Garlic Festival

  This weekend we went to The Gilroy Garlic Festival. If you are a Garlic lover it was
   the place to be. The moment you entered Gilroy the entire town smelled so delicious! It
   was very warm out and there were tons of people so I only took limited pics. You know
   us bloggers could stand in one spot and take a hundred pics. Ha. So much wonderful
   food, garlic ice cream, garlic bread, garlic chocolate, and an entire block that was
   called Gourmet Alley. They were also filming a Garlic Cook Off! YUM.
   

Heirloom Tomato Pie

     I made this a couple weeks ago for brunch and it was huge hit. This time of year
     tomatoes are ripe and beautiful. The crust, cheese, and caramelized onions had
     me dreaming about this tart for a week. Perfect to serve if you are having guests over.

                                                      Heirloom Tomato Pie

        One pie crust...homemade or store bought
        3/4 cup manchego cheese
        olive oil
        1 large onion
        2 pounds heirloom tomatoes
        salt and pepper
        3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
        1/4 cup sour cream
        3 tablespoons bread crumbs
        3 tablespoons fresh chives
        3 tablespoons fresh parsley
        1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

       1) Line crust with foil and fill with dried beans. Bake until edges are golden. 2o min.
       2) Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion
       and cook, stirring until golden, 15 minutes. Let cool. Meanwhile, thinly slice tomatoes
       toss with 1 tablespoon of salt and in a colander. Let drain 30 min.
       3) Increase oven temperature to 375. Combine the manchego cheese, mozzarella,
       sour cream, bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons each of herbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
       and the onions in a bowl. Spread in the crust. Arrange tomatoes on top. Drizzle with
       oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until the tomatoes are browned about 50
       minutes. Top with remaining herbs. Slightly adapted from Food Network.
     

Wordless Wednesday

                    Is there anything better than the sheer delight on a child's face when she sees
                                                 a ice cream sundae in front of her face?

Blueberry Butter

       There are very few things in life that I love more than butter. It just make me happy.
       I love full fat with salt butter. I could slather it on everything. I wish I could indulge
       more often but my thighs would not not like me. Everything in moderation, right?
       You need to make this...like today!! This is perfect for a hostess gift. I like to smear
       some on croissants any carb will do. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!
       

              1 pint blueberries
              1 stick salted butter
              4 to 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar
              lemon zest ( optional )

          In a small bowl mash blueberries and set aside. In a another bowl mix butter and
          sugar until well combined. Mix the blueberries and butter together and place in
          a canning jar or bowl. Refrigerate or sever room temp and thoroughly enjoy!
                  I came up with recipe because I needed to use up the berries I had!

Banana Cream Pie Milkshake

               This fabulous drink is the best Banana Cream Pie you will ever have without all
          the hassel....It's hot out there and we all need an amazing yummy treat that is very
          easy and tastes great! You will become addicted to this. I have been making it for
          years and it's a favorite. Not to mention that I love anything with bananas in it!

                                                        Banana Cream Pie Milkshake

         2 cups of vanilla bean ice cream, softened
         1 banana, chopped
         1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
         1/4 cup milk or more depending on how thick you want it
         1 teaspoon vanilla extract
         whipped cream for the top

         Layer ingredients in blender, heavy cream, banana, ice cream graham cracker
         crumbs. Blend until thoroughly combined. Add more milk if you'd like it thinner.
         Top with whipped cream and extra graham cracker crumbs.
     

Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

     In life some things just go together...Chocolate and Peanut Butter, Tomatoes and
     Mozzarella also Watermelon and Cucumber it's a magical healthy combination. A
     perfect Summer salad that is refreshing and very easy to whip up. The addition of
     cashews and feta really transforms this into something special. I served this with
     honey lime grilled chicken. Enjoy!

                                                   Watermelon-Cucumber Salad

       Soak 1/2 thinly sliced red onion in cold water. Pat dry 4 cups of watermelon and one
       seeded and sliced cucumber, toss with a handful of thinly sliced fresh mint. Drain the
       onion, squeeze dry and add to the salad along with some chopped cashews. Add-
       1/4 cup olive oil and the juice of one lemon, season with salt and pepper. Top with
       feta cheese and enjoy.
       
   

Disney Princess Love

                Avery had a spa day at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland. Where she
                transformed  into a Princess. Truly the most amazing experience for a little girl.

 Here she is all done up. Princess Avery "Ariel" Btw, she went into full on Princess mode.

                                            
                          Avery meeting her favorite person, ever. This moment touched my heart!

                     Meeting Jasmine and having a deep conversation about Ariel....of course. Ha

         Meeting Belle "my favorite"  she was so lovely, charming and kind. Avery was happy.

