I SO needed a BREAK!

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I'm sure many of you that work in education are feeling the same level of joy that I am at this particular moment!  It was definitely time for a VERY MUCH needed break!  Luckily I am off for the next 10 days...and the best part is that I don't have too much planned.  

Here is my Spring Break 2013 to-do list:

-RELAX!!!

-Go to the gym

-Work on my tan

-Read

-Catch up on all things blog related - (reading my favorite blogs, and scheduling my own posts)

-Cook some yummy things

-Work stuff - (possible retention list, grade recovery schedule changes, prepare for FCAT test administrator training)

-Family time down in South Florida 

-Go to the beach

Honestly, I don't even mind the fact that I had to take some work home with me...as long as I can do it in my own time from the comfort of my couch, or sitting poolside!  Baby Sko is going to love all of this relaxation time...I can't wait to be able to just sit still and feel my little fishy swimming around in my belly.  I'm already in love!!!!  

Do any of you have big plans for the break???

Avocado Ripeness

Yup, I definitely just checked to be sure "ripeness" is a word...it just seemed like something I would make up (it checked out)!  A while back I came across this image on Pinterest, and since Baby Sko is the size of an avocado this week...I thought it would be the perfect time to share it with you all!  It must be a pretty large avocado, because baby sure is growing FAST all of a sudden!!!  

I just LOVE avocados, and thought this was extremely helpful!  I'm not a fan of making that judgement call on whether or not something is ripe enough, so this is definitely a handy chart for me!  Usually I try to buy them at the light to medium green stage, then I do the trick where I put them in a brown paper bag for a day or two so they ripen faster.  Okay, I'm thinking now that I need some avocados on the menu somehow next week...already thinking ahead!  

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Party like it's 1990...and enter to win an $80 Target gift card!!!

Giveaway time!!! 

Thanks so much to Annie from Annie One Can Cook for putting this together...and of course Happy HAPPY Birthday to her!

I'm psyched to be a part of her special Birthday Giveaway!  :)

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Kristine, Melanie, Christina, Dara, Stephanie, Dara, Tessa & Annie are ready to party like it's 1990--are you?!

Annie (Annie One Can Cook), Melanie (Van Wynsberg Nest), Stephanie (Never the Same Spice Twice), Dara (Not in Jersey), Dana (Lil Family Blog), Tessa (Tessacotton), Kristine (Heart Shaped Sweat) & Christina (Juggling Real Food and Real Life)

All of the lovely ladies listed above have pitched in for an $80 gift card to Target! That's an adorable new wardrobe! Or new home decor! Follow the Rafflecopter below to enter! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Is ANYTHING cooking this week? (& 5 Favorites!)

Has anyone noticed I've been slacking on my usual Sunday routine?  The in-laws are in town, and we have been having such a great weekend with them that I haven't even thought about food...for the week.  Alright fine, I've been thinking plenty about food...just not about what I need to be making for the rest of the week.  Mom and Dad Sko will be in town until Tuesday, then I suppose I will figure something out for hubby and I for dinner.  I guess in a way I am taking the week off in the meal planning department.  Instead, I though I would just share 5 of my favorite past recipes!  YUM! 

1.  Italian Wedding Soup

2.  Broccoli Pasta w/ Sun-dried Tomatoes and Parmesan

3.  Parmesan Crusted Chicken Caesar Salad

4.  Bro Sco's Black Bean Burgers

5.  Sunday Sauce

Mmmmmm.....all of that inspires me to get back into the kitchen.  However, I'm going to enjoy this little "break" while it lasts!  I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead!  :)

Caprese Chicken Panini

In my opinion, you just CAN'T go wrong when it comes to fresh mozzarella and tomato!  I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner!  I have made this panini before without the chicken, and it is still a favorite of mine!  This is the first time I tried adding a little mayo to my pesto...it was great, but also okay if you leave it out of course!  

Mmmm...wish I still had some of this left!

Ingredients:

Panini:

4 Grilled Boneless Chicken Breasts

4 Ciabatta Rolls 

Fresh Mozzarella - 4 slices (about 1/2 inch thick)

1 large tomato - sliced

roasted red peppers - about 1 cup sliced

balsamic vinegar - for drizzling

Pesto Aioli:

1 cup of packed basil leaves

1 tbsp. of toasted pine nuts

1 garlic clove

1 tsp of lemon juice

1 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup of light mayo

Directions:

1.  Prepare Pesto Aioli by pulsing all ingredients in a food processor until smooth (add extra olive oil if needed).

2.  Spread aioli on each side of the ciabatta.  On bottom slice of ciabatta assemble panini with chicken, a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and some roasted red pepper.  Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar, then top with other side of the ciabatta.

3.  Cook the panini on a panini press until golden brown, and cheese inside just starts to melt.  

***I added a slice of prosciutto to hubby's...he LOVED it!