Hydrangeas

Sometimes we need to take a minute to stop and smell the roses ... eh ... hydrangeas!  These lovelies are fresh from a dear friends garden.  Aren't they absolutely gorgeous!

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Red Beans & Rice

This recipe is a take on a southern classic, think New Orleans!  Red Beans & Rice is one of my favorites especially in the summer time.  Can't you see yourself sitting in a little cafe on one of New Orleans' side treats enjoying this native dish?

One of my friends found this recipe for RB&R via Kraft when we were in college, and I've been using it ever since.  A helpful hint I use is to buy Velveeta cheese slices instead of the brick for a couple of reasons.  First, it is easier to calculate the measurements, second the cheese slices melt into the dish faster then cubes would and finally, the extra sliced cheese is easier to use up than the remaining brick cheese. I apologize for being in such a hurry to enjoy this dish that I totally forgot to take a picture of the finished product!

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Photo from Kraft Website

Suspended Moments

Back in December I did a Holiday Wedding and The Nixon's Photography captured the beautiful photo below.

The Nixon's Photography

If you have an upcoming wedding and would like a similar photo of your dress, you absolutely must purchase one of these beauties from Suspended Moments.  I met Dawn at a Bridal Show and our booth's were next to each other.  She and her husband create each hanger by hand and can provide custom colors as well as wording!

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Bacon Wrapped Chicken

Today's recipe is adapted from Blog Chef, instead of using whole chicken breasts, I used chicken tenderloins.  In the grocery store I picked up the wrong cut of chicken, but this mistake turned out to be one for the better.  I think the chicken tenders turned out to be better portion sizes, especially with loaded mashed potatoes and fresh collard greens.  Try it both ways and let me know which you liked best!

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Wedding Day Survival Kit

I thought I'd share these gems with you all today.  Since we are in the midst of wedding season, this could be the perfect gift for an bride or groom close to you heart.  They will love you and your thoughtfulness that much more because they will have the tools avoid wedding day disasters thanks to you!  Check out the variety of emergency kits at the Ms. & Mrs. website.

Photo from Ms. & Mrs. Website

Photo from Ms. & Mrs. Website

French Toast Bake

I first had this divine dish at a "BFF Brunch" with a few of my closets friends.  The host made this as a part of a yummy spread and it was a instant hit! The French Toast was fluffy, light and uber tasty!  She pinned the recipe to one of her boards on Pinterest, and I tracked it down here.  This dish is a perfect way to unwind after Independence Day festivities!

Photo from Rach's Blog

Graduation Celebration

Graduation's are memorable milestones that are celebrated every year between May and June. Often families like to mark this momentous occasion with a party for the graduate. We planned a graduation party for a college student this May, someone very near and dear to my heart, my little sister.

Planning her Sweet 16 was the very first "official" event I ever planned, so I am honored to have been able to plan this party as well.

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Festive Fourth Cupcakes

If you checked in with us Tuesday, you got a sneak peek at today's recipe.  I found this recipe for vertical striped cupcakes courtesy of Bakerella.  She made hers to imitate snow cones, I went the more traditional cupcake route for my Fourth of July Celebration.  These beauties were tasty and super fun to make.  Enjoy!

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Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July! We hope everyone has lots of fun and food celebrating Independence Day tomorrow!

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