White Peach Sangria

Having a party anytime soon? Are you tired of serving the same old thing…beer and wine?  Well, kick things up a notch with this REALLY easy and yummy white peach sangria recipe.  And since peaches are in season, it is the perfect time of year to make it!  Make sure your peaches are ripe and not too hard…you definitely want them nice and juicy…especially the ones you puree.  Make sure to load it up with lots of fruit and give the flavors time to come together.

Roasted Banana Pudding

Ahhhhh, Chicago in the summer…you really can’t beat it, especially when you have some special visitors.  Last weekend was perfect…well maybe about 5 degrees a little too cool for a true summer day, but that was probably a little better for my Grandma and Aunt who were visiting.  After three years of trying to explain where we live, they finally got to see it and explore the city. 

Classic Macaroni Salad

Two of my favorite people came to town to visit…one of my greatest friends, Katherine, and my boyfriend (even though he doesn’t know it) Justin Timberlake came in for his concert.  With Katherine being a former Chicagoan, it was an easy weekend, touring some of our favorite hangout places, finding some new cute (and reasonably priced boutiques), and probably indulging a little too much in wine, but hey…that’s what you do with friends.  

Blueberry Crumb Cake

I believe the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers” but for me “June showers brings Lindsay’s travels.”  June was a fun filled month starting with my 29^th birthday on the 15^th.  One more year before the next decade starts...that feels really odd.  Ann and I rang in my 29^th birthday at the AMAZING Peninsula Spa here in Chicago.  It was my first experience at a high end spa (something other than Spa Envy), and it was worth every penny.  From the relaxation rooms with these recliner/beds with big down comforters where you can nibble on apricots to the sun deck where we sipped champagne and had some shrimp cocktail in our robes with fabulous views of downtown Chicago and lastly the supremely relaxing treatments…it was a great way to ring in my birthday and spend time with my sister.  That was the end of relaxation in June as the next two weekends I was on the road for a tour de showers. 

Portobella Mushroom Burger with Oven Fries

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there!!  Seeing as Dad’s usually own the title “Master Of The Grill” I thought I would share a scrumptious (and a little healthier I might add) substitute for the tried and true burger.  Whether Mom is taking over the cooking duties tonight or you just don’t feel like firing up the grill, this recipe is a crowd pleaser and super easy.  I also loved the oven fries…so good and a healthier spin fries.  I will say that I left the fries in a little longer and put it under the broiler a few minutes to really crisp them up, but feel free to cook them according to the directions for a less crispy. 

Shrimp & Artichoke Hearts with Rice

The past two years I have used up all my vacation on long weekends to see friends, weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, Christmas and Thanksgiving, and I haven’t actually been able to get away for a true vacation.  So, a few months ago I decided I was booking a flight and heading to the beach no matter what.  I didn’t care if anyone could come with me (even though I tried to find some takers).  Fortunately for me, my Dad has a beach house in the Gulf of Florida and he offered it up as an option for me to get away.  I jumped at the opportunity (free place to stay and my Dad’s cooking…win win!!).  

Buckeye Balls

Oh man, it has been a few weeks since posting.  Time can fly sometimes.  Over the past month there have been some fun events happening…the search and purchase of the bridesmaid dresses and my mom’s retirement from teaching (go mom!). 

Searching for a bridesmaid dress is an interesting and overwhelming experience…so many colors, styles, and fabrics to choose from.  Ann, being the great sister she is, pretty much gave me full reign to pick whatever I wanted.