photo Menu1_zps0679bf32.png  photo Home-5_zpsbb1afa0c.png  photo About-12_zps1f2d03d6.png  photo Recipes-2_zps90dfcd61.png  photo Sponsor-9_zps8283cfc7.png  photo Contact-16_zpsedfcb947.png  photo Menu2-2_zps6cf714ee.png

April 26, 2016

10 Makeup Bags You'll Love

Apparently I must be a crazy driver, because yesterday I tossed my makeup bag in my work tote and by the time I got to work makeup was scattered all over the place! Now it very well be my driving skills (hello extreme road rage!) or the fact that I was trying to squish 15 different oddly shaped tubes into a tiny red mosaic cosmetic pouch that was way too small for it's contents.

So gone are the days of saying a little prayer that the zipper wouldn't break after every use. I decided I needed an upgrade desperately, so I did a little window shopping if you will. Check out these 10 makeup bags that are not only super functional in staying organized, but are cute to boot. 




1) Tartan + Twine - Ulta

2) Watercolor Classic Nylon Ezra - Kate Spade 


3) Bow & Drape - Nordstrom  



4) Stephanie Johnson 'Tamirindo Pink' - Nordstrom


5) Secrets of Salvador Train Case - Petunia Pickle Bottom 



6) The Escapader - Sephora


7) Blue Showater - J. Crew Factory


8) Theochiltree 'Gray + White Dot' - Etsy



9) Navy Stripe - Vera Bradley



10) Carry All Pouches - Society 6  (3 sizes!)

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.


Now the tricky part is how on earth do I choose?
Which one is your favorite?



   photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy
________________________________________________

April 25, 2016

Saying Goodbye to Mingle Monday

Over the past 5 years it's been so fun to create and maintain Mingle Monday Blog Link-Up, and meet so many great bloggers. I am very happy and proud that it's provided a great basis for bloggers to connect and network in an easy and fun way, and somehow managed to be a popular weekly stop for many.

As much as I've loved it, behind the scenes it's been time consuming to prep on a Sunday night and expensive to host each week (something that many don't realize when dropping by a link-up)! Many times I wanted to prep fun weekend recap type posts or use other weekend creativity and inspiration to draft a post for Monday, but always felt obligated to my Mingle Monday responsibility. Other times it was discouraging to see a dip in interest from when it was first created (in the height of blog link-ups), or a lack of people sharing or commenting - the only rules I requested to participate.



So as sad as it may be, I think it may be time to say goodbye to this wonderful link-up. My hope is that in parting ways with it, I can feel a sense of freedom to get back to what I love to do - blogging from the heart, instead of blogging only when it makes sense. It's no secret that in the last 2 years it's been a struggle at times to feel inspired or not got lost in the comparison game, but I truly feel like I'm coming out of that dreaded slump! Hoping to build readership back up and continue growing this hobby I love so much.

A big thank you to the many of you who made Mingle Monday a joy, for the countless shares, encouragement, "thank you's", and for letting me get to know you and your blogs better!

Lots of hugs for your support!
Here's to getting back to better blogging!


 photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy
________________________________________________

April 22, 2016

Currently

Good gracious... we made it to Friday!

I've barely done much aside from work, physical therapy, and home this week. So needless to say, this girl is ready for some good sleep and new adventures to awaken my creativity.

Here's a little snapshot of what makes me super giddy lately.

Currently...

laughing//
...at these hilarious photos captured as people drank another glass of wine - ha! Thanks for sharing Jess!

anticipating//
...our trip to Michigan for a family friend's wedding in May. Adam and I are planning to stop in St. Louis for a day exploring at City Museum. If you need us we'll be crawling through every inch of that adult playground... 10 story slide included.




<span style="line-height: 19.2000007629395px;">You don't have to be a kid to appreciate the whimsy of this place. It has every nook, cranny and crevice you could possible want to explore.<br /><br />Photo: The City Museum</span>



listening//
...to my new favorite Spotify station, "Evening Chill". So many good new tunes, especially "Bones" by Dustin Tebbutt.

loving//
...this weather! It's going to be in the 70s this weekend and I plan to be outside pretty much the entire time. Dog park, long walk, dining al fresco, you name it.

planning//
...a raised bed garden and I'm super pumped! We have had the structure for years, but we need to do a little garden makeover. Ready to get my hand in the dirt Saturday and plan out what we're going to grow this year! Any green thumbs out there?

reading//
..."The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo... aka the KonMari method. It's all about pairing down your home and belongings to only keep what "sparks joy". More on this coming next week!

