key lime pie... another "have to" of summer

Key lime pie is one of my all time favorite summer recipes! The following recipe comes from a restaurant in Amelia Island, FL, that I used to frequent with my family when we visited each summer. It's oh-so-simple and quick to make but tastes like you slaved for hours in the kitchen. Just the kind of recipe I like! I usually make it with fat-free or lower fat ingredients and the flavor is just as good!

Ingredients:
I can fat-free sweetened, condensed milk (Eagle Brand is my choice)
I container fat-free Cool Whip
I small or 1/2 large can of concentrated, frozen lime juice (I use Minute Maid)
Reduced fat gram cracker pie crust (I usually use Nabisco brand)

Mix first 3 ingredients together with electric mixer or whisk until well-blended and free of lumps. Pour into pie crust and cover. Place in freezer. Pie takes 6-8 hours to set. Enjoy!

(Told you it was easy!)

My mom and grandmother have made this pie every summer for as long as I can remember... It's not summer without making it at least one (or 20) times!

these are a few of my favorite (summer) things!

Summer is passing quickly... I cannot believe June is already halfway over! I've decided to share a few of my favorite (summer) things.

I love curling up with a good book by the pool. This is my favorite I've read in a while.



My official favorite dress of this summer.



I. love. this! My grandmother just got the beau and I an ice cream maker. I tried it out yesterday with an experimental batch of Vanilla-Bailey's with dark chocolate chips. Heavenly! I am currently on the hunt for healthier recipes, however!



Aprons are my favorite! I don't have this particular one but a very similar one from TJMaxx.



I can't make it a day without this! Hello, hydration.

Big girl job minus the paycheck

This summer, well, for the next 9 weeks, I am completing my first level 2 fieldwork at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I am working with the Day Rehabilitation program and LOVE it. I could not ask for a better organization from which to gain experience or a more passionate group of people to work with. My current position is definitely one of my DREAMS! Plus a paycheck (The beau agrees with this, for sure), of course. I cannot wait to finish my level 2 fieldwork rotations and start working.

In May of 2011, when I finally graduate for the last time, I want to find a job doing exactly what I am doing now... But in Nashville! This girl was not cut out to live in Atlanta, that's for sure. 50 minutes to go 12 miles? No, thank you. 400, "The Hospitality Highway"? I think not. More like the "Hostile Highway".

Though I am not a fan of Atlanta, or working without pay, I have sincerely enjoyed the last 3 weeks. On top of loving what I am doing I have had the opportunity to spend time with friends and family that I haven't seen very much lately. I am staying with an amazing (and generous!) family with a 2 year-old and 4-year-old. I love seeing the girls each afternoon and swimming or watching movies. I have gotten to see my little brother more and have enjoyed our dinner and wine nights. I've also gotten to catch up with college friends. My week nights are usually packed but I wouldn't have it any other way.

All in all, my big girl life without a paycheck isn't half bad.