I'm back!

So I had my party and I thought it was awesome. I felt so looooooved! :o)

My only regrets are that I felt like I barely said "hi" and "bye" to almost everyone - didn't really have much of a chance to sit and talk to anybody... Bummmmmmer. But hopefully we will catch up if we didn't get to there. I'm also bummed that I didn't take enough pictures! argh!

Awe well, I still had fun and it was great to see so many friends and family who have been so supportive to me over these past 7 months. And it was a great way to kick off my new adventure - getting back to a "normal life" - YAY!

Speaking of a "normal life", today I went back to work. It was not very successful cause my login didn't work, but it was still pretty exciting to be back. Hopefully tomorrow will go smoother in as much as my being able to access my account. I have ALOT of email to go through!

I'm gonna post the few pictures I did get and I also thought I would post recipes for the Sangria and the Sausage Potato Soup - I got asked alot for both of those.... (Click on picture to view album...)

Pomegranate Sangria

1 bottle fruity red wine (I used Lambrusco)
2 cups pomegranate juice (I used Blueberry-Pomegranate Juice)
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup Triple Sec
1/4 cup simple syrup (equal amounts sugar and water, heated until sugar dissolves, cooled)
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1 large orange, halved and thinly sliced
1/4 pineapple, sliced into wedges
1 lime, halved and thinly sliced

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 48 hours before serving. Serve over ice.


Sausage Potato Soup
(Copycat) This is a clone of the Olive Garden
4-6 servings
1½ hours
20 min prep

1	lb Italian sausage
2	large russet baking potatoes, sliced in half,and then in 1/4 inch slices
1	large onion, chopped
1/2	can Oscar Meyer bacon bits
2	cloves garlic, minced
2	cups kale or swiss chard, chopped
2	cans chicken broth
1	quart water
1	cup heavy whipping cream

1. Cook sausage in a 300°F oven for approximately 30 minutes.
2. Drain sausages on paper towels and cut into slices.
3. Place onions, potatoes, chicken broth, water, garlic in pot, and cook on medium heat until potatoes are done.
4. Add sausage and bacon.
5. Salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Turn to low heat.
8. Add kale and cream.
9. Heat through and serve.