After such a hard month, with so much family loss in January, this month made up for it with so much joy and special moments.
It’s truly been a Magical May.
It really started at the end of last month as my oldest nephew turned 18 and Drew and I decided to treat him to an amazing steak dinner – a “rite-of-passage” kind of event.
Two weeks after that was his Senior prom. Last year I had offered to make dinner for his group, but they already had plans, so this year we made it happen. (He’s the one standing in front of the clock.)
I can’t tell you how ecstatic I was to get to host this event for him.
I threw out a handful of theme ideas, and he and his girlfriend chose “International Tour.”
There were a dozen kiddos who graced our home for the evening, which started with appetizers in the living room (as you see in the photo).
Chimichurri Chicken Skewers (Argentina), Falafel with Hummus (Middle East), Brazilian Cheese Balls, and Brazilian Lemonade.
Dinner featured Australian Meat Pie, German Spaetzle Noodles with Butter (a German exchange student was there, so this one was for her), Authentic Greek Salad, and cooked carrots (just carrots LOL).
The evening was rounded off with English Sticky Toffee Pudding (which is actually a cake) and Chinese Mango Pudding.
They were seriously beside themselves with it all, and so was I.
I will cherish that evening forever. *sigh*
If that wasn’t enough, I catered his graduation party the following weekend (yes, he’s spoiled LOL), which consisted of 3 types of hot sliders (pizza, ham & cheese, and pulled pork), coleslaw, chips, raw veggies & dip, watermelon, grapes, and my mom’s homemade cookies (recipe coming next month!).
It’s been quite the month.
Now onto this month’s finds! Since I’m already talking recipes, we’ll start with a couple of other good food finds.
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I went on the hunt for a healthy dip for veggies and chips, and this Avocado Dip from Pioneer Woman is so much tastier than I expected a healthy dip to be (I don’t know why I had low expectations LOL)! Sooo delicious. I actually think I prefer it with raw veggies over potato chips.
2
I’m all about good food, but it’s even better when it’s simple, and this Cacio e Pepe Sauteed Cabbage will be a regular for us in the future. The freshly cracked peppercorns and Pecorino Romano cheese give it just enough umami. I can envision it as a side to meatloaf, pork chops, meat, or even a fried egg and toast. I LOVE cooked cabbage, and this is a winner.
3
Walmart sells a piano pedal extender. What?! LOL I would be curious if any of you have tried this particular one.
4
Mel Robbins’ 6-Step Morning Routine. I’m pleased to say I pretty much do all of these except high-fiving myself in the mirror. Never even thought of that one! LOL
I’ve always loved stepping outside sometime within the first 30 minutes after waking in the morning just to “feel the day,” no matter the weather. It’s been such a grounding practice – I would highly recommend it.
5
I’ve been sharing favorites here on the blog for years, and now finally have an Amazon Storefront – yea!
There will be some items on my favorites page that aren’t on the Amazon Storefront, so it won’t always be perfectly synced, but most items will be on both. It’s just soooo much easier to add items to the Amazon storefront than here on the blog.
Categories include: Lifestyle, Teaching Supplies, Furniture, Tech, Food, Office Supplies, Kitchen Essentials, Books: Personal, Books: Piano Teaching, and Cleaning.
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From the archives that might be just right what you need in this moment:
2025 – My Tech Drawer Makeover
2023 – Favorite Wedding Music Books
2021 – Organizing Your Hard Copy Music Books
2019 – A Summer Coffehouse Recital
2017 – A Number is Worth a Thousand Words: Retention-Rate Marketing
One Response
What a fun and cool Aunt you are! So glad you could do this for your nephew and his friends! Thanks for all the recipe links too! I’m on summer break now from lessons and for the first time in awhile, I’m completely taking the summer off. My granddaughter has a lot to do with that decision, but I also want to tackle some projects around my house and in the room where I teach. Off to check out your Amazon Storefront!