Chicken with Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce

This recipe came from the January/February 2012 edition of Cooking Light magazine.  It's super fast, done in about 20 minutes, and only 380 calories per serving!

 

Ingredients

 

• Cooking spray
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 16 slices pepperoni, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 cups lower-sodium marinara sauce (such as McCutcheon's)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken cutlets
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat broiler to high.
2. 2. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add garlic and pepperoni; cook 2 minutes or until garlic begins to brown, stirring frequently. Add oregano; cook 30 seconds. Add marinara sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in basil.
3. 3. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Sprinkle chicken with pepper. Add chicken to skillet; cook 5 minutes or until lightly browned, turning after 3 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Broil 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

Cleaning Cabinets

It's Spring cleaning time! 

Kitchen cabinets catch a ton of grime!  Things splash and splatter on them, and just think about the hands that grab hold of the knobs!  Grease and dirt build up on the cabinets over time. I carelessly wipe mine when I clean the kitchen, but sometimes they need a good cleaning. 

 

Here's a little tip for wiping down your kitchen cabinets and handles: Heat sponge in the microwave first!

To clean your cabinets, first heat a slightly damp sponge or cloth in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until it's hot. Put on a pair of rubber gloves, spray the cabinets with an all-purpose cleaner containing orange oil, then wipe off the cleaner with the hot sponge.

For stubborn spots, let the cleaner sit for five minutes first. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain. Rinse and reheat the sponge as it becomes saturated. Then wipe the cabinets with a cool, damp cloth. The orange oil leaves a shiny coating. This works for any wood or metal surface.

http://www.familyhandyman.com/diy-projects/cleaning/interior-cleaning/top-10-household-cleaning-tips-the-tough-problems#step1

Almond Streusel Cake

I've had this recipe for years and years.  I found it on a Great American Home Baking sheet, stuck it in my notebook, and basically forgot about it.

Then, last Sunday I had some free time on my hands and decided to try it out.

It just so happens that when Jaimie got home from his golf game, the cake was just done and still warm.  He told me that we were going to my aunt and uncles for dinner so I grabbed the cake and took it with me. 

Let's just say there wasn't much left to bring home.

It was a super moist, flavorful cake and the streusel was terrific!

Streusel:

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1 cup sliced almonds

1/2 cup all purpose flour

3 tbsp butter, melted

2 tsp grated orange zest

Cake:

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 tsp grated orange zest

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup orange juice

Glaze:

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

2 1/2 tsp orange juice 

Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9- or 10-inch tube pan.

To prepare the streusel, in a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, nuts, and flour.  Stir in the butter and the zest.  Set aside.

To prepare the cake, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in zest and vanilla.



In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda.

Reduce mixer speed to low.  Alternately beat flour mixture and orange juice into egg mixture beginning and ending with he flour.

Spoon half of the batter into prepared pan.  Sprinkle with half of the streusel.  Top with the remaining batter and Streusel.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.  Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool.

To prepare the glaze, in a cup, stir together the sugar and juice until smooth.

Turn the cake out onto a serving plate, placing it right side up.  Drizzle with glaze.

Sleep

Yep, that's pretty much the way it is in my house.

Sorry, hunni!

Today I Wore...

Top, Tank, and Pants - NY&Co

43 lbs!!!!!!

Woo Hoo!

Fried Mozzarella Stix

The first time I ever had a fried cheese stick was when my aunt and uncle took me to Bennigans.  After the first bite, I was hooked!  I've never even thought of trying to make them myself but this recipe seems pretty simple. 

Ingredients

• 12 pieces string cheese
• 12 egg roll wrappers
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• Marinara or spaghetti sauce

Directions

• Place a piece of string cheese near the bottom corner of one egg roll wrapper (keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use). Fold bottom corner over cheese. Roll up halfway; fold sides toward center over cheese. Moisten remaining corner with water; roll up tightly to seal. Repeat with remaining wrappers and cheese.
• In an electric skillet, heat 1/2 in. of oil to 375°.
• Fry sticks, a few at a time, for 30-60 seconds on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with marinara sauce. Yield: 1 dozen.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Mozzarella-Sticks-2?_rid=838832.650200.781355&_mid=838832&pmcode=IKLDC05S

BLT Pasta Salad

Those of you who know me know how much I love a salad, and how much I love pasta, so that makes pasta salad a favorite!  This recipe looked amazing.  Anything with bacon is amazing as far as I'm concerned.  I did change the recipe just a tad.  As you can see in the picture, the recipe calls for the lettuce to be mixed in with the pasta mixture.  I was afraid this would make the lettuce all soggy so I chose to serve the pasta salad on top of a bed of lettuce.  Turned out much better this way.

