Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Skewers

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Chicken Skewers
- 2 Packages of chicken tenders (One comes with about 9 tenders)
-1 Package of bacon (I use turkey bacon)
- 3 Fresh Jalapenos cut into 1" squares
- Italian dressing or marinade of your choice.
- toothpicks

Directions
Marinate chicken tenders in dressing overnight or just a few hours works fine. Cut jalapeno lengthwise and remove seeds. Cut into 1"squares. Place jalapeno piece on chicken tender and wrap with bacon. Secure with toothpick. Grill and enjoy!

***Notes
-I couldn't remember when making this if the jalapeno goes on the outside or inside. But it turns out it should be inside so it doesn't fall off on the grill.
-This recipe is double for larger groups, feel free to cut it in half.

Black Bean and Corn Salsa

This is actually my friend Ross' recipe and it's so amazing! Ross was Dan's roommate a few years ago and ever since he made it one summer, I haven't stopped making it for every cookout and get together we have with friends!

Ross' Black Bean and Corn Salsa

2 cans of Mexi-Corn
1 can of black beans
1 box of cherry tomatoes
1tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
cilantro
add jalapenos for an extra kick


***Notes
- Be sure to drain black beans. I didn't do this the first time and the salsa was a brown murky color.
-cut cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters
-mix lemon juice and oil in small bowl together and then toss on salsa
-I generally double the recipe for large groups. It goes fast.

Enjoy!

Sweet Summertime

There is nothing I love more than the hot weather, sundresses, and fresh food. I look forward to having fresh tomatoes, corn, and fruit all year. Summer eating is so much healthier and tastes so much better! Growing up my Dad had a large garden in our back yard. Every summer we would have to pick cherry tomatoes and shuck corn. We always complained, but the food was always great!

Cabbages from Dad's garden. 

Betsey is That You?

I saw this dress in my People Stylewatch magazine a month or so ago and I knew I could easily make it. For some reason this dress is no where to be found online, so I don't feel that bad about completely knockin' it off since I couldn't buy it anyway.

My dress is only slightly different. The bodice isn't gathered like the Betsey Johnson one is, but I actually like it more. I like the price better too!

This is before it was hemmed and finished.

* You might have to click on my pictures and enlarge them to tell, but the dress is made of pink seersucker.

Onion Goggles

These are going on the registry! 

Dozer

Dozer is ready for the wedding. 

Rest in Peace Nic

It's been 7 years since my good friend Nic passed away. I met Nic freshman year in the dorms at IU. He lived next to some friends of mine from high school. Nic will always have a special place in my heart. I took Nic to my sorority formal sophomore year as a friend because I had a HUGE crush on his friend (Dan). Nic was the best date ever. We were the first ones to arrive at the formal and the last to leave dancing the whole time. 

Sophomore year I went to a concert with Nic and some friends of his from high school and that's where I met Dan. Dan and Nic were good friends in high school, but Dan didn't go to IU. At that concert I developed the biggest crush on Dan and would constantly ask Nic about him. Nic would always joke with me and say "you looooove Dan!" I would get so embarrassed and hope that he wouldn't tell Dan that I loved him. :)

Thanks for the memories Nic and thanks for bringing Dan and I together. We will always have a special place in our hearts for you.