Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Bad Hair Day

You know those days that you don't feel like doing your hair? Yeah, that's almost everyday for me. That's a reason why I love head scarfs, headbands, etc. They are a perfect way to pretend like you did your hair, also a good way to defend yourself when it's super windy outside. It's been super cold too, brrrr...I'm starting to wonder if warmer temps will ever get here. Now my outfit, biker chick anyone? haha.


Top: H&M / Bottoms: Nordstrom / Jacket: F21 / Boots: Lauren Conrad / Headscarf/Jewelry: F21

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Pretzel Rolls.....YUM

Have any of you ever tried the Pretzel Rolls from Costco? They were brought to a work lunch a while back and holy mother of all things good, it was delicious! I am a total carb lover (unfortunately) and so these were RIGHT down my ally. I found a recipe on Pinterest that didn't look to difficult and tried it out. To my surprise they turned out and were yummy in my tummy.

Dough

1/3 C warm water
2 Tbsp warm milk
2 1/2 tsp active yeast
1/3 C brown sugar
2 Tbsp butter, melted
4 C flour
salt

Boiling Liquid

2 quarts cold water
baking soda (1/2 C)
1 tsp salt

Directions
1. In a small bowl if using a bread machine, or in the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix a 1/3 cup of the warm water (105-115 degrees) with the yeast and let stand until foamy.
2. Add the remaining cup of warm water along with milk, sugar & melted butter and swirl to dissolve the sugar. (If using a bread machine add mixture to bread machine at this point and continue).
 
3. Add flour and mix on dough cycle or med-low speed.
4. Remove dough from bread machine once it forms a nice a firm, pliable dough ball. Add more flour if necessary.
5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured table and knead for 2 minutes.
6. Roll into a 2 foot long log and cut into 12 even pieces. Cover dough with plastic and a damp cloth and let sit for 10 minutes.
7. Pat dough into rolls or form knots and arrange on a lightly floured surface about an inch apart and cover with lightly oiled plastic wrap. Let the pretzels rest for an additional 30 minutes.
 
8. Preheat the oven to 425°. Lightly oil 2 baking sheets.
9. In a large stockpot, bring the cold water to a rolling boil and add baking soda. Drop two rolls into the boiling water and boil for no more then 30 seconds, turning once. Carefully remove with tongs or slotted spoon and hold above pot and let drain. Sprinkle lightly with salt.

 
10. Repeat with the remaining rolls. Score the tops & dash with salt.
 
11. Arrange rolls on the oiled baking sheets and bake on the upper and middle racks of the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until browned all over; shift pans from top to bottom and back to front halfway through, for even baking.
12. Let rolls cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
 

Monday, April 15, 2013

Sundays

Here is a Sunday dress outfit post. I am loving chambray shirts, I know they've been around for a while but i'm now discovering how versatile they can be. I love this one from Old Navy, super comfy.



Chambray: Old Navy / Dress: F21 / Heels: Zigisoho  / Jewelry: Forever 21 / Knuckle Rings: Style Lately

Thursday, April 11, 2013

White Jeans

Technically speaking, this is a fashion faux pas. White pants before Memorial Day? Yes, ma'am. I love these new white jeans I found, the cute addition of the studded pockets is awesome. Most white jeans I've tried on in the past were kind of see through, these aren't at all. I am loving this ring, I just bought it down in St. George at a swap meet. There was a lady selling these rings (with turquoise & coral) made in an Indian reservation in Arizona. I had to snatch this up, plus it fit perfectly.


 Top: Target / Jeans: AE / Sandals: Target / Bangles: F21 / Ring: Swap Meet

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Rainy Days

Can you believe all this rain? I really enjoy a nice rainy day on occasion. However, I do not enjoy the freezing temps that accompanied this rainstorm. We had to tie all our stuff down and put it away in preparation for the wind storm last night. Nothing seemed damaged this morning other than the neighbor's basketball hoop falling over. Now about this outfit...loving the maxi skirt! I have the hardest time finding maxi skirts that are long enough (surprise, surprise). I ended up sewing a few last summer for myself. I found this beauty in St. George last weekend and it was long enough! Woop, woop.


 Maxi: Urbanwear / Jacket: F21 / Tee: H&M / Flats: Steve Madden / Necklace: Amazon

Monday, April 8, 2013

Neon + Basics

A little neon never hurt anyone, right? Here is an outfit I wore in beautiful and sunny St. George. I am wishing I was still there right now with all this rainy weather. All well, April shower bring May flowers.



 Cardigan: AE / Shorts: AE / Sandals: Target / Belt: Target / Tee: TJ Maxx / Jewelry: F21

 
And here are a few cute pictures of Beckett enjoying the sunshine.


Thursday, April 4, 2013

Spring Break!

We have been living it up this week. I love spring break! I have gotten to spend every waking moment with my little guy, it's been great. We have been busy, doing lots of fun stuff: dinosaur museum, the zoo, going to the park, walks, etc.

Now, let me take a moment to express how much I love these headbands! I have a couple of them and they are so great and comfy. They are perfect to throw on when you're having a bad hair day. My biggest issues with headbands is that they never seem to fit right or stay on. That's why I love these from Lemons & Lace. They fit really well, stay on, but aren't too tight. Check them out here.



Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Raspberry Vanilla Refrigerator Oatmeal

Guess where I found this fabulous recipe? Pinterest. I bet there is no suprise there. At first I was skeptical....cold oatmeal? However, it is absolutely delicious! Super easy to make and eat, healthy, and perfect for a weekday morning. I will warn you, it will take you a few bites to get used to cold oatmeal, but after those few bites you will be won over. There were a few different recipes for refrigerator oatmeal, my favorite is the raspberry vanilla.

Ingredients:
1/4 C uncooked old fashioned rolled oats
1/3 C skim milk
1/4 C greek yogurt
1-2 tsp chia seeds (I used flax seed)
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp raspberry jam
1/4 C raspberries
*This recipe doesn't make a whole lot, but it is filling. I tripled this recipe when making it for my husband and I. Boys need a little more.

Directions:
1. In a half pint jar, or bowl, add oats, milk, yogurt, seeds, and jam. Mix together.

2. Add raspberries and stir until mixed.

3. Add lid to jar if that's the container you're using. Refrigerate overnight or up to 3 days. Eat chilled.


*230 Calories (4g fat, 8g fiber, 11g protein)

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Stripes

This is the dress that I wore to see my twin brother & wife get sealed. I love this dress, it's light and comfortable for the warmer months. Best of all is that I ordered it online in a TALL length. People have no idea how difficult it can be to find clothes that fit well when you are on the taller side of life.


Dress: Old Navy / Heels: Zigosoho / Belt: H&M / Purse: Roxy