Housewarming Weekend

The weather was perfect this weekend for some outdoor entertaining at our new home. We hosted a BBQ for about 30 friends and their kids. K was the grill master and we had a huge spread along with an ice cream station for dessert.

I should name this weekend the one when I forgot to take pictures. Luckily a couple friends including Kate happened to snap some and shared them with me.

It was a fun night catching up with everyone! We have SO much leftover food, I could easily host another party for 50 people.

Sunday was cleanup day and the realization that our fridge is bursting at the seams. We even donated some beer to our neighbors since it all couldn't fit in our fridge. 

Joining the lovely Biana for some weekend whereabouts.

Aussie Hair & Yoga Gear

 Who else agrees this week was one hell of a ride? Almost everyone I spoke to on Wednesday was exhausted from staying up way too late watching the election. I made it to midnight and couldn't hang any longer. 

That being said, on Fridays we celebrate with some favorites and inevitably a cold glass of wine in the evening.

Reading
I started Wildflower by Drew Barrymore this week and I'm enjoying the recap of random happenings throughout her life. I've been intrigued with her as an actress since my teen years so, when a few of you ladies recommended her book, it was immediately added to my book list.

Wearing
Two workout gems from Target: This strappy back sports bra and the most comfortable workout capris. I'd buy them in every color but unfortunately they don't come in a variety of colors.




 
Cooking
We're hosting our first party at the new home this weekend and we have lots of classics on the menu but I'm most looking forward to trying this new-to-me Pulled Pork Sliders with Garlic Aioli recipe.

Testing
Influenster sent me 3 full size products from Aussie for testing purposes and it made me remember how much I love the smell from when I used this back in college. The triple moisture conditioner has always been a favorite of mine.

Mega Moist Shampoo  /  Mega Moist Conditioner  /  Heat Protecting Shine Spray 

Loving
My sweet Lola all day everyday, even though she hogs the bed.

Hope you have a fab weekend!

Weekend Whereabouts

I didn't get around to blogging on Friday so I'll start with a quick recap of Halloween. We bought tons of candy to give out to the neighborhood kids but it was a fairly slow night leaving us with a dangerous amount of leftovers. I made a tutu for Lola's costume which was sparkly and cute but malfunctioned horribly the entire night so that was a major flop on my behalf. Either way the neighborhood kids loved Ballerina Bulldog.

 Friday night was a quiet one at home. We watched Neighbors 2 and relaxed. Most of Saturday was spent furniture shopping to pick up the final pieces for our house. K and I got our cars detailed and then settled for some dinner and drinks before heading home. Nothing fantastically exciting to report.

On Sunday, I enjoyed the time change and used that as an excuse to get a little extra sleep. Once we were up and about, we decided it was the perfect day for some brunch and bubbles. My pineapple mimosa and eggs benedict were just what the doctor ordered! 

This week is going to be a crazy busy one at work and party planning for next weekend.

Joining the lovely Biana.

Favorite Brunch Spots in the US

When we travel for quick weekend trips within the US, I usually pick a must-try brunch spot ahead of time so we can eat and experience brunch in new settings. I'm sure the list of excellent brunch spots within the US is very lengthy but these are my favorite gems that offered an amazing experience. Titles are clickable if you want to read my reviews.

Bridge House Tavern - Chicago
 

Mr. B's Bistro - New Orleans

Pinewood Social - Nashville

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox - Denver

Maxine's on Shine - Orlando

image source

Ok now I'm craving brunch. Is it the weekend yet?

Turkey & Eggplant Lasagna

Lasagna is definitely one of the most classic Italian dishes and one I don't make often enough. I wanted to try my hand at creating a slightly healthier version by substituting ground beef with turkey and replacing half the amount of noodles with sliced eggplant to cut the carbs.

Makes: 10 servings

Ingredients

16 oz. lean ground turkey (cooked)
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch slices
3 lasagna noodles (cooked)
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
 36 oz. tomato & basil pasta sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

Extras
9x13 baking dish
 Aluminum foil

What To Do
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil drizzled with olive oil. Place the eggplant slices in a single layer on the sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until tender.

Line the baking dish with foil to save time on dish cleanup. Pour 1 cup pasta sauce in the bottom of baking dish and layer evenly with ground turkey. Sprinkle with one-third of mozzarella cheese and top with the 3 cooked lasagna noodles side by side. Repeat with pasta sauce, ground turkey mozzarella cheese and then layer with eggplant slices. Spread remainder of pasta sauce on top, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
 

Shortcuts: the ingredients include pre-made pasta sauce, fully cooked ground turkey, and prepared lasagna noodles cooked according to directions on the package

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese on top and bake for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
 

 

Let cool before serving and ENJOY!