Southern Inspired Birthday Dinner Party

Food, Friends and Fun...What's not to love about dinner parties? This past weekend was my favorite gig yet.  I was hired to cater and plan a surprise dinner party for my bestie. (yes, I said "bestie" and I  sometimes say " BFF" too...ha)

Cajun Mac and Cheese with Shrimp and White Wine Sauce

The Smithsonian Through My Eyes

This past weekend the hubs and I celebrated our 2^nd anniversary in Northern VA/ Washington D.C. We arrived in Arlington on Saturday night,  and woke up early Sunday morning to catch the metro to D.C.  That morning I reverted back to being a school girl waking up before dawn to pack my brown bag lunch, in anticipation of going on my class field trip.  

There is something arousing and nostalgic about museums. The excitement never fades. With each visit I embark on a new adventure, and become consumed by the smells, textures, sights and sounds of my environment.  

A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party (Alice in Wonderland Themed Tea Party)

December is a busy month. There's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve, and not to mention a ton of random made up “Holidays” ( I am not judging,just making an observation). Anyone who has a December birthday knows how easy it is to get lost in the holiday sauce. The December birthday struggle is real. (well, not really a struggle.)

Photo by www.nathaningramphotography.com
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So I came up with a brilliant idea inspired by Alice in Wonderland! Why not have an unbirthday party? Just in case you haven't watched the movie or read the book; an unbirthday is the 364 (365 if it's a leap year) days in the year other than your birthday. 

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich

Once a month my hubs and I serve as captains for our church's soup kitchen.  This past weekend chocolate chip cookies and ice cream were on the menu for dessert.   There was a box of frozen cookie dough, a few red velvet cookies left over from an event the night before, and a ton of ice cream.   

Instead of serving ice cream and cookies separately, I decided to make them into ice cream sandwiches and topped them with red velvet cookies.  I mean really...Who doesn't love ice cream sandwiches?   I loved creating the sandwiches and the guest enjoyed eating them. 

Good Belly

 Today after a grueling workout I decided to stop by the local grocery store to grab some healthy snacks for the office.  As I was walking past the juice section (or whatever you call it) I noticed a new product. Well, at least it is new to me.  The name of the product caught my attention.   Goodbelly is a non-GMO, soy & dairy free and vegan product that contains probiotics. decision. 

  

I could not make up my mind between   Mango, Blueberry Acai, Pomegranate Blackberry and Tropical Green.  Decisions...Decisions! What was a girl to do?  I decided to do what any sane person would do in this situation.  I pointed to the the selection and eeny meeny miney moed to get to a 

Collard Kielbasa and Bean Soup

Every second Saturday of the month my hubs and I serve as captains at our church's soup kitchen. Each month we look forward to fellowship, food, and fun with our volunteers and the soup kitchen guest.  Today we made a delicious Collard Kielbasa and Bean Soup.  

Superhero Shenanigans

Have you ever  found yourself  in a pickle because you didn't have a  Superhero costume to wear to work?  Or have you ever had to do a quick wardrobe change because your husband was freaked out by your fake facial hair?  I figured you would say "no".  These Shenanigans only seem to happen in my household. 

Engagement Crab Cakes

I recommend that everyone have a go to recipe, whether they are “into “cooking or not.  I believe that women, especially single women should have a recipe up their sleeve that can knock a man off of his feet onto one knee with a Tiffany diamond in hand.  But ladies be careful, make sure you are ready for what is sure to follow.  

Photo Credit: savoryexperiments.com

Ritz Breadcrumbs

I am sure that all of you have used breadcrumbs in some of your favorite recipes, but have you ever used Ritz crackers? If you haven’t, you have no idea what you are missing.  Give your taste buds a treat by adding Ritz crackers to your next dish.

 Ritz comes in  some fun new flavors that you probably will enjoy experimenting with.  I recommend the Italian herb, or the honey wheat. After you have made your decision, throw them in your food processor for a few seconds. Then Voila, you are ready to use them for your next dish.  Whether you are using the breadcrumbs for a binder, breading or a topping.  Ritz is a great addition to your next recipe. 

Throwback Thursday: A Sneak Peak to a Motown Themed Party

This past weekend I had the pleasure of helping my aunt with my uncle's surprise Birthday party! 

The Dangers of Washing Chicken in the Sink

Now, I present to you a quick public service announcement on the dangers of washing chicken in the kitchen sink. (dunt, dunt, duhhhhhh!!!!)

Photo Credit:animal-kid.com

Shell's Seared Scallops

  Who doesn’t love scallops? I mean really, scallops are the best!  Here is a super easy recipe for pan seared scallops. All you need is little bit of salt, pepper, garlic salt, Chesapeake Bay seasoning (optional, for a little kick) and lemon.  

A Game of Threads: A Guide to Buying Sheets

Hey you...Come here! I am going to share with you a secret that will change the way you shop for sheets.

What if I told you that a high "thread count" does not necessarily equate to a good quality sheet?

Photo Credit: http://www.multiplemayhemmamma.com/

Mom's Mouthwatering Doughnuts

This is one of my favorite things to eat when I visit “the bed and breakfast”.  (my husband is convinced that my mom runs a bed and breakfast). 

 

Now, I want to warn you that these doughnuts are not the healthiest thing to eat, but each bite is 
worth every single mouthwatering calorie.  These babies are delicious!!!! I love y’all so I am going to
 give you some advice.  Only make these when you have a house full of guests.  This will ensure that you do not eat a dozen on your own. 

Terry's Turkey Chili, So Easy My Hubby Can Make it

This week has been the perfect week for Chili.  I hope you enjoy this recipe!!! ( and possibly a few snow days) 

Disclaimer:  My recipes are geared toward people who have basic cooking skills.  Some of my measurements are guesstimates and sometimes my instructions may be missing a step or two. Please use this recipe as inspiration, but do not feel obligated to follow it verbatim.  If you find something works out better, please leave it in the comment section.

Clue Themed Dinner Party

Any one who knows me, knows that Clue is my absolute favorite childhood game.  One day I was talking to my husband and randomly decided to throw a Clue themed murder mystery dinner.  

Stayed tuned for step by step instructions on how to make DIY clue cards.

Roasted Red Potatoes with Zucchini, Squash, Red Peppers and Vidalia Onions

This recipe can be used as a side or you can eat as a main dish.  Check out my delicious Roasted red Potato recipe. 

Photo by Reagans Smile Photography 

DIY 1950s Themed Party

Last spring, my father in-law celebrated a milestone birthday. He turned the big 6-0.  I thought it would be a cool idea to turn our home into a 1950's diner to celebrate his big day. With a few orders from Amazon.com and a few trips to local thrift stores,  the party was on its way.

I found some great records at the local thrift stores.

I decorated the tables with checkered napkins(Dollar Tree), black table cloths(Dollar Tree), records

(Thrift Store) and coca-cola bottles.

Not only are Moon Pies one of father in-law's favorite desserts, (and yes I am using the term dessert pretty loosely) but they are also a fun prop for a1950s themed dessert table.  I also added gumballs, Pixie Stix, Sugar Daddies.  Check out the random Candy Polka record I picked up at a thrift store! 

I ordered this hot dog sign on amazon.com.

Turns out that having a diner themed menu is pretty darn affordable! 

We used red food baskets and checkered liners instead of plates to go with the drive-thru/ diner theme.

We purchased this scene setter on clearance at  Party City and used it as the back drop for our office turned photo booth.

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