5 minutes or until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring constantly with whisk. Stir in the shrimp.

In another skillet, saute mushrooms with a tiny bit of butter and transfer to the sauce skillet. Then, saute the tomatoes for about 2 minutes, and add to the sauce.

Serve sauce over the noodles and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Enjoy!!

Celebrating our 3rd

Last week, we had a wonderful 3rd anniversary celebration! For our first anniversary, we were at the beach, and for our second anniversary Keith went overboard with this surprise. So, this year, I was really excited to just have a nice dinner out in Memphis at a restaurant I've always wanted to try. We went to Flight and it was fabulous! Here are the pics:

Before the night got started, Keith spoiled me a bit during the day. He picked me up at work for lunch at Bhan Thai and had these little beauties in the car:

3 daisies for 3 great years!

Ok, now on to the evening....

We snapped a few pics before heading out! The weather was really nice on the summer solstice!

Dinner at flight was SO good!! Everything is flight-style and comes in small portions, and you can choose coordinating wine flights with small pours. It was so fun!

We loved sampling the yummy wines! And we left totally stuffed.....

Oh, and this year's traditional gift was leather. We do follow the traditions and it's pretty fun! Since we stayed in town for our anniversary, we decided to splurge on each other's leather gifts. Woohoo!

This little pretty is my gift, and I adore it! It's a lovely little Coach, and I feel as excited about it as I probably would a new car :) Oh, and my hubs went the extra mile and got me some Banana sunglasses in a leather case. He's too good!

And I got Keith this rugged, manly bag. It's really nice and will hold lots of stuff. He needed a new piece of luggage, too!

All around, it was a wonderful, romantic, sweet anniversary. We love to surprise and spoil each other! As much as we loved our night out and fancy gifts, the best part of our marriage is the regular, every day stuff. It's fun to get dressed up and make things special, but I love nights at home in pjs watching a movie just the same.

Thanks for a fabulous anniversary, Keith. I can't wait to celebrate number 4!

Steve Miller Band @ Live at the Garden

Last night, we had a wonderful time at Memphis' Live at the Garden summer concert series, where we got to see the Steve Miller Band. The fabulous advertising firm I work for, cs2, is an event sponsor and I was fortunate to receive 4 tickets to sit at our very-close table. I invited my Mom and Dad and we made a night of it!

A view from our table looking back behind us at the rest of the tables and the lawn. There were tons of folks out to enjoy the festivities!

Mom and I enjoyed making some yummy treats for our table!

Steve Miller was AWESOME! He played all the greatest hits, like....

"Abra-Abra Cadabra...I wanna reach out and grab 'ya..."

"Fly like an eagle, to the sea....Fly like an eagle, let my spirit carry me....."

"Go on, take the money and run...."

But, best of all was the encore:

"You're the cutest thing that I ever did see....Really love your peaches - wanna shake your tree....."

Oh, what fun when everybody is singing along!

Mom and Dad had such a great time!!! They've already said they'd be happy to use any tickets I happened upon in the future :)

Me and my hubs.

Yes, it was hot, and my hair was not having it. Hence the slicked-back pony.

Another up-close with my honey

What a great night we had! The weather was actually not unbearable, the music was rockin' and the company at our table was great, too. John David and Becky, we must hang out again soon! :)

I hope you all enjoyed your weekends, too!

Peach and Goat Cheese Chicken Pizza with Arugula Salad

Oh, peach. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways....

Here's a great pizza recipe from Cooking Light that we recently made (and slightly adapted). It was absolutely delicious. The recipe called for Gorgonzola, but I had Goat on hand and it was a great substitute. I will be making this again and again during peach season!!

Peach and Goat Cheese Chicken Pizza with Arugula Salad

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Ingredients:

1 (10-ounce) prebaked thin pizza crust (such as Boboli)

Cooking spray

1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast 

1/3 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) crumbled Goat Cheese (or Gorgonzola)

1(or more) medium unpeeled peach, thinly sliced

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

Salad:

2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp honey

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

3-4 cups loosely packed arugula

1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion

Preheat oven to 400°

Place pizza crust on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Brush 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil evenly over crust. Top evenly with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, chicken, Gorgonzola cheese, and peach slices. Top with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella. Bake at 400° for 11 minutes or until crust browns. Drizzle with balsamic and cut pizza into 8 wedges and top with arugula salad.

To make the salad, combine the lemon juice and honey in a large bowl; gradually whisk in the olive oil. Add the arugula and red onion to bowl. Toss gently to coat.

This is how your plate will look when you finish devouring two (or three) slices. Don't worry, the crusts were consumed!

Tequila-Lime-Coconut Macaroon Bars

It's summer. And these bars are the perfect dessert for a hot day!

YUM! This is an easy Southern Living recipe that I highly recommend you make before the season is over. Granted, these are not limited to summer, but just make 'em soon, okay?

