I love summer!

A little of this and a little of that kind of recipe

I made up this Pasta recipe last summer and it's a staple around here.  The little neighborhood of Old Overland Park where I live has a Penezy's Spices.  A favorite store for sure! And they carry one of the best spices I have ever used, Tuscan Sunset, which is a salt free Italian seasoning. I put it on bascially everything to spice it up!

I'm not sure what I would call this concoction other than delish! It's a little of this and a little of that!

Pour a little olive oil in a pan and let it  heat up. Then add chopped up asparagus and red onion.  Sprinkle a little Tuscan Sunset seasoning all over the asparagus and red onion while you saute them. While you are doing that cook half a package of bow tie pasta.  Once it is cooked you'll add the pasta to the asparagus and red onion. Stir it around and mix it up.  Top with your favorite kind of Feta Cheese (right now mine is Mediterranean Feta) and put the lid on the pan. Let it warm for a few minutes so the cheese melts a bit. Then eat! I serve this with different meats from the grill. Great side dish!

Picture was taken prior to the feta being added and without red onion because I was out that day!

Dog Days of Summer Call for............

KEY LIME PIE, of course!

I stole this easy as pie recipe from my sister several years ago. I'm serving it to some friends when they come for dinner tonight.

1 can 14oz sweetened condensed milk
4 egg yolks
4 oz. key lime juice
1 graham cracker crust
Blend sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks slowly, add lime juice. Mix well. Bake @ 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Friday Food for Thought

I was just going to put a bottle of wine in this post because that would sum up how the week has gone! But then I decided, nope! I have more to say than that- imagine that!?

This week, I am thankful I have a job and benefits.

I participated in two lovely events this week. 1/2 price wine night at Nara and 1/2 price wine night at Houlihans. Monday, Tuesday, now I just need to find a Wednesday spot. Just kidding!

I went to fill my pool this afternoon and FORGOT I put the hose in the pool. 3 hours later I discover my yard and deck have thoroughly enjoyed a drink, and then some. The water bill won't be so funny I'm afraid.

I've heard this so many times but I love this. Friends are the angels that lift you up when your wings forget how to fly.

There is pure joy in knowing its Friday night and I have nowhere to be tomorrow! Yes, this means I am getting old.

You learn something new every day and it's what you decide to do with what you learn that drives your life.

I'm trying to understand how station wagons in the 1950s fit into the garages of the houses on my street.  I had a little mishap this week in the skinny garage and nearly tore off my side mirror.  Yes, my garage is as uncomfortable as skinny jeans and we're thankful that the sound made me punch the brakes or I'd probably be installing a $1000 side mirror on my stinking car!

 Nara IS one of the best restaurants in KC. If you haven't been there, go there!

I decided to give up my ticket to Kenny Chesney's Going Coastal Concert with Billy Currington and Zac Brown Band for a trip to the Lake. Call me crazy but I LOVE the Lake.  If you need a ticket look me up!

People are C.R.A.Z.Y.

Trader Joe's opened today in KC- 2 of them. One will sell liquor and the other not. Yes, Kansas is backwards. I am dying to go there but I cannot bring myself to go there until the crowds die down. Please hurry!

H&M is coming to KC this Fall. I'm impressed. J.Crew Outlet, Nordstrom Rack, Trader Joe's H&M, what's next IKEA?

Bloom where you are planted.

I bought Bomb Pops at the grocery store. I guess I wanted to see how it would feel to be 10 again.

This week I had some great friends come over and help me complete some overdue and important home projects! THANK YOU! I could not survive without friends who know how to properly use a drill. :)

Never buy garbage bags from the $1 aisle. Your garbage will end up all over the floor. Yes, I learned from experience.

Friday Food for Thought

I love a good brunch with a cocktail.

Yesterday I was at a stoplight behind a car that had a license plate holder that said, "Knitting......it takes balls." I spit out my diet coke from laughing!

The one chore I hate right now- picking up sticks in my yard. We've had so many storms and there are so many sticks/limbs down. The worst part is that only 1 tree in my back yard is mine. All these sticks from the neighboring trees! Once again trying to be grateful that I have a house with a yard where stick picking up is required and especially one that has a yard lined with mature trees!

I thought of my Grandma this week.  She'd definitely have an opinion on the Casey Anthony case. Unfortunately one probably influenced by Fox news, but I'd love the opportunity to hear one more of her opinions!

I went to call a co-worker back this week and accidentially dialed the Sheriff. Don't ask......

TV commercials with mouth noises drive me crazy.! Seriously who wants to hear somebody chomping down some corn flakes or snapping on their bubble gum. EEEEECK!

Pool season on the deck has been cut short. We had a leak in the top layer. Although still usable maybe just not as fun.

I made fish tacos last weekend. Not nearly as tasty as though in a restaurant. What in the world is the secret?

It's time to kill the weeds in the gravel double driveway area. This is going to call for Round Up. Don't worry, Dad,  I will proceed with caution.

Open heart, open mind.

Best Buy of the Summer

Reclining Lawn Chair with a pillow on sale at the local Nuts and Bolts for $39.95

Regularly $79.95

Minus my $5 coupon = $34.95

I first tested this kind of chair at the Lake last summer and was in love! It's the kind where a simple push back reclines the entire chair! It's brought me hours of comfortable laying out on the deck! A must have!

These boots are made for walking.....

I broke out the boots for the Band Perry concert Thursday night. Nevermind that it was the hottest day of the summer! They are anxiously awaiting Goin Coastal @ Arrowhead in 29 days......

Friday Food for Thought......on Saturday!

I have not blogged in what seems forever.  It's been a hectic few weeks, hence I am grounding myself to my house until Monday morning. I need quality time in my surroundings! :)

I had a bit of the Des Moines bug last week.  This happens a few times a year. Generally more in the fall when I am burning up I-35 between KC and Jack Trice!  There are a few college girlfriends there that I would love to live within seconds from.  It doesn't help that my dear friend Andrea's sister lives next door to one of my college girlfriends (such a small world) and it reminds me so much of the fun months Andrea and I worked and lived in the same city.  I love every second I spend with these friends and they make me feel right at home and as if we've never parted.  I loved knocking on Andrea's sister's door and feeling like I was nearly visiting Andrea! It was a teary ride back to KC last Sunday after a fun weekend in Des Moines. It brings question as to whether or not I live in the right city, right place, whether its time to make a move or stick it out.......

I tried Skinny Girl Margarita's a few weeks back. Not a fan.  Ok, not really a fan of Margarita's anyway.

My brother turns 29 this weekend.  Weren't we just 10 yesterday?

I got a letter this week in the mail that informed me my insurance company will NO LONGER require prior authorization or approval before my Plamsaphersis treatments. Can we say VICTORY? Can we all scream and shout. I told my Dad it pays to be a "b*tch and he rephrased that to it pays to be persistance. Yes, yes it does!

Ma and Pa Griswold are in Europe. Clark has indicated that Paris was as awesome as the new Hy Vee in Fairfield. It's safe to say that they have either drank their fair share of vino or Clark isn't as cultured as we may have previously thought!

My first Tastefully Simple Party was a HUGE success. I was smiling for days. Should you want any products please click here.

One of my dearest friends Susan (and Will) welcomed baby boy #3 this week, Lucas Ames. Who doesn't love his sweet middle name! :)

I'm embarrassed to admit how excited I get when I travel back to Iowa and get to stop at Kum and Go for a fountain pop. 

To see the sun, you've got to walk through the rain.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!