obsessing//
...over organizing and simplifying lately (obviously KonMari sparked something in me). Craving the simple life and loving The Home Edit Instagram account in meantime. My inner OCD craziness totally nerds out when I see spaces that are beautiful, simple, and well-organized.



exploring// 
...this little blog post. My bestie Courtney at 12th & White posted her favorite interior decor Instagram accounts and they are spot on.

watching//
...People vs. OJ Simpson. Anyone else hooked?

loving//
...my green utility vest from Gap! It sold out in no time flat, so after calling customer service, I was able to track down one of the last vests in my size in the whole county. A big shout out the Philly, PA Gap! ;)

making//
...a few new baby items for my Etsy store. I'm trying out a few sewing patterns for adorable baby headbands in mod fun fabrics, so stay tuned. I LOVE new projects!


What have you been loving lately, friends?


 photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovinInstagramTwitterFacebookPinterestEtsy
________________________________________________

April 20, 2016

April Workout Playlist

Gorgeous flowers in bright jewel tone colors are slowly popping up all over my yard, and despite Kansas City's recent bipolar weather, I think the sunshine is here to stay. Praise little 8 pound 6 ounce baby Jesus!

It's days like today that totally motivate me to get outside and move. Whether going on a scenic run with my favorite workout buddy, our pooch Bella Beast, or going on a nice long walk, I always need good tunes to keep me grooving. I figured you may be in the same boat as I am. Tired of the same songs on repeat too? Let this playlist serve as an extra dose of workout motivation.

PS - This quote is EVERYTHING. (Putting on pants is hard...)


Somedays You Eat Salad. Somedays You Refuse To Put On Pants ||:


1) Never Forget You - Zara Larsson, MNEK
2) Work From Home - Fifth Harmony
3) Wild Things - Alessia Cara
4) On My Mind Ellie Goulding
5) The Fix (radio edit) - Nelly feat. Jeremih
6) Youngblood - Jem and the Holograms
7) Don't Let Me Down - The Chainsmokers
8) Stick Around - Akon
9) Blackout - Tritonal and Steph Jones
10) Love Myself - Hailee Steinfeld
11) Sweet Lovin' (radio edit) - Sigala
12) My House - Flo Rida
13) Hands to Myself - Selena Gomez
14) Uma Thurman - Fall Out Boy
15) Burning Gold - Christina Perri
16) Somebody Loves You - Betty Who
17) Work - Rihanna feat. Drake
18) Magnets (A-Trak Remix) - Lord feat. Disclosure
19) Bang My Head - David Guetta feat. Sia & Fetty Wap
20) Be Alright - Ariana Grande
21) Cake by the Ocean (clean) - DNCE
22) Stay - Kygo
23) The Sound - The 1975
24) Youth - Troye Sivan (cool down)



Past Favorite Playlists...

HEREHEREHEREHERE, & HERE (The Ultimate Cardio Playlist)


What tunes keep you moving this month?

 photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy
________________________________________________

April 18, 2016

Mingle Monday Blog Link-up!

Welcome back to the grind!
It's a rainy spring day here in KC, but I've got a cup of coffee in hand and bluegrass playing at my desk, so I think I'll survive.

We had such a great weekend going back to my hometown for my cousin's baby shower, seeing lots of family, and then relaxing all day Sunday after church. It was amazing. How was your weekend? Any fun highlights?

Hoping you will do me a favor and spread the word about Mingle Monday this morning!
So glad you are here, glad you are you... let's mingle!

   

HOW TO MINGLE

 ** Only 3 easy rules - that's all I ask! **


1) Link-up your blog below.

2) Share a link to Mingle Monday on your post or give a little social media shout out.
 
3) Answer the weekly question in the comments section below:
** What's your favorite way to spend a rainy day?**




_________________________________________________________


In Case You Missed It...

+ Greek Yogurt Chicken Enchiladas



 photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovinInstagramTwitterFacebookPinterestEtsy
________________________________________________

April 11, 2016

Mingle Monday Blog Link-up!

Good morning, lovelies!
Who had a good weekend? What did you do/see?! I hope you were showered in lovely weather like we were here in KC. 

The weekend was full of a fun date night Friday where hubs and I walked to a local restaurant in our neighborhood and had bevs on the patio, followed by hanging with some of our funniest couple friends. Saturday we lounged and hung out with my in-laws, complete with a grilled out dinner and some hot tub time. Sunday was super fun and relaxing doing some baking, having my book club girls over, and going to evening church. What a great weekend!

Hope you're hanging in there today and working on getting fully caffeinated! ;)
So glad you are here, glad you are you... let's mingle!

