Friday, April 26, 2013

Salmon Cakes

We absolutely have LOVED making these lately - they are simple and delicious!
I actually even used a bag of frozen salmon fillets to make these the first time and it worked perfectly!  John likes his on a bun (burger style), and I prefer over a bed of mixed greens.  You must try them - I know you'll love them as much as we do!

Salmon Cakes with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
(via)
Makes 6-7 small patties (2 patties per serving)

1 lb. salmon, skin removed
1 cup water
1/2 lemon, juice and zest
1 1/3rd cup breadcrumbs
1 1/2 TBSP all purpose flour
1/2 red bell pepper, diced small
1 small shallot, chopped fine
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh parsley, chopped
2 tsp. whole fennel seeds, chopped
1/2 tsp. kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp. sea salt)
1/8th tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
1 large egg, slightly beaten
2 TBSP dijon mustard
Olive oil, for the pan

For the vinaigrette: 
*you can also just use your favorite vinaigrette salad dressing*
1/4 cup brown rice vinegar
1/8th cup tarragon vinegar
1 TBSP raspberry vinegar 
2-3 TBSP honey, to taste
1-2 TBSP dijon mustard, to taste
1/2-3/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil

For serving:
Mixed greens
Fresh sliced avocado
Any other veggies you like


Method
1.   Poach the salmon: In a shallow skillet or saute pan, bring the water and juice of a lemon to a boil. Once boiling, add your salmon and cover (if your pan doesn't have a lid, use a sheet of parchment or aluminum foil). Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 6-8 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flaky all the way through. The time will vary depending on how thick your fish is, so check the doneness by flaking the salmon with a fork. Remove the salmon from the cooking liquid and set aside to cool a little while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
2.   In a large bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, flour, bell pepper, shallot, parsley, chopped fennel seeds, lemon zest, salt, and cayenne.
3.   Add the salmon to the bowl and break it apart with a fork. Add the dijon mustard and egg, and stir everything to combine.
4.   Form the mixture into patties. Take a handful and squeeze into a ball, then shape it into a disc - the patty should just barely hold together. If the mixture is too flaky to hold together, add another 1/2 TBSP flour. I like to make small patties, about 1/2 cup each, and make two per serving.
5.   Heat a skillet over medium-high with 1-2 TBSP olive oil. Seer the patties for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip, and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Serve over mixed greens with slices of avocado and a drizzle of vinaigrette.
6.   For the vinaigrette: whisk together all the vinegars, honey, and mustard. While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil. Stir or shake before serving.

*To freeze: Wrap uncooked patties in wax paper and then store in ziploc baggies - then thaw and follow cooking directions when ready to eat.*

Enjoy!!!

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Monday, April 22, 2013

Wish List

It's officially 2 weeks until my birthday, and I am a big fat birthday lover.   I genuinely think they are so much fun and I LOVE celebrating them - whether it's my own, or anyone else's.  I love everything - the gift wrapping, card-writing, present-hunting, cake-eating, candle-lighting, balloon-blowing, and wish-making - aren't you getting kind of excited??  ;)

I am so lucky to have my in-laws in town this year for my birthday - it will be so great to have family here!  My sweet parents have already mailed my gifts - and they are waiting patiently in the corner all wrapped and ready to go.  (I won't lie - it's been a little hard to have them there, just waiting to be unwrapped!)
And just for fun - here is a dream birthday wish list.....


birthday wishes


ray-bans//tory burch sandals//clinique lipstick set
michael kors watch//baublebar necklace//monogram tervis
chanel perfume//stella and dot tote

But all I REALLY want is to spend the day with the ones I love - and Skype the ones I can't be with!
That and a big ole piece of Strawberry cake - my fave!!  :)
(Ok, and those TB sandals - who am I kidding?)

Do you love birthdays as much as I do?
What would be on your birthday wish list?


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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Getting to Know you!


{salzburg, austria}

I have seen this on a few other blogs, and I just love this idea!  I know that I look at a ton of blogs all the time...sometimes I leave comments, and sometimes I just don't have time to.  
And I tend to wonder who is perusing MY posts; who are my followers and loyal (or new!) readers? 

