Oklahoma City Restaurant Review: The Metro Diner

|| Jumpsuit: La Vie Rebecca Taylor (own or rent) || Flats: kate spade new york || Earrings:  SugarFix by BaubleBar || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Restaurant Review: [gift card c/o The Metro Diner]

After a long week at the office, Jered and I have two options on a Friday night: dinner out on the town or a night at home watching Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. I would almost put money on it, we have seen every single episode! When we travel, we love checking out places that have been highlighted on DDD. We get really excited when there is a place in Oklahoma! Recently, The Metro Diner opened in our neighborhood; it's less than five miles away from our house! They are an old-fashioned diner focused on the classic dishes with a few modern twists sprinkled in. Their food is hand-made with love and served with a smile!

Before the grand opening, they reached out to me to make a visit in exchange for a blog post. Now it was time to do my research! Thanks to, Brittni, one of my old co-workers (and dear friend), I always look at the menu before visiting a restaurant for the first time. That is when I realized that one of their locations was on DDD! You can only imagine how much I freaked out, I think I may have even squealed out loud. I couldn't wait to have the chance to check out this place and share my review with you!

Everyone has his or her own idea of what comfort food is. It varies from person to person; we each have different experiences and memories to draw upon. My comfort food dish is pot roast. Now, I know that may sound unusual, but hear me out. When I was younger, my family had lunch together each Sunday after church, before working cattle. We probably had pot roast two times a month (more or less depending on the season). That meal was complete with the vegetables, mashed potatoes, brown gravy and some type of bread. That meal is like a hug for my soul. As odd as this may sound, it makes me feel connected to my past. It doesn't matter if its 90 degrees out I crave this dish year-round! When I saw it on the menu at The Metro Diner, I knew I had to give it a try. I held it to a very high standard and I must say, it did not disappoint!

My friend, Azure and her daughter, Kirby, tagged along as my dinner guests. We had a great evening of catching up! Kirby girl is growing like a weed! Azure ordered the Chicken Pot Pie. Kirby had the best of both worlds because she sampled a little of both. During our visit, our waitresses took such good care of us, their attention to detail was appreciated! They made us feel warm and welcome. I cannot wait to go back and check out their breakfast options. The cinnamon roll pancakes have my name written all over it! When you visit, make sure to let me know what you ordered.

Strolling the Streets of New Orleans French Quarter

|| Dress: kate spade new york || Flats: Target || Earrings: Target || Watch: kate spade new york || Handbag: ZAC POSEN (purchase or rent) || Ring: Tiffany & Co. || Photos: Melanie Foster Photography ||

I wish this blog post were a video, so I could accurately convey how genuinely excited I am for the return of spring! I am jumping for joy over here! Bring on the warmer temperatures, brighter colors, dresses and all things floral print. I am slowly starting to refresh my closet for this new season. During the fall and winter, I feel like I am a little more conservative when it comes to color. It almost feels that my colorful clothing is directly correlated with the rising temperatures. That would make for a fascinating thesis for someone out there in the fashion and fabrics world. Now, I am interested to see if there is some science behind that.

Enough about science, let's talk about this particular outfit. When I was styling this outfit in my closet before the shoot, I couldn't help but think about New Orleans. The botanical print takes me to one of my favorite places, Brennan's. Last summer, Jered and I took a long weekend in New Orleans, and we kicked it off with happy hour in the courtyard at Brennan's. This is a beautiful place to sip on a glass (or bottle) of bubbly with loved ones! The service is incredible, the scenery is gorgeous, and the bubbly is ice cold. I took a snap last year and posted it on my Instagram because it was so on brand (you know I have a thing for a light pink hue).

This Zac Posen bag would be perfect for strolling the streets of New Orleans. You can wear it as a backpack like I am in this post or you can switch out the strap to make it cross body. It has been a while since I rocked a backpack, but this makes it all seem so fashionable and functional! Do you remember how much fun it was to pick out a new bag and matching lunch pail before school started each year? Man, I lived to for that! Back to this Zac Posen bag, the color is lovely blush pink that eye-catching without being over the top. The keychain is what really takes this bag to the next level, from the details to the complementary colors. For me, it is on the smaller side so I had to plan strategically about what I needed for the day.