Tequila-Lime-Coconut Macaroon Bars

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Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons tequila
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnishes: powdered sugar, lime rind curls

Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 13- x 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing 2 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil.

Stir together 1 3/4 cups flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Press mixture onto bottom of prepared pan.

Bake at 350° for 20 to 23 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, whisk eggs in a medium bowl until smooth; whisk in coconut, next 3 ingredients, and remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar. Stir together baking powder, salt, and remaining 1/4 cup flour; whisk into egg mixture. Pour over hot crust.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until filling is set. Let cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Lift from pan, using foil sides as handles. Remove foil, and cut into bars. Garnish, if desired.

ENJOY!!

3 Years

Today, we celebrate 3 years of wedded bliss.

It's hard to believe how fast time has gone by, but I also feel like we've loved each other for a lifetime.

From our start almost 8 years ago in college...

...to where we are now, I have a heart full of love for my wonderful husband. It's hard to imagine how I could love him more, but I know it will only grow.

Keith's Proposal

We have many blessings to count as we look back on 3 years of marriage and look ahead to the next. Together, we've experienced lots of laughs, great memories, good food, adventures, tears, stress, adjustments, but most of all, an abundance of love.

He's had stressful times, I've had stressful times. And, of course, we've had a few fights over taking out the trash and picking up stuff strewn over the house. Who doesn't? 3 years of marriage down, and we know how to have a good, healthy fight, vent our frustrations and move on just like normal. And we know how to make up, too :)

We never go to bed angry. We make sure to get a few minutes of snuggle time in before getting out of bed in the morning. We make alone time together a priority, despite a never-ending busy schedule.

Oh, and we have FUN, too. We play music at the house more than we watch TV, and sing loudly. Laughter is a big part of a great marriage!

We are life partners. I can't imagine going through each day without Keith by my side and cheering me on!

We are imperfect people. But, together, we make a pretty great team. It still amazes me that God created this person with me in mind, and I for him.

Together, we are putting our next steps in life in God's hands. He has plans for us and His timing is perfect. We are so happy, content and blessed with where we are, and can't wait to see how the next year, 5 years, 10 years and more unfold.

Thank you, Keith, for being an amazing husband, man of God, leader and friend. Happy Anniversary!!

PS - To read about how we met, click here

PSS - To see pictures and videos from our wedding, click here

To the Dads

To the Dads in our life,

Happy Father's Day!

My Dad and Keith's Dad at Christmas

Keith and I are blessed to come from two wonderful families, and both of us have pretty awesome dads. These men have been our role models, protectors, providers and encouragers from day one. It's even more special that our dads get along and enjoy being around each other. Someday, they will both make awesome grandfathers. We are lucky to have you in our lives!

Now, to my father, Lindy-

You are the best.

You are one-in-a-million. Everyone loves you. People are attracted to you. You make the world laugh. 

Most of all, you are an amazing father. You have believed in me, supported me, worried about me, and never pushed me to be anything other than myself.

Thank you for spoiling me with love, prayers, attention, family vacations, cars, pretty dresses and a fairytale wedding (to name a few). Thank you for spoiling me, but thank you even more for keeping me balanced. 

Thank you for being a Christian leader of this family and being strong for us in hard times. I hope that we have been strong for you, too.

One of my life's greatest joys is the way you love my husband. I had always hoped I would marry a man that you would like and have a good relationship with, but this far surpasses my dreams. I am an extremely lucky lady.

But, Dad, the greatest gift you ever gave me, and continue to give, is loving my Mom. Thank you for demonstrating what a loving husband looks like. Thank you for making her feel beautiful, supporting her and making her laugh. It is the greatest gift of all.

To my Father-in-Law, Bob-

Thanks to you, I have married a prince charming. A man doesn't conduct himself with such poise, confidence, patience and kindness unless another great man taught him so. It is clear that you worked so hard as a father to Keith to make him the very best version of himself. You have pushed him to succeed, all while loving him like crazy and making sure he had lots of adventure along the way.

You have also been a wonderful dad to two other spectacular children, and you love one the most amazing women on the planet. You are a very blessed dad on this Father's Day!

Thanks for all you do, Mr Bob. And thanks for loving me and welcoming me like family from the beginning :)

Happy Father's Day to all Dad's out there, especially ours. We love you.

Bachelorette Bash in Big D

Last weekend was pretty fantastic. I took Friday off, and headed to Dallas, Texas, to meet up with some of my favorite girls in the world. We were all Tridelta sorority sisters together and we're a pretty tight-knit group! You see, my sweet friend, Meredith, is getting married in a few short weeks. You may also remember when she got engaged and we all surprised her! Well, we surprised her once again. The whole weekend was a secret, and every activity was revealed in clues and hints as the weekend progressed.

Here are the details and pics of the fab celebration!

