Birthday Month {Part 1 The Cake}

September was a month of birthdays. Apparently most of my friend's were born in that month. Must have been all those new year's celebrations! I've been a card making machine lately, and still owe my friend Hadley his card (I promise you'll get it soon-I've got it all sketched out!). We had birthday or two to celebrate every weekend, my husband's included. He's not big on birthday parties, so I snuck in a tiny celebration on an already scheduled wine night with friends. I found this cake on pinterest and HAD to try it. As I've gushed before, I could spend hours on pinterest. This was my first time making a cake completely from scratch. It wasn't as tough as I thought and it was so yummy. For the recipe, you can click here.

Glowing Green Smoothie

I've been trying to eat healthier whole foods-this weekend's activities being the exception- hello french fries, damn you for setting me back a step or two. One way I've been getting more fruits and veggies in to my routine has been Kimberly Snyder's Glowing Green Smoothie. If you aren't familiar with Kimberly, you can learn more about her at her blog and find the recipe here. This smoothie has gotten all kinds a press (Today Show, Vince Vaughn on the Late Show, Access Hollywood, you get the idea) and I was skeptical that this was all it was cracked up to be. I was proven wrong. It's delicious and I'm convinced this is why I have more energy. I've actually been getting up before my alarm-unheard of, ask my husband as he hates how I hit snooze NUMEROUS times. This was the only big change I've made to my diet in the last two months, so I'm convinced. Try for yourself and see how you fee. I think it's awesome and have been starting my day with them for almost three weeks now. If you do try it, let me know what you think! Is there a specific routine you have to eat more healthy?

Slice of heaven

Photo by S.B.Hadley Wilson

Last night we had friends over for dinner and drinks. It couldn't have been a more perfect night. Weather was divine, food was delish and all in all it was simply wonderful.  We started the evening with an amazing trugole cheese with pesto drizzled on top - it was to die for. My husband grilled up some steaks, salmon and asparagus, and we finished the night with the red velvet cheesecake I spoke of yesterday. I used this recipe, and although it was time consuming, it was well worth it.

Photos by S.B.Hadley Wilson

Photos by S.B.Hadley Wilson

Seared Scallops

Sunday, Ramesh caught some bug and was sick all day (poor guy!). With him laid up on the couch, I took the opportunity to run some errands and plan out my week of cooking. I find that if I don't have a plan, I don't cook. This leads to finding quick options, which aren't always the healthiest. I had been thumbing through my recent Cooking Light and found a few recipes I couldn't pass up - Seared Scallops and Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with sesame, garlic and ginger. I made these on Sunday night and they turned out AMAZING! I only took a few pictures because, quite frankly, I didn't think about it until after I was done and we were already devouring them!