Great ideas for “guy” gifts (oh and you had me cracking. UP. at your dirty little secrets!) I think one of the brothers will definitely like the male version of the shirt I wore today, and the other ideas will come in handy for the remaining brothers. Score!

The rest of the gifts got all wrapped up this afternoon and are currently chilling under the tree, waiting to be torn into on the big day. All except Ben’s, that is.

I keep those at my parent’s house because that boy is notorious for “stumbling” upon his gifts…in the closet we never use…under the pile of stuff I put on top to cleverly hide them. Oh, but he wasn’t looking for them. Riiiight… 

In other news, tonight’s dinner immediately brings the following three items to mind:

1) The On Top of Spaghetti song (remember this one?!)

2.) the catchy Tarantella tune,

3) and this Lady and the Tramp scene.

Spaghetti & Meatballs!

Gosh, when’s the last time you had straight up spaghetti and meatballs?! I’m going to go ahead and say it’s been well over 10 years for me!

This meal was made with 2/3 local ingredients, starting with Graziano Meatballs. These are the larger version of the mini ones I use in my Italian Wedding Soup.

The second local ingredient was Gino’s Marinara Sauce. I’ve rattled on about how juicy, fresh and delicious this sauce is a million and one times on this blog. You know how good it is by now!

The two simmered away while some Ronzni Smart Taste Pasta (the 1/3 non-local ingredient) cooked alongside.

This dinner was so low-maintenance that I was able to organize my tupperware cupboard while waiting for the pasta to cook!

Awww, this was so tasty! Homey, easy and fun. Good for a Friday night.

Locals – these Graziano meatballs are creamy and really cheesy. I LOVE them!

Well this afternoon I made a run to Trader Joe’s and managed to get out with just 3 items (it was almost 4…Peppermint Joe-Joe’s were IN my hand, but I resisted as I’m in the mood to eat about 20.) A bottle of beer for both Ben and I to enjoy tonight, and an orange to squeeze in it! 

This bottle of fruity wheat beer is only $1.99 at TJ’s and is just dynamite. Even better when enjoyed with a wedge of orange while re-watching last night’s episode of The Office with your husband. TGIF indeed!

Before I go, I wanted to announce the winner of the Barney Butter 24 Pack Snack Pack Giveaway. Congrats to:

Misty: Are you ready for it?…..I have NEVER had almond butter!(gasp) I know, I know. So, I would (prob) love to have it on a honey crisp apple.

Giiiiirrrrl get excited – I’m sure you’ll love BB! Email me your full mailing address to IowaGirlEats@gmail.com.

Have a great night everyone!