Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Recipe Ideas for Rotisserie Chicken

This week the Hubs is out of town so B and  I are on our own for dinner every night.  I usually cook dinner for the 3 of us every night, but when its just me and B, I try to lean towards quick and easy options.  Last night I picked up a rotisserie chicken from Publix.  I cut up the chicken and added a side of veggies for B.  For my meal, I added the chicken to a wheat tortilla with lettuce, avocado,  hummus, and a side of fat free ranch.  One of the reasons I opted for a rotisserie chicken is because of all the recipe options that I can create for several meals.  I made a chicken salad wrap for lunch today, and will be using the chicken later as a topping for our pita pizzas (see my previous post here) tonight.  The options are endless.  I've listed a few pictures of my favorites below; including chicken tacos and chicken & bowtie pasta.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Recipe Ideas for Rotisserie Chicken

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Ombre Nails

We've all seen the ombre trend in hair for a while now, but have you seen ombre nails?  This trend is starting to pop up everywhere.  Celebrities such as Lauren Conrad have been seen rocking ombre nails.  There are a few ways to display your ombre nails.  You can take Lauren's approach and slowly fade colors nail by nail.  To do this, chose a color family such as blue or pink.  Paint the darkest color on your pinky finger and work your way nail by nail ending with the lightest color on your thumb (or you can start with your thumb and end with your pinky!).  Another way to wear create ombre nails is to fade the color from light to dark (or dark to light) on each nail.  I found a great tutorial here.  What do you think of this trend?  Would you rock ombre nails?

xoxo,
Jen

Ombre Nails

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

On Vacation For The Next Few Days

Hi Everyone!  Work has been KILLING me lately, thus, I haven't posted in the last few days.  Luckily, the Hubs and I are leaving for a little getaway.  We're headed to Pebble Beach.  My husband and his dad have been wanting to play there together for a long time.  It ended up turning into a family trip instead of a father-son trip, as us girls (his step mom and I) are tagging along too.  While the guys golf, the we'll "shop and spa".  I'm looking forward to some much needed time away from work, but its always hard to leave B behind.  Although the Hubs and I each travel a lot for work, we've only been away together a few times without B.  My parents flew up to our house, so he's in good hands with Grandma and Grandpa.  I'll post all about our trip next week!

xoxo,
Jen

Monday, April 8, 2013

Denim Jackets

Hope Everyone had a great weekend!  It was so nice out!  We spent most of our weekend outside with our family that was visiting us for the weekend.. I was able to wear shorts and a maxi dress, which made me feel like summer is finally on its way.  While out and about in my maxi dress, I wanted something in case I got cold (at night, in the restaurant, and because I'm just always cold!).  However, I felt like a cardigan and a maxi dress just looked frumpy.  I've been seeing denim jackets everywhere lately, and they happen to look great with a maxi dress.  When I think of denim jackets, I'm transported back to the 80's when I thought they were cool.  Like all good fashions, they're making a comeback.  Celebrities are wearing them all the time, and every retail store has them on their floor.  Guess we all know what my next purchase is going to be!  I've listed a few of my favorites that I've found below.

xoxo,
Jen

Denim Jackets

Friday, April 5, 2013

Ultimate Blog Party

Ultimate Blog Party 2013


One of the blogs that I often read, Stilettos and Diapers, had a post talking about The Ultimate Blog Party.  The party is a giant link up of blogs. All you do, is post a little something about you and your blog for the new people stopping by. Then, hop around during the week to other blogs linked up to meet some new bloggers.  It seems like a great idea to discover other blogs and get my blog out there as well.  

So, for those of you who don't already know about me here it goes :)  

I'm Jen.  I'm a wife and mom living in Atlanta with my hubs and our adorable 16 month old son.  I love traveling (not for work, I already do too much of that!), shopping (I seriously think I keep several stores in business), spending time with friends and family, and cheering on my SEMINOLES!  I watch WAY too much reality TV, I'm always on the hunt for the perfect salsa and guacamole, and I'm loving learning how to be a great parent along the way.  I started my blog as a hobby and to have some "me time" in my chaotic schedule.  I blog about Fashion/Beauty, Cooking, DIY project, Kids stuff...Anything!

xoxo,
Jen


Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Watercolor Trend

Watercolor fashions are on the rise.  Several celebs have been seen incorporating this trend into their red carpet style.



