New Food

I feel like it's cheating to call this a new food. It's a new recipe. It's from Pinterest, but it's a simple roasted rosemary chicken breast with potatoes and string beans. It's super easy and tasty. You can find the recipe here. 

ONE SHEET PAN ROSEMARY CHICKEN WITH POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS 
Author: Little Spice Jar 
Prep time: 10 mins 
Cook time: 30 mins 
Total time: 40 mins 
Serves: 4 servings 

INGREDIENTS 

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts 
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted 
• 1¼ teaspoon salt, divided 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 
• 4 teaspoons garlic, minced, divided 
• 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped, divided 
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 lb. red potatoes, halved or quartered 
• ½ lb. green beans 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Position a baking rack in center of the oven and preheat the oven to 450ºF. 

Line a sturdy baking sheet with heavy duty foil. 

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, 2 teaspoons garlic, 1 tablespoon rosemary, and lemon zest. 

Gently loosen the skin of the chicken breast and using a brush, brush the skin and the meat with the butter. 

Place chicken breasts on one side of the prepared baking sheet. 

In a bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, remaining 2 teaspoons garlic, and 1 tablespoon rosemary. Toss the halved or quartered potatoes until the olive oil nicely coats them all. Lay the potatoes on the other side of the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. 

If at any point the chicken begins to brown too much during roasting, use a piece of foil to tent ONLY the chicken. 

After 20 minutes, check the chicken for doneness, if the juices are running clear, or the internal temperature is at 170 degrees, remove the chicken to a plate, and loosely cover with foil. 

Toss the green beans in with the potatoes and allow the olive oil to coat the beans. Continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes. Depending on the size of the chicken breast, you may or may not need to remove. 

© Copyright. All images & content are the sole property of Little Spice Jar. Please obtain permission prior to using my images. If you would like to republish a recipe, please link back to this post and re-write the instructions in your own words.

Update

We've been busy just like every single other family during the holiday season, but here's a quick update.

We managed to put up a tree and decorate it.  We purchased presents for everyone (and then purchased a few more).  We did cooking and baking.  

Captain is teething and getting those wretched canine teeth in.  It's resulting in either a cold or congestion.  He is also badly constipated this week so the combination is rough.  He hasn't slept and has been an emotional mess.  Last night was better than nights before so I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  His vocabulary is finally increasing.  He can say mama, dada, baba (for drink), his sister's name, bus, car, ball, girl, and now he says cracker, thanks, and good.  He's slow to talk but so was Little Miss.  Because of the age difference, it's like having a first child all over again.  He doesn't have to talk because there's no need to - he has 3 people catering to his every need.

Little Miss is wise beyond her years.  She enjoys mindless YouTube videos and reading Harry Potter with me.  She's doing extraordinary in school.  She hasn't mastered third grade level work yet, but she's never gives up.  She's well above her grade level in both math and language arts.  She speaks Spanish and sign language at home.  She's learning coding on her school iPad.  She knows pretty much what I knew in middle school.  She's incredibly helpful around the house.  If anything, her only fault is not being a good eater, but she eats.

Status quo with Husband.  He freelances from home.  I, however, got promoted this year which is exciting.  I love where I work, and it's nice to receive encouragement back.  

Here's to a happy and healthy 2016!

November 2015 Weekend Update

The first Sunday in November was spent at a first birthday party! They're always fun. Captain even managed to nap there. Little Miss loved being the oldest one there. After Little Miss was going to have a sleepover with her cousins. We stayed at the birthday party a little longer. Husband, Captain, and I had dinner in the city before heading home. Little Miss called on our way home and said she did not want to have a sleepover so we swung by and picked her up.

It's your day, Birthday Girl!

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 7, 2015 at 11:20am PST

The next day, Husband's family watched the Jets game and ate way too much food. All the kids had a really great time together. The younger ones are not too happy with being younger and not allowed to do what the big kids get to do. Captain spent the entire day eating. And then he ate some more. It was a good napping weekend for him. He did a great job napping in other people's cribs. Usually, on the weekend, he does his best to avoid naps.

It's hard being the younger siblings.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 8, 2015 at 11:05am PST

The second weekend of November, Husband and I belatedly celebrated our anniversary. We went to Clyde's and to a basketball game (Wizards/Magic). It was a fun, relaxing night out. The Wizards won - though we weren't very invested in the game. It was nice to get out and have some couple time. The kids slept over the In-Laws' apartment so we also got to sleep late which was as nice as you'd think. The next day, we did Christmas photos with the cousins. We got one really good one, and we only marginally held onto our sanity.

