Simple Cookin' Spring Break

This past week, while I was home relaxing for spring break, my mom and I decided to try a few new recipes for the family.  Each recipe had one main thing in common- simplicity.  We wanted to try easy, delicious recipes that I could bring back to school with me.  Although we had a great time eating at some amazing restaurants over the break, including Corner Table (my one of my new favorites), we enjoyed cooking different dinners on our nights in.

We started our cooking frenzy off with an "omelet bar" on Sunday morning.  This was not only fun and easy, but healthy and filling as well.  I know you know what veggies look like, but the colors in these pictures are just too pretty not to post.

Omelet bar

We added some olive oil and combined the spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers and mushrooms

Instead of putting the ingredients INTO the omelet, we made the omelet with the ingredients and added cheese in the middle.

Served with a multi grain English muffin and fresh berries :)

Our next meal was a pasta recipe that I originally found on Pinterest, but altered to my liking (and you can do the same).  We used whole wheat pasta, added shrimp and made a light "sauce" that consisted of olive oil, grape tomatoes, basil, garlic, salt and pepper.  My parents added a tomato basil pasta sauce to give theirs more flavor.  We then made mozzarella and spinach portobello mushroom caps, which are one of my favorites.   

Olive oil, tomatoes, basil and garlic

Then we added the shrimp, since they do not take very long to cook

YUM

Served with mozzarella and spinach portobello mushroom caps

I unfortunately did not get pictures from our other meal, but it was similar to something I have made at school before.  I love seafood, and I specifically love fish.  Tilapia is one of my favorites because it is light and easy to make.  I try to make different variations of tilapia, so this one was inspired by Mexican food.  

Tilapia seasoned with Lemon Pepper seasoning, regular pepper and salt

Served with avocado and pico de gallo and sliced bell peppers on the side. 

College Bedroom, Through the Years

As I have mentioned in a previous posts, I love decorating!  So it should come as no surprise that I was beyond thrilled when I was told I got to decorate a whole new bedroom when I went off to college.  Well that was three years ago, and my room has been evolving through the years.  Just as I did with my bedroom at home, I tried to stay within a budget.  Because the style of my room and my bedding has been the same since I was a freshman, I have added new pieces to enhance my room each year.

Here is my room freshman year, when I lived in a dorm.  There was not much room for personality here, but I did my best!

Sophomore year I moved into the sorority house.  There was a lot less space, and a lot less room for personality.  This was my lest favorite set up, and my least favorite room.  Yes, I had a bunk bed that was like 20 feet high.

This year, I have had two different bedrooms.  For the fall semester, I shared a bedroom and still had a twin bed.  This semester, I got my first queen bed AND my own room!  It has taken a while to decorate, but like I said, my room is forever evolving and changing.  I was also lucky enough to get some new pillows- all white, my favorite.

Pine Cone Hill bedding, Target bed skirt

My favorite part of my room, all white pillows! All from Pine Cone Hill and Z Gallerie

Great mirror from Home Goods

Pottery Barn version

My version...the Ikea version

BEFORE. Bed side drawers from Home Goods; before Anthro nobs 

AFTER with new Anthro nobs!  So much better!

I still need a headboard, but I don't want anything traditional.  I want something unique like I have above my bed at home.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate them!