January 31, 2013

nomnom: parmesan green beans

Here's the thing about green beans -- green beans can be sooo boring sometimes that you forget how awesomely tasty they are. When I'm making dinner, I usually steam them in those microwaveable bags as my goal is to just get some green on the boyfriend's plate. But these parmesan green beans! They are delicious. Not to mention they are easy to prep and then quickly into the oven. Perfect green accompaniment to our grilled cheese and tomato soups last night.



Parmesan Green Beans
1 lb green beans (trimmed)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Prep a non-stick baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray
3. Arrange green beans on sheet.
4. Sprinkle cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper evenly over the green beans.
5. Bake in oven for 10-15 minutes.


I honestly think I could have eaten a whole plate of these. I used shredded cheese last night so the cheese formed into these little cheese crisps -- just the perfect crunch! 

January 29, 2013

In this kitchen

As we're slowly pulling our home together, I'm finding my home-wishlist get longer and longer. One major change would be to have a larger kitchen. So as I daydream of a new, open kitchen, I've started this little series sharing these beautiful cooking spaces I long after and the foods I would make if it were my own. 



January 28, 2013

happy monday

let's get the whole world to dance. LIKE A BOSS. 


January 22, 2013

an anniversary


Today marks four years together and what a journey the last four years have been. We've slowly been connecting our lives together and (after long-distance and short-distance) we now share this little home that we are making ours. There's always going to be a few ups and downs but from where we're standing right now, things are looking pretttty great. Happy Anniversary you. Thank you for your continued support, friendship, wisdom and, of course, love. XO. 

PS. our lovely friend Casey snapped a few photos for us to use in our Christmas card! 

January 21, 2013

Anchor Love

Just popping in to share these nautical anchor shirts from GAP I spotted over the weekend. Seriously, get in my closet now (or in April when my no-shopping rule is lifted). 
Anchors at Gap

January 16, 2013

eye on ombre

Everyone needs a bit of change. Come winter and summer, it never fails, I always want to change up my hair. Whether I decide to chop it off or throw in some color. Usually this time of year is when I start itchin' for a new do. 
Typically I don't dye my hair often. With dark hair, the colors are limited without looking brassy and if I get highlights, I usually ask them to be subtle enough that there isn't too much upkeep. I have an appointment tonight and thinking I might go ombre - something very simple, subtle and a still fun. 

Here are some looks I've been eyeing for a dark ombre:

January 9, 2013

chicken pot pie soup


My crock pot is likely one of my favorite tools in my kitchen. I barely use it during the summertime, but come fall and winter, it's heating up chili and soup, football apps and breakfast casseroles. For some times now, I've wanted to make pot pie but I knew we wouldn't be able to finish a whole pie on our own. So I opted to make the next best thing -- Chicken Pot Pie Soup! Served them with flaky biscuits and it was a delicious meal. This recipe makes enough for two hearty servings and one bowl for leftovers.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
1 can of Cream of Mushroom soup
1 cup of water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 cups of frozen mixed veggies

1. In a crock pot, place celery and chicken on the bottom.
2. Sprinkle all the seasonings over the chicken.
3. Pour in the soups and water.
4. Cook on high for 4 hours.
5. Stir in frozen veggies, let cook for another 1.5 hours on low.
Be sure to bake your biscuits while your soup is finishing up!

January 8, 2013

good eats: chicken tortilla soup

I've been meaning to post this recipe for some time now and am finally getting to it! Chicken Tortilla Soup is one of my all time faves -- I first made it in college for Sunday Dinner with two friends. Perfect for a cozy, chilly weekend evening. I love the complex flavors, a little spicy and citrus-y! 



Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 T olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
1 poblano pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp salt
6 cups chicken broth
1 4 oz can diced green chilies
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes (Rotel)
2 limes
Avocado, tortillas, cheddar jack cheese and cilantro for servings

1. Poach chicken breasts in a large pot of water for 20 minutes.
2. Drain chicken and let cool.
3. Chop or shred chicken.
4. While chicken is cooking, roast the poblano pepper under a broiler until it is charred and almost black. Let cool.
5. In a dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium high.
6. Cook onion and jalapeno until soft and onion is transparent. Add in garlic and diced poblano.
7. Pour in chicken stock and add the tomatoes, beans, green chilies, chicken and spices. Bring to boil.
8. Before serving, squeeze the juices of the two limes.
9. Serve with diced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro or tortilla toppings.

Enjoy!

January 7, 2013

a (little late) list

image via

I'm a little late in welcoming 2013 but hope you were able to ring in it with great friends, some bubbly and party hats! 2012 was a bit of a tough cookie and I'm looking forward to starting a new planner, new goals and a new year! 

Resolutions 2013
Save: 12 weeks of no shopping for clothing, accessories and shoes.
Move: work out 3-5 times a week & run 2 races this year. 
Cook: limit fast food (which is easy now since the food poisoning) & make meals at home 3 evenings a week
Date: date more regularly - try a new restaurant with Joe each month.
Drink: 72 oz of water daily & limit alcoholic beverages to only one night a week.
Travel: visit three places this year for fun, not for work or weddings. LA and NYC are two on the list. 
Decorate: make lots of trips to West Elm and Home Depot and get our home painted & decorated. Goal date: June 1st.