Avocado Salsa

This stuff is so good I could eat it with a spoon! But I love to serve it with Baked Tostitos Scoops. Like, a heaping pile of its goodness with a chip hiding somewhere beneath. This recipe is one of my favorites, and is always a hit anytime I bring it to a BBQ or party.

Avocado Salsa

- 2 Fresh tomatoes diced.
- 2 Ripe avocadoes, diced.
- 1/2 to 1 whole red onion, diced.
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed.
- 1 can white (or yellow) corn, drained and rinsed.
- You can also add fresh cilantro. But I don't, I think it overpowers the other flavors.
- 1 dry packet Italian dressing (Prepare in a small bowl by directions on back of the packet, but use only half of the oil it calls for.)

Gently stir all ingredients together in large bowl and serve with corn chips, or top on your burger, orrrr just eat with a spoon like a salad!

Wonton Salad

This salad is one of my favorite childhood recipes that my mom used to make. The ingredients are very basic, which makes the salad so refreshing! Hope you enjoy!

- Wonton Salad -

DRESSING:

- 4 T. Vinegar
- 1/2 c. Oil
-4 T. Sugar
-1 tsp. Salt
-1/2 tsp Pepper


Mix dressing ingredients together and chill in fridge.

SALAD:
-1 Head of lettuce, thinly sliced (1/2" or so is my preference.)
-2 Large cooked chicken breasts, cube & cooled/chilled (can either be boiled on stove or grilled ahead of time, when you make the dressing.)
-1/2 c. Thinly sliced green onions
-1/3 c. Sliced almonds (Toasted almonds = even yummier.)
-2-3 c. Fried wonton skins (These can be bought at some grocery stores pre-fried/packaged, or you can buy the uncooked wonton skins in the produce section, cut into 1/4" slices and deep fry in vegetable oil until crisp. They cook quickly, so don't burn them!)


Toss all of the salad ingredients but the fried wontons with the chilled dressing. Top with the wonton strips and serve immediately.

Envying These Shoes...

**Coupon Code!** I love all of these shoes from Cents of Style and already own two of them. Use discount code "0209" at checkout for 10% off your entire order & FREE shipping! www.mycentsofstyle.com

Free Shoes?

How fantastic is this photograph? I love everything about it! And I love everything about Cents of Style too. From their amazing prices to their fantastic product, I am sort of addicted. (Ok actually it is a legitimate problem if you ask my husband!) :) Today, they are offering the darling sandal pictured below, for FREE with every order of $45 or more. Which is easy to do with all of the amazing accessories they have on their website right now. And don't forget to use your coupon code, "0209" for an extra 10% off your entire order! Take a peek: www.mycentsofstyle.com 

Buy something for yourself, and/or a birthday gift for a friend, and most importantly... get the free shoes! www.mycentsofstyle.com

WINNERS of {Perfect 10, Spring Wear}

I had so much fun doing this fashion challenge with you all! Thanks for participating, commenting, liking, supporting, etc. Every participant had darling entries, and I loved seeing you all push yourselves and try new things. If you were unable to following along throughout the game, you can still view all of the adorable outfit entries here.

3 things..

1) Blueberry Steel Cut Oatmeal-

Have you ever tried steel cut oats? They are a hearty, filling breakfast choice. I like to cook mine in the rice cooker. Here I did 1 cup steel cut oats, 3 cups water, & 1 cup frozen blueberries (you can also add a little bit of cinnamon and sugar if you want.) Then just push the cook button on the rice cooker. EASY. I topped it with a (overly generous) scoop of honey flavored Greek yogurt. Yum! Leftover oatmeal stores great in the fridge, and reheats in the microwave.

2) DIY Pedestal Bowl for $2.00!

Dollar Tree has these glass candle holders, and lots of fun vases and bowls. Glue them together using E6000 (found on the Walmart craft isle.) And who doesn't love Cadbury Mini Eggs? I'm addicted. Every Spring.

3) What Did I Wear?

You MUST go to Ann Taylor Loft and look through their clearance right now! I found this sweater for $4.88 (originally $79) and also a perfect fitting pencil skirt for $4.88... Holla!

