Living a tasteful life

Friday, May 29, 2015

News Feed Friday


Talk about breakfast with a view, if only I could wake up to this every morning. This photo was taken at Ladera Resort in St. Lucia while my husband and I were on our honeymoon.  I bring this up because Dasheene, the restaurant at the resort, made the list of 50 of the world's most breathtaking restaurant views and it's easy to see why. 

I'm salivating just looking at this recipe for Mascarpone Peanut Butter Pie With Cocoa Crust.

This guide to summer in the South has been book marked on my computer for future reference. 

I think this needs to make an appearance at the next pool party I go to. Actually, this one is more my style. 

These wine glasses are perfect for those outdoor gatherings when you just don't want to break out the good stuff. No pun intended.  

Doesn't this top look comfy?!

I'll have a pocket coffee please! (first I've heard of this)

Need a pasta salad recipe? Try one of these 25 recipes from Cooking Light. 

Have a great weekend!!!

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Thursday, May 28, 2015

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

The Nordstrom half yearly sale is going on now, with only four days left to save. I'm sharing just a few of my picks below, broken down by category. 

|DRESSES|




| SHOES |




| HANDBAGS & ACCESSORIES |

| TOPS |


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Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Pineapple, Bacon & Cheese Bites

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I would share the pineapple, bacon and cheese recipe that I made as an appetizer for our Memorial Day BBQ at the office last week. To some this may sound like a strange combination, but something about it just works.
My grandmother use to make this savory mixture quite frequently for my grandfather as a sandwich spread. Her recipe was far more than just slapping a mixture between to slices of white bread. She would fry the bacon to crispy perfection, grate sharp cheddar cheese and occasionally break out some fresh pineapple. 
The best thing about this recipe is that it's so versatile. Although my grandmother only used it for sandwiches, it also makes a great burger topping, a nice dip for pita chips, or in this case, a filling for fillo shells. The fillo shells seem to be the best choice when serving this savory mixture as an appetizer to feed a crowd.

I'm not going to lie, I took a few short cuts when I made this due to time constraints. However, if you do have time, I  recommend doing it my grandmother's way.

“Pineapple, Bacon & Cheese Bites”
Ingredients
1 16oz can of crushed pineapple (drained well)
8oz of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4oz of bacon, fried and crumbled
4oz of mayonnaise
3 packages of frozen mini fillo shells (45 shells total)
Instructions
1.   First drain the crushed pineapple in a strainer.
2.   While the pineapple is draining, fry half of a package of bacon, or enough to make 4 ounces once crumbled. (You can also use the real bacon bits that are already cooked if you so choose.) After the bacon has cooked to a crisp, let cool and then crumble into pieces.  
3.  After the pineapple has drained for a few minutes, squeeze the pieces together in your hands to ensure most of the juice has been released.
4.   Place the drained pineapple into a mixing bowl.
5.   Add the shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and mayo. Mix well.
6.   Warm the fillo shells in an oven according to package directions. I warmed mine for 5  minutes.
7.    Remove the shells from the oven and let cool.
8.    Fill each shell with a scoop of the pineapple mixture just before serving.
9.    Tips: I made the mixture the night before and refrigerated.  I recommend removing it from the fridge about 30 minutes before and filling the shells just before serving.


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Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Weekend Recap

We had a fun filled holiday weekend spent with great with friends. It was so nice having one extra day to re-coop before the work week.
 
We kicked Memorial Day weekend off with a BBQ at the office on Friday.  
There was no shortage of food that's for sure. I made a little appetizer that is a family favorite, recipe coming soon.
 
Saturday was spent out on the water with friends.
 
 
 
We ended the day with a little wine, grilling a few round of cards against humanity. That game will never get old.
 
 
 Sunday was spent relaxing on the beach.

 
Followed by a fiesta at Taco Boy and a few other stops downtown.
 

 
It's always nice to be able to spend some time with my college girlfriends. I miss us all being together in the same general area. But I'm thankful for weekends like these that bring us all back together.
 
 
I hope everyone had a great weekend!
 
 
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Friday, May 22, 2015

News Feed Friday



I plan on enjoying this view for the weekend and maybe a beach visit or two.
 
