spicy turkey meatballs and spaghetti

My sister-in-law has inherited the most incredible sauce and meatball recipe from her Italian grandmother (J... if you're reading this, I want that recipe). I don't have an Italian grandmother, but I do have Ina. As far as I'm concerned, she's the next best thing. While far from Italian, her meatballs are ah-maz-ing. And obviously since they are made with turkey they are zero calorie healthy healthier than the alternative.

{ spicy turkey meatballs } adapted from here*

• 1 1/2 cups bread cubes from rustic bread, crusts removed (I used the Tuscan Round from Trader Joe's)


• 1/3 cup milk


• 1 pound ground turkey


• 1/4 pound sweet Italian sausage (about 2 1/2 links)


• 2 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, finely chopped


• 1/2 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese


• 1 tablespoon dried parsley


• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano


• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes


• salt and freshly ground black pepper


• 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, plus extra for brushing the tops of the meatballs


• 1 egg, lightly beaten


• 2 jars marinara sauce (I used Trader Joe's Tomato Basil - it's my favorite store bought sauce)


• dried spaghetti noodles

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the bread in the food processor fitted with the steel blade. Process until the bread is in medium crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a small bowl and add the milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey, sausage, prosciutto, bread mixture, Asiago, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Lightly combine the ingredients with your hands. Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil and the egg, and stir with a fork to combine.

With your hands, lightly roll the mixture into 2-inch-round meatballs and place them on the prepared sheet pan. Brush the meatballs with olive oil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the tops are browned and the centers are completely cooked. Pour the marinara sauce in a large pot, add the meatballs, and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions on the. Drain and place the spaghetti in individual bowls, and top with meatballs and lots of sauce. Top with parmesan, serve and enjoy!

* I cut the original recipe in half and had plenty for leftovers. We used the leftovers to make meatballs subs. to. die. for.

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crave or save: ballard designs olivia mirrored side table

I've seen the UO table pop up on a few of my daily blog reads and I've been thinking about scooping it up - it would be perfect between two side chairs in our living room. Of course, I have yet to actually break down and buy it. Then, while I was flipping through the most recent Ballard Designs catalog I spotted a VERY similar table at twice the price. Besides the mirrored top I do not see any differences. I would pick the cheaper table everyday of the week.

birthday wishlist

My birthday is exactly one week away, so I am sharing a few items that are on my wishlist - which technically is more of a "wishful thinking" list. Nonetheless, I would be beyond thrilled to receive any of these items on my special day. Hint, hint.



1. Pilcro Serif Legging Jeans - During the fall winter I live in boots, so I desperately need a new pair of jeans for tucking in my boots. My fave pal Sam gives this brand rave reviews, so I think I may forgo my trusty J Brands to try 'em out.

2. Madewell Archive Leather Boots - I've searched high and low for the perfect everyday boot - my current pair is ready for the trash, sadly - and I'm obsessed with these. I'm already planning outfits around them... yes, I plan outfits around items of clothing I don't even own. More often than I'd like to admit, actually.

3. J.Crew and Kate Spade bangles - granted, buying all of these would cost a small fortune, but hey, a girl can dream can't she? {from the top: J.Crew Scrolled Link Bracelet, J.Crew Classic Medium Bangle, J.Crew Classic Pave Link Bracelet (my fave of the bunch and coincidently the most expensive. Typical.), Kate Spade Heart of Gold Bangle, J.Crew Classic Link Bracelet}

4. Illume Sweet Olive Blossom Candle - one of the most delicious smelling candles. Don't let "olive" throw you off. It smells nothing like olives, thank God. I've been through several of these. Can't. get. enough.

5. Tory Burch Small T Logo Studs - I usually wear pearl studs, a wedding gift from BW, so these puppies would be a great way to change things up a bit.

6. Steve Madden Vegass Leopard Flats - the perfect pointy toe leopard flat. Need I say more?

7. Tory Burch Amanda Wristlet with Crossbody Strap - I have been looking for a little crossbody bag for those days I just can't deal with my suitcase regular purse. I think this little guy would fit the bill!

i {heart} this house: coastal living ultimate beach house

The 2012 Coastal Living Ultimate Beach house is open. It is in Rosemary Beach, just minutes away from where we vacationed last week. As much as I would have loved to tour, I was not willing to sacrifice one minute of beach time. The goal is to soak up as much sun and eat as much seafood as possible, right? If so, mission accomplished. However, looking through pictures makes me the tiniest bit upset I didn't see it in person.

The house was designed by Erika Powell of Urban Grace Interiors. Who I L-O-V-E for so many reasons. 1. She's stinking adorable. 2. Her work is amazing. I die a little inside - in a good way, of course - every time I see a room she's designed. 3. She went to Auburn. 'Nuff said.

So feast your eyes on this ah-mazing home... I'm drooling.

{ the entry }

{ the foyer. the only reason I included this photo was for the light fixture and fiddle leaf figs - LOVE }

{ guest bedroom 1 }

{ guest bath }

{ guest bedroom 2 }

{ sitting room off kitchen }

{ living room + kitchen }

{ living room + dining area }

{ dining area }

{ all the appliances and dishes are neatly tucked away from the living space, which looks amaze, but not practical for folks like BW and me who spend most of our time in the kitchen eating cooking }

{ master bedroom }

{ master bath. DYING over those huge drawers and beautiful pulls }

{ little cozy den }

{ the bunk room }

{ the game room }

{ the most adorable striped ping pong table }

{ guest bedroom 3. love the headboard and wall color. want something similar for our master. am I the only one who has an issue with plates above the bed? I mean... in any other room of the house, it's great, but the bedroom? just me? }

{ media room }

{ perfect place to curl up and watch a movie }

{ movie snacks. where are the rasinets? }

{ little girls' bunk room. hands down cutest room of the house. }

{ loungers + pool }

{ beautiful outdoor cabana }

Isn't it amazing? What's your favorite room?

{ all images via }