Take Control Back of Your Thanksgiving!
I love Thanksgiving! It can be packed filled with fun, food, family and friends.
But not for everyone. For some it can be a day of family drama, unnecessary pressure, loneliness or ridiculously long lines at the supermarket. So as you prepare for Thanksgiving this year, I say take control back of your day!! Invite someone that you don't normally have over for dinner, and have a blast.
If there is too much drama with your family, and you really dread going, don't go! Or better even, if you are there and it starts to get too crazy, kiss your parents on the cheek and thank them for the evening and go meet up with others who are thankful you are alive! Thanksgiving is about more then just family obligation. It is about thanks! Being thankful for the good things in your life and making more of them.
I am super thankful for all the fantastic holiday recipes I get to eat, and all of the hands that prepared them. I can't wait to try our deliciously roasted turkey, the moist, fragrant stuffing, and the sweet taste of my pecan and cornflake crusted sweet potato casserole. I like to keep it super yummy and pretty low key. All the cooking doesn't bother my husband and I, actually it is one of the fun parts for us however if the cooking part has become too much then kick it back a notch. This supposed to be a holiday not a work day or in some cases an over-work day. Don't feel pressured to do to much! Thanksgiving can still be great buy pulling together just a few simple recipes. I have include my take on two of my seasonal classics: Corn Pudding and Sweet Potatoes Mash Casserole.
So forget about the long lines, the family drama, and the four hundred dishes that you could be making this season, and opt for some fun and friends. I like to make stuffing with my lovely daughter and these delicious acorn treats with my amazing son! They are fun to make and super delicious, you have try this super easy and good recipe. They are a great host gift that everyone will love!
But not for everyone. For some it can be a day of family drama, unnecessary pressure, loneliness or ridiculously long lines at the supermarket. So as you prepare for Thanksgiving this year, I say take control back of your day!! Invite someone that you don't normally have over for dinner, and have a blast.
If there is too much drama with your family, and you really dread going, don't go! Or better even, if you are there and it starts to get too crazy, kiss your parents on the cheek and thank them for the evening and go meet up with others who are thankful you are alive! Thanksgiving is about more then just family obligation. It is about thanks! Being thankful for the good things in your life and making more of them.
I am super thankful for all the fantastic holiday recipes I get to eat, and all of the hands that prepared them. I can't wait to try our deliciously roasted turkey, the moist, fragrant stuffing, and the sweet taste of my pecan and cornflake crusted sweet potato casserole. I like to keep it super yummy and pretty low key. All the cooking doesn't bother my husband and I, actually it is one of the fun parts for us however if the cooking part has become too much then kick it back a notch. This supposed to be a holiday not a work day or in some cases an over-work day. Don't feel pressured to do to much! Thanksgiving can still be great buy pulling together just a few simple recipes. I have include my take on two of my seasonal classics: Corn Pudding and Sweet Potatoes Mash Casserole.
So forget about the long lines, the family drama, and the four hundred dishes that you could be making this season, and opt for some fun and friends. I like to make stuffing with my lovely daughter and these delicious acorn treats with my amazing son! They are fun to make and super delicious, you have try this super easy and good recipe. They are a great host gift that everyone will love!
If you are looking forward to the family event but hoping to catch up with friends too. Then throw a Friendsgiving! Everybody brings a delicious dish that reminds them of the holidays!, so you get a tremendous mash up of flavors and culture without spending a bunch of time in the kitchen. What ever you do this holiday, enjoy! Thank you for reading this article and I hope you will come back for seconds! What dish makes you think of Thanksgiving?
Double Duty: Ladies Lunch + Date Night Diva
Have you ever had a day that you just felt beautiful? You wake up, take a shower and put on an outfit that just made you feel amazing? That happened to me the other day and had so much fun I forgot to post it. I had planned to have lunch with my girls in Tyson's and later, I had a great date night planned with my boo, so this outfit had to pull double duty. When you have a big day at two very different venues, what do you do? For me, the outfit should be bold for the ladies lunch, comfortable for me and sexy for my man. I think I nailed it with my selection so if you are trying to find an outfit to pull double duty remember these tips.
- If you are trying to be noticed, nothing draws more attention then confidence. Go for a bright bold color that will grab someones attention.
- If you are looking for comfort, then try the million and one jogger pant styles that are out. They are comfortable and come it some chic fabrics, so they still look great.
- If you are going for sexy, wear deeply saturated color, a bold lip, a sensuous fragrance (my favorite this season is Burberry's Weekend) and a sexy high heel and you will be unstoppable. What do you wear when you have a double duty day?
