We used to have to bribe Harvey to eat her food.

Then I switched dog food brands.

Apparently Harvey just didn’t like the old stuff.

Because now, with this new brand of dog food…

…Harvey wants to eat ALL.DAY.LONG. she loves it so much.

So why does she look so sad, you ask?

Because she picked up her bowl and knocked it around in an effort to get my attention, so that I would in turn, fill it up for her.  I didn’t budge. (well, except to grab my camera off the table )

When that didn’t work, she tried the whole little kid “I’m packing up and running away” method.

Which still didn’t work, but she did make it all the way to the couch before I caught her.

Such funny little doggies inhabit my house.

Breakfast never really happened yesterday – partially out of laziness, partially out of the fact that we had NOTHING in our house.

After I finally went grocery shopping, I was starving and craving “fresh & crisp” – so I made this plate:

Grapes, grape tomatoes & pickles – YUM!

Colorful, fresh & crisp!

I got down to dinner business early, since I wasn’t just cooking for me!

I was visiting with my Grandparents yesterday – when I remembered the rest of the puggle sized butternut squash hanging out in my freezer!  

I asked Grandma if she’d be interested in my butternut lasagna, and when she said yes – I knew how I’d be spending my Sunday!

Just like the last two times I made this dish, there was no real measurement, just the same sort of “eyeball it and go” mentality!

The layers:

Layer 1: Sauce, Lasagna Noodles, 4-Cheese Mixture (FF Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, & Goat Cheese)

Layer 2: Spinach, Butternut Squash (that had been roasted in the oven for 40 minutes), & caramelized onions (that I caramelized on the stove top while the squash was roasting in the oven)

Layer 3: More sauce, more cheese, and another layer of noodles

Layer 4: Spinach, MORE sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella on top

MMM – cheesy, veggie, saucy goodness!

Pop it in the oven at 350 for 35 minutes:

Enjoy straight out of the pan! (apparently there is just something with butternut squash that compels me to eat directly out of the cooking vessel, and forgo plates entirely)

Granny’s pan:

I’ve made butternut squash lasagna 3 times now, and it’s gotten better every time!  This time I thought it was PHENOMENAL, so hopefully my teeny-tiny-very-lasagna-savvy-Italian Grandma approves!

Fingers crossed!

Fact: I love sleeping in this fabulous fall weather!

Saturday morning I “slept in” until 8am, and then took my sweet time getting downstairs (read: I Google Read in bed for an hour )

Once I got around to breakfast – it was quick and easy.

4 egg whites, a sprinkle of cheese, 1 Morning Star sausage, salt, pepper, & red pepper flakes:

Fact: Basil makes every thing better.

By the time I cooked breakfast, walked the dogs, and showered – it was already time to leave for my friend Kristin’s BRIDAL SHOWER!

Fact: Old friends are the greatest.

Kristin and I have been friends for 12 years – I’m so happy for her & Tim (her fiancé), and I’m honored to be part of their bridal party!

The shower started with wine service & salad – and we were able to pick our choice of 4 entrees…

…I went with the Shrimp fra Diavalo.  Seafood plus spice – two of my favorites!

The highlight of the shower (in my opinion ) the cupcake tower!

Fact: These cupcakes were beautiful, but I didn’t eat one – I saved up for a second glass of wine!

I ran a few errands after the shower (none of which went well ) so despite the fantastic morning/afternoon I had – I ended up rather crabby come 6pm.

Fact: I can be a major chick sometimes.

I was sitting on my couch being pouty/grumpy, when Angelina called wanting to know if I’d like to drink wine with her.  Then, she offered to bring dinner as well.  Oh sure, twist me arm.

Fact:  If you offer me wine, I won’t turn it down.

The Cooking Light recipe that Ang brought over to prepare, was actually one I had bookmarked as well!

Whole Wheat Pasta with Edamame, Arugula, and Herbs

Fact: This recipe tasted absolutely, fantastically amazing.  You should make it immediately!

Fact: Saturdays filled with friends, family, food, fall & fun are the best kind of Saturdays around!

P.S. – Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win $40 to Whole Foods!

Did ya’ll enter the “Green Dog Wine Turns 2” giveaway yet?  Do it!

Friday – it was time to get back to the regular grind, which was comforting and terrifying all at the same time. 

My desk is almost ALWAYS CLEAN, but yesterday – here’s what my day looked like:

! That’s what I get for being out of the office for 3 days!

Since I hadn’t gone to the grocery store – lunch was ‘to-go’ from La Bodega in Tremont:

I ordered the #21 (Hummus, Olives, Tomato, Onion, Feta, Hot Sauce, Pita) plus cucumber & lettuce:

and ate every last morsel!

If La Bodega is within driving distance of your office – I highly recommend you try it “to go” for lunch one day very soon!

My Friday night involved a lovely “girls night” with my Mama.   After a long week – nothing beats a low key evening with your Mamacita!

After OUR FIRST EVER massages (at Massage Envy thanks to Chevy Girls on the Go) – we grabbed a bite to eat at Houlihan’s: 

GDW Mama is camera shy – but isn’t she the cutest darn thing?!

Side note – LOOK HOW BIG PINNACLE WHIPPED IS GETTING!  They get their own table inserts at restaurants – LOVE IT!

We kept it simple though – and I just ordered 2 side dishes:

The Side Wedge Salad “Lightened Up”:  Chopped greens, smoked bacon, corn, homemade garlic croutons, grape tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.

plus a side of French Fries (gotta get those veggies in!)

Simple, delicious, and filling!

Mama’s dish looked just as delish – The Southwest Chicken Wrap:

Grilled chicken, spiced pecans, red peppers, warm bacon, tortilla shreds and jalapeno jack tossed in garlic ranch and rolled in a grilled tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes and a side of homemade salsa.

Plus orzo!  Does life get any better?!

I don’t have a question, but would love to know what is new with you since I’ve been so busy lately! 

FILL ME IN – what’s going on in your world?