Well, I was seriously just wondering if anyone was still out there!
I can't know if anyone will read this, but I sure hope I haven't lost my people out there forever!
A couple of quick updates:
I am still teaching.
Still happily married.
Working on my photography business/skills.
Bought a new house.
I think that covers the last year and some months. haha
But seriously, I know I suck at this. Maybe I should forget posting pictures with recipes and all that. I guess the blog has to evolve right along with me? Don't know.
I can't promise I'll have any posts real soon, but I will think about it. No really, I will.
In the meantime, if you want to check out what I have been up to... visit my photography website here.
Seriously, go.
XoXo,
Jen
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Thursday, May 10, 2012
It's Not All Black and White...
| "I designed the books' covers so it wouldn't be conspicuous for anyone who was reading them... that backfired on me, didn't it?" -E.L. James |
No... Fifty Shades of Grey is definitely not black and white. But it has caused a massive sensation among women (and a few men, too). The trilogy (Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed) written by British author E.L. James, is a romance about Christian Grey, a young, very wealthy entrepreneur, and Anastasia Steele, a girl about to graduate from college. When they meet, the spark is undeniable, and from that moment, you are wrapped up in everything that has to do with Christian and Anastasia.
While it is definitely not prize-winning writing in terms of technicality, it's good enough to keep you turning the pages faster than you care to admit. And the material itself is, well... you have to see for yourself. I read the books over my spring break, and I finished all three in three days. I'd go to bed at 3 am reading because I just couldn't put the books down.
But why?
| Meeting E.L. James at the Biltmore Hotel |
I am by no means an expert on the topic, but I'd like to share my own opinions on this. I believe the books have been a hit for many reasons. I myself have shared it with numerous friends of mine, including my mom (crazy, I know), coworkers, and girlfriends. And this is how the word is getting out... women are sharing with one another.
1. This was stated at the discussion with the author... Women have been given a new VOICE. Because we are discussing literature, we can discuss a topic usually reserved for our conversations with our "inner goddess". Sex is not usually a topic women discuss with too many people. But this book has made it a lot easier to discuss things you wouldn't have discussed before. And because you've read the book, you know that the others reading the book find this exciting... not wrong. Therefore making you more willing to discuss it with them, because you know they will NOT be judging you.
| My signed copy of Book 1 |
3. At it's heart, it is a true love story. Sure, there are parts where you want to kill Mr. Grey... He's arrogant for sure. But as his character develops, you start to develop feelings for him. And at the same time, you are rooting for Anastasia. And later in the book, you are rooting for them both. You want it to work. You want them to work because, well, if they don't work, in a story, then who can work, in real life? I try to compare all love stories with classics... Pretty Woman is a Cinderella story, things like that. This book? Beauty and the Beast, for sure.
It was a great read... something that didn't require me to think too much and something that made me feel something. I know the book has critics all over the place, but there are so many fans as well. I guess that's usually the case with controversial writing/movies/music. Anyway, that's just my two cents on why this book has been such a hit. :)
Laters Baby, ;)
Jen
P.S. Feel free to give me your take on the book in the comments below!
P.S. Feel free to give me your take on the book in the comments below!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
As I've stated previously, hubby and I have been on a little kick to try and lose weight. I'm proud to say that I have lost 20 pounds since January and I am feeling so much better about myself. I don't usually brag about things like this and I hate feeling like I'm rubbing it in people's faces. But I have been working my butt off for the last 4 months and I am proud of what I have accomplished. The biggest thing was changing my eating habits. At the beginning, I did work out some, but then in early March, I developed bronchitis and was told to take it easy for the next few weeks. That interrupted my schedule and I haven't gotten back into the swing of things. :/ Hopefully I can jump back in soon and keep working on my weight loss. For now, I'm very much satisfied with my results and I think I will definitely continue to stick with it. :)
As for today's recipe - since we have been very careful with our meals, we have stuck to a lot of tilapia and chicken breast. Most of the time I don't do a whole lot of seasoning or fancy extras. But I found this recipe and decided I really wanted to try it. Since then, I have made it 2 or 3 more times. It is delicious, and the parmesan gets all crunchy and crusty on top and tastes sooooo good. It's very simple to make and is a tummy pleaser when you want something with a little more flavor. The original recipe called for garlic salt, but I try not to add salt to many of my recipes so I just used garlic powder.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
![]() |
| Photo taken on my iPhone... sorry about the quality! |
Ingredients
3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
4 tilapia fillets
Directions
Preheat over to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, garlic, and oregano.
