This Week In Pics

Hi girls!  Happy Friday to you!  After a quick visit to Washington state last weekend, Ace and I are back home in sunny south Florida (and happy to be here!).  Adam & I parted ways last Thursday, Ace + myself going to WA, and Adam to Vegas to play in the World Series of Poker.  This is the first year that I haven't joined him in Vegas and I'm not the least bit sad that I didn't tag along.  Vegas is fun when you only visit once or twice a year, but when you live there for weeks, sometimes months at a time, its a whole different animal.  I vowed that I wouldn't go this year, but we're so rarely apart that I'm not sure how long it will last!  

I was lucky enough to have one sunny day while I was in the Pacific Northwest, and we really took advantage of it!  I think this was the first nice day (weather wise) that I've experienced since I moved 3 years ago.  My mom and I took Ace for a long walk, I attended my besties baby shower, I visited with my Grandmother and we dined outside (a rarity in June) at my favorite restaurant, Wildfire.  

I also paid a visit to my doctor while I was back home and had my IUD removed.....not for baby making purposes (yet!) but just because I've been so unhappy with it since I had it implanted a couple years ago.  I have been SO exhausted ever since I had it removed, apparently its the sudden drop in hormone levels that causes the fatigue.  I've bailed on every single gym sessions this week, and have been sleeping in till all hours of the day (I'm actually embarrassed to share the times I've been waking up).  I'm hoping that this will wear off soon and I can get back to my normal routine.   Have any of you girls ever experienced this?  I would love to hear any of your stories & advice on how to deal with this fatigue!

All in all, it was a really nice visit, but there really is no place like home :)

Here's the rest of my week in pics:

A sunny walk with Ace.

Baby shower with my friend Christine, and the glowing mama to be Andrea (center).

BEST fish ever! Blackened halibut with mango salsa served w/ wood fired veggies, and lemon champagne risotto.

Surprise present from the hubby :)

My rainy send off on the red eye flight back to FL

Our new baby!! Pic courtesy of the breeder, DeniMay Shih Tzu.  Can't wait to take her home!

The only OOTD pic I managed to take this week.  Zara tee, Current & Elliott boyfriend Jeans, Chloe wedges.

My mans company featured in OK Magazine this week! So exciting!

Made a fresh batch of organic dog cookies for Ace.  Have you seen my recipe? View it here.

Baby pineapples growing on my balcony! So cute!!

So so much to be thankful for :)

Don't forget that this is the last weekend to use Google Reader.  I signed my blog up for Bloglovin, and I'm so glad that I made the switch.  If you're not familiar with Bloglovin, I highly suggest that you check it out!  Its so easy to keep all of your favorite blogs organized in one place, and its super simple to navigate.  I have found so many other great blogs since I joined, and it only takes a minute to sign up!  You can follow me on Bloglovin by clicking on the icon below, or by visiting the Bloglovin Website, and searching for Typical Domestic Babe.  If you follow Typical Domestic Babe via email, this change in Google Reader won't affect you at all :)

Thanks so much for checking out my blog, I hope that you all have a beautiful weekend! xo

Summer Fruit Salad With Quinoa - Vegan & Gluten Free

This was a recipe that I originally saw on Pinterest a while back and had to try!  I love fresh fruit, especially during the summer when its so hot & humid outside, so this healthy salad was right up my alley!  Plus it gave me the opportunity to use a GORGEOUS new Tiffany crystal bowl that we received as a wedding present (thanks Trevor & Barb!!).  For the salad, I had quite an abundance of fresh organic berries in my fridge, so I used 4 different varieties along with organic mango but you can really get creative and use any combo of fruit that you'd like. Some great additions to mix it up might be pineapple, or peaches!  

The dressing that I made is an agave, lime, mint dressing that is beyond easy to whisk together and really adds a refreshing taste to the salad; it compliments all of the different fruits without being the slight bit overwhelming.  At the last minute, I threw in one tablespoon of whole flax seed to add a bit of a crunch.

