What I'm Loving Wednesday

I think I've found a nice little groove for this old blog here, and I'm excited to execute it.  Since I'm focusing on 'gratitude' this year, I want to dedicate a weekly post to what I am loving in life.  I figured since I can be rather random, this would be the perfect place to post all things I'm happy about.

First up? I've been loving the deals my style customers are getting with dot dollars!! $25 off of a $50 purchase. If you've got your eye on something, today is the last day to redeem! I have a few unused codes if you'd like, message me.

I am dying to get my hands on this engravable with our land coordinates. I have seen so many meaningful pieces engraved, and they look so chic!  Love this idea too!

I'm also really happy that my Mystery Hostess Trunk Show already has rewards!  I'll be going live on FB 1/17, but the pot is already growing.  Some lucky lady is going to earn some freebies!  If you'd like in, just shop this link. Every order counts! https://www.stelladot.com/ts/ko8o6

My favorite Brio Tassel is only $44 with one dot dollar code. I adore this necklace.

My other pick would be the Genevieve. All the heart eyes! This has got to be my favorite from the Fall line.  You can wear it so many ways!!  {use code: QTCIKLBU to save!!}




Food. I just love food; correction, really really good food!! I ordered some Tastefully Simple from my girl Cathy and this recipe screamed New Year's Day.  I had fully believed we were going out NYE, so I wanted an easy dinner to cook itself.  Well, we stayed in but it was still really nice to just let this simmer in a crock pot all day.  It smelled so good!

The pork shoulder literally fell off the bone and I just shredded it. I remove all the fatty parts and then placed it back in the sauce.

You could dip, but you really didn't need to. OMG. I want another one.

This was the sauce I used!

Another recipe is one that my husband found!! Back Alley Ribs.  He has now made these twice, they are THAT good!  {Clearly we enjoy pork...I need to get back into chicken!}

All the fanciness ground up.

Pom/Lime juice.

I'm loving that I started the New Year off on the right foot!  I found this to be inspiring.

While the kiddos napped, I took Holly on a long walk.  The sun was shining and I had to take a photo, since ya just never know when the sun will come out again!

And lastly, books. I am on a big old book kick again lately and one that I am listening to currently is this.  It's quite interesting and if you pick it up, you may find that you learn a thing or two.  It's eye opening because even though you may think you're being positive and manifesting what you want, your thoughts could still be going in the wrong direction...more on that later. I have to re-listen to parts of it. Highly recommend it though!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Tip Tuesday {Recipes}

If you're like me, sometimes you don't know what's exactly for dinner until you look in the kitchen around 3pm.  I try to menu plan, but it may be vague like, "chicken thighs."  I had no idea what exactly I was going to make the chicken thighs with, but I knew that I wanted to cook them up.

I found this recipe via Tastefully Simple as I had the ingredients on hand.  If you're a mom, or just a busy person in general, you need to check out their dinner ideas!

The recipe called for chicken breasts so that you could make chicken tenders/fingers and dip them.  I only had thighs on hand, so I just used a previous recipe's baking time:

Chicken thighs:
450 degrees
40 minutes

Follow the rest of this recipe here. 

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Brown Sugar
Onion Onion

I did some steamed brussels sprouts with garlic cheese. (Wegmans)

The chicken came out so so SO good.  You definitely need to make the dipping sauce too!  For more amazing recipes, follow my friend Cathy on FB here! 

I also highly recommend this combo for a lazy/cozy Sunday by the fire with your lover.

What's cookin in your house this week?

Sweet Mango Flatbread Pizza [recipe]

I made such a fun pizza the other night!!  

I'll be honest and the kiddos weren't totally impressed, 

but they love the chicken wings, however hubby and I were smitten!

I used Tastefully Simple's new Mango Lime Sauce and followed their recipe. You will also need:

-feta cheese

-sliced onion

-fresh diced mango

-cilantro

-bacon

(it called for jalapenos but I opted out)

For the pizza crust, I honestly used the package of Betty Crocker pizza dough, 

where I simply add water!

I served it with watermelon and some chicken wings. 

{for the wings I use TS Garlic Parm wing sauce.

