This past Saturday, I went to see Tennis at Record Bar. To my pleasant surprise, I really enjoyed the opening band Vacationer. Openers are often hit or miss - and this band is a hit in my book!
Trip by Vacationer
Oh, and by the way, Tennis is spectacular live! If you ever have a chance to see them, don't miss out.
May 14, 2012
May 10, 2012
Luxe Mountain Weddings
Our wedding from last summer is featured today on Luxe Mountain Weddings! I never got around to doing many wedding recaps, so this is a great place to see it. I'm glad there are blogs dedicated to mountain nuptials - I absolutely loved the natural, outdoor setting!
April 26, 2012
Spaghetti Squash with Chicken and Veggies
You may have seen spaghetti squash all over Pinterest lately - I know I had never thought twice about the vegetable before people started posting it as a healthy alternative to pasta. A couple months ago, I decided to buy one of these mysterious veggies at the grocery store. Then, I googled how to cook it and threw together a little recipe that ended up being uber tasty and easier than expected!
So, here's the recipe I threw together and have made on pretty regular basis ever since.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash - one squash will feed two people easily, but I always cook two so that I have left overs!
Olive Oil
1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
2 cloves of Garlic, pressed or chopped
1 package of Mushrooms, sliced
2 Tomatoes on the vine, chopped
1 package / bushel of Spinach
2-3 cups of shredded Chicken (previously cooked)
1-2 Tbsp of Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan for topping
(Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand! These are just the items I had around the kitchen.)
To cook the squash and get the tastiest results, I prefer baking it in the oven. But if you are pressed for time, microwaving works too. Here are directions for both methods that I've used:
Microwave
- Pierce the squash in several places with a knife
- Wrap in saran wrap
- Microwave for 10 mins turning the squash every few minutes
- Let squash cool, then cut in half lengthwise and deseed
Oven
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cut squash in half lengthwise
- Deseed and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Bake for 30-45 mins until squash is tender
Here is a photo after I baked some squash this past weekend:
While the mushrooms are cooking, this a good time to pull out the spaghetti squash (as long as it's cooled off!). To pull the 'spaghetti' out, just use a fork and scrape it along the squash lenthwise. You'll be suprised how easily it comes apart! Then, just set it aside for later.
Once your mushrooms are cooked to your liking, then you can go ahead and add the tomatoes.
After the tomatoes have cooked for a minute or two, add the spinach. Don't worry if it looks like a lot! The spinach will wilt pretty fast into a quarter of it's original size. At this point, you can also add a little salt and pepper to the mix.
Once the spinach is cooked, add in the shredded chicken. I just used a rotisserie chicken from the market, and it works really well. But you can also boil some chicken breast while you are baking the squash, as well!
Make sure the chicken is warmed up and mixed in well with all the 'fixins.' And then, add in the squash you've already shredded and set aside.
Heat up everything together for a few minutes. Add a little more salt and pepper. This is where I also add a little pad of butter, but you can also add more olive oil as a healther substitution. Serve with a little grated cheese and fresh cracked pepper on top! Voila! Healthy and delicious meal!
Enjoy!
So, here's the recipe I threw together and have made on pretty regular basis ever since.
Ingredients
Spaghetti Squash - one squash will feed two people easily, but I always cook two so that I have left overs!
Olive Oil
1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped
2 cloves of Garlic, pressed or chopped
1 package of Mushrooms, sliced
2 Tomatoes on the vine, chopped
1 package / bushel of Spinach
2-3 cups of shredded Chicken (previously cooked)
1-2 Tbsp of Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan for topping
(Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand! These are just the items I had around the kitchen.)
To cook the squash and get the tastiest results, I prefer baking it in the oven. But if you are pressed for time, microwaving works too. Here are directions for both methods that I've used:
Microwave
- Pierce the squash in several places with a knife
- Wrap in saran wrap
- Microwave for 10 mins turning the squash every few minutes
- Let squash cool, then cut in half lengthwise and deseed
Oven
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Cut squash in half lengthwise
- Deseed and sprinkle with salt and pepper
- Bake for 30-45 mins until squash is tender
Here is a photo after I baked some squash this past weekend:
Now, it's time to prepare all the 'fixins.' First, you want to heat up a few tbsps of olive oil in rather large pan. Then, go ahead and saute the chopped onions and garlic in the hot oil for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
Next, go ahead and add the sliced mushrooms. These will take about 5-8 minutes to caramelize.
Once your mushrooms are cooked to your liking, then you can go ahead and add the tomatoes.
After the tomatoes have cooked for a minute or two, add the spinach. Don't worry if it looks like a lot! The spinach will wilt pretty fast into a quarter of it's original size. At this point, you can also add a little salt and pepper to the mix.
