Foodie Friday: Veggie Forward Recipes

Earth Day is this Saturday. So this Foodie Friday  features a roundup of recipes that spotlight veggies. These straight from the earth recipes are bright, zesty, crunchy, creamy, and well, just dreamy. You will want to try at least one of them this weekend.

Pasta Primavera

The perfect easy dinner for spring! Fresh lemon juice adds the brightness.

Love & Lemons

Cauliflower Tacos With Mole Sauce

Featuring my favorite veggie, this recipe is chock full of flavor and crunchy ingredients. I have never made mole. Have you? I think I will try it.

Feasting At Home

Marinated Peppers With Mint and Sesame

You will thank me for finding this recipe. It's bright from fresh lemon juice and zest, and oh so versatile. Perfect for adding on top of hummus or serving with grilled bread as above.

Martha Stewart

Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry with Thyme Honey

Oh my! Why haven't I thought of doing this before? This recipe has got to be delish with these ingredients. Cooking with puff pastry gives me such satisfaction. I know whatever it is, the pastry takes the food to another level.

Half Baked Harvest

Guacamole Salad

Consider this your new favorite dip in salad form. This is the perfect dish to accompany tacos or enchiladas. Also it is what you do with avocados that are ready to go!

How Sweet Eats

French Potato Salad

This looks like the perfect side dish for a grilled dinner. No mayo used at all! It's healthy, light, and oh so yummy thanks to tarragon, parsley, chives, and a yummy Dijon Vinaigrette.

Feasting at Home

Cheesy Baked Asparagus with Gruyere cheese, Garlic, and Bacon

Oh what a beautiful dish! This will be a side dish on repeat this spring. The recipe author asks that we don't skip the garlic. I wouldn't think of it.

Julia's Album

Spring Vegetable Jumble with Lemon-Tarragon Butter

A beautiful and easy dish that screams spring. And doesn't tarragon just add a wonderful touch to everything? 

Food52

Spring Pistachio Pesto Pizza With Asparagus & Ricotta

I always put my own homemade pesto on pizza, so I know this is a tasty addition. This pizza has spring written all over it.

How Sweet Eats

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

I just made a version of this for Easter. What makes this recipe so appealing, is that you can add whatever you want to the basic risotto recipe. My tip is to use mushrooms other than button such as porcini, shiitake, oyster etc. The more exotic, the richer the flavor.

Three Olives Branch

Roasted Mixed Potatoes with Spring Herbs and Burrata

These potatoes are elevated and dressed up for spring. I mean Burrata with potatoes? Yes please!

Half Baked Harvest

Spinach, Chive, and Yogurt Soup with Grilled Scallions

Isn't this pretty? This is a chilled soup, perfect for the warmer days ahead. The recipe comes from a Belgium restaurant, The spinach and chives are blended with ice cubes to make sure that the soup retains its' bright green color. Interesting, right?

Saveur

Spinach & Artichoke-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Am I the only person that has never made cheesy artichoke dip? The idea of having guests double dip into a bowl just never appealed to me. But these are single servings, so I can deal. Serve these with a salad, and you have a very satisfying meal.

Eating Well

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Vegetables: Recipes From Mother Nature

Mothers Day Gifts That Pamper

Many moms just don't have the time for pampering. They are too busy taking care of business at home. Any one of these products will make up for all of those moments she spent caring for your needs. And don't forget yourself. Your wish list starts here.

 

La Collection Privée Christian Dior 
10 iconic Dior scents are presented in this refined case. Each fragrance features it's own character and scent. It's a very exciting gift that will sure to make any woman feel special. Sold exclusively at

Dior

Gwyneth Paltrow's Spa Day Kit

If Mom is too busy for a day dedicated just for herself, give her this kit. She can take a spa hour or minute on her own time at home. It's clean beauty and just what Gwyneth uses in her own routine. The kit includes six beauty essentials for hair, body and complexion. She'll love it all, especially the Martini Bath Soak! Cheers to you, Mom.

Goop

Nuface Mini Supercharged Set
Mom doesn't have time for a facelift, but she surely has 5 minutes. There is magic in this micro-current  beauty tool. I own it (without the handy case and beauty brush). Each time I use it, my face feels and looks slightly lifted. It's doing nice things for my crows feet, too. It will lift, contour, and tone mom's skin. 

NuFace

 2 in 1 Bathtub Caddy & Bed Tray

Let Calgon take her away! You may never see mom after she gets some quiet bathtime with the luxury of this natural bamboo caddy. There is space for everything she might need, cell phone, tablet, book wine glass and more. A great gift for under $80.

