Social Graces {Tailgating}

Alright, I'm sure your thinking you know how to tailgate; that all you have to do is pick up some subs, a 12 pack of beer, and a bag of chips or two, set up shop in a parking lot near the stadium and have at it. And while that will work, I'm going to teach you how to tailgate like a champion, and in style!

So here's what you are going to need...
{1} A grill
{2} A tent
{3} A TV or radio
{4} Maybe a corn hole set. Personally, I have a FSU one that is always present.
{5} A lot of food. And I mean a lot. (Menu to follow)
{6} Drinks. Everything from beer to mixed drinks to sodas to, most importantly, water. Lots of water.
{7} Decorations. Anything in your team colors will work.
{8} A table. Oh and a table cloth.
{9} Plates, cups, napkins, silverware

Okay, so basically, here is what you do. Set up your tent. Set up your grill. Plug in your TV or radio. Decorate. Personally, I use a garnet and gold table cloth, and an FSU flag. Open a beer. Cook your food. Hang out, eat, drink, have fun, and enjoy the game! What do you have at your tailgate?

I know that was fairly basic. But, that's how I do it. Tomorrow, a delicious tailgating menu. Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

This Party Inspired by {Football}

See, I told you I was dedicating this whole week to football. Because even if you don't enjoy it, I'm sure someone in your life does, and sometimes it's important to throw them a party they enjoy too! And while there are always the necessities needed for a tailgate (which I will gladly go over later, if you stop back by tomorrow) why not make these necessities all look like footballs. I mean that is the reason you are all standing outside in the heat, sweating profusely, while (hopefully) drinking a cold beer. My personal favorite "football" idea are these mini meatball sandwiches in the corner. I mean talk about dedication placing 4 strands of cheese in place to look like laces then properly melting them so they don't loose shape! Genius, not to mention delicious. Other fabulous football ideas, football whoopie pies, football hot dogs, football pizza, or maybe even football cookies. What favorite tailgate food would you make look just like a football? 

Happy Tailgating! 

This Week I Feel...Athletic

Being from the South it's kinda a thing. You don't mess with football season. You can't even think about planning something on a Saturday that does not involve beer and watching football. Well in honor of the first week of college football, (Woo! Go Noles!) prepare yourself for an entire weeks worth of football related posts, starting with today. While I have never played football (for obvious reasons of course), I do fell slightly more athletic watch the players run down the field and tackle.  And oddly enough, just by the amount of football I have watched in my day, I feel I could play much better than any of those stupid people out there on the field that for some reason can't see the guy coming from behind to tackle him (I mean do these guys not have eyes in the back of their heads like my mother always did?). So brace yourself, because football season is upon us, and even if it isn't as hard core in your house as it is in mine, get ready for the fun and excitement that is college football!

A Little Friday Lovin' {Balloons}

I feel like I've been kicking it old school lately with all the posts about streamers and sprinkles and now balloons. But, what can I say? Sometimes it's okay to embrace your inner child and enjoy all the party decorations you had as a kid! For the longest time, I had a major problem with balloons. I don't know; I guess they just reminded me too much of the cheesy ways they were used when I was a kid. But now, I can't stop thinking of amazing ways to use them. Obviously now, all the colors will coordinate instead of being every color of the rainbow and they clearly (probably) won't have any writing on them. While I still am not a fan of those shiny balloon in the shapes of numbers or wedding bells, I am now a huge fan of normal, pretty colored balloons. See that top picture in the right hand corner, I'm even recreating that for a party I have coming up! I'll be sure to show you pictures after.

Have a great weekend and remember: Life's a Party...Plan Accordingly! xo

Dining Uncorked {Spinach and Pea Risotto}

Yum, yum, yum. I love risotto! Creamy, rich, delicious, and if you ask me, not really that bad for you. I know you are thinking I'm crazy right now because I just told you that it was creamy, rich, delicious and good for you all in one sentence. Well here's the thing. There is no cream or heavy use of cheese in my version of risotto (I'm severely allergic to cow's milk if you don't remember.) Basically it's just risotto rice, chicken broth, onion, garlic, and whatever veggies you want to add. Or maybe a protein too. I skipped the protein this time because we didn't have any and I was too lazy to go to the store and buy some. Here's my recipe...

Ingredients:

1 small onion (chopped)

2 cloves of garlic (minced)

1 box of risotto rice (you can find it with all the other rice, in a box that says risotto on the front)

1 package frozen chopped spinach

1/2 bag frozen green peas

2 boxes of chicken broth

Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:

{Step 1} Saute your chopped onions in the olive oil. 

{Step 2} When the onions are almost clear, add in the garlic and continue to cook until fragrant

{Step 3} Add in the risotto. Stir frequently for approximately 1 minute.

{Step 4} Pour in a bit of chicken broth. Stir until almost absorbed. Continue to wet with chicken broth until the risotto is cooked.

{Step 5} Add in the spinach and the peas.

{Step 6} Serve immediately, and garnish with a bit of the Peccorino Romano.

{Step 7} Enjoy!

Shredded Peccorino Romano cheese (It's sheep's milk, so we are totally in the clear.)

Social Graces {Chew}

So the other day I sitting at a table, enjoying my chips and salsa when I spot this man across the room. And I was completely grossed out by what I saw. He was chewing with his mouth open. Seriously dude, you are grown man. Close your mouth. It's one thing if you are a child who has just begun eating solid foods. But you're not. No one wants to see your food once it has left your plate. This is something that has always grossed me out. What about you? How do you feel about people chewing with their mouths open? Does it gross you out this much?

This Party Inspired By {Sprinkles}

Do you remember when you were young and a scoop of ice cream or a slice of cake wasn't the same without the sprinkles? It completed the treat. Well, the coolness of sprinkles has returned. I mean hello, do you see this cake that is embroidered with sprinkles? Talk about amazing! Or, look at that sprinkle bar. I love it! Seriously, I can't stop gushing. I love the idea of passing around shots of milk rimmed in sprinkles to your guests as the night is winding down. Add a warm chocolate chip cookie and it would be perfect! 

Images: (Row 1) 1, 2 (Row 2) 1, 2 (Row 3) 1, 2, 3