Hi, everybody! Hope you’re having a good week! Mine has been filled with my three favorite things: friends, family, and food! 
This past Monday, I participated in a local “Miracle Meal,” in which a Christmas dinner is served to local families in need.
A ton of churches and other organizations participated. Many of us cooked and delivered dishes for the meal, and then stayed to help serve. It was a great experience, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of such a special event!
For the dinner, I made a tasty corn casserole. If you’re looking for a super easy side dish that could be modified in probably a million ways (ex: adding bacon, onion, or diced green chilies), this casserole is a good one to try!
Corn Casserole
Modified from this Paula Deen recipe
Serves about 8
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1 (8-ounce) package corn muffin mix, such as Jiffy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 stick salted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a big bowl, stir together the corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, melted butter, salt, pepper, and cheese. Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Since this dish wasn’t for me, I couldn’t exactly take a big hunk out of it to see what it tasted like.
I did, however, remove just a teeny-weeny bit … just to make sure it was edible. And it most definitely was.
—————————–
Following the Miracle Meal on Monday, Tuesday was another special day. Brandon’s brother (Matt) and his family are in town for the holidays, so we had a “double date” with Matt and Christi on Tuesday night! 
(That picture is from the wedding. Matt doesn’t normally wear a tux to get Mexican. )
It was the first night ever that the four of us had gone out to dinner without kids or other family members, and we just had a great time chatting and laughing over margaritas. 
———————————-
Then on Thursday, I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite bloggers!
Lindsay and I have been blogging buddies since we both started our blogs this past summer. I love her blog because she’s incredibly relatable, plus she gives some awesome workout advice (among many other things!).
So imagine how thrilled I was to discover that she is even nicer, friendlier, and more gorgeous than she appears on her blog! Who would have thought that was possible??
We met at Panera and talked for over an hour and a half. We probably could have talked for much longer, if we didn’t both have lives to get back to! 
Lindsay, you’re awesome. Can’t wait for our next meet up!
And P.S. Brittany and Ashley, we’ve decided that next time you need to fly in for the occasion.
Question for ya …
Ever had a blogger meet-up?? Or perhaps a meet-up with someone you only previously knew via the phone or internet?
Brandon and I were actually friends through email and phone calls for several months before meeting in person. And now look where we are!! Crazy! 
What’s your favorite holiday side dish?
Oh, and one more thing …
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!
Aw thank you so much Kristen!! I had such a great time yesterday
. And totally agree that Brittany and Ashley should fly in for a meetup haha. I’m impressed that you only took a small bite of that casserole…I probably would have wanted to keep the whole thing for myself 
. I hope you have a fantastic holiday weekend!!
Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health recently posted..Blogger Meetup and Bamboo Bottle Review
Merry Christmas to you, too, Lindsay!!
What a wonderful experience!!!
So so cool to actually meet your blog buddy
My fav side is my mamas baked pineapple
Merry Merry Christmas to yours!!
Oooh baked pineapple sounds amazing! Merry Christmas, Amy!!
Haha Aw!!! I just commented on Lindsay’s blog that I was trying to telepathically attend the meetup by having lunch at Panera yesterday too! Maybe next time flying in would be a better option
So here’s the plan– the plane can fly allll the way down to south Florida to pick me up, then the pilot and I will head west for Ashley, then up to you guys. Perfect plan!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..The Red Screen of Death
Here’s a better plan. The plane will pick up Ashley first, then me and Lindsay … and we’ll all come down to Florida to meet you haha!
I’m pretty sure you don’t want to visit Ohio! 
Haha okay I’m in!
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..The Red Screen of Death
haha yes, i think i’d much rather be in florida this time of year!! sounds like a perfect plan to me!
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..Christmas Snail Mail
What? We ALWAYS dress like that when we go out! Especially in Lima, Ohio!! LOL
Christi McGuire recently posted..My Favorite Things
Oh of course. But Matt usually prefers tails with his tux!
SO jealous that you guys got to meet up!!!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Fitness Friday 3
You need to join us next time!! Seriously! I should have contacted you … I don’t know what I was thinking! Duh! Two “Lindsays” in one day would have been awesome!
next time for sure!!!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean recently posted..Pear & Chocolate Bread Pudding
I like corn, and I loooove casseroles. Yet I’ve never had a corn casserole. This needs to change! haha
Tiff recently posted..Better Already… Not Just Because It’s Friday
your corn casserole looks delicious! haha i totally would’ve nibbled off the corner too.
ohh i so wish brittany and i could be there for your’s and linday’s meetup! i’m so glad you enjoyed each other’s company.
i love all 3 of you girls!
merry christmas kristen!
Ashley @ My Food ‘N’ Fitness Diaries recently posted..Christmas Snail Mail
Merry Christmas to you, too, Ashley!!
no blogger meet up for me yet, but I am hoping for one some day!! I dont have many girlfriends (ok I actually only have 1) so it would be nice to meet up with some women who share my same views on food!!
Kat recently posted..Fear of the holidays
I’d LOVE to meet up with you, Kat! I think we’d have a lot to talk about.
Merry Christmas to you!!
I’ve never done a blogger meet-up, but it looks like fun! I don’t really know any other bloggers that live in Indiana!
so awesome that you got to meet up with someone! What a fun holiday treat! And that corn casserole looks delish. I was thinking I needed another side for Christmas dinner and that might actually be the winner!!
Cinnamon @ eatpraytri recently posted..Fake snow and Fro-Yo!
Merry Christmas pretty lady! Sorry I have not been commenting as usual…I haven’t been commenting on any blogs actually…but I just wanted to say HI & that I hope you have a wonderful holiday
Holly recently posted..Holiday Breakfast & Brunch Ideas
Aww Hi Holly!!
Lindsay and I were talking about you during our blogger meet-up! We said we missed you! Hope you’re having a very Merry Christmas!!
I love Lindsay… that is so fantastic you were able to meet her! And thank you for this side dish too… looks wonderful Kristin!
Have a glorious weekend!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset recently posted..Friday Favorites
Cute outfit! I’m glad you clarified on the wedding vs. regular life picture – my first thought was “where on earth did you guys go for your double date?!”
Sarah recently posted..Happy Short Week
Oh yeah … we keep it classy in Wapakoneta, Ohio!!