Meatball Goodness

Rachel Ray's Gorgonzola Meatballs with Tomato Bay Cream  are so hearty, so delicious, so balanced in flavor. Quick to make, (duh, 30 Minute Meals) they are perfect for any night of the week. I served them with Spinach Mashed Potatoes... Just thaw and drain a package of frozen, chopped spinach (RR says this is one of the best deals at the grocery) and mix it into your regular mashed potato recipe. The potato-spinach mixture gets another flavor boost from the tomato sauce. One of those meals where a divided plate just wouldn't do...

Tip: Watery spinach will kill this dish. To really get all the moisture out of the spinach, place it in the center of a clean dishtowel. Twist the ends of the towel to make a little bundle and squeeze over the sink.

While we're on the subject of mashed potatoes, let's talk about butter. My absolute favorite brand is Kerrygold. Not only is it wrapped in gold foil, the stuff actually tastes like gold. Perfectly creamy,  perfectly salty, it elevates any dish to the top platform. Don't feel like spending 5 dollars on butter? Okay, but at least try it once. You'll never say "Parkay" again!

Baby Shower!

We're a week and a half away from Liz's Baby Shower, and I'm excited about the way things are turning out!

My idea for the decor is taken from the lobby at Neiman Marcus. You know, those fabulous white butterflies fluttering about as you go up the escalator, blinding you to the amount of money you just spent on a pair of shoes. (Apparently they have the opposite effect on me... I can never seem to part with my money in that store.) 

Well, I used butterfly die-cuts and shiny mylar sequins to create the same effect in my dining room. Only three strands hanging so far, but I can tell it's going to be something special!

Also, I created some giant poufy pom poms to hang on the front and back porch. Thanks to CasaSugar for the instructions. Mine don't look as professional as I'd like yet... but I'm working on it!

I can't wait to bring it all together! I hope Liz loves it!

Cute as a bug. Busy as a bee.

I am so excited to plan and host my sister-in-law's baby shower! She is expecting a little girl at the end of November. And we'll be showering her with gifts at the end of September.

Theme: Cute as a bug. Busy as a bee.

Colors: lavender, white, hot pink, chocolate brown

Decor: Neiman Marcus-esque butterflies dangling from the ceiling and springing from the flower arrangements. (Materials: fishing line and cardstock butterfly die-cuts) Fabulous dragonflies from a little boutique fluttering near the front door.

Invite: Long and lean in chocolate, lavender, and hot pink. Lainie Day and Book Antiqua fonts. Dragonflies flit about. Pearlescent lavender card stock band with pink ribbon accent. Brilliant pink envelope with fun, printed address label.

More details to come!