The thing that ties this look together is a darling pair of crushed velvet blush slippers. If you are going to be doing a lot of walking, comfort is key! I am past the age of wearing uncomfortable shoes just to be cute. I scooped these up at Target as soon as I saw them in person. This dress also looks great with a simple pair of black heels. I wore it last week to a friends birthday party where we ended up on the rooftop for cocktails. To me, investment pieces are all about versatility. I want something I can have some mileage with! This botanical poplin dress will take you places.

The Best Roasted Broccoli

Growing up, my mom always encouraged us to eat our vegetables. She did a stellar job at providing us a well-balanced meal three times a day. Looking back, I am not sure how she was able to do it all. Phew! I can hardly create balanced meals for just the two of us.

Jered is not the biggest vegetable lover out there. When we started dating, I was constantly trying out new dinner ideas with him to see what he would like (challenge accepted). He is more of a meat and potato kind of guy. Hear me out; there is nothing wrong with that. I would say that's the majority meal preference of all of the men in my family. However, it is important to eat your greens!

I came across this Roasted Brocolli with Garlic recipe from Food Network a few years ago (it makes four servings). Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to amp up the flavor! I think that lemon and garlic pair beautifully together. I am also obsessed with cheese. Speaking of cheese, the cheese counter at Whole Foods is a grown-up version of candy land in my book. I always dig around in the bargain bin to find a new variety to try on the cheap.

Here are my additions, after the roasted broccoli comes out of the oven, I cut one lemon in half. I squeeze the juice from one-half of the lemon over the hot broccoli. Then I take a potato peeler and grate six shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano. You could do more or less depending on your love for cheese.

This dish has the seal of approval from Jered (and that's saying a lot)! It's so easy to make you will find yourself adding it to your weekly rotation. Roasting vegetables is one of my favorite ways to prepare them. I love when they get crispy and crunchy bits! Fair warning, you might not want to take the leftovers to work with you. It will make your office break room smell unpleasant. Office etiquette is important, y'all!

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic

Ingredients

• 1 bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into florets, stems peeled and sliced or diced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Toss the broccoli florets with the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread them out and then roast, without stirring, until the edges are crispy and the stems are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.

Serve warm.

BBQ Chicken and Brussels Sprout Sheet-Pan Dinner

Last month I made the decision to cancel my Hello Fresh subscription. It's nothing personal; it just wasn't working for our family right now. I have been a loyal customer for almost two years now (it's hard to believe it has been that long). I am trying to stay on that quick and healthy theme, so I have been on the lookout for sheet-pan recipes.

When I am looking for new dinner recipes, I have a few place I always turn to--one being Food Network. Last week I was looking for a quick and easy meal to whip together for a weeknight dinner in with my husband, Jered. I wanted something with chicken and two different types of veggies (one being green).

I found this Barbecue Chicken and Brussels Sprout Sheet-Pan Dinner and decided to give it a try. I only made one tweak to this recipe. We both like spice, so I kicked up the chili powder to 1/2 a teaspoon instead of 1/4 teaspoon. To make this meal, it takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes cooking. I do have one word of wisdom, turn on a ceiling fan and light some candles. Roasting Brussels sprouts is one of the most potent smells you can create in an oven. I didn't do that, and I regretted it well into the next day. Holy woof y'all, it was bad! If you are looking for a healthy and quick option, I hope you give this dinner a try!

BBQ Chicken and Brussels Sprout Sheet-Pan Dinner

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1 1/2 to 2 pounds)
• 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 6 to 8 wedges each
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 pound (about 3 cups) Brussels sprouts, halved and quartered depending on size 
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on one side of the baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Roast until they turn opaque on the outside, 15 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place the sweet potato wedges in the center. Drizzle the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and sprinkle with chili powder and some salt. Use tongs to toss the potatoes, so each piece is evenly coated. In the remaining open area of the pan, toss the Brussels sprouts with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the pan and brush each chicken thigh with barbecue sauce on all sides.

Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reads an internal temperature of 160 degrees F, and the Brussels sprouts and sweet potato wedges are tender and charred in spots, 25 to 30 minutes more. Toss the vegetables with the accumulated juices on the tray before serving.