Coat the fillets in the crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Bake for 8-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
See? Told you it was easy!
Xoxo,
Jen
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
This past Monday, February 27, my hubby and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. While I can't believe it has been two years, I can say that they have been the best 2 years of my life. My husband is a man who truly understands me, loves me, and does everything possible to make me a happy woman. He fully lives by the motto, "Happy wife, happy life." He is more than I could have imagined or hoped for in a husband, and I couldn't be any happier than I am by his side (plus he lets me do all these fabulous things).
To celebrate, my hubby surprised me... we went for a long weekend to the Dominican Republic, where he is from. His aunt owns a place at a resort development, and she was kind enough to let us stay there for the weekend with some friends. It was really wonderful, relaxing, and fun. I should probably just let the pictures speak for themselves. :)
All in all, a fabulous trip. Kind of wishing I was back there right about now...
XoXo,
Jen
To celebrate, my hubby surprised me... we went for a long weekend to the Dominican Republic, where he is from. His aunt owns a place at a resort development, and she was kind enough to let us stay there for the weekend with some friends. It was really wonderful, relaxing, and fun. I should probably just let the pictures speak for themselves. :)
![]() |
| Turtles in the hotel entrance. :) |
![]() |
| Good times on the beach. |
![]() |
| Beautiful view from a catamaran off of Isla Saona. |
![]() |
| My friend Vero. :) |
![]() |
| The cloudy skies cleared up once we rode off. |
![]() |
| My love and his best friend. |
![]() |
| Need I say more? |
All in all, a fabulous trip. Kind of wishing I was back there right about now...
XoXo,
Jen
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
New Look!
In case you didn't notice, the blog has a new look!
I thought it needed a little updating and a switch to a simpler, more modern color scheme and less clutter throughout definitely did the trick! :)
Hope you like it! If you do, spread the love or leave me some love!
XoXo,
Jen
I thought it needed a little updating and a switch to a simpler, more modern color scheme and less clutter throughout definitely did the trick! :)
Hope you like it! If you do, spread the love or leave me some love!
XoXo,
Jen
The Incredible Turkey Burger
For quite some time now, the hubby and I have tried to cut down on the amount of red meat we put into our systems. Every once in a while we will indulge, but we have noticed how differently our bodies feel after we do have a big juicy steak. We feel much more sluggish, and I for one can practically feel my body trying to break down the red meat and it seems to be working so hard. So we have substituted eating regular burgers and ground meat for ground turkey and turkey burgers. Surprisingly, it is very good. While on the drier side, if you season properly and cook it pretty much as you would cook the meat, it can be very flavorful and extremely enjoyable.
I almost prefer these turkey burgers to any burger that I could eat elsewhere. Almost.
It's a fairly easy recipe and one that doesn't require a whole lot of thought or effort. I put them on a sandwich thin and topped with ketchup. I've also eaten the patty alone with sweet potato fries, or with just a salad (to keep it on the light side). If you have the ingredients (which you should), you could probably make these for tomorrow's dinner.
And I certainly hope you do!
Enjoy!
Yield: 4 burgers
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp + 1 tsp Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 shallot, finely diced
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (you can also use dried parsley, just double it)
1 clove garlic, peeled & minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 tbsp Feta cheese
Directions
1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. Form into 4 patties.
2. Cook the patties in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning once, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Serve as desired & enjoy!
xoxo,
Jen
I almost prefer these turkey burgers to any burger that I could eat elsewhere. Almost.
It's a fairly easy recipe and one that doesn't require a whole lot of thought or effort. I put them on a sandwich thin and topped with ketchup. I've also eaten the patty alone with sweet potato fries, or with just a salad (to keep it on the light side). If you have the ingredients (which you should), you could probably make these for tomorrow's dinner.
And I certainly hope you do!
Enjoy!
Delicious Turkey Burgers
Yield: 4 burgers
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp + 1 tsp Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 shallot, finely diced
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (you can also use dried parsley, just double it)
1 clove garlic, peeled & minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 tbsp Feta cheese
Directions
1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients. Form into 4 patties.
2. Cook the patties in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning once, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Serve as desired & enjoy!
xoxo,
Jen
Friday, February 3, 2012
Better than a Bedtime Story...