 

 

Ingredients

• 12 ounce corkscrew shaped pasta
• 1/2 cup milk
• 12 ounces lean bacon
• 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 cup mayo (i used 1/4 cup mayo and 1/4 cup greek yogurt)
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons chopped chives
• 5 heads Bibb lettuce, quartered, or 5 cups chopped romaine hearts

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water as the label directs. Drain and toss with the milk in a large bowl; set aside.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 3 tablespoons drippings from the pan. Add the tomatoes, thyme and garlic to the pan and toss until warmed through; season with salt and pepper. Crumble the bacon into bite-size pieces; set aside 1/4 cup for garnish. Toss the remaining bacon and the tomato mixture with the pasta.

Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and 3 tablespoons chives with the pasta until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon over beds of lettuce. Garnish with the reserved bacon and the remaining 1 tablespoon chives. Serve at room temperature.

 

http://www.abirdandabean.com/2011/06/blt-pasta-salad.html

 

 

 

 

Today I Wore...

Top and pants - Old Navy

March Bunco!

The Bunco Babes had a great time this weekend at Mom's house.  Our Bunco party doubled as a surprise baby shower for Kim.  I think she was genuinely surprised!  It's hard to pull things like that off these days.  Unfortunately, the battery in my camera was nearly dead when she started opening gifts so I didn't get many pictures.  Mom and Mandy put together a scrumptious spread of chicken salad croissants, pasta salad, crudites and Mandy's amazing strawberry cupcakes.  We even got a nice visit from baby Silas!  Can't wait till next month!!!

Chicken and Dumplins Bake

• 3-4 cups of cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of unsalted butter
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups chicken stock/broth
• 1 can Campbell's cream of chicken soup

Instructions:

If you are using fresh, raw chicken, please see cook's notes at the bottom of the recipe. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Melt 1/2 stick of butter and pour into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Shred the chicken and spread it on top of the butter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and the flour and slowly pour that over the chicken taking care not to disturb the chicken too much. Do not stir. Whisk together the chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup. Slowly pour that over the flour and milk mixture. Do not stir.

Bake uncovered at 400 degrees F for 35 to 45 minutes, or until top is light golden brown.

~Cooks Notes~

Use rotisserie chicken, leftover precooked chicken, canned chicken or 3 to 5 pieces of raw chicken - chicken breasts, mixed chicken parts. Poach raw chicken in the chicken broth or stock in a medium sized saucepan. Cook on a low simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes or until chicken is mostly done. It will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool but reserve the stock. To substitute all purpose flour, use 1 cup of flour and add 1-1/4 teaspoon of baking powder plus 1/8 teaspoons of salt. Leftovers reheat nicely, but casserole does not freeze well.

Chicken Pot Pie Casserole: Several readers like to make this an all-in-one meal by adding drained canned mixed veggies, or cooked/steamed frozen or fresh veggies. Cook 2 sliced carrots, 2 sliced celery stalks, a diced potato and a chopped onion, in about 3 cups of chicken broth. Can season the water with bay leaf, herbs or other non-salt seasonings. When the veggies are tender, drain but reserve the broth. Put the veggies on top of the shredded chicken and add about 1-1/2 cups of frozen peas. Finished as above, using the reserved broth from the veggies.

Source: http://deepsouthdish.com

Correct Punctuation

Today I Wore...

Shirt - Anna (JC Penny)

Pants - NY&Co

Belt - Target

Carrot Top Cupcake

http://www.squidoo.com/easter-treats-goodies-mms

I love this Carrot Top Cupcake!

A carrot cake cupcake with cream cheese icing and M&M decorations - yummm!



Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3 cups grated carrots (less than 1 pound)
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

For the frosting:

• 3/4 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 pound confectioners' sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat the sugar, oil, and vanilla together in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the eggs, 1 at a time. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add 1/2 of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Add the grated carrots, raisins, and walnuts to the remaining flour, mix well, and add to the batter. Mix until just combined.
Line muffin pans with paper liners. Scoop the batter into 22 muffin cups until each is 3/4 full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F and cook for a further 35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack.
For the frosting, cream the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Add the sugar and beat until smooth.
When the cupcakes are cool, frost them generously, decorate with M&Ms and serve.

Today I Wore...

Top - Old Navy

Pants - Gap

Easter Table Fun

Looking for a fun way to spice up your Easter table setting?  Try wrapping green plastic cutlery in an orange napkin to look like carrots! 

Scarf Organizer

Looking for a neat, inexpensive way to organize all of those scarves you've accumulated?

Take a plastic hanger and add shower curtain rings to hang your scarves on.

This keeps them all visible and organized and neat!

Cool idea, huh?

Thanks Pinterest!

Loaded Potato Casserole

This is so good, some are calling it "Crack Potato Casserole". 

2 (16oz) containers sour cream

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

2 (3oz) bags real bacon bits

2 packages Ranch Dip mix

1 large (28 - 30oz) bag frozen hash brown potatoes - shredded kind

1 container French's Fried Onions

Combine first 4 ingredients, mix in hash browns. Top with onions. Spread into a 9x13 pan. Bake at 400 for 45-60 minutes.

*You can divide the potatoes into 3 small 7x7 disposable foil pans and freeze them. Wrap them with plastic wrap and then foil.*

http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/01/crack-potatoes.html

Door Decor

How cute is this wreath???

And it looks simple enough that even I could do it. 

find the tutorial here:

http://www.momtastic.com/diy/172147-spring-bunny-wreath

Spring Cleaning Checklist

While I am not going to pretend like I do everything on this list, I do think it's a good idea to have a checklist.  Not only does it help you stay organized and accomplish your goals, it's also a nice way to see what you've already done and feel like you've made some progress.  There's no feeling that the one you get from checking something off your list. 


FOYER

1. Dust lighting fixtures.
2. Wash walls and trim
3. Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
4. Wash bench or other furnishings. Launder bench cushion, if applicable.
5. Empty out coat closet. Wash walls and floor. Sort items as you return them to the closet. Store out of season items, donate unneeded items.
6. Clean or replace entry mat.
7. Sweep and scrub floors.
8. Reseal grout lines, if applicable.

BEDROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Dust furniture.
3. For each drawer: remove items, wash drawer, place items back neatly. Donate Items you no longer need.
4. Remove everything from closets. wash closet walls if necessary. Sweep and wash closet floor. Put everything back neatly. Donate items you no longer need. Do not store things on closet floor.
5. Move Bed. Sort and put away anything that was under bed. Sweep or vacuum under bed. Try not to store things under bed.
6. Put bed back. Flip mattress. Vacuum both sides.
7. Launder bedding and curtains. Wash pillows and duvet in hot water. Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
8. Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
9. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
10. Wash switch plates. Wash walls and trim.
11. Wash mirrors or dust art.
12. Wash doors and doorknobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.

BATHROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Empty all cabinets and vanity. Wash inside, replace items neatly. Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
3. Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
4. Clean tub. Wax if necessary. Clean drain.
5. Clean toilet, inside and out. Remove seat and clean around seat bolts.
6. Clean sink and drain.
7. Shine faucets.
8. Clean mirror and frame .
9. Dust light fixtures.
10. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
11. Wash switch plates. wash walls and trim. Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
13. Sweep and wash floors.
14. Reseal grout lines.

KITCHEN

1. Open windows.
2. Remove and clean window coverings.
3. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly. Donate unneeded items.
4. Wash and sanitize cutting boards
5. Sharpen knives
6. Wash cabinet doors and knobs
7. Clean and organize pantry. Check food expiry dates.
8. Clean oven.
9. Clean stove top. Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
10. Clean and organize fridge and freezer. Defrost freezer, if necessary. Check food expiry dates.
11. Clean under fridge and stove.
12. Vacuum refrigerator coils.
13. Clean microwave.
14. Clean crumbs out of toaster.
15. Clean and descale kettle.
16. Wipe down any other counter appliances
17. wash counters and back splash.
18. Wash and shine sink. Shine faucet. Clean drain.
19. Dust light fixtures.
20. Wash windows and window sills. Remove window screens and wash.
21. Wash switch plates.
22. Wash walls and trim.
23. Wash doors and door knobs.
24. Wash floor registers and other vent covers
25. Sweep and wash floor.
26. Reseal grout lines, if applicable.

