NYE Disco Animals

I feel like I am still in vaca mode. I guess I technically am. New Year's Eve night is tomorrow. We are traveling to Memphis for Zoogma's Zoo Year's Eve party. It gets pretty rowdy. A musical stampede of sweaty people in animal costumes. Fun times. The thought of cleaning up and packing right now gives me a serious case of the "yawns." I've diagnosed myself. I just don't feel motivated to shake off my lazies. 

Anydoubleshotofexpresso, I have always been obsessed with the 197o's fashion. From the bohemian glamour to the glittered out Studio 54 nights, it just appeals to me. 

197o's Swimwear

Farrah Fawcett

Sophia Loren

Bridgitte Bardot in Spain, 1971

Debbie Harry

Harper's Bazaar Italia September 1978

 Marie Helvin and Jerry Hall in Burberry

Rod Stewart in all his glory 

Winsome Words Wednesday

                                                                 Source: thingsthatsparkleblog.blogspot.com via Coffee on Pinterest

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Keeping Up With The Holidays

Another holiday vacation is over and done with. Thank you sweet baby Jesus!! I cannot express how glad I am that this whirlwind of a month is almost finished. Don't get me wrong, I loved every hectic minute of it. I am just ready for normalcy. Wait. Is there such a thing? I dunno.

In the past few weeks, we've had an amazing time with our family, ate tons of delicious foods, and got very little sleep. I think the latter is catching up. Since I don't have any photos uploaded at the moment, I am going to switch gears.

One style icon that I'm semi-obsessed with is Kourtney Kardashian. Yes, I've kept up with that crazy family for all 15 seasons. Or however many we are on now. They are just great. I'm sorry. I said it. I can't stand Kim, though. She is a super lame toad. She looks like she is seconds away from resembling a plastic surgery disaster. And that wedded bliss that lasted three months? Don't get me started. The 20 million price tag for that fame slore's big day could have been donated. Think of all the schools that could have benefited from that. She is so digusting. But, on the other hand, the rest of the Kardashians/Jenners are fun. Just look at that fashionable Kourtney. Super chic.

Beef Stew and Gifts

I cannot believe Christmas Eve is tomorrow night. Where has this year gone? I. have. no. idea. I haven't even wrapped presents. I didn't trust my 2 year old with presents under the tree. That's temptation at it's finest. Although, she hasn't messed with the ornaments at all. 

But now, thinking about all the presents that need to be wrapped, just to be ripped open tomorrow night, seems pretty pointless. That is the fun part, though. Watching her open the gifts. Let me get to wrappin'.

On a less work to do note, I love cooking in my Crock-Pot. Being able to scoop out the food to serve at supper, without slaving in the kitchen, is a dream. Here is my beef stew recipe. Perfect for these winter nights.

Hearty Crock-Pot Beef Stew

1.5 lbs. Beef Stew Meat
1/2 Cup Flour
1/2 Tsp. Salt
1/2 Tsp. Pepper
3 Large Potatoes (cubed)
2 Celery Ribs (diced)
1 Bag of Mini Carrots
1 Can of Green Beans
1 Yellow Onion (finely diced)
1/4 Cup Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Cup Red Cooking Wine
6 Cloves Garlic (minced)
2 Cups Beef Broth
4 Tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tsp. Paprika
2 Bay Leaves

-Place meat in a large Ziploc bag. Mix the flour with the salt and pepper. Pour into the bag with the meat. Shake to coat the meat. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown it on the outside to sear it. That should take a few minutes. After the meat is browned, add to your Crock-Pot.

-Cube the potatoes and chop the celery. Add both to the Crock-Pot. Add the carrots and can of green beans.

-Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet. Add the finely chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until they are translucent. Then add the balsamic vinegar and red cooking wine. Cook for two minutes and scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift the meat scrapings into the liquid. Pour into the Crock-Pot, making sure you get the onions.

