Happy Sunday and Happy Mother’s Day! I want to take a minute to say thanks to my mother. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her. She has inspired me in so many ways. Love you mom!
Any special plans for Mother’s Day? Tonight, I am going over to my parents. Were doing presents and take out. I can’t wait! Do you have any special Mother’s Day traditions?
I had a pretty low key weekend which is always nice. My next few weekends are jam packed: wine event, book club, bridal shower, wedding…and the list goes on. I will be sure to blog all my adventures.
This Saturday I joined my sister and a few of her friends for dinner and drinks. My sister had another coupon at Buca Di Beppo for $10 off off the entire meal. It’s funny cause I haven’t gone to Buca Di Beppo in years and then I ended up going twice over a few months.
Of course, bread to start. Why can’t I resist the bread. So warm and soft…just too good to pass up. I ended up having two pieces.
Between the fours of us, we split 3 small dishes. For starters, we decided to go with the salad we had last time.
Chopped Antipasto Salad
Diced pepperoni, red onions, pepperoncini peppers, cucumbers, provolone, feta and Gorgonzola cheeses, tossed with our fresh lettuce blend in our signature Italian vinaigrette.
Chicken Marsala
Sautéed chicken breasts and fresh mushrooms in a sweet Marsala wine reduction
Chicken Carbonara
Tender chicken breast, prosciutto and peas with imported Italian spaghetti tossed in our creamy Alfredo sauce.
If these are the “small” dishes, what does the large look like?
Here is my plate. I ate salad first and didn’t take a picture (oops). I had about 2 cups of the salad.
The dinner plates they give you are so big they look like serving platters. Did you know they have done studies where if people are given larger plates, they will end up eating more. I guess it is common sense, but we can sometimes forget how the size of the plate can also affect our portion as well.
After dinner we went to a locals place in Vegas called Blue Martini. It is a fun bar. They have live music and outdoor seating which is so nice this time of year.
I ordered the Mango Martini and it was so good..not too strong.
I had to show you a picture of my sister’s drink. She ordered a “Blue Martini” and blue it was..and super strong. I thought it was funny cause it had a glow stick in it.
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Oooo! Thanks for the chicken salad dressing! I always just use nonfat Greek and spicy mustard…this dressing is definitely an easy healthy change that I can use! I’m so excited to try it! And glad you had some quality gal time–there’s nothing better!
That mango martini sounds yummy. So is jump rope a class? How fun. Hope you get your weights in!
It is a 30 minute class at my gym. Even though it is 3o minutes, it is tough! I love it and wish my gym offered it more often.
My mom’s actually coming down next weekend, so we’re celebrating in person then
I’m glad you had a fun, relaxing weekend!
I LOVE chicken marsala!! It reminds me of my childhood because that was one of the few dinners my dad actually cooked. He loved to make that and chili, both were delicious.
Your chicken salad sounds fantastic! I love mayo free chicken salad, Greek yogurt is always better.
Did you do your lifting?? I hope so!!!
My weight lifting definitely back fired. I think it was something I ate, but I have been sick all day. So I guess I have a good excuse. I need to make it up for sure!!
Looks like a nice dinner at Buccas. I am jealous, as usual, that you went to the blue martini, in fact that you were any where near town square.
I’m totally bookmarking this recipe for salmon salad!!
Bucca isn’t my favorite simply because i always feel like they’re trying to feed a monster, but my friends are HUUUUGE fans. I was gonna say, that looks like a teeny plate of food, but you’re right! They DO have large plates, so it’s good to keep that in perspective.
Yeah, it definitely probably looks smaller than it was. I also had quite a bit of salad and some bread which I didn’t snap a picture of. They definitely overdo it with the portions though.
I went to my parents’ house too for Mother’s Day. My mom cooked up a feast for us. Yum
Giant plates in restaurants definitely make me overeat because usually the food is good and if you eat a “normal” portion that it looks like you haven’t even made a dent in it… so I use it as an excuse to keep eating. Bad but that’s life
I am the same way. I tried very hard to watch my portions Saturday. Thanks for stopping by!
I have a jump rope in my closet that I have never used – I need to pull it out. I can only imagine how hard it would kick my butt!
Love the colors of your drinks – the blue one looks especially good!
All Recipes is great, you’ll love it!
That chicken carbonara looks AMAZING!!!! So does the chicken salad! I’ll have to start checking out more of Iowa Girl’s recipes!
Have a great week, Kristen!
I enjoy rope skipping – awesome and cheap workout. It always destroys me after a few minutes of skipping.
I don’t think you need a tan – your skin looks so healthy and is glowing!
Did you do weights Kristen, ahem ahem ahem? Just checking up on you!
I’m glad you had a nice time eating out! I totally agree with you on the ginormous plates and how they cause you to eat more – some plates I’ve seen at restaurants are the side of hubcaps! I love that glowstick in your sister’s drink – it reminds me of wearing those when I was little and thinking I was so cool
Sounds like you’re going to be busy but having a lot of fun over the next few weeks!
The chicken salad looks and sounds wonderful! And now I want a super blue drink!
I have been wanting to go to Bucca di Beppo, but I hear the portions are huge so I would have to be ready to practice a little self control haha.
Oh my mouth is watering… Is it lunch time yet? Vegas is truly the capital for interesting and delicious cocktails. The last time I was there I had a chocolate martini that was like no other! I had the bartender write down the recipe:
2oz 360 Double Chocolate
1oz Agave Nectar (or simple syrup)
3oz Cream
Garnish: Chocolate Syrup
Garnish: Fresh Strawberries
You should try it
That sounds so good! Thanks for posting the recipe. I will definitely have to recreate it!
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