So if you will - let me get to know YOU!  Leave a comment and answer the following questions:

1. What is your name?
2. Where are you from?
3. Where are you living right now?
4.  What is your favorite store and/or favorite Starbucks drink?
5.  What is the name of your blog (if you have one)?  

I'll start :)

1. Emily
2. Pensacola, Florida
3. Princeton, NJ
4. Target and J.Crew/Non-fat Iced Chai Tea Latte
5. You know this one!  

I think this is so much fun - and it's a great way to meet fellow friends/bloggers!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Smooches!

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Friday, April 19, 2013

Hello Sunshine

Good morning!  
It's a bright and early one for me here, as I'm leaving the house at 6:00 am!  I am headed off to  my second week of training at my new job.... I haven't announced it on the ole blog yet, but I am going to be the Ultrasound Sonographer for a new IVF (in-vitro fertilization) clinic going up in Princeton!  I am so thrilled to begin this new journey, and I know it will be such a challenging, yet rewarding opportunity.  So I'm off, out for the day (and headed straight for the nearest Starbucks).  =)

And since it's Friday, I am of course linking up with {av} on long distance loving, to share this week's fashion inspiration: Neons!
And while I love my neons, I went just a little softer (ok not much), and stuck with yellow, yellow, yellow.   Can you tell I'm ready for summer?!


Hello Sunshine

1//2//3//4//5
6//7//8//9//10


These hues just make me so happy!!
Hope you have the best day!!

And don't forget to check out lots more fabulous fashion at long distance loving!


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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

5 Years, and a Second Honeymoon

5 years ago this month, John and I were staring down at the new rings on our fingers, and reminiscing about our wedding that had taken place just hours before.  We were in absolute heaven, wedded bliss, and then hopped on a plane to begin the most magical honeymoon we could ever dream of....

Let's take a look back shall we?


{look familiar?  this is where the movie "The Heartbreak Kid" with Ben Stiller was filmed!}

{the view from the duvet}

{newlyweds}


{exploring the town of Cabo for the day}



{yep, that's us, poolside with Hilary Swank!}

{our balcony}


Whenever I am sad, or lonely, or it's cold and rainy, I literally just scroll through these pictures, (and the 200 others from the trip) to bring me back to that amazing week.

And as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of our incredible wedding and honeymoon, we are again going to be staring down at our rings (a little bit worn in now), reminiscing about the last 5 years (filled with 2 big moves, 3 new jobs, and many amazing memories), and boarding another plane back to our honeymoon destination.  

And I simply have to pinch myself: we have just booked our anniversary trip back to the stunning Esperanza Resort!  I am so looking forward to spending time with my love, sipping on mojitos, and basking in the sun for a solid week.  No TV, no phones (ok maybe for Instagram), and no work. 

counting. the. minutes.  just 56,000 to go. 
(thats 39 days if you were trying to do the math in your head)
=)


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Monday, April 15, 2013

Greek Lamb Chops

I made this delicious and easy meal recently, and we absolutely loved it!  We don't have lamb often, but this was such a treat, and I just had to share the recipe!
I kind of combined a few recipes, and came up with my own, but the yogurt mint sauce is Barefoot Contessa all the way :)

This would be a great meal for a fancy supper, or if you are hosting a get together for a few friends.  It will be sure to impress, and you'll be so shocked to see how easy it is!




Ingredients:

1 16 oz rack of lamb chops
3/4 tsp dried rosemary
3/4 tsp oregano
3/4 tsp course salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Yogurt Mint Sauce:
3 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 tbsp minced fresh dill
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
5 oz greek yogurt
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper


Directions:

1. Prepare Yogurt Mint Sauce (directions below)
2. Once sauce has refrigerated, heat broiler.
3. Rub both sides of lamb chops with seasonings.
4. Place lamb on broiler pan; broil until chops are browned, turning once about 6 minutes per side.
5. Serve with sauce and enjoy!

Sauce: 
Place the scallions, mint, dill, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and lemon juice in the bowl of a food processor.  Puree until it is a course paste.  Add the yogurt, salt, and pepper, and pulse until combined. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours.

(I served mine with quinoa and these Brussels sprouts! Yum!)

