Best. Public. Proposal. Ever.

This is fan-damn-tastic.

One Piece Wonder

New swimsuit!

I found this ruffled little ditty at JCrew and christened it for a lake trip a few weeks ago. I got several compliments, which makes me like it even more.


It's no swanky little bikini, but I dig the ruffles and the color (slate) and it's a bit boobtastic. It shall do for now.

Striped Delight

If you've learned anything about me from all of this, it is that I love chocolate almost as much as my future husband. Some days, it seems a tie. Kidding ... sort of ... yeah.

I found this in Kraft's Food and Family magazine last summer and made it for a barbecue at the FMIL's. Don't neglect the last refrigeration/freezer step like I did. It won't firm up as it should if not given it's proper 4 hours and some time in the freezer. Your stripes will go more into a plaid if not frozen. In other words, read the directions beforehand so you're not slamming it together and running out the door on the way to a barbecue at your FMIL's house. It will be tasty, but not pretty.

Striped Delight

35 OREO Cookies
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cold milk
1 tub (12 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
3-1/4 cups cold milk
2 pkg. (3.9 oz. each) JELL-O Chocolate Instant Pudding

PROCESS cookies in food processor until fine crumbs form. Transfer to medium bowl; mix in butter. Press onto bottom of 13x9-inch dish. Refrigerate until ready to use. WHISK cream cheese, sugar and 2 Tbsp. milk in medium bowl until blended. Stir in 1-1/4 cups COOL WHIP; spread over crust.BEAT pudding mixes and 3-1/4 cups milk with whisk 2 min.; pour over cream cheese layer. Let stand 5 min. or until thickened; cover with remaining COOL WHIP. Refrigerate 4 hours. Place dessert in freezer about 1 hour before cutting into squares to serve. Adapted from Kraft Food and Family

I forgot to freeze it before serving, so cutting it was a disaster.  It was not an "eat with your eyes" dish, not by a long shot.  It was a big hit, in spite of being messy and fug.  I did not tweak it to make it lighter, but I think it would be really easy to do so next time.  Enjoy!

Another one down: Jimmy and Amber

Congratulations, Jimmy and Amber!

I headed to Hannibal, MO this weekend for my friend Amber's wedding. It was a lot of fun, great to see some of my friends from college, and turned out to be one huge party. Weather was perfect, especially for the Midwest in July. Couldn't have asked for better!

Our little AmBeast walking down the aisle with her dad, all growed up and lovely. I just loved her dress - not only am I sucker for lace, but she got it in a sample sale in Chicago for a fraction of the cost. She's a smart one.

There is something about small, historic towns that always seems to have trolleys. Love it.

My favorite part, of course. And how sweet is that topper? I never should have told her about Etsy.

Singing Sweetheart to Jimmy, probably one of my favorite wedding traditons.

So another one of my friends is married off. We're dropping like flies, people! I had a blast (I mean, who doesn't love a buffet with tater tots AND a carving station??) and it was so good to see some of my friends together again. It doesn't happen often, a wedding seems to be the main reason we get together recently, but I love it nonetheless.

I'm so happy for you Beastie! Thank so much for inviting me to share your Big Day. I've never seen you so happy! Have a blast in Hawaii!

Skinny Comfort Food: Baked Mac and Cheese

I love me some macaroni and cheese, but it's not exactly conducive to dress fittings and bikini season. This recipe has become my go-to staple when I need a carby fix but don't want the guilt. I make a huge tray of it every couple of weeks and freeze portions for an easy peasy grab-n-go lunch for work.

Renovated Macaroni and Cheese

12 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow-type
1/2 cup(s) fat-free sour cream
12 oz fat-free evaporated milk
8 oz low-fat cheddar or colby cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp dried bread crumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  Cook pasta according to package directions without added fat or salt; drain and transfer to a large bowl. While pasta is still hot, stir in sour cream; set aside.Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear just around the edges (known as scalding). Reduce heat to low, add cheese and simmer until cheese melts, stirring constantly with a wire whisk, about 2 minutes; remove from heat and stir in mustard, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add cheese mixture to pasta; mix well. Transfer to a 4-quart casserole dish.  Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese; sprinkle over pasta.  Bake until top is golden, about 30 minutes. Yields about 1 cup per serving. Adapted from Weight Watchers

I typically add a little more nutmeg and every once in awhile I add a couple of chicken breasts. I am notoriously bad about not eating enough protein, so the added points are totally worth it.  This also freezes really well.  I usually have a handful of small tupperware containers of this in my freezer for grab-and-go lunches.  So easy!

Now available for Bachelorette Parties

When planning your next bachelorette party and looking for a bigger, better, more earth-friendly option for penis paraphenalia, look no further than our back yard.

He's available for parties, though travel is limited. Inquire within for more information.

Cute things he does.

The Fiance is a sweetie through and through. He likes to send me pictures from his iphone that he takes around the house, usually when I am somewhere in another room.

Like this one, since he knows I am bummed about our rained-out plans.

Hand off, ladies. He's mine. ♥

You know what they say about good intentions...

Happy birthday, America!

You know what sounds like a really good way to celebrate? A day of fun in the sun at the family cabin! Water skiiing! Cake! Grilled meats! Small explosions!

You know what sounds like NOT a good way to celebrate our Independence, Liberty, and various Rights and Freedoms? Torrential downpour and lightning. I am irritated. I thought Barack Obama would have seen to this.

So instead of heading to the water, we're hiding from it. Here's to Plan B, America. Have a good one. At least beer is waterproof.


I leave you with some lovely eye candy on what looks to be a very dreary holiday in the Midwest, from Eat, Drink, Marry - this is how you do a red, white, and blue wedding kids!

Surprise!

We moved into our house in February, just as the spring bulbs were starting to come up. Ever since, it's been a constant guessing game as to what is growing in the flower beds. It was a lot of fun when we had a ton of daffodils and big fat irises (I am incredibly partial to irises, you know), especially considering we had done nothing for them. Much to my mother's thrill and delight, the previous residents were also avid day lily fans. They are e.v.e.r.y.where. And HUGE. I have a bumper crop of day lilies on steroids. Just one of the many joins that comes with owning a home that stood empty for over a year.

They are behind the garage.

They are in the front lawn.

They are next to the mailbox.

They've been producing huge blooms and budding like crazy, preparing for round two of Day Lilly Fever.

They may be taking over slowly. If you've seen the Happening, it may be cause for concern.