No-Stir Asparagus, Shrimp and Lemon Risotto

Today's post is a little different to my usual format. Ever since I discovered the wonderful world of Britely I have been reading these delightful little ebooks non stop. I especially love reading the humorous ones, it's such a fun way to kill time. If you haven't come across it yet, Britely is basically a web-based app that allows you to import pictures, add text and then publish these charming little ebooks. You are also able to follow your favoutite authors and add comments and favourite each Brite, so not much different from a regular blog.

After all my reading, I decided it was about time I created my own Brite. These past few days have been extra lazy in my household. Everyone was in a holiday mood and I have been too lazy to cook. The other night, after searching for ingredients to put together a fast and healthy meal I decided to try my hand at risotto. Being in the lazy mood as I was, standing at the stove stirring non stop for half an hour just seemed ridiculous. Instead I thought I'd try baking my arborio rice into a risotto. The dish turned out surprisingly well. I do believe the fresh asparagus, lemon and shrimp helped immensely in turning an otherwise homey dish into more gourmet fare.

Read "the lazy mum's guide to risotto" by Jenee Chen at Britely!

No-Stir Asparagus, Shrimp and Lemon Risotto

Ingredients
1 lb peeled shrimp
1 bunch fresh asparagus
1 zest of lemon
1 medium sized onion, diced
1 1/2 cup arborio rice
4 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Bring chicken stock in saucepan to boil, cover and remove from heat.
2. Saute diced onion over medium heat until softened, season with salt and pepper, approximately 7 minutes.
3. Add rice to onion, and stir until rice turns translucent around edges, approximately 3 minutes.
4. Pour rice and onion mixture into an oven proof casserole dish with lid. Add heated chicken stock.
5. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes, covered.
6. Cut asparagus into 1 inch segments. Boil approximately 5 minutes and transfer to ice bath.
7. Season shrimp and pan fry till cooked through, approximately 7 minutes. I like to season with garlic powder, salt and paprika.
8. Zest one lemon.
9. Once rice is ready, combine shrimp and asparagus. Stir in lemon zest and grated parmesan cheese.
10. Garnish with fresh parsely and shaved parmesan.

Wardrobe Diaries: Pastel Play Day

Peplums are all the rage these days and for good reason too. They are so feminine and universally flattering, I can't see why anyone would not like them. I would not exist as a blogger had I not bought my Alice + Olivia peplum dress back in January, but more on that in a later post.

My husband and I took the girls to an indoor play center this weekend. I wanted to wear something comfortable while chasing the kids around yet sophisticated enough for dinner afterwards. The silk scarf and metallic accents paired with the peplum top gave the outfit a polished look. And my coral toe flats were the perfect finishing touch.

The kids had such a great time that we ended up staying all night and dined at Taco Bell haha. Summer always seems to make one forget one's plans and just live in the moment.

{ asos top also loving this one . tj maxx shorts similar here . tj maxx flats similar here also loving this and this . scarf bought on vacation . oroton crossbody bag no longer available . bracelets by j.crew, dillards, nordstrom }

Friday's Fancies

Happy friday everybody, I cannot believe we are halfway through the year already. In another two months my little one is going to graduate from being a baby into a toddler! First birthdays are always extra special so needless to say I have started collecting party inspirations already. I will be sure to share all the celebratory photos when the time comes. Here's a look at a few things we got up to this week.

Painting my nails to match my jewelry. 

Started a new tradition this week of taking a mandatory tea break. A mother always puts the needs of others before her own. Tea time equals me time. 

What better time to stock up than during sale week. I've already surpassed my quota for frivolous spending this week but couldn't pass up the sweet deals over at Zara on kiddie clothes. I picked up a cute little trench coat and chambray summer pea coat for my little lady. 

Since we do not have a puppy, Miss Mini Me did not want to miss out on the fun of feeding unwanted food to a family pet so has started to fed her toys instead.  

First time at the cinema and we didn't even make it to our seats! We ended up sitting on the bench  eating popcorn for a good 15 minutes. It was a great day. 

Wardrobe Diaries: Not Another July 4th Post

I'm sure everyone is sick of seeing July 4th inspired blog posts by now. But if you're not, here is one more just for you.

This past holiday was spent with the family at the carnival celebrations on our Army Post. For the occasion I decided to dress up as patriotic as possible without looking like a walking flag. I threw on a chunky gold chain along with some cognac details so that I could easily pass for looking nautical if I wanted to. I do love me a good nautical themed outfit. I think it's my second favorite look to the russian snow princess look that I adore to death.

This polka dot vest I picked up on sale at Anthropologie at the start of the year. As soon as I saw it, I was intrigued. If you look closely, each polka dot is made up of tiny white beads. Those who regularly read my blog know how much I love classic pieces with a unique twist. Polka dots will never go out of style, and this top was just too pretty not to add to my collection. 

 

 

 

 

{ marcs dress similar here also loving this one and this one . anthropologie vest . t.j maxx sandals . j.crew bracelet . foley + corinna clutch . nail colour forever yummy by essie . lip colour love that red by revlon}

Wardrobe Diaries: Mod Style, Red White and Blue

Being 4th of July this week, I thought it would only be appropriate to include a red, white and blue outfit. But I must admit, the colour scheme is about as patriotic as this outfit gets. In place of stars we have gingham and in place of stripes we have colour blocking. Before starting this blog, I really had no idea how much I was drawn to vintage inspired clothing. This dress could easily look right at home on one of Warhol's muses at the Silver Factory. If anyone is interested in creating their own Warhol pop art, there's a great photoshop tutorial here.

So what does everyone have planned for this July 4th holiday? We usually go watch the fireworks display on our Army Post. It's always a grand event that's followed by gridlock, honking and the occasional curse word in our attempt to get home. This year since the kids are a little older we're also going to attempt setting off some fireworks of our very own in the street! If it goes well, I think this may be a new tradition for us. Every year around this time, the city is littered with pop-up firework stores. It creates a really fun and festive atmosphere. I love having little traditions for each holiday. It makes each one a little more personal and familiar.

{ thml dress not sold online, also loving this one and this one 60's inspired dresses . pietro alessandro satchel . guess wedges . nail colour forever yummy by essie }