Mash Up, Mix Up

Happy Monday friends!

 Was the weekend as good to you as it was to us? It wasn't that anything spectacular happened. We just had fun doing all the things we normally do. I've gotten so terrible at remembering to take pictures of things but I did manage to find some to share with you today. 

My weekend got started off with a bang by cleaning on Friday. I don't know about you, but keeping mirrors clean is next to impossible and they are my nemesis. I've tried tons of sprays and homemade concoctions. I've tried paper towels, t-shirts and newspapers. I feel like you name it, I've tried it. Currently the thing that I find to work best is this glass cleaner and these "shop" towels. I've talked about these towels before. They are nice and thick and don't leave near the amount of lint that normal paper towels do and this spray cleaner goes on as a foam and doesn't streak. WINNING!!!!

If you like to grill (and who doesn't?), then you should really try this marinade. So easy and so delicious. I used it this weekend on flank steak and it was so yummy. I ended up marinating it for over 24 hours because I put it in for Friday evening and then we decided to go out instead. #helloemptynest

Anyway, the meat was so tender and had the best flavor. You should really try it. 

Before I put it in the plastic bag...which BTW is such a great way to marinate if your not already doing it this way. I poked the meat with a fork umpteen million times to both tenderize and open it up to accept the marinade and it made a huge difference. So tender, so tasty.

So not a great pic of the finished product. Kent just snapped it because sometimes we  like to let the kids know what they're missing. We're nice that way, and want to make sure they remember it's good to come home...at least for the food.😉

I also roasted all the vegetable in the oven and we LOVED them. It was actually the first time I've roasted carrots (even the purple and yellow ones are carrots) and they were yummy. So much so I picked up a big bag at Costco yesterday to make some more.

I currently have a love affair with succulents of the artificial variety. This was a table full I saw at Pottery Barn. It's incredible to me how realistic they look AND I can't kill the plastic ones. Something you may not know about me is that my house is where plants go to die.

#blackthumb

We finally found the last 2 flavors of Halo Top that we'd been looking for. The Oatmeal Cookie...oh my!!! Literally tasted like an Oatmeal Cookie. Shocking, I know. But seriously, it even has little bits of oatmeal in it giving it a great texture. This flavor has risen to the top of our favorites list along with Red Velvet, Chocolate Almond, Mocha Chip, Mint, and Birthday Cake. We also found the Pistachio and while it was tasty, it's was more non-descript although the texture was delightful.

Katie babysat all day Saturday so we received quite a few Snapchats throughout the day. I'm pretty sure our girlie is a fun, loving and fun-loving baby sitter. 

I found her the perfect sweatshirt. In our house you learn the art of sarcasm pretty much with your first words. It's a gift.😂 Thankfully they both mastered the art of it but also are good at judging when it's appropriate and when it's not. 

That about wraps it up. Thank goodness I checked my calendar last night to see what I need to do today because I have an ortho appointment I wasn't aware of. I was thinking it was next week. Hopefully I'll get the buttons off my teeth from the Invisaligns I've been wearing for the last 6 months. 

Happy Monday y'all!

Lisa

XOXO

PANDORA

I almost let this slip right by me. Oh my goodness....

Are you familiar with PANDORA? No, not the music service, but the jewelry. I became acquainted with them quite a few years ago when we started giving them to my mom for special occasions. 

They offer everything from necklaces, to rings, to bracelets, which I'd say is their most popular item. They are beautiful and you design yours to fit your personality or the personality of the recipient. 

Mom's are so hard to shop for and I know this because I have one and I am one. You know how we work, if we want something we usually just go get it. And then there are moms like me and mine who are also going to find it for the best possible price and we don't want our families overpaying. My poor family. This is such a challenge for them.

#imsorryguys

Is Mother's Day on your radar yet? If not, it should be. Go get your calendar right now and put a big star or heart or some marking on it! Sunday, May 14th!!!! Something from PANDORA could be the absolute perfect solution for you and your family not only for this Mother's Day but for many holidays to come. (you can thank me later) You can start her a bracelet now and continue to build on it until it's "full". Then you can start another one because they look gorgeous stacked and we mom's love us some arm candy. 

