Delish: Spinach Ravioli Lasagna

"The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later you're hungry again."
-George Miller

I love Sunday! It is easily my favorite day of the week. I look forward to relaxing, spending time with family and getting ready for the upcoming week.

Our Sunday's always include family dinner, and normally that means a big meal my mom makes over at my parents house. This week though, my sister and her boyfriend were is Vegas, so we decided to give my mom a break, and had her and my dad to our place for dinner instead!

When I mentioned to my dad that I would be doing dinner this week, he started telling me about something he had seen on the Food Network that he thought I might like... Vegetarian Lasagna made with cheese ravioli in place of lasagna noodles. It sounded so delicious, I decided to try it out.

After a bit of searching on line, I just couldn't find a recipe I was completely in love with, so I decided to make it up. I've made a ton of lasagna over the years, so I basically just substituted the ravioli into it. It turned out great! It was gooey and cheesy and had just the right amount of spinach a spice.

Yum. I could have eaten my weight in this stuff!

Below is the recipe for what I ended up with, but you could easily use your favorite lasagna recipe as a starting point as well.

Spinach and Cheese Ravioli Lasagna

1 package chopped frozen spinach
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 cups dry cottage cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large "family package" cheese ravioli
2 jars spicy red pepper tomato sauce
2 cups grated mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

-Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta.
-Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and move oven rack to middle of oven.
-Defrost the spinach for 10 minutes in the microwave.
-While spinach is defrosting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and the garlic. Saute garlic in oil 1 minute, then sprinkle spinach into the garlic oil and heat through.
-Cook ravioli to al dente, 5 to 6 minutes in salted water and drain pasta well.
-In a baking dish, ladle just enough sauce in the bottom of dish to lightly coat it. Arrange a layer of pasta to cover. Top the pasta with a layer of the spinach, then cottage cheese. Thinly cover with more sauce then top liberally with grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers 3 times, then top your lasagna with the remaining sauce and some grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
-Place into a preheated 425 degree F oven until cheese browns and sauce bubbles, 10 minutes.
-Let stand a few minutes to set before serving.
-Enjoy!

This dish is as easy and quick to make as it delicious! It only took about 15 minutes to prep and then 10 minutes in the oven. It would be great for a quick weeknight meal.

It's such a simple change to everyday lasagna, but I promise you won't be disappointed!


Photo credit: allyou.com

The Simple Things: Ten Things To Do In June (Part Two)

“It is always the simple things that change our lives.”
-Donald Miller

I really hope you liked the first five "Things" featured on yesterday's post! It was really hard to narrow this months list down to ten things... I have so many ideas! I guess you'll just have to wait until July to read about the rest!


Here is the second part of the Ten Things to do in June:

6. De-clutter you closet

Closets can become our own personal black holes... full of all our old, badly fitting, out of style, mismatched things we just cannot bear to part with. Well, the time has come to de-clutter! Start by organizing everything by keep, storage, donate or garbage. Go through everything, and look at each piece critically... Be hard on yourself. Don't keep anything because you feel sorry for it! Finish by re-stocking your closet by category.

7. Protect your skin

Let's face it, every summer we can hardly wait to get outside to play and have fun. But before we do, it's important that we plan our daily sun protection. By practicing sun protection every day you can avoid sun related damage such as cancer, skin problems, poor eyesight and premature aging. Your sun protection plan should include wearing a hat, applying sunscreen to your face and body, wearing sunglasses, avoiding tanning and always seeking out shade if possible. This will promote healthier skin and a healthier you.

8. Go on a picnic

Think of nature as an extension of our living rooms. Why not throw a blanket in your car and keep it for impromptu picnics! A picnic is a great way to relax and reconnect with the people you love. Because picnics are outside they not only offer beautiful backdrops and fresh air, but also serves as the change that allows us to rejuvenate. You don't have to be super outdoorsy to enjoy a picnic either, try just stepping out your own back door.

9. Drink tea

If you find you are stressed out, cutting back on caffeine can help. If you're a coffee drinker, opt for the much healthier choices, herbal, green and black tea. Want to chill out? Drink them iced! Using fruit juice to sweeten the tea is a great alternative to sugar. Try this delicious Raspberry Rosehip Iced Tea pictured to the left!

10. Take the afternoon off

Wednesday June 2nd was National Leave-The-Office-Early Day, so why not do just that! Choose a day in June, clear your schedule and see where a free weekday afternoon will take you! The possibilities are endless, and it will leave you feeling refreshed and less stressed!


