Potluck Potatoes (aka White Trash Potatoes)

23 August


Whenever I go to a BBQ or cookout I always bring my tried and true White Trash Potatoes.  There are three things I LOVE about this recipe which becomes a favorite at all cookouts I attend:

1. They are super fast and easy to make
2. They are delicious
3. They are always a crowd pleaser.  I have yet to take any home after a BBQ.

Now, these are not Paleo friendly, they are not Raw, they are not low carb and I would guess that a generous serving would all but obliterate your Weight Watchers points. So in a word – these are awesome!

I should also add that my family loves these as well so don’t feel like you need to wait for a potluck to make these.  I have been known to make a batch and freeze half and bake the other half.  When frozen I increase the cooking time about 20 minutes until they are warm in the center.

White Trash Potatoes

Ingredients
2 lb. frozen hash browns, thawed
1/2 c. diced onions
1 c. cream of chicken soup
1 c. sour cream
1 stick melted butter
8 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika

Directions
Mix all ingredients and add to potatoes.  Pour into a 9″x13″ pan.  Bake at 375 degrees for one hour.  Can be made up to 2 days in advance before baking.

Here is a close up….YUM!

Nude Is The New Black

13 June

I love a good staple and nude shoes are an absolute must in my wardrobe.  Shoes in an au natural hue can brighten up a dark outfit and seamlessly bring a bold outfit together.

The more I wear them, the more I continue to fall in love with these versatile gems.  Here are some of my favorite nude stunners:

1. Valentino ‘Rockstud’ T-Strap Pump, $995 There is no question that these are a splurge and prior to purchasing these I contemplated the purchase for about 18 months.   I couldn’t get these shoes out of my head so I eventually caved and made the purchase.  I can’t begin to tell you how glad I made the investment.  These shoes take any outfit from drab to fab and are an instant conversation piece.

2. Ivanka Trump ‘Maggie’ Pump, $129.95 Every girl needs a pair of open toe nude pumps.  These shoes can easily go from work to play and match just as beautifully with a conservative skirt suit as a pair of jeans and blouse.

3. Prada Point Toe Pump, $650.00 OK, another splurge but you will have these for decades!  Perfectly classy with a pointed toe that can take you from daytime chic to nighttime sexy no matter the outfit!

4. Jessica Simpson ‘Carmyne’ Leather Sandal, $97.95 I love the stacked heel and zipper detail on this shoe.  The slightly thicker heel makes heels easier to walk on (for me anyways) and the stacked heel also gives these shoes a more dressed down look that makes these perfect to wear with cropped jeans or shorts.

5. Charles David ‘Intro’ Leather Sandal, $200 A perfect combination of strappy and sexy, but since it isn’t too high and is missing the platform this shoe is a perfect combination of classy with a slight edge.

Mini Bags, Cocktail Bags, Going-Out Bags – My Next Splurge

30 May

Whether it is a clutch or a mini bag every girl needs a stylish, versatile bag they can head to dinner with and/or a night out on the town.

I was in Vegas recently and used my favorite mini bag (shown above), this Louis Vuitton Favorite MM Mini Bag in Monogram Canvas.  I love this clutch for so many reasons – it’s a classic, the bag comes with a small gold chain which has a 12″ drop and a longer nude leather strap with a 24″ drop.  The price is a splurge at $985, but I have used this bag so many times if I divide the uses by the cost it actually ends up being way cheaper than $100 bags I have purchased in the past.   I have had this bag for so many years I am coveting a few other splurge worthy bags.  Here are some of my favorites I have been eyeing (all come with removable straps so they can be used as a clutch or a shoulder bag):
1. Louis Vuitton
1. Saint Lauren Y Chain Wallet, $1150 This is definitely a splurge, but this bag could be used in my wardrobe FOREVER – in love with this one!
2. Jimmy Choo ‘Riane’ Glimmer Lame Clutch, $725 I love this glittery clutch that is perfect for a big night out!
3. Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Miss Vara’ Clutch Wallet, $675 I can’t get over the dainty bow on this bag.  Like the other two it is a classic but the bow will be hard to pass up.
4. Prada Tessuto Small Cross Body Bag, $410 What this bag lacks in detail it makes up for in sheer classic design appeal.  I can’t imagine this bag ever going out of style.
When I finally do make a decision and purchase one of these beautiful bags (or if my husband wants to get me an awesome Anniversary gift!) I will be sure to let you know!  Let me know if you have any recommendations, I would love to hear them.

