High Heels and Diet Dr. Pepper

Fig & Balsamic Color Palette

2012-02-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Southern Afternoons Color Palette

2012-02-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Tangerines and Poppies Color Palette

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Aretha

2012-02-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

{The Impossible Cool}

Shopping Lists and Easy Dinners

2012-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Some of my friends have mentioned that they don't enjoy cooking because they don't know where to start. I totally get this - the more often I cook, the more fun that I have doing it. Here are a few simple grocery lists of good things to have on hand and a few easy dinners that you can make with what's on the lists.

Most basic things to always have in the kitchen, this stuff keeps for a long time and you can use it whenever you get to it...

-olive oil

-balsamic vinegar

-butter or margarine in tubs or in sticks

-salt and pepper, in grinders when possible

-basic assorted spices: Herb de Provence is a versatile favorite, also never hurts to have ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, basil, oregano, garlic salt or garlic powder

-giant bag of frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts

-lean ground beef or turkey, separated into 1 lb or 1/2 lb freezer safe baggies

-canned white meat chicken (use in chicken salad, chicken enchiladas, or in quesadillas or burritos)

-instant brown and or white rice

-a jar or two of red pasta sauce

-dry pasta, preferrably whole wheat, I like capelinni or farfalle, Ian likes penne

-cans of chicken or turkey chilli

-cans of cooking soup (cream of chicken, cream of broccoli)

-a bag or two of frozen vegetables (broccoli, stir fry mix, peas/carrots/corn)

-a bottle of terriyaki stir fry sauce/marinade

-shredded or grated parmesan cheese, in the fridge this stuff keeps forever

-small jar of minced garlic, it keeps forever in the fridge and makes garlic easy to use instead of an intolerable smelly mess

-cornmeal

-flour

-breadcrumbs

-cornstarch

-soy sauce

-honey

-oatmeal

-fat free chicken broth or beef broth if you prefer the flavor

Stuff that doesn't keep as long or isn't as versatile, but that I try to keep on hand as much as possible...

-eggs

-sour cream

-milk

-applesauce, the natural kind, beware of high fructose corn syrup

-bagged salad

-bag of frozen potstickers (healthy little pork/vegetable dumplings), the brand we have is Ling Ling

-one or two yellow onions (if you dice one up and only use half, throw the other half in a baggy in the freezer for next time)

-some potatoes, yukon gold are my favorite and I think they are the most versatile, sweet potatoes are also a good choice

-muli-grain bread

-water chestnuts

-canned pineapple

-BBQ sauce, do yourself a favor and get Sweet Baby Ray's

-Cornbread mix, the just add water kind

-salsa

-tortilla chips

-cashews (good in stir fry, chicken salad and on hawaiian haystacks)

Some easy to use vegetables that can be picked up as needed:

-zucchini

-eggplant

-green beans

-snow peas or sugar snap peas

-bell peppers, in all colors

From these shopping lists you can make these main dishes:

-Cornmeal crusted chicken nuggets (dip them in honey or BBQ sauce), I think I posted this recipe on the blog

-Chicken marinara, put 2 chicken breasts in an 8x8 coated with cooking spray, pour a jar of marinara over the chicken, cover in foil and bake for 30-35 mins at 350, remove foil for the last 5-10 mins

-Chicken Parmesan

-Eggplant Parmesan, slice eggplant into rounds, dip the rounds into a shallow dish full of 2-3 egg whites, coat the the dipped slices in a mixture of 1 c bread crumbs and 1/2 c parmesan, baked on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray at 400 for 15 mins, flip the slices over and then bake for 10 -15 minutes more. Serve topped with bolognese sauce and some parmesan. Goes great with a green salad and some garlic toast.

-Spaghetti Bolognese (always brown the ground beef with some chopped up onion, it will taste amazing)

-Browned Butter Pasta (with or without broccoli), cook pasta, melt butter and then stir on low heat until it starts to brown and smell nutty, add butter to pasta along with a generous helping of parmesan, toss and enjoy.