Once the spinach is cooked, add in the shredded chicken. I just used a rotisserie chicken from the market, and it works really well. But you can also boil some chicken breast while you are baking the squash, as well!
Make sure the chicken is warmed up and mixed in well with all the 'fixins.' And then, add in the squash you've already shredded and set aside.
Heat up everything together for a few minutes. Add a little more salt and pepper. This is where I also add a little pad of butter, but you can also add more olive oil as a healther substitution. Serve with a little grated cheese and fresh cracked pepper on top! Voila! Healthy and delicious meal!
March 14, 2012
Math Nerds Unite!
It's March 14th... which means it's 3/14...which means it's Pi Day. The annual celebration of the mathematical phenomenon that is Pi. Apparently, you are supposed to eat pie to celebrate! Makes perfect sense. So, I give you the below meme that circulated the internets a few weeks back.
Happy Pi Day, everyone! Thanks to ANE News for the reminder :).
Happy Pi Day, everyone! Thanks to ANE News for the reminder :).
March 08, 2012
Threadsence
I discovered a great new online shopping source I wanted to share called Threadsence! I purchased the below pieces yesterday - I'll let everyone know how the quality turns out. But there appear to be some great designs at very reasonable prices.
Oh, and for a limited time, the site is offering free shipping for orders over $100 (don't worry, their other shipping fees are rather low if you don't want to spend that much).
Oh, and for a limited time, the site is offering free shipping for orders over $100 (don't worry, their other shipping fees are rather low if you don't want to spend that much).
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| Cutout Triangle Necklace, $19 |
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| Be Amazed Blazer, $36 |
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| Meet Cute Mint Dress, $48 |
February 14, 2012
The Lou | Weekend Recap
This past weekend, we took a quick trip across the lovely state of Missouri to visit St. Louis. This was my first time in this lovely metropolis, and I had a great time thanks to some wonderful recommendations!
Our first stop was, of course, the Gateway Arch! We traveled all the way to the top and got a great view of the city - I had no idea this was possible before I started researching. But beware, this little trip up to the top is not for the claustrophobic! You travel by steel pod (with only 4 foot doors) using some sort of pulley system that is a mix between an elevator, escalator, and maybe a forklift.
Next, we hit up the Central West End area - this is an uppity little area with great food and shopping. We had brunch at a little spot called Crepes Etc. I didn't get any photos of our food because I was starving and forgot. Oopsies! But, believe you me, this place is delish! I had a savory crepe filled with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, goat cheese and topped with gravy. YUM.
Next, we joined the rest of Garrett's family to watch the National Cross Country Championships that his dad and brother were officiating. Those were some fast people, y'all! And one guy was running without shoes on in sub-20 degree weather (the wind chills were below zero)! You can probably tell how cold I am in the photos... I was doing my best to use my hubby as a wind blockade.
Following the race, we did a little shopping on the Delmar Loop. Highly recommend! Then, we headed to a place called The Scottish Arms for dinner. This restaurant, as alluded to by the name, serves wonderful Scottish fare (think pork, lamb, haggis) and has a huge selection of Scotch. Oh, and all the waiters wear KILTS. Pretty amazing.
Phew! We fit a lot into one day! But I'm glad we made the trip, and I look forward to going back... maybe sometime when it's warmer.
Hope everyone has a lovely Valentine's day! I'm looking forward to dinner at home with the husbalicious!
Our first stop was, of course, the Gateway Arch! We traveled all the way to the top and got a great view of the city - I had no idea this was possible before I started researching. But beware, this little trip up to the top is not for the claustrophobic! You travel by steel pod (with only 4 foot doors) using some sort of pulley system that is a mix between an elevator, escalator, and maybe a forklift.
Next, we hit up the Central West End area - this is an uppity little area with great food and shopping. We had brunch at a little spot called Crepes Etc. I didn't get any photos of our food because I was starving and forgot. Oopsies! But, believe you me, this place is delish! I had a savory crepe filled with sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, goat cheese and topped with gravy. YUM.
Next, we joined the rest of Garrett's family to watch the National Cross Country Championships that his dad and brother were officiating. Those were some fast people, y'all! And one guy was running without shoes on in sub-20 degree weather (the wind chills were below zero)! You can probably tell how cold I am in the photos... I was doing my best to use my hubby as a wind blockade.
 | |||
| {btw, you can totally see my 'ombre' hair in this photo} |
Following the race, we did a little shopping on the Delmar Loop. Highly recommend! Then, we headed to a place called The Scottish Arms for dinner. This restaurant, as alluded to by the name, serves wonderful Scottish fare (think pork, lamb, haggis) and has a huge selection of Scotch. Oh, and all the waiters wear KILTS. Pretty amazing.
