No Blues Here

“What I Pulled” is seeing double today! It’s so funny to me because I always said I’d never make my daughter dress like me or match me. As fate would have it, I have a daughter who makes me make us match. It’s completely adorable and I can’t every say no. So for her Pre School open house when she said “Mama can we match?” My only response was “Of course!”

Since it was all about her I pulled blues because of her beautiful blue eyes. Being that I happen to love clothes when she wants to match it’s usually pretty easy to head to our closets and grab a cohesive look. I’m not going to get mushy but wow, I can’t believe my baby girl is headed to preschool this year. But, she sure is ready!

Sending all the kids and Mamas good back to school vibes!

Capri in a Cup

Hey Fab Friends!

Every time I sip Limoncello I am immediately transported to the Amalfi Coast in Capri where I had tried it for the first time. I was blown away! If you aren’t into sipping an Aperol Spritz this summer, try one of these delicious limoncello drinks! They are really fast and completely hit the spot on a hot summer day.

what you do:

Simply add limoncello, vodka, and lemon juice to your chosen glass and then top with champagne and garnish. Then immediately head to the patio to enjoy!

This has really been my summertime cocktail. So refreshing. Garnishing it with fresh basil really adds another fresh element.

Next up!

Another easy one. And here is what you do: add equal parts : limoncello, vodka, and lemonade and throw those over ice and enjoy!

These drinks are perfect for wrapping up another summer in the sun. I hope after reading this you head to the store for some limoncello! I also hope that this fabulous Friday meets you with a some fun and a delicious, chilled cocktail!

Dinner in French

Hey, hey, All!

One of my favorite things in the entire world is creating delicious and unique things in my kitchen. Today’s recipe is no exception to unique and delicious. It’s so fancy but, very fast and elegant. I love seafood so much and squid has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve just never cooked it myself.

A goal I set for myself this year was to cook with things I’ve never cooked with before. Remember the beet pizza?

I have a really great cookbook called “Dinner in French” by Melissa Clark. It’s full of fabulous french recipes and I’ve had my eye on this one for a while.

Today’s main ingredient? Like I said is squid! An absolute staple in french seaside towns like Marseille. Which is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been. Their fish market is really something to see. Anyway, back to the recipe. It’s so fast that author Melissa says to make sure you have the table set and your wine poured before you even turn on the stove. But, like, is there any other way?

what you do:

1. Rinse the squid under cool running water. Drain them and them transfer them to a paper towel to dry completely. Cut the bodies into 1/2-inch thick rings and leave the tentacles whole. Pat dry and transfer to a bowl.

2. Place a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and the pancetta, and cook until pancetta is crisp, 7-12 minutes (mine was less). Transfer to paper towel lined plate, leaving the fat in the pan.

3. Raise the heat to high and let the skillet get very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.

4. Toss squid with the Espelette powder and a pinch of salt. Here is where I used the paprika instead. But believe me I’m ordering it. Slide in the squid and cook, stirring frequently, until they are cooked through, 1-2 minutes, adding the garlic for the last 20 seconds of cooking. Transfer the squid and garlic to platter.

5. Drizzle lemon juice all over squid and then sprinkle Parker, pancetta, and more Espelette (or paprika) on top. Serve at once, with your bread,if you’d like.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for stopping by today! I love being able to share this part of my life with you.

Have a fabulous Wednesday!