Basketball. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 14, 2015 at 5:23pm PST

The third weekend of November, we finished cleaning our apartment for Thanksgiving. I can't say we ever really finished, but it's better than it was. I bagged toys and clothes for donation. Things were really tidied up - except our bedroom, but no one really goes in there anyway. That Sunday, my sister and I had photos with the other side of the family. I mixed up the times, but the photo studio was so backed up, no one noticed. My parents met us for lunch, and then we head home to call another weekend to an end.

Just hanging out. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 15, 2015 at 11:55am PST

Thanksgiving week was a lot of fun. The night before, I got a massage when my office closed early. Captain had his 18 month well child visit. He weighs 21.5 pounds, finally weighing over 20 pounds! He's pretty healthy and doing well. He got his flu shot. He still doesn't say many words, but this was typical of Little Miss, too. He makes sounds and says Mama, Dada, Baba when he wants his cup. He's been known to say Little Miss's name. He also says ball, doggie, girl, tree, and other words. I think he said cookie recently. He's a big fan of cookies.

Gingerbread turkey. More work than it was worth. #happythanksgiving

A photo posted by @princessapr on Nov 26, 2015 at 3:44pm PST

On Thanksgiving, we got up and stayed in our jammies for awhile. We watched the parade. Husband made the turkey and prepped the stuffing. Once those were done, I made roasted veggies (butternut squash, potatoes, brussels sprouts, and red onion). It was a simple meal, but it was pretty good. We had cookies for dessert. My parents enjoyed hanging out with the kids. Captain ate early and then napped when we ate which worked out best. During the weekend, we did as little as possible. I took Little Miss skating. Then, Little Miss and I went to see a movie the next day. My friend and I went to see another movie on Sunday. It was a social time, but I managed to avoid many of the Black Friday sales which is a high accomplishment for me! Onto Christmas!!

Skating (@Rob_Sawicki)

A video posted by @princessapr on Nov 27, 2015 at 11:39am PST

Christmas Pictures

So, they went about as well as can be expected.  

Christmas

So, it turns out, Captain doesn't need toys for Christmas. He loves to sit in the bathroom and play with a box of tampons. So, for $20, I can keep him entertained for a year. He takes them out, puts them back in, puts the box back on the shelf, passes them out to the family. Stocking stuffers!

Movies Watched in October 2015

Hotel Transylvania 2

I had $10 credit expiring so Little Miss and I went to see this film. It was super cute. She got a bad stomachache in the middle, but she stuck it out. We had a good time until the very end. The movie is adorable even if you didn't see, or don't remember, the first film.

Books Read in October 2015

1. Marry Me at Christmas by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool's Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. All I Want by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This is part of the Animal Magnetism series. You can find more information here.)
3. Crash Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
4. Still Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
5. Melt Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
6. Fall Into You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
7. Not Until You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
8. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
9. Caught Up In You by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
10. Need You Tonight by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)
11. Forever Starts Tonight by Roni Loren (NOTE: This is part of Loving on the Edge series. You can find more information here.)

Just some quick reads. Most are romance and have very adult content so word to the wise. The Girl on the Train is for bookclub. It was a big debut author and a bestseller, but I wasn't totally on board with the premise. I did like that it was a fast read.

Happy Halloween!

For Halloween, my office building had a pumpkin carving contest.  At the last minute (like 10PM the night before), I decided to enter.  They provided the pumpkin and carving kit which was super nice.  This is actually my second attempt as my first was a gigantic failure.  I drew the sketch freehand based on a photo on Google and then used that sketch as a stencil.  Then, Husband couldn't tell what it was so I highlighted the sweater and dog ears in black marker.  Just for kicks, I painted it all.  The next morning, I added the zig zag.  Transferring to work was the most difficult part.  The pumpkin was still wet and fragile.  So, I held it in my hands and got a little yellow all over everything.  It's kid paint so it's all water soluble and will come out, but it was still messy.

 Anyway, it was all worth it!  I came in third.  I came in after a patriotic, Washington DC pumpkin and Bernie Sanders.  Despite your politics, Bernie was carved beautifully.  I would have voted for that for first.  I was happy with third.  For my big win, I got a trophy which is kind of awesome and Wizards/Magic basketball tickets for next weekend with parking pass.  I'm less excited about that, but we may actually go because why not?

