Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Quinoa Vegetarian Chili + Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread


I have always wanted to try out a vegetarian chili.  Don't get me wrong I love the kind with meat but I wanted something a little lighter.  This one knocked my socks off.  Not only was it so easy to make but it was so full of flavor you don't even miss the meat.  I loved the addition of quinoa in it, it added a nice texture.  I served it with Ina Garten's Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread- Recipe Here and it was the perfect meal for a chilly night.  I make her cornbread all the time, it is so delicious.  You can could easily make this in your slow cooker if you want, but I used my large Dutch Oven pot.   Saves and reheats well. 
Enjoy!


|| Q U I N O A   V E G E T A R I A N   C H I L I  ||
adapted via Damn Delicious

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (4.5-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, or more, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted
  • Shredded white cheddar cheese for topping
  • sliced green onions for topping
  • Juice of 1 lime, optional
  • 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large saucepan of 2 cups water, cook quinoa according to package instructions; set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat. Add garlic and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until onions have become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in quinoa, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper and 1-2 cups water, making sure to cover most of the ingredients; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir in beans, corn, cilantro and lime juice, if using, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  5. Serve immediately with avocado, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar and sour cream  if desired.





Monday, November 28, 2016

Scenes From Our Weekend + Frances Moon turns 3 + Best of Cyber Monday Sales

First things first Frances Moon turned 3 on Friday!  I can't believe how fast time flies.  She is such an independent little lady these days and full of so much personality!  My friend Lucy Cuneo snapped these pictures.  This is the third year she has captured Frances for her birthday,  it is becoming a birthday tradition!  

We did a small family party for her while we were in Charlotte.  I found the cutest Unicorn balloons that were a huge hit with the kids.


Frances insisted on wearing my sister's old dress for the party:)

We spent the past week in Charlotte with my family and had the best time!  
I managed to sneak in one night out with some girlfriends.  We had wine and snacks at Foxcroft Wine and I loved it.
Two of my oldest and dearest friends, Courtney and Melissa.
Wearing this blouse from Loft that is now 50% off!
Thanksgiving morning Sterling and I did a 5k race with my sister and her kids.  It was his first race and he was so excited. We did more walking than running but had a blast.
Before the race.
This cross front cardigan is perfect to toss on over your workout clothes!
and after:)

A close up of my leggings.  I love the scalloped detail and they are super flattering.  They really slim you and suck everything in.

Thanksgiving Day with my little loves.
My sister and brother.

All the cousins.

It was my first year having a Bojangles turkey and it was so good!  

We got back in town for Frances Moon's actual birthday and took the kid's to the Yacht Club.  
All Frances wanted was for Matt push to her unicorn on the swing for her birthday so he did- you can see the sheer excitement on his face.  He resisted at first but she suckered him into it.

These booties were on repeat all weekend.
The most gorgeous sunset.

Saturday we decorated and put up our tree.  I decided to buy a fake tree this year and I am loving it.

I also picked up a rose gold tree because why not?!

Sunday we went to church and had lunch with Matt's parents.

B E S T   O F   C Y B E R  M O N D A Y  S A L E S
Many sales are the same as Black Friday you can see my original posts HERE and HERE.  I tried to round up the new sales below.

pictured below:

I love all her beauty products.  Pictured below are 3 favorites I use often.  Use code BLKFRIDAY to save 30%.


40% off the entire site.  Use code CYBER40.
I am wearing a size 4.


My over the knee boots are a favorite.



25% off the entire site.  Use code THANKS.
I have had my eye on this plaid shirt for awhile, may have to snag it.

Extra 25% off.

I wore this shift dress to church yesterday.  It is 40% off plus the extra 25% off.  Use code FALL25.  It runs on the large side so size down.  I am wearing XS.

I also own this Cashmere sweater.  It is almost 60% off plus the additional 25% off makes it under $100!  I wear a small in this style.



30% off select clothing.
I love this for the holidays!


I LOVE this vest and its reversible!  


30% off everything. Use code YETIPARTY.  Tea Collection pj's are my favorite for the kids.

30% off white label.  All white label items are made for before, during and after pregnancy and most are machine washable! Use code BWLCYBER
I love this white turtleneck.  The fit is loose and swingy and I always love a white top. 






Friday, November 25, 2016

Favorite Thanksgiving Salad + More Black Friday Sales

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families and loved ones.  We certainly did there is so much to be thankful for!
This year we had Thanksgiving in Charlotte with my family so I only had to make one dish.  As much as I love hosting it was nice to just show up and not have to be in charge of everything! Of course I chose a salad.  This salad was so freaking good and easy.  Trust me it will not disappoint.  I will be making this often.

|| B R U S S E L S   S P R O U T S   S A L A D ||

- 2 bags brussels sprouts shredded
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 jalapenos seeded and thinly sliced
- 10-12 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 bottle caesar dressing

Place all in a bowl and mix together,  This gets better as it sits.  


.......................................................
Lots of great sales are going on!  You can see my original post HERE with my top picks!

So many awesome deals.  
30% off select fashion.  I love the color of these Jessica Simpson pumps.


I love my Kindle and it is almost 50% off.

30% off everything.  Use code LETGO
This black dress is a great staple. 


I tried this dress on and really liked the style.  The color is really gorgeous in person.



Up to 60% off!   Use code HIFRIENDS for free shipping.
This Zebra dress is my favorite style.  I am wearing an XS.


Another favorite.  I like this shift style.  




Extra 20% off some sale styles
I wear these high waisted jeans all the time and they are now 50% off.

I have had several questions about my over the knee boots and they are on sale plus the 20% off.  They are so comfy and TTS.

Spend $125 get a free lip sheer of your choice.  Spend $250 get a free body oil.
They have some great holiday sets!
This set contains 4 colors and they are all gorgeous.  
I tried every single gloss on and all the colors are amazing although the red is my favorite!  Perfect for the holidays.
The colors in this set are stunning.  There is so much you can do with this set.  This set is only $58 which is such a steal for all these colors.  It contains eyeshadow, blush, bronzer and eyeliner.
I use my Beauty Counter Charcoal Mask once a week.  It gets really tight on your face and then when you wash it your skin feels super smooth.  I also use it as spot treatment for zits.  

Loft is now offering 50% off with code BERRYGOOD.

I also love this plaid blouse.  I am wearing a small.


This poncho is a great buy.
40% off designer sale + $50 off when you spend $200.


30% off everything.  Use code GOBBLEGOBBLE.


20% off the site.   This is a great time to buy Terrafirma dishes, they are my favorite!
Use code THANKS.

30% off everything.
I wear these earrings all the time.   They come in several color options.  Use code THANKS30.

Happy Friday and Happy Shopping!