What a busy morning! I’m so glad that the day is finally winding down.
As soon as Mal and I finished eatingΒ breakfast, we got to work preparing for a little housewarming gathering at our house. There were slim pickings for food in our kitchen, so I took a quick trip to the grocery store while Mal cleaned up the place.
My trip to the grocery store also included a pit-stop at Marshalls, where I bought new bedding for the guestroom. Clearly, I had my priorities in order this morning.
But, I also found some “fancyβΒ snacks at Marshalls for our get-together, so the visit was totally worth it! π
At home, I threw together some Spinach Dip. I tried to find an easy recipe online, but I just ended up doing my own thing. It actually turned out really well! Everyone liked it and it was SO easy to make!
Spinach Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 10-ounce box of frozen chopped spinach
- 1 8-ounce box of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt + pepper to taste
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a microwavable-safe bowl.
- Cook in microwave for 3 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir together.
- Continue to cook until spinach is completely thawed, cheese is melted, and dip is smooth and creamy.
While I cooked the dip, Mal made Pigs In a Blanket using full-sized hot dogs and Crescent Rolls.
The pug sat nearby waiting for Dad to drop potential snacks on the floor.Β
A little while later, my in-laws, brother-in-law and his wife arrived to see our new house and enjoy a few appetizers and some good conversation.
Mal and I served raw veggies with hummus, Spinach Dip with crackers, Pigs In a Blanket with spicy mustard, honey-roasted peanuts, cheese straws, and holiday M&M’s. I hadn’t eaten lunch, so I went to town on the spread of goodies!
Our get-together was really laid-back– exactly how I wanted to spend my Sunday. It was greatΒ to seeΒ everyone and catch up for a few hours. Of course, the pug enjoyed all of the attention from our guests!
Mal and I are planning to lay low and watch Elf tonight. I cannot wait to get into my PJ’s and relax with him and Murphy on the couch. I think yesterday’s 20-miler is finally hitting me. I’m pooped.
Enjoy the evening, folks!
46 Comments
Every time I see a picture of Murphy, I smile.
Watching holiday movies on Sunday nights are the best. My favorite thing!
This is my favorite (healthy-ish) version of spinach dip — can be served hot or cold and it’s sooo good:
http://eating-made-easy.com/2010/09/17/spinach-artichoke-dip-made-healthy/
You can’t go wrong with Spinach Dip! I love the stuff. π My parents’ dog, Cici, also loves to sit right next to where we’re preparing or eating food. Just in case we drop some scraps! π
mmm what delicious snacks!
hope you have a relaxing evening!
My sister and I just finished watching Elf – I love that movie!! π
I just posted the other day about finding great, interesting food items at Marshall’s! I always find lots of organic stuff for good prices there. They have dog treats too, in case the pug wants some action. Got my Roxie some organic dog treats for Christmas!
Glad the house-warming went well – I’ll have to make that spinach dip!
Glad y’all had a good time π I love your sweater! And the food looks yummy. Get some relaxing in tonight. i want to watch home alone
Happy House Warming!
Everything looked so tasty, especially that spinach dip!
We’re wearing the same sweater today! haha π
There is just something about pigs in a blanket that makes them so comforting and delicious!
omg i LOVE spinach dip! I havent had it in ages..it looks so good. way to rock your OWN recipe!
and guest room bedding…is gorg! I love marshalls and tj maxx for stuff like that b/c it’s soo much cheaper and bedding (and curtains and bathroom towels) are so ungodly expensive for what they are i find…great scores$$ and so pretty!
You look gorgeous with your hair like that. You really suit the earrings as well. π
LOVE the top you are wearing!
I love laid back parties like that! Enjoy your cozy Sunday evening π
What a fun, casual get together! And I love pigs in a blanket. And am proud of that.
That is my kind of get together! Super simple and relaxed! I love the new bedding. Our guest room has a daybed in it and I cannot find bedding for it!
Mmm, all the snacks looked great!
I adore the new guest bedding π It looks clean and classy. I hope you enjoy your Sunday evening!
I totally have that top from BR π I love it! Glad the party was relaxing and fun- it looked yummy!
What a fun Sunday! I’m sure it felt wonderful to share your new home with friends and family π Sounds like a tasty spread of treats, too (the spinach dip recipe sounds awesome!).
Hope you’re enjoying the holiday season. Have a great week!
Your sweater is so cute… I love it π
I often do the same thing with recipes. It is just easier sometimes to go w/ your gut. Looks like a great gathering! Enjoy elf!
I wish I was better at not stressing in advance about having a few people over- your small get together looks great without all the stress π
Your sweater looks a lot like one I got from Banana Republic last year – is that where yours is from??
And I totally need to watch Elf before going out of town for Christmas this year!
I love cozy little get togethers. They are formal enough that you get to make fancy and delicious appetizers, yet laid-back enough that you can eat those fancy and delicious appetizers while lounging on the couch. π
Hope you have a great week!
Looks like you had a fun housewarming. Love the pictures of the pug!
Yum! I love spinach dip! Can’t wait to try yours!
Housewarming parties are always fun! π
congrats on your 20 miler! i think i am the only person i know who has never seen Elf!
Looks like such a fun day! π What a cutie Murphy is.
I love that variety of sweet and savoury snacks! Desperately keen for the blue cheese straws in particular. I wonder if we have anything like ’em in Australia?
that dip sounds perfect! i’ll take it any day…
Sounds like such a good time! We’ve got those Christmas M&Ms too, but they don’t tempt me like peanut M&Ms do! I watched Elf with my Mom a few nights ago for the first time and loved it!
Grocery shopping vs. cleaning… I think you got the better end of the deal! π
Congratulations on your 20 miler Tina!
What a nice little housewarming! You and Murphy look like mommy and baby in the pic of you holding him π
Yay for a relaxing night…That’s exactly what the hubby, Gus, and I watched tonight!
I like your sweater:)
Love Elf! It’s quickly becoming my favorite Christmas movie π That spinach dip looks SO good!!!
Jen
Love the bedding! I do that all the time – I head out for groceries or a bank run and turn up with completely unrelated things like lamps or the best one yet was a mini-freezer!
Discount stores always have such awesome random foodie finds. You can get such unique sauces and snacks and chocolates there! Hope you enjoyed Elf- one of my all-time faves π
Your guest room looks beautiful! Can I come stay? lol
That last picture of Murphy and Mal is adorable!
Cute sweater in your photo! Als, Elf is the best holiday movie ever!
I love Murphy! I just want to squish his concerned little face!
I love the pic of you in the kitchen. You look so pretty!
Elf!! What a fantastic reward for such a fun-busy kinda day.
Funny–I just read this, about to go to a holiday party, and I’m wearing the same sweater that you are! (Banana Republic, no?)
π