This is such a light summer salad, perfect to bring to a BBQ as a healthy alternative to most other fattening salads!  Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (I used red quinoa)
1 cup chopped mango
1 cup blueberries
1 cup strawberries, sliced
1 cup blackberries
1 cup raspberries
1 tbsp. whole flaxseed

Dressing
1 large lime, juiced
2½ tbsp. light agave nectar
3 tbsp. mint, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish if desired)



Directions

Prepare quinoa according to manufacturers directions.  Once cooked, remove from heat, and set aside.  Allow to cool to room temperature.  

Once cooled, combine all fruit w/ quinoa in a large bowl.  Add in flaxseed, and set aside.

In a small bowl whisk together the lime juice, agave nectar, and chopped mint.  Pour over quinoa/fruit mixture and gently toss to combine.

This salad can be served immediately, or refrigerated and enjoyed later.

Serves 8-10 as a side dish.

Original recipe can be found here. 

Lusting Over.....

Summer is officially here, and with that comes the need/want for summer clothes!  I've been scoping out my favorite websites, and these are a few items that are on my must have list for Summer 2013!

Loving these navy printed pants from H&M

How many pairs of Soludos do you girls own? I currently own 3, but these embroidered cuties are next on my list!  View them here.

Safari chic + hi-lo jacket? Perfect!  View it here.

I LOVE rompers, especially this adorable version from Joie.  The scallop hem & eyelet details are on trend for Summer.

Beautiful colors, an eye catching print & flattering fit makes this Quiksilver dress top my want list! Get it here.

QUESTION:  What type of posts would you girls like to see more of? Fitness? Beauty? Healthy recipes?  I'd love to get a better idea of what my readers want :)  Please leave a comment below and let me know!

Day Dreaming of Africa / Wanderlust

Its been 6 weeks since we returned from Africa, and I still think about it daily!  It was such an unbelievable experience and I can't wait until we can return again one day to the land that captured our hearts.

 I made this video while I was back in my hometown this past weekend to share with my family and thought I'd share it with my blog fam as well!  Some of the images I have already posted on here, but there are many that I haven't shared with you (I think they're best viewed in fullscreen mode).  I hope you enjoy! xo

This Week In Pics

Good morning chicas! Can you believe its Friday already?  This week has been a whirlwind for me!  As I mentioned last week, my baby brother came to visit us and stayed for 5 days.  He's being deployed to Japan in the next few months, so it was the perfect time for him to come chillax on the beach.  It was his first time in Miami, so I really felt the need to entertain and show him everything that Miami Beach has to offer!  Needless to say, after 5 days of late night dinners, going out to LIV, casinos, and just about everything else you can think of, I was EXHAUSTED!!!  He left on Tuesday, and while I was sad to see him go, I was excited to get some quality sleep that night!

I had forgotten that Adam had purchased tickets to the game 6 of the NBA Finals (which took place on Tuesday).  It was a great AMAZING game, probably one of the best in history, and it was so much fun to be there in the arena.  The energy was unbelievable!  Due to the game, it was another late night for us! 

Wednesday was spent running errands and getting ready for my early morning flight on Thursday.  Ace & I flew the loooong 7 hour flight to Seattle yesterday to visit my family and friends in my hometown.  One of my besties is having her baby shower tomorrow, and I can't wait to see her and her growing belly!  :) 

Its so nice to be here and see everyone, but gosh is it cold!  We were greeted by rain (go figure) and temperatures in the 50's (isn't this supposed to be summer?) and considering that I left 90+ degrees yesterday, both Ace & I are freeeeeeezing!!  Good thing I packed all of my warm weather gear, which is usually reserved for our trips to Europe, and also packed Aces dog sweaters!  Fingers crossed we stay warm!!

Here's the rest of my week in pics......

Its officially storm season in South Florida!

