Blog Archive

Halloween Glamour


The Halloween post is totally overdue! Sorry about that... my modem shut down on me for a few days, I have no idea why. I hate technology sometimes.

I love the 40's and 50's decades and have so many vintage dresses I decided to go as a 1940's Lady. I took most of my inspiration from Rita Hayworth for the hairstyle and went a little bit Dita Von Teese for the makeup. Sorry for the crappy picture quality on the full body shots- my mom took them :S




dress - thrifted vintage / shoes - The Bay / pearl necklace - Claires / purse - thrifted / fur stole - thrifted / pearl bracelets - Claires / pearl ring & earrings - ardenes
READ MORE - Halloween Glamour

Haute Hippie and the tale of the Blanket Poncho


It's getting so cold over here and I would love a huge pile of big knits to jump into. Taylor Momsen inspired me into getting the big black sweater from Forever 21 a few posts down. And I know that I've had a hate on for ponchos before (it's more those 90's sparkly knit gross things); I've since fallen in love with what Haute Hippie has to offer- although these ones are open at the front and not over-the-head. They've got a totally laid back feel and their whole line is super cool and relaxed... I can picture wearing everything sitting around a campfire keeping toasty warm.


READ MORE - Haute Hippie and the tale of the Blanket Poncho

Recipe of the Week - Black Bean Enchiladas


So last weeks recipe was a fail, for the Hubs anyway. I liked it and ate leftovers a couple of times. So this week I was trying to be positive and continue on with my quest in becoming a domestic goddess. A healthy one at that.

I found this recipe on Annie Eats and modified it a little.

Here is my adapted recipe.

Black Bean Enchiladas

For Black Bean filling:2 cans organic black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tsp. EVOO
1/4 c. chopped onions (I am not an onion person)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 c. corn kernels (I wanted to use the whole can)
1 c. pico de Gallo (recipe below)
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1 c . Reduced Fat Mexican Cheese
Side Note: Tasted the filling and it is so freakin good. If the Hubs doesn't like this something is wrong with him.
For the enchiladas:Black Bean filling (from above)
6-8 Whole Wheat tortillas
Enchilada sauce (recipe below)
Directions:To make the black bean filling, place the black beans in a medium sized mixing bowl. Partially mash the beans. In a medium sized skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Stir in onion and garlic and sauté for 4 minutes. Mix beans, corn, pico de Gallo, cumin, and chili powder into the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat, mix in cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.Grease a 9×13” baking dish. Preheat oven to 350°. To make the enchiladas, spoon some of the black bean mixture down the center of a tortilla. Fold sides over the filling and roll up. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Pour sauce over the tops of the enchiladas. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese and bake 2-3 minutes more or until cheese is melted.
Recipe for Pico de Gallo (adapted from Proceed with Caution):5 plum tomatoes, diced
6-oz. of pickled jalapenos (I didn't use the whole can, I thought it might be too hot for us.)
1/4 of a sweet onion (Again, not an onion person.)
1 to 1.5 c fresh cilantro
1 to 2 avocados
juice of 4 limes
Combine all ingredients except avocado and lime juice in a large bowl and refrigerate at least one hour. Dice avocado(s) and add to the bowl, along with the lime juice. Toss together and let sit for 15 minutes.
Side Note: Can I tell you this is so good. And there was some left over. Future plans for this, whole wheat tortilla chips. Yum!
Also in an attempt to be more healthy I made my own enchilada sauce. I got the recipe from here. Of course I modified it a little, trying to be more healthy.
Easy Enchilada Sauce3 tsp. EVOO
1 tbsp. whole wheat flour
1/4 c. chili powder
2 c. organic vegetable stock
10-oz. tomato paste
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground cumin
DirectionsIn a medium saucepan heat oil, add flour, smoothing and stirring with a wooden spoon. Cook for 1 minute. Add chili powder and cook for 30 seconds. Add stock, tomato paste, oregano, and cumin. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes. The sauce will thicken and smooth out. Adjust the seasonings. Serve atop your favorite enchiladas.
And the verdict is...Pass. The Hubs loved it. He said it was the best meal I have ever made. So for new recipes my record is 2-1. I will definitely be making this meal again. Now to find my recipe for next week...


READ MORE - Recipe of the Week - Black Bean Enchiladas

Big Buddha Style Star Free Giveaway












Our Next set of Style Stars all received the Beauitful Big Buddha Mia Dome Bag
Michele M from california Received the Black
Marci G from New Jersey Received the Chestnut
Pam R from Scarsdale NY Received the Grey
First set of Style Star Pictures in From Pam R
Who Loves The Mia Bag


http://www.thefashionplate.com/

READ MORE - Big Buddha Style Star Free Giveaway

Review - Homeade Laundry Detergent


I have been using my homeade liquid laundry detergent for a couple of weeks now. So what do I think? I love the stuff. I did make too much of it. That was my fault for not fully reading the directions. It was very easy to make just too much. I was trying to keep it in the pot until I needed it, but the Hubs made me throw it out. It is very cheap to make so he said I was not wasting that much money. So ok I threw it out.

I did make some modifications though. I could not find the Dr. Bronner's Mild Baby Soap, so I used Burt's Bees soap, no fragrance. The mildest I could find. I cannot remember the actual name of it. Also, I think the recipe said to use 1/4 c for each load and I felt I needed WAY more than that. I used 1-1.5 c per load. So out of the 4 quarts of detergent I kept (the recipe made 10 quarts I think) I got 18-20 loads of laundry.

One positive I did have from this is our clothes smell great. The other night I was laying next to the Hubs and his shirt smelled so good. I love the smell of fresh laundry.

This time I am going to try dry detergent.

Here is the recipe I am going to use (modified from The Good Wife):

1 bar of soap (I will be using the Burt's Bees again. It is easier to find)
1c borax
1c baking soda
1c washing soda

Each load will use 2tsp. of detergent. I might cut this recipe down just in case we do not like it, but I have heard nothing but positives.

I will let the Hubs decide which he likes best and that is the one I will use.

READ MORE - Review - Homeade Laundry Detergent