My Favorite Napa Valley Wineries

My husband and I visited Napa Valley almost three and a half years ago. We spent almost a week tasting and eating our way through wine country. Ever since then, I have been dying to get back there. This little Oklahoma girl never actually imagined she could love a place so far away from home. Seriously, if Jered were to come home today and say "Lindsey, we are moving to Napa Valley." I would be 100% cool with it without any hesitation.

Last weekend we celebrated my champagne birthday with a weekend in wine country. What's a champagne birthday you ask? Yeah, I also didn't know this was a thing until a friend of mine pointed it out. On October 28, 2016, I turned 28! I was 28 on the 28th. Sometimes it's also called golden birthday. Like I need a reason to celebrate, yeah right!

I want to share a few of my favorite vineyards that you may not have heard of since they are a little smaller than most. After visiting numerous vineyards and wineries, I have decided that I am not a fan of the splash and dash establishments. I enjoy visiting the smaller production wineries. During those visits, you seem to have a more meaningful conversation and get to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. If this sounds like what you are looking for, you are in luck! I have found three wineries that fit that bill. Each of the wineries below offers tours and tastings daily by appointment.

Chimney Rock

This is a family-owned and operated winery located in the Stags Leap District. To me, this is one of the most beautify estates. The building is in the Cape Dutch-style of the Western Cape of South Africa; that stands out from everything else. They only do one white wine and is something even red wine drinkers respect. My favorite red wine is Cabernet Sauvignon from the Tomahawk Vineyard.

Crocker & Starr

Charlie and Pam are the masterminds behind this winery located in the St. Helena Appellation. 2016 marked their 20th harvest together! Since this was our first time visiting, we booked the vineyard experience. We got to sample a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as we toured the vineyard and the brand new production facilities. After that, we got to sample numerous red wines and learn more about the estate and history. I enjoyed their Malbec Blend "The Casali."

B Cellars

Last time we were in Napa, this winery was at a different location. Recently they moved to a new estate in Oakville, and it's stunning! They have 600 acres on top of the Vaca Mountain Range with more than 150 individual blocks. If you visit here, you should book the Sojourn experience. You will receive four different wines paired beautifully with local cheeses and chocolate. I like the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay and the 2013 Blend 24. If you or someone you're traveling with is expecting or doesn't like alcohol, they offer juice tastings.

Cuvaison

This winery is located in the heart of the Carneros region in Napa Valley. It's been around since 1969 producing Chardonnay and Pino Noir. It's also family-owned and operated. The tasting room is so modern and open; it is truly beautiful architecture. If the weather is cooperating, I highly suggest sitting on the patio--the views will take your breath away! During our tasting, a jack rabbit was hanging out in the vineyard and a lot of different duck and geese out on the pound. My personal favorite is the 2013 Estate Chardonnay.

If you haven't visited Napa Valley, it should be on your bucket list. If you have enjoyed wine country, I would love to know which winery stands out the most to you.

The Best Food at the Oklahoma State Fair

Wednesday I had the honor of serving as the Wild Card judge for the Great Taste of a Fair. Tasting all of that delicious food was a dream come true! I felt like I was a judge on my favorite Food Network show, Chopped. Finally, my excellent taste buds were put to good use! We got to sample 15 different items three different categories: Sweetest of the Sweet, Slice of Savory and New to the Scene. Here are how things shook out.

Sweetest of the Sweet:
1st Place: Gringo's Mexican Funnel Cake
2nd Place: Silver Dollar Concessions Cinnamon Roll
3rd Place: Chef Ray Street Eats Deep-Fried Banana Pudding

Slice of Savory: 1st Place: Ragin' Cajun, Chicken On-A-Stick
2nd Place: Diamond Dawgs, The Wonderboy
3rd Place: Rodney & Lisa Pizza Stand, Chicken Alfredo Calzone

New to the Scene:
1st Place: La Gumbo Ya Ya, Red Bean & Rice
2nd Place: CoCoFlow Chocolate Cafe, Asian Bulgogi Crepe
3rd Place: The Sundae Factory, Pineapple Whip Twist

Fairest of them All:
La Gumbo Ya Ya, Red Bean & Rice

If you are visiting the fair and are looking for the ultimate sweet treat, go for the giant cinnamon roll. It is oh so gooey! The giant cinnamon roll is the Victoria Secret Angel of fair food that we do not deserve. We are not worthy! I totally took home my leftovers and had it for dessert last night, no shame!

If you are looking for actual food, go straight for the chicken on-a-stick. Make sure you grab the hot sauce, it's homemade and will punch you square in the face! I will be visiting this stand and taking a bottle of the hot sauce to go. I will be carrying around hot sauce in my bag with some serious swag.

It's a good thing the Oklahoma State Fair comes once a year. Today I had a session with my personal trainer, and I could just feel the deep-fried goodness coming out as sweating out my pores. That's how it works, right? At least that's what I am telling myself.

Eat what you want, Instagram it or it didn't happen, and have fun tasting your way through the Oklahoma State Fair! Remember, the last day of the Oklahoma State Fair is September 25. I hope to see you there!

The Cap'n Crunch Corn Dog

The Oklahoma State Fair is looking for a wildcard judge for the Great Taste of a Fair! I could sample all of the state fair food and crown the winner (if I am lucky enough to get picked). Umm hello, this is a dream! Last week I made my Top 10 Foods to Eat at the Oklahoma State Fair list. Let's just say that inspired me to recreate my favorite, The Cap'n Crunch Corn Dog.

Before I made my trip to Target for ingredients, I did some research. Guys, I google things way more than what I would like to admit (Google + Lindsey = BFF's forever and ever amen).  I came across The Pioneer Woman's Clasic Corn Dog recipe. I figured that would be a great base for my corn dog. I just needed to grab some of the sugary cereal to add a coating. I have never deep-fried anything in my kitchen. I am trying so darn hard to be healthy. Well...that went out the window last night around 5:00 p.m. and I documented the whole thing via Snapchat.

Real talk,  this recipe makes a lot of batter. For two people, it's way too much! I cut the recipe in half, and it worked just fine. I added the cereal into a large freezer zip-top bag. After I had sealed the bag, I smashed the cereal with a rolling pin until it was like a fine dust. Smashing things is a great way to relieve stress; you go girl--pound away all of your frustrations! I poured the mixture into a bread pan and set up my work station.

After I dipped the hot dog into the batter, I immediately coated it with the crushed cereal and placed it into the fryer. Be sure to test the oil before you toss a hot dog into it. To do this, I coated a spoon in the mixture. I dropped a few dots into the hot oil. You can tell that the oil hot enough if the batter starts to bubble and turn a golden color. The best part about this whole recipe? It goes fast--set your timer and don't crowd your pot. Just follow the recipe from PW, make my little addition, and you can have an Oklahoma State Fair fan-favorite anytime you want.

I will not guarantee this is how the professionals do it, but hey--it tasted pretty delicious to me. The Cap'n Crunch Corn Dog is like a regular corn dog with a hint of sweetness and a MEGA crunch!

The great debate, what is your condiment of choice when it comes to corn dogs? I wanna know! My pick is mustard, all the way!

Great Taste of a Fair

As of today, we are 33 days away from the Oklahoma State Fair! This time of year makes me giddy. I have had so many wonderful memories that revolve around the fair. Growing up in Pawhuska, each fall I participated in the Osage County Free Fair with livestock and non-livestock exhibits. I worked all summer on different arts and crafts projects with the goal of a blue ribbon. If my items were lucky enough to get a blue ribbon, they went on to compete at the Tulsa State Fair. Imagine this, a nine-year-old little girl seeing her hard work pay off with a blue ribbon at the state fair. I jumped for joy when I realized that I had won. My prized homemade milkshake candle had a special place on my dresser until I graduated from high school. Prized possession? I think so!

It was not until I was a teenager until I got the chance to experience the Oklahoma State Fair. There were a few times a year that I had the opportunity to visit Oklahoma City, and this was one of them. I showed my breeding ewes and market wethers at the Oklahoma State Fair. After running on little sleep and smelling like a sheep, there was nothing better than visiting the Cookie Time stand. I patiently waited for this moment all week! You could smell the freshly baked cookies throughout the barn. A chocolate chip cookie that was bigger than my face was calling my name. I remember my first bite like it was yesterday. I walked back to my sheep pen and enjoyed the rest but not before one of my show lambs helped himself to a bite. Who knew lambs like cookies? You have been warned 4-H and FFA exhibitors, guard your cookies!

