The Art & Science Of Entertaining Post Covid, My Summer Pasta with Zucchini, Sausage, Ricotta, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil, Elements You Need To Style A Shelf, A Folding Basics Video, And More.

The Art + Science of Entertaining Post Covid

Some people are chomping at the bit to mingle with friends, and others have found out how much they really like to stay home. Eventually, all of us will be out and about to whatever level of comfort suits you and here are some tips for entering back into the social world.

Check In Individually, Then Send The Invite:

Asking your friends or family to see their vaccination card or their comfort level can be tricky. Send a text, email or call each guest to gauge the comfort level and what they need to feel comfortable gathering, this also gives them the chance to opt out privately. Now, the invite is just a formality.

Lay Specific Ground Rules Ahead Of Time:

It is definitely the job of the hostess to make sure everyone knows what they are signing up for. It could go something like, Dinner at 5, not everyone is vaccinated so we are dining outdoors, bring a sweater. This gives your guests the information they need to feel safe.

Center The Needs To The Person That Needs The Most:

If Susie says she can come, but hugs make her nervous just make no hugging a ground rule and then the pressure is off everyone involved. Doing the right thing is the hostess’ job and being generous is a good thing. Thinking of the person who is the most uncomfortable isn’t just good for them, but good for everyone.

Don’t Feel Like You Have To Be So Formal:

The invite doesn’t need to feel so formal, make it light and give people a way out. You can say things like, “Are you into this yet?” If you’re going to be a hostess than hostess, and create an environment that is light and easy. Some people need gaurdrail’s and not everyone is ready.

But, if you are, get your dishes out and all those recipes you’ve been cooking up for two, it’s time for COMPANY!

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Favorite Product

Room Spray

I am obsessed with this room spray and you can find one on every nightstand and in every bathroom at my house right now, It smells like the weekend, or maybe like summer, possibly just like heaven. Plus, the amber bottle is kind of my vibe. You can grab yours here, but save me some!

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Recipe Of The Week

Summer Pasta with Zucchini, Sausage, Ricotta, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil

I stumbled a upon a recipe for this pasta while on Pinterest. It reminded me of a pasta we get at one of our favorite restaurants but it was missing a few things. So, you know what I did? I added them in and it was so good that Dave gave it 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! I made mine using Kite Hill Ricotta Cheese and Follow Your Heart Parmesan which is dairy free and used gluten free penne, you could even go meatless or use a subsitute or make it all with real ingredients. It made enough for leftovers and it will definitely be on the rotation around here! There’s really nothing better than hearing your loved one’s making yum noises while eating! This one is worth a try, I promise.

Yield: 4-6

Author: Jen Adair (adapted from The NY Times)

Print

Summer Pasta with Veggies and Sausage

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 lbs. zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch thick pieces
• 1 lb. pork sausage
• 1/4 c. sun-dried tomatoes
• Salt and pepper
• 2 garlic gloves, minced
• 1 ounce basil, 2 cups loose leaves
• 1 lb. pasta
• 8 oz. ricotta, about 1 cup
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 ounces parmesan, about 1 cup, plus more for serving.

Instructions

1. Put a pot of water on to boil. In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the onions in 3 Tbsp. olive oil until soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat as necessary to keep onions from browning. Add zucchini, season generously with salt and pepper, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until soft, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat.
2. Brown sausage in separate skillet and keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, use a mortar and pestle or high speed blender to mix garlic, basil and a little salt into a paste, stir in 3 Tbsp. olive oil.
4. Salt the pasta water and add pasta, stirring. Boil per package instructions. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
5. Add cooked sausage and sun-dried tomatoes to zucchini skillet, then add pasta, the cooking water, all of the ricotta, crushed red pepper and lemon zest. Mix gently. Check seasoning and adjust. Cook for 1 minute until incorporated. Mixture should be creamy. Add in the basil paste and half the grated parmesan and stir. Spoon into pasta bowls and garnish with parmesan.

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Styling Tip:

The Elements You Need To Style A Shelf

I love me a good shelf! I also love how easy it is to change it up. I recently gave my hall/guest bathroom a little shelf makeover and here’s what I used:

• Something Living: 1 air plant and two tiny potted cacti.

• A candle: Mine is from The Joshua Tree Candle Co.

• Room Spray: It is the bathroom afterall, and oh yes, that is my current fav. room spray.

• Personality: I used a vintage book at the top for interest and added some height with some faux greens in an amber vase and a mini seagrass bowl I picked up in Yucca Valley. All the elements blend nicely together for a cohesive desert vibe.

• Gather a cohesive grouping and get styling!

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Organizing Tip:

Folding Basics Tutorial

You may have read Marie Kondo’s book, “The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up” awhile back, I know I did, but I get into this kind of thing! I believe that the act of folding someone’s clothes is an act of love, and somehow when their clothes or drawer looks nice they feel that love too. These are a few basics that we use when organizing and you can adapt for your drawers as well. This folding basics transfer well to your suitcase too. Why? Well, you can really get a lot in a drawer when you fold this way and you can ALSO still see it all which is a huge plus!

Click on the video below to watch ↓

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THANK YOU , YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

Well, you guys have exceeded my hopes of reaching 200 by today, that was over 78 new followers! Amazed. Onward and upward!

Thank you! Thank you! ❤️

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Have a great weekend! xo