      This was a magical day for us all and Disneyland made all of my little girls dreams
      come true. Truly the happiest place on earth and the memories of my 5 year old
      daughter are going to be with me for a lifetime. Truly a priceless experience!
                                                    I love you, Princess Avery

Confetti Cream Martini

              Inspired by all of the fabulous, Vegas Cocktails...I felt inspired to come home
             and create a beautiful, classy and very girlie drink. This is going to be such a
             great treat for you or your guests. It's like a creamy dessert with a kick. Cheers.

                                                          Confetti Cream Martini

             1 1/2 ounces half and half
             1 ounce spiced rum
             1/2 or 1 ounce butterscotch schnapps
             1/2 ounce vanilla schnapps or vanilla vodka
             ice cubes
             candy confetti

            In a cocktail shaker, combine half and half, rum butterscotch schnapps and vanilla
            schnapps. Add ice cover and shake until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini
            glass. Garnish rim with confetti or sprinkle on top. Note this is for one glass...you
            may want to triple the recipe.

What happens in Vegas....

            I was going to write a witty post about Vegas...but, What happens in Vegas stays
          in Vegas?? Here are a few things that I can tell you...from what I remember, Haha

          * We stayed at The Bellagio Hotel
          * Had an amazing dinner at Yellowtail...Strawberry topped spicy tuna was my fave.
          * Drank lots of amazing cocktails
          * went to see a play called Jersey Boys and it was incredible
          * gambled

            Well, there you have it...a brief run down on an amazing city, full of fun!!!

My kitchen

         Hello, beautiful people...Here is a look into my kitchen, where the magic happens.
         My style is all over the place. I try and just go for a cozy feel in here. When you walk
         in my home I want you to feel like a big hug is surrounding you. I love personal
         photos in a kitchen. I also love lots of white and pops of color. Pull a chair up to the
         Island and let me whip you up a tasty treat =))) For those of you that have been
         following me for awhile know that we painted our kitchen cabinets last year Winter
         White...and I'm so glad we did.
  
                                                        Linking to thriftydecorchick

A few of my favorite things....

           I don't know about you but there are certain things in my life that I just can not live
              without....Especially in the Summer time. I went shopping this morning and
              restocked some of my favorite must have's. What are your favorite goodies?

       1) my all time favorite perfume...CHANCE CHANEL

       2) ESTEE LAUDER...skin lotion, even skintone illuminator and eye cream.
           I truly believe in these products. I don't have a single wrinkle. HA.

       3) Laura Mercier....tinted moisturizer. You can just put this on and walk out into the
        world.

       4) Urban Decay....Naked eyeshadows. Perfect Summer colors.

       5) Tory Burch.....sandals are a must have and I'm addicted.

         Tell me what your favorite products and must haves are that you can not do without.

Pina Colada Dip

               This sweet dip is the epitome of what Summer is all about!!  Refreshing and
             oh so good! Do you have a Summer get together that you are going to? Are you
            about to have a party at your own house? I beg you, Like, pleading with you to
           make this. Turn on some Jimmy Buffet or maybe Bob Marley and have a little fun.

                                                                Pina Colada Dip

               1 package ( 8 ounce ) cream cheese, softened
               1 jar ( 7 ounce ) marshmallow creme
               1 can ( 8 ounce ) crushed pineapple, drained
               1/2 cup flaked coconut
               1 pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
               strawberries
               fresh pineapple, cubed

              1) In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme until fluffy.
              Fold in pineapple and coconut. Cover and chill until serving. Serve.

            

A peak in my bedroom

                               
                    

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus With Raspberry Sauce

      
        Sometime's the hardest thing about planning meals is figuring out what side dish to
        make. I heart asparagus...It is my favorite veggie. If I could find a way to incorporate
        it in every meal, I would. Wrapping Prosciutto around the asparagus gives it a salty
        bite and it's simply divine. The Raspberry Sauce gives the dish a great balance of
        sweet and salty!! YUM. These are highly addicting.

                               Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus With Raspberry Sauce

         1/3 of a pound of thinly sliced prosciutto
         16 asparagus spears, trimmed
         1/2 cup seedless jam
         2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
         olive oil
         salt and pepper
         garlic "optional"

         1) Cut prosciutto slices in half. Wrap a prosciutto piece around each asparagus spear.
          Place on a cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper.

         2) Preheat oven to 400 and cook about ten minutes. You also can grill the asparagus.

         3) In a small microwave safe bowl, microwave jam and vinegar for 20 seconds or
         until jam is melted.

                               This dish would also be perfect as an appetizer for a party!