DINING ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash curtains.
3. Wipe down table and chairs.
4. Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
5. clean chair pads, if applicable.
6. Polish table, if necessary
7. Create a pretty spring vignette on table!
8. Dust any displayed china or serving dishes.
9. Launder table linens.
10. Shine silverware.
11. Dust art.
12. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
13. Wash switch plates
14. Wash walls and trim.
15. Wash doors and door knobs
16. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
17. Clean floors.

LIVING ROOM/ FAMILY ROOM/ PLAYROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Vacuum sofas.
3. Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
4. Launder throw pillows and blankets.
5. Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
6. Clean lamps and lampshades.
7. Wash windows and window sills.
8. Take out and wash window screens.
9. Clean television screen.
10. Carefully dust electronics.
11. Tidy electronics wires. Tuck nicely out of sight. Label them, if practical.
12. Sort through music and DVD collections. Purge things that no longer suit your families interests. Organize what is left in an attractive manner.
13. Sort books and magazines. Donate or recycle ones that no longer suit your families interests.
14. Wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. Launder stuffed toys. Donate or store toys that your children have grown too old for.
15. Wash switch plates.
16. Wash walls and trim.
17. Wash doors and knobs.
18. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
19. Clean floors.

LAUNDRY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash windows and window sills.
3. Take out and wash window screens.
4. Wash cabinet doors.
5. Wash inside cabinets.
6. Wash laundry sink. Shine faucet. Clean drains.
7. Wash outside of washer and dryer.
8. Wash inside of washing machine.
9. Wash lint trap.
10. Wash switch plates.
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and door knobs.
13. Wash floor registers and other vent covers.
14. sweep and wash floors.
15. Reseal grout lines, if applicable.

STAIRWELLS

1. sweep/vacuum stairs
2. Spot clean walls.
3. Wipe down handrail.
4. Dust art and light fixtures.

OUTSIDE

1. Sweep porches and walkway.
2. Wash thresholds.
3. Wash exterior doors. Give front door a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
4. Clean or replace welcome mat.
5. Wash siding.

REMEMBER TO:

• Clean blades of ceiling fans.
• Sort through and organize family photographs (digitally or into albums).
• Sort through paperwork and discard unneeded files. Date and file important documents in an orderly manner.
• Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets and office spaces.

http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/p/thorough-spring-cleaning-checklist.html

Today I Wore...

Shirt - Express

Pants - Loft

Shoes - American Rag

Necklace - NY&Co

Getting Ready for Spring Cleaning

Originally, spring cleaning was a grueling ritual made necessary by long winters of heating with wood, kerosene and candles that left a layer or soot and grime throughout the home. Today, spring cleaning is much less an onerous chore and more an opportunity to throw open the windows, let some fresh air in, and make our homes clean, happy and efficient spaces.  This is the opportunity we create to do those things that don't make it on our daily, weekly, or even monthly cleaning lists.

I am not a fan of spring cleaning, or cleaning at all.  I am, however, a fan of how my house looks after a spring cleaning.  I always plan my spring cleaning for the week I am on Spring Break, but this year I will be spending half of that week on vacation with my hubby and the kids.  Can't wait to spend some time in Charleston!  This means I'll have to start my spring cleaning early.

If you are like me, you have to psych yourself up for it.  Make a plan, make a list, shop for all of the supplies, buy a case of Red Bull, etc.

Before you begin, Here are some extra spring cleaning tips:

1. Set aside at least a week for a thorough spring cleaning. Work from one end of your house to the other.  If you have two levels, I would suggest working from top to bottom. 
2. Plan some easy meals for the days you will spend cleaning. Consider using your slow cooker. A crockpot full of stew at the end of a day of intense cleaning is a beautiful thing!
3. As you clean, keep a list of any jobs you notice that need to be done around the house: little paint touch-ups or a pillow that needs to be mended. Don't get distracted by these chores during your cleaning, save them for when you are done. (Or else you may never be done!)
4. Keep another list of things you notice you need. Especially when you clean out your fridge and pantry, you will probably become aware of some supplies you are out of or running low on.
5. Take an empty laundry basket and pile in it anything you need your hubby or kids to sort through (miscellaneous receipts you're not sure you need to keep, random bolts and screws you've found in his pocket a year ago but you're afraid to get rid of because if you do he's sure to come to you tomorrow asking if you've seen that little bolt that is vital for something or other, that singing Christmas tie you're really hoping he'll finally part with... you get the point!)    Give each family member their own basket and ask them to sort through the basket when he has a chance. Just make sure they find that chance within the next week!

