Let's Make Toasted Tortellini with Pesto

As promised in my Weekending post, today I'm sharing with you a marvelous Toasted Tortellini with Pesto recipe.

Eric loves when I blog a recipe because he knows something good is coming his way.  This week he was super excited because he LOVES this toasted tortellini with pesto recipe.  It was his lucky day when I ran across this recipe on Life Made Simple.

My favorite dinner recipes tend to be ones I can easily whip up for dinner during the week.  After a long day at work, it really boosts my energy when I can come home and produce a great tasting meal in a short amount of time.  This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes!

Here's What You Need

1 (20 oz.) package of three cheese tortellini

12 oz. cremini mushrooms, sliced

3 Tbsp. salted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup prepared pesto with basil

1/4 cup julienned fresh basil

1/3 cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Here's What You Do

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the directions on the package.  The tortellini I used needed to boil for 7 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat.  Add the mushrooms and saute for 4-5 minutes until browned.

Pour the drained pasta to the skillet.  Let the tortellini get lightly toasted and brown on the edges.

Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the pesto, basil and Parmesan.

Serve immediately.  We top ours with a little bit more Parmesan and basil.  We also love to add some grilled chicken for a little protein boost.  Enjoy!

Linking up with:
Pint Sized Baker
Mandy's Recipe Box

Handmade Tuesday's with Kristen

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop with The Dwelling Tree

JENerally Informed The Diary of a Real Housewife My Own Home While I'm Waiting Tuesday Talk Simply Sweet Home

Weekending - March 3, 2017

Why, why, why do weekends have to go by so fast!?!  I love weekends!  And this one was a blast.

Eric and I kicked off the first weekend of the month with a date night Friday.  I had been looking forward to seeing Table 19 since seeing the trailer months ago.  The reviews were not great, but I was not going to let that detour me.  In hind sight, probably should have listened to those reviews.  Not the best movie I've ever seen.  Eric rated it a 3 out of 10.  I gave it a solid 5.  It's cute, light and one I could see enjoying on a lazy Sunday afternoon laying on the couch.

What saved the evening was the popcorn!  Oh my goodness -- I'm not sure how long AMC has had this cheddar/sea salt caramel popcorn blend but it was fantastic!  First time in history that Eric and I have polished off an entire tub of popcorn at a movie.  I even contemplated buying a bucket to take home.

Saturday morning we woke up and took a long walk.  The wind was a bit chilly, but it felt great to be outside.  Exercise is really not something I love, but my new fitbit is helping me stay motivated.

We met our friends and their daughter for lunch at a new place in St. Charles - Firebirds.  The food was great and the company even better.   We started with an order of wings for an appetizer.  For entrees, I had the shrimp tacos, Eric chose the Mahi tacos, our friends shared a salad and steak sandwich and their daughter ordered the sirloin.  All looked fantastic and rave reviews from our table.  Since we were headed to our nephew's birthday party and knew we would be having cake, we skipped dessert.

Our nephew, Kayden, celebrated his 7th birthday in style with a roller skating party.  We had fun chasing the little ones around and didn't risk actually putting on skates.  Great afternoon spent with family!

When we got home Saturday night, we tried the new Netflix series with Drew Barrymore - Santa Clarita Diet.  After the first episode, we decided it definitely wasn't a series for us.  Anyone else watch it?  Should we have given it more than one episode?

My friend, Sherri, gave our group of friends a cooking class for Christmas and it was scheduled for Sunday afternoon.  So after church Eric and I popped into Peel for a quick lunch before the fun began with my friends.

The class was held at Fezziwig's in O'fallon, Illinois.  I've taken classes there before and they have always been a blast.  The class on Sunday was a hands on demonstration of how to make dim sum.  We whipped up crab rangoon, spring rolls and fried wontons.  It was delicious!  Hopefully I can recreate them at home.

After class and a bit of shopping at Fezziwig's, us girls headed back to Peel to enjoy some cocktails, dessert and, of course, some great girl talk!  Sunday was the last day the orange beignets were on the menu and we felt we should grab them while we could.  They did not disappoint!  

Sunday night I made a menu plan for the week and went grocery shopping.  This is two weeks in a row I know what we're having for dinner each night.  How long does it take for something to become a habit??  

Hope your Monday is off to a great start!  If all the stars align, I'm planning on doing a recipe post tomorrow on toasted tortellini.  You don't want to miss it!  

Check out what others were up to this weekend.

B Loved Boston

Over the Moon

This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks!

Five on Friday - March 3, 2017

Hello Friday!  Anyone else ready for a weekend?  I have to admit, this past week was the first time all year I truly felt ready for the week ahead.  We knew what we were fixing for dinner each night.  I planned my clothes for each day.  It was amazing!  I felt a bit like a rock star.  Now, if I can only keep up that behavior!!  I know, little things excite me.

