let it snow. and rain. and freeze.

it was a lovely snowy sunday here in minnesota and really one of those days that are meant for netflix, baking cookies and hot chocolate. but being cooped up in a house full of laundry is never any fun so instead we went sledding! we really only had one sled that went down the entire hill (well, i was using one that had been left behind but then the owners came and took it back, boo). so instead we threw snowballs, attempted to build a fort and made snow angels. 

Superbowl Snacks

The Superbowl is this weekend and that means plenty of appetizers and finger foods to share with friends! Joe and I invited a few friends over to watch the game (and commercials!) so I wanted to prepare snacks that wouldn't get me stuck in the kitchen during the entire thing. Joe's only request was chicken wings and I'm headed to Costco tonight to buy the big 10 lb bag (jeeez). 

Here is what we'll be serving up this Sunday: 

Clockwise: Cinco de Mayo Glazed Wings \ Classic Velveeta Dip \ Cowboy Caviar \ Cheddar Ale Spread

Two Weddings in One Weekend

this weekend was filled with so much love. I was lucky enough to celebrate with two couples this weekend surrounded by friends and family. Congrats Stephen + Natalie and Stella + Tim. 

 

Over the Weekend

it was just one of those crazy, fantastic weekends that remind you how amazing the people in your life really are. we spent the weekend celebrating! celebrating relays, a birthday and even an engagement (congrats John and Emily!). so glad i got to spend some quality time with my best friends. 

cupcakes

 


  

Why yes, let's spend 3 hours in a cupcake shop! Chatter, people watching and eating some delicious cupcakes were all on the agenda.

asian christmas

Christmastime has always been sweet for my little family. All of my extended family still live in China so it's always been just mom, dad, Jenn and me. We always do a meal (or two) and a movie. This year was no different. Joe and I joined my family for peking duck on Christmas Eve and on Christmas day, we headed to Wanderers Garden for dim sum brunch*. the food was delicious, the company was wonderful and Asian Christmas was a success. afterwards, we met up with J's dad at the movies and watched Sherlock Holmes. i couldn't ask for more.

*if you've never had dim sum, its quite the experience. servers roll around carts/trays filled with a variety of freshly prepared small plates  and you pick and choose what looks appealing. food ranges from dumplings to short ribs to sesame balls.  there was a family next to us who was expecting a buffet and were very confused by the carts & all the servers moving around.

sweet treats

for my birthday, Joe and I went on a little diner date & then met up with some friends for drinks.  it was nice to go out, have a few drinks and catch up with everyone. i also got these sweet treats from Casey.

sugar cookie overload

on Saturday afternoon, my friends and I got festive and did some holiday cookie decorating. I realized I am not a cut-out cookie baker since mine all smooshed together while baking. Anyhow, we still had plenty of cookies to decorate (sans mine) and now my home has an abundance of sugar cookies.

Come over and eat some?

the day we went to go visit a reindeer (blitzen, dixen, whatever)

 

Over the weekend, Casey, Lisa and I went to go visit a reindeer at the mall. I should mention it was an outdoor mall so reindeer were allowed. There was a lady showing off reindeer antlers and such but no Santa. And we didn't even get the reindeer's name. Afterwards, we went to lunch, they dropped me off at my hair appointment (where I chopped off my overgrown locks)  and even picked me up afterwards. How sweet.

Other things this weekend:

1. number one has to be that my friend got engaged - congrats Casey and Mitch (a different Casey. Yes, I have two. I'm lucky like that)


2. and brunching with the girls to celebrate!


3. J and I watched every episode of "The League." It is a total bro show but we snuggled up & laughed (alot). and i love it when can we both laugh out loud.


4. we also watched football. I do love football Sundays.


5. my momma made me lo mein and won ton soup. some days, i really miss living in an asian household.


6. we bought cookie butter. and dipped apples in it. i could eat apples all day with cookie butter. thats healthy, right?


7. like I said before, I got a hair cut. I already miss piling into a bun on top of my head.


8. annnd my baby sister got into law school! California, here we come (to visit of course!)

this is what happens when you dont really know how to use your new camera

 
 
 
 

but some of them are a-okay

thanks for the dinner date Shelby. that was a much deserved 2 hour pizzeria catch up session.