Through tomorrow PANDORA is having a special. Spend $125 and get a FREE bracelet. I promise it's not hard to spend $125. Buy a couple beads or charms and then you'll get the bracelet ($65 value) for FREE. Yes, do you hear me? FREE!!! That is by the way one of my favorite words, right after chocolate.

This is what my PANDORA bracelet looks like.

The sweet little butterfly charm is half of a set and my mom gave it to me. She has the other half and I just love that. You can do that for mother/daughter and friends and it's always a special reminder of that relationship when you look down and see it.

These are a couple of other pieces I have. The bracelets I've gotten through offers just like the one going on now. The solid bangle can have beads on it, but it is also a great layering piece. The black rope bracelet can have beads as well and has a much more casual feel. I love that the bracelets also come in various sizes. I get a small one since my wrists are as Katie puts it "freakishly small". 

Why-O-Why the good Lord decided I needed small wrists and sturdy thighs is beyond me.

The ring pictured I wear almost every single day. It is by far one of my favorite pieces of jewelry. I first saw it on a friend and couldn't stop thinking about it, so I bought it for myself. I've had it for quite a few years and it's no longer available, but they have so many other rings.

This ring is gorgeous and would provide the same kind of presence as the one I have.

I love the 2 tones on this ring. I like to mix silver and gold most days, and having a piece that combines both makes me feel like they go better together.

So let's review. Mother's Day is May 14th!!! PANDORA could be the just the answer you've been looking for even though you may not have known it.

Happy Saturday peeps! Get out and enjoy the day! See you back here on Monday.

Lisa

XOXO

Friday Favorites #50

Hello Friday you beautiful day!

Can you believe today is the 24th day of March? I mean seriously. In a little over a week this year will be 25% over. We're going to blink twice and it's going to be fall and then Christmas. Okay I'll stop now. I'm sorry if I've raised your blood pressure. Oh and one more thing...have seen the July 4th decor already starting to pop up? Yes siree bob, if you've been in Hobby Lobby you've probably witnessed it for yourself. Let's just slow down and enjoy the season we're in.

It wouldn't be a Friday if we didn't talk about our favorites from the week and I thought this first one just might give you a good laugh. I know it did me.

~one~

 I know I'm not the only one. Voice texting and auto-correct can make you look like a moron in a hot second and give you a good laugh at the same time. I found some funny examples that are relatively clean but that auto-correct tends to be nasty.

~two~

Last Friday night we taught Katie's friend Harrison how to play spades. He caught on pretty quickly, but we still lost. Oh well...we demand a rematch.

~three~

Taking Katie back to the airport isn't really what I'd call a favorite, but seeing her again in 2 weeks is.

~four~ 

Through the 26th it's Triple Points time at Nordstrom. That means you only need to spend a little over $300 to get a $20 Nordstrom note. Winner, winner! That brings me to some cute things that now would be the perfect time to order.

~five~

Platform Wedges

These adorable platform wedges were around last year and have come back this year. They're so cute and I love that they aren't so high I just might tumble off of them.

Wraparound sandal

Wrap around shoes are the new lace ups for this season and these darling little sandals bring a bow to the party. How cute would they be with frayed hem jeans, shorts, dresses...anything really. I'm all heart eyes when it comes to these cuties.

Block Heel Sandal

These block heel sandals are making a return this year as well and word on the street is they are comfy. These babies are going in my shopping cart and heading my way. Let's all cross our fingers that they fit. I think they'll be cute with all sorts of outfits.

Wraparound Lace Flat

If you've been wanting to try the lace up trend but don't think you'll like having to wrap them around your ankle or worry about the comfort of the laces then these just might be the perfect answer. They are available in 4 colors, on sale and have an adorable bow detail. They are made by Born who is known for comfy shoes.

Hunter Rain Boots

Hunter boots are the perfect item to take advantage of during triple points. These boots come in so many colors and look cute even when it's not raining.

