A few of my favs...

Here are a few of my favourite things right now... all which I hope to enjoy this long weekend!

Magazines + Tulips

I love it when my InStyle magazine shows up in the mail. Nothing better than an easy read, a cup of tea and fresh tulips.

The Hunger Games

To say I've been obbsessed with this series would be an understatement. I haven't been able to put these books down. The Hunger Games are a pulse-pounding, page-turning trilogy. This gets 5 stars from me.

Coffee Mugs

I got these from Vancouver's wonderful decor boutique, The Cross. These paisley embossed mugs are so whimsical and feminine; perfect for my morning cup of coffee!

The Vancouver Canucks

Us Vancouverites are avid, fiesty and fearless Canuck fans. The NHL playoffs are happening and it's so much fun to get together with family and friends to cheer on the boys!
Go Canucks Go!

{Photo by Jeff Vinnick via UnDrafted}

DIY Projects

Decorating our home office seems to be the never ending (but fun) project. Recently, I used some pure white gloss spray paint on a few picture frames and I'm so happy with how they turned out.

Better-Than-Crack-Brownies

And then there are these. Perfect. Delicious. Sinful. Brownies. I've got a batch in the oven right now... Cause the Easter bunny told me to.

After I polish off the brownies, I'm burning my skinny jeans.

I hope you're having a wonderful long weekend, enjoying your favorite things and spending time with the ones you love!

Mini Turkey Burgers

These mini turkey burger are crazy delicious!

With a tease of summers gorgeous weather this weekend we were able to light the BBQ and enjoy our patio. These were such a healthy treat (under 200 calories per burger), bursting with juicy flavor and a refreshing alternative to your regular run of the mill oily beef burgers.

I can hardly wait for summer to arrive, for months of BBQing, picnics and more mini burgers!


Mini Turkey Burgers
Adapted from: Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

2 pounds ground turkey
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Sliced cheddar cheese
Slider Thins Mini Burger Buns

Directions

In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, seasoned bread crumbs, onion, eggs, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Forms into 12 mini patties.

Grill as desired on BBQ (I used this) for approximately 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally. Add sliced cheddar cheese for last two minutes

Happiness

I love ice cream. I have to get my dairy intake somehow, so a wide variety of ice cream gets consumed daily and makes my tummy very happy. And I've managed to convince myself it's calorie free. And I believe in unicorns. Don't judge.

This ice cream maker is still on my wish list. Husband, are you reading this!?...

You can't buy happiness, but you (Husband) can buy me an ice cream maker and that's kind of the same thing!

Happy Friday!

{Image from Gayana's Shop}

Banana & Pecan Waffles

Our waffle maker has been put to very good use. 

If you've been to our home on a Saturday morning, you know we love our waffles. Dessert for breakfast? Yes please!

I don't think there is anything better than fresh, hot, slightly crispy, sugar infused waffle.

This is my favorite recipe as each bite is loaded with bite size pieces of banana and crunchy pecans.

Drizzle (or bathe) your waffles in maple syrup, butter and icing sugar and you are in a for a delicious breakfast!


Banana Waffles
Adapted from: Cooking Nook

Ingredients

2 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
2 ounces butter, melted (1/4 cup)
2 tablespoons cold water

Directions

Beat egg whites until you get firm peaks. Beat egg yolks and milk lightly together.

Add sifted dry ingredients and beat until smooth.

Add melted, cooled butter and the water. Blend well. Fold in the firmly beaten egg whites.

Heat the waffle iron. Brush both top and bottom surfaces of waffle iron with a bit of oil. Spoon approximately 4 tablespoons of the waffle mixture into the center of the iron. Close the iron and cook until golden brown.

Note: For fruit waffles, add 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind to the sifted ingredients. Before adding egg whites, beat in 1 cup thinly sliced and chopped banana or 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple or 1 cup of blueberries.

Chicken, Spinach & Tomato Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet

There's nothing like homemade pizza.

Friends, you have to try this.

I brought out my trusty cast iron skillet again and put it to very good use. You can create a pizzeria-style deep dish with your skillet. Add all of your favorite toppings and cheeses enjoy a couple slices of heaven.

I'm already thinking of what pizza I am going to create next. I'm positive that this easy dish is going to become a weekly staple in our home.


Chicken, Spinach & Tomato Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

Pizza dough (I bought mine)
1/4 cup tomato basil pizza sauce
1 cup mozzarella, shredded
1/2 cup smoked Gouda, shredded
1 small onion, diced
1 cup of spinach
1-2 sliced fresh tomatoes
1-2 cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Olive oil (to oil the skillet)
Cast iron skillet

Directions

Preheat the oven to 500F.

Spread a little olive oil inside the cast iron skillet, then stretch the dough to cover the bottom of the skillet and go about 1 inch up the sides.

Add pizza sauce, half of the cheese, the spinach, tomatoes, chicken and the remaining cheese.

Place in oven for 15-20 minutes or until brown, crispy and cheese is bubbling.