PARTY TIME!

The biggest bash that we throw all year is fast approaching- our annual Super Bowl Party! It is bound to be bigger and more out of control than ever- can't wait! Monday is our national holiday that we take off of work so no worries about that (learned that lesson a long time ago). Pictures and stories coming soon!

call me Suzie Homemaker

In my foodie opinion, one of the best gifts anyone can receive is a good cookbook (preferably with pictures.)

This last weekend I went back to my humblest of cookbooks, Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, for some inspiration. I received this classic checkered cookbook at one of my bridal showers a couple years ago from an aunt of mine. Every time I look through it I find something that inspires me to create a masterpiece (in my mind) from what I already have in my cupboards and fridge. This last weekend I made a home-made chicken pot pie for Saturday supper, French toast for Sunday breakfast & vegetable beef soup for Sunday supper! As usual every recipe had to be adapted a little bit to conform to my available ingredients but everything sure turned out delish if I do say so myself. Don't forget to go back to to the classics every once in awhile!

you know your hubby loves you when...

it is 25 below zero outside (actual temp) and he warms up the chilly bathroom for you with the space heater before you wake up

:)

Martini Night

Friday night Mike & I decided we'd make up our own Martini Night as we attempted our hand at a 'Dirty Martini' for him and a 'Flirtini' for me. We had fun trying to get each recipe just right and enjoyed drinking them out of our cute new 'Pokertini" hand-painted martini glasses. They were part of our Las Vegas themed Christmas gift thanks to Mike's parents Tom & Kay, which included the glasses, plane tix to Vegas in March and a little gambling $$, too!



Mike's Dirty Gin Martini recipe:
2 shots Bombay Sapphire gin

splash (about 1tblsp.) vermouth

up to 1 shot olive juice from the jar

shake with ice and garnish with olives

Laura's Flirtini recipe:

1 shot Sky vodka

2 shots pineapple juice

shake with ice and top off with champagne (I prefer the cheap-o Andre over anything else)

Mike shakes (not stirred of course)

our custom built bar in our basement (thanks Dad- we love it!)

Yum!

Sunrise

What is it about an Iowa sunrise? This morning's sunrise was so beautiful it absolutely changed my outlook on the day into a positive one! I couldn't even grumble about my 25 minute commute to work on semi-snowy roads (that is a miracle in itself- I have a little bit of a road-rage problem and winter driving complex) What has your sunrise done for you lately?


(not my picture but it looked a little like this)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We rang in the New Year with Jessie & Chris at a "black & white party" in their new hometown of Des Moines- it was a blast! We had awesome appetizers, steak & lobster dinner, drinks & party favors galore. The night flew by and we couldn't believe that all of a sudden they were counting down to the new year and handing out champagne!

I'm excited for a new year but still figuring out how to narrow down my big resolutions into more manageable and reasonable goals. This year we already have much to look forward to (a necessary thing for my sanity I've realized) our annual Super Bowl Party, trip to Las Vegas, 3 weddings, 3 family adventures, summertime and much much more. Stay tuned!