I love the feminine and romantic look it creates in a flowy dress.  Both the soft pastels and the bright colors mixed with the look of handmade brush strokes creates a unique and stylish look.  This trend can be found in anything from dresses to shoes.  Wear this as an all over piece, or as an accent to add an interesting pop of color
.

Watercolor Trend

xoxo,
Jen

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Blueberry Coffee Cake

The Hubs discovered this recipe for Blueberry Coffee Cake a while ago and I absolutely love it.  We made it this past weekend and I wanted to share it with you.  Its easy to make (the Hubs has made it every time, not me!), not terribly unhealthy, and so delicious!  We found the recipe on The Food Network.  I've listed the ingredients and instructions below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen


Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or regular whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1 cup fresh blueberries, or frozen and thawed





Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square cake pan with cooking spray.

Whisk together the all-purpose and whole-wheat flours, the baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, cinnamon and walnuts. In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar, butter and oil until fluffy. If necessary, use the back of a spoon to press out any lumps in the brown sugar. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating until fully combined. Beat in the vanilla and yogurt.




Add the flour mixture in 2 batches, stirring until just combined.

Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the batter and top with the blueberries, gently pressing them into the batter. Spoon the rest of the batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture over the cake, pressing gently.



Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool slightly and then unmold and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack. Cut the cake into 2-inch squares.


Per Serving

(serving size, 1 piece)

Calories 210; Total Fat 8.5 g; (Sat Fat 2 g, Mono Fat 2.5 g, Poly Fat 3 g) ; Protein 5 g; Carb 30 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 41 mg; Sodium 230 mg




Monday, April 1, 2013

Weekend Recap

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! Friday started out with B's party at school.  As you can tell by all the dried frosting on his pants, he had a great time.


 Saturday was the first nice day in a while. It actually felt like summer was on its way.  We ran errands, wore short sleeves, and went out for a sushi/Thai dinner.  B was excited about the weather.  I loved his bright pink summer polo.



 Easter Sunday we woke up and decorated eggs.  B loved all the bright colors.


 Then he found his Easter basket.  He loved his ball and car the most.



We filled B's basket with lots of snacks, books, bath crayons, a new ball, a race car, and a new shirt.




 Later that afternoon we snapped some quick pictures before heading out to my friend Jaime's house for Easter dinner. I love B's pastel pink polo.  Real men wear pink.




 We had a great time at Jaime's house.  Brayden and Cole had so much fun playing around.


 Hope you have a great week!
xoxo,
Jen

Friday, March 29, 2013

Funfetti Easter Cookies

Today is B's Easter party at his school.  Originally, the Hubs signed us up for jelly beans.  Since I didn't think that jelly beans were a good idea for a group of 1 year olds, I signed us up for cookies instead.  My original intention was to just buy cookies.  I've been swamped at work and traveling this week, so who has time to actually make cookies??  However, as I was browsing the aisles at Target, I saw all of  these cute Easter things and suddenly felt that just buying normal cookies wasn't good enough (insane, I know).  So instead of unpacking last night, I made Easter cookies.  But at least B will have something "cute" to bring to his party today (just imagine when he's in real school and not the 1 year old room at daycare...thanks Pinterest for pressuring all us parents to go above and beyond all the time).

I decided to make Funfetti cookies.  I used this recipe.  They're soft, taste great and easy to make.  I used food coloring in the frosting and pastel sprinkles.  They came out great.  I've listed the recipe below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen




Ingredients

1
(18.9-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® Moist Supreme® Funfetti® Cake Mix
1/3
cup oil
2
eggs
1/2
(15.6-oz.) can Pillsbury® Creamy Supreme® Funfetti® Vanilla Frosting



1
Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, combine cake mix, oil and eggs; stir with spoon until thoroughly moistened. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. With bottom of glass dipped in flour, flatten to 1/4-inch thickness.







