McCormick and Schmicks

Last night we randomly decided to walk a couple blocks for the McCormick and Schmick's happy hour.  With a minimum $3.50 drink purchase, you get really cheap appetizers - like a $2.95 burger or $3.95 fish tacos.  Some of our neighbors joined us!

Even Miss Brooklyn came.  Sorry I can't get this picture to rotate but she was just sooo adorable in her lil hat and mittens!

 Our neighbors and friends!

Of course we stopped by Molly's on the way home to catch some of the VA Tech/ GA Tech game and were in by 9:45pm.  Perfect night!

Have a great weekend bloggie friends!  :)

Minnie and Dorothy

While I travel today, I had to show you these two cuties!

Minnie - my niece Anna Kate!

Dorothy - my goddaughter and 2nd cousin!

Precious!

Convo with Kevin, Lunch with Suz

Yesterday I went to the mall during lunch to try on some jeans.  I wasn't thrilled with the size I had, despite the girls in the store saying that they fit me and they would stretch almost two sizes.  I just thought it'd be better to order the larger size and try them just to be certain I got the right pair.  Umm hello, if I'm spending that much on jeans, they better be perfect. 

So this is the conversation with Kevin on my way back to work:

Me:  I tried on jeans at the X. X. store today.  I liked the ones I had on but felt better ordering the larger size (that they didn't have in stock) because I think they will be best.

Kevin:  Yeah, I guess it would be best to go from a size 2 to a 4 since the holidays are coming up.

Me:  (Laughing hysterically) Thank you for thinking I'm a 2 or a 4!!!!!  

(PS - he definitely knows I'm not a 2 or 4 but it is so cute that he sometimes believes it enough to tell me that!) 

On Monday, Suz was in town from Raleigh visiting her grandparents.  It was such a treat that I got to split up my work day and meet her for lunch at Charlotte Cafe!   

Yall know how it is to have an old friend.  It is just so great sitting down and talking to them sometime!  Thanks Suz for making time in your busy schedule to catch up!  :)

Recipe Monday - Beanier and Creamier

Today I'm linking up with Lyndsie for Recipe Monday!  Head on over to her blog to find some others! 

This dish is super easy and can be used as a main dish or as an appetizer.  And, it is fantastic for leftovers the next day!  My Mama created it!

What's needed:

1 lb. of hamburger meat

1 packet of taco seasoning

1 can of refried beans

Any kind of cheese (1 bag is plenty) - I used mexican and sharp cheddar on this one

Jar of salsa - any kind

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees

2.  Brown hamburger meat and use taco seasoning to season it

3.  Spread bottom of dish with refried beans to start the layering

4.  Put hamburger meat on next

5.  Then salsa

6.  Then top with cheese

7.  Bake for about 20 minutes or when it is bubbling.

8.  Serve with chips as an appetizer or just spoon some on a plate for dinner!

You can also do multiple layers in a smaller and deeper dish.  Enjoy!

Carrie!

Saturday morning, Dad and I ran the Runway 5K...on the Charlotte airport runway.  We had a good time but weren't pleased with our times.  We blame it on all the children and how cold it was!!!

Saturday afternoon Mom and I shopped all day.  She got about 5 or 6 Christmas presents and we visited Katherine at Lilly and J. Crew.  :)

Saturday night, Kim and Jeff and her parents came over to my condo before the Carrie Underwood concert for cocktails and appetizers.  We had the BEST time.  Here's the crowd.

 Here we all are in the arena.  Mom was rocking her orange pants!

 The four of us.  We love Jeff and Kimmy!  Yes, I had to have my cowgirl hat on!  :)

There's Carrie.  She was awesome in concert.  Definitely recommend you going to see her if she's coming near you on her tour!

 She got in this truck and it took her all over the arena above the crowd.  Very cool.

Here are the four of us on our walk back to Avenue.  I live about 1.5 blocks from the arena...yes very convenient.  I'm lucky!

Back at the Avenue was the Halloween Party on the 10th floor so we had to stop by there of course!  Here is Kimmy's husband Jeff and my Mom!

 My Kimmy and I!  Love her!

 Mom messing with Dad!

We had a great time and all of us felt it on Sunday!!!

Friday night

As you all know, my parents flew into town on Friday for the weekend!

We went to Mary Jo's fabric store in Gastonia.  The place is massive!  Mom wanted to get fabric for her dining room chairs....and she found a great color/pattern.

That night we went to Cajun Queen in the Elizabeth area for dinner.  Here are my cute parents!

 Out in front of the restaurant...Kevin took the picture!

We headed to the Southpark area to join a surprise party for a couple of our friends from Avenue at Taco Mac.  Their boyfriends/fiances planned it for them and they were SO surprised. 

Mom got to hold Wendy and Josh's lil girl Brooklyn but it was way past her bed time so she was ready to go home!  Isn't she presch though?

 The birthday girls - Jen and Heather!

We headed back uptown to get in the bed for our early morning 5K run at the airport!  More to come on Saturday's festivities....

Kimmy's Birthday

Last night I went to Olive Garden for one of my bestest's Kimmy's birthday (she's in the middle in black and green dress).  We had a good time celebrating her!  Her co-workers and her Mom and I attended!  :)

I came home and had to get my act together for my parents to arrive today.  They get in around 1:30pm so I'm really looking forward to having them here for the weekend!

I did convince Kevin to help me finish my pumpkin...

Doesn't it look like the monogram is popping out?  Ha, too funny!

We have a big weekend planned - including Carrie Underwood, a 5k run on the Charlotte airport runway and shopping with Mama!

Happy Halloween!