Home Cookin'

"I'm not a chef. But I'm passionate about food - the tradition of it, cooking it, and sharing it." - Zac Posen

You guys know I love to cook! So, I am sharing some of the recent, fun recipes we have been cooking up in our kitchen. Experimenting with different dishes, and making our favorites meals is something that I love to do. There is absolutely nothing better then trying something new and falling in love with it!

Do you like creating new meals in the kitchen? Share below!

Scallop Salad - pan seared scallops, garnished with crispy bacon, tomatoes, avocado, arugula, and a lemon olive oil dressing.

Scallop Salad - pan seared scallops, garnished with crispy bacon, tomatoes, avocado, arugula, and a lemon olive oil dressing.

This scallop salad is absolutely one of our fave salads and it's super delicious. We love pairing this dish with a glass of Rose, and warm grilled naan!

Pan Fried Oysters - freshly shucked oysters, lightly floured, and fried paired with lemon pepper seasoned french fries. 

Pan Fried Oysters - freshly shucked oysters, lightly floured, and fried paired with lemon pepper seasoned french fries. 

As you guys know, fried oysters are one of my favorite things! They are super easy to make too. Gently rinse off the oysters, and season the flour with preferred seasonings. Personally, I use lemon pepper and cayenne pepper. Dip the oysters in egg-wash (water and egg mixture) and dredge them in the seasoned flour. Then fry them in canola oil until they are crispy! I love dipping them in hot sauce - so so good!

Shrimp Salad - lemon pepper shrimp on a bed of arugula, cucumber, red onion, bacon, tomatoes, cilantro and lime and olive oil dressing. 

Shrimp Salad - lemon pepper shrimp on a bed of arugula, cucumber, red onion, bacon, tomatoes, cilantro and lime and olive oil dressing. 

Much like the scallop salad, this shrimp dish is super light and fresh! I love how filling this is and all of the ingredients really blend well together.

Crispy Chicken Biscuit - panko breaded chicken breast, on a bed of arugula, spicy mayo, and avocado.

Crispy Chicken Biscuit - panko breaded chicken breast, on a bed of arugula, spicy mayo, and avocado.

What happens when Chick-Fil-A is closed on Sunday? Well you make this awesome sandwich. G and I love spice, so I made a spicy mayo, and added some fresh veggies to brighten up this delicious chicken biscuit!

The Ultimate Nachos -tortilla chips, grilled chicken, bacon, melted and shredded pepper-jack cheese, jalapenos, pickles, peppers, spicy sour cream and fresh homemade guacamole. 

The Ultimate Nachos -tortilla chips, grilled chicken, bacon, melted and shredded pepper-jack cheese, jalapenos, pickles, peppers, spicy sour cream and fresh homemade guacamole. 

G is really obsessed with nachos and loves when I make them for him. You can make these to share with a bunch of people, or keep it all to yourself!

Cast Iron Steak & Veggies - cast iron steak paired with sauteed baby broccoli and white mushrooms. 

Cast Iron Steak & Veggies - cast iron steak paired with sauteed baby broccoli and white mushrooms. 

The perfect rib-eye, another of G's top picks to have at home. It's a new favorite for him, and the cast iron is perfect kitchen accessory to achieve the perfect sear on this steak! Fresh sauteed veggies are always a must - baby broccoli and white mushrooms are the perfect compliment to this dish.

What are some of your fave meals to make at home?

Enjoy!

XO, Analise

Statement Pieces For Your Home

"I like my house to be unique to me. Sure, I've bought plenty of things out of a catalog, but the way I put them together in my home is special. You might have bought your sofa at a major home decorating store, but the rug you found at the flea market is so unique, it takes your room from 'carbon copy' to 'simply yours' in no time." - Nate Berkus

Creating a cozy home is a major priority for us. We love finding unique pieces to help reflect our personalities. Also, G & I love having people over and entertaining, so a space that's warm and inviting is a must.

Below are six pieces to help elevate any home and create the perfect statement for you or your family. 