A couple of years back, I started drinking a lot of tea. I love tea, because I don't have to add much to it. I have tried teas in as many flavors as I can find (some I have liked, others I've loved, and others - well, let's just say I won't be trying again). I've also read that tea has many health benefits. I'm not going to get into that, but I do know that I feel better when I drink tea than when I drink loads of coffee, especially since I don't add milk or sugar or anything like that to it. It's great for helping me digest my food, and since it has to be drunk slowly, actually makes me stop, relax, and enjoy it.
Moving on... in the last few years, as dress levels have risen, workloads have gotten heavier, and life in general has happened, I had a hard time sleeping soundly. That has never been a problem for me, but apparently something triggered it. Someone suggested Tilo (which every good Cuban has in their cupboard), but I had tried it before and wasn't a fan. So I started shopping around, trying different things. One thing that helped was eating earlier. But then I came across Celestial Seasonings and their Sleepytime Teas. They have several different flavors, including one that is great for when you have a sore throat.
Hubby and I have a new evening ritual. We boil some water, steep some tea bags, add in a little honey, and drink our tea slowly and calmly before heading to bed. By the time we crawl under the covers, we are relaxed, sleepy, and pushing everything out of our minds. The nights that we do this, we sleep soundly and we sleep all night, without tossing and turning and waking up every hour.
So if you usually have trouble sleeping, give this a try! Hopefully it will help you as much as it has helped me!
Xoxo,
Jen
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Motivation... Lacking.
So lately, I have been feeling a little, shall we say, blah. Hubby and I are on a little healthy kick and trying to eat way better than we usually do, which means my meals are a bit more limited. I've been semi-creative with some of my meals, but not really nearly enough that I want to photograph and post them. Most of them are loaded with garlic and paprika, salt-free, and generally boring-looking as they are eaten with only lettuce and tomatoes. And while I did have a few recipes in the reserves, it's just no fun to post pumpkin recipes after Thanksgiving, or eggnog cupcake recipes after Christmas. So I guess those will have to wait until next year. ;)
I do, however, have some bargain blast posts I've been meaning to write, and another couple topics have been ruminating in my head. Once I get the hang of these healthy recipes and get a little more creative with them, then I will definitely add them into the mix. For now, I'd like to apologize for the lack in motivation that has plagued me for the last several months. It has affected a few areas, but my poor blog seems to be suffering most. I will hopefully be back regularly to entertain you with more recipes, photos, and delightful things I've found in my everyday.
If you have any suggestions for topics or think that you have a really great topic and would like to guest blog, let me know! Email me at Jenise.subervi@gmail.com.
For now, I leave you with a few photos from a recent trip to North Carolina.
Xoxo,
Jen
I do, however, have some bargain blast posts I've been meaning to write, and another couple topics have been ruminating in my head. Once I get the hang of these healthy recipes and get a little more creative with them, then I will definitely add them into the mix. For now, I'd like to apologize for the lack in motivation that has plagued me for the last several months. It has affected a few areas, but my poor blog seems to be suffering most. I will hopefully be back regularly to entertain you with more recipes, photos, and delightful things I've found in my everyday.
If you have any suggestions for topics or think that you have a really great topic and would like to guest blog, let me know! Email me at Jenise.subervi@gmail.com.
For now, I leave you with a few photos from a recent trip to North Carolina.
Xoxo,
Jen
![]() |
| Starting off the trip with a toast to friends and fun. |
![]() |
| Roasting Marshmallows in the Fireplace. Yummmmm |
![]() |
| Best BBQ Food... Incredible |
![]() |
Monday, November 21, 2011
Venturing out...
I'm sorry - I know I have been awful about posting. Things have been so busy (in a wonderfully amazingly good way!), that I feel like I haven't had a moment to breathe, much less update my blog. So my photography business is finally taking off, and I have been nonstop between work, photo sessions, and keeping my hubby full and happy. :)
I wanted to share with you today some of the best shots from my recent shoots. :)
I wanted to share with you today some of the best shots from my recent shoots. :)
Check out my Facebook Page, Photos by Jenise, for more photos!
xoxo,
Jen
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Notable, Quotable
I posted this because, well, it's absolutely, positively, 100% true. While we may love someone with our whole heart, it doesn't mean we're necessarily going to like them all the time.
People do things. Some things make you happy, some things irk you, some things don't even warrant your attention. But some things just piss you off make you really upset. And in those moments, you don't necessarily like someone. In those moments, you want to yell, and kick, and punch, and slap. You want to throw things. You want to grind your teeth. You want to jump out of a moving vehicle and make them regret doing stupid things.
