Subject to inspection and appraisal...

we have a house! After 6 months of searching, studying locations, crunching numbers, and planning for our big move, we have found the perfect house for the 2 of us(4 if you include the pups). This house is perfect for us because it is our house, in which we can create memories, and make it our own. We found out the sellers accepted our offer last Friday, and our closing date is at the end of January. Our inspection is this Wednesday, so please keep your fingers crossed. The house is only 4 years old so we aren't expecting anything major, but I am still nervous. Here is a photo of our biggest purchase to date...

P.S. The shutters and front door are all the same color, despite the coloring in the photograph :)

Along with being busy at work, I have been doing a lot of cooking/creating in the kitchen. I am really looking forward to having my own kitchen to cook in, along with having my own space. I have SO many recipes I can't wait to try out, and thanks to B's mom, I am now the proud owner of two more boxes of books to add to my collection!

Working 40+ hours a week, going to the gym, taking care of multiple dogs, executing the daily household chores, all while trying to maintain a social life can be hectic. We all have those days where we get home, exhausted, and don't know what to whip up for dinner. I had one of those days last week and threw together this super simple, but tasty meal.

It is more of a summer salad due to its fruit selections, but you can enjoy it any time of the year with the right choice of fruit.

Summer Salad
Salad Ingredients:
Bag of fresh spinach or arugula salad
Handful of freshly sliced strawberries
Handful of blueberries
1/4 cup of pecans (or cashews)
2 grilled & sliced chicken cutlets (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:
3/4 cup of olive oil
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
1 T chopped garlic
Dash of sugar
Dash of salt & black pepper

Toss together freshly washed spinach, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, and chicken. In separate bowl, whip the vinegar while adding in the garlic, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add in the olive oil while whisking. Toss dressing on salad, and serve immediately.

I also served this salad with gorgonzola garlic bread. It is so easy to make, and puts a different twist on your average garlic bread.


Gorgonzola Garlic Bread
Ingredients:
1/4 cup margarine (softened)
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
1 T chopped garlic
1 T chopped basil
Dash of salt & black pepper
1 baguette, cut into slices

Parmesan cheese (optional)

Whip together the margarine and cheese. After chopping the garlic, add in this along with the basil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cheese mixture on top of the sliced baguette pieces. Place into 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted. For extra flavor, you can top slices with parmesan cheese upon removing from the oven.

Happy cooking!