Quick & Tasty Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Here is a quick and tasty bow tie pasta salad that I threw together one night when we were running short on time. This goes really well with the Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Burgers.

Mediterranean Bow Tie Pasta Salad

12 oz box bow tie pasta, cooked according to package, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 - 2 cups Newman's Own Lighten Up Balsamic Vinaigrette
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup sun dried julienne cut tomatoes herbs packed in oil, drained
optional: olives

1) Combine drained, rinsed pasta with vinaigrette.
2) Fold in feta and sun dried tomatoes.
3) Cover and chill for at least 4 hours. Better if left overnight for flavors to combine.

California Sun Dried Tomatoes with herbs packed in oil are my favorite sundried tomatoes. I used these in salads, burgers, pasta, and chicken dishes. I love them mashed on a plate mixed with some oil from the jar, coarse sea salt, and fresh ground pepper to use as a sourdough bread dipping sauce.

Lil Monkey Baby Shower

I recently hosted a LIL MONKEY baby shower for a good friend of mine who is expecting her 3rd baby and this time it's a boy!

The baby shower was a brunch. We served french toast casserole (recipe coming soon), quiche, mini cinnamon rolls, mini muffins, ambrosia, mimosas, fresh cut up fruit, and chocolate peanut butter cupcakes which were super yummy!!

I created some cute party printables using photoshop.

And of course I had to put my Silhouette SD to good use for some of the decorations. Her older daughter and I put together some really cute vines to hang around the party area. You may see these again for my lil monkey's 1st birthday party ;)

I made her a diaper cake to match the party decor. It was simple to make and really adds a cute lil touch to the present table.



Here are some more photos from the shower. The plates and napkins are from Target and the candlesticks are from around my house.

I wanted to snap a picture of the food table before we started eating but I got too busy greeting shower guests and serving drinks.



The mom-to-be's mother helped me host the shower and make some cute bracelets and earrings as favors.

We played two really cute games: unscramble the baby words and name the baby animal.


Thanks for stopping by!

Pretty Princess Tea Party

A Pretty Princess Tea Party for my lil sweetie!



Twilight Saga: Eclipse Party Preview

Some of my mom friends and I are Twilight Moms. We are all going to see the midnight showing of Eclipse in June! Ohhh I can't wait! So to get us ready for our big night I am hosting a Twilight Saga Pre-Eclispe Party!

I have everything all planned out. I have already downloaded all my free printable quotes and drink labels from HWTM.  Look at these awesome printables she designed.

I created some other super fun printables in photoshop and will have them available for download after the party.

I have my menu all planned out. I will be serving themed appetizers, desserts, popcorn and candy. Twilight and New Moon will be shown and also a fun game!

And of course...can't forget the mommy drinks which I've asked my guests to bring their favorite one.

A sneak peak into some of my menu:

Team Jacob

--La Push Pizza Bites ~ Circular mini pizza bites with tomato sauce, fresh pesto, sundried tomatoes, feta and mozzarella.

--Werewolf Kibble ~ Homemade Caramel Popcorn

--Quileute Peaks (aka James Island) ~ High Hat Mini Cupcakes with a different cupcake paper of course.

Team Edward

--Bella's Ravioli ~ Baked Ravioli with Marinara Dip

--Italiano Bruschetta ~ Pecorino Romano Bruschetta with Roasted Red Pepper Sundried Tomato Spread

--Twilight Cupcakes ~ Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache. Topped with fondant chess board topper and red chocolate chess piece.

Can't give away anymore because some of my readers are coming to the party! I want it to be a surprise!

Photo Credits: HWTM, Caramel Popcorn, Baked Ravioli , and all other photos were taken by me.

Cinco de Mayo Time!!!

It's Cinco de Mayo time! Here are some yummy treats to get you geared up for the big day!

Here are my recipes:
Blackened Mahi-Mahi (Fish Tacos)
Mango Salsa
Cilantro Lime Rice
Guacamole
Margarita Cupcakes

Enjoy!!

(Source: Shabby Princess Happy Go Lucky Scrapkit)




I'm participating in these awesome Link Up parties:

~Monday:
sumossweetstuff
thegirlcreative

~Tuesday:
blessedwithgrace ~TMTT
allthesmallstuff ~ Tuesday's at the Table
Crazy Daisy ~Tuesday's Tastes
beautyandbedlam ~Tasty Tuesday