Reality has officially set in, and we’re no longer in wedding-ville… soon enough though, in 15 days actually, we leave for our Jamaican honeymoon!
For me, reality means grocery shopping and cooking. We did the shopping part yesterday, and I did some cooking today. Dinner was an old favorite:
Chili Mac!
As usual, it was simple, spicy, comforting and satisfying. Still need the recipe? It’s below:

Ingredients
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef or turkey (this recipe is also great meatless)
2 small onions, diced
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 large (32 oz.) can light red kidney beans
1 large can dark red kidney beans
1 large can crushed tomatoes
1 small can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
3 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 box whole wheat pasta
water as needed
Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot, and add the onions. Cook until lightly browned and then add the ground beef. Cook until browned and then add the beans, crushed tomatoes, chili and garlic powders. Simmer a few minutes, then add the pasta. Add enough water to just cover the pasta, stir well, and simmer until the pasta is done. Serve with a topping of cheese and sour cream.
Tonight will be filled with organizing wedding gifts, and more importantly, watching some of my favorite shows. Its been hard getting back into the swing of things with nearly a week off, but I think I’m getting the hang of it. Tomorrow night is our work holiday party, and I haven’t been able to go to one since I started working at this school almost 3 years ago! It should be a good time!
To all of you who were interested in guest posting during our honeymoon week, you can write a post on anything food related and email it to me! I’m really not picky!
Have a wonderful Thursday night, and a fabulous Friday!















I love adding chili to pasta. This looks so comforting!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is´s last blog ..Burpees + Full Body Quickie.
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I just recently added elbow pasta to chili! I LOVED it!!
Estela @ weekly bite´s last blog ..Best Brownies EVER
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Have fun catching up with your shows!! Hope you’re adjusting back to the real world – good news? Tomorrow’s Friday

K´s last blog ..Little Saint Nick
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Mmm, chili is the perfect way to bring youself back to reality. Looks delicious!
I’m getting on that guest post asap.
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I first had the chili + pasta thing at Steak ‘n Shake (Chili 5-way) and it is so good! Definitely need to create a vegan version at home

Kristie Lynn´s last blog ..Say tomorrow and then she’ll describe some old communion cups and someone’s coat
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Funny, we’ll be in Jamaica at the same time you guys will be there. We are staying at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica for 8 glorious days. Where will you be staying?
Angie (Losing It and Loving It)´s last blog ..Winner winner and pizza dinner
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Jamaica sounds awesome right about now!

Christina´s last blog ..Honey Mustard Chicken Nuggets
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love catching up on shows! always intense!
Melissa S.´s last blog ..Homemade Pizza Time!
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My brother always adds pasta to chili. He makes his chili so spicy that when I eat it, it’s mostly pasta and a tiny bit of chili.

megan´s last blog ..Chocolate Globs
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oh gosh!! that chili looks sensational!! esp. the cheese mountain. mmmmmmmm cheeeeeeeeeese.
glidingcalm´s last blog ..Maqui Superfruit Energy Drink Mix! (and GC love!)
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Yum, that looks awesome!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food)´s last blog ..And the winner is…
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OMG Mara your wedding looked soooo sooooooo amazing and fabulous!!! You look gorgeous in the photos and sooo happy
Congrats to you two again, I’m glad u finally got some of that awesome cake!
carolinebee´s last blog ..Move Over Turkey!
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mmm that looks fabulous… Have you been to Jamaica before!? You will love it!
Jocelyn´s last blog ..Love Snacks + Updates
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