A small, plastic, golden trophy. That was the prize.
We gathered with good friends last weekend for a night of fun fall festivities: pumpkin carving, group games, hot apple cider, and one super competitive chili cook-off. As you know, when we’re not working, we enjoy cooking. Oh wait, did we say we? Scratch that, Jordan enjoys cooking and Amy enjoys… eating. But, since we’re both former competitive athletes, we can’t resist a good competition and we both love winning… maybe a little too much. So, we took to the grocery store and imaged a slow motion montage of us preparing for this chili fight like we were the Rocky Balboas of the spice aisle. We shopped together for the perfect ingredients to make our family’s secret white bean chili recipe for the chili cook-off portion of the night, and hummed Eye of the Tiger in eager anticipation.
We bantered back and forth with our friends throughout the day about who’d win that night with quips like My house smells like victory! and May the odds be ever in your favor! Trash-talk aside, though, we all knew the proof would be in the pudding… or the chili, as it may be.
The moment drew nearer. The tasting cups were distributed. The tiny spoons dug into each cup. Ballots were deliberated over, and finally, turned in.
And, when it was all said and done, OUR chili won the blind taste test. Boom! 2013 Chili Cook-Off Champions! We were the official Rocky Balboas of chili. The imaginary crowds went wild. Jordan held on to that smurf-sized trophy like it was a Superbowl ring and you could practically hear Eye of the Tiger playing in your ears as he took a victory lap. And you know what? After all that, it was NOT the highlight of the night.
It was the people. The laughter. The connections. Small, plastic, golden trophy or not, sometimes it takes the holiday season to remind us that the real prize worth fighting for is the time spent on building relationships with people we love. We didn’t want the night to end. And so today, on Halloween, we’re taking a minute to relive the magic.
Our friend’s home was decorated to the MAX. She’s an interior decorator and home design blogger, so no detail was left undone.
The dining table had super fun napkins!
We loved the cute menu on the wall, and the pumpkin bread was delicious, too! YUM!
Dinner was filled with good conversation. We couldn’t ask for better friends!
The fireplace and walkway were adorable! Doesn’t she have the best ideas?
The centerpiece was the perfect blend of festive and sophisticated.
We laughed for HOURS playing one of our new favorite games: Fish Bowl. It’s like Catch Phrase and Charades rolled into one. So. Much. Fun!
We couldn’t resist getting a shot of some of the beautiful ladies!
Or one of Jordan claiming his first place trophy! He was so proud that he attached it to his key chain and carried it around for a few days.
The newest addition to our home mantel in all its glory.
And there you have it! Enjoy your time out tonight, and don’t forget to invest in those around you.
Happy Halloween!
