Thanksgiving Salad

Enjoyed this pretty salad for lunch today...

Fresh from Whole Foods' salad bar.  Topped with roasted sweet potatoes, shredded beets, and dried cranberries.  I think I have Thankgsiving on the brain.  The air is finally crisp here, fall is all around us, and I am officially ready for Turkey Day.  And I'm totally eating for two this year.  At least when it's time for dessert.

Fresh Cut Mother's Day {aka: 2 posts in 1}

I had my family over for a Mother's Day brunch yesterday, and these fresh cut flowers served as the centerpieces...

Set up on the patio...
{Side note: scored those aqua stackable vinyl chairs at an estate sale last summer for $4 each!}

We had the same simple quiche I made for Wreathfest 2010. One of them was filled with asparagus, prosciutto, mushrooms, basil, and a blend of fontina/mozzarella/parm. The other had bacon, red + yellow peppers, mushrooms, green onion, and swiss. They got a little brown on top, but they were still delish.

We also had mixed berries, and banana muffins. For the muffins, I used this recipe, but added walnuts and chocolate chips.

We had mimosas, too. Because it just isn't brunch without them!

My sister Mallorie, and my lovely momma.

The guys - The Mr., my brother Mike, and my dad.

My mom and her three kiddos. We're lucky to have her as our mother. She's done so much for all of us, and she's a great friend. Pretty darn funny, too. Which is one of the best qualities a person can have, in my book. Love you, Mom!

Top 'o the evenin' to ya.

We didn't make it to the St. Pat's parade or any of the Irish bars in town. Instead, we enjoyed the awesome weather (finally!) and had a nice little celebration of our own at home.

With some of this after work...

{Notice the cute buddy in the background with a treat of his own.}

And this for dinner...

{Reubens, homemade oven fries, and green beer!}

Happy St. Patrick's Day - hope it was a lucky one for all!

Dial Turners

As I've mentioned, I really enjoy some good Christmas music. It puts me in a good mood, evokes warm & fuzzy memories, etc., etc. I pretty much have my radio tuned in to Christmas stations from the day after Thanksgiving (or sooner) through Christmas Day. That being said, I also have a pretty strong aversion to bad Christmas music. I thought I'd share some artists that earn top "dial turner" ranks in my book, via a Top 5 list.

5. Willie Nelson - Willie and Christmas just don't fit, if you ask me.

4. The Carpenters - Is there anything cheesier? The correct answer is no.

3. Alan Jackson - Uggh.

2. Annie Lenox - She scares me.

1. Gloria Estefan - For me, her voice cues reflex-like dial turning...all year round.

No offense if you enjoy any or all of the above. We just can't be friends. ;)