Trying out New Recipes

One of my favorite things to do is try to imitate my favorite restaurant recipes. I have tried a few out recently. This is my rendition of Stone Creek's smothered chicken. I cooked fresh green beans and bacon as a side. The smothered chicken is baked with honeymustard, green onions, mushrooms, and bacon under melted cheese.
I also tried Kung Pao Chicken with rice. SO GOOD!! I sometimes get caught on recipes when I really like them so I have a feeling I will be having this everyother week!! This dish is semi-homemade. I did not make my own sauce but did choose carrots, zucchini, peanuts, green onions, and red pepper to add to the store bought sauce.

Reality TV Junkie

Two of my favorite reality TV shows came to and end this week. Big Brother is probably my very favorite reality TV show. This year was a really great season because there was a secret alliance that stayed loyal to the end. Three of the original four members made it to the final three contestants. My favorite player, Brittany, was voted as America's favorite player so she won money too!! The following is a conversation between Brittany and another one of my favorite players.... Enzo.

I am going to miss the drama and suspense of Big Brother, but I know I always have the Real Housewives series, Amazing Race, and Survivor to fall back on. Did you hear that are adding Real Housewives of Beverly Hills starting in October??

Trip to Arizona

We recently went to Arizona to see my sister graduate from PA school! We had such a fun weekend celebrating and visiting too. We took a day to visit Sedona, Arizona which is breathtaking. Sedona is famous for the red rock formations that are near it.

There were "javelina" decorated around the town just like there are pigs in Indianapolis. Javelina are desert pigs! Ha ha!!!

After talking to a local in one of the shops, we decided to make a trip up to Jerome. It is a tiny little town with a TON of history. At one point the town was a thriving mining town and was know as the wickedest town in the west. Now it is nearly deserted except those working in the tourist industry. We spent some time just walking the streets and checking everything out. I swear Willie Nelson was working the door at one of the saloons!!

There were a few wineries in town so we did some wine tasting.

And overall just enjoyed the spectacular view!

Back to School

I can not believe how quickly the summer went by!!! Today was my first official day back to school although I have already been in and worked three other days in the last week. It was so much fun to catch up with everyone and hear how everyone's summer was. I am excited to meet my students on Monday! I think it is going to be a great year!!!!!

I printed some pictures that were taken on the day of our wedding. This is a personal favorite of mine. I can't wait to see the professional photos!!

Wedding Season Continues

Last weekend Brandon's sister, grandma, and aunt hosted a beautiful bridal shower for me. It was such a wonderful day. I enjoyed getting to know a few friends and family members who I had never met. The hosts planned a great day down to every last detail.

Cutest little decoration welcoming the guests to the shower.

Yummiest peach sangrias as you first walk in!

Delicious lunch!

Thanks so much to the wonderful hostesses! Three and a half weeks 'til the big day!!!!!!

Vegetable Garden

Brandon and I planted two tomato plants and a bell pepper plant in May and we finally got our first tomato. Eating fresh tomatoes is one of my favorite things about the summer. Hopefully we will have plenty more to come in the next few weeks!

Mother Nature

Mother Nature has been pummeling Central Indiana in the last week with severe storm after severe storm. Last Saturday we lost half of our tree to 65 mph wind gusts.
We had the tree removed...

so this is what the front of our house looks like now. Totally different!

Then last night my favorite restaurant (El Rodeo) was struck by lightening and caught on fire. Here is what is left. Luckily no one was injured in the fire. Hopefully they will be able to open in a new location.