October 2015 Weekend Update

October was, as always a busy month! The first weekend, I had book club. We read a book that was about a family that owned a vineyard so we went to a vineyard to discuss it. It was a rainy day, but it wasn't cold, and the wine flowed. It was a fun day with yummy snacks, delicious wine, and great friends!

The second weekend was a quiet one.  A co-worker is expecting a baby in the beginning of next year so I offered her any baby items we were no longer using.  It was great to help her fulfill her needs while also emptying out our apartment.  The weekend was a much-needed quiet one.  

The third weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch.  It started out beautiful, but it turned cold and drizzly.  The kids had a blast though.  Captain hated being outside, hated everything.  I got one good picture and a billion ones where he looks miserable.  Little Miss had a blast on the slides, bouncy castle, playground.  She loved being with her cousins.  After the pumpkin patch, Little Miss and I went to the movies. It was nice to have some special Big Girl time.  

On Sunday, my sister and her fiance came over to watch football.  I started preparations for Little Miss's birthday party.  Little Miss had a playdate with a close friend.  It was a good day.  

The fourth weekend was Little Miss's birthday party!  It was all about Big Hero 6, Little Miss's favorite movie of the moment.  We had crafts and food based on the movie, and the kids watched the film.  It was great.

Then, Halloween rounded out October.  We went out to my parents' house.  My dad was out of town.  We stopped at my sister's house and picked up some candy.  Captain was scared of their puppy.  Then, we went to my mom's for dinner.  After dinner, we went door to door.  Brother-in-Law and his wife came with Nephew and their dog.  Captain actually loved their dog.  We didn't score a ton of candy but a good amount.  Both kids got a little taste before we went home.  Both were exhausted and slept on the way home and late into the next day.  Captain was so good during his first real Halloween.  He kept his costume on all night.  Little Miss took hers off at the first opportunity.  

Onto November!  

JUDY BLUME!

So, yesterday, my awesome county library hosted a conversation with Judy Blume. Judy Blume came to town earlier this year, but I couldn't make it because I was out of town. So, I was pleased as punch to see she was coming back AND coming back for free a couple blocks from my house.

We're not worthy! #judyblume

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 22, 2015 at 5:16pm PDT

Earlier in the day, I tweeted to my local library that I was overcoming crowd anxiety to go because I hate crowds and going into the unknown especially by myself. Then, Judy Blume herself chimed in and said, if I had difficulties, to see one of the staff to be seated up front. I actually sat in row 4 so all was well, but you know, Judy Blume contacted me (SQUEE!!!)

She's as fascinated with me as I am with her. (So I tell myself.) @judyblume

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 22, 2015 at 6:11pm PDT

The evening was great. She was so funny and down-to-earth. She was just delightful and everything you hoped she would be. She seemed to relate to everyone in the audience from the children to the grandparents there. As with her books, she treated everyone with respect and as equals.

It wasn't a dream.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 23, 2015 at 4:31am PDT

When I got to meet her, the staff kept things moving even down to the picture-taking. The man taking pictures probably took about 15 which was very nice. The official line was that she wasn't signing older books or more than one book, but she did. Maybe the rule changed as the night went on, but I got two copies signed. It was memorable, right up there with the time I heard Walter Cronkite speak - because I had weird idols as a kid. My next obsession is going to see Tom Brokaw in December, and then I could probably die a happy girl.

Conversations with an almost-8-year-old

Backstory - K was in Little Miss's class in kindergarten and is in her second grade class as well. They were going to get married in kindergarten if she didn't marry this other boy. 

Little Miss: You know, K, right? Me: Aren't you going to marry him? Little Miss: Ugh, no. Hashtag fail. 

 Seriously. The girl just said "hashtag". Where does she come up with this stuff? I don't even know if she knows what it means, but she's always been good at figuring out correct context even if she didn't know the meaning of words. She's done that since she was learning to talk. She keeps us on our toes - and growing up too quickly.

Books Read in September 2015

1. Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney (NOTE: This is part of the Lost Lord series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Marley's Choice by Lora Leigh (NOTE: This is part of the Men of August series. You can find more information here.)
3. Sarah's Seduction by Lora Leigh (NOTE: This is part of the Men of August series. You can find more information here.)
4. Heather's Gift by Lora Leigh (NOTE: This is part of the Men of August series. You can find more information here.)
5. Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb (NOTE: This is part of the In Death series. The order of which can be found here.)

