Adventures Await in August

SOOooooooo I wrote this over a month ago and then never posted it because... I forgot. But you can read it now. :)

August is a big month around here. This month holds not only my birthday, but also my husband's birthday, and our anniversary. As one would expect, these celebrations tend to merge into a single big event, rather than multiple, smaller events, but I like to think of the entire month as one long party. August has always been a time of excitement for me -- preparations for a new school year, a new season, a new age... It may be the eighth month of the year, but August is almost like my own personal "New Year"! It signifies a season of new beginnings, even as the world around me is heading towards autumn.

This year marks my 29th (!) birthday, and with it comes lot of contemplation. The last year of my twenties. Some would say the end of an era... but, for me, it is simply another beginning. The start of a new age full of plans and potential. I am toying with the idea of a "30 before 30" bucket list, but considering my tendency to leave lists unfinished (read: New Year's Resolutions), I may just forego the unnecessary pressure and enjoy every day as it comes.

What adventures await you as summer comes to an end and fall brings its own brand of seasonal specialties?

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Flying High in July

Well, I FINALLY managed to pull myself together enough to create a desktop wallpaper for the month of July...even though it's almost over! So I just left off the calendar part for the rest of this month, and you can use the wallpaper whenever you want. :) Guess I'd better get a head start on August! This desktop calendar project is probably the most consistent thing about my blog this year... the only thing that's gotten me to post at least once a month. And that was part of the goal. So, mission accomplished so far!

This month has been busy, busy, busy: starting with a wonderful trip to see family in Georgia/South Carolina. Returning to the office after a week away is always so hard. It takes at least 5 days to relax on vacation... and by the time you finally get your brain to calm down, you have to go back to work again! So catching up was a bit of a trial. Even though it's past mid-year, I'm working on some new organizational tactics to streamline my freelance business a little better while I'm also chasing after a toddler. My work hours are shifting all the time, which can make rush projects and external deadlines a bit tricky. But, I love being able to work from home and keep my son with me the majority of the time. Needless to say, it all keeps me on my toes.

All that to say, July has been a month of daydreams and deep thinking. This wallpaper theme was inspired by a particularly enjoyable trip to the Butterfly Center at Callaway Gardens, a childhood favorite that I was able to share with my child this year! Fun times and good memories. Here's hoping you're flying high through these last several weeks of summer!

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Pasta Al Fumo

When I was a junior in college, I spent a semester studying Art in Cortona, Italy. It was magical -- the food, the wine, the culture... it was inspiring! I painted or took classes during the week, traveled on the weekends, and spent most evenings enjoying the nightlife of a small Tuscan town. I have such fond memories of my time in Italy and would love to return someday. Until then, it's always fun to relive the memories by looking at pictures and, sometimes, trying to recreate the extended, casual dinners we enjoyed on those beautiful Italian nights.

As part of the program I attended  with UGA, we dined most evenings as a large group at a local restaurant called Tonino's. The food was always delicious, and one of my favorite meals they prepared was a Pasta al Fumo ("Smoked Pasta"). A brief internet search turned up this recipe from that very same restaurant! I'm sure the original Italian ingredients make for a better dish, but these American substitutions seemed to work pretty well.

Pasta al Fumo

Serves 4

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 whole garlic cloves 
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1/2 lb. Bacon
• 1/4 cup fresh heavy cream
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup Fresh milk
• 3 T cream cheese
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1.5 oz Vodka
• Pasta of choice (we use penne or farfalle, about 8 oz)

Directions

• Add two tablespoons of olive oil to the pan with whole garlic and rosemary. Sauté until fragrant.
• Add bacon and fry until completely cooked. Drain fat.
• Return pan to stove and add vodka -- stir with caution.
• Remove garlic and rosemary from the pan
• Add cream and stir. Add tomato sauce slowly -- the sauce should be a light pink, don't add too much tomato.
• Add milk and cream cheese. Stir with a whisk to blend. Add more tomato sauce if necessary. Add red pepper flakes (you can leave these out or reduce amount if you prefer less spicy)
• Cook for several minutes to blend flavors, salt to taste.
• Serve with freshly cooked pasta, top with parmesan or pecorino cheese, and fresh basil

Enjoy!