Pancake Mornings-What I'm Loving!

Believe it or not when I was a little girl I would only eat pancakes that my daddy made! If my dad didn't make them I wouldn't eat them. There was just something about my dads pancakes that were special. My dads pancakes always had a light perfect fluffy texture that would almost always be dotted with chocolate chips. But I think the reason I loved my dads pancakes the most was the memories that came from pancake mornings in my family. Almost always you would find an array of delicious toppings set out and cookie cutters scattered all over the table.  My sister and I loved cutting fun shapes in to our pancakes.  One thing I can safely say was pancake mornings were a treat!

So today I want to devote what in loving Wednesday to pancakes!  Because I have had serious craving for pancakes the last couple of weeks... I have just been to lazy to actually make them (what is wrong with me?)!

So here are a few delicious pancake recipes I have been dying to try...
Apple Walnut Pancakes from Taste of Home

Source: tasteofhome.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

These look delicious!

Cinnamon Bun Pancakes

Source: bakedbree.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Pancakes cinnamon roll style!

Makin' banana pancakes

Source: howsweeteats.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

Yes I sing the Jack Johnson song when I make banana pancakes, makes it more fun!
And just because these pancakes remind me of cookie cutter pancakes...

Source: cutestfood.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

How cute are those?

Doesn't this list make you want to run to your kitchen and whip up pancakes?
I wish I had time to make pancakes before work, don't you?

Happy Wednesday!
What are your favorite pancake recipes?

Girls Night Out-Color Me Mine

Happy Tuesday!

Saturday was girls night out, and we got crafty!  My coworkers and I met up for dinner, and pottery painting at Color Me Mine!

Such a fun evening, it was great to get out with friends and do something a bit out of the ordinary!  Each Saturday is PJ night at Color Me Mine, Pjs and painting great combination. I got a few strange looks at dinner, but you know what I made a fashion statement and was comfortable!  I was shocked when we walked in and saw that Color Me Mine allowed you to bring in drinks such as wine and beer (who knew?).  Would be a fun date night if you ask me (maybe Mark and I will go when he is here)!   

I had the hardest time trying to figure out what piece of pottery I wanted to paint (I would have painted one of everything if I could have).  Color Me Mine had tons of cute dishes/serving items, would be a perfect personal touch to any ones home!  I finally decided on  a large dinner plate.  Which I plan on using as a sort of catch all tray in my bedroom!  I picked 5 different colors and did and created a mosaic pattern!  I figured I couldn't go wrong with big geometric shapes, it was just like a coloring book (I just had to stay in the lines)!

I cannot wait to get it back this week!

Whats a fun girls night out that you have had?

A Short Week

Oh Hey Monday!

Forgive me because I feel this post is going to be random and all over the place!

How about that Super Bowl? Was anyone disappointed by the outcome?
I have to admit I really didn't care who won. I pretty much watch the Super Bowl for the commercials, and half time show, anyone else like me?

This was my favorite commercial of the evening!

And thank goodness Madonna sounded better then last years Black Eyed Peas Performance!
We sat around eating delicious homemade pizza, guacamole delicious, Trader Joe's dessert and some yummy salad!

(My pizza was loaded with spinach, basil, and cilantro, and of course we had pepperoni for my dad)!
 Sounds perfect to me!
This week is a short one for me, since I leave for Columbus on Thursday!
So this weeks  Pinterest Challenges is going to be short, but don't worry still delicious!

I did finish off last weeks Pinterest challenges this weekend with the final two dishes!
And both were delicious, and in my mind keepers.

Lets start with this soup.

Spinach, Tomato Orzo Soup
Tasted like a grown up version chicken noodle soup.  I loved the addition of spinach, and the orzo made this broth base soup seem thick and filling!  This recipe makes a big pot of soup.  Would be perfect to make on Sunday nights then you would have delicious soup to eat the entire week!

That yummy salad I mentioned above, well that would be this salad...

Balsamic Chicken, Spinach and Tomato Pasta Salad
So good!  I loved that there was a subtle balsamic flavor, and that the salad was not dripping in dressing.  I topped my serving with a bit of feta, which was a great flavor punch!  Easy to assemble, and keeps well.  This salad will be making its way into my lunch box this short work week!

Lets wrap up this post with the two recipes in this weeks Pinterest Challenge.
I found this gem of a recipe, and immediately decided I had to make them this week!
Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Source: recipes.womenshealthmag.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

I love stuffed peppers! And I have not made them in what seems like forever!  Hoping these ones will have a great flavor, and judging by the spices called for I think they will be delicious!

