October 9, 2013

Hot Cocoa Popcorn

Maximum reward for little effort. I should get that tattooed on my body because it’s kinda my mantra. I’ve thought about the words YES, FOCUS, CARB LOVE and some other quote but I’ve never been able to figure out what font I’d choose. THAT WOULD BE SO DANG HARD.

This Hot Cocoa Popcorn recipe falls into that maximum reward/little effort category. It’s ridiculously easy! How do you get popcorn to taste like hot cocoa?? You mix it with cocoa powder, sugar and a bit of cinnamon. Then you sprinkle chocolate chips & mini marshmallows throughout.

The only problem is…if you’re trying to sneak some (ahem, COOPER) someone will instantly see you’ve been up to no good with your cocoa coated fingers (and face!). It makes a perfect after school treat or a nice little I need something to jam in my mouth before I make dinner–snack.

Inspiration, Outfitting

October 8, 2013

OUTFITTING: Apple Picking

My Instagram feed & Facebook are both filled with people going on apple picking adventures. Color me JEALOUS! The only apple picking I’ve done is from our old neighbors yard & my grandparents had a wonderful apple tree at their house when I was growing up. Next time you’re out apple picking would you invite me please? I’ll make sure to look cute for the event.

One/Two/Three/Four/Five/Six/Seven/Eight/Nine

Also… I’ll make you some good things with our apple loot! Promise.

Apple Pie Cheesecakes/ Apple Pecan Sticky Buns/ Apple Galette / Baked Caramel Doughnuts

recipes

October 7, 2013

Prickly Pear Cocktail

Dear Monday,

Hey. Could I ask you a favor? Could you please be gentle? Is that too much to ask? Please let this day be full of wins and not battles. If you do not pull through for me today, I DO have this bourbon & pear cocktail sweetened with honey to fall back on. Perhaps the effervescence of the ginger ale might life my spirits if you do not pull through?

Since you almost always disappoint, I might just succumb to popcorn for dinner. Wait…that doesn’t sound half bad. Anyways…carry on Monday, carry on…

Yours Begrudgingly,

Tracy Shutterbean

my everyday life, Photography

October 5, 2013

My Everyday Life: Week 40

Here’s what this past week looked like:

A LOT OF TRAVELING this week. A LOT.

October 4, 2013

I love lists, Friday!

After spending a few days in Louisiana, I need salads like this one
I freaking LOVE Frico and here it is on a grilled cheese sando!
I am totally making this healthy burrito bowl in the next week.
Oh Scarlett Johansson…you’ve turned into a meme.
A VEGAN BLT? Color me intrigued.
30 Lessons You Learned On Your Way To 30.
They are right, this totally looks like my childhood.
Cinnamon. Sugar. Donut. Ice Cream. ALL GOOD WORDS.
New Blog OBSESSION: Sidesaddle Kitchen
White Wine Drinkers Pour Themselves the Biggest Glasses (haha)
Things You Wish Someone Told You When You Got Your First Apartment.
How cute are these cat doughnuts??!! They’re pumpkin too!
I might buy these boots…solely (pun intended) for the name. Cute, right?
If you need help brainstorming Halloween Costumes, this will help.
David Sedaris reads Miranda July. I can’t wait to listen to this.
If you’re still thinking about the Breaking Bad Finale, hang out here.
Also… Breaking Bad Finale Animated Gifs! *SPOILER ALERTS*
Skeleton Driver Freaks Out Drive Thru. OMG yes.

If you’re looking for recipes to make this weekend, might I suggest:

sweet treat:

Milk & Cookies Smoothie

breakfast:

Brown Butter Blueberry Muffins

salad:

Arugula Fig & Fennel Salad

to make & pack for lunches next week:

Pasta Fagioli Soup

get your drink on:

Tomato Parsley Bloody Marys

Inspiration, Outfitting, Uncategorized

October 1, 2013

Out & About: Stitch Fix

A couple of weeks ago, Joy & I got a little tour of a cool company called Stitch Fix in San Francisco. Do you know about Stitch Fix? I’m kind of obsessed with it. If you love packages in the mail that include CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES picked out by a stylist JUST FOR YOU, you’re in for a real treat.

recipes, Uncategorized

September 30, 2013

BBQ Chicken Salad

Trader Joe’s has a really good BBQ Chicken Salad that I was obsessed with UNTIL I read the back of the container and saw how many grams of fat were in it. GAH-REAT. And that was for HALF the salad. There was a good week where I had that salad almost every single day at work. I couldn’t stop myself.

I’ve been wanting to make my own/healthier version of this salad for some time now and here it is! Instead of the heavy mayo based Ranch dressing, I used creamy Greek yogurt and mixed it with fresh lime juice and Sweet & Spicy Tabasco Sauce. It adds a tangy sweet kick to the salad. If you have trouble finding that particular flavor, you could always add in a little bit of honey and regular Tabasco to mimic the flavor. I also took away the shredded cheese because there’s so many flavors going on there that it’s seemed unnecessary! I did add some avocado in it’s place though…oh and lots of cilantro!

It’s the perfect weeknight salad! And if you’re thinking of packing it up for work throughout the week, just make a bigger batch of dressing and take it with you. Dress as you need it! Also, be sure to add the tortilla strips (or chips!) at the last minute. No one likes a soggy bite of tortilla in their salad. NO ONE.