Abstract

June 26, 2014

 


{Maroon Ankle Skinny Pants ~ Target / Abstract Printed Blouse ~ Asos / Gold Simple Sandals ~ Betsy Johnson via Nordstrom Rack / Cuff Bracelet ~ Forever21 / Sunnies ~ ZeroUV}

Hi everyone!!! Long time, no see! I had no plans to go on a blogging break but it sort of just happened.  This has already been a crazy summer {and it is just beginning!} with working out schedules with the kids and summer camp, my son's high school freshman academy that starts next week, dance class, football, basketball, etc.  – blogging has been on the back burner.  I had time to snap outfit pics yesterday so I thought I'd pop in with a post. :)  

I am also prepping for our 10th wedding anniversary vacation {leaving in a few weeks, YAY!} and a super fun 10th wedding anniversary photo shoot happening this weekend {will share pics here for sure!} so I have been bizzzzzzy.  :)

All good things are in the works for us as a family and I am so excited to make this summer a memorable one.

I hope you are all doing well. I miss my little tiny corner of the internet.  I have some recipes I've been wanting to try and some summer outfits that I need to journal, if only for my own selfish reasons, LOL – so I will be back soon! 

xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥



Kale and Watermelon Salad with Gorgonzola, Candied Pecans + Leeks Viniagrette

June 4, 2014

I cannot be more excited that it is finally time to enjoy sweet, crisp, and cold watermelon.  I love to keep a giant bowl in the fridge to grab and eat, especially when it is really warm out.  I decided to play around with some flavors, incorporating it in a salad for dinner to enjoy after my walk last week and I loved the way this turned out.  The contrast of sweet and savory, especially in a salad, will always be my favorite.  This is a really flavorful dressing, which I think is important, to stand up to the heartiness of the kale. 

Ingredients (one {generous} serving): 

1/2 Small Shallot, finely diced
2 Tablespoons Knorr Leek Recipe Mix
2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1/2 Cup Olive Oil
2 Cups Chopped Kale
1 Cup Cold Watermelon
2 Tablespoons Crumbled Gorgonzola
2 Tablespoons Candied Pecans
Salt and Pepper to taste


{Finely dice half of a small shallot and place it in a small mixing bowl.} 


{Add 2 tablespoons of the leek recipe mix. As I said before, this recipe mix has come to the flavor rescue time and time again. It's such a unique recipe starter and I just love using it.}


{Add the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking it to combine everything.  You could also do this in a small jar, shaking it to combine.}


{Season with salt and pepper and set aside.  I have since made a huge bowl of this dressing to keep on hand in the fridge for all of my salads this summer. It's SO GOOD!}

{Rinse your kale and dry it realllly well.  Kale likes to hold on moisture so be sure to pat in between the ruffles. You don't want water mixing in with your dressing and diluting the flavor.}

{To a large bowl, add your kale and enough of the dressing to generously coat each bite.  I think I used 3-4 tablespoons}

{Add your dressed greens to a serving dish/bowl.}

{In another small bowl, mix your watermelon, gorgonzola and candied pecans to get everything evenly distributed.}


 {Top the dressed greens with the watermelon, gorgonzola and pecan mixture and serve it up!} 

 
My sister said eating this salad instantly made her do a happy dance.  I thought that was a great way to describe it. Lol! The flavors together just make your mouth happy.  The cold, sweet and crispy watermelon with the tangy dressing and sweet pecans.  Together with the savory bites of gorgonzola. It's the perfect mix!  Serve this up with a seasoned and grilled piece of fish and you have a wonderful summer lunch.  I will be enjoying this many times over this summer.
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