For two garden growing people that don’t really enjoy fresh tomatoes, we always have a TON of ripe tomatoes and not much use for them. Over the 4th of July weekend I made a big bowl of bruschetta for an appetizer and had a small bowl leftover. I then had one of those light bulb moments when I thought, “hey! I’m going to bake chicken with the left over bruschetta since that husband and I both enjoy COOKED tomatoes!!”, and it was such a wonderful idea. Peter said that it reminded him of chicken that tasted like pizza, only healthier. It was one of the first times in a looooong time that I didn't run to pinterest to check on a recipe and I'm so glad I didn't. I just went with my gut and made up my own recipe and of course I have to share it with all of you!! So, if you want to eat chicken that tastes like a pizza (seriously, who doesn't want that?!?) then this is what you need to do....

Part One // the bruschetta

tomatoes

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

basil leaves

fresh mozzarella

1 clove of garlic, minced

sprinkle of Italian seasoning

 

1// slice as many tomatoes as your little heart desires into tiny pieces

2// chop 5-6 fresh basil leaves and add to the tomatoes

3// normally I use the minced garlic in a tube for recipes, one squirt was plenty. Otherwise, mince one clove of garlic and add to the bowl

4// slice as much mozzarella as you want, I typically eye about 1/2 the amount of tomatoes

5// add a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar

6// stir and refrigerate to combine all the flavors or eat fresh

 

Part Two // the chicken

left over bruschetta from an epic party (or fresh if just made)

chicken breasts

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper

 

1// drizzle olive oil and balsamic to coat the bottom of a baking dish

2// place the chicken in the baking dish and add a dash of salt and pepper to each side

3// continue to flip and press the chicken in the balsami & oil mixture until it soaks in, normally for 2-3 minutes

4// pile on the bruschetta goodness

5// bake in over at 350 for 30 minutes

6// slice chicken to confirm it has fully cooked

7// enjoy the yummy, cheesy, juicy chicken

A Story About a Skirt.

For the past few months I've wanted to try out a skater skirt and  I was pleasantly surprised when I found this one at Forever 21 (where else can you find awesome buys like this skirt for less than $9, right?!?) and I knew this skirt had to be mine. After typing that sentence, I've realized that I have some kind of theme here whenever I speak of F21. See it - want it - need it - buy it. But, hey... it works and I'm not going to try to fix something that isn't broken. Especially when it doesn't break my wallet. It just makes sense all around, right? So anyways, this skirt. I love it! It is so comfortable and light weight, throw on a chambray button down, tuck that baby in + some jewels and cute flats and you're ready to go. This little ensemble will most definitely be in my suitcase for our beach trip in August!! Only 22 more days, but who's counting...?

shirt: Old Navy, skirt: Forever 21, sandals: Francesca's

earrings: Old Navy, necklace: boutique in Charleston

nails: Revlon, Plum Seduction, lips: Sally Hansen Lip Inflation, Temptress

Liking up with Living in Color Style & Stylin in St. Louis

for the weekly trend, chambray.

Thanks ladies!!

Six Years.

The picture below is the first photo that Peter and I ever had together. My mom found it a little while ago in her old emails. Of course I sent her a photo. I was smitten! 

This photo was before our first date, before the first kiss, before everything...

But today, Wednesday, July 16th, we celebrate a very important day! The sixteenth marks six years since the first date with the most wonderful man I’ve ever met. I remember vividly that night six years ago….

I was waiting patiently in the living room of the apartment where my mom and I lived. I had my favorite maxi dress on, lipstick was ready and I could smell my Victoria’s Secret body spray. I fiddled my fingers and checked my face in the mirror several times, while I waited as patiently as I could. This was the first time that Peter had ever picked up a girl for a date. I remember texting him and telling him what time to pick me up and he said; you don’t want to meet there? I replied with something like, no… if this is a date you can pick me up. I was bold and I was persistent but thankfully that worked for him. When I heard the knock on the door I felt my stomach drop because the most handsome (sexy) man that I’ve ever met was waiting on the other side of that door to take me out for sushi. When we arrived at the restaurant and the hostess walked us to our table I instantly wanted to turn my back to the entire room so I could focus on him and because I have an annoying habit of intense people watching. I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t interested. Apparently he had the same idea because he pulled out the chair that was facing the entire room for me, which of course meant I had to sit down. He pulled out the seat for me!! A sexy gentleman, that one. As we sat at the table and enjoyed our dinner and learned about each other I was pretty sure I hit the jackpot. He was funny and he made me laugh but not in that "this is a first date, so I have to laugh" kind of way. He made me really laugh which was so refreshing. And when he would laugh or grin and flash his dimples... man, I thought I would slide right off my chair and melt into a puddle of first date gooeyness. It was a good night.

