Saturday Caturday

This is the look my little George gave me when I finally get home on Wednesday afternoon after being stranded at work for two days due to the blizzard. To say he was not pleased with me is an understatement. He cried for about an hour until he finally settled down in bed with me. 

I was such a worried mom for those two days and he was all I could think about. We are both definitely getting some extra cuddles in this Saturday. 

xo.casey

Artichoke, Asparagus, & Pesto Quiche with Quinoa Crust

Woah, that title is a mouthful. 

Today I am sharing with you the most wonderful brunch recipe. I made it for dinner one night, so you could really make it whenever you fancy. This quiche is packed with flavor, and two of my favorite things: asparagus, and artichokes. 

What you are going to need: asparagus, artichokes, pesto, quinoa, eggs, any type of cheese you prefer, and milk. 

Boil the quinoa as the instructions state. Let cool for five minutes and then mix with one egg. Flatten the quinoa on the bottom of your pie tin. Bake at 360 degrees for about ten minutes. The crust will turn a golden brown. 

Next mix one a half cups of milk, a half cup of pesto, three eggs, parmesan cheese, one can of quartered artichokes, and chopped asparagus in a bowl. 

Pour the mixture in the pre cooked crust and bake for about thirty five minutes. A quick trick to know the quiche is fully cooked: a toothpick should come out of the center cleanly. 

This was seriously delicious, and had a punch of flavor. This will definitely impress if you are hosting a brunch or dinner for family and friends. 

Saturday Caturday

What's that out there George? It's a snowy day - perfect for catching up on shows (ahem, dance moms) and cuddles. But that's what we do every weekend right? 

Yes, and it's glorious. 

xo. Casey

Casual Friday, Music Edition

 It is officially Friday! *cheers* After a long week I wanna get a little casual with you and chat about something pretty awesome. 

This week my boyfriend James released his full length album Compulsion, and it is really freaking good. I may be a little biased because he is my boyfriend after all, and one of the songs may be about yours truly, but this boy of mine is talented. When I tell you he recorded the entire thing himself I mean it. From the guitar, to bass, to vocals, to drums, to producing and mixing, he did it all. 

I got to witness first hand how much time and passion he put into this album. All words and melody's are his own, and I am beyond proud of him. 

You can currently find his album over on Bandcamp, and either listen to it for free, or pay what you feel. 

https://mindslikethese.bandcamp.com/album/compulsion

It is time people start supporting local music, because that is where you find the heart. It is not found in these over produced songs that you hear on the radio. These artists are not doing it for the money and the fame, they are doing it because it is something they are truly passionate about. 

So go give it a listen, you won't regret it!

Golden Beet, Blood Orange, & Brie Salad

Sometimes the best meal ideas come to you while you are walking through the grocery store. When we spotted these golden beets in Whole Foods immediately thought rustic winter salad. 

What we used: golden beets, thick cut maple bacon, mixed greens, blood oranges, and brie. You will also need sugar, maple syrup, old bread, seasonings, dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar.  

First off we cooked our bacon low and slow. Once it was crisp we candied it with a little maple syrup.

Next we roasted the beets whole, with the skins. Once cooked you will be able to peel the skins right off. I then cubed the beets and sauteed them with butter, sugar, and a mix of spices (paprika, garlic, italian seasonings). 

Lastly, I made the blood orange dressing by juicing two oranges and mixing it with the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, and spices. 

Assemble the salad and top with homemade croutons. This salad was filling and delicious, and I was almost to full to eat the meal we cooked to go with it. 

Almost. I mean who can say no to scallops and rib eye steaks? 

Saturday Caturday

This is how George and I feel after a really long week. NFL weekend was a success, and now we are finishing it up with tickets to the AFC Championship game! Well not we- it's supposed to rain and George doesn't want to get his fur wet. Did I mention they are field level seats? Did I also mention I love my job, because I do. 

xo. Casey

Friday Five, Winter Bucket List

Wintertime is in full effect here in Rhode Island so it is time for me to come up with my seasonal bucket list. 

1. Find new coffee shops in Providence. I feel like this is an every season goal, but in the winter I look for more indoor activities. And what's better than a cozy coffee shop. I already found a new favorite, and I am excited to find even more. 

2. Finish decorating the apartment. We have been in here for over half the year already, and so this is the season that I want to really complete the look of our place. 

3. Go Ice Skating. Every year Kennedy Plaza in Providence opens up the Bank of America ice skating rink. I think that would be a super fun date night activity. 

4. Work out. Every winter I say "I need to start working out so I am in shape for spring/summer". Then April rolls around and I haven't started yet. I have a Planet Fitness gym membership, and I think it's time I actually start using it. I don't want to have the "wintertime regret" this year. 

5. Live in the moment. I know it is easy to want to wish away the winter when you think about the warm summer months. However, time goes by way too fast, so I need to just find ways to enjoy the season we are in. 

What are your winter goals? 

Breaktime Bowl & Bar

This may just be the coolest place I ever feature on the blog- I am just throwing that out there now.

Located in the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket is a new bar featuring a 1920's duckpin bowling alley. If you don't know what duckpin bowling is (and I don't blame you) it is an old fashioned bowling alley. You know, like before the machines that re set the pins for you. 

You have one person at the bottom of the alley setting the pins for you and throwing the balls back on a wooden ramp. The goal is to get down the most amount of pins in the least amount of throws. And in case you are wondering, I totally beat James. 

Breaktime also has a large bar and reception space. This is a super unique spot to go out with friends, have a party, or in my opinion the coolest wedding of the year. 