But when the storm passes, and your head is clear again, remember why you love them. And remember that while we all make mistakes, and nobody is perfect, there is someone out there who completes you, who is absolutely the best fit, the most perfect person for you. And when you find it, hold on tight. That's your soul mate.
Xoxo,
Jen
Monday, October 17, 2011
A Facelift
Hello Everyday Delights has a new look! Or at least, a new banner! After months of trying to figure out what I wanted to change, I finally decided that I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to change - my blog needed a new banner! So I've been working on a little something for a while now, and today the whole thing came to fruition. So I introduce to you the new banner of Hello Everyday Delights!
Xoxo,
Jen
Font Freak
So if you are anything like me, before you create anything (and I do mean ANYTHING), you agonize over fonts. The look of something can really change depending on the font you are using. Whenever I create worksheets for my students, or notes to other teachers, or anything that will be posted in my classroom, I am very selective about which fonts I will use. I think the font says so much about what you are trying to get across in your message.
I found this site, Fonts for Peas, and I am OBSESSED. All my dreams of handwritten fonts are right there on this adorable blog. So I am adding their button to my homepage, because I think it needs to be shared!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
Xoxo,
Jen
Saturday, October 15, 2011
A Little Something for Teachers
So I know teachers are always trying to find free stuff that they can use in their classrooms. At least, I know I am. I'm going to try and feature some of the more useful things I have found or created on here While teaching Expository Writing, I always have my students create a "Main Idea Table." The table top is the topic sentence, and the table always has 3 legs. Each leg is a supporting detail for the topic, and a rug at the foot of the table keeps the conclusion. This year, I decided to create a worksheet to help my students out. I've shared it with the teachers at work already, and I thought it would be nice to share it with you, my readers - especially those of you who are teachers.
I couldn't figure out how to load it onto here as a PDF, so I am loading it as a jpeg. It should print just as well. You can also use this right on a SmartBoard or Promethean Board, and I think it's pretty adaptable for many grade levels. I use it in 7th and 8th grades for writing full 5-paragraph essays, but it can also be used for writing paragraphs. :)
I couldn't figure out how to load it onto here as a PDF, so I am loading it as a jpeg. It should print just as well. You can also use this right on a SmartBoard or Promethean Board, and I think it's pretty adaptable for many grade levels. I use it in 7th and 8th grades for writing full 5-paragraph essays, but it can also be used for writing paragraphs. :)
Enjoy!
Xoxo,
Jen
Friday, October 14, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween from our house to yours!
I know it's a little early, but Bella and I were eager to share her Halloween pictures with you all! She's going to be a pretty bumblebee. We had a little photoshoot and I have to say she looks adorable. :)
For your viewing pleasure...
![]() |
| And that's a wrap, mom. |
Jen
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Roast Pork Loin
A couple Sundays ago, my hubby and I invited his parents over. Whenever we have anyone over, I go into hyperdrive and freak out because I want my food to be perfect. This time was no different.We bought a pork loin and I decided to alter a recipe I had already tried once before. Pork can turn out very dry if it isn't done right, so I am always scared of making it. However, this recipe manages to always turn out perfectly. The last time I made it, I seasoned it right before putting the roast in the over, but this times, I sealed it and marinated for about 4 hours. the result was a juicy, savory, and leftover-worthy pork roast. I hope you will enjoy this meal as much as we did!
Roast Pork Loin
Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rosemary, plus several whole sprigs
juice from 1/2 a lemon
salt & pepper to taste
2 pounds boneless pork loin roast
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Crush garlic with rosemary, lemon, salt, and pepper, making a paste.
3. Pierce meat with a sharp knife in several places (I make pretty deep cuts along the length of the roast) and press the garlic paste into the openings. Rub the meat with the remaining garlic mixture and olive oil.
4. Place pork loin in the oven, turning and basting with pan liquids. About 45 minutes through, pour in the white wine and stir to loosen the bits of food on the bottom. Cook until the pork is no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Serve with pan juices. and garnish with rosemary sprigs.
Enjoy!
Xoxo,
Jen
Roast Pork Loin
Ingredients
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rosemary, plus several whole sprigs
juice from 1/2 a lemon
salt & pepper to taste
2 pounds boneless pork loin roast
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Crush garlic with rosemary, lemon, salt, and pepper, making a paste.
