BBQ Meatloaf

Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food.  I found this recipe for BBQ Meatloaf years ago from Rachael Ray and it has been my "go to" ever since.  In an attempt to cut down the amount of food we waste (Boy is it difficult cooking for 2!)  I am all about meals that can be frozen.  With that in mind I turned my go to meatloaf recipe into muffins, how cute are they!  Even better, they freeze beautifully!

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Fleece Blanket

I have wanted to do this for FOREVER, you might remember me blogging about it about a year ago here!  I finally got up the nerve to conquer this project over my vacation in August and then had the equally difficult task of saving it until Christmas for my boyfriend.  Now that he has it in his possession, I can share the "how to" with you.  I found an awesome tutorial here and used it as a guide to help me with my extra large blanket.

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Fully Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Potatoes, oh how I love them!  I could seriously eat baked potatoes or fries every single day and never get tired of them.  Now that it's cold outside I felt is was only appropriate that I turn my beloved potatoes into a soup, and that's how this lovely recipe stumbled into my life!  Try it out and tell me what you think.

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Living Room Re-design

Lately I've been on a mission to redesign the rooms in my house.  First I tackled the bed room and changed it from a black and white damask with pops of hot pink color pallet to grey, yellow and black (I'll never give up my black "sunblock" curtains!).

Now I've ventured on to the living room, going from neutrals to turquoise and red has really been an adjustment.  Although I'm not finished yet, I wanted to share these awesome pillow covers I purchased to amp up the color in the room!  Find them in many more colors and designs at the Festive Home Decor ETSY Shop.

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Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas and I have a love/hate relationship.  I tried to make them one time and it was a total disaster, so I was really hesitant about attempting to make them again.  After some persistent searching, I found a recipe by Emeril Lagasse, BAM!  He was the first chef to inspire me to cook, so I thought why not go back to my roots. This recipe turned out to be amazing and I'm glad I took on the challenge!

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OUR WEDDING: Check List Update - 7 Months

Tomorrow will exactly 7 months until our wedding.  So far we have crossed off quite a few items off our “to-do” list!

Photo from Bella Figura

Since November we have:

-Selected a date
-Determined our budget

-Selected our bridal party and their attire

-Determined our guest list

-Booked the ceremony & reception venue (will be held in the same place)

-Hired a wedding planner

-Selected on an officiant

-Gone dress shopping

-Designed Wedding Website

-Created and printed Save-the dates

-Blocked hotel rooms for out of town guests

-Created registries

-Booked Photographer

-Secured Rentals

-Selected Cake designer and details

-Shopped for wedding bands

-Compiled a list of DIY projects

In the next month we plan to:

-Book a caterer

-Hire a DJ & musician for our ceremony

-Book a stationer or decide to DIY

-Send our Save-The-Dates

-Order my dress

-Order all attire for bridal party

-Talk honeymoon

-Schedule engagement session with our photographer

Meatballs in Cranberry Chili Sauce

I'm not sure where I found the recipe, but it has been my go to for the past couple of years for family gatherings, parties with friends and dinner on a Thursday night.  

1 tablespoon butter

½ cup finely chopped onion

2 jalapenos, seeded and minced

2 pounds ground chuck

1 cup toasted bread crumbs

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

¾ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat.  Add onion and jalapenos; cook stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes or until onion is tender.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.  Place a cooling rack over foil and spray with non stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl combine ground chuck, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and onion mixture.  Add eggs stirring to combine.  Shape mixture into about 48 (2-inch) meatballs, and place into a single layer on prepared rack.  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through.  Serve hot. 

NOTE:  Meatballs can be frozen for up to a month before adding to sauce.

2 (16-ounce) cans of whole berry cranberry sauce

1 (12-ounce) jar chili sauce

1 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

In a Dutch oven, combine cranberry sauce, chili sauce, brown sugar, and horseradish.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until combined.

NOTE:  Sauce can be frozen up to 1 month.

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Destination Wedding - Planning

Over the past few months I've been working with the sweetest couple to plan their wedding scheduled for next week.  This is a destination wedding for them and their guests since they will all be traveling to the Triad to celebrate this marriage   The bride currently lives in Japan and the groom in New York, so all of the planning has been entrusted to me.  They have been such a pleasure to work with and so patient with the whole planning process.  We've spent a lot of time picture sharing and e-mailing so I wanted to share a few snapshots with you before I share the final product after their wedding.

First up is their inspiration, the single picture from which to plan the whole wedding around.

Source Unknown

Bermuda Run Country Club is the beautiful venue where the Reception will take place. 

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Lisa at Designs North Florist has been awesome to work with!

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 Pen at Save the Date Event Rentals is the best to work with when it comes to linen selection.  Will they chose Gold or Pink??

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French Toast and Bacon Cupcakes

Cupcakes for breakfast anyone???  No I must admit I have yet to try this recipe but it has definitely peaked my interest!  Find the recipe here, and let me know how yours turn out!

Picture from Mama B Blog

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year, I hope 2013 brings you many blessings and much prosperity!

Enjoy this warm sophisticated ceremony space from Ruffled Blog.

Picture from Ruffled Blog