How sweet it is...

To be loved by Mr. B!!

He knows the way to my heart!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

It's getting there

Finally started to put up some decorations in the house! It's only been 8 months since we moved in... This is our staircase going up to the the 3rd floor. Inspired by Pinterest (are you surprised)

One Year Anniversary!

Can you believe it's already been a whole year since Mr. B and I tied the knot?! Neither can we!!!

We decided celebrated the blessed event at The Capital Grille on The Plaza. Excellent idea (on my part)! Service was top notch, the food was exquisite, and if nothing else... Just go for the Stoli Doli's!!!

The Stoli Doli is their signature drink, which is just pineapple soaked in vodka for several days, then shaken over ice and served in a martini glass. DELISH : )

We really enjoyed our dessert as well...

We were surprised with this lovely plate, plus 2 glasses of champagne! It was an amazing evening...

A Very Barnes Christmas

Well, we survived the holidays! Dennis and I hosted both families, BOTH days; my family Christmas Eve, his on Christmas Day. Both days went perfectly, if I do say so myself : )

Here's what was on the menu(s):

Xmas Eve
Boiled King crab legs
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon
Homemade creamed corn<<This recipe was given to me by my friend, Liz, it was SENSATIONAL!
Loaded mashed potato casserole (loaded with bacon, cream cheese, scallions, and sharp cheddar)
Broiled asparagus
"Lemon Dream" cheesecake
Homemade rolls
And... The most amazing homemade butter, courtesy of my husband! He whipped it up that morning... Literally! He put heavy cream in the Kitchen Aid mixer and whipped it into submission!

Den's yummy homemade garlic-herb butter

Xmas Day
Lasagna with ground veal, pork, and beef
Fettuccine Alfredo with grilled chicken marinaded in lemon, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes
Fresh green salad with assorted veggies
Homemade garlic bread
New York style cheesecake (my mother-in-law makes the BEST)

Needless to say... There were full bellies all around for several days! We had a great time, though!

Deck the halls!

With all the wedding "hoop-la" last year, I didn't put up any Christmas decorations. This year, having just bought a new house, I've decided to decorate with FULL force. Here's our mantle... Ain't she a beaut??

Happy Halloween

Love,

Mr. and Mrs. B :)

A dinner by MR. B!

My life is pretty nuts at the moment! The company I work for is going through a merger, so my days are filled with phone calls, online trainings, and ENDLESS emails! Pair that with trying to workout and keep up with a house, two dogs, and a husband; needless to say, I'm spent by 5:00! I am trying to delegate and ask for help, so 1 or 2 nights a week, I have tasked Mr. B with cooking dinner! Sometimes I let him figure it out on his own, or I give him a recipe and say "Go!", like I did last night.

Recipe comes to you via Pinterest, by way of Gina's Skinnytaste (http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/02/turkey-chili-taco-soup.html). One of my new favorite sites! Her recipes are simple and delicious! I love that most of them contain things I usually have on hand in my kitchen!

Turkey Chili Taco Soup

Servings: 9 Size: 1-1/4 cups
Calories: 199 • Fat: 1.4 g • Carb: 29.7 g • Fiber: 7.0 g  • Protein: 19.5 g

• 1.3 lbs 99% lean ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 10 oz can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
• 15 oz canned or frozen corn, drained
• 15 oz kidney beans, drained
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 16 oz fat free re fried beans
• 1 packet taco seasoning (you can use 40& less sodium)
• 2 1/2 cups fat free low sodium chicken broth

In a large pot, brown turkey on medium heat, breaking up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. When cooked through, add onions and pepper and cook 2-3 minutes. Add tomatoes, corn, beans, tomato sauce, re fried beans, taco seasoning and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and simmer about 10-15 minutes.