-Terriyaki Stir Fry (use the stir fry sauce and the colorful fruits and vegetables - pineapple, red bell pepper, water chestnuts and some cashews)

-Garlic Stir Fry, use the green vegetables like bell peppers, celery and snow peas, cashews are good too (you can make an easy sauce with minced garlic, soy sauce, broth and some cornstarch)

-Shishkabob, stick pieces of onion, bell pepper, chicken (marinate in BBQ sauce) and pineapple on a bamboo skewer and cook in a george foreman grill. Brush with BBQ sauce before and after.

-Chili, serve with a dallop of sour cream on top and corn bread on the side

-Taco Salad, divide a bag of salad between two plates, top with half a can of heated turkey chilli, add salsa, sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips. Tada!

-Creamy Broccoli Chicken, mix some of the frozen broccoli into a can of cream of broccoli soup, pour over chicken in a shallow dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 30-35 mins.

-Hawaiian Haystacks: start with rice, and then mix together a can of chicken with a can of cream of chicken soup (heat the mixture in the microwave), top with whatever you have in the kitchen, some options are: pineapple, cashews, celery, green onions, coconut, cheese, won ton noodles, i've seen just about everything.

-potsickers and rice: These are best with you take the extra step to brown the potstickers and make them crispy

And these sides:

-Baked potatoes - In the microwave on high for 5 -7 minutes for one potato, in the oven at 350 for about 45 mins.

-Balsamic Roasted Vegetables - this goes with anything, cut up some vegetables into bite size chunks (potatoes, green beans, zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, carrots) toss in a bowl with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper, throw onto a cookie sheet lined with foil, sprinkle with herbs de provence and bake for 15 - 20 mins at 400

-Fried Rice, make rice and then throw it unto a skillet on the stove and add an egg, some peas and carrots (1/2 cup) and some soy sauce (1 -2 Tbsp) and a little bit of canola oil (1 or 2 Tbsp)

-Parmesan Zuchini, steam zuchinni for 5 - 10 minutes until fork tender, serve sprinkled with parmesan cheese

-Cinnamon Applesauce

-Butter Bread

-Parmesan Toast, spread bread with butter or margarine, sprinkle with parmesan, watch under the broiler for 1 - 2 minutes until the edges start to darken. For Garlic Toast, substitute a sprinkle of garlic powder or garlic salt instead of parmesan.

-Garlic Green Beans, sautee green beans in a Tbsp or two of broth, add a tsp or two of minced garlic and couple dashes of soy sauce for flavor

-Cornbread, according to package directions

-Savory Rice, make rice according to box directions, using broth instead of water

For easy, healthy recipes, and when I run out of ideas, my go to website is eatingwell.com.

Enjoy!

Moves like Jagger

2012-02-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

The one, the only, the Mick.

{via The Impossible Cool}

Black & Yellow

2012-02-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

I would like to wear this everyday for a month.

I have a party planning problem

2012-02-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Yep. It's a Triple-P kind of problem. With a capital P. Which rhymes with T. Which stands for trouble. Right here in River City...

But I digress.

Back to the Party Planning Problem. I can't stop myself. Once a month I find myself excited about whatever holiday or season is around the corner and I start the day dreaming...

I day dreaming of food. Adorable cadbury cupcakes, mini-carmel apples, balsamic berry salads, fancy cheese plates, bite sized pizza, french toast muffins. (Things like this do not help.)

I day dream of decorations. Glitter and baloons and candles and twinkle lights and mustache banners and giant spider-webs and heart streamers and table settings.

I day dream of party games. Pin the mustache, decorate the cookies, treasure hunts, celebrity, charades, cheese or font?

Pinterest does not help.

I can usually resist the call for about a month, but by the time the next month rolls around I just can't help it any more. And THAT is why I end up throwing parties every other month. In October we had a pumpkin carving part. In December I hosted a Christmas craft exchange.

And now its February and it is taking every ounce of me not to do something for Valenties. Or even Presidents! Anyone can throw a Valentine's Party, I want to throw a President's Day Celebration! It'll be like Independence Day in February! Let's see... Red, white and blue food... Angel food cake with strawberries obviously... Blue corn chips with white bean salsa and peach mango salsa... I wonder what the president's favorite foods are?... Now decorations... I could fill all the frames in the house with pictures of different presidents! and of course there will be streamers, lots of streamers... Wait, do I want to do February? Maybe I should wait for St. Patricks! We could do a potato theme!!....