-Add the minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire, paprika, and bay leaves to the Crock-Pot. Stir and cover. Cook on low for 10 to 12 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours. Serves 4-6. Enjoy!

                                                                                      

I Wear My Sunglasses 24/7

Okay, I don't really wear shades all the time. But, I do have them on 95% of the time if I'm outside. My eyes are such a light shade of blue, that I get blinded if I don't. Besides, a cool pair of sunnies are just that, cool. 

Here are some that I have been eyeing.. clever, huh? They are all from one of my favorite online shopping sites, 80's Purple.

                                        Alexander Wang                                        Chloe
                        

     

Ksubi Dorado Square Frame            Ksubi Carina Studded Cat Eye

                                                Prada                                                 Sabre 

 

                                                  80's                                       House of Harlow 1960   

Toys and Cake

Another birthday party has come and gone. My little fashion queen is now officially a two year old. Wow.

 I get so excited in the weeks prior to her big day, getting the theme planned, the decor ready, and the presents wrapped. But now, after it's all over and done with, I'm happy that we don't have another one for a whole year. I mean, I haven't even had time to sit down and blog in the past three days. 

Adrienne's bash was spectacular. She is such a lucky little girl. So many friends and family members showered her with affection and, of course, gifts. She was the center of attention and loved every minute of it. Happy birthday to the most beautiful and intelligent child I know.

Anytoysaretakingovermyhouse, I took a few pictures of some of her old toys that have gotten plenty of use. 

       Rosy Cheeks Doll with a Smocked Anavini Doll Dress       Sophie Giraffe Teething Toy

                           B. Parum Pum Pum Drum       KidKraft Country Lane Cottage (found at Cracker Barrel)
             

 Melissa & Doug Wooden Puzzle

 

KidKraft Wooden Pastel Kitchen

                                      

Online Therapy? Why, Yes, Please.

So, my child's birthday is in a few days. I promised myself (and William, also) that I wouldn't do a big party like I did last year. I said we were going to have just the three of us and a small cake. I obvs can't keep promises. The guest list included just about everyone from last year, plus a few new neighbors and their kids. 

I'm getting myself stressed by trying to get everything together. I mean, we are about to have a two year old running around. Next, I'll look up and she will be a full-fledged teenager. When that time comes, I'll make her blog for me.

I need to relax. So what did I do? A little online shopping therapy. I was browsing around Guilt, and couldn't pass up these two items:

         Double Square Salt Box                         Medium Hydrangea Cutting Board

I've always been drawn to wooden kitchen stuff, and the deals were on point. I loved all the other brightly colored serveware from Core Bamboo,. The sale is going on for another day or so.. Just a little FYI. Makes a good Christmas present.. for me.. :]

Switchin Chicken

So, I made a huge leap. I switched my blog from Wordpress to Blogger. After spending a whole night researching and making up my mind, I finally came to the decision. Since Google is the king and owns Blogger, it seems only natural to go over to their side. Also, with Wordpress, I didn't have any control over customizing my blog and the use of ads on it. Because, I will sell out one day. One. Day. 

Anystartingmyviewcountbackatzero, here is an awesome recipe. I had all the ingredients at my house, so it was a win/win situation. The dish wasn't too spicy, but had just enough zest. Leftovers are just as good the next day.

White Chicken Enchiladas

10 soft tortillas 

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken 

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

3 tbsp. butter

3 tbsp. flour

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (again)

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup sour cream

1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies

- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9x13 pan

- Mix the shredded chicken and 1 of the cups of cheese.  Put on top of tortillas and roll them up. Place in the pan 

- Melt butter over medium heat in a small sauce pan. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and whisk until smooth. Heat until thick and bubbly.  

- Stir in sour cream and chilies. Don't bring to boil, you don't want curdled sour cream.

- Pour over enchiladas and top with remaining 1 cup of cheese.

- Bake for 22 mintues and then under high broil for 3 min to brown the cheese.