Pizzazza

Though it has Italian roots, it will always be an American favorite, and defiantly a football season must! PIZZA! But not all pizza comes from a delivery boy or the freezer section. Homemade pizza is the best, and a favorite of ours. 

Ingredients:

dough store bought is cheap and easy! Fresh and Easy is the best.
sauce (I haven't tried doing homemade so store bought is all I can offer) I have tried not only the red sauce but pesto or just olive oil as alternatives as well.
shredded mozzarella cheese or other cheese combination's you like. Get creative!
toppings this is the fun part, anything in the world you'd like to put on your pizza! I am always a fan of fresh sliced tomatoes, grilled chicken sausage and arugula.
seasoning fresh cracked pepper is always a must, but Italian seasonings and crushed red pepper are goodies too.
You will also need a pizza stone. Either Pampered Chef or Sur La Table have good ones.


Directions:
First start the grill and place the pizza stone on the grill once it's hot! Then pour corn meal on your pizza tray, this will keep it from sticking to the stone. Next roll out the dough, use flour to keep it from sticking. Then pour on the sauce, and top with a good portion of shredded mozzarella and other cheeses. Now is when you want to add most of the toppings, any meat or veggies... top with cheese again! Put the pizza on the stone that has been warming on the grill. Cover and let cook 8 -10 minutes. I recommend tossing the spinach, arugula or basil on for just the last minute or so. Remove from grill and serve! Delicious!!  
 


Ciao, 
M.E.

Busy Bee

We have family in town, so I can't focus my attentions tonight.... Hopefully Erin can take up my slack, in the mean time here is a super easy task!:)

Create a silhouette of a child, dog, or handsome fella.....all you have to do is print out a pic, cut it out, trace on to any color paper and budda bing! This look is an old-fashioned tradition that has become totally modern and funky....

Ciao,

M.E.

Sunday Funday!

HOLY COW!!! 
 As you all know I recently returned from a farm, and while that farm did not have animals it struck up a love for barn yard animals! Thus, the newest addition to my home... 
 I had this big empty wall in my kitchen that was just aching for something original. And a giant Chalkboard cow was just the ticket. 
 I am lucky enough to have an artfully gifted brother (thanks Brett) that was able to sketch out the cow for me. Then a quick trip to Home Depot for the chalkboard paint. I did the outline first and then just a few coats of the paint and BLAM! My new beefy friend. 
 I also happen to have a sister-in-law that is rather witty, so my cow is now decorated in chalk with a butchers beef cut chart.

The reason for my tardiness this week was that my beautiful nephews were here to play with their favorite Aunt E! Check out Wyatt's new haircut! 
 

Ciao, 
M.E. 

OMG!

It's Friday Night and I have missed my blogging... 

 
I have had one too many glasses of wine and at a major loss for words. My deepest apologies, but I promise a special Saturday post tomorrow...  

I take sole blame... -Erin

Party like a rockstar

Kid's Birthday Bash

Hosting a child's birthday party can be as simple or detailed as you want it to be! Just make sure that your main focus is keeping the kids

entertained.....

We recently hosted a 3rd birthday train party to die for, and boy did we have fun!

It is so easy to make it your own....

• Pick a theme

• Find favors that correlate with your theme

• Bake a cake or cupcakes in the shape or style of your theme

Get a million balloons, you can never go wrong with balloons

• Do some easy to coordinate kid's games

• A pinata, HELLO!

• Make some adult drinks (you will need them)

• Have everyone bring a dish, potluck style, it makes the party planning so much easier

• Dress up the birthday boy, or girl to go with the theme, they will be the main attraction

• HAVE FUN!!!

Ciao,

M.E.

One foot in front of the other...

Get off your butt, and get outside! The weather is starting to shift and our Arizona nights are going to be enjoyable again! So get out there and practice that thing you learned to do when you were 1 year old.... oh yeah, WALKING! It's free and doesn't require any special equipment, so take advantage while you can.

Never underestimate the importance of walking. According to Cambridge Community Development here are just a few of the benefits of a long stroll.

• good for your heart
• improves circulation
• helps breathing
• combats depression
• bolsters the immune system
• helps prevent osteoporosis
• helps prevent and control diabetes
• helps control weigh

So it's time to hit the streets. And you could even exercise your mind by having a walking companion to discuss the ever changing wonders of the world or just some good ol' fashion gossip, you choose. And don't forget Fido either, all dogs need exercise too so pick up the leash grab your sneakers and get goin'!


Remember to always practice safety first, never walk alone after dark and carry a cell phone. 

ENJOY! 


Caio, 


M.E.

Fast Food

Fresh and easy!


I am painting tonight, which means no time to make a gourmet meal for the fam, but I hate the idea of just going through a drive-thru!

So I will make this short and sweet tonight. Visit Hillside Spot, one of the newest additions to the restaurant selection in Ahwatukee. You can enjoy amazing food that is fresh, quick, organic and locally grown. They completely support local farmers and businesses, and I have been overly excited about every dish I have tried! Hillside Spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner-please try the pulled pork san

dwich-delish.....

4740 E Warner PHX AZ 85044

Sun-Thur 6:30a-9p, Fri-Sat 6:30a-10p

Letusknow@Hillsidespot.com

480.705.SPOT

Ciao,

M.E.