Okay, I know I’ve already gushed about the White Balsamic dressing from Girard’s enough this week.  But I have to tell you how I used it for lunch today…plus this sandwich was just too pretty, especially with that red background.  Had to grab the camera.

Baguette, dressing on both sides of the bread, fresh mozzarella (with salt & pepper on top), sliced grape tomatoes, baby greens. Scrumptious.

Girard’s White Balsamic Salad Dressing is my new favorite.  Mmm mmm mmm. It’s slightly sweet and just plain yummy.

Last night I whipped up a salad with baby greens, fresh parmesan, grape tomatoes, candied pecans and this dressing. Nate and I couldn’t get enough.  (PS…I also love their Light Champagne and regular Caesar dressings. Both are AWESOME.)

I opened iPhoto to see what delicious food I was going to share with you today. And then I saw these photos.

While touring Carmel & Monterey with Nate’s parents, Cate asked for the camera.  My initial reaction…NO.  Then Nate said, “Come on, it’s no big deal…and she’ll love it.” So I let go and gave her the camera. And Nate was right. It wasn’t a big deal. Cate had a blast. And now I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 totally awesome, frenetic, funny, adorable pictures snapped by my cutie pie.

Moral of the story? Let go.

Do I get to make a wish because it’s week 1-1-1?

I’m visiting some friends this weekend to see their new baby (who is adorable and sweet, of course!). We made around 30 of these amazing chocolate chip oatmeal cookies on Friday night. And this is all that’s left. I think I need to go to a CCCA meeting…um, yeah, that would be Chocolate Chip Cookies Anonymous for those of you with more self-control than I.

MONDAY:
- Hawaiian pizza

TUESDAY:
- Fajitas

WEDNESDAY:
- Spaghetti & Meatballs

THURSDAY:
- Leftovers

FRIDAY:
- Costco Roasted Chicken
- Mashed potatoes
- Veggie or salad

SATURDAY:
- eat out

SUNDAY:
-Hamburgers

My menu is pretty simple this week…because I’m too busy holding a newborn.  Makes me a little baby hungry…not THAT baby hungry.  Time for your menus!

About a year ago I told you about my favorite e-invitation website, Pingg.  Since then I’ve grown more in love with the site.  Pingg has more functionality than E-Vite, and it’s just plain prettier.  Plus, as a graphic designer, I can make up my own designs and plop them in.  It’s awesome.  I also used Pingg to send e-cards out to friends at Christmas. They were so cute.

Pingg just earned a few more points with me this week…Martha Stewart invites and e-cards are now available. Aren’t they lovely?

Definitely go check out these new designs and start using Pingg…now.  I’ll not rest until you are all converted!

Doesn’t this mac & cheese look soooo good?  Wanna know why?

It’s the breadcrumbs!  Well, it’s a good recipe, too.  But I do have a new love: Panko breadcrumbs. I know I’m way behind the times on these puppies, but I finally picked up a box this week.  They were absolutely delish.  They crisped up so nicely and have great texture. I can’t wait to try them for other recipes, like my Chicken Parmesan. My mouth is watering already.

We have new, super friendly neighbors from Argentina. We dropped off chocolate chip cookies as a little welcoming gift.  A few days later we found a thank you note and a bag of Havanna Alfajores on our doorstep.  It’s a cookie ‘sandwich’ with caramel inside, then dipped in meringue. Our neighbors told us that these cookies are very Argentinian.  A fun treat for us!

Cate did not like her first bite…but apparently they’ve grown on her. She just put away an entire alfajor in 2 minutes flat. They are quite tasty, I LOVE the packaging, and the cookie is just pretty. They made for some excellent photo subjects!

Nate’s parents have gone home and I’m sad. It was a fantastic week and I can’t believe it’s over. Thanks for everything, Pat & Herm!

This photo is a teaser. I can’t tell you about the tomato soup yet. Trust me, I want to, but I can’t. Not yet. Don’t worry, I will soon!

On to the menu!  This week is based a lot on using up food I have sitting in the fridge.  I’m attempting to be resourceful…

MONDAY:
- Hawaiian pizza

TUESDAY:
- Homemade mac & cheese
- Spinach salad w/pomegranate seeds & candied pecans, complete with Brianna’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette

WEDNESDAY:
- Fajitas

THURSDAY:
- Leftovers

FRIDAY:
- Pasta Salad (with grapes, cherry tomatoes, mandarin oranges, green onions, slivered almonds, cubed chicken, balsamic vinaigrette)
- French bread

SATURDAY:
- eat out

SUNDAY:
- Hot Dogs (yeah, I know, fancy Sunday dinner)
- Crudités & dip (fresh, raw veggies sound good right now)
- Smoothies

Can’t wait to see your menus for the week!