Sweater- Loft, Jewelry- Cents of Style, Pants- Kohls, Boots- Cents of Style

4) Oh! There is suddenly a 4th point-



                                    

                                          Yes, THIS happened while I was blogging.
                                         So pretty right? I thought so too. Not.





Gumball Bracelet - DIY

I have been dying to make this super quick and easy DIY project! What better time than for Valentines? This bracelet is made out of GUMBALLS! Yes, completely edible, bubble blowing gumballs. Uhm.. how fantastic is that?! Confession: I was really tempted to nibble a gumball right off of my bracelet halfway through church today. And if I had, it would have been 100% appropriate. These little guys would make darling gifts for all your girl friends on Valentines Day, or for a little girl's birthday party!

They are sooo easy! Like, beyond fast. Once I laid out all of my supplies, the project took me 5 minutes tops. No joke.

I found my gumballs at Zurchers, but call your local party store, dollar store, etc. (P.S. Party World does not have gumballs. I called to ask them and the employee literally laughed out loud like I was a total idiot. I think I made his day. You're welcome.) Anyway, the Zurchers' phone call was much more pleasant and I hauled booty over there. I snatched up a package of red gumballs, for Love Day. But depending on the occasion for your project, the color possibilities could be really fun! They even had black. And GOLD. Yes yes, I will be back for more...

Ok, you probably just want me to get to the point already. So- The supplies you will need:

• 7-8 gumballs per bracelet (more or less, depending on the wrist)
• Ribbon
• Large sewing needle
• Something sharp to poke holes in the gumballs

The rest is a cinch! (Pictures below.) Poke holes in two opposite ends of each gumball to transform them into "beads." I used my meat thermometer (yes it was clean, come on!) but find something around your house that will work, perhaps a small nail? If your gumballs are old and hard you might need a drill. ;) But mine popped right through. Tie a knot in your ribbon, about 3-4 inches from one end (just leave enough on the end so that you can tie your bracelet ends into a bow, around your wrist when it's done.) In hindsight, I would tie a double knot. Thread your needle with the ribbon strand and string on a gumball. Tie a
knot
double knot right against the gumball. String on the next gumball, and so on and so forth. Size it to your wrist, leaving room for the cute bow accent and once you've got enough gumballs beaded on, tie a double knot against the last gumball. Leave 3-4 inches of ribbon, and trim. Fasten onto your wrist by tying an adorable bow. You're cute! Wear it proudly... and then wear it again and/or eat it. No judging here. :)

Visual Steps:

You bet your boots I wore it the next day...

Faves & Loves

Ok, ladies... Time to spill. Here are my current over-the-counter beauty regimen FAVES and LOVES:

1) Mary Kay, Luminous Wear Foundation for Dry Skin - $20. I love this foundation because I have dry reptile skin. I always feel like makeup shows the dry spots on my face. But this foundation is perfect for that! Mary Kay also has foundation for normal to oily skin. Ask your consultant for a sample! I love this product.
2) Carmex - Just the original Carmex, in the jar. 99 cents. Yup that's right.. 99 cents! My lips thank me every time I put this stuff on! I've got my hubby hooked too. It has been a really dry Winter here, and that calls for some un-cute, reptile chapped lips! The Carmex heals, soothes, and protects. I'm not sure if I could live without it these days. F'real.
3) Maybelline, Volum Express Mascara - Around $6. I buy it in very black, and NOT waterproof. I know picking the right mascara is super tough, and the perfect tube for one person might not be ideal for another. BUT.. this is my favorite one, and I have been married to it for years. And years.
4) Revlon, Lip Butter - Around $7. This is a new one for me! I took myself on a date to Target the other night, looking for a new lip product and struck gold! What I love about it is that it doesn't feel like lipstick, it goes on so smooth and sorta sheer. It's like a cross between lipstick and lip gloss, perfection. I'm pretty sure I'll be back for a few more colors in the verrrry near future.
5) John Frieda, Full Repair Sheer Mist - Around $9. My good friend introduced me to this, so I gave it a shot. It's been great! I spritz a little in my hands and then smooth through my wet hair, especially on the ends. Then blow dry and style like normal. It helps tame and soften my wild hair.
6) The Body Shop, Liquid Eyeliner - $13.50. A few years ago, The Body Shop used to be a direct sales company and my mother in law was a consultant. This is how I found my favorite liquid eyeliner of all time. What makes it so great? I don't know. It just works for me. Smooth line, not sticky, great applicator. The end.
7) Schwarzkopf, got2b Volumizing Styling Powder - Around $6 at the drugstore. (Knock off of Big Sexy's hair powder.) Have you ever used powder volumizer? It's not for everyone but you might just love it! I do. The key is to apply sparingly. Instant volume. Teasing your hair is only optional at this point. LOVE.