I arrived on Friday and joined Stacia, Collin, Meredith and Kelsey. We hit the pool, where I managed to totally crisp myself in the sun. I hadn't been in a swimsuit and in the sun yet this season, and I did not use enough sunscreen. Rill dumb.

After pool time, we embarked on an afternoon of fun around some Dallas hot spots. Each location was somehow tied to an ex-boyfriend of Meredith's. Once we arrived, we gave her clues and then a picture of the old beau. It was hilarious!

Here I am with Stacia and Collin

First stop: a very random taco stand, but with the best tacos you'll ever eat! From left, Meredith, Kelsey and Collin.

This is gas station with a car wash, convenience store, taco stand, shaved ice and a karaoke/DJ in the parking lot (?). RANDOM...

...But, delicious.

Next stop, a precious soda shop (from left: me, Stacia, Meredith, Kelsey, Collin)

Mere poses at Dude, Sweet Chocolates. Such an awesome place! We got to sample gourmet, crazy chocolate samples. I brought home something with fungus in the name...it has mushrooms in it. Yes, mushrooms and chocolate, and it may be one of the best things I've ever eaten. Trust me.

We hit up some other great spots, but then it was time for dinner:

The bride-to-be in white!

Alena joins us as we dine at Victor Tangos. YUM.

Mere and Collin say cheese!

Ok, dinner was pretty fun and not just because of the great food. Before we went to Dallas, Stacia emailed the groom with a list of questions (ranging on a variety of topics from their relationship) that he had to answer. Over dinner, we asked Meredith the questions and she had to guess what Ryan's answer was. It was a hoot and half. Great idea!

Afterwards, we headed to The Beauty Bar for some cocktails:

Kelsey, Meredith and Stacia

I love and miss my Kels. A lot.

The rowdy ones in the gang, Stacia and Collin, keep things exciting!

The bride shakes it!

Collin and I share a little cuhwanberreh drink :)

Then, we headed across the street to a fun joint with some games you could play. We chose the giant Jenga and had a blast!

Kelsey sizes up the situation.

Meredith makes a risky move. 

Yes, there are dirty things drawn on the blocks. Darn those people that like to graffiti!

You can do it, Collin! Oh yeah, by now we had attracted a crowd.

I am a very precise Jenga player. Don't mess with me!

Of course, it eventually fell. Oh, what fun. I want a set for my patio now!!

The next day was packed with more good things. First up, the Spa at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas. This is luxury baby!

The gang in our cozy robes before our spa treatments: body scrub, massage and pedicure, thankyouverymuch!

This is how we all felt afterwards!!

Ok, now for the very best part of the whole weekend (in my opinion). We REALLY surprised Mere here. Lucky for us, Kelsey lives in Dallas, so we didn't have to splurge on a hotel. Her house is a swanky, modern townhouse - seriously cool. It's so fab, it makes me wish I was modern! Anyway, we arranged for a chef from the Viking School to come to Kelsey's house for a night of cooking! SO FUN!

Putting Kelsey's chalkboard wall to good use in the kitchen. This was our menu! We spent 3 hours cooking, laughing, sharing and learning.

Kels did such a great job of decorating! It was so cute and looked effortless.

Adore the mason jar treatment. Adore it!

The lingerie table was very fun. There were little things wrapped in pink, a very funny cake, cookies, and bananagram letters. Yes, we made dirty words with the letters. When else would it be acceptable?! :)

The naked Ken doll was too funny. Especially his discarded clothes on the side.

Mere LOVES purple, and our gifts do reflect it!

Cooking time begins! Stacia and Collin start with watermelon margaritas.

Meredith and Alena whip up some mini peach pies. So cute.

I work on some cucumber cups. Something I had never done before!

Now, THAT'S a margarita!

Kelsey makes the smoky gazpacho to go into the cucumber cups.

Kelsey, Stacia and Collin pause for a photo op.

Once the margaritas were polished off, we made some of the best mojitos I've ever had!

Kels and I slurp them up!

Chef Dawn and I discuss next steps.

Ok, now for our final dishes!

Smoky Gazpacho Cups

Mini Shrimp Tacos with Grilled Corn Avocado Salsa

Pork Tenderloin with Plums on Herbed Biscuits

Lemonade-Glazed Fish Kebabs

Mini Peach Pies

The group with our creations.

I must say, everything was absolutely fantastic!

What an amazing weekend. What a great bachelorette party!

It's such a blessing to have the kinds of friends in life that you know you will forever count on. These are friends like that. We may be all over the country. We may only see each other once or twice a year. We don't talk as much as we should. We get busy; time passes. But, it doesn't matter. We never miss a beat. We never question our friendship. It will always be there.

These big life moments we share: engagements, weddings, career changes, moves, and (future) babies are all the more special when you have wonderful friends, and in our case, sisters, to share it with. Congratulations, Meredith. We can't wait to celebrate the big day soon!!