Enjoying a skinny margarita & guac at Rosa Mexicana.  Have you seen my copycat version of their guacamole?  View it here.

Wide leg jumpsuit from Splendid (available now on shopbop), Prada purse.

Ace getting in some cuddle time with my brother!

Indulging in fried oreos at Prime 112.  Well worth the calories!!!

Love the old vintage sewing machines at All Saints, especially this one featuring my new last name!

Running errands in Zara silk shorts & a boyfriend sweater.

At American Airline Arena for Game 6 of the NBA finals. Such a fun game!!

Reppin the White Hot Nation!

Thanks so much for checking out my blog!! Hope you all have a happy weekend!! xo

Easy Side Dish: Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I LOVE brussels sprouts!!  They are exceptionally rich in protein, dietary fiber, antioxidants, and in addition to being flat out scrumptious, they are loaded with cancer fighting vitamins & minerals.  They've also been proven to lower cholesterol & help repair cellular damage.  With all of these amazing health benefits, its pretty smart to incorporate them into your diet.

I'm not sure exactly why, but for years Adam "thought" that he hated brussels sprouts.  Last year, I finally convinced him to try the way that I've always prepared brussels sprouts, promising him that if he absolutely hated them, I'd whip him up another quick side dish instead.  File this as another case of wifey knows best!  Since that night we've eaten brussels sprouts at least once a week and will even try them at restaurants if we see that they offer them as a side dish. 

I wanted to share with you my recipe that turned Adam into brussels sprouts #1 fan.  Even if you think you don't care for brussels sprouts, I really encourage you to give this a try!  Its my absolute favorite way to eat them; simple ingredients resulting in big flavor!  Don't be afraid to let them crisp up a bit, it makes them almost potato chip like. :)

Hope you enjoy this fast, easy, and delish side dish!

Ingredients

1lb brussels sprouts, washed and depending on their size, either quartered or halved
1 garlic clove; minced
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
1/4 lemon



Directions

Preheat oven to 400º F.  In a large bowl, combine brussels sprouts and minced garlic.  Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, fresh cracked black pepper and garlic powder.  Gently toss.  Don't worry if some of the leaves separate from the sprouts, they will taste like little tiny potato chips!  Add in parmesan cheese and toss once more.

Place in oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until sprouts are crispy on the outside but soft enough to pierce with a fork.  Remove from heat and drizzle with lemon juice over the top.  Serve Immediately.

Serves 3-4.

 
Are you a brussels sprouts fan?  Whats your favorite way to prepare them?

This Week In Pics

Good morning loves, and happy happy Friday! I hope you all had an amazing week!  I'm over the moon right now because my baby brother is visiting me for the next few days and I haven't seen him in ages.  He's a Marine, and toughest guy I know!  He just arrived last night and its been so so nice to catch up and spend time together.

Anyways, real quick post today.  I hope that you all have a fab weekend!! xo

Billabong dress, Rag & Bone denim vest, Chloe bag.

The chic waiting room at Dr. Brandt's Miami office.

I wish I could climb up and pluck those fresh coconuts off the tree!

This move is amaaaazing for stretching out your quads....sorry if I always make that weird face in my workout pics! In Pilates, you breathe as if you were blowing out of a straw :)

Healthy snack: Greek yogurt with Udi's gluten free granola, organic cherries & blackberries.

I love watching random rain showers from my balcony!

I can't wait to try out this new summer nail color: "Bouncer, Its Me".

Weeknight meal I prepared: Wild Sea Bass pan seared w/ organic tomatoes & roasted organic fingerling potatos.

Its been so humid lately that I've been living in shorts & anything lightweight.  Zara sweater, Rag & Bone shorts (net-a-porter sale score!)

