the Veterans Day weekend that was

After getting my car cleaned for the first time in like two years and picking up a few groceries at Redner's, I hightailed it to the Trenton Train Station to pick up my friend Misty. We got Steve's Steaks (too lazy to drive down to Jim's, my preferred cheesesteak), put pajamas on, drank liquor while lounging on the couch, and I forced Misty into Duck Dynasty reruns. 

+

I haven't been sleeping well. Saturday was my only chance to sleep in and try to recoup.

Then the President of the Ahole Wakeup Committee decided otherwise. 

Thanks a lot Gus! Even Geege wanted to keep sleeping.

+

No matter how many times I use it, this cup always makes me laugh. 

C O F F E E.

+

Misty and I met Alicia, Amanda and Jennifer from our knot.com monthly wedding board for lunch

at the Cock 'n Bull in Lahaska. Are you laughing? I am because I'm five. 

The food was good and the company was lovely.

It was great to have a leisurely lunch with ladies I've talked to on the daily online 

since the year before our weddings.

We split baked brie as an app, and I had a side salad, beef burgundy and pumpkin pie.

The pie sent me into Food Coma territory, but I couldn't resist.

+

Food prep, including hoagie dip. 

We MIGHT be able to get a sliver out mayo of the container in the fridge. Right?

Hoagie dip is super easy. Here's my version: 

1/2 lb cooked ham, 1/2 lb genoa salami, 3/4 lb american cheese, shredded lettuce, two tomatoes seeded and chopped, one onion chopped, oregano/S&P to taste, and 1-2 cups mayo.

The key to good hoagie dip is to cut everything super small. I do the lunchmeat and cheese in the food processor (thanks for the tip a few years ago Julie!). 

Mix it all together and serve with hoagie rolls.
I usually do the prep the day before and mix it on the day I'm serving it. 

+

Bacon cheeseburger puffs from Plain Chicken. 

These were good, best eaten right away and served with ketchup. 

I used whole wheat baking mix, sauteed onion with the ground beef, and doubled the recipe. 

I flash froze the rest of the balls so they're ready to go when I need them next. 

I probably won't make them again after that - I prefer the bacon double cheeseburger dip.

+

My Boston-based BFF and her man arrived to spend the night on their whirlwind tour of NJ & PA. 

It was so great to see them, we haven't seen them since WedFest in July.

+ 

Other friends rolled in, and we had a fun night as always. 

I am beyond thankful for my friends. They are my family.

That includes you, Dutch.

+

All fun must come to an end. Mine came at 6 a.m. when I got up to take Misty to the train station. We went to bed around 3. That was a rough ride! And foggy. 

The experience called for a pork roll egg and cheese and two more hours of sleep.

+

After the fog burned off, Sunday was gorgeous. Amazing weather. Thank you universe!

I threw open all the windows, changed beds in both spare rooms, did a ton of wash, and watched some Bada Bling wedding show and a lot of Duck Dynasty with Michelle. 

Then I sat outside with my boys for a little, reading and enjoying the day.

I was going to dust the basement...dust will keep. Good weather won't.

+

Nails - OPI Bubble Bath. Toes - Essie Raspberry

+

Sixteen Candles

+

Family dinner for my aunt's 50th at Taormina's.

If I'm eating at an italian restaurant, chances are very good that I'm getting the piccata dish.

+

We're the land of the free because we're the home of the brave.

Thank you for your service and protection, Veterans.

+

TV catch up and early to bed

=

the weekend that was

No cooking, very limited sleep, minimal hausfrauing because MFD rocked and did most of it for me...just lots of quality time with friends and family that leaves me with a full heart.

Back on the chain gang. 

I'm linking up with Sami's Shenanigans, Five30three, and Join the Gossip for Weekend Update.