Countdown: 6 Days

I spent all day yesterday with twelve of my favorite women in the world celebrating my bachelorette party. It was exactly what I wanted- partying in a limo while the sun was out, way too much wine, so many laughs, a couple of heart to hearts, and passed out by 5. It was an expensive day on my part but well worth it. "I just love limos!" but even moreso, I love being surrounded by women I love and who love me in return. I've never in my life had every single one of my best friends in the same place at the same time. While the wedding stress has caused some rifts between my sisters and I (they're 20 and this is their first wedding experience) yesterday was a solid reminder that a sister is unlike any friend you could ever have. There is truly no relationhip in the world like that you can have with a sister, and it means everything to have them stand next to be on the biggest day of my life.

But the best part of my weekend was coming home to the man I love and spending the afternoon talking out how we want to raise our children, how we cannot wait for our honeymoon, and how everyone keeps asking us "are you getting nervous?" and how we both laugh and say "not at ALL." My first piece of mail with my new name came this weekend and it really was blinding proof that in 6 (almost 5) days, my life is changing forever. I can't wait.

We Got Lucky

I never thought I was a dog person, but maybe that because I'd never had one of my own. I swear the love of this little creature is unlike anything I've ever experienced. 

First of all, he is so damn cute second, there's no way I thought he would be nine years old when I met him. About a year ago I put an ad in the local coffee shop advertising myself as a dog sitter. It's something I've been doing for years, but at the time I was living in St. Helena and didn't have a whole lot going on besides work and thought it would be a fun way to make money. A woman responded to my ad, and when I pulled up in front of her house, it was probably one of the largest, prettiest homes I'd ever seen. But what I didn't realize is that meeting her dog would change my life.

I stayed with Lucky for about a month while they went out of the country. He was well-behaved and adorable. He looked like this all the time: 

About three months ago, his mom got back in touch with me and said they were building a house out in the desert and she needed someone who could watch him while they went back and forth. During this trip with Lucky, Matt and I fell so in love with him. He behaved like an angel, asked permission before jumping up on ANYTHING, and just had this look in his eyes that said "I love you."  When his parents came to pick him up after a couple of weeks, I made a joke in passing that next time, they couldn't have him back.

A week later, I got an email. They were moving to the desert soon and didn't think Lucky, at the age of nine, could handle the heat. She didn't want to put him in a shelter, and didn't know who would adopt a nine-year-old dog. First of all, we had no idea he was nine. He loves to play and looks like a puppy, so we assumed he was maybe four. Without hesitation, we committed to adopting him. Our first family pet; the perfect family pet.

We learned he was born in Ireland and flown overseas with his litter, so they named him Lucky in honor of that. He follows me everywhere, he asks my permission before playing with anyone else, he knows my schedule and never tries to change it, and he's the best cuddler.

I never thought I could be so in love withan animal; it's something I have never experienced before. He has added so much to our life together, and has completed our little family.

Look at those manners.

Spicy Meat-a-Balls and The Best Sauce Ever

This is one of those recipes where you're gonna go "dammit, this girl measures NOTHING!" But it's really true- I'm all about flavor and if I ruin a recipe (which I happened to do just last night), I don't even care! But this recipe... Oh man, your taste buds will thank you!

Preheat oven to 350. 

I started with two packages of lean ground turkey and put them in a large mixing bowl. Crack two eggs into the bowl and use your hands to mix (it helps to have a fiancé sous chef who will pour everything since your hands will be covered in raw meat). Next take 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs and next Ozenne. Then I got a little crazy… I used pepper, oregano, a little bit of chili powder, Italian seasoning... Who knows what else. Then add in the onions and garlic.

Use a large baking dish and spray with coconut oil (or Pam or whatever). Roll the meat mixture into LARGE balls (lolz). 

Don't let the picture fool you- these were giant, as they were the main dish for dinner. 

In a blender, pour a can of diced tomatoes and a can of tomato sauce. I used all organic from Trader Joes. Add in some chili powder for an extra kick. Turn blender on low for 1 minute.

Sauté onions and garlic and add them to the blender. Then- and here's what makes the sauce amazing- add in 1/3 cup pinenuts. Mix for another minute and you'll have the creamiest, best sauce ever!

Pour sauce over meatballs. 

Cover top of dish with cheese (mozzarella, asiago, Romano, Parmesan- I used it all!)

Chop up some fresh basil (I like a lot).

Bake for 45 minutes and remove from oven and let cool a bit, then GRUB. Bomb.com and you're welcome! ;)

I'll list the ingredients here soon.