Aloha

Hello from Hawaii. Yesterday Jason and I arrived in Kauai where we will be spending the next week. Jason has a work event that starts on Monday so we came down a few days early for a chance to explore more of the island. I plan to write a full post (or two) about our trip once we get back but for now here are a few pictures from the beach this morning. I am pretty sure we were the first people awake (we got up at 4:15)on the island as we are trying to adjust to the time change.

Summer Pasta

Right after I posted this post last week looking for new ways to use up some of our basil Ina Garten made this pasta as I was watching her show on the Food Network. I was immediately intrigued when I saw the tomatoes and basil and 100% sold when she said that you didn't have to cook the sauce. All that is required is a little prep work in the morning to put the sauce together and by the time you get home dinner can be ready in a flash. Just cook the noodles and pour the sauce over top. Fast, fresh, and flavorful.

I mostly made the sauce just as Ina did using about a tablespoon and a half of  Roasted French Walnut Oil and whole wheat spaghetti noodles. Since we had some shrimp that needed to be used I added it to the pasta after sauteing it in pan.

Enjoyed on the patio with music and a glass of wine. Perfection.

Apple Pie Smoothie

Today is National Running Day. I actually did not know this until later on in the morning but luckily today was one of the mornings I met my neighbor and friend for our early morning run. Although some mornings it can be a struggle to get out of my cozy bed at the early hour of 5:30 a.m. it is so nice to have a running buddy to help keep me motivated. Otherwise I would take my time drinking my coffee and playing on Pinterest before realizing I no longer have time for a workout.

A refreshing smoothie is the perfect post workout breakfast (or snack), especially as we get into the summer months. The distinct flavors of the cinnamon and applesauce in this smoothie reminded me of an Apple Pie.A much healthier Apple Pie :) I added some homemade granola and coconut on top for some crunch.

Apple Pie Smoothie

Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
- 1 packet of sugar or sugar substitute (I used Splenda)
- 3-4 ice cubes
**Optional** a crunchy topping

- Mix ingredients in a blender. Top with a crunchy topping.

A few things I am loving right now

Instead of sharing a recipe with you I thought I would switch it up and tell you a few things that I am loving right now.

1. Fresh Basil

The basil that we planted back in the Spring is certainly not letting us down. I am looking for some new and inventive ways to use this so suggestions are always welcome.

2. This Combination:



Watermelon, Feta Cheese, and Basil (from our yard of course :)) This combination screams Summer and I love it! It is so light and refreshing and oh so yummy! I highly recommend giving this a try.

3. My new camera



This was my anniversary gift from my wonderful hubby. Its a Cannon Rebel T3. I am still trying to get use to it and figure out the different settings but so far I am loving it. This was certainly a gift we can both enjoy.

4. Our new patio furniture

Since we received this set back in April we have enjoyed many dinner's outside on the patio. Music, dinner and wine, and summer nights outside = Pure bliss.

5. This cocktail

Its St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Champagne, and lemon. I have seen different names for it but Westglow called it the French 77. I had this as my pre-dinner cocktail both nights of our anniversary weekend. It's light and refreshing with the perfect amount of sweetness.