I really hope that these lists are fun to read and maybe motivate a few of you to simplify life just a little!

I'd love to hear your ideas for simple things that can make us feel better body, mind and soul! Leave a comment below or send me a message! Maybe I can feature you on Truly, Madly, Deeply!



Photo Credit:
Window & Picnic: marthastewart
Closet: evadesigns
Sunblock: buzzle
Tea & Bike: body+soul

The Simple Things: Ten Things To Do In June (Part One)

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."
- Vincent Van Gogh

June is finally here!

I'm really hoping that its arrival means the end of all the horrible weather we've been getting and the start of summer.

Snow on my birthday just isn't right!

Now that we're officially into June (and hopefully the summer as well), I thought it might be nice to start a new feature on Truly, Madly, Deeply. A list of small and simple things we can do each month that will help us to feel better body, mind and soul!

I'm hoping that the "Ten Things" can become a regular post on my blog. I absolutely love the idea of making small changes or performing small acts toward a more whole way of living. It just seems so much less overwhelming when you break it down this way... more simple! And I'm all about simple. Most of us have way too little simple in our lives these days!

This post is really long, so I've decided to break it into two parts. I'll post part one now and part two tomorrow!

So, for the first installment, here is my list of Ten Things to do in June (Part 0ne):

1. Switch to pretty summer sheets

It's time to remove those cozy winter sheets from your bed now the weather is warming up. Get your bedroom ready for summer with a set of light, cool, crisp sheets. Try adding some life to your bedroom with a set of floral sheets... They last longer than fresh flowers!

2. Have some berries

Berries are full of healthy antioxidants, and in June they just so happen to be in season and inexpensive! Eat them alone or try them in salads, fruit salsas and of course desserts! There are an endless variety of berries out there, so be adventurous and try something new!

3. Bake a better dessert

Eating well is about keeping things simple. Making little changes to our favourite foods means delicious, healthier options. You shouldn't have to give up the food you love to be healthy! This Beetroot Chocolate Fudge cake is guilt free chocolate perfection! Even my skeptical sweet-toothed father is a fan!

4. Exercise outside

Getting outdoor exercise can be more beneficial for mood and self-esteem than doing the same thing indoors. Fresh air, vitamin D from the sunshine and wide open spaces are just a few reasons why taking a workout outside makes you feel so good. Go for a walk, do some yoga in your backyard or even start a group workout at the park with friends. Get outside and play!

5. Quench your thirst

Water is the secret to good health! Proper hydration improves mental clarity, enhances digestion, softens your skin, slows the aging process and helps to control body weight. All systems in the body perform at their best with good hydration. Still, it's always a challenge to stay hydrated in the summer. New research advises you ditch counting glasses and instead let your thirst be your guide. Can't get much simpler than that!


Check back here later to see six through ten of my June list...




Photo Credit:
Hammock - marthastewart
Sheets - jcpenny
Berries - berry101
Cake - channel4
Walk - body+soul
Water - potobank

Tuesday Morning Must Have: Jack Johnson's To The Sea

"You and your heart, Shouldn’t feel so far apart"
-Jack Johnson

Today is a super exciting day!

After waiting over two years, Jack Johnson has finally come out with a new album! I can't even tell you how elated I am!

I'm a huge fan of Jack Johnson, and since I listen to his music on a daily basis, it will be nice to have a few new songs in the rotation!

I'm sure almost everyone is familiar Jack Johnson's surf inspired, beachy acoustic music, but if you haven't had a chance to check it out, I highly recommend you do! It really is the perfect summer soundtrack. It's laid back sound, chilled out lyrics and the occasional steel drum solo, make it the perfect choice for everything from a day at the beach to a backyard barbeque.

To The Sea definitely doesn't disappoint! It is Jack's fifth studio album, and was recorded in two of his very own solar powered studios. Did I mention that I love this guy? This album also happens to feature one of my other favorite singer/songwriter's Zach Gill on the piano.

Here is a list of the tracks on To The Sea:

You and Your Heart
To The Sea
No Good With Faces
At Or With Me
When I Look Up
From The Clouds
My Little Girl
Turn Your Love
The Upsetter
Red Wine, Mistakes, Mythology
Pictures Of People Taking Pictures
Anything But The Truth
Only The Ocean

You may have heard You and Your Heart on the radio over the last few weeks. It's such a great song!

