Wayne County Lightfest

Posted on December 2, 2016 by

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When I lived in Pittsburgh something I looked forward to was heading down to Oglebay Resort in West Virginia to see the Winter Festival of Lights. This holiday light display is one of the nation’s largest, and covers more than 300 acres over a six-mile drive throughout the resort. Not only is it a gorgeous drive, but also the lights are absolutely amazing and there are cute little shops you can stop in along the way.
 I recently found out that Michigan is home to the Midwest’s largest and longest drive-through light show featuring four miles of more than 47 holiday light displays that line Hines Drive at the Wayne County Lightfest. It may not be the massive light display show that I was used to seeing in West Virginia, but it was definitely gorgeous and made for a beautiful December drive.  

December Activity List

Posted on December 1, 2016 by

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I’m the type of girl that thinks she has all the time in the world to accomplish things, and in reality time flies by way to quickly. This December I really want to focus on the little things, and capturing the moments that mean the most. Here is what’s on my December Activity List:

Take my Christmas card picture
Bake and decorate sugar cookies with my Mum
Go see a holiday show at the theater
Drive around and look at the lights
Donate toys to Toys-For-Tots
Go ice skating
Watch Hallmark Christmas movies
Take Papa to go see the lights in Rochester
Get a festive holiday mani

Spinach Artichoke Penne

Posted on November 30, 2016 by

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Quick and easy meals are my go-to lately, and whether you’re cooking dinner for family, yourself or date night I have the perfect and easiest recipe for you…. Spinach Artichoke Penne. This comfort dish is great when it’s paired with a slice or two of garlic bread.
Spinach Artichoke Penne
Ingredients
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 bag (5 or 6 ounces) spinach
6-8 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
dash of garlic powder
dash of salt
dash of pepper
2 cups 2 percent milk
4 cups cooked penne pasta noodles
Directions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heart.
2. Add spinach and cook until wilted..
3. Add artichoke hearts, cook for 1 minute.
4. Add cream cheese, mix until melted and no lumps remain.
5.  Add the garlic, salt, peper and milk, stir until smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta, mix until coated.
7.  Serve and enjoy!

5 Reasons to Eat Noodles and Company and a GIVEAWAY

Posted on November 29, 2016 by

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Last year around this time I went to Noodles & Company for the first time. My BFF and I each got the Mac & Cheese and an order of garlic bread – let me tell you, it was sinfully delicious. A couple weeks ago I had to the opportunity to visit Noodles &Company to try out their new menu – since I have only tried two things before I was excited to try what else they have to offer.

1. Sharables (Appetizers):

Korean BBQ Meatballs: Absolutely amazing, I only sampled one, but probably could of polished off the entire bowl by myself. 

Cheese Garlic Bread: Delicious.

2. Salads:

Chicken Veracruz Salad: Has a little bit of a kick to it with the jalapeño ranch dressing and crispy jalapeños.

Napa Market Salad with Chicken: This was my favorite and the pomegranate vinaigrette was delicious. 
 
3. Asian- Inspired:


Japan Pan Noodles: Surprisingly this dish was really good and has carmelized udon noodles that are in a sweet soy sauce with broccoli, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, Asian sprouts, black seasame seeds and cilantro…yum!


Pad Thai: Rice noodles are stir-fried with scrambled egg, cabbage, citrus, peanuts, Asian sprouts, green onions, cilantro and is so delicious I might stop going to my Asian restaurant.
 
4. Italian Flavors:

Pesto Cavatappi: Pesto, tomatoes and mushrooms, combine together to create an amazing combination.

Alfredo MontAmore: One of the best alfredo dishes I have had – four-cheese blend alfredo, roasted mushrooms, tomato, spinach and parmesan chicken.
 
Penne Rosa: Spicy tomato cream sauce, penne pasta, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, wine and parmesan or feta – I wasn’t a huge fan, but others really liked it. 
5. American Favorites:


Bacon Mac & Cheeseburger: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese combined with bacon, tomatoes, green onions and oven-roasted meatballs, completely won over my heart.

 

Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese: Buffalo sauce kicks up the flavors.

 

BBQ Pork Mac & Cheese: naturally raised pork, crispy jalapeños and sweet tangy barbecue sauce give this mac & cheese tons of flavor.

Did You Know?

1. Noodles & Company prepares every meal to order, so food is fresh and can be customized to your exact needs.
2. Uses fresh and natural ingredients.
3. No microwaves or freezers so you know you are always getting the freshest food.
4. Flavors are created in the kitchen and not a pre-made package.
5. They have a Coke machine that you can create your own drink flavor combination.


 Want to WIN FREE Noodles for a Year?
Now through December 12, 2016, you can enter to win a FREE bowl of noodles every month for an entire year. 

 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Michigan Mittens

Posted on November 28, 2016 by

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I remember moving to Pittsburgh and someone asking me where I was from, I said the Detroit-area and pulled out my hand to point – let me tell you they looked at me like I was a crazy person. Since Michigan is shaped like a mitten you learn at a young age to show people where you live by pointing to the convenient map that your hand makes.

Michigan Mittens takes the map concept one step further and has printed the upper and lower peninsula on their mittens, so you can “Always have a MAP on Hand!”. The mittens are great for the little ones and the big ones that you’re buying for this holiday season, or yourself  – we’ve all been there. Michigan Mittens come in a large variety of colors with their new Hunter’s  Plaid being my favorite.  What makes these mittens even better is they’re made in North Carolina and than shipped to Pontiac, Michigan to be printed.

 
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