pizza! pizza! pizza!

Fritti of Summer Beans with a Spicy Romesco sauce

Sweet corn, Bacon, and Arugula pizza

I cannot begin to share with you the kind of disaster I incurred over the weekend. I don't normally have a 'typical' monday to friday week, and I was so looking forward to spending this Sunday relaxing without a care in the world, but (of course), fate intervened and I got an early call in the morning about a flood at work that needed immediate taking care of.

Working at a brewery typically comes with it's own problems but occasionally hoses burst or  the kettle will overflow and we're forced to deal with the consequences last minute. So Sunday morning I spent 4 hours helping to shop-vac and squeegee 6000 sqft. and free all surfaces of water. (On the bright side it forced us to part with a lot of things we no longer needed and organize our storage situation a little better).

Luckily my boyfriend is a total savior and planned a casual and relaxing lunch at one of our favorite spots for Pizza. Usually we savor a salad for a starter, but we walked by an outside diner who had the most delicious looking tempura green beans and we couldn't resist.

I, of course, indulged in a cold glass of rosé with our lunch because of my rough morning and it was almost the highlight of my meal.

I spent the rest of the day walking in the sunshine (and more honestly running into air-conditioned boutiques) and holding my boyfriends hand.

I hope that everyone was able to enjoy their weekend despite all the last minute surprises that might've come up!

Simple Summer Salad

Too often during a California summer I have nights where the mere idea of turning on the grill or stove is just too much extra work for dinner. Salads in the summer are an easy option and are quick to prepare without having to use the stove, which might increase the risk of elevating the temperature of an already hot room.

My parents make this salad all the time in the summer, but I lightened up the dressing by replacing most of the mayonnaise in the dressing with 0% non-fat greek yogurt.

This salad has just what it needs to be good but without going overboard with crazy additions. Fresh butter lettuce, refreshing spring onions, a cold hard boiled egg, heirloom tomatoes, and an english cucumber.

Ingredients: 

Head of Butter Lettuce
1 Hard boiled egg
1 Cucumber
1-2 Scallions
1 Lemon
1 Tomato cut into wedges
1/2 tbsp Mayonnaise
2 tbsp 0% non fat greek yogurt

For the dressing:
serves 1

In a bowl mix together 2 tbsp of greek yogurt, and 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to taste. (Roughly 1/2 a lemon)

Drizzle dressing over the salad, enjoy!

Classic Mojito, how I love thee

With summer, comes my longing for cold and refreshing adult beverages. The mojito of course is one that I crave most.

Right after college I spent some time working as a server at a Cuban restaurant and learned how the classic cocktail was made, and since have been kind of a snob about it (I even have a hard time ordering them places  now because so often they get ruined by sour mix).

Luckily, with the help of google you too can make the perfect mojito.

What is your ideal summer cocktail? 

xx

Siobhain

Strawberry Bruschetta and Mint Iced Tea

My family loves to entertain. I have to admit living at home mostly stinks, but it can be really fun to make food for all the family friends that come over. Sunday nights I can count on a big dinner and lots of people and I usually take charge of appetizers and sides.

This weekend one of our family friends decided to bring ingredients for strawberry bruschetta (which I was originally skeptical about) that actually turned out great and was extremely simple to put together (and I actually highly recommend if you're throwing a dinner party and want an easy app). It was sweet, savory and totally delicious. I only wish I had grabbed the exact proportions for the recipe.

(It mixed cream and bleu cheese on toasted baguette with fresh strawberries and chopped chives).

On top of the easy h'orderves, I love to help my family provide cocktails, or refreshments that would otherwise not be included during dinner. Lately I have been really into making iced mint tea, which is a year round favorite hot or cold.


(To make a pitcher: Steep 4-5 mint tea bags in 1 cup boiled water. Remove bags, set aside (compost, reuse for another batch, or toss) add 1tsp of honey or agave mix and then add water and ice to taste.) 

My Favorite Shirt (EVER!) In Action

You guys, blogging is a lot of shameless self promotion…like who really cares what I have to say. I guess I blog because I value my own opinion. I guess that might sound conceited but I'm just being real here. Also I like to share, and I hope you (whoever you are) also values my opnion... also I have little shame.  Also let me apologize in advance for all the squinting in these photos…and the amount of also's I just used and this entire little ramble I've got going on here. 

So Anyways... I posted awhile ago that this Artizia shirt is one of my absolute favorites and I wear this one (and several others) all the time for almost any occasion I can get away with... 99.9% of the time I try to dress for comfort, and this shirt really is just the most comfortable articles out there, not to mention it comes in a bajillion colors… (I own 5....so far…) and it also looks pretty good with just about anything… (Think maxi skirt, jeans, shorts, trousers, bodycon skirts etc.).

                              

                  

Also aren't these shoes just the cutest. I saw them on lulus and could not resist the price! ($21 and worth it!)

Happy Shopping! 

Siobhain

Wilder Ranch National Park

My weekends are crazy sometimes. This weekend in particular was jam packed with things to do. I work 6 days a week including Saturdays, so I really have to make the most of the little time off that I do have which means cramming every activity into Sunday. 

The last few months my boyfriend Jon and I have been particularly lazy not getting anything done until past 2pm on Sundays so we decided this weekend we wanted to make a change and got up at 9 and headed out to Santa Cruz to enjoy this trail that sits on the edge of the coast and is extremely breathtaking. 

It seriously reminds me of how beautiful California is and I feel extremely lucky to be 30-45 minutes away from this place. 

 

Until next weekend...

xo

Siobhain

Maxi'd Out

  Belt - F21 / Old Sandals - but similar also from Zara / Maxi - F21 / Hat - Urban Outfitters

Over the weekend I was lucky to enjoy spending time with friends whom I actually consider family for my best friends, big sisters bachelorette party. We went wine tasting near Angels Camp and had a really good time being girly girls in dresses and hats. (I apologize for re-wearing my zara sandals, originally I started the day in some really cute wedges but sometimes a girls gotta make a wardrobe change for comfort ya know?!) 

Enjoy your week! 

Siobhain

Product of the week: The PERFECT summer body lotion

I tend to play favorites with my products. I use things religiously. My most recent and favorite body lotion has been Avalon Organics Lavender hand & body lotion. But on a recent trip to Target I took a chance on a new product. I've tried several of the organix brand shampoos and conditioners, but I smelled (and, okay.. sampled) some of this tea tree & peppermint lotion ($8.24) from the brand and seriously fell in love. I can definitely see myself using this after laying out in the sun or on a hot day to cool off and refresh my skin.

Not only does it feel great, but I am actually really loving how much my skin absorbs this stuff. My skin feels soft and moisturized but not greasy which is great because I hate greasy feeling products.

I totally 100% absolutely recommend this stuff. Grab a bottle for summer and thank me later ;]!

What are some of your favorite summertime splurges?

Siobhain