I made this Italian Sausage Penne & Four Cheese Tomato Sauce this week and it was so delicious! I already want to make it again!
 
These creamy mocha ice pops sound like a perfect afternoon treat to me!
 
How To Throw The Ultimate Summer Fete, all of your summer party planning ideas in one place. 
 
A potential prosecco shortage?
 
56 Healthy Burger Recipes to get you through the summer.
 
If you haven't heard already, Nordstrom is having their half yearly sale. I'm eyeing a few pairs of shoes including these, these and these.  

No holiday weekend is complete without major shopping sales. Check out this list of major retailers and what they have to offer this weekend.

I hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Follow along on Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin
 
 
 
 
 
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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Tropical Vacations

It's that time of year again, the time when I begin itching to go on vacation. Lately I've been living vicariously through the photos of those that I follow on Instagram.
Whit and I are planning our yearly vacation and are leaning towards somewhere tropical, per usual. There is just something about a white sandy beach, crystal clear water and a frozen cocktail that has my heart. We currently have a few places in mind but I feel like we need to do more research before committing to one. In my opinion, the best way to learn about a place is through first hand experiences, specifically through other blogs.  I really enjoy reading about other peoples trips and getting a glimpse into their adventures through photos.
 
So, I'm hoping to do a little more probing into some of the places we are considering. So far we have looked into a few all inclusive spots, but I would love to hear from those of you out there that are reading. I'm accepting any and all input, comments, suggestions, emails, tips, advice, you get the point. Ready, go!
 
Below are our top choices of places to visit, in no particular order:
 
http://www.verandahresortandspa.com/photoGallery.htm
 
 
 
http://www.dreamsresorts.com/las-mareas
 
 
http://www.sevenstarsgracebay.com/theresort.php
 
 
http://www.sandals.com/media/
 
 
http://www.dreamsresorts.com/palm-beach/photos-videos
 
 
I appreciate any and all feedback!
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Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Summer Whites

White, "the color without color," the color that's so hard to keep clean but yet I continue to buy it anyway. I think every closet needs a few essential bright whites, especially a good pair of white jeans. You can't go wrong pairing them with a colorful flowing top for a fun summer look or a even simple white tee for a more neutral vibe. Lately I've been all about white.  It goes with everything, so what's not to love. With that being said, I found a few things that were too good not to share.

 
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Monday, May 18, 2015

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday! Here's a brief look at this past weekend through the lens of the iPhone.
 

We caught a glimpse of this gorgeous sunset while waiting for dinner.
 
Mom's birthday is today so we had a little early dinner celebration at Dockside on Saturday evening.
 
Happy Birthday mom! It was super windy!
 
 
Waiting on a table isn't so bad when you have this view.
 
 
I really wanted to take this cute little kitten home with me, but decided Monster would probably not appreciate it. My brother rescued her from under a bridge. The good news, a home was found for her.
 
 
 
Mom and I enjoyed a quite Sunday morning sipping our coffee outside.
 
Time to make this a productive week!
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Friday, May 15, 2015

News Feed Friday

Happy Friday! I've rounded up a few worthy links this week to share with you today!

https://instagram.com/p/2QuFFAx--0/?taken-by=apolishedpalate

 
I just had to take a minute to say how impressed I am with the flowers in the above photo. I don't recall the name of them, but I purchased them on May 2nd for the baby shower I hosted, and they are still going strong! They have been on the counter in my (windowless) bathroom for two weeks now. I will definitely be purchasing these blooms again!
 
These dreamy sparkling pools make me want to just jump right in and take a dip!
 
Speaking of taking a dip, how cute is this bikini?
 
Supposedly this bedtime snack helps with weight loss.
 
6 Reasons to Start Your Day Before 6AM...sounds like I need to get up earlier! 
 
Who doesn't love a good tomato pie?!
 
This maxi dress looks so comfy.
 
Here's a little Memorial Day Cookout menu inspiration.
 
Cheers to the weekend!
 
 
Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
 
 

 
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Thursday, May 14, 2015

Bumble Bee Baby Shower

 
I'm excited to finally share a recap of the bumble bee-theme baby shower I hosted for my friend Melissa two weeks ago! We had such a great time and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.
 
