return of the dress

This past year was the first time that I have been completely away from my family. The sister and I both did our undergrad at the U of M, so we've always had at least each other. However as you know, she's a year older than me and this year ventured to Colorado to start law school, leaving me all by my lonesome (but giving me a GREAT excuse to travel) :) 

After school ended, the sis came out to Minne for my graduation and stayed for a few extra days. She decided to drive back to Wisconsin for the weekend with me to surprise my parents! Boy oh boy. I couldn't have asked for a better time at home. 

Someone else was happy to see us too! PUPPY!

This weekend was Clay and Selina's prom so we got to see them get all jazzed up and beautified. Before we get into that, let's talk food!

The weather was absolutely beautiful today, perfect for a summery BBQ. Have you guys ever tried Crystal Light's Mocktail line? I sipped on the margarita flavor all night. It actually wasn't half bad!

 

On the menu for tonight's grub was grilled shrimp, grilled asparagus, grilled veggies, and Grilled Strawberry Feta Quinoa Salad. Haha just kidding, I didn't grill the quinoa salad...but that does intrigue me. Grilled Quinoa? Grilling is so easy, and so tasty. I love the charred flavor!

For the grilled veggies and asparagus, we tossed the raw veggies in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and wrapped it up in tin foil. Easy. Easy.

Here's a bette look at the Strawberry Feta Quinoa Salad (recipe to come later)...

Addicting. I may have had seconds. and thirds.

Now on to prom. 

Okay, first of all. I think times are changing. I was the most awkward looking adolescent and these girls all had on stunning dresses and the boys cleaned up quite nicely. Look at how handsome my brother looks! 

Dayum is right.

Selina also looked beautiful. Remember when Maggie wore my junior prom dress to her prom last year? Seli wore it too! Gosh what a great dress. Not to mention Selina looked rockin'. I'm really not the biggest fan of humongous poofy dresses (there are a select few that I like), so I vote Seli gets best dressed of the night!

Here's a little flash back to 2007 when I wore it.

Oh high school, I'm so glad you are over. 

What did you wear for your Prom? Is it still in style?

What is your favorite thing to grill?

Talk to you in Minne! 

Chunky Southwestern Quinoa Salad

Nom is right. 

Quinoa Salad in any form is probably my favorite thing to make...and eat. You can make it sweet, salty, spicy, etc. Here are some of my past quinoa salad creations: The ones labeled gf are all gluten free, not my girlfriend (haha) :)

*Apple Quinoa Salad *gf*
*Citrus Confetti Quinoa (guest post) 
*Fresh Caprese Quinoa Salad *gf*
*Mandarin Quinoa Salad *gf*
*Red Quinoa Caprese Salad *gf*
*Southwestern Quinoa Salad *gf*
*Spinach Mandarin Quinoa Salad *gf*

I took a previous quinoa salad recipe and made it better. 

Chunky Southwestern Quinoa Salad
Ingredients (*note: I used this as a side, so it served a substantial amount of people)
-1.5 Cups of Quinoa, dry
-3 Cups of water
-1 can of black beans
-1 can of sweet corn
-1 carton of plum tomatoes, sliced in fourths
-2 ripe avocados, cubed
-1.5T cilantro
-1 lime, juice
-1t salt
-2t pepper
-2T EVOO
-1/4C - 1/3C balsamic vinegar


Method
1. In a medium size sauce pan, bring 1.5 cups of quinoa and 3 cups of water to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until all of the water is absorbed.

2. Place cooked quinoa in a tupperware and set in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until it becomes room temperature.

3. In a large bowl, mix together quinoa, black beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Then add  spices, lime juice, EVOO, and balsamic vinegar. Toss

4. Serve as a side or even a meal!

Even if you are not having a bbq or party, this is a great salad to prepare in the beginning of the week. If you do this, I suggest skipping the avocado and just adding it at the time of consumption.

Also, I guarantee this salad would be just as good with a different grain. Possibly substituting the quinoa for brown rice, millet, or cous cous?? 

What is your favorite way to eat quinoa? sweet? salty? spicy?

a fit foodie graduation.

That's right, I'm all graduated. I can't believe it either. These past 4 years have FLOWN by. I went from the 5 year track, to graduating in 4! It feels damn good to be done :) Here is a little synopsis of my weekend!

Pre-Graduation Celebration BBQ

Saturday night was a lot of fun. We threw a big celebration at Blake's house for a variety of different reasons. On top of my graduation was Sister Boy's Birthday and graduation too! On top of that was  Blake's birthday (on Thursday) and acceptance to grad school (He's getting his MBA from Carlson at the UofM..Congrats, I'm so proud of you!!)! The weather was beyond perfect and the food was exceptional!  

The family was in town from Milwaukee and Boulder, so it was a big reunion. I invited a few college friends and then some. Look what Carly brought me...

I think someone needs to be featured on a Fashion Friday Post....

Here's what dinner consisted of...

Southwestern Quinoa Salad (recipe to come)...

Strawberry Spring Salad: Spring lettuce + Strawberries + Baby Cucumbers + Walnuts + Feta Cheese + Balsmic

Chicken/Beef/Veggie Shish-Kabobs.

We tossed the veggies in olive oil and spices before kabobing...

I also made a fruit salad and a giant salmon! Here's my plate...

The following day (Sunday) was my graduation day/Mother's Day!

Graduation Day

We met Sister Boy's family at Joe's Garage for a mother's day brunch and then headed over to my favorite spot in Minneapolis, The Stone Arch Bridge, for some scenic photos.

I was very unsure about walking in my commencement. To be honest, I really didn't want to. However, I'm glad I did! Our keynote speaker, Dessa, was PHENOMENAL! My ceremony started at 4 and I was out of there 6:30. Not bad for CLA.

Wah! I'm so glad to be back blogging again. It was nice taking a few days off, but I miss it. and you guys of course :)

Tell me something inspirational or give me some advice. I mean, I'm a real person now.