Monday, March 25, 2013

Skinny Dinner Party Recap



Happy Monday and Happy four day week! Holla! I love when I forget it’s a holiday and it sneaks up on me and I realize it’s a short week. I always feel like weekends are too short (who doesn’t?) so a 3 day weekend is the bomb in my book. 

This past weekend was a great one, to say the least! Friday I had a date with my main man, then we called it an early night. I had so much to do Saturday to prep for the first Skinny Dinner Party! That’s right, first. We’ll be doing this again many times. More on the party (and a shit ton of photos) later in the post. 

I was up at 7am and went to Sam’s to pick up a few things for the party. I have a Business Membership so I can go several hours before regular shoppers. That was the ticket. Very easy and quick trip. Normally, Sam’s is crazier than the mall at Christmas on Saturdays, so I will definitely plan my Sam’s trips early Saturday mornings from now on. I got the rest of my groceries at two other grocery stores (Do you know how hard it is to find fresh basil? Damn.) I then went get the brows waxed. I am a freak of nature and LOVE getting my eyebrows done. It relaxes me. Weird. 

Came home, showered, cleaned like a mad woman and started preparing all the dishes. The menu was as follows:

  • Edamame 
  • Zea’s Mediterranean Hummus (I used store bought Sabra hummus and it was still yummy)
  • Caprese Salad (was supposed to be Caprese Pops via this site but my cheese was all mis-shapen so it didn't work out. S had even made me a fancy Caprese Pop Stand for them, so I'll have to figure out another way to use it soon)
  • SkinnyBuffalo Chicken Dip, served with wheat pita bread, carrots and celery
  • Shrimp Cocktail
  • Fruit with light Cool Whip
  • Cannoli Cups (SO easy to make)
Sidenote: I bought the mozzarella from Sam's, already marinated and seasoned. All I did was toss in some cherry tomatoes. This is the brand:

 The Caprese Pop stand that never was...



All the food was wiped out. I somehow made just enough. We didn’t run out but I didn’t have weeks worth of leftovers. Win. Everyone brought their alcoholic beverage of choice and had a grand old time. Leigh Ann made a great point when she said that it’s hard meeting female friends at this age. You’re not going out, not still in college, where do you meet people? It was a great chance to meet some new ladies, and I think everyone got along perfectly. Sabrina, a friend from the running clinic we did, is hosting the next Skinny Dinner Party! I can’t wait. Here are a few photos from the night. 

I had some chalkboard paint so I bought these cheap wooden plaques from Hobby Lobby and painted them to label all the dishes. I can use these a million more times, too!


Great picture of my beautiful friends and of the food set up!


I just noticed my kitchen looks yellow in these photos. My kitchen definitely ain't yellow! Bad lighting I guess.


 All my centerpieces. 
I made these from a Target bouquet, some jars I painted with Looking Glass paint and a couple of succulents from a pot of them I keep at our front door. I'm no florist, but I thought they weren't too shabby!


I have to say, I was a little nervous it would be awkward or boring, and no one would say much, but it was absolutely awkward-moment-free! Everyone thought it was a fun idea, so you should try it! I’d love to hear/read all your ideas. I’ll definitely host this again in the future and we even discussed doing a party for couples and letting the guys come next time. I kinda had to kick S to the curb for the night. Just kidding, he was fine. He did come home early and hang out with us for a bit. Ladies love him, what can I say? 

Hope you’re all having a fabulous Monday, and if not, remember it’s a 4 day week and get over it! J

15 comments:

  1. This all looks fabulous! As do you and your guests! I clicked on the link for the caprese salad and it is all in Spanish! haha! I will google how to make that because it looks fabulous!

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  2. OMG this all looks amazing!! Love the chalk board signs...

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  3. love it all, love you. I'm coming next time!

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  4. What a great idea! It is hard to meet new friends once working/married/a mommy, etc. I may have to steal your idea...if that's okay.... All your decorations looked great and the food delicious!

    www.rachelrunshermouth.com

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  5. Looks like a blast!! I might steal some of these ideas for a bridal shower:)

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  6. I LOVE this idea! And I'm wondering if I can get it started in my area? Leigh Ann is right - meeting new people after college is hard! I've met a new person or two at the gym and (this is dorky) the dog park, but it's always hard to move from chatty aquantaince to friend! And this is a bonus because it's got a healthy twist!

    Great recipes too :)

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  7. What a great idea!!! Looks like a fun time.

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  8. How fun!!!! What a great night with some gorgeous ladies!!! I wish I lived closer I so would have been all over that yummy skinny food!!!! Happy Monday beautiful
    XOXO
    Elisha

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  9. All of that food looks amazing! I love the idea! It would also be fun to either share recipe cards with everyone or have them bring their favorite skinny app recipe to share with everyone. When you find something great, you gotta share!

    Oh, and of course, all of you girls look gorgeous (:

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  10. Everything looked so good! Congrats on having a successful party!

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  11. I love the idea of a skinny dinner! Looks like you all had a wonderful time. It is very hard to meet new "girl friends" at this state in life. I struggle for the same reasons. I met some bloggers in my area recently and am very grateful that I did. I was nervous at first because girls can be super caddy and ridiculous, but they were nothing but sweet and genuine.

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  12. That looks delicious! Send some my way..Im in Baton Rouge.. not too far right? Everyone looks beautiful. Glad it went well and was not awkward for you! I am the same way about throwing parties/events. My engagement party is coming up in April and I am terrified it will be a bust! Hopefully I get some of your luck! :)

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  13. What a great idea! Looks like a fun time!

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  14. First of all, ever since I had a cannoli from Carlos' bakery (Cake Boss) I crave them all the time and can get them nowhere! (Ugh!! Damn #firstworldsmalltownproblems) so these Cannoli Cups might just have to be tried by yours truly.
    And Secondly...you and your cute little ideas and the cute little things you do are amazing! I want to move down there and make you be my friend and invite me to go to all these things with you and craft all these creations!

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