3. Pierce meat with a sharp knife in several places (I make pretty deep cuts along the length of the roast) and press the garlic paste into the openings. Rub the meat with the remaining garlic mixture and olive oil.
4. Place pork loin in the oven, turning and basting with pan liquids. About 45 minutes through, pour in the white wine and stir to loosen the bits of food on the bottom. Cook until the pork is no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Serve with pan juices. and garnish with rosemary sprigs.
Enjoy!
Xoxo,
Jen
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Back to School?
No recipe today, folks. But I do have an announcement - I'm going back to school! Since I don't have NEARLY enough to do with my time, I decided I'm going back to expand my brain a little more. I've been thinking about school for a while, but was a little reluctant because I hadn't found a program that really interested me or that was convenient for me. I already have my Masters Degree in Special Education, and I KNEW did NOT want to go back for a Doctorate (Sorry Mom, I'm just not THAT ambitious).
I recently discovered a program that is convenient and worth my while. It's an Autism Endorsement program, which adds an additional certification to my teaching license. 4 classes, 1 year, meets once a week. I'm in the process of applying (and struggling to get my 2 former school to provide me with everything I need - so frustrating), and I can actually say I am looking forward to this. Our school's population of children who are diagnosed with Autism has continued to grow, just like in the rest of the world. I think this will be a great thing to have under my belt and will really help me to better cope with all my students. :)
So come January, I will HOPEFULLY be a student once again (and no, I'm NOT a masochist).
Xoxo,
Jen
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Spiced Pumpkin Syrup
So fall is here and I'm excited! A student brought me a Pumpkin Spice Latte last week, and then Annie of Annie's Eats posted a recipe for a DIY Syrup to add to your coffee at home! Cha-Ching! So I decided I had to make it as soon as I had a spare moment. (Ha - that was a joke, get it?) In case you don't live in Miami, this past weekend, the weather was awful. So I spent the weekend at home, doing - you guessed it - nada. So I was itching to get out and do something, and when Monday rolled around, I thought this was perfect. So I flitted over to the grocery store, bought everything I needed, and went to grab the pumpkin (in a can). GASP! They didn't have it. No need to fret - I stopped at another store on my way home from work today and they had it (so I definitely stocked up!).
As a result, I made this deliciousness. I even drank coffee after my dinner (which means I might be up until very late tonight) just so I could taste it. I think this would also be good drizzled over ice cream, in tea, and countless other things. If you find another use for it, definitely comment below - I'd love to hear what uses you have found for it! The recipe makes about half of the bottle that I filled, but I made 2 batches so I could take some to work tomorrow.
And now, without further ado - Spiced Pumpkin Syrup. :)
Spiced Pumpkin Syrup
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
3 tbsp pumpkin puree
Directions
Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Toss in the cinnamon sticks and whisk in the remaining spices and the pumpkin puree. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, without letting the mixture come to a boil. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and store in your container of choice. Store the container in the refrigerator.
Stir a few tablespoons into coffee or drizzle over dessert of choice.
Enjoy!
Xoxo,
Jen
Recipe from Annie's Eats.
As a result, I made this deliciousness. I even drank coffee after my dinner (which means I might be up until very late tonight) just so I could taste it. I think this would also be good drizzled over ice cream, in tea, and countless other things. If you find another use for it, definitely comment below - I'd love to hear what uses you have found for it! The recipe makes about half of the bottle that I filled, but I made 2 batches so I could take some to work tomorrow.
And now, without further ado - Spiced Pumpkin Syrup. :)
Spiced Pumpkin Syrup
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
3 tbsp pumpkin puree
Directions
Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Toss in the cinnamon sticks and whisk in the remaining spices and the pumpkin puree. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, without letting the mixture come to a boil. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer and store in your container of choice. Store the container in the refrigerator.
Stir a few tablespoons into coffee or drizzle over dessert of choice.
Enjoy!
Xoxo,
Jen
Recipe from Annie's Eats.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Roast Chicken with Shallots
I found this dish over a year ago and I probably make it at least once a month. I honestly have no idea where I got it from - I have adapted it over time to make it my own, subbing out ingredients, cutting out others, adding still others in. It's so easy and it's the kind of dish that makes people think you spent a long time slaving over. It has a super savory flavor and everyone who has tried it has asked me for the recipe. Definitely something to try if you like chicken with some real flavor.