Phew! We fit a lot into one day! But I'm glad we made the trip, and I look forward to going back... maybe sometime when it's warmer.
Hope everyone has a lovely Valentine's day! I'm looking forward to dinner at home with the husbalicious!
February 10, 2012
Underwater Dogs!
Look at these awesome photos of dogs from underwater by Seth Casteel! They are spectacular! Some of the pups look like ferocious sharks, while others look a little more confused like their owners just threw them in. See more of Seth's work right here.
Hope this gives you a good smile on a Friday! This weekend, I'm headed to St. Louis for the first time ever. Can't wait!
Hope this gives you a good smile on a Friday! This weekend, I'm headed to St. Louis for the first time ever. Can't wait!
February 06, 2012
Music Mondays | Big Easy Express
My friend Meagan just sent me the trailer for Big Easy Express, and boy, does it look good! Not only does it include three great bluegrass-y bands - Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show - it was filmed during their Railroad Revival Tour where they traveled by train to each city from San Fran to New Orleans.
This tour also came through Kansas City this past summer, so it makes me extra excited! The film will be released at SXSW Film Festival this March in Austin, and I'll be hoping for a wider release very soon after that!
Enjoy!
Big Easy Express Official Trailer from S2BN Films on Vimeo.
This tour also came through Kansas City this past summer, so it makes me extra excited! The film will be released at SXSW Film Festival this March in Austin, and I'll be hoping for a wider release very soon after that!
Enjoy!
February 01, 2012
House in Progress
So, last September we moved into our lovely new house. We absolutely love the house, but there was one minor aesthetic problem - the wallpaper in the master bedroom. It was toile. Red toile. I actually really like toile patterns (and we are keeping the black version of this in the master bathroom), but the entire master was a little much. And the red color made the walls look somewhat pinkish. The husband was NOT a fan.
Because the master bedroom was recently remodeled and the wallpaper was the first layer on brand new sheet rock, we were timid to try and remove the wallpaper. So, after doing some research and talking with friends and family, we decided to paint over the wallpaper (gasp!). The main issue with this is you have to do an oil-based primer so the paint will grip on top of the wallpaper. And believe you me - oil primer is a pain in the booty to work with. BIG PAIN. Finally, I enlisted some help in my parents. They came in town for the week to help me address this wallpaper thing. Here are a few shots before the final transformation took place:
We chose a dark taupe-y grey to compliment our new Dwell Studio comforter. We also added some Safavieh Lamps because our current lamps clashed with the new wall color (besides, they were from Ikea anyways).Here's the after!
Since the walls were done, I also finally got the chance to set up my vanity! I found an image on Pinterest of antlers used as necklace hooks. Not only do I have more necklaces than any one person should ever own, I'm also on an antler/deer kick. Here are a few shots of my deer-inspired accessories!
Now, time to order some more wall hangings, etc. All in all, a huge weight has been lifted! Goodbye french farmers, hello clean crisp looking walls.
Because the master bedroom was recently remodeled and the wallpaper was the first layer on brand new sheet rock, we were timid to try and remove the wallpaper. So, after doing some research and talking with friends and family, we decided to paint over the wallpaper (gasp!). The main issue with this is you have to do an oil-based primer so the paint will grip on top of the wallpaper. And believe you me - oil primer is a pain in the booty to work with. BIG PAIN. Finally, I enlisted some help in my parents. They came in town for the week to help me address this wallpaper thing. Here are a few shots before the final transformation took place:
We chose a dark taupe-y grey to compliment our new Dwell Studio comforter. We also added some Safavieh Lamps because our current lamps clashed with the new wall color (besides, they were from Ikea anyways).Here's the after!
Since the walls were done, I also finally got the chance to set up my vanity! I found an image on Pinterest of antlers used as necklace hooks. Not only do I have more necklaces than any one person should ever own, I'm also on an antler/deer kick. Here are a few shots of my deer-inspired accessories!
January 27, 2012
The United States (as seen by NYers)
In honor of the Giants making it to the big game, I thought I'd share this fun map depicting how the lovely folks from New York City view the good ole US of A. Being from Texas, and having lived in NYC for 5 years, I can attest to the fact that this map is rather accurate.
And in all honestly, I started to somewhat assimilate to this view of our lovely country - well, except for Texas, of course! After all, we (Texas) were once our OWN country (read: we got LOTS of state pride, and do not include ourselves in "The South"). Hope this gives you a good chuckle! Happy Friday!
And in all honestly, I started to somewhat assimilate to this view of our lovely country - well, except for Texas, of course! After all, we (Texas) were once our OWN country (read: we got LOTS of state pride, and do not include ourselves in "The South"). Hope this gives you a good chuckle! Happy Friday!
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| {click to enlarge} |
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