Going to the Chapel

We celebrated our 7 year anniversary with a dinner date to Cotton Row restaurant this weekend. Since I'm a stay-at-home mom who rarely has an excuse to dress up, I love getting dressed for date night. But even on a date I'm still all about easy and comfy! I have finally figured out I'm most comfortable in flowy tops that don't cling, like this white one from years ago. And a good, dressy pair of shorts is my best friend. It's nice when I can dress up and still feel like "me."

My earrings up close. I'm obsessed with these! 

What's your date night style? Would love to know!

Shirt: Francesca's (old); Shorts: Loft; Shoes: Nine West; Clutch: Marc Jacobs for Target; Ring and Earrings: Chloe + Isabel

Weekender

Y'all. We had an absolutely awesome weekend. But I didn't have my camera. Does that ever happen to you? I mean, really. I should know better. We took a whirlwind trip up to Louisville, Ky., which is the hometown of my husband, to celebrate the upcoming nuptials of his cousin. It was fun. We had a delicious breakfast at Toast on Market in downtown Louisville, visited family and friends, and I even put on a decent outfit for once. But these iPhone pictures just do not do the weekend justice. Sorry. But nevertheless, it's what I have to show for it.

A little couple pose at the wedding party (after a long night and power outage). 

I gotta say, I love Tim's crazy cousins :)

At Toast on Market in downtown Louisville, Ky.

Ok, so I don't have the best pic, but this breakfast sandwich was delish. Egg, bacon, gorgonzola and sprouts. Also really good coffee.  

We did win the newlywed game. So that's good. FYI we've been married 7 years. Huh. 

Oh, and we left our child here while we had fun in Kentucky. So we spoiled him with S'mores when we got home.

Top 3 Summer Sides

I love a good side more than anything else on my dinner plate. This summer I've had several in constant rotation that I thought I would share with you. They are delicious and, more importantly, very quick and and a cinch to make.

Asian Slaw

This slaw is absolutely delicious. Here's the recipe (another one of my favorites from my church cookbook). It's a great side to grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, BBQ, or hamburgers.

1 bag broccoli slaw (or traditional coleslaw mix)
2-3 green onion, sliced
1/4 toasted slivered almonds
1 pack Ramen noodles (uncooked, any flavor)
1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds
1 Tbs sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
3/4 tsp pepper
2 Tbs vinegar
1 flavor packet from Ramen noodles

Combine slaw, onion, almonds, crumbled Ramen noodles, and sunflower seeds in a bowl. Combine sugar, oil, s&p, vinegar and flavor packet in a small bowl, and pour over slaw mixture just before serving.

Panzanella

If you've read this blog for long you know I love Ina Garten. I first saw her make this years ago on an episode of Barefoot Contessa. I adapted her recipe to include what was in my garden. We actually grilled the vegetables for flavor, but you don't have to do that.

Salad:
3 Tbs olive oil
1 loaf french bread (I actually used focaccia and it was good), cut into cubes
1 tsp salt
2 ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 inch dice
1 zucchini, chopped 1 inch dice
1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 inch dice
1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 inch dice
3 green onions, sliced in thirds
fresh basil leaves

Dressing:
1 tsp garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
3 Tbs champagne vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Heat oil in large skillet and add the bread and salt; cook about 10 min or until the bread is brown and crisp. Whisk the dressing ingredients together and set aside. Toss salad ingredients and cooked bread together in a large bowl, toss with dressing. Note: This gets better if it sits a bit.

Zucchini Cakes

Ok, so this side can be a meal in itself. But I think it's great with a big green salad, and really delicious with fresh fish. It's another Barefoot Contessa favorite, and especially yummy when the zucchini are growing like crazy.

2 medium zucchini, grated
2 Tbs grated red onion
2 eggs, lightly beaten
6-8 Tbs all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
unsalted butter and vegetable oil

Add zucchini and onion to a large bowl. Add the eggs and stir well. Mix in 6 Tbs of flour, baking powder, s&p. If batter becomes thin, add extra flour. In a large skillet, add 1/2 Tbs butter and 1/2 Tbs oil. When hot, add zucchini batter (I use a 1/4 cup measuring cup). Cook 2 minutes on each side until brown and crisp around the edges. Keep them warm in a 200 degree oven up to 30 minutes.

Weekender

The rain put a bit of a damper on our Friday night plans, but I still got to meet author Jen Doll at a fun event downtown, so it wasn't a complete wash. Doll just released her first book, Save the Date. She's from here originally (click here to read more), so it's a little exciting for this small town to have her back for a book signing.

Two of my favorite people and best friends (Kate on left and Jama on right). 

Jen Doll

In true Southern form, we welcomed her with silver platters and punch. 

Sweet friends! And in case you're curious, I'm wearing: Shorts: Loft (also seen here); Top: TJ Maxx; Jacket: Anthropologie (found recently on sale and LOVE IT); Necklace and studs (hard to see): Chloe + Isabel

She was super down to earth and I find her inspiring. Ok I'm done. 

These were the super cute shoes I was wearing...until this happened....

Not. Cool. Especially since this is only wear #2 and they aren't returnable. 

The rest of my weekend consisted of family and reading this. 

Have you read Save the Date or is it on your list? I'll let you know what I think!