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Friendsgiving 2013 + A Blue Nile Winner

written by Parita 16 Comments

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Nothing says Friendsgiving like a cornucopia!  Thanks to Vishnu we were able to enjoy a very festive background image while we ate!

As for dinner…

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Robin, Andy, Vishnu, and I enjoyed a delicious and VERY filling meal!  Seriously you guys.  I haven’t felt this full in a long time!  After dinner I changed out of my jeans and put on my stretchy pants.  I was THAT full.

Robin and I split up the menu and tackled it separately during the day on Saturday.  Our kitchens are super tiny so this was the best approach.  Plus I know absolutely nothing about cooking a turkey!

Robin and Andy prepared the turkey, veggie stuffing, and the best sangria in the world.  I’m not kidding about the sangria – it was delicious (and potent!).  I’ll get the recipe from Robin and share it here soon.

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Vishnu (my taste tester) and I made:

  • whipped sweet potatoes (I used half and half instead of heavy cream and cinnamon instead of nutmeg)
  • quinoa salad with pears, baby spinach and chickpeas in a maple vinaigrette (I used toasted almonds instead of pecans)
  • macaroni and cheese (will share the recipe soon!)
  • a chocolate-pumpkin pikoozie for dessert (served with vanilla bean coconut milk ice cream)

EVERYTHING was amazing, evident by the number of times each of us refilled our plates!

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My plate – round 1

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A chocolate lover’s dream!

After saying thanks, eating until we almost burst, and cleaning up, we settled in for a night of YouTube videos.  I’m not kidding.  For two hours we sat and watched our favorite videos, which ended up being the perfect plan because the last thing any of us wanted to do after our huge meal was be active.  Talk about a food coma!

Miscellaneous pictures from Friendsgiving 2013…

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I wonder if Friendsgiving 2014 will be able to top this.  I mean, we set the bar pretty high!  Until next year…

* * * * *

Annnnnd the Blue Nile necklace winner is…

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Congratulations, Chayal!  Please email me at parita84@gmail.com so that I can send you your necklace ASAP!!

Thanks to everyone who entered!  If you’re interested in buying some pieces for yourself and/or as gifts this holiday season, be sure to enter the following coupon code for 10% off (good until Jan 1st) – BNHH10.

Happy Monday!

Written on November 18, 2013 Related:Food, Friends, Life, Recipe

Sharing Means Caring + A Giveaway

written by Parita 25 Comments

With regards to the title of this post, I’m sharing with y’all in two ways today. First, I’m sharing lots of information about my life (haha), and second, if you stay with me for a few minutes, you’ll see that I’m sharing a pretty little giveaway. Aren’t I so caring?!

First up…my life.

1.  The biggest news I have to share is that I took Guinness (Robin and Andy’s adorable dog) for a walk the other day because R & A both had to work late. ALL BY MYSELF! This is HUGE. I used to be terrified of dogs. Even the little ones. But Guinny (as I lovingly call him) has changed that…sort of. I’m no longer afraid, just a little hesitant.

The adventures of Par and Guinny…

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2.  We are hosting Friendsgiving at our place this Saturday. I’m in charge of making a few side dishes as well as a dessert. I’m planning everything out later today and going to try to avoid the craziness of last weekend. For Vishnu’s sake.

3.  I’m going back to Atlanta next week! Honestly, I can’t wait to see my parents and sister, Vishnu’s family, and hopefully some friends! This visit will be a lot different from my last, relaxing and full of laughter I hope.

4.  A little less than a week after I get back from Atlanta, I fly out to London for work! SO excited. The majority of the people I communicate with on a daily basis work out of our London office, so it’ll be nice to get to know them and to put faces to names. AND my colleagues have planned a few fun touristy things for us to do while I am there. Woo!

5.  I’m currently participating in a 21 day meditation challenge hosted by Oprah and Deepak Chopra. We’re only on day five and I’ve already gained so much. No worries – I’ve been taking lots of notes and have a few thought provoking topics I want to discuss on the blog. More to come!

At this point, the one thing I really struggle with is quieting my mind. We are advised to listen to the audio provided, hence being walked through the entire meditation. I love this. There’s beautiful, soothing music and everything. However, I’m having a hard time focus on the day’s mantra – too many random thoughts floating in and out. They say it gets easier as the challenge goes on…here’s to hoping that’s true!

* * * * *

6.  Now for the part of this post that y’all actually care about…the pretty little giveaway!

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by Blue Nile, an online retailer of fine jewelry, regarding my interest in a special holiday campaign called “Get one, Give one.”  They offered to send me my choice of a necklace or a bracelet, while also providing me with a second one to give away to a reader! After looking at the given options, I settled on a beautiful branch necklace.

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And I’ve worn it every day since it arrived!

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So let’s get to it! If you would like the chance to win your very own branch necklace, leave a comment telling me about something fun going on in your life!  The giveaway will close on Sunday at 9:00 pm, and the winner will be announced in Monday’s post!

Have a great Friday!

Written on November 15, 2013 Related:Life, random

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