This is one of those places that makes Providence one of the coolest cities to live in. 

Friday Five, December Favorites

Can you believe that it is time for December favorites already? I can not believe that Christmas is over and the new year is fast approaching. With that said, I still managed to find some new favorites.It is time to finally share them all with you. 

1. Jumping Juniper Shampoo Bar from Lush. 

Here is what Lush has to say about this product: "Our purple shampoo bar jumps into action to sort out oil problems on top. It cleans away grease and balances sebum production for soft, shiny (in the good way) hair. Fruity juniperberry oil sorts out your oily, congested scalp, while lemon and lime make your hair clean and shiny and give it an extra fresh scent. The incredible herbal duo, lavender and rosemary are superpowers if you’re having troubles in the oil department. Rosemary has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-bacterial capabilities, while lavender is known for its ability to balance and soothe the scalp. You'll be jumping for joy in no time!"

I absolutely love these, and I may never go back to bottled shampoo again. They are really that good. 

2. Justin's Nut Butter. 

Justin's says: "Our products are made with common sense. A sense that cooking in small batches ensures higher quality. That selectively choosing fine, all-natural ingredients will make it taste better. And that no matter their size, companies should always be grateful to their customers, employees and community."

This nut butter is not only healthier for you than the other highly processed brands, it is absolutely delicious. You can physically see the chopped up nuts in this butter. Justin's comes in all sorts of different flavors, but my current favorite? The Maple Almond Butter. And did I mention they make Peanut Butter Cups too?  For a girl who's dog's name is Reeces, this is a dream come true. 

3. The 100. 

I discovered this show on Netflix, and I was instantly hooked. I may have finished the whole first season in one day. Maybe. I am all about post-apocalyptic movies and shows, so if you do too this is right up your alley. 

4. Dr. Jart BB Cream. 

I received this product in my November Birchbox and instantly fell in love. This is the perfect concealer. It goes on smooth, and hides any redness or spots that I have on my face without looking like it is caked on. 

5. Chestnut Praline Latte 

Starbucks has rolled out their newest holiday drink in five years, and I am in love. First of all, Chestnuts remind me of my grandfather roasting them in the oven on a chill winter night. I immediately was drawn to this drink, and Starbucks delivered. 

Starbucks also tastes so much better in a red cup, don't ya think. 

xo. Casey

CC Guide: White Electric Coffee

Welcome to the CC Guide, Creatively Casey's guide to the coolest spots on the east coast! Most specifically, Providence of course. In this first edition of my new series I bring you my favorite coffee spot of the moment: White Electric Coffee. 

White Electric Coffee is a little spot located on Westminster Street in Prov. They are serving up delicious New Harvest blend coffees, lattes, and yummy frozen green tea lattes.

They are also serving up some delicious bagel sandwiches. As some of you know I am a self proclaimed bagel connoisseur. Okay, more like a bagel snob. Their bagels are awesome, and they have a menu full of wonderful toppings. Of course I had to get avocado and cream cheese. Yum. 

I washed it down with a delicious hazelnut iced coffee topped with some cinnamon. 

Can I just pause here for a moment and explain to you how obsessed I am with cinnamon in my coffee. Not only does cinnamon provide your body with the antioxidants that coffee takes out, but it also balances out the bitterness.

Verdict: this place is awesome. Its hip, it has amazing bagels and coffee, and has an old arcade game. It is everything you could ever want in a Providence coffee shop and more. 

Bravo White Electric Coffee, bravo. 

  

Saturday Caturday

Just a quick Happy New Years from this little guy! He is still recovering from a wild night.

2015 Resolutions

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope you all had an amazing New Years full of  yummy food, family, and friends. I spent mine with my favorite guy in the world.Oh, and James was there too! Just kidding. 

Now that 2014 has come to pass it is time to look forward at the coming months, and what I want to accomplish. 

1. Set a consistent blogging schedule. In the past couple of months I have been working hard to juggle my blogging life, personal life, and working life, while so many exciting opportunities have been happening. My goal was to post four times a week, but I was beginning to reach for things to write about. I want to be consistent in the new year, and write amazing quality posts for you all to enjoy - and not just post to get something up. For the year 2015 I will be posting three times a week: Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (don't worry all you cat fans you will still be getting your Saturday Caturdays with little George!)  

2. No More Diets.This is a huge one for me. If I have learned anything the past year is that diets do not work. I get really motivated, eat a bunch of salads for two days and then get bored. Eating healthy is not supposed to be a chore, but a lifestyle. In order to live a healthy lifestyle you need to change the way you look at food. 

3. Start a hobby. And no, Netflix binge watching does not count. I am going to take a lesson from my boyfriend on this one and find an activity that I am passionate about and stick to it. In the summer he has fishing, in the winter he has bowling, and plays basketball in between. No matter what it is he put's his all into it, and I want to find something that I enjoy just as much in 2015. 

4. Cook more at home. This ties in to both the hobby and healthy eating goals I have set for myself. Cooking at home gives you a sense of pride that you created something from scratch with wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about eating. I also want to experiment more in the kitchen, and along the way create some amazing new recipes to share with you guys. 

5. Appreciate the little things. My boyfriend and I have very different schedules so it is hard to find time to spend with each other. I want to make what time we do have together special. And no, that doesn't mean having to go out to dinner or some big extravagant outing - the little things like sitting at home watching our favorite shows can turn into some of the best times if you just live in the moment.

Here's to another amazing year!

Bring it on 2015, i'm ready for ya.