Russell & Mandy Stephens: Jo's Bridal Shower

So I'm posting a ton today...but Russell's playing basketball and I dont feel like working out since I already got ready for the day. Why didn't I work out first? Well, many reasons. We played games at the Stewart's last night and when we got home I thought I might need to do some prep for the bridal shower I was throwing the next day. When I looked at the dessert I was planning to make I realized it took 5 hours! There was no way I could do it before the shower. So my wonderful husband and I stayed up until 2 making it, then I set my alarm for an hour and a half later to do the final step. Needless to say, it was well worth it! So again I couldn't work out this morning because I got up early to do touch up cleaning and make the rest of the food. For those of you who don't know or need a brain refresher...JoAnna was my freshman & sophomore roommate! We were pretty inseparable. I think Jo, Ali and I did everything together and I wouldn't have had it any other way. They are two of the best girls I've ever met! Janae lived with us both years too and we really got to know her sophomore year. That was honestly the best apartment I've ever lived in (well next to mine now, gotta love my hubby). We laughed, we cried, we made messes, we fought, we partied and we made ever lasting friendships! So now that I'm being super sentimental...Jo is getting married on June 6th! I'm so happy and excited for her and Robert-they are adorable and I can't wait to see them all dressed up! Here are some pics from the shower....

~Poppyseed Pasta Salad~
Jo wanted recipes so sorry if you others dont want to read this
-Bow Tie Pasta (yes I know that's not what's pictured but the store was out!)
-Berries (fresh is best)
-Poppyseed Dressing (I think Kraft's is the best but I actually use Maple Grove Farms because it's Fat Free.
-As far as quantity goes I really just eyeball it based off how many I'm serving-

~Cranberry Toss Salad~

-2 Bags Romaine Lettuce
-2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese
-1 Cup Craisins
-2-3 Cans Light Mandarin Oranges

~Dressing~

-1/2 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
-3 Tbsp Red Onion
-1 Cup Sugar
-2 Tsp Dry Mustard
-1 1/2 Tsp Salt
-2 Tsp Poppyseeds
-1 Cup Vegetable Oil (I use Canola)

This is probably my favorite salad! You have more dressing than you actually need (I dont put it all on). And put less than you think it needs, after sitting for a little bit it tends to get watery.

~Strawberry Pretzel Squares~

So I wanted to take pictures of this in all the different stages last night but the camera was dead! And then I didn't make it in a clear pan so you can't see how cool it looks! Darn it!

-2 Cups finely crushed pretzels
-1/2 cup sugar divided
-2/3 cup butter or margarine melted (I used less, I hate butter)
-1 1/2 pkg. Fat Free Cream Cheese
-2 Tbsp. Fat Free Milk
-1 Cup Fat Free Cool Whip
-2 Cups boiling water
1 pkg (serves 8) Jell-O Brand Strawberry
-1 1/2 cups cold water
-4 cups sliced strawberries

Preheat oven to 350. Mix pretzel crumbs, 1/4 c sugar and melted butter.
Press into bottom of a 9 x 13in pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Let Cool.

Beat cream cheese, remaining 1/4 c sugar and milk until smooth. Gently mix in cool whip. Spread over crust and refrigerate.

Stir boiling water into gelatin mix for at least 2 min, then add cold water. Refrigerate for 1.5 hours. Add strawberry and spoon over cream cheese layer. Refrigerate at least 3 hours (mine stayed in much longer).

Cut into squares to serve

AND....tada the finished product!