Sunday, October 17, 2010

Finally......Fall!

Today was a wonderful fall day, finally!! With all this 90 degree weather I was wondering if Mother Nature was just going to skip fall altogether this year. In celebration of the beautiful fall weather I made a great dinner that I felt properly celebrated the season. It turned out delicious, my thanks to Giada and Food Network Website! To get the full recipe below click here!

I did cheat a little and bought the butternut squash ravioli at the new Fresh N' Easy store in town. But the sauce was adapted from Giada's recipe. I first lightly toasted 1/2 a cup of toasted walnuts in a pan. After they were done (you know they are done once you can really smell the walnuts, great aroma!) I put the toasted walnuts in a bowl and then melted 2 sticks of butter over medium heat. I then added the walnuts, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, some dried basil leaves and pinch of salt. After about 3 minutes I took it off, poured it over the cooked ravioli, added some Parmesan cheese over the top and......a great taste for fall! Yum!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Good bye 20's, Hello 30's!

Yes I bid (a not so sad) farwell to my 20's this weekend. I wasn't too upset about it though since I really feel I am in a great place going into my 30th year. I have an amazing and loving husband. Two beautiful and healthy children who continue to amaze and delight me everyday. What is there to complain about?!

div>Speaking of that wonderful husband, he threw me a wonderful party! Now I haven't had an official party since I was about 13 years old so this was very special. He was a little nervous about throwing the 'party planner' a party, but he did an amazing job. He was helped out by our friend Brett who catered the party and did an amazing job!! Check out his website here!

I really do want to thank all my wonderful friends (and cousin Sarah!) who came out to celebrate my birthday with me. It meant a lot of bring in my 30th year surrounded by loved ones. And of course a big thank you to my Mom, without you I wouldn't be here!!!

Here is a photo of me and my wonderful hubby!

The 3 liter bottle of wine we had for everyone to sign.


Some of the wonderful friends who came out to celebrate....




Some of the amazing food! It was all so delicious!!!



My hubby also let me go a little crazy with flower arrangements since I love flowers so much. I LOVE these pumpkin branches I found at Trader Joe's!! Yes, they are real and so cute!!


Thanks again everyone for a memorable birthday!!