Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Best Appetizer Part 2



Several months ago I blogged about my Tex-Mex Wontons and how fabulous they were. Well, I have a new spin on them, a vegetarian version: Spinach and Artichoke Wontons. If you love spinach artichoke dip, then these will soon be your favorite appetizer. These are so darn good, I seriously couldn't stop eating them. And how cute are they to sit out for a party or when you are entertaining? I promise you will be head over heels in love with these babies if you make them.




SPINACH ARTICHOKE WONTONS-1 Package Wonton Shells
-1 package frozen spinach thawed and squeezed almost dry
-1 can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
-1 8 oz cream cheese, softened
-1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
-1/4 cup diced pickled jalapenos
-1/4 cup mayo
-1/3 sour cream

Mix all ingredients together and season with salt and pepper. Place wontons in ungreased mini muffin pans. Fill the wontons with the filling and bake at 350 degrees about 15 minutes or until bubbly and wontons start to turn light brown.

** I usually add a few more jalapenos because we like ours spicy, but you could totally leave them out if you don't like the heat. This makes about 36-40 wontons. If you don't need that many you can freeze or refrigerate the leftover mixture to use another time.**

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Obsessions Summer Edition

Happy Tuesday Lovelies! Since we are we well into the month of June I thought I would share some of my current summer obsessions!

TURQUOISE JEWELRY
I know this trend is nothing new, but I am really loving it this summer. I love Turquoise jewelry paired with pink, coral, yellow and other bright colored clothing!




Gara Danielle Turquoise necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane Hoops, Alexis Bittar Earrings


COCONUT LACROIX
You all know I love me some sparkling water especially LaCroix! So, I was super excited when I saw this new flavor out. Coconut water is so good for you, and this is even tastier than regular coconut water (although I am not sure it is healthier). Either way this stuff is delicious! Apparently it is sold exclusively at Target. I think this would make a tasty spin on a vodka soda drink for the summer.



JBRAND COLORED JEAN SHORTS
I wrote about the colored denim trend a few months ago, but I think I might be liking the colored jean shorts even better than the jeans. I could totally see myself pairing these with a neutral blouse or cute white t-shirt to run errands. I never jumped the gun and bought the colored jeans but I would consider buying the shorts on sale:)





TILLY MAISON LUCITE TRAYS
My girl Chassity first introduced me to these gorgeous Lucite trays and now I can't stop thinking about them! They are perfect to store your jewelry, make-up, nail polish, or really anything. I love the large tray to serve some summery drinks, like say a skinny margarita on! You can check out her Etsy Shop HERE




JONATHAN ADLER BEACH TOTES
I seriously adore JA so it is no surprise I love his new line of beach totes. I love the patterns and would be happy to tote one of these babies to the beach this summer.


via

Monday, June 13, 2011

It's Official!

I now have a new sister-in-law and I couldn't be more thrilled! The happy couple are on the way to St. Johns for their honeymoon! Yes, I am totally jealous, the honeymoon is the best part about getting married right?? Matt and I actually went to St. Thomas and St. Johns for our honeymoon too and it was unbelievable, I know they are going to have a fabulous time!

The wedding weekend was amazing! I am a little sad that this was our last family wedding, since we are all hitched now! I don't want to bore you too much with rando photos but I had to share a few pictures from this fabulous weekend!


This was from the kick-off Caribbean party last Saturday. Wearing the dress that everyone voted for!




The flowers from the Rehearsal Dinner. My parents used the same women who did my wedding flowers and she did an amazing job again! They were even more breath-taking in person.



The siblings the night before the big day!



This is me trying to gain some liquid courage before my toast at the dinner!




My sister, my mom, and me right before our big walk down the aisle.




A few shots of us bridesmaids before the service!



The newlyweds!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Wedding Weekend

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! I am off to start all the festivities for my brother's wedding!


My soon to be sister-in-law and brother. The sweetest cutest couple ever! I am so happy for them and thrilled to be a part of their big day!

Here is a little sneak peek at my outfit for tonight.