Here's some other things that excite me this week ~

1.  Ed Sheeran New CD Divide (÷)

It's here, it's here!!  Just when I was truly starting to worry that we wouldn't be hearing from Ed again, he began dropping us hints that a new album was on the way.  And today is the day you can listen to the entire new 16 song collection.  His CD titled Divide (he must really like math) comes out today and I can't wait to listen to the entire thing.  The songs he's floated out ahead of the release have been wonderful!  Ed, please add some US dates to your tour!!

2. Table 19

I know the hype in movieland this week is The Shack, but I'm looking forward to seeing Table 19.  After all the serious, depressing Best Picture nominated movies I've been watching, I'm ready for a flick that just makes me laugh.  The reviews I've seen haven't been great, but I'm still willing to give it a try.  Here's the summary per Rotten Tomatoes, "Ex-maid of honor Eloise- having been relieved of her duties after being unceremoniously dumped by the best man via text - decides to hold her head up high and attend her oldest friend's wedding anyway. She finds herself seated at the 'random' table in the back of the ballroom with a disparate group of strangers, most of whom should have known to just send regrets. As everyone's secrets are revealed, Eloise learns a thing or two from the denizens of Table 19. Friendships - and even a little romance - can happen under the most unlikely circumstances."

3.  Illusion of Justice

Did you get as wrapped up in Making a Murderer as I did?  Well, Jerome F. Buting, one of the defense counsels, has written a book with even more insight into the case.  Amazon says, "Interweaving his account of the Steven Avery trial at the heart of Making a Murderer with other high profile cases from his criminal defense career, attorney Jerome F. Buting explains the flaws in America’s criminal justice system and lays out a provocative, persuasive blue-print for reform." Check it out HERE.

                           

4.  Peeps-Flavored Oreos

Are you a Peeps fan?  Well, if so get ready!  Nabisco released the Peeps Oreo for a limited time.  Right now they are available at certain Walmart stores, but apparently other distributors will be getting them soon.  The brand released this statement, "For generations, Peeps Marshmallow Chicks have been a spring staple and a symbol of Easter. Now, the two iconic brands, Peeps and Oreo, spring into the season together."  Yep, I want to try them!  Love the pink icing!  Will they be on your shopping list?

5.  Correct answer....

What's on your agenda this weekend?  We are having lunch with some friends on Saturday (still have a Christmas present to give them!!) and then headed to our nephew's birthday party.  On Sunday I'm doing a cooking class with some friends ~ so excited for this!  We'll see what other fun things come our way.  Have a great one!

Linking up with:

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday
5 on Friday

Why Girls Are Weird

This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks!

Friday Favorites - March 3, 2017

It's Friday!  Can't wait to see all the ideas you are sharing with us today.  You'll have to check out my feature - Watercolor Art Banner with free printable letters!  I loved it because it reminded me of Spring.  Enjoy yourself checking out all the other Friday Favorites ~

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

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Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small Things - Pin

Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

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Thinking Out Loud Thursday - March 2, 2017

With a blink of an eye, February is over!  Welcome to March.  Ours definitely came in like a lion as the tornado sirens screamed and the wind furiously blew.  Now we have to wait to see if it goes out like a lamb.

These first two months of 2017 have gone by so fast!  I realized today that I haven't done a weekending post on Monday since the beginning of January.  That needs to change!  So today I'm thinking out loud about all the fun things I did in February and some goals I have for March.  Feel free to link up below and share what some of your goals are for this third month of the year.

The first weekend of the month we celebrated our great nephew's birthday as he "O-Fish-ally" turned one.  If you missed the post, you can catch it HERE.

Our niece turned one the following week and we had the cutest princess party ever!  She's the first girl in the family since I was born many moons ago, so getting to decorate in pink is a bit new to us.  :) Her party recap was HERE.

February 18 and 19 were pure fun for me - my friend, Debbie, and I attended back-to-back Bon Jovi concerts in two separate cities.  On Saturday we drove to Nashville and caught him at Bridgestone Arena.  During our 24 hours in Nashville we managed to hit some tourists spots and eat some amazing food before hitting the road back to St. Louis to watch our buddy Jon do his thing at Scottrade Center.

If he is coming your way, I highly recommend trying to see this tour.  So good!

As if the month hadn't been packed with enough good things, I got a new job too!!  After nearly two decades, I switched positions at work.  There were so many things I loved about my old job, but at the same time I was feeling drawn to try something different.  I officially started my new appointment on February 27 and am settling in quite nicely.

