Happy Halloween!

Halloween is a big deal at work. Everyone dresses up and brings a covered dish. I brought a spooky Mexican dish that seems to be a big hit. I made the tree and tombstones out of a tortilla and baked them at 350 degrees until brown.

I also liked the witches brooms made out of cheese sticks and pretzels and the pumpkin shaped cheese ball.

I was shocked at how many people were not familiar with the game Guess Who? I played it all the time growing up. But apparently I wasn't the only one who thought it was a clever costume. Lisa and I ended up dressing alike and no it wasn't planned!

Weekend Recap

Friday night, was our Night Circus themed book club. Michelle and her roommate went all out transforming their apartment into a circus tent. We feasted on lots of apps, champagne, and eggplant lasagna before diving into dessert. Michelle's roommate works for a bakery in Greenville, so she made a delicious red velvet cake that matched the theme of the night. Michelle also made chocolate mice complete with almond ears and licorice tails. They certainly put your veggie tray to shame from the night Sara and I hosted. 

I also had to share this conversation Sara and I had on Friday night in response to another engagement. This sums us up so well.

Saturday morning, I was up bright and early for my second event. Thankfully the weather held and it was a gorgeous fall day. The Terriers did not come out with a W but I enjoyed the game regardless.

How cute are they?

Sunday, I spent the day at the barn before stopping by the store to pick up some items for my Halloween costume. I couldn't resist the pumpkins and gords and figured our apartment could use some fall decorations. How is it almost November already?

Fun Facts Friday

1. On our way home from Asheville on Sunday, Sara and I had a major Taylor Swift sing-a-long. And then we went to Monsoon. I am very thankful that we share a love for T-Swift and Thai food.

 

2. So far this week, I have eaten at Monsoon, Broncos, Bonefish, Wades, and Gerhard's. It is a miracle my clothes still fit.

 

3. Two of those were office lunches. We made a list of all the places our new boss has to try. Let me know if you have a favorite spot in Sparkle that I need to add. 

 

4. We played a trick on one of our coworkers this week and moved his car during the middle of the day. It was comical watching him turn in circles looking for his car in the parking lot. That's what he gets for giving us his keys to hold.

5. The car moving incident occurred after all of my coworkers tried to hide from me when I came in late. I spoiled the trick when I went straight to work and didn't look for them.

6. Tonight for book club, we are having a midnight themed dinner. You have to read the book (The Night Circus) to understand but I am looking forward to it. We are in charge of the appetizers and I also bought some Poppycock at Costco to mimic circus caramel corn.

7. My second big event is tomorrow. Here's to hoping the weather holds.
 

8. Christina posted this Mood Map, an interactive guide to America that tells you which state matches your personality. I took the short quiz and it told me I should live in NC. I guess being 30 minutes from the border will have to be close enough.

 

9. Next week, we are having a Halloween party with the office down the hall. I am still trying to decide what I want to dress up as and contribute to the potluck. Ideas welcome.

10. My facts are all over the place. Happy Friday! Have a great weekend.

Thought on Thursday

#Bacheville

Friday night we headed to Asheville to celebrate McCown one last time before her big day. The weekend was an International Affair and we did our best to hit as many countries as possible. McCown's first stop was the House of Chan in Chapin. Kristen's parents made some Chinese appetizers for the road. The trip continued to Greece when they picked me up and I had one of McCown's favorite dishes from Yanni's. We ended the night in Russia with some white Russians at Becca's house in Asheville.

Saturday, we started off the day with a Parisan brunch before going on a bus tour of Asheville. We laughed out loud while begin entertained by a variety of characters. It was a great way to see the city.



After the tour, we returned to Becca's house to visit Mexico and shower McCown. Like they say, what happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico.

After watching Bridesmaids, we headed to Italy for dinner at Cucina 24 before bar hopping. I would highly recommend the restaurant if you are ever in downtown Asheville. The kale pesto on the pizza was out of this world.

We stopped by the Sky bar for a drink. I am normally not one for hot drinks but since it was a little chilly on the rooftop I opped for the Irish Toffee Coffee. Fun fact about the Sky Bar: all the drinks are original recipes crafted by the bartenders.  

Our trip around the world ended with a party in the USA back at Becca's house. It was such a fun filled weekend with great friends. I can't wait to watch McCown walk down the aisle in two weeks!

Lately

Well hello, long lost friends. Sorry to leave you in the dark for so long. Let's catch up on everything that has been happening lately.

We celebrated Mom's birthday in Charleston and I finally got to eat at Fulton Five. It was definitely worth the wait.

We spent the evening in Chapin celebrating these two. I can't believe their wedding is right around the corner.

I spent 10 days on the road covering high schools in West Chester, NY and the Pee Dee area in SC. I was very ready for my own bed and a home cooked meal by the end.

I've turned into quite the wine connoisseur and have attended two different tastings. It helps having a partner in crime for these things.

May and Lash came to stay for homecoming. We had the best time catching up, eating a delicious tailgate, and watching the Terriers pull out an exciting win!

 

This is the past month in a nutshell. Happy Friday friends!

Thought on Thursday

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Missing Person

You can read the read of the article here.

Alex was last seen on Thursday when he went to meet two men who were interested in buying his truck from Craigslist. He has not been seen or heard from since. Authorities have his truck and the two men in custody. Please please pray for him and his family. I can't imagine what they are going through. He and I went to middle school together.

UPDATE: Alex has gone to join his dad in heaven. I know they are enjoying a drink and looking down on us. Please continue to keep his family and friends in your prayers. The entire situation is heartbreaking.

The Friday Five

1. What I'm Reading:

From Amazon: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing.
 

2. What I'm Drinking:

 

I picked this up on a whim while in NY, mainly because it was a twist off top. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely purchase it again.

3. What I'm Listening to:

Drunk Last Night - Eli Young Band

4. What Recipe I'm Bookmarking:



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Caramel Pecan Brie. Hello perfect fall appetizer.

 

5. Things I'm Loving:

And I'm off to catch my next flight. Happy Friday!