Hello friends! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We had a gorgeous weekend even though it was a little on the chilly side. On Saturday it was -17C and the kids and I went out to do some Christmas card photos. We didn’t last longer than five minutes but that’s all I needed. Here is a picture of the back drop I used. I think the snow against the blue sky is so pretty but it sure was cold out there! There was also a pack of seven dear crossing the pond when we first got there but they were too fast for me and I didn’t get them in the shot. Drat.
Friday night was the night of my dinner club Tropical Party. It went really well and the food was all so delicious. Everyone brought a dish or two. The Tropical Guacamole dish I made turned out delicious, thank goodness. Can you believe I’ve never made guacamole before? And then to make one with pineapple in it, well it just sounded a bit strange. Thankfully though when all was said and done, it tasted great!
Printable decorations purchased from Press Print Party on Etsy.
And look who dropped by!
A fun time was had by all even if I was the only one to rock a Mumu!!
Don’t forget to enter to win an Off-the-Floor Organizer if you haven’t already. It’s an amazing new product that uses vertical space to keep clutter off the floor.
Another Recipe Highlight:
If you are looking for a super simple recipe for dinner one night this week, you might want to give this one for Beef & Bean Taco Casserole a try. It was delicious and so easy to throw together. Forgive my terrible picture, the one on the actual recipe is beautiful so be sure to go check it out 🙂
How was your week? Would love to hear about your recipe highlights!
My Weekly Menu Plan:
Monday: Grilled Bean & Cheese Burritos served with a green salad
Tuesday: Slow Cooker Beef Stew served with Bread Machine Garlic Bread
Wednesday: Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken served with rice and broccoli
Thursday: Leftover buffet
Friday: Ravioli with Apples, Bacon and Spinach
Saturday: Old Fashioned Meatloaf served with mashed potatoes and corn
Sunday: YOYO (you’re on your own!)
WHAT’S ON YOUR MENU THIS WEEK? JOIN US!
Menu Plan Guidelines, banner selections and recipe helpers are here.
More family favorite recipes here.
One of my favorite menu planning resources:
April @ Angel's Homestead says
What a pretty scene for your winter pictures, I bet they turned out beautiful. Thanks for hosting Laura, hope you have a wonderful week! Looking forward to checking out some of the great shares this week.
Chava says
it is colder than Finland lol! Great menu! 🙂
Angela says
I had to laugh at the wintry pic right above the tropical scene 🙂 Looks like a great time was had by all! My house got hit by the flu, so this week, we’re trying to get back to normal (whatever that is…)
Crystal & Co says
A cold front blew in to Texas last night. We woke up to mid 30 F degree temps.
Your back drop is beautiful, but man that is cold!
Anago Atlanta says
Great menu! I need to get on planning a menu for the week
Helen says
Gorgeous backdrop. I hope you managed some nice pictures in the short while you were out!
Kate @ Teaching What Is Good says
What a fun party idea when the temps are dropping. I haven’t had any recipe highlights these past few weeks with my back out of whack, but I am DEFINITELY going to try that beef & bean taco casserole! Thanks for the recipe.
Jean says
That tropical party looks like so much fun! This summer person says lots more fun that snow although the picture is beautiful.
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
Snow and tropics in the same week, huh? Sounds fun. 🙂
Our recipe highlight was definitely the Cajun Beef & Spiced Potatoes (link: http://www.anoregoncottage.com/2010/11/cajun-beef-or-turkey-on-spiced-potatoes/) – I always think I’ve made a huge portion, but it always makes us want seconds!
Though, now that I think about it, maybe that’s not a good thing? 😉
Becca says
Ravioli with apple sounds really interesting! I would never think to mix apples with the rest of the ingredients!
Jenny says
Laura,
Your party sounds fabulous. What great decorations. That guacamole nerves me out– I’m not brave enough for that I guess but the honey garlic chicken…………….mmmmmmm! And in a crockpot? You rock girl- thanks for sharing that link!
Jamie @ Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom says
Thanks for hosting every week, and I hope you enjoy the bean and cheese burritos!
~Jamie
Angel says
What a great party idea for perking up during the weather:) Just curious, do you keep your decorations for another time or do you just trash everything? If its for keeps do you have a special way to organize themed party stuff?
Laura says
I have a tote I keep in the basement under the stairs for party supplies. So yes I do keep some of the decorations. Things like printables though I don’t usually as I can easily re-print those if I need them again for another party 🙂
Janet @ Frugal & Focused says
Your party looks so fun and festive! I bet the Tropical Guacamole was delicious! Have a great week.
Tirabaralla says
Thank you once again for hosting this! Excited to browse the links 🙂
Becki says
I’ve been looking for more chicken crock-pot recipes. Have you tried the honey mustard chicken and rice before?
And now I’m craving guacamole – thanks! 😉
Liz Fourez says
I’m so glad you liked my Beef & Bean Taco Casserole recipe! It’s definitely one of the faves in our house! Have a wonderful day : )
Love Always,
Liz
Sinea says
That beef & bean casserole looks so good that I wish I had some NOW! I’m hungry!
Love the Miss Piggy photo. She has class. 🙂
Nathalie says
Lovely party! Thank you so much for featuring my printables and for the link! Love you site!