Spinach & Artichoke "Dip" Pizza

I love spinach and artichoke dip.. It' so warm and smooth and delicious! Unfortunately, it's usually full of calories but always so hard to turn down when we go out, especially because Nick actually likes it! He hates his vegetables so it's rare when he likes something jam-packed full of spinach and artichokes.

Anyways, I found a "spinach and artichoke dip pizza" online and couldn't resist trying it... and I was even more excited when the recipe was relatively healthy!

 

1 French bread baguette, quartered

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

3 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups milk

pinch nutmeg

 15 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and drained

12 oz. jar artichoke hearts, drained

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1-2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded (optional)

2 cups shredded mozzarella

salt and pepper to taste

Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange baguettes on a baking sheet. In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil, then add onions and garlic. Cook until soft and season with salt and pepper. Whisk in flour for 1 minute, then whisk in milk and season with nutmeg. Cook until thickened. Add spinach, artichokes, Parmigiano-Reggiano and chicken to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper again. Spread sauce on the baguettes, top with mozzarella and bake 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!

My Broken Love Affair

I've contemplated time and time again how to put my feelings into words regarding what happened on Monday... every time, seeming to come up short. And finally I realized that words cannot actually describe how I feel. I'm so torn. Sometimes I think I feel angry. Sometimes sad and confused. Other times, I think about how it could have been so much worse... And then I think about how an 8 year old lost his life. And finally, I give up on trying to understand my feelings and just feel.

I think this tragedy shook us because it hit too close to home. Sure, we all know other countries live in fear everyday for their lives... but not us. We are supposed to be safe. We aren't supposed to get attacked in broad day light, surrounded by thousands of people. But we did.

I don't think I can remember the day my love affair with Boston began. It probably started as a little girl heading to the city with my family for a day away. Or maybe at the airport on our first trip to Disney World. My love may have grown deeper during my the many concerts or ghost tours or Quincy Market street entertainer show. But I think what really sealed the deep between us was the simple walks... getting lost in the twists and turns... discovering the most intimate coffee shops and cobble stone streets.

I grew up outside of Boston but it will always hold a piece of my heart and it will always be "home". It's a place that holds so many memories.



 

It holds so many "welcome homes"

 

And it holds so many "goodbyes"

 

But regardless of how hurt we are... how personally invaded and attacked we feel... and how scarred we will always be... there is one thing I know for sure and one of the many reasons I've fallen in love with Boston... We are strong and we will always stand together and heal far stronger than any pain we have endured. Because this is where we all call "home" and we have no other choice but to pick up the broken pieces and continue moving forward. 

 

the simple things..

Lately I've found myself daydreaming about life outside the city. Life in a place where there are lots and lots of trees. Lots of open space and blue skies.. or cloudy skies.. or rainy skies.. but sky clear of buildings. 

A place where we can go for hikes and not hear cars. Where I can let my puppies run free and not worry about cars or complaining neighbors.

A place where nightlife does not consist of loud music, drunk people, and revealing clothes. But maybe a campfire and friends or a quiet jazz bar with wine and romance. 

A place with gardens and maybe a lake. Where we can wake up on the weekends and sit on our porch sipping coffee and reading. 

Maybe what I'm really daydreaming about is, simply, a place that doesn't move so fast. Where people take a minute to say hello to perfect strangers. Or breakfast isn't rushed, regardless of how early you're running.. because maybe that day, since you woke up early, you can squeeze a little more in at the office. 

The city is getting to me. The noise. The mean people. The traffic. The hustle and bustle. The lack of clean air.

Maybe I've been daydreaming so much because, for the first time in my life, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. It may only be a small light because I still have a long way to go... but it's there and I can see it. I'm finally on the path to my career. I'm finally done worrying about what I'm going to do with my life if I don't get into school. I'm there and I'm making my dreams come true. And when I finally graduate in two years, I can't wait to move out of the city... and grow these vegetables.

It's been awhile..