  • 2Bake at 375°F. for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove from cookie sheets.

  • 3Spread frosting over warm cookies. Immediately sprinkle each with candy bits from frosting. Let frosting set before storing. Store in tightly covered container.





  •  



Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Easter Inspiration

I can't believe Easter is already this weekend!  I've put up my Easter decorations, but I still need to put together B's Easter basket, put together his teacher's gifts, buy stuff for his class Easter party/egg hunt (the Hubs signed us up for jelly beans....1 year olds eat jelly beans?!?!), bake Easter treats for Sunday....Ahh!  Luckily, there's tons of great ideas out there (i.e. Pinterest).  I've pulled together a few of my favorite finds below.  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen


101 Easter Basket Gift Ideas from The Mom Creative

Easter Egg Dyeing Techniques and Tips from The Celebration Shoppe

Easter Decor Inspiration

Sweet Treats- Easter Basket Cupcakes
(I used to make these every year when I was growing up!)

Monday, March 25, 2013

Meatball Monday

This weekend, while at brunch with the fam, the conversation of meatballs came up.  My sister-in-law told me that she was looking for a good recipe.  To which I replied, "Hello, I'm Italian, of course I have a good recipe!"  My grandma (my dad's mom) used to make these meatballs, and then taught my mom, who then taught me.  Over the years, everyone has added their own spin by adjusting the level of seasoning, but in general, its remained the same.  Unfortunately, this is not the kind of recipe that gives exact measurements (isn't that the case with all family recipes??).  I've listed out the ingredients and steps below, but basically I just eye-ball the seasoning until I feel that its "just right".  This recipe makes a large batch, so I suggest making them for a group of friends, or freezing some for additional meals.  This is one of the Hubs favorite things that I make.  He actually tells me not to make them that often because he eats way too many!  Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Ingredients:
1 lb Ground Sirloin
1 lb Ground Round (I usually substitute this with lean ground beef)
2 Eggs
Parmesan Cheese
Romano Cheese
Garlic Cloves or Minced Garlic
Garlic Powder
Italian Bread Crumbs
Salt
Pepper
Oregano/Basil (or Italian Seasoning)
Water

Directions:
Add all ingredients into a bowl.
Mix together with hands (you may want to wear gloves)
Add a little bit of water if you feel that the mixture is getting dry along the way
(I usually go back and repeat seasoning/breadcrumbs/garlic and mix again, at least 1-2 times, depending on how flavorful you want your meatballs)


Shape meat mixture into balls and place on a cookie sheet


Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees



Serve with pasta, alone with sauce, in a sub, etc.


Thursday, March 21, 2013

Floral Print

Yesterday was the first official day of Spring.  It sure didn't feel like Spring to me.  I was in Minneapolis where the temperature was a high of 21 degrees.  Yikes.  While I'm waiting for the weather to warm up (even back home in Atlanta), I'm dreaming of Spring appropriate clothing.  Floral print just screams "Springtime"!  You can find this print everywhere right now; anything from shoes, to pants, to accessories.  Make a bold statement with floral pants paired with a solid top, or add a subtle accent to your outfit with a clutch or a pair of pumps.  I've listed a few of my favorite floral pieces below.

xoxo,
Jen

Floral Print



Forever 21 floral dress / Forever 21 scoop neck tank / Forever 21 flower print pants / Forever 21 floral skirt / Friis & Company high heel, $32 / Kate Spade handbag

Monday, March 18, 2013

Weekend Recap

With the Hubs being sick, we didn't do much this weekend.  I decided that Brayden needed new shorts and PJs since the weather is finally warming up.  So we headed to BabyGap.  They have so many cute things right now for Spring.  Check out these cute PJs and fun shorts.  B looks so cute in everything!

Gap

After the Gap, the Hubs needed to rest, so I decided to get B out of the house (so that the Hubs could actually get some rest!) and wander around Target.  I love all the Spring stuff that they have out right now.  I especially love this dresses and sandals.  And of course, they have cute shirts for B too!

Target



Hope you had a great weekend too!  Happy St. Patty's day from our little leprechaun!