Jersey High Low Cardigan

Spring time screams sweaters and you can't have too many. This jersey high low sweater looks like the perfect grab and go sweater whether you headed to the office or out to the movies. It comes in 5  colors but this pink color is beautiful.

Scalloped Faux Leather Tote

This is another item that was so popular last year it made a return appearance. It really is adorable. Katie and I were looking at it in the store the other day. The scallops along the top are darling, but the perorations take it over the top. It's got little brass feet on the bottom which I just love to keep it up off the the floor when you set it down. It's sturdy enough that it won't give when you load it and a small laptop would fit inside.

Tory Burch Nylon Tote

If you've been wanting to add something from Tory Burch to your closet this nylon tote would be the perfect travel bag and it's on sale. I have another version by TB and love to carry it on the plane with my laptop and jewelry in it. 

Kate Spade Purse

This purse is a similar version of the one I recently purchased by Kate Spade and I'm loving it. You can carry it several ways, on your shoulder, draped on your arm, with the long strap on your shoulder or as a cross bag. Purchase this beauty during triple points and think of it as getting $20 off.

I could go on and on finding ways for your to spend your money, but I'm going to stop here. 

Have a great weekend and see you back here on Monday!

Lisa

XOXO

I'm linking up with some blogging buddies you might want to check out.

The Slaughters / Grace and Love / Momfessionals

Bright on a Budget / Cup of Tea /  Della Devoted

Smidge of This / Carolina Charm / Hello Happiness

Style Elixir for FAB FAVORITES

Delicious, Easy Chicken Pot Pie

One of the meals Katie requested while she was home was Chicken Pot Pie. This is a pretty simple recipe and comes together quickly if you've prepped ahead and frozen some rotisserie chicken. It also falls under the category of comfort food in my book. We all love it and have to restrain ourselves to keep from eating the whole thing.

Saute onions and frozen carrots and peas.

Once the onions are translucent sprinkle in the flour and cook for a few minutes.

These are the things you'll need to have ready next.

This Better Than Bouillon is a gel like mixture that replaces boullion cubes. I find it at Costco but it's available in all grocery stores.

Add the liquid and let cook until thickened...about 5 minutes.

Stir in the rotisserie chicken and let cook for a few minutes.

Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if desired.

This Bisquick cheese garlic biscuit mix makes a delicious topping for the pot pie.

Mix with water according to directions.

Dollop over the top of the chicken and vegetable mixture.

I like to bake it on a cookie sheet to save the bottom of my oven in case it bubbles over.

Bake 25-30 minutes until biscuit topping is brown and mixture is bubbling around the sides.

Serve with salad or veggie of your choosing. This is such a delicious dish and simple enough for dinner any night but would also be a crowd pleaser for guests.

This is a recipe I adapted from Pinterest. You can find the original HERE.

Chicken Pot Pie

4 T. butter

half a medium onion, chopped

1 bag of frozen peas and carrots (use half the pack or more. I use 3/4 to get more veggies in)

2 T. flour

2 c. milk

1/4 c. half and half (I use fat free)

1/4 c. heavy cream

1 t. Better Than Boullion

2 cups rotisserie chicken (or other cooked shredded chicken)

1/2 t. dried thyme

1 package Bisquick garlic cheese biscuit mix

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large skillet melt butter over medium high heat.

Add onion and saute until translucent then add carrots and peas and cook until carrots get a little tender.

Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in liquid and Better Than Boullion, and bring to a slow boil.

Simmer gently over medium heat until sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Add chicken and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour chicken mixture into prepared casserole dish.

Mix biscuit mix according to package directions and dollop on top of chicken mixture.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until top is browned and sides are bubbly.

Enjoy!

Let me know if you try and if your family loves it like ours does. 

Linking up with A Gal Named Al for Try It Thursday 

If you've missed the previous Thursday's recipes you can see them by clicking below.

Mom's Roast

Yummy Fish Tacos

Asian Chicken Salad

Brownie Trifle

And The Blended Blog for Tasty Tuesday

Lisa

XOXO

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