Brunch Tailgating

Saturday the Mississippi State Bulldogs played the UAB Blazers at 1pm. Early game days means Brunch inspired tailgating complete with Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. Since it was expected to rain again this Saturday I decided it would be easier and the best decision to just host the tailgate at Jay's apartment so we could stay dry, cool, and watch the game. Even though it ended up not raining until after the game Jay and I still thought that was the best decision we have made in a long time because we were able to watch and even attend the game and not have to worry about our tent and taking it down after. We watched the game at Jay's place until halftime and then watched the second half with his parents in the Dave's Wade Stadium Club Level. All and all Saturday turned out to be a great game day especially with the Bulldogs pulling out a win. Way to go Dawgs!! We won't be tailgating for about a month because the next few games are away until October 4th but Jay and I will not be in attendance to that game because we will be in New York for the weekend. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and if you are a football fan whether it is College or NFL I hope your team won! See you tomorrow!

recipe for the breakfast casserole bites seen above can be found here

 

Lots of Love, Natalie

 

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Everyone loved and raved about how good this Homemade Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip was Saturday at the tailgate. I had never made Spinach and Artichoke Dip before this past weekend. I highly suggest if you need to make a dip for a tailgate or any type of party this is the perfect one. It is fairly quick and does not take any skill to successfully make it! Enjoy!

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip:
Ingredients:
1 10oz package of frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained)
1 14oz can of artichoke hearts (drained and chopped)
1 8oz package of cream cheese (softened)
2 tbsp. sour cream
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
1/2 tsp. garlic salt (or to taste)
a dash of cayenne pepper (or to taste)


Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium bowl, warm cream cheese in microwave for about a minute or as long as it takes to soften.
Add spinach, artichokes, sour cream, cream cheese, mayo, and parmesan cheese.
Mix well and add garlic salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
Place in an oven safe dish and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until top is toasty.
(Optional: I baked mine on broil for about 5-10minutes to give it a toasted top)
Serve with bread or chips.
Enjoy!


**I doubled my recipe to make it fill a casserole dish**

 

Lots of Love, Natalie

 

 

Tailgate Hostess

Saturday was my first time to host a MSU Tailgate for the game against Southern Mississippi. Even though it was rainy it still turned out great and I learned some do's and don'ts after this game. Despite the rain the Mississippi State Bulldogs still won, with a final game score of 49-0! Way to go Bulldogs! We are planning on trying to host another tailgate this coming Saturday but we will just have to see what the weather decides to do. I hope you all had a great long weekend! See you tomorrow with my recipe for Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

 

 

Weekly Favorites

- Saints winning and now being 4-0! WHO DAT BABY!! -

- October finally starting so I can buy pumpkins, mums, and decorate for Halloween. -

 

- Getting all the ingredients to make some Spiced Pumpkin Mini Bundt cakes with a Maple Cream Cheese Icing to bring to Jay's Aunt's tailgate Saturday. I cannot wait to make these tomorrow! Recipe on here Monday! -

 

- Today is Jay and I's 3 year anniversary!! It is also Bulldog Bash which means live bands right outside his apartment complex. I have to say it is a good way to celebrate being together for 3 years. We will also be exchanging small gifts since we will be going to Memphis later this month to really celebrate our anniversary! -

 

 

- I hope you have a wonderful weekend! See you Monday! -

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

Chicken Taco Soup

I have to apologize first for this post not being up yesterday. I know I promised some of you that it would be but I was having some technical and time issues, but don't worry here it is. This taco soup is extremely easy and everyone said it was some of the best they have had. This taco soup is perfect for the cooler weather and tailgating!

 

Ingredients:

4-6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders

1 can Mild Rotel

1 can Chili ready tomatoes (can be found at Walmart)

2 cans sliced Black Olives

2 cans of Mexicorn

2 cans Black Beans

1 1/2 packet of Taco Seasoning

1 1/2 cup Pace Picante Salsa

 

Toppings:

Sour Cream

Shredded Cheese

Jalapenos

Avocado

Tortilla Chips

 

Directions:

1. Drain and pour all ingredients into the crock pot

2. I boiled my chicken before hand to make sure that it was completely cooked since this was my first time using a crock pot

3. Shred Chicken and add it to the Soup

4. Then, set it to 4 hours on high

5. Lastly, Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie

SEC Football

Down here in the South Sweet Tea, BBQ, Church, and SEC football are just our way of life. If you are like me and live in the South you know that Football is a HUGE deal!! Well it is that time of year again! Which means it is time to fire up all those grills and mix some good cocktails. Get ready for all the friendly trash talking because you know it is never in short supply when game day rolls around. Now every team in the SEC has different ways that they prepare for the game but here at MSU we have a few traditions that we never miss.

1.     Get ready to take some Aleve or wear earplugs because if you have never been to Bulldog Country then you are in for a very LOUD surprise. That’s right Ladies and Gentlemen the MSU Cowbell. They are extremely loud and I hate to say it annoying, but I love them at the same time because it makes us who we are! It has been a tradition of ours from when MSU was all about Agriculture, like many people still think we are. Now the bells are just our way of making some noise to cheer on our team and to cause a little frustration and intimidation to the opposing team!

 

Freshman year me with my bell and the big Cowbell

 

2.     TAILGATING!! I know every team in the SEC tailgates but we all have different ways of going about it. Here at MSU we tailgate in the Junction. This area of green plush grass turns into elaborately decorated tents full of food and drinks all for just a few hours. I love seeing all the different tents decorated for game day. From silverware and chandeliers to big flat screen TVs you really will see it all. Now if you are wondering where the name the Junction came from well this area on campus actually used to be a Railroad Junction hence the name today!  

 

3.     Our last BIG tradition is probably the DAWG POUND ROCK! The dawg pound rock begins a little bit before everyone enters the stadium (Davis Wade Stadium) and then continues inside. This starts by our coach and the players walking through the junction with everyone cheering and ringing their Cowbells to pump them up. Then it finishes inside with the actual Dawg Pound Rock. This is a dance that the players do to the song “Who Let the Dogs Out”.

 

4.     Also I cannot forget to mention our Bulldog! His name is Bully!

 

So it’s time to break out all those cute outfits in your teams colors and cheer them on! If you are ever at MSU be sure to check out some of these Traditions! On that note let me end by saying have a great weekend!! See you on Monday!

 

P.S.  Go Dawgs! Maroon and White!!

 

Lots of Love,  Natalie