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Ninja Foodie Review + Zucchini Chips

June 9, 2020

You guys. This is not an exaggeration… I am about to tell you about the best gadget to date we’ve ever bought for our kitchen. We use it literally at least twice, if not three times a day. From eggs, to fully frozen chicken, to pasta dishes… it’s changed our cooking life. Especially because now Paul feels adequate enough to cook dinner hehe. SIGN ME UP!

Okay… the best gadget ever is… Our Ninja Foodie. If you recall, I have raved about our Ninja Coffee maker for about a year. And, we also have the Ninja blender. BUT THIS AIR FRYER AND PRESSURE COOKER IS THE BEST THING EVER. Cue the fireworks, the heart eyes… all the things. I got it for Mother’s Day, and I am still giddy about it. The air fryer setting is what we use the most. I love the crisp it puts on everything. But, I have used the pressure cooker setting for an all-in-one chicken and rice stir fry style dish, and it was very yummy! I didn’t realize the whole pressure cooker thing is actually dangerous, though…. so I just went for it and it’s by God’s grace I didn’t explode the kitchen. I had the lid on wrong… lol. Geez, read the directions and you’ll be better off than me. Easy.

There is also a baking setting you can throw literally anything into to bake (cookies, pizza, frozen baked goods… anything!). The BEST part about this whole gadget, next to the tasty food itself, is the clean up. Our dishes and pots/pans for every meal have decreased significantly. It’s so easy to clean the pot insert, and you literally are done. All done in this one pot.

Gadgets:

Outfit:

Zucchini Chips:

Our favorite restaurant recently gave us their recipe for the Zucchini Chips we order every time we dine there. (Read a full list of my favorite restaurants and what we order, here!) I was mind blown they would do that… and since they were so sweet to, I wanted to share with y’all! These are seriously so good. We do them in the air fryer (they do it in the oil at the restaurant). But, geeeez they’re so yummy either way! Nothing beats them by the chef, though. This just give us our fix in between date nights. 😉

2 Cups Sliced Zucchini

As Needed, Rice and Tapioca Flour Mix (We just used Bob’s Red Mill All Purpose)

As Needed, Buttermilk Wash (Club soda for dairy free!)

1/4 cup Peppadew Peppers, cut

3 Shishido Peppers

1 1/2 oz. Sweet Chili Vinaigrette, stirred well (we found a super yummy one at the local grocery store in the foreign foods aisle!)

Lime zested

Cilantro, picked

To Build:

Place zucchini in flour mix, evenly coating by hand. Shake off excess.
Place in buttermilk (or club soda)
Replace zucchini in flour mix and shake off once more
Place zucchini and peppers in fryer at 350 for 15 minutes (or until crispy enough for your liking!) They should be firm – how many you put in at a time will determine the cook time as well.
Toss with Sweet Chili Vinaigrette, lime zest, and cilantro
SERVE AND EAT!

Date Nights At Our Favorite Spots

May 27, 2020

Heya family! How you doing these days? Oddly enough, I can say I am doing alright! We’ve been so intentional about getting out and doing things since all this Corona stuff, and it’s been so good for us. It’s honestly been neat that we are in a season of life and transition right now that has allowed us to truly be so present and all-in as a family through these last couple of months. With Paul in transition and home all day, we’ve had so much fun soaking in these final weeks as a family of three. He’s also been helping me run all things The Cake and managing clients, and he’s killing it at stocks which has been fun to learn.

As Texas is slowly re-opening, I am SO ready to get back to normalcy and am already planning our next date nights. This momma needs A DATE. We went a couple weeks ago when restaurants first re-opened to 25% capacity to our favorite spot, Sixty Vines, and it was so life giving. Not to mention, we were so impressed with their above and beyond service to protect guests and keep them comfortable in these odd times of transition. I wanted to share with y’all a couple of our favorite date night spots in the area + our favorite dishes we order. BUT, even if you aren’t local, I hope this encourages you to make intentional time with your special somebody EVEN when things are odd. this is applicable in the current state of circumstances… but also just LIFE in general. Whether you’re ready to start adventuring out or prefer to stay home a bit longer, I hope you are making date nights happen.