It is a navy one shoulder dress with rhinestones on the strap and my new silver shoes from Piperline worked perfectly with it! I am still working on my speech for the Rehearsal dinner tonight but luckily my sister is going to give it with me, so I have help!
I have a slammed packed weekend so I will be back Monday with pictures (hopefully)! xoxo

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Read, Watch, Listen

It's been awhile since I did one of these posts so I thought I would share what I am reading, watching and listening to!

READ
One Day by David Nicholls

I read reviews about this book in several of my magazines so I finally picked it up to read. It is a love story that spans 20 years and I adore the premise of it. They meet have one wonderful night together and then the book touches on where their lives are on that exact same day every year. I have not finished it yet, so not sure of the ending but I am really enjoying it! It is a perfect summer read.



WATCH
The Next Foodnetwork Star

I am not working with many shows to watch this summer since most of my favorites are on hiatus til September! It is probably lame I watch this but, I honestly love any cooking show. I have been watching this show for years and it is always entertaining although sometimes it's stars are not! Most of the past winners besides Guy I have not been impressed with but I still watch. I don't have any favorites yet in the new cast but I am sure I will as the season goes on!






LISTEN
My Morning Jacket Circuital CD

I have loved MMJ for years, my brother actually introduced me to them. I have been to a few of their concerts and they are always fun. Their new CD is really good! It is great "chill" music.



Any book, music or tv recommendations send them my way!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Egg, Sausage, and Sun-Dried Tomato Casserole




This breakfast casserole is amazing. It is always a crowd pleaser and perfect for company! Both my mom and I made it last weekend for our guests and everyone absolutely loved it! If you want to, you can cook the sausage, onions and tomatoes a day early and then just assemble the casserole the day of to save time. Make this dish, I promise your guests and family will be asking for seconds!


EGG, SAUSAGE AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO CASSEROLE
- 1 pound Italian sweet sausage (I used Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage)
- 1/2 cup chopped shallots )about 3 shallots)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup chopped and drained sun dried tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 5 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 cup half and half (I substituted skim milk)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 cups grated mozzarella (I did half mozzarella half Gruyere)

DIRECTIONS1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2) Saute sausage until brown

3) Add shallots and garlic and saute about 5 minutes. Add in sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tbls parsley. Cook for 1-3 minutes. Spread sausage mixture into bottom of baking dish.

4) Whisk eggs, egg yolks, half and half, whipping cream, and 1.5 cups mozzarella. Pour over sausage mixture.

5) Sprinkle with remaining cheese and parsley.

6) Bake 30-35 minutes or until bubbly.

Enjoy!


Print Recipe HERE

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Obsessions


ORCHIDS
I adore an orchid. They are so easy to care for and look gorgeous. I used them at my wedding and I still am obsessed with them. I am staying with my parents this week before my brother's wedding and I am so envious of my mom's orchid. How beautiful is it (and yes it is real!)? If you live in Charlotte Jesse Campbell is the man to call he does amazing orchid and plant arrangements!





FOREVER 21 DRESS
Just found this adorable dress online. Normally I don't have too much luck at F21 since most of the clothes are made for rail thin 15 years old but occasionally I find cute stuff like this.




EAT WELL ENJOY LIFE HUMMUS
This hummus is amazing. I have tried the edamame hummus with roasted red pepper and sesame and the spicy yellow lentil with apricots and sunflower seeds and they both knocked my socks off. I just bought the Tuscan white bean hummus to try next. They sell them at Harris Teeter. They are delicious!





PHYSIQUE 57 DVDS
I am pretty loyal to my Tracey Anderson DVDS, but they get really boring sometimes so I like to switch it up. My brother gave me these Physique 57 DVDs for my birthday and I love them. They are a great workout. I like that two of the DVDs are only 30 minutes so if you don't want to do an hour you can do the 30 minute one! I am always sore the day after I do these which I think is a good thing!





ST. IVES APRICOT FACE WASH
I love this stuff. It is one of the best exfoliating face washes I have tried. Best part it is dirt cheap like $4! It smells great and really makes your skin so smooth!





What are you loving this week? xoxo