Vaseline Spray Lotion

Have you seen this product? Maybe I've been hiding under a rock, but according to my mom it's the newest and biggest thing. My sister and I found these in our Easter baskets and my Mom couldn't believe we hadn't heard of them. She said the Easter bunny had to try several places because it was sold out everywhere.

Turns out it IS awesome! Works really well! I'm sold on it.

copycat

My BFF, Lauren, sent me this picture yesterday to show me her sweet polka dot pants. JCPenney's $18! Yes! Unfortunately, they are out of my size everywhere. Believe me I searched and searched. Fingers crossed they will restock.

Chambray shirt-Jcrew, Cardigan- Forever 21, Pants-JCPenney.

 

So I promptly copied her layered chambray, cardi, ankle pant look for today.

 

Chambray shirt- Forever 21, Cardigan- Forever 21, Pants- H&M

 

Excuse my mess. Thankfully you can't see the toothbrush in my mouth.

working girl

I started a new job last week. I'm thrilled to be back in the events industry! I stepped out for about 4 years and worked in a sales job, that wasn't very exciting. My previous position in sales was an excellent learning opportunity that gave me a maturity when it comes to speaking with people in a selling capacity. It also gave me a lot of free time being in outside sales not strapped to a desk and office. I'll now be back in an office with less time to blog, sew, shop, etc. but I've got a better career path and I couldn't be happier.

I'll do my best to keep up with the blog! Once again, thank you to all those that follow me! It means so much to hear that you are making my recipes and enjoy keeping up with me!

These were on my desk the first day. Good start!

Twenty Nine

I turned twenty nine Tuesday. I'm not mad about it, but I really never imagined myself at this age. It's funny because I associate my mom with being 29. As a kid, I think she told people year after year that she was 29 and I probably didn't really know any different. So I guess now we're the same age!

I'm not thrilled about getting older, I took the year off my birthday on facebook when I turned 25 and vowed to turn 25 for a few more years. I like the 20's and I'm not ready to leave them behind.

I like to think I look the exact same as I did when I was in high school with the same long brown hair give or take a few pounds. But, admittedly I have started to think about wrinkles and my health a little more. Ugh...

A friend asked me what I wanted to do or accomplish before turning 30. I hadn't really thought much about that,  but I think I'll live it up in my last year in my 20's and maybe just maybe I'll settle down after 30 and start a family. Maybe.

Celebrating my birthday with friends at a new restaurant in Indy. Bakersfield. Amazing guac and tacos. Not to mention the fab cocktails! Check it out on Mass ave. 

Not one, but three cupcakes from Dan! 

Comparison

"Facebook and Google have given us handy-dandy ways to check in on – and yeah, sometimes even obsess over – everyone from ex-boyfriends to frenemies to that girl who beat you out for that job you really wanted. But – and this is a big “but” – it’s important to remember that 99% of the time what you’re seeing is anextremely sanitized version of reality that has been presented for public consumption. And that’s not slighting anyone, not at all; it’s just the nature of social media: most people put up photos or status updates that speak to the things that they’re proud of or excited about. And so when you decide to check out what’s going on with someone who used to be in your life and isn’t anymore it’s very easy to slide into a pit of wondering what could have been…if only because man, what they’re up to looks so great."


I took this from Jordan Reid of Ramshackle Glam. This was in reference to something else, but it resonates with me as I feel sometimes social media contributes to such unnecessary feelings of jealousy and envy. It's important to remember, that as Jordan says everyone presents themselves in the highest of light to the public. Do you think I post pictures of myself where my arm is squished against my side all chubby like? Or tell the world how mad I am at Dan for not taking the trash out? Of course not, because I want to appear skinnier that I am (duh) and always happy just like everyone else.


So next time you get those feelings, talk yourself down and remember everyone has their own struggles and problems they just don't publicize them.


"Comparison is the thief of joy" - Theodore Roosevelt

Short Rib Noodle Soup

My friend Vickie posted a picture of this soup on facebook and I asked her for the recipe.  I added a few things and we LOVED it!

This makes 2 meals.

The first meal is Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Cabernet Sauce from the Eat Live Run blog.  This recipe is soooo good! It is a lot of work and definitely a weekend meal as it takes some prep and several hours in the crock pot. The work is worth it though!

The second meal is Short Rib Noodle Soup

Short Rib Noodle Soup (serves 2-4)
Ingredients:
1 jalapeno thinly sliced
3 green onions chopped
2 packages of Ramen noodles (throw away the seasoning)
2 cans of beef stock
1/2 cup of water
couple handfuls of spinach
leftover Slow Cooker Beef Short Ribs in Cabernet Sauce (removed from bone, shredded and reheated)


Directions:
In a large soup pot, saute jalapenos and green onions for a few minutes.  Prepare Ramen noodles using beef stock and water. Once prepared stir in a few handfuls of spinach. Serve soup in bowls and add shredded beef short ribs.

Enjoy!

Chewy M&M Cookie Bars

I've made these cookies bars so many times I had to check my blog archives to see if I had posted the recipe before. These are soooo good! It's become my favorite recipe to make for crowds. Just grab a bag of M&M's and you should have everything else in your pantry! I first made these around Thanksgiving and used the fall colored M&M's. That's what's nice about M&M recipes you always have a go-to for holidays! I searched all over for a bag of green M&M's for St. Patty's day, but they don't make them. I ended up having to buy the expensive ones from the party store.

Chewy M&M Cookie Bars
Orignal recipe from Fantastic Family Favorites
Ingredients: 
2 1/8 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 sticks of butter melted and then cooled slightly (be sure to do this)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 white sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 tsps vanilla
1 (12oz) bag of M&M's divided

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x13" pan with foil letting the excess hang over the edges, so you can grab the edges and pull the bars from the pan once they have baked. Spray the foil lined pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Melt butter in a medium bowl. In another bowl mix flour, salt, and baking soda. Whisk sugars in butter bowl. Add eggs, vanilla and mix well. Fold in dry ingredients. Do not over mix. Fold in 1 cup of M&M's. Save the rest for later.

Smooth the batter into the pan. Sprinkle remaining M&M's on top and slightly press in with spatula.

Bake for 24-28. (Mine took 35 minutes) The top should be golden brown on top.

Remove the bars from the pan by pulling the foil, cut and serve.

Enjoy!