Get This Look:
Top: Audrey & Celine (similar)
Purse: Coach (similar)
LipColor: Mary Kay Rockin Red Lipgloss
Earrings: Mary Kay (similar)
Chicken Paprikash
The beautiful fall leaves inspired me to cook this creamy, autumn colored dish. I think you will love it. What dish do you make that looks like fall?
Serves: 2 (similar)
Hands-on time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Serves: 2 (similar)
Hands-on time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 tsp spicy paprika
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 yellow onion
- 8 mini red, yellow and orange bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper, optional
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, 1 tsp paprika and salt.
- In a large skillet, heat oil on medium-high. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, turning to coat and shaking off excess. Add chicken smooth side down to skillet. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and cook other side until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from skillet.
- Keep skillet on medium-high heat and add onion and bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, remaining 3 tsp paprika and cayenne, if desired. Add garlic for 1 minute before adding broth, scraping up browned bits from bottom of skillet. Return chicken and any juices to skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken from skillet and divide among serving plates. In a small bowl, whisk about 2 tbsp pan juices and yogurt. Add yogurt mixture to skillet, stirring to coat onion mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until thick and smooth. Spoon over top of chicken and top with dill.
Who, What, Wear: Midi Bling Madness
Who: Sabeen, IT Professional
What: Midi Skirt
Professionista Sabeen rocked this midi look by adding some serious bling. When the temperature drops, so does the hemlines ladies! I love this look! I can see it worn in so many ways. I would add a chunky turtleneck and stilettos or knee high boots with a scarf that really pops. How would you wear it?
Bring Summer Prints Into Fall
The end of summer is bittersweet but no need to pack away all your summer prints just yet. Pull out your fall accessories like this orange purse, add a dark colored blazer and a nude shoe, then voila! You are ready for the chilly fall season!
D Dress: Anne Klien (similar)
Shoes: Bakers (similar)
Necklace: Jewel Mint
Blazer: (similar)
BAKED TURKEY THIGHS WITH A GRILLED CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 chicken thighs
- A pinch of sea salt
- A pinch of peppers
- A pinch of slap your momma seasoning
- A pinch of basil
GRILLED CORN AND BLACK BEAN SALAD
- 3 ears corn,husks removed
- 1 15-oz can unsalted black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 lime juice
- Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
AVOCADO SOUR CREAM DRESSING
- 1 avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
- 2 tbsp water, optional
- Juice 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Clean chicken thighs, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake uncovered at 400 for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The skin will be crispy
- Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cut 4 sheets of foil into 12-inch squares. Lightly mist corn with cooking spray or butter, sprinkle with cajan spices and wrap each ear diagonally in a foil sheet; twist ends of foil. Grill corn for 15 to 20 minutes, rotating occasionally, until well browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and let stand in foil for 10 minutes. Remove foil carefully and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully cut corn off cob and transfer kernels to a large bowl with beans, tomatoes, cilantro, vinegar, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese and toss gently.
Who, What, Wear: Wiggle Dress
Who: Porsche', Benefits Specialist
What: Wiggle Dress
Wear: Asos
I am infatuated with this dress! I absolutely love a good wiggle dress! You probably have seen my vintage wiggle dress from NY a million times before because I love it. ASOS carries a couple of amazing versions of this dress. This wiggle dress has great tailoring and the long hemlines that will make you look super thin. This dress will give you a lot more wiggle room then the normal shift dress of today and still looks so professional. Catch it if you can here!
Clean Eating: Dijon Chicken, Quinoa & Brown Rice Skillet with Baby Spinach
One of the biggest struggles I have had when trying to eat healthy (beside apple cinnamon pop tarts from Ted's and pumpkin munchkins) is how to mix basic ingredients like grilled chicken and spinach into something your tastebuds and your waistline will love. So today I tried my hand at clean eating! Clean eating is a pretty simple concept about eating food in its realest form. Focusing on foods that are un-or minimally processed, refined or handled. The idea is less gimmicks and more mindfulness around the pathway of food getting to your table.
I have heard so much about it from my Advocare coach Dawn, who lost over 20lbs getting creative in the kitchen through Clean Eating and using Advocare. So when I decided to amp up my health with the 24 day challenge, I drew my inspiration from Dawn's great eating habits and by this recipe from Clean Eating Magazine. If you want a flavorful way to spice up your chicken then try this- Dijon Chicken Chicken, Quinoa and Brown Rice Skillet with Baby Spinach. I hope you like it!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tsp olive oil, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/4 plus 1/8 tsp sea salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 pack of Quinoa & Brown Rice with garlic (Seeds of Change from BJs)
- 1 chopped onion
- 1 handful of baby spinach
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup dried unsweetened cranberries (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Grill chicken breast on grill for 20 minutes or in a large skillet or sauté pan on medium-high, heat 2 tsp oil. Add chicken, season with 1/4 tsp salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. If you cook chicken breast whole, let cool and cut into 2 inch pieces.
