Chicken Tortilla Soup

Photo: My life as a Mrs.

My college roommate Holly is the crock pot master. When I went to visit her in June she made me wonderful meals even on the days she had to work! She shared her friend's recipe with me to make for my roommates.

Let's get that crock pot out again, Leann. :)  

Food 52

This blog makes me hungry.

Lina Said Yes!

Yesterday I hosted an engagement party for Lina and Carl on our friends roof deck (thanks Rob and Cambria House!). Their engagement fell right around the time Lina's best friend Sara planned to visit so we quickly got things together for a little happy hour. Thanks to all who were able to make it and share such sweet words with the couple.

photo: peacelovebear

We had two cocktails: Vodka & Soda (Lina's favorite) and Whisky with a splash of water (Carl's favorite) and allowed everyone else to bring their drink of choice.

And here is three simple snacks I made:
*White Bean Roaseted Red Pepper Dip
*Mini Caprese
*Spicy Black Beans and Avocado Canapes


Love to Lina and Carl!

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time and finally made these pumpkin cookies. I was a little overwhelmed at first but I think everything turned out okay with the help of my mom. :)

It has been amazing having time off from work! I have been spending time with family and friends and yesterday I went thrifting.

Here are a few things from around the web. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! xo

I love this hat.

Maybe I need a nerdy boyfriend.

A church converted into a house.

Apple and cheddar scones.

Where to go in Philadelphia: Tria

This past weekend I went to Tria with my dad and sisters. It is a wine, cheese, and beer cafe my friend Angel introduced me to several years ago. They have delicious salads and sandwiches and a few different locations, one conveniently located in Rittenhouse Square across from the Park.

We sipped on wine and laughed about funny, old stories before my dad and younger sister Corinne went to the Eagles game.

No Tricks, Just Treats

I love these colors and this post.

After a long work week I love coming home on Friday nights and making a home cooked meal. Last night I made eggplant parmesan for me and some girlfriends. We went to a Halloween party and I dressed up as a girl scout. I wore my old brownie vest (pictures to come). 

Tonight we are celebrating people who have decided to become members of our church; we call this making a covenant. Each person is recommended by someone and tonight I have the privilege of recommending my sweet friend Lina. Afterwards I am heading to Tara's 30th birthday party. I am looking forward to celebrating dear friends.

Enjoy your weekend and a few things from around the web.



*Yummy pumpkin cookies.

*This bride and her dress are so cute!

*Cable knit pillows sound cozy.

Sourdough Starter



I started with 4 ounces of whole wheat flour and 4 ounces of water in a medium sized blow. Every day for a week you discard half of the starter and add another 4 ounces of flour (after the first day you can use whole wheat or unbleached white) and 4 ounces of water.

I'm on day three. I'll let you know in a few days if it's ready to bake!

Recipe from D.I.Y. Delicious by Sara Remington

October Weekends

I watched the sunrise this morning after taking my friend Lina to the airport. Somehow watching the day begin makes me feel closer to God.

I went home and took a little nap before going to breakfast at Sabrina’s with my little sister Corinne. We also visited a thrift store, a vintage shop and Old Navy where I thought about purchasing these shorts and this jacket until I saw how long the line was.

We also picked up a loaf of bread from Sarcone’s. I’m thinking of making a pot of chili tomorrow and serving the bread with it. Yum!

*What are you doing this weekend?

*Have you seen any good movies lately?

Tonight I’m going to see ‘It’s Kind of a Funny Story’!

**Also here's a picture of me and my friend Sara on her motorcycle. :)

xo....Colleen

Week Recap

This weekend friends opened up a coffee shop in Kensington called Leotah's Place. I headed over with some friends to celebrate their grand opening.

Sara, T-Rex, Lina and me sitting outside Leotah's Place

Read more about it here. :)

Leotah's Place is located on the corner of York and Coral.


I also had the chance to go to the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby at the Trenton Avenue Arts Festival.

Where I ran into sweet friends like Sarah

And I saw an adorable pup with a bike helmet

kids from the neighborhood

and of course cute boys on bikes!

Saturday night some of us celebrated Liz's 26th birthday at North Bowl in Northern Liberties.

Liz is seriously one of the most kind-hearted people I know and a much better bowler then me!

Weekend Recap

Graduation parties, friends, hulla hooping and hotdogs. If this weekend is any indicator of how amazing this summer is going to be then I'm in!

Me, Sara, and James

This weekend also included some dancing.

The Art Star Craft Bazaar 

Some things that caught my eye:

*This adorable purse made from vintage fabric.

*A photo collage of my neighborhood.

*Mini Monster Cupcakes

*A Fringe Pouch

Sunday I met up with Lina in Rittenhouse Park. We walked to Reading Terminal Market and then to get my first Boba Tea!

In China Town drinking Boba Tea (or Bubble Tea :)

After Public Meeting Sara and I ended the weekend eating here. Thanks Weegie!

This morning I relaxed with a cup of coffee after a fun-filled weekend before heading to an interview that went awesome. Life is good.

xo

Mother's Day Weekend

This weekend we cheered for my nephew Ayden as he began a new baseball season.

And then we headed over to Memphis Taproom for lunch and beer mimosas (Ayden had cranberry juice:) to celebrate Mother’s Day. Ayden made cards for all the women in his life. What a stud.

First Friday

I’m looking forward to another First Friday. I’ll be in the neighborhood supporting Frankfood Ave Arts.

Photo by: NKCDC

Here's a few things I plan on checking out tomorrow night:

F&N Gallery Presents: je ne suis pas un objet

A great little vintage shop.

And who doesn’t love pizza?



I hope to see you there! :)

xo
Colleen

Sweet Freedom

A few weeks ago I went to Sweet Freedom Bakery with my friend Patty to catch up with an old friend who happens to be one of the owners, Heather. I’m definitely ready to go back for another treat that won’t bother my belly!

Photo by: Mac & Cheese

 Sweet Freedom Bakery is located on South Street between 15th and Broad.

Also check out this dad's blog about places to eat in Philly that are gluten free!