House of Hydrangeas

I'm not sure about you, but I love a nice, warm bowl of soup when the weather is cool.  Even though it's March, and I live in Florida, we've had some chilly temps this week (sorry Spring Breakers).  So last night I made one of my favorite recipes, Chicken Tortilla Soup.  It's tasty, spicy and best of all, so simple to make! (not pictured, Velveeta cheese and tortilla chips) Chicken Tortilla Soup 12 oz can white chicken breast 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed 14 oz can mexican corn (or regular whole corn like shown above) drained  1 can of Rotel-your choice of heat (I prefer the Hot for a nice kick) 1 can chicken broth 1 can cream of chicken soup 8 oz Velveeta cheese, diced Tortilla chips (optional) Start by adding all of the ingredients (except the diced cheese) into a stockpot, paying careful attention to which cans should be drained.  When you get to the black beans, remember to drain AND RINSE before adding them to the pot. ...

Being a girl raised in the South, I've grown up loving college football...and of course all of the eats and treats that come along with it.  Here are a few new favorites to share with you guys.  Enjoy, and Roll Tide! { Pretzel rolls with beer cheese sauce .  What could be more appropriate?} {Collegiate Martini.  Love this idea from Snappy Gourmet .  Pick a drink to match your team's colors and use pineapple or apple slices to cut out a floating logo.} { Football shaped foods .  The possibilities are endless...Check Pinterest for even more ideas.} { Sausage Pepperoni Pizza Puffs .  A mini pizza party in your mouth.  Yes, please.} { Buffalo Chicken Appetizer Cupcakes .  A yummy alternative to buffalo wings.}

In honor of National Cheesecake Day today, I thought I'd bring you guys this recipe from Just A Taste . Kelly's recipe and instructions are listed below.  But if you're an impatient or novice baker like me, you can use a brownie box mix instead of making the batter from scratch.  I love mini desserts like this--they are great for parties and don't make you feel too guilty for indulging!  :)  Enjoy! Cheesecake Brownie Bites Yield:   About 30 brownie bites Prep Time:   10 min Cook Time:   12 min Ingredients: For the brownie batter: 4 large eggs 1¼ cups baking cocoa 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder, mixed with 2 teaspoons water 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2¼ cups sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 1½ cups all-purpose flour For the cheesecake filling: 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 3 Tablespoons sugar 1 large egg yolk Directions: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. In a large bowl...

{triple chocolate cheesecake truffles}  I made  these  for the 4th, and they were a big hit...and not to mention, oh so easy! {gorgeous invites with a classic monogram} {DIY art inspiration} {DIY inspired candle lantern via Lonny mag} {colorful kitchen on Design Star}

Five Things inspired by the 4th of July's red, white and blue... {Lounge on the beach with this turkish towel.  This color is Cherry Pie.  Perfect for the 4th right?} {Make your party festive with these easy tear-off napkins from Anthropologie.}   {Hang a grouping of these picnic votives from a backyard tree for a soft night glow.}   {Ditch the typical burger for  these turkey pesto sliders.}   {Enjoy refreshing sips like this  red and white strawberry sangria.  Add blackberries for a blue garnish.} Happy early 4th of July everyone!

This layered mantel. Amanda Peet's staircase.   These spinach dip mini bread bowls This outift. This bedroom. And mirror.  And pillows. Happy weekend! Images via 1 , 2 , 3 , 4-unknown, 5

Tagalong Cupcakes.  Need I say more?  Find the recipe here . Happy 4 months to my sweet nephew, Cohen!  Look at his "cheeeese" face. :)  Love him! Amen. Summertime refreshments in style. Happy anniversary weekend to me and my hubby! Here's a little video montage of our honeymoon in St. Thomas to the tune of one of my favorite songs at the moment, Woman Like You.  Sweet memories :) Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Say goodbye to fake greenery and roosters, and add more cabinets on top of your existing kitchen cabinets.  No need to waste that space.  Add glass fronts to show off your best pieces. Dress up typical wooden chairs with monogram covers like these. Happy Endings.  If you're not watching this show, you're missing out on A LOT of laughs. I gave up sweets for Lent so I can't wait to eat something like this very very soon.  Chocolate peanut butter mousse cheesecake...mmmmm. Thankful for my risen Lord. Happy Easter everyone!

I got to Skype with my sis and little Cohen last weekend, but this weekend I'm excited because I get to see them in person!  I'm visiting to watch my other nephew's first T-ball game.  I can only imagine how adorable all of those kiddos are going to look out there on the field. I've had this bouquet sitting on my desktop for quite some time and have neglected to share it with you guys.  Now that spring is almost in full bloom, I think it's appropriate.  The colors are so cheerful, and the pom pom ribbon tied around the stem is so fun and unexpected. I want to have an area like this in our next house.  I think it's a much more efficient use of the space right off the kitchen, don't you?  I'd rather dine all of the time in my formal dining room anyway :) This lace cardigan is my latest purchase.  I think it will work great for this spring/summer weather, and I looove the pattern and texture.  I ordered it from Forever 21 online.  I hope i...