Fresh Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits - but I've always been intimidated to cut up a fresh/whole one. They have a hard core and a funky outer shell.

One thing about the pineapple is that they can be expensive! At Walmart, to buy a pineapple already cut can be around $5.00! I bought this whole one for around $2.50! For that price, I was willing to try cutting it! (later found out that it gave me twice as much as the pre-cut selection).

Ta Da! Would it be silly to say that I've accomplished a goal? Is cutting a pineapple a real goal?!?

Penne Pesto with Chicken

I got this recipe from my neighbor - Thanks Cathy!

(I'm not sure why everything is underlined - I can't seem to turn it off!)

I first got a fresh bundle of broccoli that I cut into small pieces. You might be able to use frozen broccoli, which would cut down on your prep time. Because this was the first time I have made this dinner, I decided to use fresh broccoli.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the broccoli for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, scoop out the broccoli and put it to the side. Use the boiling water to cook your noodles. The recipe called for Penne noodles, but I used spirals.

The recipe also called for fully cooked grilled chicken strips that are cut into bite size pieces (probable something that you could find already cooked at the store). I used chicken breast which I seasoned with salt and pepper, then cooked in a pan with some oil.

As the chicken cooks, cut up fresh garlic. I used two cloves. I assume that you could use minced garlic from a jar - which I will try next time. Anything to save time cooking dinner!

Once the chicken was cooked, I cut the breast into small pieces.

This is the basil pesto that I used to season the meal.

The last step is to mix all of the ingredients. I didn't measure anything while making this - just eye balled it. I probably used 3 or 4 tablespoons of the pesto. Let every thing mix and heat up together. Then serve!

Not only does this look SOOO good, but it tastes great!

Wedding Location!

So Mike and I have finally picked a location for the wedding!

Drum Roll please.....

Lake Iamonia Lodge!
October 23rd, 2010

Here's the front of the Lodge (with Mike in the way!)



Here is the side view where the ceremony will take place.

Once you pass the iron gates at the entrance, you drive up a narrow, curvy road to the middle of the property. The property is absolutely beautiful!

This is the inside (sorry the picture is dark). The doors that you see are the front doors. They are double doors, which I plan on having open during the reception - in fact, all the doors will be open! I LOVE the vaulted, exposed beams!


Check out the large fireplace!


As most of you know, I'm a very crafty person. Well I already have plans to decorate! Here's a picture of my idea:

White (light weight) fabric that will hang on the wrap around porch!


Can't wait!

To Do List:

How cute are these Burp Cloths?!?


And no.... I'm not pregnant! I just know someone who is!


For Christmas, I received an awesome gift - - an embroidery machine!!! I've played with it a few times, and LOVE IT!

I have decided this is one project that I must do!

Once it's completed, I will post pictures! Stay tuned!

Yum........

4 words:

My Mouth Is Watering

Look:


These Raspberry Linzer Cheese Danishes are from Rachel Ray's Magazine.
Click here to get the recipe!

I came across Made In Brooklyn's blog the other day who turned me on to these delicious goodies. Check out her blog because there is much more fun stuff than these danishes.

She makes bags (which you know, I love making bags!).


Love it!