splendor & folly

First of all, I have to give credit where credit is due. I came across an awesome blog called meals and moves written by Janetha. She provides wonderful recipes lots of fitness inspiration.

One thing I knew I wanted to try right away was her recipe for chicken & white bean salsa soup. I modified it just a bit due to the fact that I don’t have a large crock pot. 

So all I did to make it work for me was boil the chicken first. I used a mixture of 1/2 chicken broth, 1/2 water and boiled the chicken for about 10 minutes until I could shred it with a fork. Then in a large pot I combined the chicken broth, salsa, pinto beans, corn, chicken and cumin and DONE! I’m letting it simmer for a while right now…can’t wait to chow down.

Note: I don’t have a lot of spices on hand so the cumin was something I had to purchase. It was kind of expensive, around $4.50, but it is definitely worth it to enhance the flavor of the soup!

I stumbled upon something at the grocery store and am currently pretty obsessed – Chai Green Tea

You always hear about the amazing health benefits of Green Tea and this one is delicious! With the addition of the Chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove) this tea seems like such an indulgence.

I take mine with a touch of milk (that is why the color is a little weird in the picture).

I have it at work in the morning as a pick-me-up or at home in the evenings instead of an extra snack or dessert.

Love it!

I was just commenting how JT hasn’t had a new song on the radio on the while and then this!

1. How I Met Your Mother – This is without a doubt my favorite TV show. Although it has been on for five seasons, I just joined the Monday night party this year. If you haven’t tuned in I highly recommend netflixing it from the beginning.
2. Black Yoga Pants – Although I use them more for lounging on the couch than yoga poses, these are something I definitely could not live without. Mine are by Marika which retail for $40 on their website, but I scored them at TJ Maxx for half of that.
3. Apples and Cinnamon Oatmeal – I have been in a major oatmeal phase this year. I just grab a pack on my way out the door and whip up some deliciousness at work, which saves time and I still get in a hearty breakfast to hold off hunger pains until lunchtime.
4. Dolce & Gabbana The One – I first smelled this in a magazine and fell in love. According to the description, it is a warm, oriental floral with modern sensuality.
 

 


5. Post Secret - This website has been around for a while, but new secrets posted each Sunday make the beginning of the work week more tolerable.
6. Ruffles - This trend is everywhere you look, but you won’t find me complaining! I think ruffles can add just enough of that extra something special to everything from skirts to sweaters.
7. Menage a Trois wine – Thanks to Nichole for introducing me to this wine! It’s about 9 bucks and can be found at most grocery stores. It gets its name from being a blend of three types of grapes, Zinfandel, Cabernet and Merlot. Its fun to try new wines, but when I need a sure bet, menage a trois has never let me down!
8. The Library – Nothing beats free during a recession, or ever for that matter.
9. Gorjana necklace- When it comes to jewelry, my preference is understated. This necklace is the perfect subtle addition to most outfits (mine is silver). Other Gorjana pieces can be found at Revolve Clothing.

The ‘You Pick Two’ will never be the same. Panera has introduced their Signature Macaroni & Cheese and I’m slightly obsessed. And sure, it’s not the healthiest item on their menu, but there is nothing wrong with the occasional induldegence.  It’s the perfect cold weather comfort food!

Here are some items I purchased over the weekend to spruce up my winter wardrobe:

Gap Ruffle and Bow Cami

I think this will look really cute under cardigans

  Old Navy V neck tee

  Old Navy Marled Cap Sleep Cardigan

 Old Navy Ruffle Front Cardigan

I rarely go to Old Navy, but I find they have great basics for good prices. And the prices are even better if you utilize the greatness that is oldnavyweekly.com. I recently discovered this online flyer that can save you big bucks. You click around to find the best deals, but once it is updated you have to act fast because the best ones are scooped up immediately! If you are lucky you can score up coupons for $75 off $100!!