Our Favorite Dinner Spots

Sixty Vines: Y’all, this is for sure our favorite date night spot. Plano is closest, but we also love to adventure down to the Uptown location in Dallas from time to time. It’s the most beautiful restaurant and their menu is so dang good. They have WINE on tap (and other drinks). But, their specialty is wine, hence the name Sixty VINES. We always without a doubt order the Crispy Zucchini, and last time we were there the chef even printed off the recipe for us to make at home. WHAT?! I have ordered just about everything on this menu at this point. But, my favorite is the Fig & Prosciutto Pizza, Orecchiette Pasta, and Half Chicken. Any of these are GREAT choices. Pair with a red wine or the Vine Huggers Rose for a delicious dinner.
Fireside Pies: This is our go-to if we just really want pizza. They have multiple locations, too, but we love the Plano location at Legacy. I order their Burrata Pie and add Prosciutto with gf crust EVERY SINGLE TIME. Paul orders the Balsamic Chicken Pie.
Mesero’s: This is our favorite place to go to for Mexican lately. It’s yummy, not overpriced, and the environment is great. I often order their tacos! But, honestly, just usually eat too much of their variety of salsas and chips to finish my meal… hehe. They have fantastic margaritas, too, if you’re looking for something fresh and tasty to sip on!
Haywire: This restaurant is SO FUN. If you love environment, this place is lacking zero of it. It’s three stories of fun, delicious food, locally sourced food, and all the things. I highly suggest the pork chops or any of their steaks. Their house salad has goat cheese from heaven on it, and as silly as it sounds … their simple House Salad is one of my favorite salads I have ever tried!
Tupelo Honey: This place is delicious, cute inside, AND at a fun location in The Star by the Cowboy’s Practice Facility. There is just a fun environment all throughout this area, and the restaurant furthers the fun. We come here a lot… hehe. When in doubt, Tupelo Honey. Paul says they’re the best ribs he has ever had and he order them every single time. They do seasonal switch-ups, but the Blackberry Habanero are by far his favorite to date. I switch up my order often here, because I love trying new things! But, the Sweet Tea Brined Chicken with cheesy grits is a WINNER CHICKEN DINNER in my book. I have actually ONLY ever eaten grits here. Never had any other grits in my life, and I honestly don’t know if I want or need to. These are GOAT CHEESE GRITS, people. SO GOOD.

I rounded-up my top sellers and most asked about items lately for you, too, for a quick reference if you’ve asked for a link recently!

Easy Sun-Kissed Look

May 12, 2020

Hey girl, hey! First thing’s first… raise your hand if you have made it into a nail salon since last Friday’s re-openings….
*raises hand* I got my toes done last Saturday and am going again this Friday for a manicure, and I am just so dang ready. The real question is what do I do for my first manicure in 2.5 months?! 😉

Obviously, there are so many other things worth our time and attention right now. But, it’s also a small glimpse of hope and a simple joy that feels like life is going back to “normal” – even if it requires a face mask for the time being. I hope you’re finding little joys in this season of life and transition. I wanted to share with y’all my most up to date every day make-up and skincare! Quarantine has required intentionality of me to feel put together, and that’s meant many days of this very simple make-up look!

Make-Up Routine

Clinique Even Better Foundation: This is for real the best foundation I have ever used. It’s light and dewy feeling, but the coverage is great. I feel like I found my BEST skin match to date with this as well.
Two Faced Chocolate Gold Bronzer: I love this stuff! I use a big brush for this and just sweep across my cheek bones and up the side of my hair line. I also put it on the very tip of my nose for a button-nose look. I took this trick from Cara Loren and love it!
Watts Up Cream to Powder Highlighter: I dab the tip of my nose and then line the top of my eye brows with this!
Anastasia Eye Brow Definer: This has legit been a game changer for me in regards to feeling “put together.” There are many days I don’t even touch my mascara, but if this + the previous 3 things are done… I feel 100%!
Mascara: I have used Big Ego for about 6 months and like it a lot! I also have used Tarteist, and I just ordered their new Sea Surfer Curl!
Translucent Powder: I love this stuff. It sets my foundation and provides a good runway for bronzer without my skin feeling greasy or wet. It doesn’t, however, take away the dewy glow of my foundation. It’s so light and does its job well!

Morning Skin Care Routine

Face Wash: I use good ole Neutrogena lately and have actually been extremely pleased. My “splurge” face washes are Drunk Elephant and Tula’s, though.
Tula Eye Cream: I love this stuff! I use it every night no matter which evening skincare routine I follow, and I always use on my fine creases I have around my mouth and T-zone.
C.E.O. Cream: I love this to start the day! Pair it with any Vitamin C serum – do serum then the moisturizer. But, Sephora has a new line of $20 serums (vs. $80+ for most!!) and I am trying it out. I will keep ya posted. $20 Vitamin C Serum, here.
Tula Blurring Primer: This is one of my favorite products I have ever used! Put it on after you wash and moisturize and before applying make-up. Give some time between moisture and primer to let everything really settle in.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

May 1, 2020

Happy Mother’s Day, mommas! I am running out of spots in my house to shoot at… So here’s a corner by my master bedroom… hehe.