With the help of my friend Rachel (and Pinterest), we managed to pull off a great shower for this mommy to "bee." Melissa currently lives in New York so I don't get to see her very often. I was super-excited for the opportunity to do something for her during this special time.
 

 I have a strong attention to detail and typically come up with involved ideas that I don't have time to execute. However, this time I was happy to see the majority of my plans come to life. I mean, what's a party without details, right?!

I was pretty proud of the craftiness I pulled off making this banner.

 
 How sweet are these Burt's Bees Onesies?!
 

 We had a beautiful long table set up for lunch outside on the back deck.

These gorgeous yellow snapdragons added the perfect pop of color to the table.


 My co-host Rachel put together a mouthwatering spread. We served a buffet-style lunch which consisted of:

Honey Jalapeno Coleslaw


Honey Chicken Biscuits with a Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce


Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Avocado Wraps


 Homemade Pimento Cheese Dip, courtesy of Fletcher's Find Deli.


Mini Veggie Pots, filled with celery, carrots, cherry tomatoes and ranch dressing in the bottom.

And for dessert...
 
White Chocolate Golden Oreo Truffles topped with mini bees, thanks to my talented co-worker. And also some Honey Comb Krispie Treats.

The bar was complete with fresh lemonade and mimosas.


 


After lunch we moved the party inside to open gifts.


There were so many tiny little clothes!

Melissa is pretty much the first in our close group of friends to have a baby. Needless to say, not many of us knew what any of the gifts were for unless, they were clothes.
 

It was so great to get together with everyone, especially since many of us don't get to see each other that often. I am so happy for my best friend and this new journey she is about to embark on. If the qualities she posseses as a friend are anything like the qualities she will posseses as a parent, there is no doubt she will make an amazing mom!


I can't wait to meet baby Brown in June!!!
 
Shop the list below for shower décor and some of my favorite key serving essentials.
 
 
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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Corn, Bacon & Avocado Summer Salad

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I made a delicious salad over the weekend. We were preparing dinner for 10 and I wanted something that wasn't too time consuming. I was on the search for a light and fresh side, that would feed a crowd and would go well with burgers. I came across a few different variations of a corn and avocado salad, which inspired me to come up with a little something of my own.


  This salad is way more than just corn, bacon and avocado. It's packed with all sorts of goodness and flavors that remind me of summer.
This was the perfect side to serve to a large group and was very satisfying.  Two small tips: I recommend adding the avocados right before serving to avoid them turning brown. Also, the dressing is best drizzled on each individual serving so everyone can adjust to their liking. I actually think it tastes great plain, but the dressing is a nice added bonus dressing.  
 
One thing is for sure, I plan on duplicating this tasty recipe a time or two this summer!
 

Corn & Avocado Summer Salad
Salad Ingredients
5 ears of corn (brushed with olive oil and grilled)
2 avocados diced
½ of diced red onion
½ cup of cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
½ cup of yellow tomatoes (sliced in half)
1 packed of bacon (cooked and crumbled into small pieces)
½ of a fresh lime
Crumbled feta cheese
Cilantro
Dressing Ingredients
6 tablespoons of Olive oil
2 tablespoons of sherry Vinegar
Dash of garlic Powder
Pepper
2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro
Instructions
1.       Shuck and remove the silk from the corn. Generously coat with olive oil and grill until slightly charred. Once the corn has cooled, cut off of the cob and place into a large bowl.
2.       Fry the bacon and crumble into pieces once it has cooled. Add the crumbled pieces to the corn.
3.        Dice half of red onion and add to the mixture
4.       Rinse the tomatoes and slice each one in half, adding them to the corn mixture.
5.       Slice an avocado into small pieces and add to the salad just before serving.
6.       Squeeze the juice of a fresh lime all over the salad.
7.       Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese and diced cilantro.
8.       For the Dressing: mix together in a separate bowl olive oil, sherry vinegar, garlic powder, pepper and fresh cilantro.
9.       Lightly drizzle on the salad before serving. I recommend drizzling on individual servings.
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