in season: asparagus

I'm a big asparagus roaster.  It's about the only way I make it, and love it, but Fine Cooking had five pages dedicated to asparagus recipes so I tried something new.

It's yummy, it's easy and is a great side dish to grilled steak.

*note* I did not use fresh bread crumbs, just regular store bought ones and it was good.  I did use mascarpone, but honestly think that cream cheese would work.  All said, this recipe can be simply made with what you have in your pantry if you don't want to get fancy.

 asparagus and mascarpone gratin with parmesan breadcrumbs{recipe here}

Enjoy!

how I spent my birthday money!

For a girl who hates her birthday, I sure don't have any problem spending my birthday money!  The money part definitely makes celebrating  worth it :)  EVEN if it means I am yet, another year older. I make sure to spend my money on just me, me, me and me! I love to get something I would never be spending my "regular" money on, like a dreaded blender or something{which I actually need}, although one year I did buy a Kitchen Aid Mixer with my bday cash, but that was a total splurge at the time and I didn't even have kids yet{I had no idea how practical it was}. 

This year I ordered a painting of the boys from a wonderful artist.  I saw her on a blog and fell in love with her whimsical watercolors and felt I just had to have one. There are several pictures of all three boys that I love, but the picture of them sitting together in their swim suits a few summers ago is one of my faves.  She doesn't paint faces, so I thought it was the perfect photo for her to work from ,as no one is looking straight at the camera.

When it arrived the other day, I thought it was perfection.  It brought a tear to my eye and it will be something I cherish for a very long time.  It is officially the second piece of original art work I own{make that third since I am now the proud recipient of my portrait}.  The other originals are my beloved barns.  I think I might be onto a new birthday tradition for myself.   

I wish I could show you the whole painting.  I don't know how much she would really appreciate me taking a picture of it, and since I don't have permission to do that, you get to see part{I think artists are sticklers like that...have you heard about the uproar over Pinterst...it will make you think about pinning anything onto your board}.  Check out her website, she really is special and I think you might want to spend your hard earned birthday money on one too.

I should also add that with my left over birthday money I bought a pair of these jeans{on sale even}.  Yes, birthday money is a GOOD thing.

spring

we're baaaaaack

We had a great time in the Bahamas :)  Sun, relaxation and fun sure makes a body feel good.  I was even nice for a whole three days after we returned, but much to my children's chagrin, I am fully engaged back into normal home life.

This trip was back to the Sandals resort we visited last year.  Everything looked really nice{despite a recent hurricane} and although the weather was not completely cooperative, we were still able to enjoy every last second of freedom, I mean vacation.

My computer is giving me fits, but I was able to get a few pictures uploaded...

 Because it's tradition, a close up.  I want you to pay extra close attention to the contrast in Todd's and my skin.  It is true he is exceptionally pasty{I love you honey}, but how is my spray tan looking!?  Pretty darn good wouldn't you say.  No Jersey Shore here.    I did have a  mild anxiety attack while in the spray booth, I certainly did not want to come out looking like a "guidette", but I was pleasantly surprised at the results.

 Last year at on this vacation we were fortunate enough to meet some great people, and they were all back this year as well.  These incentive vacations can be brutal at times{I'm not complaining, just explaining}, and meeting even one person you care to carry on a conversation with can be nearly impossible.  There are several young{our age, "young" by the trucking industry standards}couples with kiddos and all that.  They are even from the south which is great because we could actually meet up again.  The night this picture was taken we escaped the resort to have  a big fancy dinner in Nassau.  This mansion was built 270 years ago by a pirate!  I thought that was so cool.

It was a windy week to say the least. 

Sandals has a private island that is short boat ride from the resorts dock. It was closed most of the week due to that darn wind, but finally on Thursday we were able to walk the beach and search for shells{Holden had big shell expectations}

And because it was Wednesday...we took a picture in the mirror{just like at home}.  Don't worry, name badges are not the latest craze in island wear :)

One last look at that glorious water

Well, I think I'll be back next week.  The weather is beautiful here.  I have a summer schedule on the brain and can't seem to get in front of the computer.  Check back soon, I think I have some projects brewing. Have a great Friday!