Rick Dean Photography

I often get email requests for people looking for photographer suggestions whether they live here or are visiting.  I have mentioned Rick on here several times before.  As many of you know Rick and Gary are my next door neighbors and they often take pictures of me and the kids for my blog.   They also run a very successful photography business.  They specialize in weddings but they also do so many other types of photography.  They do lots of family photo shoots, engagement shoots,  and newborn sessions as well.  

The best part about working with Rick and Gary is they will immediately put you at ease and make you laugh.  They are amazing to work with, although I may be a little biased because they are my good friends too!   If you are looking for a photographer I can't say enough great things about Rick!  

I wanted to share a few pieces of Rick's work for any of you who are looking for a photographer.  

You can also check out his full website here

His bridal portraits are just stunning. 

All images via Rick Dean Photography

Thoughts for Friday

Happy Friday!  I feel like this week has flown by!  

I have to brag a little about Frances Moon and her first modeling gig with Pink Chicken.  I am such a huge fan of pink Chicken so when they asked Frances to be their model I was thrilled!  The new Spring line came out this week and her pictures are online!

I can't even handle the cuteness.  I want one of each of all the new Spring outfits!

Last night I took Sterling on a Mommy son date.  We went to dinner at Mex One and then to see Toruk, the new Cirq de Soliel show.  

They are in town through Sunday and I highly recommend it! You can still buy tickets Here for this weekend.

I am wearing:

Joie Blouse | Hyla Dewitt Necklace | McGuire jeans | Newbury Booties

The show was really cool.  A little weird but aren't all Cirq De Soleil shows a little far out??  The scenery and costumes were amazing!! Sterling said it was one of the coolest things he had seen.  He was mesmerized. 

The kids met up at intermission for funnel cakes and dipping dots ice cream.  They were in hog heaven.

A few recent favorites.

Blouse (40% off) | Mcguire Jeans | Le Specs Sunglasses | Target Shoes | Annabel Ingall Tote

I can't stop laughing about this picture of Frances Moon and her friend Anna Louis.   They clearly were not happy with the wheat flour I used in the cookies. 

I have been on a roll organizing around these house.  I ordered these drawer organizers and they are awesome for your underwear and socks.  I love opening my drawers now without crap spilling out everywhere.

My friend Marquin just came out with a new series of paintings that are stunning.  She did a painting for us that is hanging in our kitchen over my desk and I love it.  I am such a huge fan of her work! You can check out her site HERE and other paintings.

I am thinking about making these banana PB snacks for the kids this weekend.  How good do they look??

This Joie Dress that I got for Christmas is now on sale.  The perfect little white dress! 

Have a fabulous weekend! 

Food is clearly my first favorite F word:)

Obsessions

A few things I am loving lately.

Joie Lace Blouse

My mom just bought this blouse and I can't wait to borrow it.  It is even more beautiful in person, such a gorgeous blouse.

ON Embroidered Dress

I can't believe this is from Old Navy!  They are stepping up their game.  Super cute and won't break the bank at $35.

Dolce Vita Wedges

Major love for these wedges. I have decided this is the year I am going to find a pair of wedges I love.

Cleobella Clutch

I love a fun bright colored clutch in the summer.  

Ella Moss Caprice Tunic

I love the boho pattern on this tunic dress.

Vince Camuto Off Shoulder Blouse

This comes in 3 different colors and is under $100.

Steven Beach Tote

Such a cute beach tote. I love the bright colors and embroidery.

Sam Edelman Aisha Pumps

I love the fun fringe detail on these.  The black is so classic but I also love the idea of the orange as a fun pop of color.

Equipment Leopard Dress 

Of course I had to order this Equipment Dress.  I love the style and leopard print.  I am hoping to wear it to the Food and Wine Festival next weekend if the weather is not too cold!

HM Embroidered Blouse

H&M is hit or miss for me but recently I have found a few cute things there.  Love this blouse and you can't beat their prices.

Rebecca Minkoff Fringe Purse

I have been seeing this purse everywhere.  I found Amazon has some of the best prices many of the color options are 50% off.

Loft Fringe Cardigan

Right now Loft is offering buy one shirt or sweater and get the second one half off.  I love this fringe sweater.  Also comes in gray.

Banana Republic Watercolor Blouse

The colors are stunning on this blouse! 

BR Fringe Shoes

So cute and under $100.

Baublebar Earrings

I love the deep turquoise color and tassels.  They are only $38!  Such a fun statement earring.

Free People Free Falling Tee

These free people tees some of my favorite tee shirts.  I love this new charcoal color they just came out with.  The tees are so soft too!

Size down they run on the large side!

Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick

If you are looking for a pop of color I love my Yves Saint Laurent Lipstick.  It goes on smoothly and the color lasts.  I like that it has a touch of shine to it as well.

Loeffler Randall Leopard Shoes

These are on my wish list, I love them!  and they are almost 60% off right now!

Veggie Lasagna Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

My friend Erin has been raving about this recipe from Skinny Taste for weeks now.   I finally got my act together and made it (and in my toaster oven no less) this week.  If you are not familiar with Skinny Taste she has some really awesome healthy recipes and a killer cookbook.  I have cooked several of her recipes before and they are always delicious.  These were fairly simple to make and can easily be made ahead of time.  I made the filling and stuffed all the mushrooms during the day then at dinnertime all I had to do was pop them in the oven or toaster oven which I am still rocking.  Good news our gas line was run yesterday and after the city approves it we can install our new oven later this week.  The toaster oven has served me well but I am so ready to have an oven again!   

Back to the stuffed mushrooms, they are full of so much flavor and they really do taste like lasagna! 

The kids thought they tasted like pizza which is always a good thing.  Frances loved them, Sterling was so sure about the mushroom part.  I would imagine if you wanted to add meat ground beef would be delicious since they are a take on lasagna.  I served ours with Ina Garten's Parmesan broccoli and it was a really filling meat free meal.

Enjoy!

|| V E G G I E   L A S A G N A  S T U F F E D  P O R T O B E L L O  M U S H R O O M S ||

adapted via Skinny Taste

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 loose cups baby spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves chopped garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped onion ( I used 1/2 large white onion)
• 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper ( I used a whole red bell pepper)
• kosher salt
• 3/4 cup part skim ricotta
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 4 large basil leaves, chopped
• 4 large portobella mushroom caps
• 1 cup marinara sauce ( I used Raos our favorite)
• 1 cup part skim shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (I added this in because I like a touch of heat)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray a baking sheet with oil. Gently remove the stems, scoop out the gills and spray the tops of the mushrooms with oil, season with 1/8 tsp salt and fresh pepper.

Heat a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat, add oil, onion, garlic and red pepper and season with 1/8 tsp salt. Cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the baby spinach and red pepper flakes and saute until wilted, about 1 minute.

In a medium bowl add the ricotta, parmesan cheese and egg, mix well. Add the cooked vegetables and basil and mix. Stuff the mushrooms with ricotta mixture and top each with 2 tbsp marinara, 2 tbsp mozzarella.

Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Garnish with basil and enjoy!