Embrace Color

Anyone else feel like the blogosphere has a case of the Mondays today? How are we supposed to stretch our weekends just a few hours longer when our regular blogs offer nothing to wake us up? Maybe it's just me but I'm having a slow read day on my blogroll.

So let's brighten things up a little bit. It's supposed to be rainy for the most part in DC this week, so before we get our canoes ready (again) I want to soak up colors:

OPI polish in "And a Cherry on Top", $9 Modcloth, Bright Idea Dress, $109

OPI polish in "A Grape Fit", $9 Gap, Tweed vest $69.50, Slim crop pants $49.50

Essie polish, "Pink Glove Service", $10 Macy's, Military Double Breasted Jacket, $49

Restaurant Week Outfits of Choice

These are the last few days of Restaurant Week in DC and if you're hungry for a deliciously affordable meal, I suggest putting on your best puppy face and beg because reservations went quickly this year. I for one will be enjoying 1789 in Georgetown tonight with the bf.

This is much fancier than our usual super grilled cheese situation at Stoney's so obviously the main question is: what do I wear? Here are some of my picks for a nicer out to dinner outfit. Keep in mind you want to get the last few wears out of your summer faves while taking into consideration the AC igloo possibility inside the restaurant.

Nordstrom, Maggy London Ruffle Trim Dress, $78

Macy's, INC International Concepts Sleeveless Belted Ruffle Polka Dot, $54

Target, Merona Collection Strapless Dress in French Cream, $29.99

Cooking Outside the Box....of Mac and Cheese

I'm no Rachel Ray but I enjoy cooking a good meal. Here are my limitations:

• it cannot have more than 10 ingredients
• I don't do herbs
• if its a spice it better be in a container not any of this fresh stuff
• cheese makes anything better, as does salt, sour cream or more cheese
• If it involvs any sort of weird term such as "broiling", "shucking", or "flambe" just forget it

Otherwise I'd say I cook a pretty good meal. I also cook for the bf who prefers cheese on everything while I attempted a year of Weight Watchers last year. How to find a happy medium? I try some fun recipes with simple ingredients and use them in a new way. Here are some of my favorites. What are yours?

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

2-1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 pkg. KRAFT Shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese, divided

1 cup BREAKSTONE'S Sour Cream, divided

1/4 cup chopped cilantro, divided

12 Flour tortillas (8 inch)

1-1/2 cups TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa

HEAT oven to 350°F.

MIX chicken, soup, 1 cup cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream and 3 Tbsp. cilantro until well blended. Spoon down centers of tortillas, adding about 1/4 cup to each; roll up.

PLACE, seam-sides down, in 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; top with salsa and remaining cheese.

BAKE 25 min. or until heated through. Top with remaining cilantro and sour cream.

Pasta with Roasted Garlic Cheddar Wine Sauce

8 oz. tube shaped pasta, such as penne
1½ tbsp. butter
¼ cup roasted garlic paste*
1½ tbsp. flour
¼ cup dry white wine
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
1 head of broccoli, cut into florets and blanched until crisp-tender
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, grilled and cut into bite size pieces

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the roasted garlic paste and cook just until fragrant, 30-60 seconds. Whisk the flour into the mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to turn golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Stir the white wine and broth into the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar and stir until melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix in the broccoli florets and chicken pieces, and cook just until heated through. Mix in the cooked pasta until evenly coated with the sauce. Serve warm.

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1/2 cup water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tsp. dried basil leaves
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese



HEAT oven to 400°F. Mix tomatoes, stuffing mix, water and garlic just until stuffing mix is moistened.

LAYER chicken, basil, cheese and stuffing in 3-qt. or 13x9-inch baking dish.

BAKE 30 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy now or cover and refrigerate. To reheat, microwave each serving on HIGH 2 to 3 min.

The Lease Sign

Today is lease signing day. The bf and I are signing our names on one piece of paper that indicates that we will not only be forced to live and tolerate each other in a shared space but we also will share and divide everything from the Comcast bill to toilet paper. I'm pretty freaking excited actually. A new home, a new space with someone I truly care about and love- what could be better? I wish it was happening tomorrow and not in October.

Okay, maybe not, because as we all know moving is pretty much the king of unforeseen expenses. Moving is the "gotcha!" for bank accounts. You think you have all of your utility accounts sorted, your appliances ready to go, and your storage containers in place then HA! Oh yeah we charge a setup fee, or oh this is the one time charge, or where are we putting you collection of magazines? Yes. It is the worst game of 'you can run but you will never hide from the fee bandit!!!'

Anyway, all in all I think it is going to be fabulous. I have already started several Google Docs about things I need, things I need to donate and just things. I have bombarded the bf with 'do you like this....what about this?' emails; most of which I get back a 'remember there's a guy living with you' replies.

Either way I think today's focus will first be on the leasing agent impression outfit and then we'll do some room inspiration pics.

The lease outfit is what you where to a nice apartment viewing so the leasing agent:
a) thinks you make a lot of money and can totally afford this
b) sees you are a well respected lady who doesn't throw ragers
c) can compliment you on your outfit making you feel more comfortable when you have to ask the 'so there's a trash fee too?' question

Try to look charming, professional and approachable.

Modcloth, Nothing but blue skies dress, $47.99

J Crew, Knotty Pearls, $78

Payless, Montego Bay Stella Gladiator Sandal, $22.99

Banana Republic, Sparkle Bobby Pin, $12

Now some pics for the design/HGTV Star in me to begin to spill out!