Etsy

Dyson Special Edition Supersonic

Hair Dryer
Give Mom the ultimate blowout. This item has been on my wish list for years. It is the Mercedes Benz of hair dryers. It protects hair from heat damage, drys hair with lighting speed, adds shine and it is very lightweight. Here are three ways to buy this pampering product: Sephora Insiders save 10% - 20%. A slightly different model with same attachments and exact price But on 5 easy pays at QVC. Or go for your points at Saks Fifth Avenue

Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask

Just the look of this mask is luxe. Besides giving you a gorgeous glow, it lifts and firms. Mom will feel as if she is dripping in gold.

Peter Thomas Roth  and  Sephora

Ultimate Wellbeing 10-Piece Bath & Shower Oil Collection

Give Mom up to 30 bath or shower experiences. from Aromatherapy Associates.  There is a scent for every one of mom's moods. These oils will relax, energize, warm, and soothe.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Essential Oils Starter Kit

Dr. Axe pure organic oils are part of my daily routine for my body and soul. The scents are pure and relaxing. Each one of these offer pain relief, mood lifting, skin healing, and more without one single chemical. Perfect for  those mamas who are into healthy alternatives, like me!

Ancient Nutrition

Olaplex Hair Repair Kit
This new-ish brand already has a cult following. I haven't tried it yet, but I am thinking about it. If Mom stresses about her tresses, she will certainly love receiving this kit. Now on sale at

Look Fantastic

Calming Lavender Heat Pillow

God only knows how many headaches we have given our moms over the years. This under $40 gift will make up for it. She will warm up the pillow in the microwave, and then place it anywhere that needs calming with the natural scent of lavender. A great gift that will keep giving one headache at a time.

Uncommon Goods

 Hatch Mama Must Haves

Beauty is only skin deep, and that's the point of these products. This set features everything your skin and body needs during your pregnancy and after. Very safe for baby, too.

Hatch Collection and Credo Beauty

Crown Affair Hair Fragrance

A little something different is always a good thing. Mom doesn't know that she would love this, but she will. Inside this very chic bottle is a mood boosting blend of bergamot, yuzu, and lemongrass. The result is a halo of refreshing scent around your hair. How lovely!

Goop

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Mother's Day Gift Guide: All The Pretty Things

Sneaking Into Spring.......

Rain or shine, sneakers seem to be here to stay. I have been a bit slow to step into the trend, but I do have a few fashion pairs. Today we are making a style statement in sneakers. This spring it's chic to be comfy! Here are some of my faves.

 

Golden Goose Superstars

One of the most coveted brands is Golden Goose. I love them, too. Of course, they are pricey, but they are just so fun. Find a stylish selection for both men and women.

Bergdorf Goodman

Michele Lopriore Gemma Sneakers

You can go ahead and buy the Golden Goose styles for almost $600 or buy these for $295. I have a version of these and everyone thinks they are Golden Goose. Super comfy!

Michele Lopriore

Michele Lopriore Joa Sneaker

Another Michele cute and comfortable style. I am really loving the chain detail! Also available in black with gold chains. Oh I can't decide on just one color!

Michele Lopriore

Ash Lace High Tops

So fun and feminine! Wear these with a denim skirt 

Neiman Marcus

AG Trotter Techno Sneakers

These transparent sneakers are fabulous in my book. They are called blush pink and white. Can you see the pink? Expensive with a certain elegance about them

Farfetch

Ted Baker Artel

Leather and ever so lovely for Spring.

Ted Baker

Stuart Weitzman Ryan Crystal Sneaker

Effortlessly glam but still classically chic in white leather. Take 25% off with Code: SPRINGSHOES25. Sold exclusively at

Stuart Weitzman

P448 Gemma Sneakers

Add a big pop of pink and more colors to your spring outfits. Super fun!

Free People

AGL Mandi Cutout Platform Sneaker 

If you haven't tried the brand yet, they are known for their high level of comfort. And I can attest to that. Loving the cutout pattern on these.

Nordstrom  and  Bloomingdales

P448 Star Floral

Garden party perfect! Loving the mix of blooms and shades of spring.

P448

Jimmy Choo Verona Sneaker

With a sparkling crystal strap, these sneakers shine above the rest. And so does their price tag. 

Bergdorf Goodman  and Jimmy Choo

The Sidny Rhinestone Sneaker

These sparkly sneakers can be paired with your favorite dress to your fave jeans. Available in 9 shiny shades and prints. Best yet, they are $89.

Betsey Johnson

Veja Esplar Sneaker

The V stands for very cool. For the last 18 months or so, these sneaks have been hot! More hip than haute, they would work with all of our sporty wardrobes. Available in many color combos.

Saks Fifth Avenue

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Embellished Fashion Flats