What are YOUR current faves and loves?

PS - Have you entered the giveaway at Dejavu Crafts?

Date night.

We went on date night last night! I've been looking forward to this night with my hubs for a while now, to a really yummy steakhouse. Earlier in the week, I had planned two different outfits in my head for the occasion (because everyone needs a solid backup outfit in case the original plan becomes an epic fail after you actually put it on and look in the mirror, right?) and they were darling mental images, I couldn't wait! Then I realized it was National Wear Red Day, to support fighting heart disease in women. So I turned a 180 from the colors and theme of my two premeditated outfit choices, and wore this...



Jewelry & Scarf - Cents of Style, Blazer- H&M, Shirt- Old Navy, Jeans- Kohls, Shoes- Cents of Style



We had a fantastic time at dinner, with two other couples that we really love. The dinner was incredible! And the company and conversation were just as wonderful. Just what this mom needed.

Where is your favorite place to go for date night?

WINNING.

My good friend is vegan, and she brought vegetable spring rolls to a New Years Eve party we went to. They were fantastic! I literally could not stop thinking about how delicious they were. I searched high and low stopped at one Asian store last week to pick up rice paper for my spring rolls, and they didn't have any. No food at all, in fact. Just thousands of trinkets and handbags and wallets and sunglasses and jewelry. I plan to go back, don't tell my hubs. Ok I'm getting side tracked...

SO. Today I ventured to my favorite thrift store, and was pleasantly surprised to see an Asian Market in the same shopping center, 3 doors down. I have had my eye out for an Asian Market for weeks! What do you know, it was right under my nose the whole time. Long story short, I brought home my long awaited rice paper. (After the lady at the register tried to barter rice paper for my 22 month old. I handed her my debit card. She counter offered "just a few hours with the baby." I may have perhaps accidentally glared at her, because she quickly ran my card.) Side tracked. Again. :)

You will need-

• Fresh veggies (I used carrots, cucumber, & red bell pepper).
• Cilantro leaves
• Avocado
• Sticky rice, brown rice, or rice noodles. (I usually use brown rice but used rice noodles this day.)
• Rice paper
• Peanut sauce for dipping

1) Cook your rice or noodles and let them cool. I used rice noodles and strained them, ran them under cool water, then dumped them onto a dish towel to absorb more of the water.
2) Slice your veggies into really thin spears/straws. The thinner sliced the better, in my opinion. Peel and slice your avocado in thin strips.
3) Take one piece of rice paper and dip it under a faucet of warm running water, both sides for only a few seconds each. It doesn't take as long as you'd think, and the paper continues to soften while you're assembling your rolls.
4) Lay the piece of rice paper on a plate or cutting board, sprinkle some cilantro in the middle, next the rice or rice noodles, next avocado and veggies. Roll like you would an egg roll or a burrito. I.E. fold up the bottom, then each side, then roll very tightly the rest of the way. Make sure you roll them as tight as you can.
5) Slice them in half and serve with peanut sauce for dipping.

Here is what one sheet of rice paper looks like before dipped in water.

These are the rice noodles I used, you can find them at a regular grocery store in the Asian section. Again, brown rice is just as delicious, and healthier.

They are so fresh and yummy. Addicting even. You could also add grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, etc. to make them more filling. My husband likes to add teriyaki chicken, but I prefer them vegetarian.

P.S. The package of rice paper was $1.69. Fair trade for a baby?

Side Note-
Here's what I wore to church on Sunday... & I am in love with this darling scarf!

