Last Days of the Flip Flop

I have a strict no flip flop rule that usually falls into place mid to late September. I don't care if it gets back up to 80 on a one day spike- it's fall people, lock it up, toes included. Now I don't have anything against flip flops (outside of the office) in fact they are a great way to showcase a fabulous pedicure. So in these last few weeks of summer lets embrace the flip and the flop as well as take advantage of the sales surrounding it before we have to suffer the eyesore that is the UGG.

J Crew, Jardin Metallic Capri Sandal, $39.99

Jack Rogers, Palm Beach Navajo, $96

Lands End, Solid Suede Flip Flop, $7.99

Amazon, Havainas Slim Animal Print, $23

Online Shoes, Born Linsey, $49.99

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.