The Friday night prior to my official start date, a group of friends from work gathered to watch Scandal.  Before we settled down to catch up on Olivia Pope, they did a sweet toast for my new job.  It was amazing to feel their support and celebrate with a fabulous group of ladies.

And let's not forget the Oscars!  Oh my goodness, talk about an embarrassing moment for the Academy!  This is the first time in a couple years I actually watched all nine films nominated for Best Picture.  There's something satisfying checking all the movies off the list.  We barely got them all in before the award show began.  The last one on our list was Hell or High Water and we rented it from Amazon Sunday morning before going to church.  I have to admit, Moonlight was NOT my favorite.  Did you see it?  Who did you want to win?

Arrival

Fences

Hacksaw Ridge

Hell or High Water

Hidden Figures

La La Land

Lion

Manchester by the Sea

Moonlight

Now let's chat about March.  This month I'm going to try to kick it in gear and actually be a bit more intentional.  I want to try some new recipes and work on my bullet journal.  Reading is also on my March Goal List.  Eric and I are hosting a Bachelor Nick finale party.  Oh, and the big one is try to figure out my  new job!!

How about you?  Link up and share your post.  Would love to hear what you've been up to!

An InLinkz Link-up

Enjoy more Thoughts for Thursday at:

Home of Malones

East Coast Chic

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

This is How We Roll

Eat Teach Blog

Five on Friday - February 24, 2017

Let's hear it for the weekend!!  Today is kind of a monumental day for me.  It's the last day at my current job ~ the job I've held for over 20 years.  Monday I'll be moving across the hall and working for a new boss and a different department.  The change is both exciting and terrifying all at the same time!  Wish me luck!

Before I head off to work, check out my five for this week ~

1.  Oscars are Sunday!
The anticipation is growing and we don't have much longer to wait to see who will be taking home the golden statues.  The Oscars are this Sunday!  E! News is starting their countdown coverage at 1:30 pm ET.  I'm hoping before Jimmy Kimmel begins his monologue I will have seen all nine best picture nominated films.  Only two more to go!  Will you be watching?

2.  Kusmi Tea - Imperial Label
I found a new tea love this week ~ Kusmi Tea - Imperial Label.  Here's the product description from Amazon:  "Imperial Label is a Sencha green tea from China combined with orange, cinnamon, liquorice root, and sea buckthorn berries. Kusmi Tea's Imperial Label takes its inspiration from a traditional Russian drink served since the 12th century and drunk as a remedy against the harsh winter conditions. Imperial Label is a comforting, healthy drink which contains sea buckthorn berries, rich in fatty acids that are extremely good for the skin. Sencha green tea is also famous for its high antioxidant levels. This unique blend boasts orange and cinnamon notes, the sweetness of licorice root, and the delicate yet distinctive taste of lemon and sea buckthorn. A hint of vanilla adds balance to the blend.  Delicious as iced tea on hot summer days!  Ideal for afternoon or as a dessert tea!"  I've only experienced it hot, but definitely going to keep it in mind this summer when I'm drinking more iced tea.

3.  The Shack

We read The Shack several years ago for book club and I am so excited that the movie is coming out next week.  If you like to read the book before seeing the movie, you might want to grab a copy and read up.  It was a book I had a hard time putting down.  I might read it again just to refresh my memory of the details.  Here's the synopsis from Amazon:  "Mackenzie Allen Phillips's youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in this midst of his great sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change his life forever."

                            

4.  Asian Chopped Salad

I picked up this Asian Chopped Salad at our Sam's store this week and we loved it! There's lots of good stuff packed in this bag - savoy, green cabbage, carrots, celery, green onions, toasted slivered almonds and crisp wonton noodles.  The tangy yet sweet sesame ginger dressing tops it off perfectly.  Next time I might add in some chicken and call it a meal!  

5.  Yep, this is me...

Hope you have a great weekend!  I'm going to hang out with some work friends tonight and Eric and I are going to see Lion tomorrow morning.  We're also excited to be having dinner with Ian and Kayla tomorrow night.  Then Sunday is book club and the Oscars.  With some luck, I'll be back on Monday to give you a complete rundown of the weekend.  See you soon!

Linking up with:

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday
5 on Friday

Why Girls Are Weird

This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks!

Friday Favorites - February 24, 2017

Happy Friday!  We've got some great featured links for you today.  It was hard to narrow down to one link that I wanted to feature, but the winner for me was the St. Patrick's Day Chocolate Covered Oreos.  Which one is your favorite?

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Christine at Light and Savvy - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Maisy at Becoming Alice - FB | G+ | Pin

Sheree at Stage Presents - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst

Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small Things - Pin

Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

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