Just some trashy books. I always have to finish a series when I start though there is a follow-up book after this trio that I won't be reading. I really liked the latest from Mary Jo Putney and J.D. Robb, too. They're both always winners with me though.

First Day of School

I don't think I posted this!  Little Miss started the second grade.  She wanted to be a chef this year when asked.  She was nervous that she wouldn't know anyone this year, but that only lasted a short time.  Her good friend from first grade is in her classroom again.  Plus, it turned out she knows many of the kids - one of which is even at her bus stop.

She has two second grade teachers who switch depending on the day, but the kids seem to be ok with this.  The teachers both seem great.  they had nothing but awesome things to say about Little Miss at the conference.  

Little Miss is already at the upper end of her grade requirements if not testing above her grade level.  She's outstanding in reading and spelling, but she is pretty solid in math as well.  She loves Spanish and art.  

There was some drama with her friends, but it seems to be typical girl drama.  It seems to be over (for now).  It's just a little introduction to mean girls.  Little Miss knows how some people are just not for her.  She will separate herself from the drama if it becomes too much or find other friends to play with, but in this case, it was a little complicated.  Either way, it has resolved itself - as most playground things do at this age.  

I know she'll love second grade, and I love watching her grow - even if it means I'm not her favorite parent (which is what she told me last week).

September 2015 Weekend Update

September seems so long ago, but it wasn't.  We started out on the Jersey Shore for Labor Day weekend.  Captain hated the beach - the sand, the sun, the water.  The picture below is pretty much how he spent the entire time.  He would stop crying to eat and to wave to all trucks and garbage trucks.  Each truck driver was nice enough to wave back.  He did enjoy the pool at least.

We didn't do too much other than eat and hang out.  It was windy one day, but we were still at the beach.  We did the Boardwalk on the way home.  We went to go earlier in the week, but Little Miss was exhausted and asked to go to bed over fireworks and rides.  So, on the last day, we went to the Boardwalk and got ice cream which is our tradition.  Captain's favorite part of the Boardwalk was the basketball game.  He said his first non-family member word - BALL.  He rode the Carousel and hated it.  

The second weekend in September, Little Miss slept over the In-Laws' apartment.  I picked her up and we hung out with a friend of mine.  It was supposed to be a pool day, but the weather didn't cooperate so we just sat in her apartment and caught up.  The next day, I took the kids to my parents' house.  We just hung out there as well, but we stuck the kids on Dad's Harley for fun.

The third weekend, we went to a housewarming party.  Nephew slept over.  I took some pictures of the kids.  I had hoped to get all three together, but that didn't go as planned.  The next day, I took them to the library book sale which yielded disappointing results.  

The last weekend, we went to my childhood friend's wedding. We've been friends since middle school. She moved mid-high school, but we remained in touch. She now lives not too far away, and I should make more of an effort to see her. Anyway, she and her wife got married last month. It was a beautiful spot and ended up being a gorgeous day. Weddings are joyful, and they make an adorable couple. Plus, two other friends from our hometown were there so it was like a little reunion. (You can see my other post to see more about this.)

These 2 - more siblings than cousins (for better or worse)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 20, 2015 at 2:30pm PDT

September really just flew by. It's ridiculous how fast it went by. Plus, now October is 3/4 of the way through. Time is a cruel witch.

This guy - who pulled his hat off every 2 seconds but would cry until you put it back on.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 20, 2015 at 2:29pm PDT

Fingerpainting

Needless to say, fingerpainting was not a success.

So, #captain doesn't like fingerpainting and thinks I'm the worst thing ever. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Oct 11, 2015 at 3:41pm PDT

More Comparisons...

This is a picture of Little Miss sat 14 months and Captain at 16 months (almost 17 months). They're wearing the same outfit - which is a hand me down from Nephew. She is so much bigger than he is which is weird because he does nothing but eat but just don't put on the weight that corresponds with the quantity of food that he ingests. He's growing so there's no need to be concerned, but he's just a little guy. This will probably be the last of the matching clothes. He'll have more hand me downs from Nephew, but Little Miss didn't wear much of them after 2 or so.

Same outfit - 14 mo & 17 mo. (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 4:31pm PDT

You Can't Handle the Cute!

Seriously, how cute is this? I'm going to dress them to coordinate as long as possible. Just wait until Christmas. Somehow these two have two sets of matching pjs.