   

HOW TO MINGLE

 ** Only 3 easy rules - that's all I ask! **


1) Link-up your blog below.

2) Share a link to Mingle Monday on your post or give a little social media shout out.
 
3) Answer the weekly question in the comments section below:
** If you could plan an epic adventure, where would you go and who would you go with?**





_________________________________________________________


In Case You Missed It...

+ Greek Yogurt Chicken Enchiladas



 photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovinInstagramTwitterFacebookPinterestEtsy
________________________________________________

April 7, 2016

Skinny Greek Yogurt Chicken Enchiladas

I don't know about you, but at my house we could eat Mexican every single night. Tacos, fajitas, nachos... you name it. I am always on the hunt for another great tex-mex style recipe. Obviously part of the draw is the extra cheesy ooey gooey-ness that's packing a little spicy punch. That right there is my ultimate comfort food, can I get an amen from my cheese lovers out there?!

Unfortunately, my favorite Mexican dishes are not always waistline friendly, so when I was meal planning this week I found this tasty enchilada recipe - which would make my enchilada obsessed hubs so happy - and set out to health-ify it with a few swaps. Believe it or not, he couldn't even tell a difference when I swapped protein-packed greek yogurt for sour cream, and subbed in low carb, high fiber tortillas. The flavor is incredible and the sauce makes it so creamy and rich - you would never have guessed it wasn't full fat sour cream!

I also love that I could make this entire dish from start to finish in under 30 minutes, which is a win for all of us, right? And 20 of those 30 minutes was bake time. Yup, you read that right. 

While demolishing his second enchilada I asked Adam if the recipe was a keeper, and he said, "We should make this like 3 times a week. SO GOOD." And that is coming from the enchilada connoisseur himself, folks. This is a must try! 


Skinny Greek Yogurt Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups fat free chicken broth
1 cup 0% plain greek yogurt (I love Fage!)
1/2 cup salsa verde (3/4 cup of you want an extra kick of heat)
2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken (I bought a rotisserie chicken and used the breast meat - easy!)
10 taco size flour tortillas (Mission Carb Balance whole wheat tortillas are our fave and pack tons of fiber)
1 1/2 cups shredded pepperjack cheese

Instructions:

1)  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Next, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted,  add in flour and whisk while it cooks for 1 minute.

2)  Add in chicken broth and continue whisking until mixture is slightly thickened. Remove the skillet from heat. Add in salsa verde and greek yogurt, and whisk until smooth. Set aside 1 cup of the sauce (which will be used later to pour on top of enchiladas). Add shredded chicken into the remaining sauce in the skillet.

3)  Spray 13 x 9 casserole dish with cooking spray (don't forget sides and corners!). 

4)  Add 1/2 cup of chicken mixture in a long skinny line in the middle of each tortilla. You will roll up the tortilla keeping chicken mixture carefully inside, and then place in the pan. 

5)  Once all 10 tortillas (you may even be able to squeeze in 12) have been placed in the pan, pour the reserved cup of sauce over the top of the rolled up tortillas. Next, sprinkle pepperjack cheese on top.

6)  Place in the oven for 20 minutes. Once the initial bake time is complete, turn to broil on high temperature (be sure to crack the oven door an inch or 2 while doing this!) for 2 minutes or until cheese begins to turn golden brown and bubbly.


** Please note, the broiling at the end makes for the best result, so don't skip it... unless you're a crazy ooey gooey cheese hating crazy person! ;) **



And there you go... voila! This recipe is easy to freeze also. Make per directions, don't bake, and wrap super well to fight freezer burn. For a quick dinner, pull from freezer the night before and pop it in the oven for 20-30 minutes the next day!

These enchiladas would also be a perfect hot meal or freezer meal if you are bringing dinner to friends/family as part of a meal train (new parents, hospitalization, etc.).

For more meals ideas and tried & true recipes, check out the Recipes tab!


Bon Appetit!


 photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy
________________________________________________

April 4, 2016

Whoops is an understatement...


I couldn't pick a better way to sum up the last 12 hours. Mingle Monday was clearly not making the cut when I didn't prep per usual last night (too busy party hardying to celebrate the Royals home opener!), and the day started out by cleaning up an insane amount of bright red kid puke at work before 10 a.m. Yup. 

Stay tuned... you know all those posts I said I would get to [when not pulling out my hair]? Well yeah, they're coming. #ineedadrink


Happy Monday, friends! 
(I hope yours has shaped up much better than mine so far.)

 photo Signature-5_zps1ea392df.png
Follow along here:  BlogLovin, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy
________________________________________________
01 09 10