Thursday, July 29, 2010

Back from a little vacation

Every year, we travel to Martha's Vineyard for a summer vacation. I've known Mr. Allan for 10 years and this was our 8th trip together. We missed one summer because I was taking the bar exam, but have faithfully gone every summer with around 30-40 of our closest friends.

We usually camp in the Martha's Vineyard Campground. I'm not known for my camping skills and am typically made fun of for the large number of shoes I pack as well as my hairdryer.

After two consecutive years with pouring rain in  a tent, I could not go to this beautiful picturesque area and sleep in a tent again. So we rented a house with a few of our friends.

My boss found these cocktail napkins and it really because my mantra for the trip.

Here's a nice typical Vineyard shot...

Here's the crew at the beach. There's nothing better than hanging out on a beach, drinking a cold beer, with 20 of your great friends. While I love RI, nothing beats the Martha's Vineyard beaches..there's more space and you don't have people on top of you.



Bridge jumping at State Beach. This bridge was made famous by the movies Jaws. Everyday people flock to it and leap off of it.

Mr. Allan taking a leap

Enjoying the beach with my sisters...look closely and you'll see some of the locals in the backgrround that frequent Gayhead.
The 3H club in the tiny fishing town of Menemsha

So, we're back. Going back to work was a rude awakening. Sometimes it's more troublesome on the job front to take a week off. You come back to voicemails, emails, and problems galore. This summer, Mr. Allan has been traveling like a madman. He's been flying home on weekend and has probably had 3 full weeks home since Memorial Day. Our Martha's Vineyard trip is all about relaxing on the beach and enjoying our friends. So, mission was accomplished. It was nice to have my sisters along for a weekend and we'll certainly be back next year.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Teen Mom (Season 2) | Trailer

I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed about this, but I was extremely sad when the Hills ended this week. I can't believe I'll have no more Kristen, Lo, Brody, Speidi, and LC in my living room with me every Tuesday night. I was a very loyal Laguna Beach viewer, I graduated to the Hills and even grew to like the City.

But, my sadness quickly subsided when I saw this during the commericals....why, it's the trailer for Teen Mom 2!!!


Teen Mom (Season 2) Trailer: "This summer, MTV takes you back inside the lives of four unforgettable teen moms - Farrah, Maci, Amber and Catelynn - as they face their toughest challenges yet. Series premiere Tuesday, July 20 at 10/9c."

I watched them get knocked up on 16 and Pregnant and watched them struggle with their newborns in Teen mom. Now I'm psyched to see them again!!!

My summer just got better. way better.

My New Favorite Spice

is Spike

I love to read food blogs and grab new recipes. I found an excellent recipe and it called for Spike seasoning- something I wasn't familiar with but found it easy enough at Whole Foods.

It's all natural and pretty good.
Below is a link to a bean salad that called for Spike Seasoning that was also a great summer salad.

First, here's a link to a great website called Kalyn's Kitchen.

Here's a sneak peak of an excellent recipe for a Southwestern Bean Salad with Spike Seasoning!


A sneak peak at the salad!

Monday, July 12, 2010

I want what he's on

It's amazing how something so simple can make someone so happy

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Summer Bean Salad

I'm weird with summer salads. Most people go towards your classic potato salad and coleslaw. I'm not a huge fan of mayonnaise, so I try and get creative with some other types of summer salads.

Last summer, I went to a little girls from law school get together. One of my friends made a great, easy salad. My other friend started to maker her version of it and passed on the recipe. Super easy, fast, and it tastes fantastic!

Cucumber and Chickpea Salad

hmmm....chickpeas


2 cans Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cucumber, quartered and sliced
Crumbled Feta Cheese (I used Athenos Lemon and Garlic flavored feta--about 1/4 of the container)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
fresh chopped parsley

mix everything and chill. It's fast, easy and it's healthy and good for you too!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Teen Mom (Season 2) | Trailer

I'm beyond excited. I watched 16 and Pregnant, I enjoyed Teen Mom, I was psyched when MTV had a second season of 16 and Pregnant and am so excited that there's a second season of Teen Mom.

Summer just officially got better.

click below for your sneak peak!

Teen Mom (Season 2) Trailer: "This summer, MTV takes you back inside the lives of four unforgettable teen moms - Farrah, Maci, Amber and Catelynn - as they face their toughest challenges yet. Series premiere Tuesday, July 20 at 10/9c."