Positively adorable (@Rob_Sawicki)

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 4:59pm PDT

Special Weekend Update - Wedding Time!

Last weekend, my good friend from middle school/high school got married. It was a very happy and beautiful event.

Fairfield High - 20+ years later #gomustangs

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 6:10pm PDT

What made it more fun is that two other friends from middle school/high school were there as well so it was like a little reunion. My friend, his wife, and their twins were there as well as another really good friend - who used to live around the corner from me. Plus, Husband went to high school with us so he knew everybody.

Happy brides!

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 6:08pm PDT

Friends since middle school and still the best. #latergram

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 6:07pm PDT

We all had a really good time as it is always happy to see a close friend just beaming with happiness and joy. I hadn't seen her family in forever so it was nice to see them again, too. The whole evening was perfect. We wish the brides all the happiness in the world!

Sometimes, we go out.

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 26, 2015 at 4:33pm PDT

Movies Watched in August 2015

This is Where I Leave You

I'm just not a summer movie person.  This was a rental, too (or on HBO).  It was pretty good.  I watched because my mom recommended it, and I liked it.

TEETH!

Captain has 8 teeth.  He got them all at once when he originally cut them.  It was rough on him.  Because he got so many at once, it's been awhile since he cut anymore.  I've noticed he's been fussier than usual and, this morning, he was chewing on his fingers.  So, I stuck my hands in there.  He is growing 2 on the bottom right and one giant one on the bottom left.  Plus, he's growing 3-4 on the top.  It was hard to tell because, by then, he wasn't happy with my fingers in his mouth and was biting down pretty hard.  Poor little guy!  

Maine 2015

Click here to view this photo book larger

Start your own Shutterfly Photo Book today.

Books Read in August 2015

1. Servicing the Target by Cherise Sinclair (NOTE: This is part of the Shadowlands series. The order of which can be found here.)
2. Taking the Heat by Victoria Dahl (NOTE: This is part of the Jackson Girls' Night Out series. You can find more information here.)
3. Thrill Me by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool's Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
4. Falling Under by Lauren Dane (NOTE: This is part of the Ink and Chrome series. The order of which can be found here.)
5. Caged by Lorelei James (NOTE: This is part of the Mastered series. The order of which can be found here.)
6. The Hundred Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
7. Running With the Devil by Lorelei James

Just some trashy books and The Hundred Foot Journey. They were all entertaining. Good summer reading, I suppose.

Papal Visit

So, the pope came to Washington DC today. Most of the city stayed home. Metro was a mess, but it always is. This was actually unrelated to the pope but to a blown transformer. Traffic and Metro traffic were lighter than usual allegedly. Regardless, because my office window overlooks one of the pope's scheduled stops, I wanted to try to make it in. I'm glad I did! You can see more photos on my Instagram.

Hi! #popefrancis #popeindc #popewatch

A photo posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 8:49am PDT

Pope! #popefrancis #popeindc #popefrancis

A video posted by @princessapr on Sep 23, 2015 at 8:55am PDT

August 2015 Weekend Update

You'd think I would be able to keep up if I do this monthly.  You'd think wrong.

The first weekend in August, we got up way too early to do family portraits.  I took the first picture.  We paid to have the second taken below.  I think I'm underpaid.  We went to brunch afterwards.  Little Miss wasn't feeling well, but she stuck it out.  

The next weekend, we went to Maine.  It was a mixed bag.  Poor Husband had to work and couldn't go.  Captain spent the first hour in the car screaming before he fell asleep.  It was a rough car trip up.  We finally made it no worse for the wear.  It turns out Captain hates the beach - he hated the sand and water.  Both kids had a stomach bug at different times.  Poor Little Miss was sick about half the trip and spent it on the chair with a bowl on her lap.  She started to feel better on the way home.  

We did celebrate my grandfather's 90's birthday while we were in Maine though.  That was a lot of fun.  It was clearly before the stomach bug hit.  

The following weekend was fairly quiet.  We went to the In-laws' pool and hung out with the nephews.  The next day, we got Captain's haircut.  It was traumatic for all involved.  It's growing out nicely though.

The last weekend was a busy one.  We went to a friend's pool which Little Miss says is the best thing ever.  She wants to go back.  After, we head home and had the in-laws for dinner for their anniversary.  It was a nice evening especially because I made the food the night before so it was relatively low key.

