Off to the Races: Kentucky Derby Party 2015

{i must say, not a fan of the mint juleps as much as i would have liked, but i wanted to be festive}

A couple of weeks ago (Derby Day!) I ventured off to Kalamazoo to attend a Kentucky Derby party with my parents at Kalamazoo Country Club (my place of work for many many summers!). It was a gorgeous Michigan Spring day, in the high 70's, spent under a tent, on the 9th(?) green completely catered with food, drinks, and hats! We were given tickets to "bet" on the horses we thought would "win", "place" or "show". While none of my horses won, I got a good idea how it all works and I'll be prepared for the next time!

It was a great, beautiful day with the family. Next year I might even try to go crazy and win the hat contest :)

{my little horses didn't win...}

Playing with Food: Mini Quiches

Recently the herbs in our garden have reached a hearty thickness that now need regular maintenance. Not a bad problem to have, because now I can start using them in my cooking nearly every day! 

Today I trimmed back my basil and parsley to season some mini quiches. I rotate my protiens throughout the week between fish, occasionally chicken and eggs. Since I work from home periodically, I thought I'd swap my go-to hard boiled egg for something with a bit more pizazz. 

I started very simple due to a short lunch break today, but now that I know just how easy this is, I'm already planning many different variations. This format is perfefct for groups as well because each cup can be made to order! 

Here's what you need to gather after you preheat your oven to 375 F: 

• 6 eggs
• Tomatoes + any other veggies you desire
• 1-2 cloves of garlic
• 1 handful fresh basil
• 1 handful fresh parsely
• Black pepper

STEP 1: (To make 6 mini quiches) Beat 6 eggs into a bowl (add milk for fluffiness, but it's not required).

STEP 2: Gather, wash and chop fresh basil & parsley. Stir chopped herbs into egg mixture.

  

STEP 2: Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic.  Add to eggs & herbs, along with a generous amount of black pepper.

STEP 3: Find (or grow) your favorite variety of tomato and chop finely, before adding to the bowl. 

STEP 4: Evenly distribute mixture into well-greased muffin tin cups. 

STEP 5: Pop those babies in the oven for 15-20 minutes. 

ENHANCE THE RECIPE SEEN ABOVE!

Feel free to do some or all of the following to enjoy this dish to your heart's desire...

*Sprinkle parmesean cheese over each cup 3-4 minutes before removing from heat.

*Grill some bacon or sausage while you're waiting for these to finish. Serve juicy breakfast meat along with a fresh, piping cup of coffee. 

*Add green onions to the bowl before baking. 

*Add a crust by cutting circles out of your favorite bread and placing in the cups before pouring egg mixture. 

*Add cayenne pepper. 

*Add chopped pieces of bacon. 

*Add sweet bell pepper.

*Add jalepeno pepper.

*Add chopped pieces of bacon. 

*Add chopped onions.

*Add bacon. 

*Add shredded cheese.

*Add chunks of ham.

*Add broccoli, spinach, or any other yummy greens.

*Or just add a bunch of bacon :) 

Enjoy! Let me know if there's a different way you take your eggs.

Friday Five!

{absolutely breathtaking tulips in Holland}

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The weather is starting to heat up here in the Mitten and I couldn't be more thrilled. Evenings now consist of outdoor activities as opposed to hurrying to curl up under my heated blanket and I gladly leave the confines of my office at lunch (ditching the coat!) and enjoy the fresh spring air! 

May is great!

This weekend is full of springtime fun! A 5k here, a bridal shower there, and tons of fun Sunday with family for Mother’s Day!

Cheers!!

Friday Forte:

{7 years at GFS! Cranberry orange muffins all around!}

{BeautyBlender = My new favorite makeup tool}

{celebrated Cinco de Mayo at the best, most authentic Mexican Grand Rapids has to offer (here)}

{absolutely FANTASTIC salmon & caper pizza at Terra GR!}

Springtime Eastown Exploration

A couple weekends ago, my girl Emily ventured from the lake shore to explore Grand Rapids for the day. As I've said time and time again, I LOVE exploring Grand Rapids. So much newness and so little time! The places we visited weren't new to Grand Rapids, but new both of us (for the most part).

We started off with mimosas at my house to plan our agenda for the day and quickly decided that food was an immediate need. Since Emily had never been to Donkey, it was decided within seconds we would start our adventure there, and then walk to surrounding shops and bars. Once we were satisfied by margaritas & tostadas, we got our cardio in by SHOPPING! We visited Rock Paper Scissors thrift store, Peninsula Trading and the Mitten State (amount others).

By that point, we were definitely in the mood to fill our beer quota for the day, so Harmony (mmmm Grapefruit Moon!) was a must! While in the area, we noticed a few more shops and bars we had never been to, so we checked those out as well. Why not, right?! This was a Carpe Diem kinda day!!

All in all, I marked six places off my “explore Grand Rapids” bucket list (my favorite being Eastown Sports Bar & Grill!). I love days like this and can’t wait to share some of my finds with Max (who was off gallivanting up north at the time… he’s such a boy…). I’m already planning a future exploration attack on the city.

Next up: Comstock Park? (TBD)

{FINALLY macaron's are coming to Grand Rapids!!!}

{after a day like this, what else sounds like more fun than DANCING! unfortunately there was a private party being held in Club Eve of the BOB but oh well... we made the most out of our day. It was pretty epic...}

Instagram Life – April 2015

April brought on some much needed relief. April showers brought relaxing weeknights and great weekends close to home with friends and family! Even though April isn’t the prettiest month, at least we know that the best is yet to come here in Michigan

** Food Show life

** Creepy but delicious bunny cake

** New workout pants always inspire

** Celebrated the baby shower of my awesome cousin

** Radio Revival Tour!

** Visited Tilted Kilt before catching an Indians game in Cleveland

** Wine Club #11

** Eastown exploration

** Fun time at work!

So much to look forward to this coming month! The Fifth Third race, a bridal shower, Mother’s Day, a weekend business trip and birthdays are just the tip of the iceberg. Bring on the May flowers and bring on SUMMERTIME! 

Friday Five!

{plant shopping for a landscaping transformation!}

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How is it already Friday again?! This week went by F.A.S.T! Maybe it’s because I wasn't down in the dumps about the weather. Maybe it’s because I had activities each evening? Who knows. But I like it…. This weekend we’re attending a Kentucky Derby party with my parents! I've never attended one of these events, but I’m definitely looking forward to big hats, sunshine, mint juleps and apparently horse racing.

Cheers to a beautiful Spring weekend!

{Springtime stroll around Reeds Lake}

{much needed “Meg” day}

{trying out this whole Birchbox phenomenon}

{getting ready for Paris!}