Apricot, Arugula, and Quinoa Salad with a Cumin Vinaigrette: My Diary of Us

It's still raining. Yeah, we are on week two of dreary weather and this gal is overrr it. The backyard is muddy, I have to force myself to be productive, and the only thing that sounds good is a nap and foods that I shouldn't be eating. So in an effort to brighten up this Tuesday I made a colorful and healthy salad that will hopefully turn my rainy day blues around and will keep me full of energy all week long! My apricot, arugula, and quinoa salad with a cumin vinaigrette is just the salad to do the trick! It's gorgeous, full of flavor, and so good for you too!

Quinoa has been around for a while now, and if you aren't using it yet, today is the day to start. It's packed with protein, minerals, and vitamins and is definitely a grain that should be added into your diet! Perfect as a side, or mixed into a salad, I love it just about any way I can get it!

PostedMarch 3, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner, Lunch, Salads

Tagsquinoa salad, healthy lunch ideas, light lunches, light dinners, healthy meals, meal planning, meal prep, gluten free recipes, clean eating, salad recipes, healthy side dishes

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It's been raining here for 4 days straight. And I know I shouldn't complain because most of you have been living in snow this whole time and compared to that I guess I have had it pretty good. At least you can play in the snow, you can't play in the rain when it's 35 degrees. One thing is for sure, either situation calls for cocktails and lately all I can do it dream about summertime and cocktails and bare feet and tan lines and watermelon and all things sunshine! And since I've been dreaming of summer cocktails, I figure let's talk about some of my favorites so we can pretend it's hot outside and we are sipping on some yummy deliciousness!

Sound like a plan? Good! Let's be transported somewhere tropical, somewhere warm, and pretend we can feel the sun warming our skin and can taste a cool drink on our lips...

PostedFebruary 26, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesCocktails

Tagscocktails, Thirsty Thursday, Summer Cocktails, Summertime, Refreshing Drinks, Happy Hour, Weekend Drinks, Party Drinks

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Dill and Garlic Pimento Cheese: My Diary of Us

Do you have a favorite food from your childhood that you have clear memories of eating and still love to this day? It's nostalgia at it's best. From the first bite you are transported back in time maybe to a certain memory or just to the feeling that it still gives you. For me pimento cheese sandwiched between two pieces of white bread is still to this day, a little slice of heaven. Growing up, I wasn't too concerned with white vs. wheat, does it have too much mayo...yada yada yada. It was all about the texture of the pimento cheese and the soft bread that sold me every time. And to be honest it's still a favorite comfort food combo of mine. My dill and garlic pimento cheese is my take on a classic with a grown up twist that is perfectly acceptable for your grown up lunchbox or party.

PostedFebruary 24, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesAppetizers

Tagspimento cheese, dill pimento cheese, healthier pimento cheese, snack ideas, lunch recipes, party appetizer, homemade, cheese, healthy, family friendly recipes, appetizer

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An ordinary and extraordinary birthday weekend: My Diary of Us

"Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life."

Well I'm officially in my thirties and other than the fact that I like to go to bed around nine every night, I really don't feel like it. This weekend was such an amazing couple of days filled with lots of sweet friends, dance parties, cookouts, naps, cupcakes, cookies, and more! I really felt the love from everyone around me, and I couldn't feel more blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

We kicked the birthday festivities off with a 90's themed dance party that my friends Lindsey and Madeline planned for me complete with the ultimate 90's playlist, black lights, spiked punch, all of your favorite 90's junk food (pop-rocks, fruit roll-ups, bagel bites, cool ranch Doritos, and more), slap bracelets, glow sticks, and friendship bracelets.

PostedFebruary 23, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesLife

Tagsweekend recap, birthday weekend, oridinary life, life

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Grapefruit French Gimlet: My Diary of Us

The Oscar's are this weekend and I can't wait to watch the Red Carpet and pick out my favorite dresses of the night! Yes, I am excited about seeing what movies and actors win for the night, but it's really all about the fashion for me! I always see where people have Oscar viewing parties, and they seem like so much fun. My party usually exists of me, some stretchy pants, and my cocktail of choice, and I gotta say it's a pretty good time. Whether or not you are hosting a viewing party or are like me, and having a little partay for yourself, my Grapefruit French Gimlet is the cocktail you should be drinking!

PostedFebruary 19, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesCocktails

Tagscocktails, gimlet recipe, french gimlet, grapefruit cocktail, Thirsty Thursday, Cheers, Gluten Free

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Healthy Turkey Spaghetti Bolognese: My Diary of Us

In the summertime I envy all of the other states across the country who aren't drenched with humidity and extreme high heat, like we are here in Louisiana. However, currently with all of the ice and snow storms that some of you are dealing with, I am feeling pretty blessed in live in the deep South where 45 degree days are considered cold! And when it's cold, there just isn't much to be motivated about. I just want to hibernate with the biggest blanket I can find, eat comfort food, and watch as many bad chick flicks as the Hallmark channel will play for me. Nothing says comfort and warmth to me like a warm bowl of my healthy turkey spaghetti bolognese!

Honestly I have probably told you this before, but my absolute favorite, could eat for the rest of my life...everyday of my life meal is spaghetti and meatballs..or really just any kind of spaghetti and red sauce! I looovveee it and crave a big bowl of it for dinner on a regular basis.

PostedFebruary 18, 2015

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner, Pasta

Tagsspaghetti, bolognese recipe, healthy bolognese recipe, turkey bolognese, Pasta dishes, dinner, weeknight meals, comfort food, homemade, Italian dishes, healthy dinners, healthy turkey spaghetti bolognese, pasta

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