How do people make it through life without a sister?

The best weekends are unplanned.

The most wonderful surprises are those you really never knew were happening.

The greatest gift in life is a Sister.

Or in my case, a Seester.

I like to think that very few things get past me, but boy was I surprised when the two secret agents in my life were in cahoots for the ultimate birthday surprise - Seester flew all the way from out east for my birthday.

I was so excited I cried. 

What a jam packed and fun weekend it was! Despite being out to the wee hours of the morning on Friday, we were up at the crack of dawn causing trouble the next day - There's no time to waste when it's Seester time!

Mostly this post will detail the amazing meals we prepared during the weekend.

All of the recipes are from my new favourite addiction Pinterest, however we kind of winged it. Have fun with cooking, it's supposed to be creative right?

Saturday was Pinterest Appetizer Day. Here's some deets about our delicious creations.

Partners in crime (with a heart)

Mmmm smelly onions

Stuffed zucchini

 We stuffed the zucchinis with ground turkey, onion and lots of garlic. If you try this at home, add salt, pepper, and maybe create a lovely sauce to go with it. Ours didn't have a sauce, but would've been nice with perhaps a marinara!

Stuffing for Four Cheese Stuffed Portobellos

 A combination of Ricotta cheese, Parmesan, Mozzarella and Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese for our delicious and delightful stuffed portobello mushrooms.

The finished products prior to cooking - YUM

The third dish we made was probably the grand winner of all three that day. We didn't take too many pictures of it but it's an easy and very adaptable dish that has endless variations. From Rachel Ray, it's a layered casserole made with tortillas, grilled chicken, salsa, spinach and mozzarella cheese. I can envision many variations of this - especially something scrumptious like grilled chicken, parmesan, pesto and dried cranberries.

Yum, that's gonna be the next version for sure!

The last night (tres sad) Seester was here, Mr. made an unbelievable meal. He used one of our favourite recipes (Slammin Salmon - AllRecipes.com) and one he found from Food Network. O.M.G. One of the best meals I've ever had.

Slammin' Salmon

The most amazing mushroom risotto using arborio rice, shitake, button, and portobello mushrooms, white wine, bay leaves, thyme and a whole lot of deliciousness. AMAZING.

The finished meal complete with homemade salad dressing (of my own recipe)!

The rest of the weekend was made up of dancing, drinks, delicious meals out at restaurants, shopping (naturally), lots of warm beverages, and of course, crafting. We found adorable clothing at our favourite store Zoe's, and these adorable brass owls. $6 - what a steal.

Hoo, Hooty and Hooter.

I'll post the canine's new paw art that we made as soon as I get around to taking pictures of their masterpieces.

Unfortunately though, like all good meals, even the best of weekends end. We go back to our respective lives and wait until we can be together again for laughs, drinks and lots of sister time.

Until next time,

A latte love,

C