try this: slow cooker beef and black bean chilli

Melissa 2 Comments

I've posted this recipe before, but I made it again this weekend and remembered how awesome it is! And it is super easy (just throw everything in the slow cooker and turn it on. No precooking). And its really inexpensive to make. My kids said "EWWW" at first because it doesn't look like our regular chili, so I called it "COWGIRL CHILI" and they gobbled it right up. *insert evil cackle*

Slow Cooker Beef and Black-Bean Chili

1 pound beef chuck, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1 cup dried black beans, rinsed
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced (I added more. Since you can never have too much garlic.)
3 tablespoons chili powder
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/4 cup sour cream, for serving (or cheese or whatever you like)

In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine beef, tomato puree, beans, onion (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish), garlic, chili powder, 2 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cover, and cook on high, 6 hours (or on low, 8 hours). **I find it works best to cook on high for 4 hours and switch to low unti you're ready to eat.** Serve chili topped with sour cream and reserved onion.

 

recipe origin: Everyday Food

roller coaster weekend

Melissa 5 Comments

This past week has been a bit of a roller coaster for us. Nick's grandfather was admitted to the hospital on Thursday and by Friday we learned he was not expected to leave the hospital. Sunday they moved him to hospice care and now we're waiting to hear when we should head up to Boston. It feels a bit like we're in a holding pattern here, just waiting to hear bad news. Not a fun place to be.

I'm finding it hard to blog about anything much as a result….

Well, anyways, we had a good weekend. We went to our new Bible Study on Friday evening, which was wonderfully encouraging. Then on Saturday Nick's brother and his fabulous wife came up to hang out and it was so great. They are so fun and so easy to relax with, a dose of family was the perfect remedy!

Plus, I went on 'dates' with both of the girls this weekend for some one-on-one time. I almost never get to spend time with them alone. So it was great to go hang out with them and just chat about school and what is going on in their little lives. Sweetness. Pure sweetness. I would really encourage you to do the same soon with your little ones!

How was your weekend?

 

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Fashion Friday: What? Its October? Edition

Melissa 2 Comments

Its been an extra crazy week in our house. I seem to be saying that a lot lately… but this week it was really true.  I was sick, my husband was in Wisconson, my son was sick, we found out we have to replace my Husband's car's exhaust system, our oil tank failed to pass inspection so we're getting a new one, and we had several stressful things happen to people in our lives and suddenly know way too many people in the hospital.

So anyway, I don't have a theme today. Beyond 'fashion in general.' So here are a few things that I've found this week that I've fallen in love with. If you would like to buy me them, please feel free.

1. This Ruffled Fleece Jacket by Arden B. You know my deep, deep love of ruffles, so of course I find this jacket totally adorable. It does not like it is made of fleece – looks super nice while still being comfy.

Arden B at ShopStyle

2. This hooded rib-knit henley from Old Navy as well. It would look so cute with jeans or peeking out under a denim jacket. And its only about $12!

Old Navy at ShopStyle

3. The Wardrobe Staple Cardigan from Anthropologie. Wow. Just wow. And its on sale.

Anthropologie at ShopStyle

4. Hello Gorgeous. Boots by Aldo.

Aldo at ShopStyle

5. Four words: Kate. Spade. Half. Price. This gorgeous Kate Spade New York Darien Opus Leather Handbag is almost $200 off. Still pricey, but if you're looking for a really nice bag….

Kate Spade at ShopStyle

6. This Coach Butterfly Signature Ponytail Scarf is so cute. I love pink and orange!

Coach at ShopStyle

7. This Herringbone Sheath Dress is so cute – I actually bought it when I saw it over the summer to make sure I got one. Because it fits amazing. And is just $30. And you'd never guess it was from Target. It also comes in black, navy and grey.

Mossimo at ShopStyle

8. This Islington Coat by Boden is just about the most adorable coat I've ever seen in my entire life. The bell sleeves, the peter pan collar, the slight flare at the waist…

Boden at ShopStyle

9. I really want a pair of Chucks. But I'm afraid they will make my feet look like boats. I have rather large feet. Seriously – I can't wear Crocs. They look ridiculous.

Converse at ShopStyle

10. I've been watching for Uggs to go on sale. Which almost never happens. So I'm probably going to have to save up and just go for it. I was going to go with the traditional Uggs, but then I saw these. They're Uggs that don't look like Uggs. Mama has a new pair of dream boots.

UGG at ShopStyle

For more fashion fridays, check out Big Mama (leggings), Mommies with Style (sweater wraps). Did you do a fashion post this week? Leave me a comment and I'll link up to you!

try this: 479 Popcorn

Melissa

I recently got to try out 479 Popcorn. Now I love popcorn. LOVE popcorn. So I was excited to give 479's organic popcorn a try.

Sampler 479 popcorn has 8 incredible distinctive popcorn flavors, made from the finest organic ingredients from around the globe, from Pimentòn de La Vera to Vietnamese cinnamon. All the spices are ground by hand every week, and they blend each flavor combination in small batches for a taste experience that is unmatched.

Every flavor we tried was absolutely fantastic. My favorite flavors were the Black Truffle and White Cheddar. and the Fleur de Sel Caramel. The savory flavor of the Black Truffle and White Cheddar was just fabulous – and the salty/sweet Fleur de Sel Caramel was addictive. My kids' (and sister-in-law's) favorite was the Vietnamese Cinnamon Sugar, while my husband loved the ever-so-slightly spicy Madras Curry Coconut + Cashews.