This post may be for you to splurge on yourself, or maybe you’ll send it to the hubby for some gentle nudges. 😉 Either way, I hope you know how loved and appreciated you are- Mother’s Day or not – every single day. You are a rockstar. You are the at-home chef, doctor, counselor, comforter, bed time storybook reader, and all the things! I just hope you feel so celebrated May 10th.

I have rounded up some of my favorite items that I couldn’t live without along with a couple items on my own Mother’s Day list. From favorite skincare we all need a little boost with after those late nights with baby and the wrinkles our kids cause us (all worth it!!!) to my favorite gadget I can’t talk enough about on here… I am excited to share!

Virgin Marula Antioxidant Face Oil: I LOVE THIS STUFF (the green and white bottle!). I use it a couple times a week with the Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer for some serious help on the revival and anti-aging side of things for my skin. I also can’t wait to try their new retinol cream after baby is here!
Patio Furniture: If asking for patio furniture makes me sound like a grandma, then call me grandma. I have wanted a cute chair for our front porch to read and drink my coffee on since moving in! I picked a couple favorites with a decently wide range of price points.
A Cute Hat: Spring and summer begs for a cute new sun hat to pair with all your dresses! I found these two- one’s a splurge one is under $30!
Nespresso Machine: I use it every single day, and I love it. It’s worth the buy-in and you just have to be careful about how many pods a day you use if you’re trying to stick to a budget! But momma, believe me when I say… you deserve it.
A Pretty Dress: Because… why not?! Doesn’t this dress just scream spring time and Mother’s Day? I love it! I actually got it for a baby shower dress option.
Lounge and Cozy Gear: There’s something to me about feeling cozy all day while I work and be “mommy” while still feeling put together. I am more productive when I feel decently dressed. These biker shorts are an Amazon find for $21… and I have them in multiple colors!
Warmer Mug: Yep, a mug that stays heated. Sign me up. My coffee is cold as I sip it right this moment.
Fresh Day and Night Kit: I hear nothing but greatness about this line! It’s currently in my cart to try out and sets like this are the best to try new products out for an affordable price!
Some cute summer sandals! I have these fun Steve Madden platforms in my cart, but these MIA platform sandals you have DEFINITELY seen me wear. I have the leopard and rose gold pair, and am thinking I need this cognac shade, too. They are easy and pair with literally everything. They are also on MAJOR sale.
Nikes: I need some new ones… and see the next wish list item. 😉
Peloton Bike: Yeah, yeah, yeah… It’s on my list. Like, way at the top if we are honest. With baby #2 on the way, I am really hoping for a Peloton Bike so I can get up early feed, lay back down baby, and knock out a workout before Knoxy is up! Cycling is one of my FAVORITE workouts – think Soul Cycle, Zyn22 in a blacklight room style. Peloton has a lot of instructors from those studios, so it really makes me excited to think I would be getting that experience in my home!
Fashionable Mom Tote: I love this bag!! It’s such a beautiful color. I have some great leather back packs for baby bags, but on days I don’t NEED my baby bag, but still need to pack snacks and all the things… I love this option. I use my Michael Kors tote a lot, but it’s a deep shade of emerald- perfect for fall. I am looking for something more year-round.
A Dyson V8 Stick Vaccum: I didn’t know I needed this until a friend suggested it on my poll on IG yesterday. Add it to my own list, Paul Morrison…

Neutral Toned Living Space

April 20, 2020

Heya babes! It’s a new week, new adventures, new opportunities, and new spaces to dream up while we stay home. My house has seriously never been cleaner and my furniture gets moved around frequently. We are in full nursery mode, and I cannot WAIT to show you the finalized space!

As for the main living spaces in my home, I have been slowly filling up and swapping out pieces over that last year that are a bit more neutral, gold, and metal toned. Also, finally after 6 years of marriage sifting through the last of my hand me down furniture and choosing pieces for my home I can have for years.

I put together my favorite pieces currently from Target’s new line with Studio McGee (I AM OBSESSED!) as well as some from my favorite line they carry, Opalhouse. Looking at all of these together below makes me drool a little. 😉 I love the natural wood tones and metals. I think it’s so beautiful!

Please Note: A lot of these items show either out of stock or pick up only at surrounding Target locations due to the current state of circumstances. I wanted to still include them in this curated list, though, as it’s only temporary! Book mark them and request to be notified when they are restocked.