Do you see what I mean?!?! I'm already disappointed that I can't throw both of those parties.

And you know what else? I'm not sorry. I love parties. I love seeing people come together and have a good time and I love introducing all of the interesting wonderful people that I know to each other.

Lettuce Turnip The Beet

2012-02-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Get it?!

Ha. I've been sitting here giggling for two minutes straight.

Oh, I want one.

Woman's Heart

2012-02-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

How to receive compliments

2012-02-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Receiving compliments can be a little tricky. You don't want to appear cocky or full of yourself - "Why YES! I AM fabulous, I'm so glad you noticed!" But it is also pretty rude to refuse the compliment outright- "No! My gourmet cooking that I slaved over for hours was terrible! I'm surprised you could choke it down, let alone say it was delicious!" Nobody believes your false modesty and now you've insulted their judgement.

Here are a few of my favorite go-to compliment responses:

1) "That is very kind of you, thank you!" - This one turns the compliment around, it graciously accepts the compliment while also appreciating the giver. Win-Win.

2) "I appreciate that, but it wouldn't have been possible without..." - This one is particularly handy when you are standing in a group of people who all contributed, but the compliment is directed to you. This allows you to accept the compliment and then share the glory. Win-Win-Win.

3) "You are very generous to say so." - This one is for those totally off the wall, over the top compliments where it would clearly be awkward for you to agree with the compliment because there is just no way that its true - but you don't want to put the giver on the spot by calling out their exaggeration or insincerity.

4) "Well that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me." - I know this one is a bit kitschy, but when you are keeping the mood light and the humor high, this silly little colloquialism is surprisingly effective.

5) "Thank you." - Sometimes the simplest answer is the best response - and its hard to go wrong with a classic.

Well With My Soul

2012-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

DIY Chalkboard Cheese Tray

2012-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Was this craft invented just for me?!?! I think so.

How to give compliments

2012-02-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Compliments are one of my favorite parts of socializing. They set strangers at ease, they are conversation starters, they open doors and they make any situation just a little more fun! Being able to recognize the good and the admirable in other people and then being able to tell them in a way that makes them feel good and admired is a talent and a skill.

I can still remember some of the most thoughtful compliments that I've received in my life and they still make me happy and boost my confidence when I think of them. Many of the best friendships in my life have started that way - with brief, but meaningful, praise.

Regular, every day, "Hey I like your hair" compliments are nice, but its the ones that take a little more effort that really hit home. Here are a few of the strategies (tips? tricks? tactics?) that I've observed for giving great compliments.

1) Be specific. Compliments mean the most when they show that the giver was paying attention. An eager, "Ooo! Cute dress!" will have less of an impact than, "I love the way your dress brings out your waist." The more specific you can be, the more it means.

2) Bring it back to the person. When you bring the compliment back around to the person, you are praising their talents and characteristics instead of what they can buy. For example, the next time you admire your friend's shoes, follow it up with, "You have great natural style," or "I have always admired your flare."

3) Be sincere. Fake compliments are transparent and can make the receiver feel as if they are being mocked. If you can't mean it, don't say it. Not everyone you meet will have a look or a style that you want to emmulate, not every talent is one that you can fully appreciate - This is also an opportunity to compliment people on their efforts, successes and accomplishments. Look for something you can trully appreciate, or take a pass and try again next time.

4) Share a little. Careful here, don't make it all about you, but letting someone know that they have had a positive impact on you is one of the best compliments you can give. "You are a good speaker," is lovely to hear under any circumstances, but "You speech made me want to be better friend," gives their act greater meaning and purpose.

5) Ask a question. Compliments are the perfect opportunity to start a conversation. Follow up your compliment with a question that you'd honestly like to learn about. Even a question like, "I love your necklace, where did you find it?" can be the start of a great conversation or a great friendship.
6) Pass it on. Sometimes it can be difficult to deliver a compliment directly to the recipient. If you are shy about complimenting someone directly, or if they are just hard to get to, share the compliment with someone close to them - a friend, a spouse, an assistant - and ask them to pass it along. And if you hear a compliment, by all means, share!