The side dish is Onion Roasted Sweet Potatoes. This is something I make ALL the time. We love sweet potato in my house, so we always have them on hand. While peeling and chopping the sweet potato isn't my favorite part, it always relaxes me. Aside from that, the dish couldn't really be any easier.
Roast Chicken with Shallots & Onion Roasted Sweet Potato
For the chicken:
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tbsp honey
2 large shallots, peeled and minced
4 pieces bone-in chicken (You can use any kind - I have made this recipe with chicken breast, chicken thigh, etc. Just adjust cooking time accordingly)
Coarse salt, freshly ground pepper (for seasoning)
Directions
1. Preheat over to 425 degrees.
2. In a baking dish large enough to hold all the chicken in a single layer, combine the first five ingredients, whisking to combine.
3. Toss the chicken in, coating it with the shallots.
4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
5. Place the chicken face up on the pan in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, until the chicken starts to brown on top. Turn the chicken over and spoon the pan juices and shallots on top.
7. Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the shallots are caramelized.
8. Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
For the sweet potato:
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2" - 1" chunks.
1 packet Lipton Recipe Secret Onion Soup and Dip Mix
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix all three ingredients, making sure that the sweet potato is well-coated.
3. Place in a single layer in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Toss the potatoes, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until you can easily spear the potato with a fork.
6. Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy!
XoXo,
Jen
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Here Comes Baby... (Not Mine!)
![]() |
| She really is glowing... I love how pretty pregnant women look. :) |
![]() |
| This is my FAVORITE shot of the day. I LOVE it! |
![]() |
Xoxo,
Jen
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Bargain Blast: Nordstrom Rack
I asked on FB for some topics that people would be interested in reading, and I got some great responses. The one that fits my blog most aptly would have to be one submitted by my friend and co-worker, Melanie.
"How about (blogging about) places people can get good bargains when trying to stay fashionable in this economy?"
So I decided to do a kind of series on some of the places where I like to shop. I'm going to try and post at least one place per week, with some of the reasons why I love that particular place so much. I am a huge bargain hunter, and I HATE (I mean really DESPISE) paying full price for anything, especially knowing that there are so many places that offer bargains on great pieces. The first Bargain Blast store is....
If you like designer labels, this is the place to go. They always have a great selection, and if you search properly, you can find some major gems. I've come out of there with a Michael Kors purse for less than $100, and I have seen Kate Spade bags for under $150 several times. There are items you wouldn't want to skimp on, and at those times, this is a great place to go. I've tried on Diane VonFurstenberg dresses (didn't purchase because they didn't have my size :/ ), and have actually purchased more than one Calvin Klein dress for under $50 (talk about something you can wear forever). Not to mention they carry a lot of tops for under $20 - at a much better quality than what you might find elsewhere. I've spotted Burberry coats in several sizes, and they almost ALWAYS carry Seven Jeans or True Religion Jeans.
For men, they carry TailorByrd shirts, which my husband loves. They retail for about $110 in Nordstrom stores, but at the Rack, they are about $50 - $60. Can't go wrong for a nice, modern dress shirt. The colors are always nice and bright, and I love seeing my hubby in these very well-made shirts.
Great accessories from Betsey Johnson, watches from several different designers, hair accessories for under $5, and all other kinds of jewelry for really really great prices occupy one corner of the store. And near the register are a couple of stands of beauty supplies, carrying Stila, Smashbox, and Neutrogena products, as well as a few others.
But by far, what has me more than smitten with Nordstrom Rack is their designer shoe department. I have at least 5 pairs of shoes that I have purchased in their regular shoe department (prices range from $40 - $80, which is VERY good). Back to designer section - But back in May, I found a gorgeous pair of gold Jimmy Choo slingback, peep-toe heels. They were $300. So I practiced self-control and left them there. A week later, I was still dreaming of the shoes, and when my hubby went back to buy some jeans, he picked them up for me, and this time, they were 50% off!!!! So they only cost $150. Steep for shoes, but not for Jimmy Choos. After doing some research, I realized that those shoes retailed for $800. Definitely a steal.
![]() |
| The Jimmy Choos I got for $150! |
![]() |
| Wearing my Jimmys in Philly... The gold clutch was $10 at Bijoux Terner. |
So there you have it - the first Bargain Blast. Nordstrom Rack, a great place for almost anything!
Coming up next time... DSW.
Until next time!
Xoxo,
Jen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)



















































