Cheat Night - Rotisserie Chicken

As I made my monthly Costco run, the rotisserie chicken was calling my name! Two dinners and a lunch later, I was pleased with my decision to cheat and pick up the chicken.

Chicken Quesadillas

Shredded Chicken (I did not use the legs - They were for the following evening)

Refried Beans

Shredded Cheese

Avocado

Corn or Flower Tortillas

Chicken Legs

Reheat in the oven for 15min at 400 degrees

• Served with baked zucchini and salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette. 

Chicken Salad

What’s left of the chicken, shredded

Favorite lettuce

Chopped olives

Avocado

Parmesan cheese

Tomatoes for our garden

Croutons

Salt/Pepper

Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

The best $5 spent during my Costco visit.

Anthony's 31st

Anthony celebrated his 31^st birthday last Friday. We started the day off by Giada giving him a T-shirt blanket we made with all his high school and college shirts. Almost two years ago, I convinced him it was time to take them out of his drawer and stash them away. He had a quick breakfast and was off to work for the birthday boy. We met him for lunch at Pieology in Fig Garden with a couple friends. It was my first time at Pieology and would highly recommend it for those who have not been. For a VERY reasonable price you get a personal pizza with unlimited toppings! Anthony and I both had leftovers – which is even better! Once lunch was over, we went back to his office for a short visit and then home for Giada’s nap.

Anthony came home early from work and we gave him the rest of his birthday gift, a hunting backpack he has wanted for some time now. Then, we were off again to drop Giada at my mother-in-laws and out to dinner. We had a delicious dinner at the at Pardini’s new restaurant, The Annex Kitchen. All their pastas are made in house. Anthony would say, "you always have a complaint when ordering pasta at a restaurant." In this case, it was absolutely delicious. After dinner it was off to the Sequoia to meet a few friends.

We had a wonderful night and cheers to many more birthdays!

Lunch Date with Dad

Giada getting into things while I tried to get ready.

The only picture we have from the night.

lululemon Yoga

The past two Sundays I have attended yoga at lululemon in Fig Garden. Both classes are just what I needed to wrap up the weekend. They move the clothes and roll out the yoga mats for all who would like to attend. I highly recommend you check out their beautiful new store and the wonderful yoga classes on Sunday mornings at 10 AM.

Joe's Jeans

As I've stated before, I love all things thrifty! Last week I was out shopping and stumbled upon one of my best finds in the past year on the  "$15 or less rack" at Marshalls.  I'm combing through the rack, not expecting to find anything,  and a pair of light pink Joe's jeans appear! I grab them off the rack, access whether they are worth the find and notice spots all over them. My thoughts are" try them on and if they fit I would go from there." Well, what do you know, they fit!!!! Immediately, I head to the register and ask for an additional discount (mind you they are only $15 and originally $150) The nice gentleman checking me out, informs me he can't give me a discount, but will write on the receipt that I can return them if I am not able to remove the spots. With a grin on my face, I head home determined to restore the jeans. What do you know, they come out perfect! I am in love with my find and can't wait for my next big steal!

Ava's 1st Birthday

Anthony's cousin's daughter turned one last Saturday. Mandy did a farmers market theme and it was adorable. It's hard to believe Ava is already 1!

This is the best picture we could get with Giada

Fruit Stands

During the summer, I do my best to buy all our fruits and vegetables from local fruit stands. Since I make all of Giada’s food and love having fresh fruit in the house, a quick stop at the fruit stand is the best way to go. For $2 I get a large bag of fruit or vegetables and $1 for herbs. Recently, I bought a bag with 8 large garlic heads for $2. Even though it was a little work to peel the garlic, I stuck it all in my Bullet, (which I love) with a little olive oil, and now have a jar in the refrigerator full of garlic ready to go. The flavor is great and I can’t beat the price.

I frequent the fruit stands on Willow/Behymer and Herndon/Magill (Just north of Herndon and head east on Magill).

Please feel free to share your favorite fruit stands.


Storing Garlic Safetly
http://nchfp.uga.edu/how/freeze/garlic_oil.html

Family Fun

Sunday afternoon my parents came down to visit Giada. Their plan was to have an early dinner with us and then head back home...We should have known the plans would change!

After Anthony and my dad completed a few projects in the house, my mom challenged Anthony to a game of corn holes. Anthony and my dad were a team and Todd and my mom were the other team. I’m not sure of the "official winner", but one thing led to another and at 9:30 they decided it was time to call it quits and stay the night.

What a great Sunday afternoon/evening!

Giada supervised while she ate dinner.

Drake thought it was his job to fetch the bags.

Giada's Chandelier

My mother-in-law gave me an old chandelier for Giada's room. After taking it all apart, cleaning off the rust and a fresh coat of paint; it looks great in her room!