Happy Weekend!

What are you doing this weekend? Tonight we are celebrating Christmas a little early with some family and going out to dinner at our favorite French restaurant. It is sadly closing tomorrow, so had to get one last visit in! Tomorrow I have two holiday parties with girlfriends and Sunday the Nutcracker with my Mom. So much on the agenda to look forward to.  

I have also started menu planning a bit for next week. This will be the smallest crowd yet, so it has been nice to not think about quantity so much. I am eyeing this ragu for Christmas Eve dinner since church is late and it will be easy to come home to. And a possible surf and turf situation on Christmas Day? Giant crab legs from Costco sound like heaven. And these mushrooms could be a great addition. This only after our traditional Dreamy Sour Cream Waffles. The best part of the day, really. 

Do you have any recipes you love to make for the holidays? Would love some new ones! 

Happy Weekend! 

xoxo

Erin  

Get Set... Go

While some minutes the day seems to be dragging on, the next the weeks are flying by and life seems to be happening a little too fast. The holiday week(end) is stacked with an out of town wedding today and tomorrow, family BBQ on Friday, hosting a work BBQ on Saturday, and hopefully a high school style pool party on Sunday (nothing like HS with a baby in tow, and a large bump, but I like to pretend). I am tired thinking about this schedule, yet excited for all the fun activities. 

On the menu for our BBQ on Saturday (keeping it really simple since I only have a few hours to prep): 

Burger, Brats & Balsamic Chicken

Caprese Panzanella (grilled bread mixed with tomatoes, evoo, basil, fresh mozzarella, garlic, vinegar and red onions)

Kale Caesar

Corn on the cob slathered in butter

Spicy Sesame Noodles

and the biggest, most sugary frosted cake I can find at Costco. Craving that butter cream more than life and there is no time for baking. 

My wardrobe for all of this is still to be determined as my options are starting to seriously dwindle, yet I am refusing to buy too many oversized items in the hopes I will be back to a somewhat regular size soon. (wishful) I am wearing a cute Parker chevron maxi dress that still fits, and this Splendid fold over maxi skirt is getting a lot of attention lately. It is so comfortable. The rest is kind of the great debate as well as a total nightmare to plan out this pregnant. 

I hope the rest of your week is filled with All American fun and lots of sugary treats as well. You are probably going to be drinking lots of wine, so you can think of me while you are sipping. I will most likely be sleeping. 

xo

Erin 

Al Fresco at Your House

When you are inside for most of the year you want to spend every moment outside once it gets warm out. A few bees and sometimes too hot nights are worth it just to enjoy dinner outside with friends and frosty beverages. Here is a simple Italian menu that is delicious, perfect for the season, and easy to put together so you can enjoy the evening as well. 

Appetizer: Ricotta & Rosemary Crostini Drizzled with Honey

Salad: Arugula, Burrata, and Melon Salad with Crispy Prosciutto

Main: Tuscan Lemon Chicken

Dessert: Watermelon Granita 

I use all of the recipes through the summer and love how many of the steps are done in advance. 

This meal would be great sitting at this table, at sunset, with lots of laughter coming from your friends. 

1. Minty fresh tray to serve drinks and apps from C. Wonder $78

2. Simple stripes always look great on a table, Anthropologie $88

3. Obsessed with this Serena & Lily bamboo bar cart $395

4. Anthropologie Dinner Plates, love this print $18

5. Love these gold striped glasses $54 for set of 4

6. The wooden handles on this flatware is so chic from Sur La Table $69

7. At such a great price, these World Market director's chairs can handle all your guests $16

Happy Summer. 

xo

Erin