Jack Johnson's To The Sea was released today, and is available for purchase from his website, for download at iTunes or online at Amazon.

Happy Birthday to ME!

"Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that was invested in you at birth is present once again."
-Menachem Mendel Schneerson

I turned twenty eight over the weekend!

Typically I love birthday's, but for some reason, I just wasn't looking forward to this one!

I'm not sure what was bothering me about this year, but I just wasn't as excited as I usually am! Normally I plan a big party with all my friends, have a big dinner with my family, go for a date with Chris... basically, I drag out my birthday for as long as possible! But this year I didn't plan anything, I just wasn't in the mood!

It's amazing how life continues to amaze me... Without any planning or excitement on my end this year, I managed to have one of the nicest birthdays I've ever had!

On Saturday, after sleeping in shamelessly until 11 am, I spent the whole day catching up on the TV I had PVR'ed over the last two crazy weeks. Chris went out an bought me a birthday cake, and we decided to eat it for dinner and dessert... That alone might have made the weekend, but on Sunday, my sister organized a brunch for me with at Newport Grill all of my friends! I can't even begin to tell you how blissful I felt as I sat eating my belgium waffles with vanilla bean whipped cream and raspberries and looking around at all the amazing people I have in my life.

I am one lucky girl!

I can't even think of a better way to start my next 365 day journey around the sun, than surrounded by all the people I love!

It's going to be an amazing year... I can feel it!

(A bit late) Long Weekend Week: Packing List

"I travel light; as light, that is, as a man can..."
-Christopher Fry (b.1970) British playwright

Packing is by far the worst part of any trip.

I'm one of those people who likes to decide what I'm going to wear each day depending on lots of things... the weather, the day’s events, my mood... So I find it agonizing to try and plan out what I will need for a trip. I'm also a bit of an over planner (a staircase as Chris not so affectionately calls me) and I need to have every outfit to be decided ahead of time, so I can make sure I have all the underpinnings and accessories I will need!

Out of necessity more than anything, I’ve come up with a must have packing list.

The items on this list are what I consider wardrobe basics… pack these and all you'll need is to throw in a few fun or colourful pieces and you are good to go! All the articles listed can be interpreted to fit you’re personal style; you just want the basic idea!

The List:

1. Skinny Jeans



I love these classic J. Crew matchstick jeans


2. Boyfriend Blazer



Mine is really similar to this Halogen Boyfriend Blazer from Nordstrom


3. Maxi Dress




So comfy... but looks so good! I have this Victoria Secret Halter version in Black


4. Basic Tee



This American Eagle V-neck Favorite T is awesome! You can layer it or wear it on its own... Plus you can actually throw it in the dyer with no shrink!


5. Long Cardigan



I always go for a black cardigan, but you can add some colour here if you want. I love the American Apparel Solid Rib Cardigan


6. Ballet Flats



I live in ballet flats! These Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flats are super comfortable and super stylish!

7. Basic Tank



I always make sure I pack a couple of layering tanks. I love the fit of the Garage Sheer Cami, and for under $10 you really can't go wrong!


8. Wrap or Scarf



I love having a wrap with me when I travel! It can easily double as a blanket when you're cold, and if you get hot you can loop it on to your handbag! I am loving the colour and texture of this Love Quotes Linen Scarf available at Tobi


9. Sunglasses



I like classic sunglasses that are a bit hip, so I usually go for a pair of Aviator or Wayfarer Ray Bans.


10. Leggings



These Lululemon Wunder Under Pants are so comfortable and fit amazingly! These are not only great for traveling... if you don't have a pair already, you should!


11. Shorts



A great pair of shorts can easily go from day to night if you pick the right style and fabric. I would choose a pair like these Linen Tie Shorts from Forever 21. Great with flats during the day, and then dress them up with heels for the evening! Va va voom!

12. Heels



I just got this pair of Spriggle heels by Spring and I am in love! They look so hot, but are comfortable enough I can dance in them all night!


I find that with this basic wardrobe, I never stress out about having nothing to wear. Pack a few fun tops, dresses and accessories as well and the outfit options are endless!

Happy Packing!


Photo credit: replicapot.com

So sorry... Can't talk!

It's been such a crazy busy day! I'm so sorry I didn't have time to post today's Long Weekend Week post! I promise to try and update tomorrow!

Until then, I hope you enjoy this fabulous photo of one of my favorite style icons Victoria Beckham... She looks almost as busy as me, although the killer stilettos would really slow me down!


Photo Credit: Glamour