Dear Dad

Dear Dad,
Thank you for always being there to support me. Thank you for providing me with a home filled with love and so many happy memories. I will never forget the time I left Thumper on the Disney tram and you chased it down for what seemed like miles just to make sure to get back that silly toy bunny for your 5 year old daughter. Thank you for passing down your love of chocolate and your love of people. Thank you for working hard to provide for our family. I don't tell you thank you enough, but I hope you know how grateful I am to have a dad like you! Happy Father's Day!

3 Reasons Why I Love Country Concerts

Thursday night that hubby of mine and I went to see Brad Paisley and Blake Shelton in concert at Riverbend. For those of you wondering what Riverbend is, it is a huge outdoor event venue on the Ohio River. It was the perfect night for a concert, weather in the 70's and a full moon! We met up with my hubby's cousin and his wife and had a great time. Any excuse to wear cowboy boots, yell Yee haw and fist pump while enjoying country music and I'm in. Here are 3 reasons I love country concerts, this one in particular.

1. Country concerts give you your money's worth. We had lawn seats because a. they were cheaper and b. the lawn is more fun anyway. So mid-song Brad Paisley wanders out onto the lawn with his band and then proceeds to perform 2 songs out there. I have never seen anyone do that before. He said he wanted us all to get our money's worth too and we did.

2. Country concerts are a surprise. Blake Shelton brought along his team from the Voice who performed his song Honey Bee with him. I am loving this new show and was surprised to see some of their faces on stage.

3. Country concerts are the best place to people watch. I wish I could have taken pictures of some of the ridiculous outfits I saw. A few of my favorites were guys in cut off shorts with cowboy boots and a beer belly, girls in bikini tops that were too small and then there's always those older woman who dress like they are still in their teens and paw on young "studs." Ew.

Here is a style that was quite popular last night that I actually love.

Source: chictopia.com via Kat on Pinterest

I hope to attend at least one more concert at Riverbend this summer. Do you have a place you like to see your favorite bands?

HAPPY WEEKEND FRIENDS!

Beer Can Chicken

Have you ever had Beer Can Chicken? Oh my gosh it is amazing. It is the perfect beach or lake vacation food! But of course I can't just give you the recipe...I have to relive our family vacation to Douglas Lake (where I first had and became a fan of Beer Can Chicken).

Jet skis plus...

amazing sunsets on the water plus...

fun family plus...

fishing, boating, tubing, water skiing= a fun summer getaway

Now for the recipe for Beer Can Chicken. It is what it sounds...a whole chicken and a can of beer on a grill. Now don't be afraid if you don't like the taste of beer, I promise it only enhances the flavor of the chicken and makes the chicken so incredibly moist. See picture below.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole 3-4 Pound Chicken, Giblets Removed
• 1 can Beer (12 Ounce Can, But You Can Drink Half)
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Tarragon
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon Seasoned Salt
• 1 stick Butter
  For detailed instructions on how to prepare the chicken please go here! Anyone else ever had Beer Can Chicken before?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

I'm linking up with Jamie to share some things I am loving today!
I'm loving that my birthday is in 6 days. I always look forward to my birthday...probably a little too much.

Source: flickr.com via Allison on Pinterest

I'm loving that I get to see Brad Paisley in concert TOMORROW

I'm loving fish tacos. They are my new favorite summer dish and here is a recipe you should try: Spicy Grilled Fish Tacos

I'm loving that hubby and I have tennis courts within walking distance of our house and the fact that we will be playing frequently this summer.

I'm loving this idea for a Smores bar! Adding this to my list of summer party ideas.

Source: myrecipes.com via Allison on Pinterest

                     What are you loving today?

Knee Deep in the water somewhere

Have you heard the song "Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet? I found a Youtube video with the song and the lyrics...I won't deny having already sung along to it several a few times.

This song makes me want to go here:

Source: glamourxkiss.tumblr.com via Allison on Pinterest

     
and ride this:

Source: thebottomoftheironingbasket.blogspot.com via Allison on Pinterest

     and then do this...

Source: honestlywtf.com via Allison on Pinterest

                Who's in???

Guest blogging

Today I'm taking over Brittni's blog while she is in NYC. Stop in With Love From Michigan to read about some of my favorite places to eat in the Big Apple.

Have you ever been to NYC? It makes me smile. Have a wonderful Monday!

.

Source: google.co.uk via Allison on Pinterest

Chocolate Chunk Cookie...cast iron skillet style

Oh my gosh. Can I just tell you I have been dreaming of finding a recipe like this one?! I am so excited to share this recipe with you because it is simple, DELICIOUS and different than any other baking I've done. The ingredients for the chocolate chunk cookie are all basic and I actually had all of it on hand. The only thing you might not have is a cast iron skillet, but this recipe alone is worth owning one. My set of cast iron skillets (along with my apron) are just a few of the many buried treasure that came with our house. Okay on to the cookie part. Here's what you will need:

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 350
Step 1: Turn oven on Medium/Low heat and place a stick of unsalted butter on the skillet. Let it melt. I like to watch butter melt and sizzle. Anyone else? Anyone?
Step 2: Add the sugars and vanilla
Step 3: Stir and take off of the heat. Let it sit until it is no longer hot, but still warm.
Step 4: Add an egg and use a fork to whisk into mixture

Step 5: Add flour, baking soda and salt
Step 6: Stir mixture until smooth
Step 7: Add chocolate chunks and stir into mixture
Step 8: Place skillet in oven for 15 minutes

Now enjoy an ooey gooey cookie with a scoop of ice cream on top. Then go and run 10 miles to work off what you just ate. Ha. Either way, I will be making this again! Let me know if you try it out!

And if you are wondering, this recipe is husband approved.

Credits: This website was my inspiration.