Next time, how to receive a compliment.

Neon Grandeur

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Forget Not

2012-02-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

Forget not.

Milk It

2012-02-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Fruit Bruchetta

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Fruit Bruchetta with goat cheese and fresh herbs.

My mouth is watering.

Yoda Best

2012-02-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Star Wars Valentines. It's love.

{buy them here}

Rolling Hills

2012-02-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

To town or to country? That is the question.

she believed

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Soft as pussy willows

2012-02-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Frothy

2012-02-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Waves on the beach is the world's most soothing sound.

Brights

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Skyfall

2012-02-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

Really can't wait for this one. I've been utterly enamored with the James Bond franchise ever since Daniel Craig took on the role.

2012-02-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Saw it here.

Dress Up

2012-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Emma Rockin' It

2012-02-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

Emma Watson is so charming. I love the world of fashion because its over the top and create an entirely impractical fantasy that you get to live in for just a moment. Like a fantasy where I wear face veils and giant ankle boots while I lead ponies around my estate.

Little Men

2012-02-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Best believe my sons will wear bow ties. Yes, they will.

I'd also like to be...

2012-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

and an artist.
and a writer.
and a mother.
and a teacher.
and a designer.
and an artisan.
and a baker.
and a CEO.
and a hiker.
and a linguist.

Outlandish Audrey

2012-02-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

Whoa

2012-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dude. SO magical.

{here}

Just enough flash

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

I love it when men throw quirky, but not outlandish, details into their fashion choices. Its like saying, "Hey, I'm snazzy, but I don't need to do jazz hands to prove it."

{here}

Look Up, Not Sideways

2012-02-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Groundhog Day

2012-02-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

You know you'll be thinking about this movie all day.

Toast!

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Found here.

Like Notes

2012-02-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Available here.

Stellar Necklace

2012-02-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Shourouk Feather crystal and bead bib necklace

Love them cowboys

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Going to California on a big jet plane

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi there. I'll be in California for a few days and may not have access to my regular blogging resources. I'll be back up to my normal frequency on Wednesday. Happy weekend!

Going to see Brian Regan tonight!

2012-01-27T16:00:00.000-08:00

My Fridge Food

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is so cool.

At myfridgefood.com you can click on the ingredients that you have in your fridge and it will give you recipes you can make with what's already in your kitchen! You can sort by calories, prep time, number of ingredients and more.

This is perfect for the end of the week when you need to go to the store but its dinner time and all you have are a random assortment of left over ingredients hanging around.

What's for dinner? Fridge surprise!

Mommy is here!!!

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

My mom's in town! My mom's in town! She is the bestest and endless fun is about to be had.

Go for a good soak

2012-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

A trunk desk that would make Hemingway proud

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Afternoons & Owls Color Palette

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ruby Blue Color Palette

2012-01-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

Kitchen

2012-01-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Classy, artistic, homey, easy-going yet sophisticated, a subtle nod to nautical. This is the kitchen I aspire to.

Atypical Onesies

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for red

2012-01-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for red. Always have been. I can see a sweater in any other color and think, "Meh," but then I'll see the same sweater in red and all of a sudden I think, "Oooooooo."

Seafoam & Caramel Color Palette

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

Can you believe this dress?!?!

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I mean, wow. If I wore this I'd feel like a modern Scarlett O'Hara.

Snowy Bumper Cars

2012-01-23T16:00:00.000-08:00

Can't stop watching this...

Xray

2012-01-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

42nd St

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Downton Abbey

2012-01-22T16:00:00.000-08:00

Alright, I'm in. Husband and I watched Season One in less than a week. It's fabulous.

tartan and tulle color palette

2012-01-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

I die of cuteness

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Afternoons in Saffron Color Palette

2012-01-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

Ice Frigate

2012-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Puppy Eyes

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Camping

2012-01-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Stuff New Yorkers Say

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

HAHAHAHAHA... HA!

Ruby Vintage Color Palette

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Sky Series by Eric Cahn

2012-01-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

More here.

I love these. It's like nature is mimicking Rothko.

