Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Spicy Turkey Sausage Pasta

Last week Gaines and I tried a new recipe I saw on Pinterest and both really liked it!  It didn't take long to make and was really delicious and filling.  Next time I might try to add some type of veggie like broccoli or asparagus to my portion, but it was definitely good as is.


Spicy Turkey Sausage Pasta

Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb smoked turkey sausage
1.5 cups diced onion (we left these out)
2 cloves garlic, minced 
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (10 oz) can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles, Mild
1/2 cup heavy cream
8 oz penne pasta
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, each
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions (we left these out, too)



Directions:
1. Add olive oil to an oven-safe skillet over medium high heat. Add sausage and onions and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add broth, tomatoes, cream, pasta, salt and pepper and stir. Bring to a boil, cover skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with scallions. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy! 


Friday, August 15, 2014

Five on Friday

[one]

We had cheerleading camp a few weeks ago, and I am so obsessed with my squad . The girls are so great, and I was so proud of how much they learned during the three-day camp. We started practice this week, and I can tell it's going to be a great year. Go Cubs!


[two]

The other weekend we took the boat to the Savannah River with Drew and Kristina after church.  There's just nothing like Sundays cruising the river, hanging out with friends at the sandbar, and ending the evening with a big 'ole pizza from Pizza Hut. ;)



[three]

As a "Welcome Back" for pre-planning, our county hosted Ron Clark, a famous educator and author.  I read one of his books and watched the movie based on his life in college, so I was super excited to hear him speak in person.  He was so energetic and captivating, and I couldn't believe I got to meet him and get his autograph afterwards.  You can see more about the Ron Clark Academy by clicking here.



[four]

There are just no words for how much I love this pup and her facial expressions. 


[five]

I'm off to Savannah for the weekend for another Bahmerah Bachelorette party!  I absolutely cannot wait to celebrate Sarah (who's been dating Patrick for 12 years!) with my best friends.  Savannah, you're officially on notice. ;) 



Happy Friday! 


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Luke Bryan Concert

Two weekends ago I drove to Atlanta to see Amy, celebrate her birthday, and go to the Luke Bryan concert at Aaron's Amphitheater at Lakewood.  Her best friend Emily, her sister Amy, and their mom Paulette came, too.  Cole Swindell and Lee Brice opened for Luke and both put on a great show.  And Luke-- oh Luke! What a concert!  In the video below you can't really see his greatness, but you can definitely hear it. ;) 






After sitting in traffic for about 2,397,652 hours, we finally made it back to Amy's house and then celebrated her birthday the next morning with brunch at West Egg Cafe.  We ran a few errands and then I stopped by Lindsay and Travis' new house (which is absolutely adorable!) before heading home. What a great weekend! 



Thursday, August 7, 2014

NYC Girls Trip

When Mom, Dales, and I get together three things are guaranteed to happen-- there will be lots of shopping, wine drinking, and fun!  After being in New Hampshire for a few days, Mom and I flew to NYC to visit Dales for the weekend.  We got in Thursday evening, met up, and headed to Dales and Pat's favorite place Tao.  The food was really good and the atmosphere was definitely neat.  After dinner we walked to Bryant Park, where we got a drink at a fun outdoor bar.  And on our way back to the hotel we walked through Grand Central, which is such a beautiful building.  





 

The next morning we got up early and headed to Rockefeller Plaza. We grabbed coffee right next to where the Today Show films and a girl group was performing (but we had never heard of them...whomp, whomp). Then, we walked through Central Park for about an hour before heading back to the hotel to shower.  For lunch we went to Nello, which has become a Turner Girls Weekend tradition. ;) We sat outside on the sidewalk, drank champagne, and had absolutely delicious meals.






After a full day of shopping (with only one cute shirt to show for it!) we met up with Pat for dinner at Eataly, which is right by the Flatiron Building and is an amazing gourmet Italian market.  It's absolutely huge and if you've ever heard of something Italian, there's a 100% chance they sell it there.  If you are in the area I would definitely recommend it!  We had a great, light dinner at the rooftop restaurant and then did a little bar-hopping together after.








The next morning we headed to a local flea market before stopping at the Chelsea Market for more shopping...well, window shopping.  We ate at The Standard Grill in the Meatpacking District, and it was yet another amazing restaurant.  Then, we took a cab to Central Park, where we grabbed a drink at The Boathouse.  It was a little hot, but we had the best time people watching and enjoying the view.  For dinner that night we headed across the street to Fig and Olive and had-- you guessed it-- another great meal.  We didn't starve in NYC, that's for sure. ;)





On our final morning together we ate brunch at Madison and Vine, which was really good, and walked around a little bit before I had to catch my flight home.  



It was such a great weekend and I am so thankful for such great memories with my mom and sister!!  Until next time, New York... :)


Monday, August 4, 2014

Mom and Dad's 30th Anniversary Celebration

Thirty years of marriage...talk about a big deal!  My parents celebrated this big anniversary on June 30th, and we continued the celebration of the lovebirds at the Tides Inn.  They were sweet enough to hire drivers to take us to the resort and then we enjoyed a drink while we walked down the dock.  Then, we headed up to the dining room, where we had lots of wine, amazing meals, and fun desserts to celebrate.   It was such a fun, memorable night!! 
















 


Happy anniversary to my wonderful parents, and here's to at least 30 more years of wedded bliss. :)