And numero two...
Vegetarian Fried Rice

Source: realsimple.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

I am hoping this will taste like a healthy version of my favorite fried rice from PF Changs!
This week I am also trying to lighten up on of my moms favorite breads recipes, stay tuned for the results!
Happy Monday!

PS: Anyone score some Jason Wu pieces this weekend at Target?
I did't venture out Saturday to check out the collection, but I am going to go see if out local Target has pieces left!  Such a great collection, full of classic pieces!

What was your favorite part of the Super Bowl?

This Time Next Week

Happy Friday Lovelies!
This time next week I will be in Columbus for the weekend with this guy, 

celebrating Valentines day and 2 wonderful years of dating! Hard to believe that it has been two years, man does time fly.  He has planned a wonderful weekend for us including some of my favorite things exploring, cooking (yes the pinterest challenge) and shopping!  He knows how to make me a happy girl! 

Now lets take a little look at the challenge recipes for the week, starting with this one!

Black Bean and Corn Topped Potatoes 

Baked potatoes are a go to dinner for me.  Healthy and quick.  I loved the black bean, corn and salsa topping for these potatoes, it was spicy and full of flavor.  I added a bit of cumin, garlic and paprika to the mixture and was happy with the results!   I want to try  the topping on sweet potatoes, I think it would be a delicious combination.

Next up Sweet and Spicy Chicken.

This chicken had a kick to it, and was fantastic.  My dad couldn't stop saying how much he loved this dish.  Steamed broccoli and rice made this a well rounded dinner!  I want to try making more of the sauce and stir frying vegetables in with the chicken, I bet that would be tasty!

And last but not least...

White Bean Chowder

Source: ksl.com via Hilliary @ Happily Ever Healthy on Pinterest

This soup had a great flavor  and was delicious the night it was made, but I didn't think it reheated that well.  I am still on the fence about this recipe.  

Still to come this week

Balsamic Chicken, Spinach, Tomato and Pasta Salad
Spinach, Tomato Orzo Soup

Ps have a sweet tooth?  Try this recipe!

Hands down delicious!

Motivational Thursday

Happy Thursday Lovlies!  

I don't know about you all but for me this week is flying.  The fast pace and go go go of the week has left me a bit more drained then usual.  I thought we all might need a little motivation to get us through till the weekend!

I am ready to power through these last few work days!  

One more day closer to the weekend!

Happy Thursday!

Classics, Colors and Patterns

I feel like recently I have been taking big leaps when it comes to my wardrobe!  I am noticing my wardrobe dominated by neutrals slowly getting pops of color in it!   In recent shopping trips my eyes are drawn to the bright cheery colors that is dominating this seasons pieces!  I am loving this sudden need for color in my wardrobe, and the bright colors are making even the dullest winter days just a bit better!  But color isn't the only thing making a debut in my closet, for the first time I am incorporating patterns into my daily fashion!

So here are a few of this weeks loves that have trickled into my closet!
A classic tunic in navy, and I am loving the paisley print!

 I can't wait to wear this with a taupe pencil skirt, or even skinny jeans and Tory Burch flats for a classic low key look!

I really went out on a limb with this next piece but I fell in love with the color (not like me at all).  My mom sister and I will be matching once spring hits (yes we all bought it)!  

I wish it was warm enough to wear it now!

I have mentioned my love for my red pencil skirt before, but it maybe one of my favorite pieces to wear to work right now.  The nice pop of color is a nice change to my typical black pencil skirt!

I recently paired it with this top from Talbots (Not just your moms store anymore, they have some seriously cute classic pieces)!

Maybe little by little colorful pieces will start taking over my closet!

Tell me about your style!  Do you like neutrals or are you all about the color?  What is one of this seasons colors you have to have?

Honored

I received this little card yesterday in the mail from my dear friend Kalyn!

I literally was teary eyed as I saw the picture realizing that this card was asking me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding!  Kalyn and I have been friends since out freshman year at Butler!  Like she mentioned in her card she still remembers the first words I said to her the day we met (which were so who wants to party tonight...yea that as me)!  

Our friendship has taken us on many wonderful journeys, including 5 mission trips to Jamaica together.  AndI am truly honored that Kalyn has asked me to stand along side her on her big day, it is truly a special moment to stand along side a dear friend as they marry their best friend!

Have you been asked to be a bridesmaid in a cute way?