Garden and Gold Color Palette

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Dance

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

I sort of wish I hadn't quit dancing as a kid.

Print

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Muted Earth Color Palette

2012-01-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Nike

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

Winged Victory of Samothrace (Nike of Samothrace), Marble, c. 200 BCE

Sunshine on Roses color palette

2012-01-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

Army Men, for girls

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

I found these on a blog with no source listed... Does anyone know where you can get them?

Neon Octopus

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

more to the point

2012-01-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

Since I started doing zumba, I am more in awe of dancers than ever.

Don't look down

2012-01-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

Whew. That's a long way down.

That's a cool combination of colors though...

Dark and Daper, like Mad Men Color Palette

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Choose Wisely

2012-01-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

Valentine Sugar Cookie

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Elegant Earthy Color Palette

2012-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Boston Puppies

2012-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

Can't get enough of these guys.

The magic button

2012-01-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

This will instantly make you feel better.

Late Summer Citrus Color Palette

2012-01-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

Positive Steps for Mental Health

2012-01-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Uses of Sorrow

2012-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

I think this is beautiful.

And I also believe that, with time, painful experiences are consecrated for our good.

Found here.

Neon & Neutral Color Palette

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

The Modern (Non)Marriage Phenomenon

2012-01-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed that our generation is totally messing with traditional marriage? And not just marriage but adulthood.

This concern is being voiced everywhere I turn...

Wall Street Journal: "Where have the good men gone?"
The Atlantic: "All the single ladies"
The Atlantic: "The End of Men"
The New York Times: "What is it with all the 20-somethings?"
The Washington Post: "Do you need a new marriage?"
The Washington Post: "How's your friendship with your spouse?"
And my favorite:
The Washington Post: "Why men need marriage"

There was also a very good article on a similar topic in the Los Angeles Times about a year ago, but I initially read it in print and couldn't find a link to it. If you know where to find it please leave the link in the comments section.

I'm worried that we are loosing something of incalculable value, and that once it is gone we won't be able to get it back. I don't know what else to do to fight the rising tide, so I'm just voicing the thought here and sending it out into the aether.

say thank you

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

"When life is sweet, say thank you and celebrate. And when life is bitter, say thank you and grow." ~ Shauna Niequist

Muted Melon Color Palette

2012-01-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Brunette over Blonde

2012-01-11T16:00:00.001-08:00

{here}

Significant

2012-01-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Totally found this on the Banana Republic Tumblr.

Major retailers quoting apostles?! Awesome.

100 Layer Cake Colorboards

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

The wedding blog 100 Layer Cake puts together the most beautiful colorboards that I want to use as guides for everything: Planning parties, decorating my house, shopping for outfits, cooking meals... Sometimes I wish the world were as beautiful as it looks in wedding blogs.

Here is my most recent favorite:

Confession: I have about 26 favorites, so I'll dole them slowly over the next few weeks so we can savor them together.

Grandeur

2012-01-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Peach & Smoke

2012-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

{here}

Gold & Glitter

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Now and Later

2012-01-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Dowton Abbey

2012-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

The cast of Dowton Abbey photographed for the January Vogue.

I've heard Downton Abbey is good, what have you heard?

Love the Gatsby dresses.

Scarf Necklace

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Someday I will own an Hermes.

SLC Temple

2012-01-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

So beautiful.

Southwestern Winter

2012-01-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, I love this look...

Eccentric

2012-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

This is the kind of thing I would put on in the morning and then before I left the house I would chicken out and change something.

I swear the first two or three times I put on red lipstick it didn't make it out of the house. I have since overcome that particular twinge, but I still lack to courage to publicly sport some of my more daring fashion preferences. In New York I could be a little more bold, because pushing the envelope is generally celebrated there. In Orem, Utah? NOT so much.

Someday I'll live in California again, and while they are less averse to the eccentric, they are super laid back, and sometimes when I fashion-ify myself there I feel over-dressed.

Part of me says: "I do what I want!"

The other part of me squeamishly says, "But people will think I'm weird!"

I need opinions on this... Being taken seriously is pretty important to me. Can I indulge some of my more quirky fashion tendencies without completely undermining my credibility?