- Add chop onion and about a handful or more of spinach and cover skillet to let it wilt slightly, about 1 minute.
- Cook quinoa and brown rice pack in microwave for 2 minutes and then stir in pan with cooked chicken 1 3/4 cups water and remaining 1/8 tsp salt.
- Add mustard, maple syrup, and lemon juice to skillet, and remove from heat. Increase heat to med, cover and simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!
Who, What , Wear: 7 Tips to Keep Wearing Gingham
Who: Phylece LaVally, CEO & Co-Founder of Fee La Vee Botanicals
What: Gingham Print
Where: eShakti
There is nothing that says summer more then gingham! So how can we take this beloved print into other seasons with us? Just follow these 7 tips:
1 Add a nude belt and shoe and swoop you hair up
2. Warm this look up with a fall blaze and boots
3. Make it more casual with a milatry vest or jacket
4. Add a gingham accessory to any basic look for some pop!
5. Scarf it up
6. Tone it down with some sneaks, a cardigan and a fedora
7. Layer it up
(photos from google images)
Join the #colorconvo and leave a comment below! We would love to see how you are wearing gingham so don't forget to share with us using the hashtag #swwc and tagging us @soworkweekchic on Twitter and Instagram or send us a picture to soworkweekchic@hotmail.com.
4 Great Things to Do This Weekend
The weekend is not over and here are our tips for 4 great things to do this weekend:
- Play in the Water- So whether you are loading up the car for a weekend trip, heading over to the nearest beach for the day (#BethanyBeach and #VirginiaBeach being my local favorites), jumping in the local pool or having a cool time with a sprinkler and family in your back yard, add some water play to your life.
- BBQ- Whether you light up the grill or join up with some friends, you must partake in th taste of summer this weekend. Whether that is adding barbecue sauce to your hamburger, grilling some brisket and corn on the cob or bitting into a juicy piece of watermelon. Go all in and let in drip down your chin. If you already put your grill away for the season, then jump in the car and leave it to the BBQ professionals! There are tons of local BBQ places to grab some brisket or some ribs. Share with us you favorite places and dishes!
- Football Fun- Are you ready for some football? We are!! We have been playing catch football in the sand all weekend. There is nothing like playing catch sea side! Sweat on your back, feet digging in the sand and tons of laugher and missed calls! #TheDCLadies said the Terps played at College park in Richmond or see the Navy/Colgate game in Annapolis, MD. We will be catching the at least one game on the big screen somewhere, preferable while getting a cold one at a local beach bar. If you are staying home, bust open a bag a chips, puts some wings in the oven and tune into your favorite college game and see how your team is looking.
- Add Some Tunes- We sat on the boardwalk last night, enjoying the breeze, funnel cake and tunes from Three Sheets, a local DE guitar trio. It was awesome just to sit back and take in some tunes, close your eyes and just let the breeze hit you. For those of you wanting to get out, check your local park schedules and see if a band is playing a free out door show. We like to pull out our summer playlist and perform family beach karaoke at sunrise to any song that feels appropriate at the time (#themesongofmylife). Yes it is generally horrible to listen to but truly fun to perform. So cut loose and let us know what song you rocked out to.
Whatever you choose to do this weekend we hope it is fun and memorable! We would love to see which one of our tips you are trying so don't forget to share with us using the hashtag #swwc and tagging us @soworkweekchic on Twitter and Instagram. Also if you know of any fun events this weekend on the beltway in the DMV or in DE send them to soworkweekchic@hotmail.com to share.
Save the Night with Rachael Ray and Spicy Butternut and Vegetable "Stoup"
Rachael Ray saves the day when my hungry football players came home soaking wet from the rain. Luckily my friend with a green thumb brought me a huge butternut squash from her garden in Pennsylvania That butternut squash crossed state lines just for this night, thanks Barb! This squash was massive! I didn't even know what it was when she gave it to me, but what a great healthy gift it was. Recently I watched an episode of the Rachael Ray Show and she amazed me with her "stoup" skills so I just had to give this Spicy Butternut and Vegetable "Stoup" a try. Of course I put my own take on it by leaving out the chutney and adding yogurt, sugar and tomato paste. Thanks Ray Ray, rock on!