Bridal Shower

For my sister's bridal shower, I decided to play an unconventional game. It was more like a raffle than a game but everyone had a good laugh so I thought I would share. It's called "who has the groom?"

You will need:

• tux print outs
• index cards
• pen/marker
• scissors
• magazines
• glue
• envelopes

To begin, cut celebrity faces from magazines. This is fun until you run out of good looking celebrities and have to resort to Dr. Phil. You will need as many faces as the number of people invited to the shower. Then, glue each face and tux to an index card and slip inside an envelope. One envelope should contain the groom-to-be.

You can fasten an envelope under each chair or hand them out. The guests should open them to reveal who has the groom and that person wins!

 

I was also quite proud with how this:

 

All you need are clothes pins, twine, tissue paper, and photos of the happy couple!

Orange You Glad...

...you can use orange peels in your dish disposal?
I discovered this after purchasing Plink (pictured below). I was eating an orange, over the sink of all places, and it dawned on me. Lemons and limes work quite nicely also.

Sweet & Spicy Meal

Today was a sleepy, sunny Fall day which I spent recoverying from a night of dancing in heels by watching the Food Network. There was a receipe for southern-style chili (otherwise called white chili) and it looked really delicious. I found a similar receipe online and gave it a try. I'm no Rachel Ray, but I thought it turned out alright (see photo below) and I got the nod of approval from my fiance. This is a really great alternative to a tomato based chili made with beef. Cornbread, which is sweetened with honey, compliments the spiciness of the soup nicely. Tortilla chips are great for dipping. Hope you enjoy!

 

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cans (15-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chilies
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream       

Directions

In a large saucepan, saute the chicken, onion and garlic powder in oil until chicken is no longer pink. Add the beans, broth, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream and cream.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Creamy-White-Chili

The Joy of Gardening

1. Grow your own
Become somewhat self-sufficient and save money. Plus organic food just tastes better!

2. Eco-friendly
Increases O2 output, cuts back on transporting goods, and turns food waste into compost.

3. Spiritual
They say, "You are closer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth," and they would be right. Gardening taught me the importance of patience.

4. Sunshine
Vitamin D is obtained from sun exposure and helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the bloodstream. You can always double-up and drink SunnyD while you garden too. Just for kicks.

5. Educational
Before having a vegetable garden, I did not know that asparagus grew above ground or strawberry plants were such a ground coverer. Be connected to the process of growth as opposed to just picking something off a shelf at Weis. Rodale (Kutztown, PA) is a huge inspiration.

6. Appreciation
Foster relationships with local growers by going to farmers' markets and learning from them. Plus they always have the best recipes. Just had a flashback of this one time, I followed a soup recipes and jalapeno juice got in my eye. Worst. Pain. Ever.

7. Relaxation
Okay, so, the digging and weeding may not be the most relaxing part of gardening but, admiring the beauty of your space makes for the best meditation nook.

8. Healthy diet
Of course, you will want to create meals from your harvest. It inspires the chef in all of us. Be prepared to google recipes and taste-test til your heart is content. If you are anything like me though, you will snack from your harvest basket even before you get to the door. Produce in its natural state is wonderful and we don't have to worry about pesticides!

9. Creative outlet
As a painter and lover of art, I view the garden as a canvas. Bring in color, balance, design, and maybe even a gnome or two.

10. Homemade gifts
I love sharing what I grow with neighbors, friends, and family. Gardening is a great way to give and help others experience the same joy.