Gettin' By

A recipe of mine that doesn't suck.

I'm not exactly known for my phenomenal cooking skills (a no-sugar carrot cake with faux cream cheese frosting I made for Hayden's first birthday comes to mind) but I do have a few tried-and-true recipes that I've perfected over the years. I recently posted a pic of one of my faves on Instagram and got several requested for the recipe.  It's simple, with easy-to-find ingredients, doesn't require any fancy appliances or equipment and you can totally drink a margarita while you put it together.  Which pretty much means it's my ideal recipe.

 

Black Bean & Corn Salad

2 - 15oz. cans black beans, drained & rinsed
2 lb. bag of frozen corn (you can also use fresh corn)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 jalepeno, diced (or two, if you like it spicy)
3/4 c. chopped cilantro
juice from 2 limes
1/4 c. plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1/2 c. red salsa (I like Blue Moose salsa)
1 T cumin
1 T chili powder
salt & pepper to taste

Mix everything together in a big bowl. Cover tightly with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Ideally, make this the night before you want to eat it. It gets better with a bit a of time to "marinate" in the frig! (During which time, you should totally drink margaritas.)

Serve over lettuce and/or corn chips and top with crumbled queso fresco. If you want to bump up the protein content, you can also add in edmame (I threw some in the last batch I made and it was tasty), garbanzo beans, or avocados. It's also a nice salad to serve with grilled chicken or steaks. And a margarita, natch.

Enjoy!

P.S.  I'd be remiss if I didn't direct you to my favorite margarita recipe right here, now wouldn't I?!?  Cheers!

 

Weekend Summary: No Pants. No Margaritas.

And if that blog title doesn't increase hits, I just don't know what will.

Our weekend wasn't lacking in the celebration department. With three birthday parties, two family gatherings, two BBQs, National Scrapbook Day, and of course, Cinco de Mayo, how could it be? Sadly, none of these events involved margaritas.  

(Those of you that know me well are saying WHA?!?!?  I know, I know. As your Queen of Gratuitous Imbibement, I've let you down)

But it did involve wishing a very cute pantless nephew happy birthday:

Apparently when you're three, it's totally your perogative to celebrate the big day by refusing to don pants. And scowl at your Aunt Pete for taking photographic proof.

But a birthday cake and crazy relatives singing off-key can always improve your mood:

And just so you know, tonight (after our last volleyball game of the season) I'll be heading out for margaritas with the girls. I've got a reputation to uphold, after all.

Five on Friday.

Today's list features some items that are helping me cope with the end of Spring Break! (sniff!)

1.  Kona Brewing Company's Koko Brown Ale ($15.99/12-pack).  There's nothing quite like the taste (and smell!) of coconut to remind you of the islands. The Kona Brewery says "the delicious heart of this island treasure has a nutty, toffee flavor and aroma that sends you straight to the beaches of Paradise."  And while I can't really say my dirty house and piles of laundry equal paradise, this beer helps me overlook them for the time being.

2.  Sunless Strip Self-Tanner ($26.00).  With my Bahamas Beach tan fading daily, I'm supplementing my glow with this natural self-tanner.  It doesn't have that characteristic self-tanner stench and won't leave you looking like an extra from Jersey Shore (bonus!)

3.  Cinquain Sweetie Heel ($97.99) Shoe shopping is a sure funk-buster for me, and with a wedding to attend next month, I'm looking for a new pair of heels to make me smile.  And these fun loving striped mary janes from Poetic License are doing just that!

4.  Unforgettably Fashionable Ring ($9.99). Another way to get rid of the post-vacation blues? Add a cheap but fun little bauble to your hand!  I love this sweet bow ring in a lovely aqua hue that just so happens to look fabulous against sun-kissed skin.

5.  Gazela Vinho Verde ($11.00).  The worst thing about returning home from a beach vacation? The fact that you can no longer parade around in your bikini and drink fruity tropical drinks for breakfast. (Hmph.)  To ease the pain, I'm keeping some of this fresh, fruity, and slightly effervescent white wine around for happy hour.  And drinking it with a paper umbrella in the glass makes it taste even better.

Hope your Friday (and weekend!) are fabulous, my lovelies!

 

Did someone say chocolate?

It's Valentine's Day, which isn't a holiday I typically get too gung-ho about. Oh sure, it's the day I perform my annual karaoke rendition of You've Lost That Loving Feeling, much to my family's chagrin and embarrasment, but beyond that, we don't do much in the way of celebrating. But lately I've been hearing rumors that Valentine's Day may include chocolate?  And wine?  (Yeah, and something about love, but hey - you had me at chocolate.)

So this year, I'm doing my best to get into the spirit. I've spruced up our decor with some loving sentiments:

Assembled some flowery Valentine's with Riely for her classmates:

Designed a humorous Valentine for Hayden (thanks to Daddy for the bowtie, suspenders, and nerdy eyewear necessary for the photoshoot!)

Purchased treats for the teachers of the above-referenced children (because, goodness knows, if anyone deserves chocolate today - it's the teachers!)

I also prepared today's sack lunches with a bit of Valentine's flair:

 

 and wrapped up some sugary treats for the kiddos:

Of course, there's a love note awaiting my honey when he leaves for work (along with several packs of sugarless gum. He's not a chocolate guy. And that, my friends, is is why our relationship works so well.)

 

And last, but most certainly not least, I've got a little Valentine's treat just for me:

Because a little chocolate and wine just might help improve this year's karaoke performance. You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips...

Enjoy your Valentine's Day, lovelies!

Five on Friday.

This edition of Five on Friday is brought to you by the color RED!

1.  Crown Vintage Kimberly Pump ($79.95).  I just purchased these adorable red mary janes for my upcoming trip to CHA at the end of the month. While I know I'll be on my feet all day and require comfy shoes, I can't totally give up my heels. These are the best of both worlds!

 

2.  Athleta Long Sleeve Twist Top ($69.99). This athletic top was one of my Christmas gifts and the crimson color is a nice, bright addition to my mostly-black running wardrobe.  Not only do I love it for winter running (the wicking fabric is fab and the extra-long torso stays tucked in and keeps my muffin top warm!) but I've also paired it with jeans for a casual weekend look (that I wear, of course, while eating muffins.)

3.  Jane Iredale PureGloss in Cherry Sparkle ($20).  As much as I'd love to be one of those girls that can pull off a perfectly red pout, I've never found a red lipstick that looks decent on me.  I've tried (believe me) but I always end up looking a little girl that found her mama's lipstick and decided to play dress-up...it's messy, uneven, and always ends up on my teeth. But this lip gloss is a bit more forgiving. It's a deeper shade of red without being too opaque and it stays for a remarkably long time. Even if you're eating muffins.

4.  Big House Wines Big House Red ($14.98).  You didn't think I'd forget to include red wine, did you? And since New Year's resolutions are in full force and we're only drinking on the weekends around here, I need a way to keep my wine fresh for longer. This Big House Red box wine fits the bill perfectly, keeping my libations fresh for up to 6 weeks in the vacuum-sealed packaging.  It's a nice blend of flavors from dark berries to cherries to vanilla and it pairs nicely with just about anything.  Yes, even muffins.

5. Glad to Adhere it Tape Set ($8.99) I can think of lots of crafty purposes for these cute masking tapes in red & white!  They'd be fabulous for wrapping up valentine goodies, as a decorative border on scrapbook pages, or a cute way to seal the envelopes on cards.  They'd also come in handy if you need to tape your mouth shut to prevent yourself from eating anymore muffins. Ahem.

Enjoy your Friday now! {And don't forgive the birthday giveaway below is still open!} 

 

A Whole New January.

Historically, the month of January and I are not good friends.  Usually by the time the Christmas decor has been packed away and the New Year's resolutions kick in, I settle into a seasonal funk in which I mope, complain and generally become an absolute jerk to live with. I'm never sure if it's the post-holiday let down, or the fact that spring seems like an eternity away, but something about January makes me want to curl up in ball and hibernate for six weeks. Or drink heavily. Neither of which make for a very productive Lisa.  So this year I'm facing the month head-on with a plan of action in hopes that January and I can forget our past and forge ahead in a productive relationship.  I'm hoping January agrees with me.  And if not? Well, I fully plan on kicking it's ass anyway.

And - side note - apparently (notice my new blog banner?) it's also one of my resolutions to make more frequent use of the word ass.  You have been warned.

So first on the plan is to keep myself creatively occupied with some non-scrappy projects (though design team work and Project Life will have ample time alloted, natch).  I've been collecting loads of ideas for various projects around the house via Pinterest and now's the time to implement some of them. And if any are moderately successful, I just might share them here on the blog.  Like the new wreath I made for the front door with cardstock, a chipboard letter, and about 5000 sticks of hot glue:

Also on my agenda is a return to a healthier diet. Like everyone else, I wined and dine (and desserted!) my way through the holidays and the scale has the the numbers to prove it. It's time to focus on fruits, veggies, and whole grains instead of truffles, wine and whole birthday cakes. Luckily, Mike is on board with this plan too because eating healthy alone is a lonely, lonely game where you do not pass go and you cannot collect Chick-Fil-A waffle fries. So this month we're relying heavily on the menu plan from Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 and our Mile High Organics produce delivery to serve up some tasty and balanced meals.

Jillian's BBQ Chicken & Black Bean Tacos

Of course, last night I dreamed about a giant plate of white cheddar mashed potatoes and a tall frosty mug of beer, so I'm not sure my subconscious is on board with the whole healthy-eating routine just yet.

I don't think I've yet mentioned that in a grandiose gesture sure to win him Husband of the Year, Mike presented me with an amazing 40th birthday gift:  a trip to the Bahamas for spring break!  It's a destination I've always wanted to visit, and in just a few months,that tropical dream will finally come true.  The thought of getting into bikini shape by then has got me pretty motivated, so I'm mixing up Jillian tapes with a half-marathon training plan while Mike (being the consummate bad-ass that he is) is doing P90X.  I considered doing it with him (for about 30 seconds) but then I heard pull-ups were involved and said hell.to.the.no. (Just like ASCPA commercials, pull-ups make me cry.)

Annnddddd...to wrap up my attack on January, I've also implemented a new chore system for both me and the kids that will hopefully (fingers crossed!) keep this place we live in some semblance of order. The kids have weekly chores to complete and have the option of doing extra chores for hard cold cash if they are so motivated. (Please do not tell them that 75¢ for cleaning a toilet is not a fair price. I'm trying to save for Bahamas' souvenirs here, people!)

I've also made myself a weekly chore list and hope that by completing 6 or 7 chores each day (about an hour, give or take), I'll stay on top of the PetHairDustBunnyFoodCrumbsDirtyLaundryBeast that likes to rear it's ugly head around here. And while I won't be earning an allowance like the kids, I will be rewarding myself with a glass of wine at the end of the week if my chores are checked off. 

Because you didn't really think I'd be facing this January without wine, did you??

 

Thankful Thursday

Just a few things I'm feeling grateful for today...

...the crisp morning air that feels definitively like fall.

...the fact that this guy is home (and snoozing at my feet) after an overnight visit to the vet with a fever and tummyache.

...the reaction to my first online class (at Ella Publishing!) has been positive.

...both kiddos seem happily settled into a school routine and are doing well.

...my October Jenni Bowlin Mercantile kit arrived yesterday and looks absolutely delightful.

...an hour of down-time on the couch with Mike last night (and the hilarious return of Modern Family!)

...the discovery of a decent box wine that doesn't give me a headache the next day.

...a job that provides me flexibility in my schedule and an outlet for creativity.

...cozy cardigans and scarves (and the cool weather to wear them!)

...pumpkin spice lattes.

 

 

What are you thankful for today?

Five on Friday.

After a few weeks hiatus, my Five On Friday feature is back! Here's what making me happy this week:

1.  Canvassing Backpack in Uptown. ($31.99) The end of summer is drawing near (not that I'm counting down the days until my kids go back to school or anything, but THERE'S 20 DAYS LEFT - can I get a HELL YEAH!!! ) Ahem. So that's got me thinking about back-to-school shopping and how, while we're shopping for pencils and paper and whatnot, I may have to snap up this cute little orange number for myself.  After all, a mama needs a stylish way to carry all her PTA minutes and classroom volunteer notes.  Or bottles of wine. Tomato, tomahto.

 

2.  Shinerbock Ruby Redbird ($11.99/12-pack).  You don't go to college in Texas without throwing back a few Shiners (amongst other decidedly Texan Lone Star traditions we won't get into here.)  And while I have a special place in my heart for the original brew (Hello! My dog is named Shinerbock!) this new summer seasonal is my go-to Happy Hour beer. The light ale with hints of grapefruit and ginger make it crisp, cool and just a little bit girly.  And to be honest, I would have bought it just for the color combination on the label. Lucky for me, it tastes good too.

 

3.  To Grandmother's House We Toe Heel ($97.99)  I can't think of a better addition to my fall wardrobe these adorable floral versions of the classic Mary Jane. They'd be perfect for date night at the drive-in movies with dark skinny jeans or equally sweet with a June Cleaver-type shirt dress + frilly apron while making Thanksgiving dinner.  Because that's what I do when I have a free moment...fantasize about my wardrobe as a 1950s housewife with a husband named Ward.

 

4. JBS Mercantile Medallion Stamp (Kit Exclusive). I am in love with this gorgeous new stamp from Jenni Bowlin.  So much so that I've used it on every single one of my kit projects this month (which I'll be sharing next week!) If you want to get your hands on one (and of course you do!), you need to mark the calendar for August 1st, because they are only available in the August Papercrafting Kit at jbsmercantile.com.  And yes, you can use it on a scrapbook page documenting your love for Shinerbock beer.  Or maybe that's just me.

