Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday Favorites: Recipe Roundup!

I go through phases of cooking new recipes up a storm, or being super lazy and avoiding the grocery store like the plague.  I always feel better about myself when cooking my own food, so luckily I have been on a cooking kick lately!  Here are the top 5 favorite recipes I have tried lately (and they all received the boyfriend stamp of approval!):

1. One Pot Taco Pasta


This was really good, and great for leftovers!  I followed the recipe exactly except I used ground turkey instead of ground beef.  If you like spice, I would add in some chili powder or red pepper because it didn't have much of a kick.  I served mine with a spoonful of greek yogurt and diced avocado.

2. Cheeseburger Casserole


This casserole has been on my list of dishes to make for awhile.  The idea of it reminded me of the good 'ol Hamburger Helper we used to have when I was a kid, but this version is lightened up a little bit and less than 300 calories a serving.  Gina's recipes never let me down!

3. Broccoli and Cheese Mini Omelets


Breakfast isn't really my favorite meal, but I am really trying hard to eat something to get the day started right.  I am always rushing around so my breakfast has to be something I can quickly heat up or it just won't happen.  I have experimented with several "baked eggs in muffin pan" recipes and they have all been huge fails, so when I saw this recipe I didn't have high hopes but figured I would try it out because I have always had good luck with Skinnytaste recipes.  Also, I am not a huge fan of broccoli so I knew this recipe had the odds stacked against it.  Verdict - it was awesome!  They tasted like mini quiches!  They were very tasty heated up and topped with some salsa.  The only downfall was they stuck to my pan quite a bit so it was a pain to clean (I love cooking, but hate doing dishes!).  I attempted to remix this recipe this week and instead of broccoli, I used storebought pico de gallo and thought I would be smart and use cupcake liners to prevent the sticking.  Unfortunately that was a terrible idea because the liners basically dissolved and baked into the egg mixture.  I was so sad!!! Breakfast this week has been pretty lame since my planned breakfasts didn't workout.  

4. Black Bean and Sweet Corn Guacamole Dip


I made this dip the other weekend for my contribution to book club dinner with friends.  It was more work than I expected (lots of chopping and mixing) but was worth it!  It was a cool feeling knowing that I knew exactly what was in all layers of this dip!  I had never made my own bean dip before, and don't own a food processor (it's on my Christmas list!) so my poor little electronic chopper got a workout!  I used feta cheese because I couldn't find cotijia and it tasted just fine.  I also had an extra avocado on hand so used 3 instead of the recommended 2 (because there is no such thing as too much avocado!)

5. 7 Layer Salad Bars



I made these as a last minute addition to the menu for my cousin Stephanie's baby shower back in August.  I stumbled upon the recipe on good 'ol Pinterest and figured they looked easy enough to try out to add shower menu.  They ended up being a hit!  I made a few substitutions (nixed the peas, added shredded lettuce, used plain greek yogurt instead of miracle whip, and added in a half packet of ranch dressing mix to the greek yogurt/cream cheese mixture).  They really tasted like mini salads and were the perfect addition to our shower spread!  You really could make these your own by adding whatever your favorite salad toppings are.  I am planning to keep this recipe close by for the next shower I help host!

What are your favorite recipes?  I am always looking to try new ones, it makes cooking more exciting!

linking up with Darci, April, Christina, and Natasha and Amanda!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

If only I could wear this everyday...

Fall Uniform


I use the term "fall" loosely since we seem to only get 2 seasons here in Texas - Hot and Cold-ish...but we moved into the "Cold-ish" season earlier than usual this year and these have all been some of my wardrobe staples lately.  If only I could wear them to work!

1.  Denim Shirt - I love how this shirt can be worn with so many different things!  It is probably one of my most versatile shirts, and if you get it a little bigger so it covers your boo-tay you can wear it with...

2.  Black Leggings - Elastic waistband...need I say more?  Perfect for holiday eating! :)  I remember being very sad to return to work after the holidays last year because I realized I wore leggings about 90% of the time while I was off!  So cozy!  I also really enjoy colored leggings and recently got these from Fabletics in purple which are fun!

3.  Leopard Scarf - I love my leopard scarf because it can add a pop of fun to almost any outfit!  I also consider leopard a neutral most of the time so find myself wearing this scarf a lot!  It is also extra fun around the holidays because it always makes me feel a little bit more festive!

4.  Vest - As I gushed about last week, I have recently become obsessed with vests (oh hey, that rhymes!).  Every fall uniform deserves at least one good go-to vest.  I love this herringbone print vest because it goes with so much!  I have a few other colors on my wish list, but don't want to burn myself out on the vests so trying to hold back!

5.  Monogram Pullover - I have wanted a good monogram sweatshirt for awhile, and recently ordered this exact one from jane.com.  It's so soft and fits perfectly!  I see myself wearing it quite a bit this fall/winter season.

6.  Statement Studs - I always find myself wearing a statement stud earring when wearing a scarf over a more dangly earring in order to not feel like I am overloaded with accessories.  I love Kendra Scott's Morgan Stud, and want it in every color (well primarily green and yellow just in case Santa is reading)!  

7.  Riding Boots - Everyone needs a go-to pair of riding boots!  I have got so much use out of my Steve Madden boots...definitely worth every penny and clearly a successful product for them since I bought mine 3 years ago and they still have it for sale!

Now I just need to somehow convince corporate America to allow me to dress like this everyday!

What are your favorite things to wear during fall?

Linking up with Sarah and Shanna!  Happy Wednesday!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Vicious Vest

Last winter, I finally gave into the vest trend.  At first I didn't understand the purpose...why would you wear something that didn't even keep your arms warm?  Well duh, to look cute of course!  But after embracing the vest, I realized that not only does it look cute, it does in fact keep you pretty warm.  It's all about your core!  So now that I am down with the vests, I figured I would expand my collection.  I had seen this vest all over blogland and pinterest, so when I saw Blue Avenue, one of my new favorite boutiques, offering a similar vest, I jumped on the opportunity!  Here is a collection of all of the ways I am excited to style my new vest this season:


I've already nailed look 3 in a casual way skeet shooting (random new hobby)...and as my friend told me, I "fit right in for hunting at The Gap!"


Do you ever change your mind about fashion trends?  I find that I have initially disliked a lot of my favorite fashion trends before falling in love with them...oops!

Linking up with Sarah and Shanna!  Happy Wednesday!

 
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