European Adventure - Munich

After our amazing time in Paris, it was off to beautiful Munich, or Munchen -as they pronounce in German.  Munich was incredible - filled with wonderful markets, romantic gardens, a bustling town center, beer gardens galore, and exquisite architecture.   We had amazing, authentic food (think bratwursts, pretzels, and beer), wandered around the Karlsplatz and Marienplatz, explored the Frauenkirche Church, toured through the stunning and extravagant Residenz - the Royal Palace of Bavaria, and much much more.

We even checked out the famous and popular Hofbrauhaus - Munich's original Beer Garden that can hold up to 10,000 people!  Prost!

Enjoy the pictures!

Next stop.... SALZBURG (and the Sound of Music Tour!)

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables

 I made this pasta dish this week, and I just had to share it!  It is perfect for summer - it tastes so fresh, healthy, and delicious!  I love that you can change up the protein and veggies to whatever you have already, or whatever you like the best.  I pretty much just stuck to the recipe, with a few adjustments.

Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus, and Spinach

(adapted from)

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta (I used penne)

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (I used basil)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded (I had leftover grilled chicken, so I used that)

1 bunch (about 1 lb) fresh asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic minced

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp lemon juice (use 2 tsp, if you want it more "lemony")

2/3 cup (about 1 carton) Greek yogurt, plain (you could also use sour cream or regular yogurt)

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I used 1/2 cup)

2 cups fresh baby spinach

*optional garnish: extra shredded Parmesan and/or chopped fresh parsley 

Directions:

Prepare pasta al dente, according to box.

While pasta is cooking, heat 2 Tbsp oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Unless your chicken is already cooked like mine was, season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, and add the chicken to the skillet.  Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.  Remove chicken and set aside.  Wait a few minutes and then slice the chicken into thin strips.  (I actually prefer bite sized pieces, so you don't have to cut up the chicken any more while eating.)

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.  Add asparagus, garlic, lemon juice and zest, and rosemary.  Saute for 5-6 minutes until the asparagus is cooked, but still slightly crisp.  Remove skillet from heat.  Stir in Greek yogurt, parm cheese, and spinach.  Once the pasta is finished cooking, drain the pasta but reserve 1/4 cup pasta water. 

Toss together the pasta, creamy vegetable mixture and the chicken.  Add some of the reserved pasta water if needed ( I needed it).  Serve immediately and garnish with parm cheese and/or parsley.

ENJOY!

(To change the recipe up, try substituting shrimp for the chicken, and/or broccoli for the aspargus!)

European Adventure - Paris

Oh Paris.

This just might have been our favorite city of the entire trip -- but I'll probably write that for each city I end up blogging about.  But Paris truly was magical.  From the breathtaking Eiffel Tower, to the beautiful Seine River, the perfectly coiffed top knots worn by all the Parisian girls, and we can't forget the amazing food: croissants, pastries, french bread, and crepes.

Paris was the first stop on our European adventure, and we had the most amazing time.  

Some highlights included:

Exploring the wonderful Latin and Jewish quarters 

The Sacre Cour at night - we could see it from our Hotel window!

Climbing the Eiffel tower, and the gorgeous views of the city

A picnic on the Eiffel Tower lawn, followed by the light show at night

Boat rides along the Seine River

Spending the afternoon wandering around the Tulleries Gardens

The incredible art at the Orsay Museum

Meeting dear friends for dinner in Montmarte

and much much more.

And now for the pics!

NEXT STOP....MUNICH!

Lust, and Found

So, I was watching "Keeping up with the Krazies" the other day, don't judge - I was on the treadmill, and I spotted this gorgeous necklace on Kris' assistant!  I fell in love, and I was on a mission to find it.

And guess what?!  I found it - on BaubleBar!  

It's the Fire Elsa Necklace, and it retails for $42.

Currently, there is a wait list for the coral color, but they do have other colors in stock!

(White, turquoise, and pink) I was able to order the coral just in time - can't wait to get it in the mail!

If you haven't checked out BaubleBar yet, you must!

It is FULL of amazing and gorgeous earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings -- and the prices are pretty wonderful :)

To get $10 off you first order, 

just enter 

4365900

at checkout!

XOXO