The last of the Christmas lists....

As I get older my list seems to get shorter...yet more expensive. I guess it's because now if I really want something, well, I buy it for myself. :)

Below are a few things that I'm really pining for this year.

Southwest Airlines giftcard. Last year Jeff and I went to Chicago and we're really hoping to go again.

I LOVE this english cheese platter. Almost every weekend night I set out some cheese to munch on before dinner and it's always fun to have new ways to serve. I also think this would look cute sitting out on the counter all the time. What a perfect piece!

Really wanting a new camera. I'm not too picky, because I really don't know alot about cameras...but I want one. This Canon S95 seems nice. :) I am hoping if I get one that it will encourage some more blogging.

Last, but definitely not least on my list are these Frye boots. I mean come on...they're so perfect. I think I would wear them just about every day. :) If you can't tell I REALLY want these (hint, hint, Jeff).

Can't wait to spend Christmas with the family in Vail! Merry Christmas, blogger friends.

Dog Days of Summer

So I realize that the "dog days of summer" are pretty much over; however, it just felt like a fitting title for this post. A few weeks ago my mom hosted a family get together where she made your classic summer fare kicked up a few notches: hot dogs.




This is an easy, fun and cheap option for entertaining. She picked up a variety of brats, hot dogs and knockwursts at here favorite meat counter, McGonigles Market.




The keys to making this meal special is great meat, buns and toppings. My mom made her own sauerkraut, relish and mustards. (sorry for the blurry picture) Sides for the meal inclue anything that makes you feel all summery inside: watermelon, pasta salad, green beans.



Happy last few days of summer to all!

Mother/Daughter Bridal Dinner

(From Grandma's Garden :)

This past weekend my mom, my sister (who was in town) and I hosted an intimate mother/daughter bridal dinner. We chose to dine in so we could have more quality time with old friends. We spent time together relaxing, catching up, telling stories and laughing. Our dinner was a great reminder of how simple and fun a night of dining-in can be!

The night began with drinking delicious Pomegranate Margaritas.

1 part Tequila, 1 part Roses Lime, ½ Triple Sec and ½ Pomegranate Juice (we use POM Wonderful juice, yummy!) . Garnish with a lime.

We Snacked on Guacamole served w/ Whole Wheat Tortilla Chips from Whole Foods. (perfect compliment to the Pom Margs)

5 chopped avocados, 1 squeezed lemon, S&P and a TBL of Mrs. Renfro’s Jalapeno Green Salsa.

It was a beautiful evening to be outside so we grilled Rib eye steak and mixed veggies (marinated w/ olive oil and S&P.)

The salad cooled everyone’s palette with its refreshing flavor.

Red leaf and green leaf lettuce, toasted almonds, avocados, green onions, grape tomatoes and blue cheese - dressed with a mix of a champaign vinaigrette and a red wine vinaigrette.

Any plans for this weekend? Why don't you invite some of your best friends over and stay in!

Night at the K

This weekend has been filled with lots of fun, lots of food and lots of friends. We started it off right with a friday night Date Dash at the Kansas City Royals game. The night began with drinks on the back porch, a party bus then took us to the game and after staying for most of the game the party bus dropped us off at Charlie Hoopers in Brookside. The night was a lesson in easy, casual entertaining and made for a great night with a fun group. After organizing and hosting the night these are my suggestions for a Date Dash.

- Plan ahead: I organized this evening over a month in advance which made the night go very smoothly. I was able to collect the money early and everything was completely paid for a week in advance.

- Provide the pre-drinks: By charging each couple a little extra I was able to buy all of the pre-drinks for the night which included two coolers of beer, white wine and vodka and sweet tea vodka with lemonade. Even though the drinks and popcorn served were very simple they were just what we needed to start the night off right.

- Add a touch of fun: Although I didn't have much time to put together anything fancy for the night because I moved the same day, I did have just enough time to throw together a quick, festive way to distribute the tickets. For each couple I put their tickets and a shot of flavored vodka into plastic cups and wrapped it up with ribbon. It was again very simple but was a way to have something cute on the table and it made it easy to hand out the tickets.

- Get a party bus and end the night at a good spot: Having a party bus made the night very relaxed because no one had to worry about driving and everyone was able to enjoy the night to the fullest. Also, ending the night on a high note at one of your favorite local spots makes the whole night a success.

- Invite a great group, relax and have fun: This last one seems pretty self explanatory but the key to hosting is to invite a great group of people and have fun yourself. So don't stress about little things, have a few drinks and enjoy yourself.

A Laid Back Cinco de Mayo

After a long day of work, a Cinco de Mayo celebration with friends was a must. However, dodging the crowds seemed just as important.

A roof top, Coronas, margaritas, music, festive dip, Manny's take-out (yum!) and best friends make for the best kind of celebrations. The simplicity of the get together, the on-going laughter and the intimate setting was exactly what we needed to unwind from our busy day.

How do you like to unwind w/ friends after a long day?

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

E-mail subject today from a fellow dinner club member: HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO!

First reaction: Oh ya! Let's celebrate!

Next Reaction: I have to revamp my dinner menu to coincide with this celebration! I told my fellow dinner-club members to head over around 5:30. Hoping this would leave plenty of time to get to the store and prep. I knew I had to make my mom's black bean and feta dip: fast, easy and delicious!

Original Menu:

Sauteed Shrimp

Roasted Tomatoes

Angel-Hair Pasta

Bread

Salad

Revised Menu:

Black Bean and Feta Dip

Mexican Spiced Shrimp Quesadillas

Refried Beans

Southwestern Rice

Skinny Girl Margarita

Black Bean and Feta Dip:

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

8 oz. package feta cheese

small can chopped black olives

1 bunch of cilantro - chopped

1 bunch green onions - finely chopped

Red Wine Vinaigrette

Layer all of the ingredients in a serving dish. Top with Red Wine Vinaigrette. Serve with tortilla chips. Simple, yet delicious!

Skinny Girl Margaritas:

Also tried making this margarita recipe for the first time. I must say, I was quite disappointed. I spent a lot of time juicing the limes, but found the result too tart. So I went with the traditional Gray family recipe: frozen limeade, tequila, cointreau (or triple sec) and ice in the blender. Tasty!!

After my friends left, I made dinner for the fiance. I made Mexican-spiced shrimp quesadillas, refried beans and rice. Perfect ending to the Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Entertaining 101

Photo Courtesy: Emersonmade.com

'Food is not about impressing others. It's about making them feel comfortable.'

-Ina Garten, 'The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook'