monday calls for crockpot meals and brownies

i used to not mind mondays at all. not this semester. i detest them. they are my busiest of all days so i like the have supper pretty much ready for me when i come home so that i can scurry off to meeting. tonight i made crockpot jambalaya and for my first attempt at it, it was delicious!

crockpot jambalaya

1 large chicken breast

1 16 oz turkey kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices

2 cups chicken broth 

1 can diced tomatoes with juice

1 6 oz can tomato paste 

1 bag frozen onion, celery and bell pepper mix

2 cups sliced okra 

2 tbsp creole seasonings 

1 tbsp minced garlic 

Oregano, thyme, black pepper to taste

Hot sauce, to taste

2 cups cooked brown rice 

1. Combine all ingredients except brown rice in crockpot.
2. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.
3. Remove chicken breast and shred. Return to crockpot and stir.
4. Serve over brown rice and season according to tastes. 

somedays you just need dessert. usually mondays. these brownies are easy to whip up and are actually not horrible for you. i modified them from the recipe on the box for fall and the product is a dense, fudgy pumpkin brownie that is even better topped with my mama's buttercream icing!

no-guilt pumpkin brownies 

1 box no-pudge fudge brownie mix

2/3 cup pumpkin purée

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 

1. mix together the bownieix and pumpkin purée. The batter will be very thick. Spread evenly into an 8x8 non-stick baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Top with buttercream icing and enjoy! 

my mama's buttercream icing

1 stick butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 tbsp vanilla

2-3 tbsp milk, depending on desired thickness

1. cream butter in large mixing bowl. gradually add remaining ingredients and beat at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. 
2. makes enough for 24 cupcakes. store leftover icing in refrigerator. 

We had formal meeting tonight and commng up with an outfit was a bit difficult. It was hard because the weather is still warm but I don't want to wear any of my summer stuff and it's not quite cool enough for my fall clothes. also, I was not in the mood to dress up after my long day at school! The dress I decided on was simple and comfortable so it worked well for meeting! 

i am ending this long day with a call to my mama and a good nights sleep. i have a quiz, two tests and a lot of homework due this week so tomorrow i will have to hit the ground running!

xoxo, 

clp 

family weekend, OOTD & a recipe

what a busy weekend it was! this is a lengthy post but i didn't want to leave anything out!

friday night started out with supper at dead end bbq with mom, dad and phillip then we went to the Blake Shelton concert which was one of the best concerts i have ever seen! mr. shelton gave knoxville a good time!

saturday came bright and early with the AXO CarniVol tailgate and then the UTK Parent's Weekend tailgate, followed by the UT vs South Alabama football game that was a little too close for comfort there at the end. saturday ended with supper at aubrey's (complete with key lime pie) and an early bedtime.

game day shoes from none other than tory burch

sunday brought the AXO Parent's Brunch at The Foundry that was just wonderful. the food was great, as was the program and my parents really enjoyed seeing what we do as a sorority. before the studying commenced, i treated myself to a much-needed pedicure and made a delicious fall dinner of roasted acorn squash (recipe below).

j. crew dress, liberty of london for j. crew button-down, kork-ease wedges, 

longchamp tote, louis vuitton bandeau scarf, j. crew bangle

stuffed roasted acorn squash for one

1 small acorn squash

1 link chicken apple sausage 

handful of sliced mushrooms

chopped onion

1 small apple, sliced and diced

handful of spinach

1 tbsp liquid egg whites

1 tbsp goat cheese

1 tbsp whole wheat bread crumbs

herbs de provence, to taste

minced garlic

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the squash halves cut side up on the baking sheet. Brush minced garlic and herbs de provence on the inside of each squash half. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes until tender.
2. Bring a large skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until meat is cooked through. Add the onion, apple, spinach and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the egg white and cook until done. 
3. When the squash halves are finished roasting, evenly pile the sausage stuffing into the two halves. Top with goat cheese and herbs de provence. Return to the oven and cook for an additional 18-20 minutes.

i hope everyone has had as wonderful a weekend as i have! i really enjoy spending time with my family and love it when they come up to knoxville. here's to a good week this week and maybe another W for the vols next saturday!

xoxo,

clp 

its the little things & OOTD

it's the little things that truly make a difference. it may seem like nothing at the time, but it could impact you or another person more than you know. today i was minding my own business washing my hands at the TRECS when a girl came up to me and said "i see you at the gym all the time and wanted to let you know that i think you are beautiful. i thought you should hear that today." i don't think the girl knew how much her comment had an effect on me. I have always had body issues and even though i lost weight and am much healthier and happier, the body issues will still always be there. i know i will always struggle with that and its something i am going to have to live with or overcome. the girl probably does not know that she made my day and i have been on cloud nine ever since. it has inspired me to do more "little things," in the hope that they may have a big impact.

as i mentioned in my previous post, last night we had big little reveal and i became a grandbig! our family grew and i am just obsessed with my grandlittle, mackenzie. her, megan and i are three peas in a pod so i think our family is going to be really close, which is what i have always wanted. i also love my extended family more than anything too! we all come together perfectly to make the best little family!

my little family

our extended family 

i am so excited for tonight! mom, dad, and phillip are coming in and we are eating at dead end bbq (best bbq in knoxville by far and some of the best i have ever had) and then we are going to the blake shelton concert, which i have heard is phenomenal! i can't wait for phillip to try dead end bbq since he is quite partial to edley's in nashville. i also can't wait to see mr. blake shelton on stage at thompson-boling in his tight blue jeans and cowboy boots. fingers are crossed he plays rocky top! for the concert, i decided to wear some printed jeans i wanted to wear before september ended and a bright sweater. i apologize again for the horrible picture... i was in a bit of a rush!

j. crew sweater, j. crew gingham toothpick jeans, tory burch navy caroline flats

as i write this, my parents are on their way to get me so i must be going! hope everyone has a great friday night and that it is "ten times crazier" than normal! 

xoxo,

clp

interview OOTD

i have encountered my first step into big girl world. i had my first interview ever today for a summer internship and needless to say, i was quite anxious about it. after preparing for it through the help of friends, i do feel like it went as good as it could go so only time will tell! of course, if i bombed the interview, i wanted to look fabulous while doing it so my outfit was a top priority. i decided on a modest fit and flare in a conservative color (but not black because i still wanted to be remembered) and simple flats since i had to walk around campus afterwards (and by the way, UT's campus is not a good place to break in Revas). i kept my jewelry simple because i didn't want to distract the interviewers. i think my outfit was perfect for the atmosphere of this interview and i was comfortable in my clothing which is a must!

french connection dress, tory burch reva flats 

tonight is big-little reveal for alpha chi and i am so excited! my little gets a little tonight which makes me a grand big (and makes me feel old)! i can't wait for the newest addition to our family and am looking forward to many family dinners! tonight starts my busy but fun weekend and i am really looking forward to everything that is going to be happening! happy thursday to all! 

xoxo, 

clp

wet and rainy wednesday

i feel like as the week goes on, my to-do list should be getting shorter but instead it is only getting longer. today is packed full as is tomorrow so my to-do list seems like it is mile long. on that note i probably shouldn't be writing this post but i don't want to leave my readers hanging!

on wednesdays i leave the apartment at 8:30 and don't return until 3:30 at the earliest so i am on campus for a long time. today was wet and rainy, so that made the day seem even longer. i always make sure i have a filling, healthy breakfast to get me through the first half of the day and this morning was no different. i found this recipe on pinterest and have been wanting to try and i was really happy with the results! it was great because it was ready for me when i woke up this morning, super healthy and super filling! and since it is fall, pumpkin season has arrived so i have been dying to pop open my can of libby's pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!). and don't shy away because it has pumpkin in it... you really can't taste it at all but you still get the nutritional benefits from it!

pumpkin overnight oats

1/3 cup oats

1/3 cup non-fat greek yogurt

1/3 unsweetened vanilla milk

1/3 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 tbsp Chia Seeds

Splash of Vanilla (1/2-1 tsp to taste)

Pumpkin Pie Spice (to taste)

Cinnamon (to taste)

1 Banana, sliced 

blueberries, nuts, granola, etc. for topping - optional

1. combine all ingredients in bowl and stir. 
2. cover and refrigerate overnight. 
3. in the morning, stir, top with favorite toppings and enjoy!

(source: Just For Clicks)

on my to-do list today was to run out to Trader Joe's for a few things. i love Trader Joe's! it has the best prices on organic fruits and vegetables and also has great products that their name is on. Whole Foods is my favorite grocery store, but Trader Joe's is a close second because they are more cost-friendly. you can tell the workers really enjoy their job too which makes shopping a more enjoyable experience. it may seem impractical, but i will go to Trader Joe's just for specific items because they have become my favorite over other grocery stores. below, i have listed some of my favorite Trader Joe's products that always end up in my shopping cart!

1. Trader Joe's Bran Flakes Cereal: so good and only $1.99 per box! i like mine with almond milk, cinnamon, sliced banana and either a peach or some kind of berry! 
2. Trader Joe's Three Layer Hummus: reminds me of Whole Foods sampler of hummus (which is my favorite). it comes in a little tub with a layer of cilantro hummus, a layer of roasted red pepper hummus and a layer of classic hummus! eat all the flavors at once or separately!
3. Trader Joe's Bananas: they are always nice and green and are only 59 cents each! 
4. Trader Joe's Sweet Corn and Green Chile Frozen Tamales: these are delicious for frozen, store-bought tamales. while they don't do justice to the homemade ones we get from my mom's work, they are pretty good. at 210 calories per tamale, they are a filling, vegetarian, ready in 10 minutes dinner when paired with salsa and guacamole! 
5. Trader Joe's Flowers: i love fresh flowers in the house and Trader Joe's always has good prices on small pots. today i bought some mums and they look so pretty on our coffee table! 

though i could go on and on about Trader Joe's and my extensive to-do list, i need to actually get to crossing things off my to-do list. Modern Family and Nashville premier tonight so i need to finish up some homework so i can watch them! hope y'all all had a wonderful wednesday - we're halfway to the weekend!

xoxo,
clp

job fair OOTD

today i went to my first job fair. it was a bit nerve-racking but i am glad that i went. i talked to some great companies about summer internships so fingers are crossed that i get some follow-up! me being me, i of course stressed about what to wear. i don't own a suit quite yet and i didn't want to appear too casual. i decided on this pencil skirt and button-down with a statement necklace because i wanted to stand out among the black suits and also because i wanted something for the recruiters to remember me by. it worked out great i think - i got multiple compliments on my necklace!

j. crew button down, j. crew pencil skirt, j.crew heels, j.crew necklace

this monday was a busy one but i think it may be one of my least busy days this week. i feel like i have so much to do but have to wait around to do most of it until the time comes. i don't have many school assignments due this week, but i have two tests, a quiz and project due next week, all following a super busy weekend starting this thursday with big-little reveal, continuing friday with my family coming in for the blake shelton concert, saturday with my sorority's tailgate, the UTK family weekend tailgate and football game and ending sunday with parents brunch. i am definitely going to have to manage my time and stress well!

on another note, my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, is having our annual tailgate, CarniVol, this Saturday before the South Alabama game. all proceeds go towards supporting the victims of domestic violence which is our national philanthropy. besides the carnival themed tailgate, complete with games and food,  the best part about this tailgate is that the donations received stay right here in knoxville and we can see them being put to good use at the Family Justice Center of Knoxville. this year we are even able to accept donations online so if you would like to support us in supporting the victims of domestic violence, all you have to do is click here and follow the instructions on the page. any donation would be much appreciated!

xoxo,
clp

first day of fall

happy first day of fall y'all! fall starts my favorite time of the year. from football, homecoming, halloween, my birthday, thanksgiving, christmas and new years, the last quarter of the year is always the best.

i am spending my first day of fall at home this weekend. i was in much need of a change of scenery from knoxville and this quick trip home was perfect. i came home friday afternoon to my beautiful house that i am so thankful for and it felt like i had never left. my mom knows me well because she made sure there was a bowl full of fruit and sweet tea in the refrigerator. she also had a flu shot waiting on me as well (oh the perks of being a pediatrician's daughter). nonetheless, this weekend has been a relaxing weekend. mom hosted a baby shower for one of her partners so i helped with that and besides that, we spent the weekend at home just catching up (and watching some painful UT football). i did go to mawsie's for supper last night because she made my favorite vegetable soup and cornbread. unlike many college students my age, i love coming home. the five hours total in the car are worth the 48 hours at home with my parents. i feel like my weekend trips home reenergize me and get me back on track. 

for the baby shower, mom made her strawberry cake. if i didn't get IveyCake cupcakes for my birthday, this would be the cake i would request. its definitely not a healthy cake, but you have to treat yourself every once in a while. there was some cake leftover from the baby shower so some of it made its way back to knoxville. 

strawberry cake

1 box duncan hines white cake mix

1 box strawberry jello (dissolved in 1/2 cup hot water)

4 eggs

1 cup canola oil

1/2 cup crushed strawberries

1. mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. let cool before icing. 

strawberry cake icing

3 cups powdered sugar

1 stick margarine

1/2 cup crushed strawberries

1 cup pecans

1 small can coconut (optional, we usually leave out) 

1. melt butter, add sugar, then add remaining ingredients. 
2. pour over cooled cake. 
3. store in refrigerator. 

this cake is a family favorite and i always go back for more when we make it! i have a hard time practicing self-control with this cake. its a great cake for spring and summer because of the fresh berries.

this upcoming week is a busy one, but i have much to look forward to. between school and other activities, i may not be able to post much this week but i will try my hardest! i hope everyone has had as wonderful a weekend as i have (thanks to my amazing parents). happy fall! 

xoxo, 

clp 

favorite fall lilly pulitzer & white chicken lasagna

i have posted my favorites from j. crew a couple of times now so i thought i would post my favorite pieces from another one of my favorite designers, Lilly Pulitzer! my dream would be to have a closet full of Lilly but i'm not sure i could ever get it all worn. i love her bright colors and patterns that are incorporated regardless of the season. this fall is no different and i think it might be one of my favorite fall Lilly collections that i've seen. the silhouettes are classic Lilly, but there are trendy elements thrown into the mix that make each piece perfect for this fall. so without further ado, here are a few of my favorite pieces!

karla sweater jacket

arlington dress

evangelista pant

havana top

worth skinny mini

aurora sweater

charlene dress

i am headed home tomorrow for a weekend in murfreesboro. mom always ask what i want her to fix for supper and i always have such a hard time deciding since i live with two excellent cooks! for this trip home, i decided on a family favorite, white chicken lasagna. i have been craving this lately but haven't made it here in knoxville because i don't know what i would do with a full pan of lasagna and no one to share it with. we love this recipe because it is a tasty spin on lasagna, made skinnier with chicken, spinach, squash and less cheese (but you would never know it). you can even tell picky eaters that the butternut squash is cheese and they will never know the difference (i know this because we told phillip it was cheese and he devoured it). we usually have this with a salad on the side. also, this recipe makes a large pan of lasagna so i will hopefully have some leftovers to bring back to knoxville! 

white chicken lasagna

lasagna noodles (about one box, using no-cook is easiest!)

1/4 c. butter

1 onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 c. WW flour

1/2 tsp. salt

ground black pepper, to taste

2 c. chicken broth

2 c. nonfat milk

2 c. part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided  

1/4 c. shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

1 c. part-skim or non-fat ricotta cheese

1 1/2 c. cooked and shredded chicken

1 small box frozen spinach, thawed and drained; liquid squeezed out

1 small box frozen butternut squash puree, thawed

1. Melt butter in a large saucepot.  Add onions and garlic and cook over medium heat until translucent.  Add flour, salt, and pepper.  Cook flour mixture 1-2 minutes.  Add chicken broth and milk.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir 1 minute.  Turn off heat and add 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese.  Stir in dried spices.
2. Lightly spray a 9×13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.  Ladle some cheese sauce onto the bottom to thinly cover.  Add a layer of lasagna noodles.  Layer with more cheese sauce, the chicken, and the ricotta cheese.  Add another layer of pasta.  Top with cheese sauce, spinach, and 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese.  Add another layer of pasta.  Top with cheese sauce.  Using a spoon, spread the butternut squash puree over the cheese sauce. Add final layer of lasagna.  Top with remaining 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese. 
3. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for at least 35-40 minutes.  Remove foil and continue to cook until bubbly and center is hot.  If cheese doesn’t brown on top, turn on the broiler for the last couple minutes.  Allow lasagna to sit about 15 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

(slightly adapted from One Ordinary Day)

hope you enjoy and happy thirsty thursday! 

xoxo, 

clp

october j. crew favorites

j. crew has rolled out another style guide and i could not be more in love with some of the pieces. unfortunately, I feel like more pieces than usual this month are collection pieces which I wish j. crew would not do for those of us on college-girl budgets, but the collection pieces really are gorgeous. however, this girl doesn't quite have the money rolling into her bank account afford the collection pieces herself so she will be sticking with just classic j. crew. i like how the fall collection this year has embellishments and attention to detail throughout the collection. there is nothing i love more than a little sparkle in unexpected places. i also love the patterns j. crew used this season. below, i have included some pieces that hopefully will be making their way into my closet! also, in case you didn't know, j. crew uploaded their entire October Style Guide to a pinterest board!

rory boot

jeweled-point collar shirt

elbow-patch sweater

ponte peplum top

technicolor floral top

pleated silk blouse in smudge dot

crystal icicle pendant

tonight for dinner i had a plate full of veggies. i haven't felt well all day so i didn't want any heavy meat. along with some roasted okra and tomatoes, i made stuffed sweet potatoes with beans and kale from The Kitchn. it was delicious and perfect for tonights dinner. i am headed to bed early tonight so i can hopefully wake up feeling 100% tomorrow! only two more days and i am headed home to see my mama and daddy!

xoxo, 

clp

polenta pesto lasagna & OOTD

last night was formal meeting and since its still hot out but after labor day and the beginning of fall, finding an outfit for meeting was a bit of a struggle. i am ready to start wearing my fall clothes but it just isn't cool enough yet and i feel like my summer clothes are too bright. i finally decided on this and i think it worked out perfect (again, i apologize for the poor picture quality)!

theory dress, j. crew leopard calf hair belt, corkease wedges, j. crew green bangle 

tonight for supper i made an adaptation of The Fitnessista's Polenta Pesto Lasagna. i added zucchini to the recipe simply because i had some that needed to be eaten, left out the cheese and also added a small piece of grilled chicken for protein and my favorite side salad with artichokes, mushrooms and tomatoes rounded out the  meal! 

polenta pesto lasagna

1 sleeve of polenta (i used plain) 

pesto (homemade preferably but store-bought works fine too) 

1/2 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese

sliced zucchini 

italian seasoning, to taste

1 grilled chicken breast per person, if desired

1. preheat oven to 350.
2. slice the polenta into thin "noodles" (can be done either length-wise or just round slices). arrange slices on the bottom of a casserole dish. layer with pesto, sliced zucchini and then ricotta cheese. 
3. repeat until you have has many layers as desired, making the top layer cheese.  
4. bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lasagna is warm throughout. 
5. let set for about 5-10 minutes then serve with chicken and a side salad! 

pre-baking (it still had like lasagna layers)

post-baking (tossed with chicken)

this recipe turned out to be really good! i also have polenta leftover so i plan on using that later in the week. today has been busy but productive which is my kind of day. i am looking forward to my weekend at home, especially since i have my grandmother's vegetable soup in my future! 

xoxo,

clp 

p.s. vote for Lilly Pulitzer to come to the University of Tennessee Knoxville so i can land what would be my dream job! Vote here: Path to the Pink Palace

phillip lim for target & meatloaf for one sunday

just a quick short post tonight! i wanted to share what i got from the phillip lim 3.1 for targetc ollection and my meatloaf for one recipe!

so i was going to practice self control and not get anything from the phillip lim for target collection because i really didn't need anything but i got on the target app on my phone this morning and had ordered this dress before i even brushed my teeth. i love it because it is leopard (an obsession) and it can be dressed up or down and worn in both fall and winter! is there such thing as shopaholics anonymous because i think i need to find where they meet.

3.1 phillip lim for target knit dress in animal print

tonight for supper i stepped out on a limb and tried meatloaf. my mom has always tried to get me to eat but there was something about it that always turned me off. however, since my diet has changed so much in the past 18 months and since i like so many new things, i decided to give it a try. since its just me, i obviously didn't need a whole meatloaf so i searched pinterest and found a "meatloaf for one" recipe. i ate every bit of it! 

meatloaf for one

1 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs

2 teaspoons skim milk 

1 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp grated provolone or mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp chopped onion

2 tbsp grated carrot

4 oz extra lean ground beef

pepper, to taste

1. preheat oven to 375.
2. in a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients until combined. 
3. form mixture into a "loaf" and bake until cooked through, about 40 minutes. 

(slightly adapted from Martha Stewart)

now its time to study since i have put it off all day! hope you all had a fab weekend!

xoxo,

clp 

recent acquisitions

usually when i am in knoxville i am pretty good about controlling my spending due to the lack of good shopping. however, this weekend i guess i was in need of some retail therapy because i went shopping and definitely did some damage to my bank account. nonetheless, i got some great pieces for fall and winter, along with some things i found on sale that will still be in style come spring. 

j. crew winter white toothpick cords

i can't wait to wear these with flats and warm sweaters and scarves! they will be perfect for chilly winter days! (and they are winter white, not white-white so they are acceptable to wear) 

lilly pulitzer skipper popover

i found this little gem on sale yesterday! i love little popovers and this was the last one the store had so i jumped on it! it will be perfect for the cruise mom and i are going on for spring break and goes great with both shorts and pants. 

anthropologie pilcro serif cord legging

these may be my new obsession. they are possibly the most comfortable pants ever. they don't feel like you are wearing corduroy but they still have the warmth. the print is fantastic - reminds me of something tory burch would do. 

steven by steve madden ravesh pumps

these were my on-a-whim purchase. i had ordered them in the summer in a nude patent but they were too big and nowhere had any smaller sizes so i had to return them. then they came out with the fall/winter version and i was in love. suede + emerald + a bow. what more could you ask for? they look very valentino at a fraction of the price! 

my other bag canvas tote

these are cute, quirky canvas tote bags that play off of designer bags. known as My Other Bag, they have a designer handbag on one side and on the other side say "my other bag" as in "my other bag is a birkin/louis vuitton/goyard..." i got the goyard one and i just think it is so fun! perfect for me since i have "goyard taste" but right now am on a "canvas tote budget."

timex animal print watch

this is one of my "steal" purchases! as you all know, i love leopard and have looked at many a leopard watches. the other day i was perusing target's website and came across this little number and knew i couldn't beat the price. it is waiting on me in murfreesboro and i can hardly wait to wear it! 

though my bank account is hurting, i can't wait to sport my newest purchases! i feel like they are all great for this season's trends. i am now putting myself on a strict budget (we'll see how long that lasts). another thing that is hurting right now is UT after the stomping Oregon gave them today. i wasn't expecting a win and i am happy we at least put some points on the board. this weekend i am taking it easy (as i always do on the weekends) and getting caught up with school and ready for a busy week next week. i feel like i add something to my planner every other minute. after my shopping excursion today i did make some dark chocolate chip zucchini banana bread and judging by the huge piece i just ate, it turned out delicious! the only thing i did different was use 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips instead of 1/2 cup. it was a great way to make a healthier treat and use some end of summer zucchini. tomorrow will be spent preparing even more for the week ahead (for some reason its taking a lot of effort) and studying! 

xoxo, 

clp

nyfw & a lilly print

new york fashion week always reminds me of one thing: how much money i don't have to buy those beautiful clothes walking down the runway... yet. regardless, my love for all things fashion prevails and i am glued to my computer watching live feeds of the shows and reviewing the many collections. designers have, as they always do, outdone themselves at the spring 2014 ready to wear shows. i am already looking forward to spring now and i haven't even had a chance to wear any of my fall clothes!

below, i have picked some of my favorite looks from nyfw. there are too many collections and looks to include all my favorites, but here are some from my favorite designers. maybe a few pieces will make their way to my closet come spring! (all images from style.com) 

michael kors

michael kors

j. crew

j. crew

kate spade new york

kate spade new york

tory burch

tory burch

oscar de la renta

last night i cooked for some of my very favorite people in the world. erin, caroline and ellie mean the world to me and i dont know what i would do without them. I fixed the Dashing Dish's crockpot lime chicken fajitas, my homemade refried beans and some spanish rice. we four girls devoured it. the chicken fajitas were delicious over tortillas, but they would also be yummy over just rice or atop a bed of lettuce!

the best part of today has been that Alpha Chi Omega won the Lilly Pulitzer sorority print contest! i could hardly contain my excitement when i found out. i think if i wasn't in public that i would have jumped up and down and screamed. i cannot wait to see how fabulous the print will be that Lilly will come up with for us. the christmas list will certainly have alpha chi lilly on it this year!

happy weekend to everyone! this time next week i will be home in murfreesboro and i could not be more excited! i can't wait to see my family and i am in need of a break from knoxville.

xoxo,
clp

what i ate wednesday + remembering 9/11

okay, so technically i ate this first recipe on a tuesday but it was too good to leave out! i have been craving a savory breakfast for dinner night and last night i came up with this variation of tupelo honey's breakfast bowl! it turned out delicious and was very filling, especially with a cantaloupe, honeydew and strawberry fruit salad!

breakfast bowl for one

1/4 cup grits

1/2 cup black eyed peas, rinsed and drained

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

3 strips crispy bacon 

handful of spinach 

1 fried egg

pepper relish, tabasco for topping

pepper, to taste

1. cook grits according to directions. stir in spinach and allow it to wilt in grits. 
2. warm black eyed peas, paprika and garlic powder in a saucepan. stir to coat peas with spices. 
3. when grits are done and black eyed peas are warm, make your breakfast bowl. layer grits, then black eyed peas, then egg and top with pepper relish and tabasco. sprinkle with pepper and serve with bacon on the side. 

second recipe of the day is what i had for lunch today! i had seen some various black eyed pea salad/dip recipes floating around and since i had leftover peas from last night, i decided to make one of my own! i topped it with cottage cheese for some additional protein and dairy and had a mango as my fruit. 

leftover black eyed pea salad

1/2 cup black eyed peas, rinsed and drained

handful of spinach

chopped lettuce

4 cherry tomatoes, diced

green bell pepper, chopped

banana pepper, sliced

1/4 avocado, diced

onion, diced

1/4 cup cottage cheese

pepper, cumin, to taste

1. combine all ingredients in salad bowl. refrigerate until ready to serve. 

and finally, for dinner i fixed this thai pork in the crockpot. we love this dish. its also great because you put it in the crockpot before you leave in the morning and when you come home, your house smells amazing and supper is ready. we usually have this with brown rice or cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option, just put cauliflower in a food processor, process until fine, then season up and sauté until slightly browned in a pan) and with some stir-fry vegetables. this recipe also freezes well, both after cooking or before cooking if you want to just have on hand!

thai pork with peanut sauce

2 lb lean pork tenderloin, cut into 4 pieces

1/3 cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce (use a high quality brand)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup creamy peanut butter (i used Better N Peanut Butter)

¼ cup dry roasted peanuts

½ cup green onions, thinly sliced

sliced bell peppers

1. place all ingredients (except peanut butter, peanuts, and green onions) into the slow cooker. cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. keep your eye on your slow cooker so that your meat doesn't dry out.
2. remove pork from slow cooker and chop into bite size chunks. add the peanut butter to the sauce. stir until it dissolves into the sauce.
3. return the pork to the slow cooker and toss with the sauce. serve over brown jasmine rice. sprinkle with peanuts and green onions.

(recipe courtesy of Skinny Mom's Kitchen)

on a more solemn note, today is september 11. 12 years ago, that piece of information was nothing more that just a date, but on september 11, 2001, it became much more. i can remember exactly where i was and what i was doing when america was attacked by terrorists. our lives as americans were altered forever. this past spring break, my mom and i had the privilege to visit the 9/11 memorial in new york city. though not entirely finished, the names around the infinity pools that were once the foundation of the world trade center towers was both moving and humbling. i am glad that we had the opportunity to visit the site, and also to see the new world trade center that recently was completed, showing that if you knock america down, we will only rise back up, stronger than before.

reflecting pool

new world trade center

mom with the "survivor tree" that withstood the 9/11 attacks

today i took the finance exam i had been studying my life away for and only time will tell how i did. i am looking forward to not looking at anything that has to do with finance tonight and taking my mind off of school after i finish up an assignment or two. its wednesday so that means the week is half over and its smooth sailing until the weekend!

xoxo,
clp

ps: if you are on facebook, help a girl out and vote alpha chi omega for the next Lilly Pulitzer print! i would DIE if we got one!

vote here: Vote Alpha Chi Omega for the next Lilly Print!