Italian Chocolate Pear Pie, Gluten & Dairy Free

While we were in Italy a couple months ago, we attended a private Tuscan cooking class in the charming little town of Cetona.  Along with learning how to make Pici pasta (which I am still trying to master at home) came this recipe from the chef at Osteria del Merlo.  While its difficult to understand exactly what is Tuscan about this dessert, whats not to question is how perfect it is!  The combo of the chocolate + pears is so unique.  Did I mention how easy this is to make?  It might be the least time constricting item I've baked in a while!  Perfect to pop into the oven before the hubbs gets home....bonus points if he thinks you spent hours in the kitchen whipping this together :) When you read the list of ingredients, you'll feel zero guilt associated with gettin' down on this dessert.....so go ahead, dig in! 

This is my own version that I adapted, made to be a bit healthier (gluten and dairy free).

Heaps of thanks to my bff Jennie-boo for jotting down the measurements of this recipe during our cooking class, knowing that I should someday place it on my blog!  She baked this at home recently and replaced the pears with apples....also sounds delish! Let me know if any of you make this swap and how it turns out.

Ingredients

5 eggs
1 cup sugar substitute (I used Z Sweet)
1 1/2 cups gluten free white rice flour
10 pears, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thickness (look for a sweeter variety such as Bosc)
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup dark chocolate, chopped
Splash of brandy if available (I substituted the brandy for 1 tsp vanilla extract)
Dash of cinnamon
Whip cream if desired (I used almond milk whip cream)


Directions

1)  Combine flour, cinnamon, and baking soda; set aside.
2)  Beat eggs with sugar substitute until well combined; add in brandy (or vanilla extract).  Slowly add in flour mixture until thoroughly mixed.
3)  Add pears to the mixture and toss until batter is evenly distributed.
4)  Pour mixture into a pie pan that has been sprayed with non stick spray and top with chopped dark chocolate.
5)  Bake @375 degrees for about 1 hour, or until center is set.  The top with get a little brown, but this just makes it crispy and delish!
6)  Serve w/ whip cream and enjoy!


Thanks for reading my blog! xo

This Week In Pics

Buenos Dias friends, and happy happy Friday to you!  Adam & I have been house hunting this past week, which has been a fairly discouraging experience.  First off, there isn't a overwhelming amount of homes on the market in the areas that we desire.  Also, I have quite the list of criteria; older 1920-30's Spanish style home with good "bones" for remodeling, minimum of 4 bedrooms, large back yard for our dog(s), detached mother-in-law quarters.....emphasis on detached.  While I love my mother with all my heart, if she's going to live with us it needs to be a separate space for her.  You girls understand right?  Its that hard to describe the dynamics of a mother/daughter relationship.  

Needless to say, its been tough to find our future home....until last Sunday when we attended an open house and walked into our dream home!  We fell in love and immediately put an offer down.  Apparently it was the dream home of many others as well, because 4 other couples also put in offers and ultimately our offer was turned down.  It was a big let down, but it wasn't meant to be.  So the search continues......

Here is the rest of my week in pics:

Hello, lovelies!

Casual in J.Crew linen button down, Rag & Bone denim, Jimmy Choo heels.

The Bear.

Net-A-Porter sale makes my heart go pitter patter.

One of my fave lunch items from Jungle Juice in Sunny Isles - Vegan Piccadilly & a green juice. So healthy & scrump!

Rag & Bone silk blouse, Zara striped denim.

I love the koi ponds at Bal Harbour shops.

Lunch in Bal Harbour leads to the hubby buying me presents :)

One of my Pinterest recipes I tried out, Vegetarian Corn Cakes. View it on my Pinterest board Food!

Meet Aces new sissy!  She's only 3 weeks old, and we get to take her home in August.  In Love!

Alice + Olivia dress (I talked about it in this post), J.Crew necklace, YSL heels.

Sans makeup, and debuting much darker locks.

This was last night thanks to Tropical Storm "Andrea" :)

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read my blog!  Please feel free to comment, I would love to hear feedback.  Hope you have a fab weekend!