The last Sunday, I took the kids into DC.  We went through the Newseum and walked around - mostly grabbed snacks.  I always forget, but Little Miss had a bloody nose in the cafeteria, but she is such a champ with things like that.  She just sat while we waited for our order.  

She enjoyed the Newseum.  We skimmed a bit of it because of content, but I explained a bit to her.  It's interesting what parts really grabbed her.  She was flabbergasted at the idea of East/West Germany and any kind of censorship of news and information.  She found a good amount boring, but it ended on a high note because she got to be a "broadcaster" in front of the green screen at the end.  We spent about 5 hours there so I consider it a successful day.  Plus, you can't beat the rooftop view.  It was nice to have the balconies so the kids could have some outside time.  Captain finally napped halfway through, but he also appreciated the time spent walking outside.

It really was a great summer (and not over - wait until you see September).  I did a lot I've never done before like the Shakespeare Library, Library of Congress, Newseum, National Building Museum.  There are only a few other things on my tourist bucket list.  To be so close, it's a shame not to take advantage of everything - even the few attractions for which you have to pay.  *g*

New Food of the Week

I am making a conscious effort to encourage Little Miss to eat more than the few meat dishes and plain pasta. So, a few years ago, we did New Food of the Week. This went well for a little while, but I didn't keep up with it. So, I told her we're going to do it this time. So, she helped me pick out a dish. She specifically asked for a green vegetable. After deciding against peas, she chose asparagus. So, I made brown butter pasta with asparagus and bacon. 

Brown Butter Pasta with Asparagus & Bacon Recipe 
YIELD: Serves 4 to 6 

Ingredients: 

• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional) 
• 12 ounces uncooked bowtie pasta 
• 1 half stick Land O Lakes® Butter with Olive Oil & Sea Salt (1/4 cup) 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 pound asparagus, washed, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream 
• 2 green onions, sliced 

Directions: 
Cook bacon and chop up, if using. Bring a pot of water with plenty of salt to a boil. Cook pasta according to instructions on the package. Drain pasta and add back to pot. While the water is boiling, add butter to a nonstick skillet and cook on medium heat until browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Once the butter is browned, working quickly, turn heat off and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds. Remove butter and garlic and place in a clean bowl. Set aside. Add 1 tablespoon browned butter back to the skillet and turn heat to medium. Add asparagus and cook for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream to pan along with remaining brown butter. Cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour asparagus and butter mixture over pasta in large pot. Mix pasta together. Serve with green onions and bacon (optional).

She declared the asparagus a win, but the overall dish wasn't.  She doesn't care for butter so that's probably why.  I'm glad she liked the asparagus.  So, we'll see what's on the menu for next week.

Books Read in July 2015

1. Complications by Atul Gawande
2. Insider by Olivia Cunning (NOTE: This is the first book of the Exodus End. The band featured has made a cameo in her previous series - book list is here.)
3. Opening Up by Lauren Dane (NOTE: This is the first book in her Ink and Chrome series. You can find more information here.)
4. Unraveled by Lorelei James (NOTE: This is the third book in the Mastered series. The order of which can be found here.)
5. Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis (NOTE: This is the first book in the Cedar Ridge series. The order of which can be found here.)
6. Kiss Me by Susan Mallery (NOTE: This is part of the Fool's Gold series. The order of which can be found here.)
7. Holding Holly and Chasing Jillian by Julie Brannagh (NOTE: This is part of the Love and Football series. The order of which can be found here.)
8. Master of Freedom by Cherise Sinclair (NOTE: This is part of the Mountain Masters and Dark Haven series. The order of which can be found here.)

I did a lot of reading. After a spell of heavier books, I jumped back into romance. I'll admit there was a mix of down and dirty and sweet so be wary if you use this for recommendations. Complications was my rare non-fiction book. I liked it. The author made things easy to follow. It gave great insight in a clear, concise way. I'd recommend it and I'd even go so far as to say I'd read his latest book.

Movies Watched in July 2015

1. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
2. Trainwreck
3. Magic Mike XXL

Little Miss and I watched Alexander which was an adorable, silly family movie. Then, Husband saw the first movie in years in the theater. He put his money where his mouth is and followed his girl, Amy Schumer, to her big screen debut. It was a pretty hilarious movie. I'd see it again just to catch the jokes we missed from laughing so hard. It's a bit naughty for those who don't like those types of films though. Friends and I saw Magic Mike XXL, and it is a movie you need to see with girlfriends. It was fun and silly and everything you'd expect.