Closet

Sweater: Forever 21

Skirt: H&M

Tights: H&M

Boots: Nordstrom 

Big City Chili

I got this recipe from my friend Sarah yeeaaarrs ago and just now made it for Husband and a couple friends. They seemed to like it (there's none left) so that's a good sign! We have some leftovers today which makes me really happy because it SNOWED! What's better than hot chili on a cold day? Actually, I can think of a lot of things (Disneyland) but it sounds GREAT right now!

Ingredients: 

• 2 pounds ground chicken (I used chicken sausage and it made it soooo much better) 
• 15 oz (can) stewed tomatoes
• 15 oz (can) kidney beans, drained
• 15 oz (can) garbanzo beans, drained
• 15 oz (can) black beans, drained
• 6 oz (can) tomato sauce
• 1 onion
• 1 Tbsp chili seasoning
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 1/2 c. chicken stock 
• fritos (optional)

How To Cook It 

• in a large pot, brown chicken 
• add onion and cook until onion is soft, then add chili seasoning and cook for another minute
• whisk together tomato sauce, chicken stock, and brown sugar
• add beans, and tomato sauce mixture to the pot 
• stir and let simmer until it thickens just a tad (this is more of a soupy chili, it will be more brothy than goopy like normal chili) about 30 min
• garnish with fritos and serve

Closet

Cardigan: Target
Dress: Old Navy
Tights: Forever 21
Boots: Nordstrom
Belt: Forever 21

Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments

I've made these the last two years with my girl friends. I hang a couple on my tree and tie the rest on presents as gift tags. They are a double wammy because they make your tree smell good and when you're baking them they make you house smell like Christmas exploded all over it. Amazing. Be warned: the making of them is very quick but the bake/dry time takes for-ev-ver! So don't do it last minute!

Things You'll Need: 

• 1 c. cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp. white glue
• 1 c. applesauce
• 2 Tbsp. cloves
• 2 Tbsp. nutmeg
• Christmas cookie cutters
• 1 straw
• string

How To Make Them:

• mix all ingredients until they form a dough
• knead dough until it is able to form a ball
• sprinkle some cinnamon on the counter and roll out your dough ball

• use your cookie cutters to make shapes and place on baking rack
• use straw to poke holes in your ornaments for your string/hooks
• now you can either leave them on the baking rack to dry for a couple of days OR 
• place baking rack in oven at 200 degrees for about an hour and a half (1.5 hours) or until they are dry and rock hard
• I left mine in the oven (turned off) overnight to make sure they would dry completely

Fall/Winter Wardrobe

I was just taking a look back through a few wardrobe choices and couldn't help but pick out a few of my favorite for the cozy fall and winter seasons. If you'd like to (and I don't imagine that you would, but just in case you DO) see where I got these outfits, go ahead and click on the links below.

<One>          <Two>          <Three>          <Four>          <Five>          <Six>           <Seven>          <Eight>

Breadcrumb Pasta

Last week I didn't go to the grocery store. We were only going to be home for three days and I was lazy and didn't feel like shopping, so I scrounged the pantry for some basic ingredients and kind of did this on a whim. It actually turned out pretty good!

Ingredients: 

• 2/3 c. bread crumbs, I used Italian Style
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced (I used 2 Tbsp of ready minced stuff that comes in a jar)
• 1/2 package (8oz.) linguine (but really you can use any pasta)
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 3 tsp lemon juice
• garlic seasoning, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• red pepper flakes, to taste
• garlic pepper, to taste (I don't really know on these four, I just kept going until I liked it...) 
• 2 Tbsp parmesan (stinky) cheese
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp pesto
• *OPTIONAL* if you'd like a low carb option of spaghetti squash substitute follow the link here! 

How To Cook It 

• cook chicken in olive oil and Italian spices, set aside
• heat 1 1/2 Tbsp oil in pan on medium heat, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring consistently
• add red pepper flakes, remove from heat and let sit 
• cook pasta, drain and place in large bowl
• add the rest of the olive oil, garlic mixture, parsley, lemon juice, spices, and parmesan cheese
• toss gently to combine
• serve with chicken on top and a dash of pesto if you'd like

I was really kind of amazed at how good it was; and husband inhaled it so I'm going to assume he liked it as well. I'll definitely have to remember this the next time I run out of groceries. Happy late Thanksgiving!

Closet

Scarf: Target

Chambray: H&M

White Tank: Charlotte Russe

Black Pants: Nordstrom Rack

Boots: Nordstrom / Steve Madden

Watch & Bracelet: Charlotte Russe