Thankfully the nights have only gotten better. I learned that I didn’t need to pursue a man, that I should be pursued instead. And I learned that my timing isn’t as important as God’s timing. A lot has changed in the past six years. There were a lot of dates, some no dating, even dates with others but I’m most thankful for who we have become through all those dates. Our heavenly Father has guided us to this point and I could not be happier with where we are. I still think Peter is the sexiest man alive and those dimples still make me want to melt, just in a different kind of puddle now... more of a, is this guy really my husband puddle, which is honestly so much better than those first date puddles. You may think it is strange to celebrate a dating anniversary but I like to think that even after you are husband and wife, dates are still important. Even more important, so I’m thankful that I get to date this guy forever and I’m completely fine with the fact that sushi will always be our favorite kind of date night.

& just for fun, here's the Almost Two Years post

and the Five years post

In The Word // Jeremiah 33:3

Lately I have been thinking a lot about passion. The feeling you have inside for something you know you NEED in your life. Something that is placed in your heart by the One who made you. For me, my passion is this space. The words I type, the time I spend, the photos I take, and the memories I share - every little bit of it. It is a huge passion for me. There are nights I can't sleep because I am thinking about a post I want to write and there are mornings I wake up and instantly think about something I have to share. I believe those things are placed in me by God Himself and I pray that I bring glory to Him in every word I type. 

I can't help but think of this quote by Fabienne Fredrickson....

The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling

I believe that is true. 

I'm not saying that I believe my calling is to be a world known blogger, but I do know that my calling is to share His name here. 

I pray that I always call to Him. I want my calling to always be in line with the Savior and share His love openly in return.

Sharing His love by the way I am a wife...

...a daughter and sister

...a friend

...a co-worker

...as a prepare to be a mother one day

...and the way I am a blogger

In all the areas of this life, I hope that one thing is true to all that see me; before I am anything listed above, I am HIS and He is mine. To glorify Him with every breath.

What has He placed on your heart, friends?

Please share with us!!

 

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What's In My Bag.

I've always wanted to share one of these posts and when I came across The Circle I finally had a reason to do it (other than the reason of always wanting to do it, of course). I love the idea behind this link up with Kiki!

One of my favorite parts of blogging is the community within it. I love nothing more than finding a new blog that I absolutely love and feeling as if I could be friends with the woman writing it. We have our own little world in this "blogosphere" and I really love that.

So, here we go.... what is in my bag?!?

1// my planner.

First and formost, my Erin Condren Life Planner, and that is exactly what it is. This little book contains my ENTIRE life and I'd lose my head if I didn't have it. Personal, Work, Blog, everything is listed within this book and I love it! It honestly doesn't fit in THIS purse but I always have it with me so I thought it only made sense to share it!

2// lips.

I always keep a stash of lip products in the inside pocket of my bag. Usually one in each shade so I always have something to pop on for a little color. Today this were in my bag...

3// glasses.

These are usually on my face so my case is normally empty in my bag. I love these glasses so much, one of the best buys I've ever made.

4// diva cup.

Okay, since most of you are ladies, (I assume men don't really read this blog, but if you do... Hi, thank you for doing so, and please skip on to number 6 now, k?) I'm going to share a little secret with you. This thing is awesome. Look it up, do your research, buy it, love it & never buy a tampon again! Yes, I know... it's crazy, and you are welcome!

5// prayer journal.

You never know when you might have something come up or a friend gives you a prayer request. I have started to track my prayers in this journal this month and I've loved the process so far.

6// wallet.

I'm a big fan of the hobo line and this wallet is a lifesaver and can also be used as a clutch if you don't need to carry your purse with you. It has a spot for everything you need and even has a special pocket for your phone which I love!

7// iPhone.

Seriously, what would I do without this thing?

And that's it... except for all the receipts/trash that I tossed out before taking the photos above. ;)

What is in your bag?!? Link up over HERE and share with The Circle!!