some tricks, lots of treats

because making anything halloween themed is fun.

dirt cake trifle

1 package regular Oreos

2 large boxes sugar free instant chocolate pudding

6 cups skim milk 

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup splenda

1 8 oz container sugar free cool whip, slightly softened

candy corn, pumpkin candies, optional

1. put all cookies into large plastic ziplock bag and crush until they resemble "dirt" 
2. mix both boxes of pudding together according to package directions in a large bowl. set aside while the pudding sets.
3. meanwhile, beat cream cheese, sugar and splenda together
4. fold in cool whip and beat until incorporated
5. mix cool cream cheese and cool whip sugar mixture with pudding. beat until the two are combined.
6. layer 1/3 of oreo crumbles on the bottom of your trifle bowl. top with layer of 1/2 of pudding. next layer 1/3 of oreo crumbles then top with remaining pudding. dump the remaining crushed cookies on top. 
7. add seasonal decorations of choice (or leave plain and simple and serve all year!)
8. store in fridge

xoxo,

clp

socializing at pinewood social

this past week has been a busy one. it really started last thursday and ended today. from event planning, prepping, wedding attending, photoshoot-ing and staging, i feel like a worn-out energizer bunny. its been a good week though: the annual conference and company party i planned were a success, the wedding was a blast, the pictures are being developed and the shows are staged.

for entertainment one night for our out-of-town visitors, i booked us bowling and dinner at the oh-so-popular downtown nashville spot, pinewood social. pinewood is the trendy hangout for nashvillians for whatever his or her heart may desire: breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks, pool (not table,  swimming), bocce ball, bowling and karaoke. go to dine, drink and enjoy.

dine, drink and enjoy we did. a small group of us went and i must say pinewood social is quite a big step up from the ole strike and spare. gone is your typical bowling alley food and glow lights and instead you have new american cuisine and an industrial-chic interior. between spares (or gutter balls in my case), we first munched on fried broccoli (obsessed, but best right out of the kitchen), crispy pork rinds, kale caesar salad and hummus with lavash crackers. the main course brought delicious meatloaf (served bacon-wrapped with sweet potato puree, roasted brussel sprouts and onion rings), fried chicken, and two delicious southern sides. needless to say, i left with a losing bowling score, but a full stomach.

pinewood social lived up to the hype in my book. make it your next friday night (or any night for that matter) plans and see for yourself. get social.

now, for a weekend spent in my murfreesboro, with my stella and sapphire, a manicure and pedicure, a trip to target, some football, chili and cornbread.

xoxo,
clp

favorite fall things

starting to cross things off the fall bucket list today. 

xoxo,

clp