And just in time for the holidays, they have these fabulous gift collections and sampler packs! They would make fantastic gifts for all those confusing-to-buy-for people on your list.

You can follow 479 Popcorn on Twitter and fan them of Facebook.

disclosure: i received samples of 479 popcorn to facilitate this review. i was not compensated financially for this post.

try this: penne with braised short ribs

Melissa 4 Comments

I saw Giada making this on Food Network the other day and immediately had to give it a try. It smelled so amazing – my husband walked in the door and said "WOW! What is THAT?" I put it on the table and the kids gave out a collective "Eww! That is that?" But they all ended up loving it! Ellie even had thirds. It was really easy — most of the work was in the afternoon, so getting dinner on the table was a snap!

Penne with Braised Short Ribs

  • 4 pounds beef short ribs
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 5 Roma tomatoes, cut into eighths
  • 1 cup red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Place an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Season the ribs with salt and pepper. In a large heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or ovenproof stock pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. In batches, add the ribs and brown on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the ribs and set aside. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, wine and mustard. Bring the mixture to a boil and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Return the ribs to the pan. Add the beef broth, cover the pan and place in the oven for 2 1/2 hours until the meat is fork-tender and falls easily from the bone.

Remove the ribs from the cooking liquid. Using a large spoon, remove any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid. Using a ladle, transfer the cooking liquid in the bowl of a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and keep warm over low heat. Remove the meat from the bones. Discard the bones. Using 2 forks, shred the meat into small pieces. Stir the shredded meat into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and place in a large serving bowl. Using a slotted spoon, remove the meat from the sauce and add to the pasta. Pour 1 cup of the sauce over the pasta. Toss well and thin out the pasta with more sauce, if needed. Sprinkle the pasta with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

recipe orgin: Giada at Home

sick and rambling

Melissa 4 Comments

Woke up sick this morning. Yipee.

***

We were driving home from the Union game on Saturday and we had car trouble. Luckily we found a garage open at 7pm on a Saturday night. Clearly a miracle, if I've ever seen one. Today the car is in the shop and we're waiting to hear the damage. We are not in that fun place with my husband's car where we have to weigh repairs to the cost of the car… Its over 10 years old with over 100,000 miles so we know we don't have long to go. But a new car was not in the plan this year! Fingers crossed we can make it a bit longer!

***

I'm freezing. And last week, we had the air on. Seriously?

***

We are loving our new church. We visited about a month ago and as we've gone longer, we're really liking it! Our kids love it too and have made tons of friends. Talk about an answer to prayer! Its not perfect (no church is) but it has so much of what we've been looking for in a church. We've been church-floating for almost 18 months, so this is so encouraging. We're so excited to explore this further.

***

Last night we had dinner with friends from our old church. It was lovely. We just adore this family and always have such a great time together. When we went to leave, their girls informed us that my girls were going to stay and be their new little sisters. So sweet.

***

Okay. As I said, I'm not feeling well, so I need to go lay down.  Happy Monday.

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31 days of pink

Melissa 1 Comment

Several of my good friends are taking part in Audrey McClelland’s 31-Days of Pink challenge.  We're all commiting to wear pink for all 31 days of October to raise awareness for breast cancer. Other bloggers who are participating include Whitney from Mommies with Style, Julie from Just-Precious, Colleen from ClassyMommy and Vera from I’m Not Obsessed, and Kelly from The Centsible Life.

Inspired by their use of social media for such a good cause, I’m committing to wearing pink for all 31 days this month. I'll be posting pictures over on my fashion blog, b*Stylish and I'll hope that you’ll consider joining me in raising awareness about the 31 Days challenge. You don't have to wear PINK from head to toe… but just try to bring it into your outfit somehow everyday!

fashion friday: few fall finds

Melissa 5 Comments

We're keeping it light this week for Fashion Friday! I have once again over-committed myself and have spent the week scrambling to get things done. Plus, this weekend is the huge children's consignment sale I sell in, so I have spent all week sorting through baby clothes, deciding what to sell. (SOB!) But I have a few gems that I've run across to share!

I picked up this Open Front Runched Cardigan at Charlotte Russe the other week and I've been wearing it to death already. Loving it!

Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle

I love this shirt from Anthropologie. It is actually in my shopping cart and I'm trying to resist buying it. As much as I totally love it (and its even on sale!), I'm not sure where I'd wear it. If I had a 'real' job that required me to dress up, I would buy this in a heartbeat!

Anthropologie at ShopStyle

OOOO – and this one too!!

This shirt is an absolute classic - white and navy striped boatneck tshirt. And its on sale for only $8.

Old Navy at ShopStyle

Ohmyword. YUM!

Aldo at ShopStyle

I can not believe that this bag is from Target. And that its is only $34.

Milani at ShopStyle

I also picked up this shirt this pas week at Loft. (For 40% off, thankyouverymuch) It is going to look so cute with my jeans!

LOFT at ShopStyle

For more fashion fridays, check out Big Mama (PURSES!), Musings of a Housewife (dressing the girls), Mainline Moms (German shoes), Chic Critique (leggings),  Water Water Everywhere (who met MONOLO BLAHNIK), As Many As We've Given (fall fashion) Did you do a fashion post today? Let me know and I'll link to you!!