2 dozen organic chicken wings

on a large cookie sheet

baste with sauce

350 30 minutes

Take out and flip/baste again

bake 30 more minutes}

We just loved the sweet, salty, savory and freshness in every bite!

I could imagine this being the perfect pizza to be snacking on poolside on a hot day.

I will definitely be making this again!

It'd also be the perfect pizza to serve at a party because it wasn't soggy after it cooled down.

YUM!

What are you cooking lately?

Tortellini {recipe} and Wine Pairing

Ever have those days where you just don't want to cook?  I've been having a lot of those lately.  I'll text hubby and ask for sushi.  I'll look in the freezer and pull out something from Schwan's.  I even thought about grabbing burgers takeout the night I made this.  I just had to cook something though.  It is my job to provide a meal (or several) all day every day, and luckily I had a few key ingredients to make this happen.  I normally am really good at planning things out and I do love cooking, but I've been in a bit of a cooking rut and don't always know what to make.

I basically googled what I had on hand and came up with this--

Balsamic Tortellini 
-a little bacon
-evoo
-tortellini
-balsamic vinegar

This Garlic Bread seasoning is SO yummy and I just spread a little butter with this mixed in and broil it on whatever bread I have on hand.  It's nice to control the butter/seasoning amount.  A little bit goes a long way!

I had a bottle of red to go with.

I must say this this Pinot Noir is heavenly!! Even my husband, who isn't a wine drinker, poured himself a small glass and sipped it late night!  It has a smooth finish and would pair perfectly with any red sauce or steak.  It definitely made my list to enjoy again this Fall/Winter.  I can see myself sipping on this with a roaring fire, even though I'm not ready to give up my 80 degree days quite yet!

For this or other great wines to be delivered to your door, (ya heard!) check out Wine Chateau.  I don't' know about you, but the last place I ever want to drag two little children would be the liquor store and well, we don't have wine in our grocery stores up here in NYS! 

*These opinions are my own.  I received a bottle of this wine to review.  

Girls' Night with my Girl

Our monthly girls' night has been something we all look forward to.

It was a little wacky, in December Matty was out of town

and in January, I was super prego and my friends just stopped up

at the hospital to visit Brooke and I when the time came.

So, for February, they all came here again.
Last Wednesday it was Alison's turn to 'host'.

She cooked in my kitchen,

so that this new mommy

 and newborn didn't have to travel out and about just yet.

Thank you!

Kristin brought a fun little dip:

Cream cheese

Wasabi sauce

Soy Sauce

Sesame Seeds

Rice Crackers

Yummy!

Matty brought a healthy salad.

Alison prepared Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

{this recipe looks somewhat similar}

 Alison also roasted butternut squash, cranberries, & onion in the oven.

I think there was EVOO & salt/pepper...totally making that again!

{Yes, that's my baby laundry on the end of our huge table--ahhh!}

And I spent all day cleaning, then tried to get ready, and 

realized that I never estimate enough time with a baby!!

She was wide awake and demanding my attention.

 

 Thank goodness she loves the sound of my hairdryer?!

A little pre-girls' night fun.

CK onesie

Baby Legs Legwarmers

She was ready for her first girls' night!

But then she decided to do this the entire time...

There's always next month!! 
So...my plan was to whip up an elaborate dessert.
I didn't factor in feedings and cuddles, so it turned into

 Tastefully Simple's

Sugar & Spice Chai Bread

paired it with a Chai latte and it was still scrumptious!
{even though I don't consider it ' real baking' this new mommy was pleased!}

{yes, I stole your pics on Instagram Kris!!}

So it was a fabulous night.

Great food.

Wonderful drinks.

Better friends.

The first picture where I told them I was pregnant {May 2012}

 And here is one now that lil miss Brooke is with us!

Next month we're in the city at Matty's!

Giveaway Winner and a few Updates

TGIF!!
It's a gorgeous sunny day here in New York!

I cannot believe that I saw "81" degrees yesterday.

Isn't it late October??
Looks like we'll be getting an awful forecast for Halloween, 

so we'll take what we can get.

I wanted to first of all thank you for entering my little giveaway,

the winner of these tasty foods is:

Which happens to be the hottie mama,
Amber,
 

SO excited you can enjoy your yummies in your new home

{and fancy new kitchen}

Congrats Girlie!!!
I'll be in touch to get your new addy.