Tomorrow I'll post a full cleaning checklist!  Stay tuned...

http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2011/03/checklist-for-thorough-spring-cleaning.html

Caramel Apple Bites

I have not tried these yet but I'm dying to give them a go!  I love caramel apples and these little bites seem like just the thing to  cure that craving. 

Ingredients

FILLING:

• 1/3 cup finely chopped unpeeled apple
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

DOUGH:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

TOPPING:

• 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• Green toothpicks
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

• In a small saucepan, combine filling ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened; set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
• Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Flatten and place 1/4 teaspoon filling in center of each. Fold dough over filling and reshape into balls. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
• Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• In a small saucepan over low heat, cook caramels and evaporated milk until caramels are melted; stir until smooth. Insert a toothpick into each cookie and dip into caramel until completely coated; allow excess to drip off. Dip bottoms into nuts. Place on wire racks to set. Yield: about 3 dozen.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Caramel-Apple-Bites

Yesterday I Wore...

Yesterday was a CRAZY and hectic day.  I swore it was Monday all over again.  I didn't get around to posting "Today I Wore..." so I will have a "Yesterday I Wore...".



Cardi and Top - Target
Pants - NY&Co

Makes Scents

I like to think of fragrance as an invisible accessory. It’s an incredibly easy way to change both your attitude and the entire vibe of your look. Just one spritz can give you a total confidence boost and give you the allure factor. Not to mention it’s the strongest memory trigger! If you have a trademark scent, whenever people smell it—whether you’re there or not—they will instantly be reminded of you. : )

I don't have one scent that I wear all the time.  I usually have 2 or 3 that I'm wearing at a time and I alternate between them.  My favorite perfumes right now Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Coach's Poppy Flower, and Jessica Simpson's Fancy Love.

Do you have a favorite perfume? What is it?

Mad About Mint

This is the color to be seen in for Spring 2012!

It's fresh and versatile.  My mint colored jeans from London Jean (Victoria's Secret) are some of my favorites. 



Today I Wore...

Shirt and pants - American Eagle

Gotta Get One!

Where o where can I get this?

I've got to have one!!!!

Easter Door Decor

Beautiful Easter Door Decoration

A bouquet of pink tulips, along with greenery and dyed eggshells filled with daffodils, tuck neatly into an umbrella for a unique Easter door decoration. To make, tie a pretty pink ribbon halfway up a closed umbrella to create a makeshift vase for your arrangement. Create pockets between front ribs and tuck in tissue paper to support a crafts-store bird's nest, blown-out dyed Easter eggs, fresh flowers, and greenery, such as ferns and moss. When you're finished, wire the arrangement to a front-door hook to hang.

http://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/decorating/easter-spring-door-decorations/?rb=Y#page=4

Today I Wore...

 Jacket - Gap

Tee - Gap

Jeans - Old Navy

Naked Chopper!

Today I'm trying out a new gold eye shadow.

I'm loving my new Urban Decay Naked2 palette and this color is called Chopper.  I usually don't wear colors this light but this was one of those days I wanted to try something new. 

 I'm really a big fan of the palette.  It gives me an opportunity to try colors that I might not have bought seeing them alone.  This Chopper color is an example of just that. 

Today I Wore

Shirt - INC (Macy's)

Pants - Old Navy

Shoes - Toms

Menu Template

I love this template for a weekly menu. 

I have found that my week goes much more smoothly when I'm organized and well-planned for dinner.  I like that this planner has the grocery list right next to the menu. 

You can find it at http://www.mommytracked.com/files/downloads/download3.pdf

The Black Blazer

The black blazer is such a versatile piece to have in your closet and I would consider it a staple.

These days, it can be paired with a pair of skinny jeans and a tee with a colorful scarf and some heels, and look just as fabulous over a coctail dress!