Friday, October 26, 2012

Friday Foodday

We made it! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I will be spending mine at home in PA for some good old family time.

Crockpot Cilantro Chicken
c/o Stephanie Cooks 
 Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
Juice from 2 limes
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 (16 oz) bag frozen corn
2 minced garlic cloves
1/2 red onion, chopped 1/2 cup chicken broth
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Option One: Regular preparation
1- Combine all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 8 hours.
Option Two- Freezer meal
1- Place all ingredients in a resealable gallon-sized freezer bag. Mix together and zip bag closed.
When ready to eat, remove from freezer and thaw in fridge for 24 hours. 
2- Cook on LOW for 8 hours (or HIGH for 4 hours). 

Serve with tortillas and toppings such as with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cheese.
 
Garlic Sweet Potato Mash
 Ingredients
  • 2 lbs (4 medium) sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 cup 1% milk
  • 2 tbsp light sour cream
  • salt and fresh cracked ground pepper, to taste
Directions
In a large pot boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, drain in a colander.

Meanwhile, melt butter and sauté garlic until lightly golden. Return potatoes to the pan, add milk and sour cream; mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.


Great Grandma's Pasta Sauce
 Ingredients
1 lb. 80/20 ground beef
1 6 oz. can tomato paste
6 oz. water
1 24 oz. jar tomato puree
5-6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
Pinch of dried oregano
Pinch of onion powder
Pinch of garlic powder
Handful of fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
  1. In a large stockpot, saute garlic until soft and fragrant in 2 tbsp. of olive oil, about 2 minutes.
  2. Throw your meat in with the garlic and brown until meat has been thoroughly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour in the tomato paste, tomato puree, and seasoning, including the fresh basil. Stir to mix well. With the 6 oz. can from the tomato paste, fill that with water and pour it in the stockpot as well.
  4. Let mixture simmer, uncovered, for 2 or more hours (the longer the better, but minimum 2 hours), stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve hot over fresh pasta.
 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Sweater Leather

Leather can be scary. But why not soften it by wearing leather with something softer? Like pairing leather with a sweater. Leather trim to be exact.

This slouchy sweater is dressed up with a great neckline that gives some edge to something comfy.

A fabulous 3/4 length sweater from lambswool. A great chevron print with leather trim!
 
It's hard to see here, but the sleeves have a great leather argyle pattern.
 
Warm, chic and a touch of leather around the neck!
 
This is my kind of leather. Very subtle. What are you thinking? Big and bold or trimmed and tiny?
 
Be fabulous today!   

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Future is So Bright

Happy humpday lovebugs! We're getting there! Today we're going to look at some cords, but not a particular style, rather a color. We're looking at brights! Who says cords need to be in black or chocolate? Let's have some fun!

Nordstrom, KUT Diana skinny cords, $69
Woo! Sunglasses please! I love these bright orange cords, and the price!

Free People, Skinny Corduroys, $44
Thinking pink? Can't go wrong with there skinnies. 

I've posted them before and I'll probably do it again. Under $25 these would be perfect with black or brown boots.

Lands End, Fit 1 Slim Ankle Cord, $49
A great saturated green is perfect for fall.

Where are you finding the best cords this season? I love my chocolate brown cords, but sometimes you have to throw in the unexpected!

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Paisley Please?

Let's take a traditionally summer pattern, paisley, and make it work for the cooler months. By picking the right colors you can make this pattern perfect for fall, winter, work, or play.

These colors are great for any skin tone. I might switch out the belt for something leather.

This oversized print is great for taller ladies, and the pleating at the waist will flatter just about anyone.

Modcloth, Swirled of Possibilities, $44
A simple shift is perfect for a fall weekend. I would pair this with a nice long charm necklace.

This dress is 50% off. It also comes in a golden yellow. It's got great clean lines that are good for work or play.

Don't let summer paisley keep you out in the cold! Try to mix it in with some other colors with a richer, darker hue.

Be fabulous today!