Loaded Baked Potato Dip

I first tasted this delightful dip at a Birthday Celebration then I had to try it myself!  It is a super cute and fun play on a traditional baked potato.  Originally featured in the Southern Living January 2012 issue, I instantly knew I would pass this recipe on to you!

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Bridal Jewelry

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories! On one of the biggest days of your life what bride doesn't want to look and feel like a princess???

Admittedly, I am not the biggest jewelry lover around but I do enjoy a little sparkle every once in awhile and was totally excited when I came across this glittery find!  The Kate Ketzal website has a wide variety of jewelry and accessories that would be perfect for a bride or any other event that required formal attire.  Even better, to my surprise it is very reasonably priced.  Swoon over a few pictures below then visit their site to see more!

Picture courtesy of Kate Ketzal

Picture courtesy of Kate Ketzal

Picture courtesy of Kate Ketzal



Rocky Road Brownies

Who doesn't love a scoop of Rocky Road Ice Cream?  Today we have a super rich and scrumptious recipe that will give you that same ice cream taste in the form of a brownie.  This recipe is adapted from Very Best Baking!

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Pesonal Photo

Personal Photo

Maryland Rooftop Venue

Currently I am working with a few clients in Maryland and have been fortunate enough to tour some pretty unique venues.  One of my latest tours included  The Rooftop at Rockville's Town Center which is absolutely stunning! 

Not only is the view to die for on the rooftop of the VisArts Center but it comes complete with a rain plan!  This attention to detail, artsy atmosphere and prime location makes them a must see venue if you are planning and event.

Here are some personal photo's from our tour.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Appropriately Green for St. Patrick's Day we are graced with a hearty recipe from The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond.  This yummy soup looked so delish when I saw it on her show, I COULD NOT WAIT to try it for myself, and that's just what I did!

Personal Photo

1 stick butter

1 whole onion, diced

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

2 cups half-and-half

1 pinch nutmeg

4 heads broccoli, cut into florets

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 cups grated cheese (mild Cheddar, sharp Cheddar, Jack, etc.)

Chicken broth, if needed

Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat, and then add the onions. Cook the onions for 3 to 4 minutes, and then sprinkle the flour over the top. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute or so, then pour in the milk and half-and-half. Add the nutmeg, and then the broccoli, a small dash of salt and plenty of black pepper.

Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the broccoli is tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Stir in the cheese and allow to melt.

Taste the seasonings and adjust if needed. Then either serve as is, or mash with a potato masher to break up the broccoli a bit, or transfer to a blender in two batches and puree completely. (If you puree in a blender, return the soup to the heat and allow to heat back up. Splash in some chicken broth if needed for thinning.)

COLOR INSPIRATION: Sage & Ivory

In the spirit of Spring and just in time for St. Patrick's Day, boy do I have a treat for you today!  Not only do we have a refreshing color combination of shades of light greens and ivory, but the featured centerpiece is a DIY project any one can do!  Green and ivory evoke a natural, classic, crisp, modern feel for a wedding, can you imagine these details enhancing the perfect Spring wedding?

Minted - Sloan Wedding Invitation

Adorable Flower Girl from DressesOk

Festive Monogram Topiary from Etsy

Beautiful DIY Mirror Box Centerpiece from Wedding Bee 

Find this Cake at Maxie B's

Easy Chicken Parmesan

My sister's resolution for 2012 was to learn to cook.  The first meal she wanted to learn how to make was Chicken Parmesan.  To ease her into the cooking world we used this recipe for beginners.  We also made a side salad of spring mix, sliced strawberries, Parmesan cheese and Italian Dressing, a strange but delicious combination.  Curious to see how it turned out?  Keep scrolling!

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

CELEBRITY: Tia Mowry & Cory Hardict Wedding

Last month we featured the wedding of Tamera Mowry, so we figured it is only appropriate to share her twin sister's wedding as well.  In 2008, Tia Mowry married Cory Hardict in front of 170 guests at The Biltmore Santa Barbara, a Four Seasons Resort in California.  Her wedding style boasted shades of pink and purple that were in every detail from the monochromatic bridesmaids dress, wedding arbor and throughout the reception.  Enjoy a few of the details below.

Picture from People

Picture from InStyle

Picture from Instyle

Michael Strahan's (Mom's) Bulgogi Beef

If you have never had Bulgogi, you are missing out on a treat!  This Korean staple is a delicious verison of a marianted flank steak.  Having lived in South Korea, I was over joyed to see this recipe on Live! with Kelly and her guest co-host Michael Strahan.

Picture from All Recipes

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs Beef- round steak

1/3 cup soy sauce

¼ cup sesame seed oil

1 clove garlic

1 regular onion

1 bunch scallions

2 green peppers

DIRECTIONS:

Cut 2 lbs Beef- round steak into thin inch wide strips, taking out all the fat

Marinate the beef in 1/3 cup soy sauce, ¼ cup sesame seed oil, and 1 clove garlic. You can also add some sugar to the marinade if you prefer it less salty.

Cut up 1 bunch scallions and 1 regular onion

Add the marinated beef, scallions, and onions to a heated pan

Stir occasionally, then cover it with a lid and let it cook for a bit

Just before finishing cooking, add chunks of 2 green peppers and let them quickly steam

Serve over steamed rice