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Sunday, April 14, 2013

Straight Hair, No Problem!

I've always wanted straight hair.  Ever since I was little, I have always been envious of those girls with the sleek, straight hair (from Kelly Kapowski to Gwenyth Paltrow).  But God gave me curls, and waves, and the in between stuff that is just completely unmanageable.  

So when flat irons came around, I was finally in hair heaven.   And last month, when Misikko, contacted me about receiving and reviewing one of their best straighteners, I was over the moon!

The packaging was amazing!


Besides the flat iron, it came with a case, brush, heat pad, eye lash curlers, bath soaps, makeup brushes, and more!


And being a southern girl, I of course really appreciated this thank you note :)


So I tried this beauty out!  And I was very impressed!

before and after:

Pros:  
-This iron gets very hot, very fast.
-The high heat makes straightening easy and quick.
-I love how the cord moves and rotates with the iron.
-This gets my frizzy, wavy hair VERY straight with little effort.




Cons:
-The plates are just a little rough, not quite as smooth as my Chi, but they do grab my hair quite easily.
-This isn't really a con, but due to the high heat, you have to be much more aware of where your hands/fingers are so not to get burned. 
-Also, because of the heat, which can get to 450 degrees (!!), you must use a heat protector in your hair.



I even tried out a wavier style with the iron, and it worked great!
Overall, I am super excited about the Hana Pro Iron, and it has definitely made me move all my other flat irons into the closet  =)  

More Professional Hair Straighteners and products = Misikko
Find out more = Hana Salon


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Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Citrus Style

Hi lovelies!  I am thrilled to be guest-posting on my bestie's blog today!!
For all my citrus style inspiration, head on over to Chelsea Notes, and be sure to tell her I sent you!

A little sneak peek ;)


Citrus Style


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Monday, April 8, 2013

Currently...

I've done of few of these posts before, but it's been awhile, and I think it's time for another :)
Whaddya say?


Currently loving...



This DVD is absolutely amazing. It reminds me a lot of the Pure Barre workouts, the way it does small isometric movements that target arms, thighs, abs, and backside.  You can break up the workouts or do the whole workout at once.  I usually do 3-4 at a time, and will combine it with a little cardio too. 




This little gem is pretty great.  I just picked it up recently, and I am loving how much moisture it has put back into my dry hair.  It's just a 2-minute mask, and I do it about once a week.  Very easy to use, and leaves my hair feeling nourished and silky soft.



This has SAVED me this winter.  Perfect amount of glow to the skin, without looking orange or fake.  And it smells like chocolate.  Yep.  Sold.



Currently watching...



My 2 faves!  I officially want to BE Connie Britton. 
Are you fans of these shows??  





Currently wearing...


Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Kangaroo Pocket Tunic Hoodie - Assorted Colors

I've been living in this cozy sweatshirt....it's actually embarrassing how often I wear this.  Pair it with some leggings, and I'm good to go.  And it's cute enough to wear out for errands.  


Black Tank Maxi Dress

I don't have this exact one, mine's from F21 but virtually the same, and I've been pairing it with everything lately.  Whether it's a moto jacket, a girly cardigan, or a just a fab statement necklace, this look has been my go-to for the past few weeks.  



Even though it was freezing this year, I absolutely loved my Easter outfit.  I tried to get away with wearing the cutest brocade skirt with this, but alas, the pants had to be worn.   
F21 peplum top, Target cardigan, BaubleBar necklace, and H&M skinnies :)


Currently listening to...


So, so, so good.  JT - I love you.


Currently polishing...


Yep, still loving the two-toned nails!



Currently cooking...

Salmon Cakes - yummo!!  Recipe coming soon :)



Baked Kale - our fave!
(kale leaves spread evenly on baking sheet.  drizzle a little olive oil, and dash of salt.  bake at 350 for 15 minutes).



Detox Water -
2 quarts water, 1 medium cucumber, 1 lemon, 10-12 mint leaves. Steep overnight in fridge and drink every day!



Currently treating myself to...

McDonald's Hazelnut Iced Coffee.  Oh. My. Yum.
This is usually my Saturday treat :)


Anything you're currently LOVING, shopping, eating, or wearing???
Do share!!



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