 

5.  Stained Glass Bauble Ring ($14.99). I have a huge weakness for big, colorful, fun rings like this one. It's like a little corsage for your finger. (And it adds a just a touch of chic, stylish panache when you're flipping the bird to the a**hole driver in front of you who hasn't yet grasped the concept of turn signals.) With all these fabulous jewel tones, it will go with just about any fall outfit.  Not to mention that the red, aqua, and deep yellow tones happen to coordinate perfectly with the ShInerbock Ruby label. One-track mind, anyone?!

Here's to a weekend full of beer, baubles and birds (the feathered kind, you silly people...tweet, tweet!)

 

 

 

Lucky Thirteen.

Well hooooo boy, I've sure been neglecting the ol' blog lately, huh? It's been for a lot of good reasons, though - among them pre-CHA creating, kid's activities, and a jam-packed work schedule - but the best reason has to be the four-day weekend Mike & took to celebrate our thirteenth anniversary.

After leaving the kids with Nana, we stole away to Avon (just outside of Vail) to the absolutely amazing Ritz-Carlton in Bachelor Gulch. We first stayed here two years ago for our aniversary and loved it so much we decided to come back for Lucky Number Thirteen. This place is just stunning with its log-cabin inspired architectured nestled into the ski slopes at Beaver Creek (I should note that I am in no way affiliated with  this resort. And they are not paying me to say nice things. However, should they wish to throw a free vacation my way, I would probably take it. Make that definitely take it. Oh yeah baby!)

Upon our arrival, there were delicious chocolate strawberries waiting in our room (and they later brought another plate of Happy Birthday chocolates. Mike and I declined to tell them that neither of us has a birthday in July. Because we kind of like chocolate. Even when it's not our birthday.)

And this little guy, Bachelor, the hotel mascot (a 16-week old St. Bernard) greeted us in the lobby:

We spent most of our time lounging at the pool:

and staring at the scenery through the giant windows in the beautiful lodge area:

And consuming lots of adult beverages:

Sunday night we drove over to Vail and had dinner at Russell's, a local steakhouse that sits right on the gorgeous Eagle river:

And we took cheesy phone photos while waiting for our meal:

And afterwards, back at the lodge, I had to pose with my fabulous new belt buckle (because even though the traditional 13th anniversary gift is lace, I wanted sterling silver instead):

And Mike posed a bit more provacatively, ala the Britney Spears Crotch Shot:

Which made me laugh.  A lot.  (It's the key to a successful marriage, I think.)

It was a fabulous weekend of celebration, laughter, and love.  And I can't wait for the next 13 years with this guy.  Happy Thirteen, baby!

 

Hope your Wednesday is wonderful!

Five on Friday.

I've got a few more summer items to share with you today!

1.  Goddess Garden Natural Sunscreen ($16.99).  I've been on the hunt for a chemical-free sunscreen all summer, and finding one that works AND comes in an easy spray bottle (for applying to antsy kids) has been difficult.  I stumbled onto this brand while perusing the cosmetic section at Whole Foods and have been pleasantly surprised with its performance.  It's easy to apply and absorbs really well, unlike most titanuim dioxide formulas.  And it's made locally, right here in Boulder.

 

 

 2.  Summer Like It Hot Top ($47.99).  I've had a slight case of yellow fever this summer, coveting any piece of clothing or accessory that comes in this delightfully happy color.  And this top is not doing anything to help my recovery.  Flowy yellow fabric and daisy adornments?? Yes, please!

 

 

 

  3.  Baker's Dozen Juicy Pinot Grigio ($9.99)  I love a good white wine for summer, and this one is fitting the bill nicely.  It's a bit sweeter and fruitier than I normally like, but I couldn't resist the yellow gingham label. (It's always appropriate to match your wine labels to your outfit, in case you didn't know.) And it goes great with this Watermelon Feta Salad.  Or s'mores.

 

 

 

  4.  Take Out Menu Binder ($21.99). When you're caught up in the lazy days of summer, it's easy to forget to make a grocery list. Or go grocery shopping. Or cook a meal for your family. (Or maybe that just happens to me, drinking too much of the wine that perfectly coordinates with my shirt.) But that's OK - just grab this adorably cute binder and phone in a fabulous meal. No, it doesn't come in yellow, but the orange is equally divine!

 

 

 

  5.  Holding Pattern Wallet ($37.99) Maybe it's because it reminds me of my favorite Jenni Bowlin paper, but this sewing-themed wallet needs to come live in my purse.  And help me buy all my favorite Five on Friday items. Wheeeeee!

 

 

I've got a post over at the Lily Bee blog today, so come say hi if you get a chance! Hope your Friday is fabulous!