My New 2015-2016 Planner

I think it's safe to say that anyone who knows me well knows that I'm a planning freak!  At least I self-proclaim that I'm a freak about planning.  I have the basic planner from Staples for work, but I always like to have a more colorful and well laid-out planner for personal use.  After two years of Erin Condren planners, I decided to try something new and see what other options were out there.  After much research and back-and-forth, I chose the Emily Ley Simplified Planner.




I will admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first received it and started comparing it to my Erin Condren planner.  I've laid out the pros and cons below as an easy reference for anyone who is comparing these two planners for their own personal use.

After a couple weeks, the Emily Ley planner is turning out to be perfect for my personal use!  The monthly layouts and separate weekly layouts are just what fits my needs.  The classic gold rings and colorful tabs for each month are a nice touch as well.

The Perfect Summertime Italian Flatbread

During the summer, I find myself trying to eat a little healthier and fresher.  We love Italian food, but sometimes the pasta can sit a little heavy.  I racked my brain for recipes last weekend and decided to try something new - a flatbread.  Chris loves a good caprese appetizer at any Italian restaurant so I knew what I had in mind would be a hit for us!  The combination of fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella is delicious!  This recipe calls for roasted garlic, which we had never done in the oven before.  Let me tell you - try it now!  It will make your whole house smell amazing...like a small mom-and-pop Italian restaurant!  Finish it off with fresh basil and some of the highest quality balsamic vinegar I've tasted, it was a perfect and easy weeknight dinner!  I hope you enjoy as much as we did!

Ingredients:

• 1 package of mini pre-cooked flatbreads (our package had 4 which was perfect for a dinner serving)
• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1 large mozzarella ball (sliced thinly)
• 1 large round tomato (sliced thinly)
• Basil leaves (sliced into thin strips)
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 
2. Slice off the head of the garlic. Peel away any excess outside layers. 
3. Place the garlic in foil and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Close the foil tightly and bake in a preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until fragrant. 
4. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Peel off the outside layers and skin of the garlic cloves. Gently rub the roasted garlic on the flatbreads. 
5. Alternate laying slices of tomato and mozzarella until the flatbread is covered.
6. Sprinkle the thin slices of basil leaves across the top of each flatbread.
7. Top with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
8. Place in an oven and turn the heat to broil.  Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese starts to brown.
9. Cut into strips and enjoy!

Recently Happening

Recently things have been a bit chaotic around here.  Friends from work are planning on moving, others having babies, Chris prepping for his Step 2 Board exam, and work getting busier every day.  I've been a little sparse when it comes to posting these past few months.  Hopefully I can get back to a weekly schedule and give you all something to indulge in!

What's been happening at home?  Chris and I have made 2 absolutely amazing recipes that we 100% recommend to friends and family.  Asian turkey meatballs are a great healthy alternative to beef meatballs and add just the right flavor to this Asian dish.  Serve over rice and add your favorite Asian hot sauce, perfect weeknight meal!  These home made Chipotle bowls featured on The Today Show are to die for!  The chicken and corn salsa are spot on to those offered at Chipotle.  Definitely both repeat meals in our house!

As Chris has chosen emergency medicine as his specialty, he's recently signed up to receive a monthly Emergency Medicine magazine.  As you can see, our coffee table reading offerings are definitely wide spread.

For the past 2 months since it's been warm enough to wear sandals, I've been constantly searching for the perfect pair of black sandals.  I've finally found them!  I've been obsessed with my Jack Rogers I bought last year and decided as I've been pleased with the quality, I'd purchase another pair, different style, in black.  I think the tassels on these give the perfect touch that sandals can use to elevate them for a special occasion.

Bud Light Lime...Summertime...need I say more?  It really is the perfect refreshing drink for any warm day.  Weeknight after work or weekend afternoon, it's my go-to beverage of choice for the summer months.