If any of you still want to order, my party will be open until Thursday November 1.

Feel free to order below:

Jenn's Tastefully Simple Party

If you want to know what I'll be ordering 

{aka what tasted ah-mazing and I need it in my mouth like now}

Feel free to leave your questions in the comments!

In other news,

I concocted an iron-friendly smoothie recipe:

  I just threw it in a blender and it came out looking like

{go ahead, admit it...baby poo}

It won't be my first smoothie choice in life,

but if I'm taking in the essentials,

and it's healthy for baby (and me.)
I'm in.

I also am trying out oatmeal again.

It seemed to have been a heartburn trigger around month 5,

but everyone keeps suggesting oatmeal & raisins, 

so here it goes...

I tossed the raisins in the last 2 minutes of the oatmeal cooking,

which makes them ooey gooey!

I then stirred a little maple syrup in with two sliced strawberries.
It was delish; I hope it doesn't bother me!!

Food is on my mind 24/7.
I am happy to report that I did enjoy 3 soft Barbacoa tacos from Chipotle
last night.
I had a little reflux issue around midnight,
popped a few tums, and added one more pillow to my stack.
It was soooo worth it.
Oh yeah!
Tuesday we went out to the restaurant where
my sweet husband proposed in the parking lot.
{Our story here}
We had our first kiss under a lamplight there January 18th, 2008
and 3 years ago we went back there.
He got down on one knee,
asked me to make him the happiest man in the world,
and I said yes.
We enjoyed an Italian meal,
and although his knee did not get rain-soaked
from kneeling,
we still shared a lamplight kiss
with baby bump between us.

My sister is having a Halloween Party this weekend,
Joe and I will be dressing up and attending...
My costume is most likely inappropriate and quite funny, if I may add.
 I'll be trying to do a 30 week bumpdate (soon) as that's where I am at today!!
Have a great day & enjoy the warmth if you're getting it like meeee!

A Party & a Giveaway!!

I'm having a party!

I tried Tastefully Simple a few years ago and I must admit,

I have tried most of their products and have never had a bad thing to say.

The breads are always a hit; good luck keeping them around!

Look how easy.

1 can of beer & mix.

3 tbs melted butter.

Bake.

Quick dips makes bringing an appetizer a breeze.

The desserts are fabulous to have on hand for quick and easy serving.

In fact, it's soooo good, I strongly suggest, that if you haven't

tried the beer bread, you spend the $5.99 and get some!

Or, since I have won a few giveaways lately, I am feeling like it's time to 

share the love.

It's been awhile, my friends,

and I'd like to offer you a little bit of Tastefully Simple goodness.

I'm going to purchase these 3 items and share them with ONE lucky reader!!

What could you win??

1 package of

Bountiful Beer Bread

Something to sip on while prepping your beer bread:

  Oh My! Itty Bitty Chai

And a little something to snack on, while your bread is baking.

Sweet S'more Snack Mix 

This is a $17 value!!
As soon as the order comes in, I'll ship it directly to you.
I love my readers!
I wish you could come over Wednesday night and taste all the yummies!

If you feel like checking out TS products & purchasing from my party,

feel free to do so here:

Jenn's Tastefully Simple Party

RULES:
{leave a comment for each entry}
1. Please be a reader of my blog {leave your GFC name & E-mail}
2. Leave me a comment telling me which TS product is your favorite. Haven't tried?
Which product do you wish to try most??
3. "Like" Bliss to Bean on Facebook & comment there.
**I'll announce the winner Friday October 26**
That's all.
Nothing fancy.
Good luck and eat well!

Tastefully Winner & a Laugh

Happy Tuesday!
I want to start by announcing my winner of the Tastefully Simple Spices.
There were 42 entries and #33 was picked:

Congratulations
Liz Anne!
I'll get you in contact with my TS representative.
If anyone is ever interested in ordering,
{I know I need more beer bread, spices, and some dip}
You can always just go HERE
On a random note, do any of your hubbies {or significant others}
have silly quirks that leave you laughing, even after they've left for the day?
My husband has always been one to not take life so seriously...
in fact, he has really shown me what it is to live.
When we first started dating, I didn't drink on Sunday nights or weeknights because
I'd have to work the next day and I was that uptight.
(Wow, how my life has changed for the better!)
Well, I've learned to not be so rigid and Joe continues to
make me see how fantastic life really is.
He works so hard when he's at his job,
that I truly believe when he's out of work, he is just a complete goofball to de-stress.
And I love it.
He has this slight obsession with playing music videos on you tube
on his iPad 2.
Over.
and over.
and over.
The other day it was Wacka Flocka, {I'll spare you, you're welcome!}
Last night and today I have heard this song probably 15 times.
No joke.
I can just hear him singing it now in the shower,
or flailing around disco style singing this song.
And if you know my hubs, you know he's not exactly on key.
Which makes it even better!
So, with that, lovely readers,
enjoy your day and all the quirky people in your life!
{And please feel free to share said quirks below bahaha!}
I love you boo!

This video alone should get you laughing!! 

Have a great day.

Tastefully Simple Giveaway!

I have noticed there are a lot of girls out here that really want to get better at cooking.

I also see there are many domesticated divas who know their way around a kitchen!

This first giveaway of the new year is perfect for every gal!

My Tastefully Simple consultant Sara 

has offered to put together a little 

spice gift pack for one lucky reader!

If you haven't tried Tastefully Simple, this would be the perfect way to be

introduced! 

You will receive 3 free seasonings--a $27 value!

Garlic Garlic

Seasoning Salt

Onion Onion

You can use these in almost anything! 

• handy to have if you accidentally run out of onion or garlic a recipe calls for
• quick impromptu dips can be made
• Plain pasta dishes turn zesty in a few shakes
• One of my friends doesn't even use oil/vinegar on salads, just these seasonings!

 I really want to inspire others to love cooking as much as I do.

If you're new to it, it can be so intimidating

and it shouldn't be!

Food brings people together, so make it good food easy!
It's so much healthier & cheaper to cook good food at home.

Don't be shy; even if you are known for being "the bad cook"

you WILL get compliments from anything you make from

Tastefully Simple. 

{I sound like an info-mercial and I don't even sell this stuff, it's

just that good! As a side note, I'm not getting anything for this review, 

I really just want my readers to benefit from something I love too!

Here are some their products I've tried:

Add a scoop of ice cream and fresh fruit YUM

Some of my favorite seasonings are the Garlic Pepper and the Garlic Garlic.

Another great thing about TS is that they provide you with

quick, easy and tasty recipes.
For example, direct from their website:
Using the Garlic Garlic you won:

A garlic lover's dream. 

Add to mayonnaise and sour cream for a delicious dip. 

Keep on hand for garlic toast or everyday cooking ... 

pasta, vegetables, broiled fish, seafood, sauces and soups. 

Makes about 7 cups dip. Kosher.

     Ingredients Needed: 

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

Another kitchen staple, is a great dipping oil.  

How many times have people popped over unexpectedly, 

and you really need something to feed them fast??

Grab some bread {or throw some Pillsbury in the oven} and voila, an easy app.

 You will also need to have drinks on hand and ALL of their ready made beverages are deelish!

Simply add your favorite red wine and water! 
Keep frozen in the handy bucket* for a warm weather treat anytime. 
For easy and elegant entertaining, serve with crackers, French bread, Brie cheese and grapes. 
Makes 9 drinks.

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 (750ml) bottles red wine
• Warm water (about 1½ cups)

*All photos/recipes above are from TastefullySimple.com
And my absolute favorite Tastefully Simple product is their famous beer bread

nom nom nom

 You add a beer, stir, melt some butter to pour on top.

Bake.

Eat.

It's so good for dipping with or even making sandwiches!

If you need to bring something to a party, this and one of their easy dips is perfect!
Check out all their awesome products here.
How to Enter:
{Please be a follower of my blog as this giveaway is for my lovely readers & US shipping only.}
Mandatory: Leave a comment telling me which product you already love, or would love to try!
Not sure which to choose, visit Sara's link here!
Extra entries:
Like Bliss to Bean on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter @MrsDelleFave
Blog/tweet about this giveaway
Just be sure to leave a comment letting me know you did those extras!
Good luck!!
**Giveaway will close Sunday night January 8th & winner will be chosen using random.org
and announced Monday 1.9.12 **