Day 2: The meaning behind your blog name.

Newlyweds Next Door. That's who we are, we just got married 3 and a half months ago. I don't really know how newlyweds act but I consider us to be pretty down to earth.

I'm going to try this 30 Day Blog Challenge

Day 1: Introduction, Recent Picture, 15 Interesting Facts.

Well, considering that this blog is for friends and family, most of you already know a lot about me. I recently married the man of my dreams. We live in Massachusetts with our 4 dogs, and 5 new puppies. I am going to school for Occupational Therapy and the Mr. is in his 2nd year of Law School

On our wedding day.

15 Interesting Facts

1. As much as I missed living on the East Coast last year, I think I miss California more.

2. I am a total book worm. I haven't been reading as much as I'd like, though.

3. I don't drink. Ever.

4. I was into everything in high school. Once I got to college, it felt good to slow down.

5. Although I'm not all that good, I love to cook and watch Food Network.

6. I have baby fever like crazy!! Ever since we got married, it seems like everyone is either pregnant or has a baby.

7. My house NEVER stays clean for more than 5 minutes. With 4 dogs (and my messy husband)... (ok, and I'm messy too) it is hard to keep it perfectly clean.

8. I'm lucky to have my husband because people tend to walk all over me, and he doesn't let that happen.

9. Chris and I already have the names picked out for our kids, including middle names.

10. When I am upset, stressed, or nervous I just jump in the car, turn the radio all the way up, and drive until I've calmed myself down.

11. My favorite vacation was with my husband (just friend at the time). We drove from Upstate New York to California over winter break of my freshmen year.

12. I have entirely too many TV shows that I must watch every week.

13. I am beyond thankful that I got to dance with my grandpa at my wedding. I then said good-bye 17 days later.

14. I LOVE music. I know how to read, write, and play... but I would much rather just listen and sing.

15. Chris and I took dancing lessons before the wedding, now I want to put the swing to more use!

Eggplant Parmigiana

Chris and I bet on how many puppies Roxy would have. He won. Surprise there.

Anyway, I had to make Eggplant Parmigiana for him, his favorite. My amazing MIL taught me how to make this a couple years ago. She makes her own homemade sauce, but I didn't have the time or the energy after being up for 14 hours with newborn puppies.

Eggplant Parmigiana

2 Eggplants

Spaghetti Sauce (good quality)

3 cups Mozzarella Cheese

Flour

Eggs

Bread Crumbs

Step 1: Cut eggplant into about 1/2 inch slices

Step 2: Prepare 3 separate bowls, one flour, one eggs, one bread crumbs.

Step 3: Dip a slice of eggplant in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs. Place in pan with hot oil. Flip eggplant when brown/crispy. When eggplant is done, and soft, place eggplant on paper towel to remove excess grease.

Step 4: Start with a layer of sauce on the bottom of an 8"x11" baking dish. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese. Start layering eggplant. After each layer, repeat sauce and cheese

Step 5: Put sauce and cheese on top layer, a little extra cheese just because.

Step 6: Bake at 400° for 10-12 minutes.

And... Stupidly, I made another bet. And guess what? He won that one too. He bet a solid 3 boys, 3 girls. Now, I get to figure out what my payment is for this one... I should really stop doing this.

Now, I can't let you go without a picture of our beautiful new puppies.

Anyone want a puppy?

Well, Roxy, our 4 year old German Shepherd is having puppies, and it looks like tonight may be the night we get to meet all 6 of them! This may be selfish of me, but I was hoping this wouldn't happen until after midterms are over next week.. oh well. She had puppies about a year ago (thats how we have our Diva)..

She had 6 puppies last time too. The vet had told us that there could have been 10-14 if they had tied sooner (Thank GOODNESS!). We weren't planning on them, but we have them now (well soon anyway). So if you are interested, they will be ready to meet their new families right around Christmas!

(Momma and Daddy)

Wordless Wednesday

Home Sweet Home

We moved to Massachusetts in the beginning of August and found a perfect house! We are only renting so there's not much we can do to it, but here's what we have done...

Half of our bedroom

Other half..

Kitchen

Other Half of Kitchen

Dining Room

Bathroom Downstairs

Living Room

Out Front

Fall in New England

Today was a gorgeous day.. we spent a huge chunk of it outdoors cleaning up the backyard. I started taking a few picture to show the process.. but it turned more into a photo shoot for the dogs.

Over the past couple weeks, we can really tell that seasons are changing. It's getting cold ( but not really, we want more California weather)! Leaves are starting to change and fall to the ground. The air has a fall smell to it... like crispy leaves. I made homemade apple crisp a couple days ago.. it was incredible!

Apple Crisp

5 cups peeled, sliced cooking apples

2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar

1/2 cup regular rolled oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon (freshly) ground nutmeg (or cinnamon) plus 1 teaspoon

1/4 cup butter/margarine

1/4 cup chopped nuts or coconut

.... and of course, ice cream

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place fruit in 2-quart square baking dish. Stir in sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon/nutmeg.

2. For topping, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon/nutmeg. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts or coconut. Sprinkle topping over filling.

3. Bake for 30-35 minutes until fruit is tender and topping is golden.

Today was a gorgeous day.. we spent a huge chuck of it outdoors cleaning up the backyard. I started taking a few picture to show the process.. but it turned more into a photo shoot for the dogs.