NC BBQ Picnic

We decided that this summer we wanted to have our small group over to our place and introduce them to true NC BBQ. Midwest pulled pork or ribs are nice, but NC style is really good too. So we set the date and time and this past Saturday had our party.

It was the first time we've ever had so many people over to our tiny apartment or cooked for so many so it presented some challenges for sure. But we rose to the occasion and had a blast with it. John was a huge help and I could not have gotten everything done without him.

We got up early and got the meat in the oven. It wasn't an ideal day to have the oven on all day because it got really hot up in here but what can you do. The only way to have super tender meat is to cook low and slow. And it did come out very tender.  John is my meat man and chopper. He did the rub on the meat and pulled it apart once cooked. He also chopped the cabbage up for slaw.

The Meat Rub

John trimming off some fat and rubbing the rub into the meat

Getting ready to chop up the cooked meat. Careful with that knife Johnny!

Carolina pulled pork

John chopping up the cabbage for slaw

While he ran some errands I peeled and chopped peaches for cobbler.

They smelled so yummy

Cobbler before it hit the oven

Then I made some baked beans, recipe compliments of Mom Cox and the finale was hushpuppies. And I have to say I was scared of the hushpuppies because I hate working with the splattery hot oil but this time it actually worked out really well and I was so proud of myself. I think I may even have to do it again in the not so distant future.  The only problem is those are so adictively good that I can't make them too often.

Hushpuppie Batter

Fry baby fry!

Me actually happy that I'm not burning myself

We ran a tight, but relaxed ship and with our quick lunch break were able to sit down and rest a few minutes before our first guests arrived. It was looking a little cloudy all day so we weren't sure if the rain would hold off. Thank God, it did. Everyone came and we introduced them to the food. We all got plates and of course sweet tea. (I forgot to mention we made 5 gallons of that as well.) Then we headed outside and had a little picnic.

Our Iced Tea Maker proved itself. After 9 runs it was still alive.

It turned out great. The kids were able to play and we all just had a really nice time. Most people enjoyed the food too which was really nice. I think we were all stuffed to the max, especially after the cobbler and ice cream sundaes. Ah....good weather + good food + good friends = Great time!

A New Do

I haven't cut my hair in a long time. I am usually not great at keeping up with it and once it got to a certain length I figured I might as well keep going so that I could donate my hair to locks of love. So I waited, and waited, and waited til I could wait no longer. So today was the day I went to get it chopped off.

Before back

Before front

First step was putting my hair in a ponytail, measuring out 12 inches and then snip snip and I felt free.

My ponytail cut off my head, ready to send in

Next my friend Kelly did a great job. I knew it was going to be short and I usually go with just a straight cut. She wouldn't let me, but I think she did pick something that is not too crazy for me but looks really nice as well. My family and John really like it.

After back

Final front

My hair has a natural whoosh to one side and doesn't like to cooperate with curling into my face, but I really like it too. Thanks Kelly, "you done good." And now I feel free for the summer. Yay!

2 Years!

We have made it to our 2 year anniversary! It's hard to believe that it's already been 2 years. In so many ways it feels like just yesterday that we were planning the wedding. I can honestly say, and I know John agrees that it's been a wonderful 2 years. I have been enjoying marriage more than I thought I ever would.

We decided on a small celebration this year and we went to our favorite Hawaiian restaurant, The Tiki Terrace that catered our wedding. They have amazing food and the atmosphere always brings us back to our wedding/honeymoon. So it's a perfect choice. Every year we go I wonder if the food will be as good as the last time. Every year it does not disappoint!

We started out with our usual appetizer.

Taro Chips & Pineapple Salsa

We both decided to try something different this time for our entrees. John's was ok but mine was stupendous and I would highly recommend it.

A Mahi burger. I don't think it was one of our favorites on the menu.
It's a little blander than some other choices.

The Maui Mahi
This was amazing! It was breaded Mahi and had a sweet / spicy asian sauce
Delicious!

Last but not least we had to get our wedding cake. Yes, this is the cake we used for our wedding because it is only the most delicious cake either of us has ever tasted. I'm not exaggerating either!

Haupia Coconut Cake
(This picture doesn't do it justice, but it's AMAZING!)

We had a super nice relaxing time re-visiting Hawaii and if you're ever in the mood to get away I would highly recommend it. The prices are very reasonable too!

Aloha!

Strawberries are wonderful!

Strawberries have been on sale and I have been loving it. Last week I think I bought 5 cartons and we actually used 3 that week. The others I froze for smoothies. Strawberry soup for dinner. Strawberry smoothies. My latest to try was a fruit salsa. We had it with the cinnamon tortilla chips and it was delicious. We had alot left over so I decided to make some pancakes and we used it as a topping. So good! It's a keeper for sure and I have never been so excited to make pancakes again!

Pancakes with our Smoothies (strawberry,mango,kiwi,blackberry)



Our Delicious Fruit Salsa