Today, I am starting a new series called Culinary Clues. I will give you quick tips to make your life in the kitchen a little easier. via . . .
The Stress of the Nightly Family Meal…and a Solution!
I will warn you, this a long one...but a good one. A few weeks ago, I read an article a friend linked to on her Facebook feed. The article called attention to a new North Carolina University study showing that there is an enormous amount of stress that goes into planning the "family meal" every night. And, unfortunately, most of this falls on moms. Whether the family expects a delicious, inventive, warm meal every night or your internal struggle to "be a good mom" by . . .
Rex’s 3rd Birthday Party Inspiration
How in the world is my little nugget turning 3?? As I prepare for the fact that my baby is now a full-fledged toddler, I hide my anxiety through party planning. I know I am not alone here. This year, we are having a joint birthday party with Rex's BFF, Cilla Kay. She is a year and a week older than him, and they are two peas in a pod. We are so lucky to have little Miss Cilla Kay and her wonderful parents in our lives. Although I have been pinning like crazy for . . .
Carrot Ginger Dressing
I don't know about you, but every time I eat in a Japanese restaurant, I can't get enough of the orange Carrot Ginger Dressing that gets poured on my pre-sushi salad. I could eat my weight in it, I swear. Since I love it so much, why was I only allowing myself to have it every once in a while? Enter this recipe. Carrot Ginger Dressing is a sweet and tangy dressing that livens up the simplest of salads. I just throw it on chopped romaine, sliced cucumbers, and some . . .
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
As far as crowd-pleasing appetizers go, you can 't really fail with a good, creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip. This one is especially decadent because it uses cream cheese as opposed to mayo. It's divine. And what is even better, all you need to do it mix it all up together and throw it in the oven. People will definitely be talking about this one the next day. I served this with Trader Joes' Quinoa Chips, but this would be amazing with a toasted baguette or even crisp . . .
Fashion Fundamentals: Fall Sweaters
Oh, sweater weather, how I love thee. As promised, here is a run-down of my favorite fall sweater fashion fundamentals. When choosing sweaters, I always try to stay a bit neutral since you can layer pops of color underneath or on top with a gorgeous scarf or necklace. // 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 // 1 / I love this classic black sweater from Off . . .
Minted.com Holiday Card Collection is on SALE!
While Fall is just now right around the corner, Minted designers, like myself, have been in full holiday mode since the Spring. We have feverishly designed holiday cards for months (insert Christmas music in July here), and now, this gorgeous new collection of cards is now FOR SALE! Woo hoo! For a limited time, use coupon code PREVIEW2014 for a 20% off discount. Minted, by far, offers the most beautiful and diverse collection you will find out there, and I am so proud to be a . . .
Chorizo and Egg Scramble with Homemade Ancho Chili Sauce
Super long name for super long flavor! Here in Texas, we love our chilis...even for breakfast. This scramble is a keeper. It is perfect for a late Saturday morning breakfast with the family in your pjs or when company comes to town. It is packed with flavor, and it will definitely keep you full until lunch time. One of the best parts of this recipe is the sauce. You can store it for a week in the fridge and use it on chicken, beef, or pork for a quick weeknight . . .
Fashion Fundamentals: Fall Outerwear (Part II)
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! We did. We had our oh-so-glamourous garage sale and lots of down time with the family. Perfection. Today is round 2 of Fashion Fundamentals: Fall Outerwear. I am seriously longing for the colder weather and all of these outfits. Image of Olivia Palermo via / 1 // 2 / Now, a good cropped jacket is not something I lack in my current closet. Since my 8-5 job is in a government office, I like to mix and match my suit . . .
Cookbook Essentials: Peace Meals
I can't wait to share this wonderful cookbook with you today. My aunt gave me Peace Meals after she received it at a Junior League conference, and I was blown away by how gorgeous, yet extremely approachable, it is. All of the cookbooks featured in this series are a part of my personal collection, and I would never recommend a cookbook that I didn't love. What is the gist of this cookbook? Like most Junior League cookbooks, this one is full of unique recipes for the home cook. . . .