Wordsmith Wednesday: Frolic

Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.

7 Unexpected Recipes to Use Leftover Hardboiled Eggs

It's the day after Easter Sunday, and you may be left with a few (or a dozen) more hardboiled eggs than you'd care to have taking up room in your fridge. But with a little imagination and some pantry staples you can transform those eggs into something you'd actually like to eat. Instead of the may0-heavy egg salad you might typically make with leftover eggs, shake things up with one of these inventive recipes--you may never look at a hardboiled egg the same again.

Scotch Eggs
Scotch eggs are a popular British snack that you can find in lots of pubs here in the states. The eggs are wrapped in sausage and crunchy panko bread crumbs, so there are a lot of flavors and textures going on. 

Niçoise Salad
Hardboiled eggs can be used in a variety of different salads, but there is something so appealing about a fresh and colorful, beautifully arranged Niçoise salad.

Pressed Summer Sandwich with Eggs and Anchovies
Eggs and briny anchovies combine with fresh herbs, tomatoes, and orange bell peppers to create a bright and flavorful sandwich that's perfect for picnicking.

Avocado Toast
Avocado toast is a brunch mainstay that's just about the easiest recipe  you can whip up. Topping it with slices of egg ups the protein factor to fill you up and sustain you until lunchtime.

Jalapeño Popper Deviled Eggs
Bacon always makes things better, and when you add it, along with cheese and fresh jalapeños to deviled eggs, it takes the humble hardboiled egg to the next level. 

Chicken Pan Bagnat
This Provençal favorite layers all the components of a salad, including eggs and even the dressing, between two slices of crusty bread. 

Apricot and Basil Shortbread Tart
You wouldn't expect to find hardboiled eggs in a dessert, and you probably won't even notice them in this tart--the yolks are mixed with potato starch to make the flaky crust!

Monday

image via Instagram 

Friday Favorites

Surviving this week was quite the task, what with spring break looming. The promise of sleeping in past 7am is even more delicious than all the Cadbury Creme Eggs you can feed me (when did sleep become such a treat?), and I can't wait to have both of my girls with me all day. And even though we're  not doing a proper spring break (my husband is a dean and his school already had spring break), I know my little ones will have a good time doing crafts, making a few no-bake treats, and swimming with mama. I hope you have (or had) a lovely spring break. God bless!

A bar cart or cabinet transformed into a party cart. 

Pomeranians!

This gorgeous granola and fruit tart. 

DIY faceted egg place card holders that could work well beyond Easter.

These shoes. 

Wordsmith Wednesday: Trappings

Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.

Weeknight Turkey Meatballs

As much as I would love to serve my family some extravagant culinary creation for dinner each night, it simply can't happen during the week. Quick, easy, and tasty is the name of the game when it comes to our weeknight meals, and these turkey meatballs definitely deliver that trifecta. Unlike traditional meatball recipes, there's no mincing, chopping, or dicing, so I save a ton of time in the kitchen. Instead, these call for the usual egg and breadcrumbs, along with a few seasonings that I always have on hand. And since they're made with lean turkey instead of beef and pork, they're also on the lighter side. It's a perfect hearty and healthy meal that comes together quickly, which means I get to spend more time with my family.

Weeknight Turkey Meatballs
1 lb ground turkey (NOT turkey breast)
1 egg, lightly beaten

¼ cup Italian or garlic/herb seasoned breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon granulated garlic

1 teaspoon granulated onion

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 25-oz jar good-quality Tomato Basil pasta sauce

In a medium bowl, mix turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings with hands until incorporated. Use an ice cream scoop to scoop out meat mixture and roll between your palms to form meatballs. It helps to make all the meatballs at once before adding them to the skillet so they cook evenly.

Spray a large skillet generously with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add you meatballs in a single layer and brown for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Use tongs to turn the meatballs. Add entire jar of pasta sauce, cover, and lower heat. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve. We typically eat this as a main course but you could just as easily serve these meatballs as an appetizer with some toasted Italian bread. 

Monday

image via Instagram

Friday Favorites

My first grader and my hubby are going to her school's Father-Daughter dance tonight, and while I think it's the most adorable concept ever, I know I'm going to ball watching the two of them as they head out. I just love seeing them together--her tiny hand, fingernails painted pale pink, in his big, strong hand. It's hard to believe that the little four pound baby we brought home from the hospital is in elementary school and she's going to a dance (even if her date is her daddy). I hope you enjoy your weekend! God bless.

The back of this gown.

Strings of lights and a comfy seat. 

Beautifully presented blackberry lavender chèvre ice cream. 

Sleepy bunny, which is what I call my little girls at bedtime.

A quick Easter centerpiece. 

Current Obsession: Statement Rugs

I'm a bit of an HGTV freak (for some reason, I love watching strangers shop for new homes and I really love watching strangers have their homes renovated and remodeled) and if there's one thing I've learned from watching hours of Flip or Flop and Love It or List It, it's that each design element is as important as the next. One design feature that I've never given much consideration to is rugs--I've always been more interested in the flooring underneath. But recently I've started taking note of all the fabulous statement rugs that I've been seeing on some of my favorite interior design websites and TV shows, and I'm realizing how essential a beautiful rug is to the cohesion of a well-designed room. They do so much to transform a room, and are especially great for smaller spaces because they don't add bulk. These are just a few of the rugs that have caught my eye lately.