Hey all... I know I'm the worst blogger you've ever followed... but oh well. Life gets in the way sometimes. Or actually school gets in the way. This whole PA school thing is seriously no joke.

It takes up all of my time. My poor husband, my poor family, my poor pups, my poor blog... everyone and everything gets pushed aside right now. But it's only temporary and it's something I need to do for my future, for my family. And I have to tell you, besides being completely stressed out 100% of the time, I really love school. It's challenging and I'm learning so much. Not to pat myself on the back... but I'm really proud of what I'm accomplishing.

Anyways... let's catch up. It's been over a month.

Since we no longer get to spend entire weekends together (I spend days studying), Nick and I try to take advantage of Friday and Saturday nights. We enjoyed wine, cheese and movies...

We decided to take a weekend trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire during my spring break. It was relaxing and nice to just get away... from school, work, responsibilities, computers.



Here's our demon-pup. He's a sassy jerk but incredibly difficult to get mad at! Look at that face. Brat.

 

My little brother decided to follow suit and join the Marine Corps. This weekend we attended a family day for him where he got a taste of what his life is about to be like. A drill instructor spent some time working them out and... well, torturing them. In freezing weather, he made them roll around in puddles of mud... look at his legs! And are you wondering why his upper body is clean? Oh, well let me explain. I was a nice sister and saw that he was ill-prepared for the day. I gave him my new PA school sweatshirt to keep warm (unaware they would be rolling in mud)... and it quickly became destroyed!  

Easter was a beautiful day filled with family time. Alivia was even here visiting during her school vacation. She was loving the egg hunt... in heals. Pretty girl. 

We're not the greatest anymore.

I promise not to fill this blog with politics but my husband showed me this youtube video that hit home and I feel it is important for others to see. 

I'll post the link to the video below, but for those of you who aren't interested in viewing it, please read the following excerpt from it.. 

When asked why America is the greatest country in the world, this is what this man responded.. powerful.

"It’s not the greatest country in the world..

We stood up for what was right. We fought for moral reasons. We passed laws for moral reasons. We waged wars on poverty, not poor people. We sacrificed. We care about our neighbors. We put our money where our mouths were and we never beat our chest. We built great big things, made ungodly technological advances, explored the universe, cured diseases, and we cultivated the world’s greatest artists and the world’s greatest economy. We reached for the stars. Acted like men. We aspired to intelligence. We didn't belittle it. It didn't make us feel inferior. We didn't identify ourselves by who we voted for in the last election and we didn't scare so easy. We were able to be all these things and do all these things because we were informed. By great men, men who were revered. The first step in solving any problem is recognizing there is one. America is not the greatest country in the world anymore."

Click Here To View The Video

Painful Memories

Can you all think of a painful memory? Maybe one that was supposed to be wonderful and something terribly unexpected occurred? 

For me, I always end up thinking about these memories at night when I'm driving alone. I'll hear a song on the radio or my mind will wander and, before I know it, tear are streaming down my cheeks. 

Memories are so precious and unfortunately we can't rewind and redo them. If life were only so easy... I don't mean to be a pessimist tonight, but I guess I'm just having one of those days. 

Tonight I was thinking about a memory that was mostly beautiful. Then the night turned ugly... And it's definitely one of those times I wish I had a rewind and redo button. People I loved were hurt, I was hurt, and... to be perfectly honest... it just sucks. 

Please don't take people you love for granted and think before you react.. As much as we'd like to forget our painful memories, they always seem to find a way to creep back up once in a while. 

A Dad With Some Style

Good morning! As I rush out the door on my way to class this morning, I wanted to share this cute outfit with you all! I love my pink corduroys but never know where to wear them because they are so flashy! 

Well, I was talking to my friend Vicky the other day who also had on a pair of bright cords and a blazer.. She said her Dad told her the black blazer would tone down the outfit for a more professional look... who knew?! 

Awesome idea Dad.. 

I know this is getting old, but again, I apologize for the crap quality! My mirror needs a major cleaning job. 

xo.