  1. Bold Lamp - When I rented my first apartment, I found every possible way to make my small one bedroom home to feel unique. I got creative, and found that a lamp could really brighten up the place! There are so many gorgeous lamps that are really fun to design your home with. Also, it is nice to get away from the traditional lamps and get something that matches your personality. 
  2. Eye-catching Wallpaper - Wallpaper can really transform a space, and it super easy to put up! Whether it be an accent wall in your bedroom, half-bath, or living room - this item can really open up your space if installed properly. Also, I do not recommend wallpaper in a full bathroom - the steam from the shower can totally ruin this work of art.
  3. Majestic Mirror - I love mirrors - they always make your space feel much bigger than it is! There are so many stunning pieces, so get creative and find one that fits your home and space.
  4. Over-sized Wall Art - Artwork is where you can really show off your personality. We love going to different home decor stores to see what is available to give our space a refresh. Also, there are times we can't find the perfect piece. Instead, we will get a photo printed and framed to create something special for our home.
  5. Crystal Chandelier - Chandeliers really give a bold statement in a home that may be lacking some larger wall space. Also, this provides an excellent source of light to any room.
  6. Stunning Sideboard - If you are needing extra storage space in your home, a sideboard is the perfect addition. G and I currently on the hunt for one to store some of our china and glasses! This is so perfect for any home, also you can use this piece as a bar, or to showcase some unique pieces.

What are your favorite pieces in your home that stand out? Also, are you on the hunt to adding some new items in your home?

XO, Analise

The A-List

"We should all do what we can in our daily lives to remember that we are glorious and powerful." - Tracee Ellis Ross

The perfect pink peonies, courtesy of Trader Joe's

The perfect pink peonies, courtesy of Trader Joe's

The cutest Tory Burch purse, that G surprised me with on a random weekday. He's always dong the sweetest things, so to come home from a long day at work and find this beauty waiting for me lit up my day.

The cutest Tory Burch purse, that G surprised me with on a random weekday. He's always dong the sweetest things, so to come home from a long day at work and find this beauty waiting for me lit up my day.

A super delicious homemade caprese flatbread - mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes, and balsamic reduction.

A super delicious homemade caprese flatbread - mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes, and balsamic reduction.

Trying out a new restaurant in our neighborhood - Civil Libation. 

Trying out a new restaurant in our neighborhood - Civil Libation

The most delicious and refreshing Charcoal Limeade from Fruitive.

The most delicious and refreshing Charcoal Limeade from Fruitive.

Enjoying a relaxing infrared sauna session at Restore.

Enjoying a relaxing infrared sauna session at Restore.

Happy Friday!

Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite things from the past few weeks. I really try to take some time to smell the roses, and enjoy each moment. Everyday isn't perfect, but that doesn't mean there aren't some wonderful moments to marvel in.

Here lately I have been enjoying the simple pleasures in life, and spending some quality time with amazing friends. 

What are some things you are looking forward to this weekend?

XO, Analise

Recipe: Perfect Pesto Pizza

"Pesto is such a great standard. It's so simple to make and always tastes good." - Tamra Davis

I'm obsessed with pesto, and was recently inspired to make a super yummy naan pizza at home! 

This four ingredient dish, takes about 10-15 minutes to make, and is the perfect weeknight meal. I love coming home after work and making this easy individual pizza for G and I, especially when our schedules are super busy! 

Today I'm dishing on how to make this really easy meal at home.

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Date Night Playlist

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo

Music is something that I really love! I love listening to music at all times, and I enjoy discovering new tracks.

Today, I am sharing my favorite date night playlist. G & I love listening to music while getting ready to go out. Also, we really like cooking at home together. Nothing is better than playing music, drinking wine, and preparing a delicious home cooked meal with your favorite person.

Check out the playlist below! Also, the first song we danced to at our wedding is on this playlist - can you guess which one ;) 

A playlist featuring SZA, Miguel, John Legend, and others

* Warning - these songs may have explicit language.

 

Enjoy!

XO, Analise