Sweet-N-Tangy Salsa….aka Texas Caviar

Posted on May 7, 2012 in Recipes | Comments Off

This salsa is always a hit whenever I have parties.  It’s easy to make ahead of time (much easier now that I have the Vidalia Chopper) and is so colorful!

You’ll need:

• 1 can of pinto beans, drained
• 1 can of blackeyed peas, drained
• 1 can of shoepeg corn
• 1 jalepeno
• 1 red onion
• 1 green pepper
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 1 orange pepper

• 1/4 cup oil (original recipe is 1/2 cup, but I don’t think that much is necessary)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup sugar (I used baking Splenda to save on calories)
• 3/4 cup cider vinegar

1. Chop up all the peppers, onion, and jalepeno (this is where having a chopper is nice, especially since I usually make triple batches for parties)

2. Put the oil, pepper, sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan.  Bring to boil to dissolve and then let cool.

3. Mix all the ingredients together and let sit in fridge overnight.

Glitter glassware so it’s washable!

Posted on May 3, 2012 in DIY & Crafts | 8 comments

I’m a sucker for glitter.  It just makes everything so much prettier and glassware is no exception! The question is…how to wash glitter?  To see what I use for glittering Click Here

If you love the glittered goblets, but aren’t the crafty type that’s ok!  You can purchase a set from me.  If interested please Email me to figure out glitter colors, glass type, quantity, etc.

The only added step that you need to do to make stemware washable (hand wash only) is to spray 1 or 2 coats of clear sealant over the top of the glittered area (enter ‘how to glitter’ in the Search the Site section at the top of this website). I use a glossy top coat.  Tape plastic over the part of the glass that you don’t need to cover with a clear coat.

I’m taking these to an overnight Bachelorette party this summer.  The bride loves sparkles, so we are all going to wear glitz and sequins as a theme. I thought glittered wine glasses will be the perfect addition to the party. We’ll use them that night, be able to remember which glass is who’s, and the bride can take them home with her.

With summer approaching I need to have a set to help celebrate July 4th!  For more 4th of July ideas Click Here

Nothing says Christmas like glistening sparkly champagne glasses!

Make glasses to match your wedding colors, any holiday, or a whole set of just black or silver glitter for a posh look.

I made this set for my book club when I hosted and we read ’50 Shades of Grey’.  For more ideas on a gray themed party Click Here

Engagement and 6 Month Photos

Posted on May 1, 2012 in Photography | Comments Off

Sunday was a cloudy day here in MN, but luckily warm enough to still take photos for and an adorable 6 month old and a beautiful couple planning a summer wedding.

Personally, I think it’s easier to take portraits when there is a bit of an overcast.  Bright sunny days lead to squinting and harsh shadows.  One way to increase the warmth of images when taken on gloomy days is to make sure your white balance is set to ‘cloudy’.  You can also warm up pictures by just barely increasing the yellow when editing them.

Writing the wedding date in the sand was a cute idea the bride had….my thought of putting feet in the water looks cute, but water in MN in April is still ice cold!

I like decreasing the exposure, saturation, and vibrancy of an image to give a bit of a romantic feel.

Some kids do not react well to a stranger making crazy sounds to get their attention and a camera shoved in their face for an hour, but she was so good.  Can you even stand how cute this owl hat is?  Her mom said she found it on Etsy…gotta love Etsy!

May Day Flower Baskets

Posted on Apr 30, 2012 in DIY & Crafts | 1 comment

One of the nice things about have a child is that I’m able to do some of the things I used to when I was a kid…May Day baskets being one of them.  Granted, Lauren is only 14 months old, but she gives me an excuse to do things and have them be from ‘her’.

I found some clearance Easter pails for 50 cents, spray painted them, and planted petunias (even if our neighbors don’t have green thumbs petunias seems to grow through anything).  Happy May Day!

Baked Brie with Kahlua & Pecans

Posted on Apr 24, 2012 in Recipes | Comments Off

I don’t think I’ve seen anyone eat this and not fall in love….it is sooo delicious.  I first ate this mouth watering appetizer at a friend’s place years ago (thanks Mrs. Taylor!) and have been making it ever since.  There are few ingredients, it’s quick & easy to make, and have I mentioned it’s delicious?

What you’ll need:

• 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
• 1 medium wheel of brie or 1/2 a large wheel
• 1 cup Kahlua or any coffee liquor
• 1 cup brown sugar – not packed
• 1 cup chopped pecans

1.  Preheat the oven to 410 degrees.  Lay some tin foil or parchment paper on a baking sheet and spray with non-stick

2. Lay out the puff pastry sheet

3. Cut the brie in half – horizontally.  This way you can layer the ingredients  (I like to scrape the white coating off the outside of the brie, but it’s not necessary)

4. Set 1 layer of brie in the pastry and top with 1/3 cup brown sugar,  1/3 cup pecans, and 1/3 cup Kahlua.

5. Place the other layer of brie on top and add the same amount of ingredients on top.

6. Wrap the puff pastry around the brie and top with another layer of the same amount of ingredients (maybe a little extra if you want).

***Greta is always by my side when I’m preparing food!

7.  Bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastry is lightly browned and puffy.

8. Serve with crackers or bread.  Enjoy!!!