Scarf- Cents of Style, Cardigan- Old Navy, Lace top- Boutique booth, Bracelet- Cents of Style, Skirt- Ross, Boots- Cents of Style

Would you have guessed that I work for Cents of Style? :) I love my job. As Courtney from The Bachelor would say, "WINNINGGG." Anyway, if you ever see something you love, use discount code "0209" at checkout for 10% off your entire order! And they always offer free shipping. Holla.

Oatmeal Cake

Truth be told, this is heaven in a 9x13 pan. Thank you Grandma & Momma for this wonderful recipe I savored growing up and still crave and splurge on today. Ready for the recipe? Don't let the ingredients scare you.... :) 

Oatmeal Cake:

1 1/4 c. boiling water
1 c. rolled oats
1 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. softened butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt

Pour bowling water over oats; cover & set aside. Next combine brown sugar & butter, cream together well. Beat in vanilla and eggs. Add the oats mixture and mix. Add remaining ingredients, mix on low until well blended. Pour into greased cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. While caking is baking, prepare the following topping:

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 1/2 c. flaked coconut
1 c. chopped pecans
Heat butter and evaporated milk on stove or in microwave until butter is melted. Stir in brown sugar, coconut, and pecans. While finished cake is still hot, take a fork and poke holes all through the cake, about 1/2" apart. Spread topping evenly over poked cake. Place under broiler heated oven (not too close to broiler) and cook until topping bubbles and is toasted lightly brown. Do not burn! Remove from oven and enjoy.

Giveaway Time!

How flipping CUTE is this bracelet! Want to win it? Here's how.... (click here)

P.S. "Like" Rachelle's Cents of Style for an automatic first entry.

If you would like to see more of this darling product line, go to: http://www.mycentsofstyle.com/ &  get 10% off  with discount code "0209" at checkout! And always free shipping. It's my day job. :) Holla.

2 in a row...

I got dressed two days in a row. Yessss....

Hat & jewelry - Cents of Style

Sweater - H & M
Top - Ross
Jeans - Target? (old)

Boots - Cents of Style



Jewelry - Cents of Style
Top - Ross
Pants - Kohls
Boots - Forever 21 (old)

2 in a row.. is that pathetic? And considering that I have church in the morning, I plan to make it 3. BAM!

Blast Worthy Tunes

Earrings & scarf - Cents of Style
Cardi - Nordstrom rack
Pants - Kohls (capris with boot socks, can you tell? ha.)
Boot socks - Target
Boots - Cents of Style

I had to run to a quick errand today, and got to go alone. That's right people, no kids in tow. It was the most fantastic, solo 10 minute drive. Two of my favorite old songs came on the radio that lead to sweet memories and blasting the radio like a teenager. And I sang along. :) If you feel like making fun of me in your head, then keep reading...

"One Step at a Time" by Jordan Sparks... brought me back to being over-due with my first baby. Retaining pounds & pounds of water from a Summer pregnancy + baby being over-due = one desperate momma. I'm pretty sure I cried once while listening to this song. Listen to the words yourself and you will see what I mean. And you will giggle. At me, not with me.
"These Words" by Natasha Bedingfield... brought me back to the Summer I met my hubs. I think I will always love this song, it is that cute. Was I three minutes late for my appointment because I had to finish blasting listening to this tune while sitting in the parking lot? Maybe.

What are some of your favorite blast worthy songs??

Lazy Sunday

With today being a new year, our church time changed to 9am. Yay!! Right? I love earlier church with kids... anything NOT during naptime has got to be easier, right? WRONG. Not today- not the day after New Years' Eve, when they stayed up until midnight celebrating with mom & dad. We're good parents. ;)

My alarm didn't go off, and we woke up at 8:30. Remember the part where I said church starts at 9? Yeah. It was chaos. But we were only 10 minutes late! I am slightly impressed with myself.

Let's be honest, church didn't end soon enough. But now the monsters girls are both sound asleep. And so is my hubs. And I am bypassing a beloved nap to enjoy a quiet, lazy Sunday- sittin' on the couch, sippin' on a Dr. Pepper, and Snoop Bloggy Bloggin'.

Jewelry- Cents of Style
Cardi- Target
Dress- Target
Belt- Thrifted
Tights- Target (Can you guess what my favorite store is?)
Boots- Cents of Style

Did you have a lazy Sunday too?