Love Bucks

 

Do you want to know the best stocking stuffers ever?  They are called Love Bucks* and they are SO AWESOME! 

Love Bucks are simply just homemade coupons made by a loved one for another loved one.  They can be personalized for any situation and are so much fun to give and receive.

I started making them last year to give Mike for his birthday and Christmas. He loved them and actually cashed them in, all of them. 

Then, I kind of wanted to get into the action, so he agreed that if I made the template, he would fill them it out.  Score!  I loved every one and cashed my first one in tonight:

 

 

After my first day back at work from Christmas break, I (a huge advocate of cooking at home) decided I would like a night off and had a craving for spicy tuna.

We opted for a delicious sushi extravaganza at our local favorite, Bayridge Sushi.

We ordered A LOT of food, but by the end of the meal, there was nothing left!  I think a.) we were hungry, and b.) Bayridge is just that good.

 

 

The damage:

• Miso Soup (Mike)
• House Salad w/ Ginger Dressing (Me)
• Edamame
• 2 Spicy Tuna Rolls
• 1 Spicy Octopus Roll (Mike)
• 1 Paradise Roll

 

 

 

 

Happy girl!

 

 

*If you are interested in knowing what some of my other Love Bucks from Mike were, here they are:

1. 8 minute 15 second head massage
2. You must do a Yoga workout with me
3. I don’t want to cook take me to dinner
4. 12 minute 3 second back rub
5. Déjà vu (pick one that is already done)

 

A how-to post and more Love Buck ideas coming soon!

Scarf It Up

 

In celebration of our freezing temperatures in the Sunshine State, I wanted to pass along my love for what I think is a very underrated accessory…the scarf!

 

 

Scarves are not only a great way to stay warm, but they can add a punch of color or pattern to any outfit and make it a bit more interesting. 

The best news?  You can wear them during all seasons, including spring and summer.  My s&s scarves are a lightweight t-shirt material that look adorable with tank tops and a pair of shorts.

 

Have fun with it!

TIPS:

• Scarves are a great souvenir to bring back from trips and make great gifts as well – I bought 3 in Europe and wanted to bring back 10 more!
• Personalize it – scarves are a great way to show off a monogram.
• Go team!  I love to buy scarves that are my favorite team colors, that way you always have an accessory ready for those cold weather games (see above:  Gator blue and Packer yellow).
• Patterns add pizzazz- don’t be afraid to go for pattern and/or texture (stripes, polka dots, sequins, chevron, etc), it usually livens up those dreary winter colors.
• Over/Under – Use your scarf as the main statement piece of your outfit over a cardigan, or an understated element peeking out of a heavier jacket.
• Look for sales – I find great sales on scarves, especially when bathing suit season comes around, so stock up!
• Change it up - there are so many ways to wear scarves, so get creative! Here are some great examples:

 

M & M

 

Marinara and Meatballs.  They are such a lovely couple. 

In honor of the University of Wisconsin playing in the Rose Bowl last night, I wanted to fix something for dinner that was not only comforting but also Cardinal Red, the official color of the Badgers. 

Meatball subs made the cut.  Quick, comforting and delicious.

 

 

Meatball Subs

Print this recipe!

1 – 1 1/2 lbs. ground sirloin

1 egg, beaten

1/2 C panko

2 T grated parmesan cheese

1 T worcestershire sauce

1 T chopped garlic or garlic seasoning

1/2 t dried oregano

1 large jar of your favorite marinara sauce

 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Place ground sirloin in a large mixing bowl and add the egg, panko, garlic, Worcestershire, oregano, and cheese, and a little salt and pepper (if desired).

Mix up meatball ingredients until well combined, yet not over-mixed. Divide mix into 4 equal parts, roll each part into 4 balls and space equally onto a nonstick baking sheet. Place meatballs in oven and roast about 12 minutes.

 

 

In a medium saucepan, bring marinara sauce to a bubble, reduce heat, and simmer until meatballs are removed from oven.

Combine meatballs and sauce and pile into sub rolls, 4 meatballs per sub. Top with shredded cheese of choice and serve with salad.

 

 

If desired, toast the sub roll before stuffing for a more sturdy consistency.

 

 

Tips and Tricks:

• Although ground sirloin is lower in fat than other ground beef selections, you can also substitute with ground turkey.
• No time to make homemade meatballs?  Use frozen (they have frozen turkey meatballs as well).  Just cook according to package directions and add to marinara sauce before serving.
• Add sautéed onions, garlic and mushrooms to the jarred marinara sauce for added flavor.
• Label and freeze leftovers.  Use it for another night of Meatball Subs or serve over pasta for Spaghetti and Meatballs.

• When labeling the freezing container, use a Vis-à-Vis Marker.  Just wash the marker off when finished.

Menu Monday

 

 

Pizza, nachos, tater tots.  Just a few of the things that were munched on this past weekend. 

Mike and I had a blast ringing in the New Year with our friends and celebrating all day yesterday (my abs are sore from laughing so hard), but are ready to get back into the swing of things with our more balanced menu approach.  Back to work, back to normal.

Have a great week!

 

M:  Steak Salad with Feta, Craisins and Walnuts 

T:  Pan Seared Fish with Grits and Roasted Green Beans

W:  Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Th: Egg, Cheese and Turkey Sausage Quesadillas w/ Salsa

F:  Mexican Pizza with Salad

Sa: Meatball Subs with Broccoli

Su: Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

 

P.S. - Marathon training starts a week from today!