July 17, 2012 – Just Stop Trying and It Will Happen…

Day: July 17, 2012

Just a Thought About Baby Showers…

Someone remind me of this when I get pregnant:

Baby showers suck.

They are boring for every attendee that is not pregnant.

Baby showers should not be as dry as a Baptist wedding, and they should not be held in church basements.

(Okay, some showers need to be in church basements. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. The shower the church ladies throw me will be in a church basement. And I’m sure it will be dry. Alcohol in church is a no-no in the Bible Belt of Michigan. But the shower that involves my friends? Not in a church basement… and definitely not dry.)

When I have a baby shower, I will make it fun for the attendees.

Happy Hour Baby Shower.

It’s perfect. It gives a very clear time frame, includes alcohol, and promises to be held in a location that’s got more to look at than a felt Noah’s ark and popsicle-stick-and-macaroni resurrection scenes glue-sticked onto construction paper.

And I will drink something fruity with an umbrella. Virgin, of course.

This is happening.

Just you wait.

Now all I need is the pregnancy.

Let’s get working on that, eh?

Aaaaaaaaaaaand… GO!

July 17, 2012 16 Comments Short URLhappy hour baby shower, randomLife

Status

Dish :: Italian Party Salad

I bring this easy-peasy pasta salad to every party I attend, I swear.

My friends and family are probably sick of it by now, but it always seems to be a hit!

Simple, colorful, delicious, versatile, and not terrible for ya. You can’t ask for a better combination!

Italian Party Salad

6 cups of cooked bowtie pasta
1 green pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 pound of cubed salami
1/2 pound of fresh mozzarella
1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 – 2/3 cup of Kraft Tuscan House Italian salad dressing (or any Italian you like; adjust amount of dressing to taste)
Black pepper to taste

Cook the pasta, drain, and set aside to cool.

While your pasta is cooking, chop your pepper and tomatoes, cheese and salami. Toss all ingredients in a big serving bowl together, chill, and serve!

Enjoy!

Variations:

Add in red pepper flakes, or chopped basil and oregano for a nice kick
Toss in some finely chopped spinach, asparagus, broccoli, or black olives for a little extra color
Use cubed turkey or grilled chicken instead of salami for a healthier alternative
Or, leave out the meat altogether for a vegetarian-friendly option
Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber
Use smoked provolone instead of mozzarella for a heartier flavor
Low-fat dressings work well in this recipe

July 17, 2012 1 Comment Short URLDish, Italian pasta saladDish