The Southern Foodie's Guide to the Pig {A Book Review}

**I received this book for free from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.**

It's no secret that my husband and I love to cook. We like to be in the kitchen together (or separate) or grilling outside. Matt is currently asking for a smoker for Christmas because he wants to smoke everything that will let him. HAHA! When I saw this book from Chris Chamberlain, The Southern Foodie's Guide to the Pig, I knew it would interest both of us. It was like Christmas when the book arrived in the mail and I had a hard time putting it down. 

The pages of The Southern Foodie's Guide to the Pig are filled with important and interesting tips about  how and why the pig is the most versatile animal for eating. History is woven through the first section which was super cool. Also, included in the first section of the book is a list of all of the different portions of the pig and the best way to cook them. Various rubs and BBQ sauce recipes are included as well and had my mouth watering! 

Section two shares restaurants who are known for their interesting dishes of pork including drinks, appetizers, entrees and even desserts. Several restaurants near us were included so that was nice to see. Hopefully, we get to try one out soon! 

My favorite section was the third and final section. Recipes were included for special recipes of the restaurants mentioned in section two. I know for certain that we will be making some of these recipes soon. And if we could afford them, maybe all of them. HAHA! 

Overall, I thought this was an awesome resource to have and I as I type this review, my husband sits on the couch across from me reading each page for himself! 

**Edited to Add the button to link up for Book Club Friday**

Mason: Week 45 {Photos}

Day 309: Off for a walk with Mom

Day 310: Helping Dad fill up the swimming pool

Day 311: Hoarding the snacks...haha

Day 312: Hmm...this is a new trick! 

Day 313: Punk Rocker

Day 314: Dad's Hero

Day 315: CHEESE!!

Mason's 1st Overnight Stay & Date Night For Mom & Dad

A week or so ago, we set up a date night and our friend Jenn said she would keep Mason overnight, too. It was such a treat. I took a few pictures of my boy with our sweet sweet friend! This was Mason's first time away from me. 

Matt and I went to Olive Garden for dinner because we had 2 gift cards and covered our full meal! Matt was investigating different kinds of pasta so we knew what we were going to get. 

We started off with salad and breadsticks. I'm such a goof! 

For dinner, we got Roasted Garlic Alfredo with grilled chicken, tortellini al forno and risotto bites. SO GOOD! Everything was delicious! 

Love my best guy! 

We walked a bit around Target because we were stuffed full of pasta. 

This left room for a little yogurt. :)

We got caramel pretzel cheesecake. Oh my! 

We ended our date with a few episodes of Blue Bloods and enjoyed our night together. The next morning we picked up Mason and finished our date with a family breakfast date to Waffle House. 

Thanks for the blessing, Jenn! 

Late August - Early September Picture Catch Up

Rather than doing many many separate posts, I just decided to do a big ole posts of pictures from the last few weeks. 

Just a little playing outside. 

This kid loves PJS!

One of my favorite pictures ever! This face :)

Morning snuggles with Daddy

Bathtime is his favorite time! 

 

A little boy in overalls. LOVE!

More PJs

The best part of the Edible arrangement from Mom was the chocolate dipped pineapple. I could eat that daily! 

My Music Man

Even more PJs! 

I was working one Sunday when Matt took Mason to church. He said Mason was so busy, it was impossible to get a decent pic. 

But after church, he was very chill (read: sleepy) :)

 

More bathtime! Most evening meals end with bath time because this boy is quite messy.

We tried to get a pic of Mason and Grandmom. He was again, too busy for that. 

Big guy can hold his squeezees by himself. By the way, these reusable ones are awesome! 

 

Bucket-head! 

Play with ALL of the trucks and trains! 

Mason LOVES Matt's water bottle. He will be getting his own one day soon! 

Oh and just a few more PJs. 

Mason is such a big helper for Mom ;-)

A few fun pictures with Momma

This was such a cute moment until he dropped the watermelon bowl on the floor. #RookieParents

And just for good measure, let's end it with one more set of PJs. A friend gave us so many sets at hand me downs! YAY! and I purchased a few pair from another friend for $2 a set. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

And that catches us up. :)