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Wordsmith Wednesday: Wordmonger

Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.

Monday

image via

Friday Favorites

It's been a long, crazy busy week and this momma is beyond ready for spring break. Fortunately, I only have a couple of more weeks before some time off from the madness; unfortunately, my husband, a high school dean, and my first grader aren't on break at the same time, so a family getaway is out of the question. Still, I'll be grateful to have some quality time with both of them, and perhaps even get some much needed me time (yay!). The weather is supposed to be gorgeous this weekend so I'm thinking of surprising my loves with a picnic in the park. I hope you have an awesome, relaxing, and replenishing weekend. God bless!

A hot pink VW van that would be perfect for a girls-only trip.

Apple cider and sage pork chops with caramelized apples. (P.S. I can hear John Travolta's character in Pulp Fiction saying, "Bacon tastes good. Pork chops taste good.") 

This cute reminder.

Adorable pink rain boots that my two-year old would love. (She enjoys jumping in "muddy puddles" like Peppa Pig, even if it's just the run-off from the sprinklers.)

Gold darts for a glamorous game night.

5 Reasons to Love Julep Beauty Boxes (Plus a FREE Eyeshadow Palette)

There is no denying the ease and convenience of subscription boxes. Whether it's beauty products, clothing curated just for you, or ingredients for a gourmet meal, coming home to find that package waiting on the doorstep is almost like Christmas morning! Julep, a monthly beauty box service, is a winner for so many reasons, but here are the top five:

• It's affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of products for just $24.99 per month. And if you prepay for three months at a time, you'll only pay $19.99 a month.
• Julep is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. Full-size!! That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don't like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors or products you already have or don't want.
• Julep subscribers get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, and early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your beauty, that adds up to some amazing savings!
• Satisfaction is guaranteed - just call to cancel anytime.
• The nail colors and makeup are absolutely stunning, and they look and feel so luxe. 

To get you started, I've partnered with Julep to give you a Free FULL SIZE Eye Shadow Gift with Subscription ($54 value) when you join Julep beauty box. This eye palette is one of Julep’s best sellers and you can get it for free when you join Julep's monthly beauty subscription! To get your free gift, choose either a 1-month or 3-month Julep subscription and use code GIFTEYES at checkout. Hurry, because this offer expires on 3/18.

Wordsmith Wednesday: Amative

Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.

Monday

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Friday Favorites

Heading into a new month always makes me reflect on the time and how quickly it is passing. As we welcome March, I realize that my youngest will only be a two-year old for a few more months, and I wonder how many of her little two-year old idiosyncrasies will carry over into year three (I want her raspy little voice to stay, and I can't imagine her without her squishable, kissable round cheeks). Yesterday we snuggled under her Doc McStuffins blanket together before her nap, and I couldn't help but steal more kisses than usual and just stare at her beautiful little face. I'm hoping March takes its sweet time coming to a close so I can squeeze in as many precious moments like that as possible before I start planning her third birthday. This weekend we've got a family movie/dinner date planned. We're going to check out Zootopia, and I honestly can't tell who's more excited--my husband or my daughters. Have an amazing weekend, and God bless!

A fun, festive corner decorated with string lights.

Hot pink and leopard.

Pretty Paloma cocktails.  

Prints on prints on prints. 

Real talk. 

Perfect Popcorn

I'm constantly trying to find healthy recipes to make for my family, and a big part of that is healthier snack options. After reading about how microwave popcorn--one of our favorites--is basically a health nightmare, I started making this stovetop popcorn. It's not only fun and easy to make, but it is also, in my opinion, far superior, taste-wise, to the microwave stuff. Best of all, I don't have to worry about any ingredients that could make my family sick. 

Perfect Popcorn

3 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute coconut oil)

1/3 cup popcorn kernels

2 tablespoons butter (optional)
salt (optional)

In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat, add three or four popcorn kernels, and cover with the lid. When the test kernels have popped, remove the pot from the heat and add the rest of the kernels, making sure they are in a single layer. Let rest for 30 seconds, then cover and return to heat. After a few minutes you'll start to hear the popping (so fun!). Continuously shake the pot to ensure even popping and prevent burning. When the popping has slowed to about one pop every three or four seconds, remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl. 

Wipe the pot clean with a paper towel and return to heat. Add the butter and let it melt. Pour the butter over the popcorn and toss vigorously to coat evenly. Sprinkle to taste with salt. 

TIP: Tilt the lid of the pot slightly to allow air to escape as the kernels are popping. This prevents it from getting too steamy in the pot, which could make the popcorn soggy.

Experiment with different toppings, such as garlic salt, powdered salad dressings, grated Parmesan, candies, etc. 

Happy Seuss Day!

Happy birthday to one of the greatest of all time!



image via Pinterest

Wordsmith Wednesday: Enervate

Here's where I share my favorite words with you. Because savvy girls have impressive vocabularies.