2014 is well on it's way

I'm pretty disappointed I went well over a month without a proper post! After the buzz and craziness of the Holidays, then weekend after weekend of nothing fun going on and dreary winter weather, my motivation just sort of escaped me.

I hope I'm better for February! We have a lot of exciting things coming up so I think I'll have plenty of inspiration.

So just a recap for the past few days, since anything before that was just work, work, work.

On Sunday we hosted our annual Super Bowl Party. I was super impressed by Engineer Husband and myself - we had everything prepped, ready and clean (including us!) a solid hour before our guests arrived. I didn't manage to snag any pictures of the food spread, but I was happy with everything that turned out. Some of the recipes included -

- Sausage Gumbo (courtesty of EH) - I'd share the recipe but that would mean deciphering the post-it note that includes no quantities and no cook times. So basically, you'll have to come over and watch while EH tries to remember the specifics. It was a hit though!

- Cream Cheese Chicken Chili - always a favorite in our crowd!

- Holiday Bourbon Meatballs - I was a little skeptical of these because the smell of whiskey was pretty overpowering at first, but once that cooked down they were delicious. There weren't any left by half time!

- Spinach Artichoke Dip - I make this for any gathering we have. Super easy and I always get a ton of compliments and am left with an empty bowl!

- Homemade Salsa & Guacamole

- Lemon, Lime & Rosemary Water - no recipe needed, just slice up a few lemons and limes and throw in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. I made a huge pitcher and had to refill twice during the party! So refreshing and will definitely add a little spa-like quality to any gathering.

Apart from the food we prepared, we also had amazing brownies, chocolate dipped strawberries made to look like footballs (SO cute!), home made crab ragoons, pizza pull apart bread and a very famous sausage dip that I will have to track down the recipe for. So much food!

So while it the game was disappointing and the commercials were a little meh.. (alright, there were a few that were great!), it was so much fun to have friends over and just hang out with good food, beer and delightful conversations. 

I preemptively took the Monday post-Super Bowl off just so I didn't have to stay up late cleaning and wake up early and drag myself into work. Best decision ever, as Tuesday brought freezing rain! Unexpected four day weekend for the win.

Anyways, that's what's been going on in my world! I promise it won't be long until I'm back to share more. Hope you find a few victories this week!

Merry Merry Christmas!

It's been a fabulous Christmas with our family. Unfortunately we were not able to see everyone!

Moose especially enjoyed checking out the presents!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Holiday! Merry Christmas!

Your Next Shopping Stop

I've been a terrible blogger lately but I hope everyone had the Happiest of Thanksgivings! Ours was spent with Engineer Husband's family in his hometown and between two households it included everything from pork to turkey to spaghetti and meatballs. I think I still feel full! 

While EH ventured out into the woods for some hunting, I along with a few family members ventured down to Lake Village, AR to do some Christmas decor shopping at Paul Michael Company.

Paul Michael's is one of my most favorite places in Arkansas. Located right before you get into Mississippi, their store has everything from furniture to home decor, kitchen wares, gifts - you name it, they've probably got it. We actually picked up a ton of accents for our wedding there!

But the best time of year to visit Paul Michael is when you want to load up on Christmas decor. My mother and sister-in-law and I try to make a trip every year and it's one of my favorite things ever. There is Christmas stuff EVERYWHERE!

Photo Courtesy of Paul Michael FB Page - click to visit!

I love the classic red being paired with the bright green!

Photo Courtesy of Paul Michael Blog

 If you're into the rustic glam, they definitely have something for you. A lot of the pieces from my tree and house are from this section of the store!

I really wish I had taken some pictures myself because there is SO much for you to see. Each tree set up (and there are dozens) has a different theme with tons of items surrounding it that coordinate. It's perfect for inspiration and takes a lot of the guess work out! 

I've spent the past few years accumulating ornaments and at the rate I'm going, we're going to need a bigger tree! Here's what I came up with this year: (sorry for the crappy iphone pic!)

I always love how it turns out but I really need to get a better picture to show all the fun things that are included. Stay tuned for that - and while you wait, check out Paul Michael at their website here, or if you're in the area make sure and stop by! I promise you won't regret it.