Weekend Sunshine XXXII

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Hi everyone! WOW - what a weekend! I had mentioned to you all that we had been laying low recently because things were going to pick up quite a bit and boy did they! This weekend was filled with a lot of fun, family activities and it was a whirlwind, but, a GREAT time! Here's how it all went down!

On Thursday night, Kim and I went to NBGNO. It was a beautiful weather night and it was so, so nice to catch up with her. More on this later in the week - it was A GREAT time!

Rob graduated from the MBA program at Northeastern University on Friday night. Words can't describe how proud I am! He finished in 2.5 years while working full time. I honestly don't know how he did it, but, he did - and with flying colors! After graduation, we went to our spot - Stephis in Southie - and had a deeeelish dinner with his family.

On Saturday, I squeezed in a quick 3.2 miler before heading down to Kingston to watch Ella in her ice skating recital followed by dinner at Rob's parent's for his mom's bday!

Ella is in blue - second from left. :)

On Sunday, back to Kingston! I took over my mom's kitchen and made appetizers and dinner for Mother's Day. I am guest posting on Monique's blog in a couple weeks where I share more about what I made in addition to some healthy entertaining tips.

I got home late last night so I'm not even packed yet - packed for what? VACATION!!! Rob and I are going on vacation this week so it's time for me to get movin'! I hope you all have an awesome week!!! xo

Asian Zoodle Bowl

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Hey guys! How's was your hump day? Mine had some pits and peaks. Pit: Our family dog, Stella, is in the hospital. It's effecting me pretty heavily... I was a mess this morning. I just hope she's ok and not in too much pain. :(
Peak: I have a few! 1.) My car got fixed and the folks at the service shop were super nice. 2.) I found an old iPhone 5 case that I bought over a year ago - it didn't fit my last phone so I held onto it. It has anchors on it - so nautical! 3) I nailed my Asian Zoodle Bowl recipe and was able to eat it outside on my deck (in the warmth).

Sooo, I'm going to provide that recipe to you all tonight. Are you sick of my zoodles and Asian noodle bowls yet? If you are... you can tell me. It's ok, I won't be offended ;)

The main staples I use with most noodles bowls are as follows (I bolded what I used tonight):
-Rice vinegar (a generous couple of pours)
-Low sodium soy sauce (couple of shakes)
-Chopped garlic (1-2 cloves)
-Sesame oil (tbs)
-Coconut oil (tbs)
-Sriracha (couple shakes)
-Organic peanut butter or Tahini Paste (tbs)
-Crushed red pepper (as desired)
-Veggies (lots) (red pepper, broccoli)
-Chicken or Shrimp (as desired)

Saute the veggies and chicken (note: if you use shrimp - wait and throw them in 2 minutes before everything is done) in all of the above. I usually start with the oils, rice vinegar, soy, and garlic. Then, after it cooks down for a bit - add nut butter, crushed red, sriracha and more vinegar/soy, as needed.

Tonight, I used zoodles which brought the whole healthiest level up about 95 notches. Rob actually asked if I mixed both regular noodles and zoodles - I didn't. I'm telling ya - the spiralizer is worth every damn penny. Saute the zoodles for about 2 minutes.

Top the zoodles with the awesomeness and serve!

Soooo goood. You cannot go wrong with noodle or zoodle bowls - you just can't. The flavor combination of the above ingredients is delightful - the vinegar really adds so much flavor. I make these so much because we truly love them. Plus, they are so incredibly healthy. If you need more guidance on the measurements - just shoot me a message. I make them differently every time so it's never really precise!

I hope you all have a great week. xo

Weekend Sunshine XXXI

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Spring has arrived! It's arrived! The forecast this week could not be more picture perfect and boy do we Bostonians deserve it for a wild and drastic change. Whoo!
This weekend was pretty perfect. As you may have seen in an Instagram "sneak peek", Rob had his last class of Grad school on Thursday night and we celebrated in style (and surprise) all weekend. I had been planning a CASUAL celebration with close friends and family for a few weeks and it all worked out perfectly. I was a bit nervous because Rob isn't big on surprises, but, he deserves a celebration after all the hard work over the last 3 years - plus, it's a great excuse to get his favorite people in one room. Amiright?! Here's how it all played out. 

First things first, homemade Italian sandwiches with salt 'n vinegar chips for Thursday-night-post-class-dinner!

I had the day off on Friday. The party was planned for that night... Rob knew we were getting dinner and then drinks with friends. What he didn't know is that I tried to keep myself busy all day in anticipation of the evening's surprise festivities. I ran errands, went to PWG to lift, and then went home and took a walk. Southie is so pretty right now. I love K St.

I think I have an EXTRA appreciation for Spring this year after such a long winter.

Dinner was at Legal Harborside - Floor 2. The service, food, atmosphere, and view were all impeccable. We had a truly fantastic dinner. Here's my guy in all his glory!

I've got a secret!

The view. Then, time to go off to the surprise!

We arrived at Barlow's and everyone was there! Rob was happy and didn't kick my butt for throwing him a surprise (whew!) We had so much fun - I'm so proud of this guy :)

On Saturday, I did nothing. On Sunday, however, I went for a nice run and then home to my parent's house to help sand and paint the boat (whoo!). 

Jonathan scared the crap out of me - he totally faked me out and I believed he had a real snake for a solid 25-30 seconds. (it's fake)

Then, I snuggled Stella for a solid 45 minutes. Her leg has been bothering her and I hate to see her limp. :( Look at that tongue! She's such a good doggy.

That about wraps it up. I hope you all had wonderful weekends!!
QUESTIONS: Have you ever thrown a surprise party?
Did you do yard work this weekend?
What was your favorite part of the weekend?

xo