Bridal Shower #1

Let me just say, Bridal Showers are the greatest. I have yet to have a wedding but if the shower is that much fun I can't wait. I didn't have many expectations since I haven't been to that many  but brides-to-be, get excited. 

I came home from Canada to a package left from 'the girls' as a hint for the following day's shower. I definitely had my ideas. This is the cutest rolling pin I have ever seen and you can get your own at Anthropologie.

Clearly, we cooked!

 Among many things, we made Gluten Free Spring Rolls-delicious. However, those delicious Rice Wrappers contain around 150 calories each. That's not a lot but I originally thought they had ... idk... zero? ten? fifty? boo.

 Chocolate covered strawberries infused with Grand Marnier

 Sara would look so good cooking on tv. 

I have never felt so much excitement and love.  I am so grateful for my amazing friends that put together an extremely thoughtful shower. Their hard work made three 'brides-to-be' very happy.

xoxo 

Healthy Summertime Dinner Menu.

Okay... my years of watching the food network have finally redeemed themselves. I decided to throw a 'shower' for my friends back home. I have missed these girls' weddings and baby showers. It's sad. So i wanted to do something for them and get them the presents for their adorable children only one of the 4 children received. So! i found the perfect menu and with my sister's expert craft skills and my mothers knowledge of table settings... It was a perfect summertime evening. 

 The cute table setting. My sister made all of the tissue paper decorations that are hanging and on the table ends. 

 Each person had a 'bebe perfume' on their plate and a present (based on a girl or boy) on their chair!

 This was the starter... It was AMAZING... Watermelon Caprese Skewers. Super refreshing and Healthy. The only thing i did differently with this recipe was halved the sugar. The balsamic wasn't as 'syrupy' but it still tasted phenomenal. 

This recipe was from Giada's Cookbook... Recipe on the bottom :)

 These were our little Chicken Salad Boats. I loved this recipe because of the 'no mayo' factor. Super light and SUPER flavorful. 

Giada's Healthy Chicken Salad Boats Recipe

Dessert had to be something decadent but light on the tummy. Theses White Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are crispy Phyllo shells layered with Chocolatey Spread on the bottom and white chocolate whipped cream and toasted Hazelnuts on top. So good everyone had TWO! whoops. 

GIADA'S WHITE CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TARTLETS

 Congrats Christa on the upcoming baby boy and thanks to all of you for coming. I would've been pissed if you hadn't ;)

Again I changed the amount of sugar in this recipe as well as omitted the olive oil. If you want those things... go for it. Whatever makes you feel good!. xoxo

Watermelon.Tomato.Basil

 Skewers. 

1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/8 cup sugar 

1 4 to 6 pound Watermelon

60 leaves of Basil

16 Baby Tomatoes

Kosher Salt

12 Bamboo Skewers

Bring the Balsamic and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan and turn heat to low until sugar has disolved. Set pot aside. Chop the watermelon into bite size cubes and skewer one tomato, one basil leaf, and one piece of watermelon. Repeating twice more. When all ingredients are used, drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the skewers and season with a pinch of kosher salt. Serve chilled.