Stuffed mushrooms

Last minute gatherings call for a little creativity, and I came across some mushrooms in my fridge (begging to be used). Perfect timing! I scoured around and made a few adjustments to a recipe I found online.

• 12 whole fresh mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 
  

Break off the mushroom stems, chop them up with the garlic, and fry them in a pan with some olive oil. Set aside to cool for a few minutes.

Stir the mushrooms and garlic in with the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, black pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper. 

Next, fill the mushroom caps with a generous amount of the mixture, and place them on a greased cookie sheet. Don't worry about piling it on, it cooks nicely without leaking onto the pan. I covered half of the mushrooms with breadcrumbs, just to get some variety.

Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees, or until the mushrooms begin to brown on top. Let cool and enjoy! These are also great with italian sausage mixed in!

Bacon salad cups

I saw these yummy looking cups on Not Martha, and decided they would be perfect for the mostly-boys weekend we were having. Guys love bacon right?

I made small ones, because salads don't fit into the usual beer drinking pizza-fest.

Use the bottom of a cupcake pan, and cover it with aluminum foil. Wrap the bacon around it and pop in the oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Basic, but so good. Homemade ranch totally made this salad (and the bacon)! I'm tempted to use these for every meal, but bacon may lose it's appeal pretty quickly.

Pretend like you don't notice the toothpick in this one? The oven I was using didn't cook evenly, so some had to be surgically repaired to prevent burning.

Feather extensions

I'm in love with some of the new funky feather hair extensions out on the market. (Anyone else notice I always fall in love with the strangest trends?!)

Sadly, I'm in the process of trying to land a more professional position. I've been seriously considering making a clip-in so I can wear them without leaving them in for a month.

 Come to think of it, my upcoming summer trip to Vegas (for a bachelorette) would be a perfect excuse to get away with a good section of neon.

 Yeah, Vegas. That's it.  

Ceramic Project

Lately I've been overwhelmed by a massive amount of ceramic molds I've inherited. 3 storage sheds full to be exact.What is a non-ceramic making girl supposed to do with all of this stuff? While trying to organize everything for donation, I came across some duplicates of some pieces my mom received when I was young. So I decided to finish them, and have my own. Much more fun than trying to convince my mom to give hers to me!

The piece that holds the most memory for me is this polar bear. He is meant to be filled with baking soda, and placed in the fridge. Way better than looking at an orange box when you're searching for food. I think he'll fit in nicely.

All painted and coated! All he needs is a rubber stopper for underneath and we're in business! Apparently the FolkArt paint I used is dishwasher safe, but I'm not eager to test that out anytime soon.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

I didn't plan very far ahead this year, but if I would have....

I would have picked up some of these banners. They make me want to plan a party just to use them!

Instead, I'll settle for some homemade soft tacos and enchiladas and a quiet night with friends. Have a great weekend! 

We need to talk...

Chocolate, I've found your presence over the last few days pleasant, but we need a break.

It's not you, it's me. Really. Summer is coming, and I can't keep pretending that this is working out. I just can't be with you, right now. I know I'll miss you, but we'll be stronger when this is all over. Yeah, that's it. Stronger.

P.S. I love you.