An Important Year and CalNaturale Svelte Shakes

23 May
I am headed towards a milestone.  I just had a birthday and turned 39, which means that 40 is coming up in May 2015.   I told my husband that I want to be in the best shape of my life next May and I need to start now, not 3 months before my birthday or January 1st, but now.   I am working on getting fit, exercising more frequently, lifting some weights and the most important part – eating better.   Although I am pretty healthy today and am at a good weight, I want to focus on toning up and getting some sort of booty.  I suffer from “white girl booty syndrome” aka I don’t have much of an ass.   In any event, a lot of posts will likely be centered around being healthier, healthier recipes, age defying products and things like that.
Sooooo….I am on the lookout for fabulous foods that will help me glow and feel amazing when this caught my eye while going through Whole Foods:
In my world a compliment can go far,  just ask my boys.  These little protein shakes made by CalNaturale had me at “Hello Beautiful” and “Looking Good”.  Seriously though – how flipping cute is the packaging?  Anyways, I bought a vanilla and chocolate flavor and parked them in my pantry for a couple of days before putting them in the frig.  I think I will keep the packages when I am done just so I can have a positive affirmation when I enter the pantry.   Anyways, back to the shakes – here is the skinny on them.  They have a soy base and are packed with vitamins and have a healthy amount of protein.  Each package holds about 16 oz.  Here is the nutrition information from the back:
These shakes are also tasty.  Now I am not one to sugarcoat the taste and say, “these taste just like a milkshake!”  No, that this not the case.  I do enjoy drinking mine over ice or putting the shake in the blender with ice for a refreshing treat.   These also make a great addition to my coffee.  I especially like adding the chocolate to my morning coffee for a mocha.  Another fab part of this product is that they have a cap where you can drink a little bit now and a save it for later if you don’t want to down the whole thing in one sitting.   I didn’t think these were cheap though.  They were on special at Whole Foods for 2/$7.00.
The verdict on these is go get some.  The packaging is awesome, they make me smile whenever I see them (I love anything that makes me feel happy), they taste yummy, are healthy and they are somewhat economical since they have a screw top.
Does anyone have any yummy shakes they like that are worth trying?

Asian Chopped Salad with Low-Fat Spicy Thai Vinaigrette

17 May

I have been hearing about Wendy’s Asian Chicken Salad with Spicy Thai Vinaigrette and how yummy it is.  Although I have never tried this salad, after hearing so much about this delicious concoction I developed an undeniable craving and decided to make my own version.  

 I dice fresh greens, green cabbage, red peppers, edamame, scallions, carrots, cashews and mix them with my own version of a low-fat spicy thai vinaigrette.  I think the next time I will add some chicken and turn this into a meal.
This is the perfect salad to take to potlucks since there is no mayo.  Give this a try and let me know what you think….
Asian Chopped Salad with Low-Fat Spicy Thai Vinaigrette
Salad Ingredients (Wendy’s Salad Dupe)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and cut into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 head cabbage, shredded in food processor
  • 2 large carrots, shredded in food processor
  • 1 red pepper, cut into small dice
  • 4 scallions, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup edamame, shelled (I buy these at Trader Joe’s)
  • 1/3 cup whole cashews (I measure these out and then give them a rough chop)
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Ramen flavor packet (take this from a pack of Ramen noodles)
  • 1/3 cup thai chili sauce
  • 2 T. Sriracha
Directions

Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.  In a jar, combine all of the salad dressing ingredients and shake well.  Pour dressing over salad and enjoy, it is soooo good!!!