Even though my livestock showing days are behind me, I still visit the Oklahoma State Fair. However, my agenda looks a little different. Now when I visit, I am in search of the best food around. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! Let's be real, my gym sessions are about to amp it up a notch, so I don't feel so guilty when I am chowing down on a massive cinnamon roll.

My Top 10 State Fair Foods

1. Captain Crunch Corn Dog
2. Funnel Cake
3. Deep-Fried Oreos
4. Indian Taco
5. Cinnamon Roll
6. Roasted Corn on the Cob
7. Cookie Time Cookie
8. Pork Chop Sandwich
9. Cotton Candy
10. Cheese-on-a-Stick

Obviously, I am not going to eat all ten items, but a girl can dream! This weekend I am going to try to recreate the famous Captain Crunch Corn Dog. I am up for the challenge and love a good experiment in the kitchen.

What's your favorite State Fair food?

Sip Slowly & Sip Often at Café Evoke

Anymore, I find myself living for the weekend (inset praise hands emoji here). Does that mean I am a grown up? I'll be honest; adult life is hard sometimes y'all. When I think about the Saturday & Sunday, I have a few things on my to-do list:

• Catching up on laundry
• Watching a few things on Netflix or DVR
• Attending church
• Brunch

Those things are always happening, no matter what else is on my plate. If I am feeling a little spicy, I occasionally swap out the brunch for delicious Tex-Mex, pass the queso, please.  I just love having some time to chat with Jered. Over brunch, we like to catch up and talk about the upcoming week. If you can't tell, my love language is quality time. The work week can be hectic (retweet to that). I think that brunch is the perfect place to spend time with friends or family sipping on a cappuccino and chowing down on a delicious breakfast.

I want to share with you a little place in Edmond, Oklahoma that has stolen my heart. Café Evoke is best known for their bold coffee, but they also have a stellar brunch menu that you should be aware of. Each day from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. you can order off the waffle menu. My personal favorite is the Cinnamon Roll Waffle. It's a Belgian-style waffle with a cinnamon swirl, vanilla glaze, and maple syrup. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Personally, I am a latte or cappuccino girl myself. Not a coffee drinker? No worries, take your pick from chia tea, apple cider, hot chocolate, loose leaf tea or Italian soda. Before you plan your trip, take a look at the menu. You can also follow Café Evoke on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Wherever you are, I hope that you enjoy the weekend and take the time to sip slowly with the ones you love.

5 Reasons Why I Love Hello Fresh

When did grocery shopping become so much of a pain? I honestly can't remember the last time I had an enjoyable trip to Target. Between the tiny humans screaming bloody murder and the picked over produce, I just want to turn around and run out of the store as quickly possible. Then again, that's what I get for trying to grocery shop on the weekend. All I can say is thank goodness for Starbucks!

I try and cook dinner at home Monday-Friday. The weekends are when we like to go out on the town. It's amazing how much money you can save by cooking dinner at home! That's all fine and dandy, but I felt like I was making the same things over and over again. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with having your signature dishes but no one wants to eat it four + times a month. Unless it's tacos or pizza, I could have those two things every single day and be totally cool with that.

Ruth, one of my coworkers, told me about Hello Fresh at the end of June. What a great idea! A box of food that comes to your doorstep with recipes included? Sign me up! I did a lot of creeping to decide which subscription box was best for Jered and me. Hello Fresh just seemed to have the more adventurous menu to choose from. Each week you have five different recipes to look over. You decide what three meals sound the best, and a week later they appear at your door. I alway try and pick one chicken, one beef or pork, and one vegetarian dish.

We have been subscribers since the beginning of July. I honestly can say that Hello Fresh has helped me:

• Gain confidence in the kitchen
• Try ingredients that I have never heard of
• Spend less time grocery shopping
• Enjoy ingredients that are in-season
• Add more vegetables to my diet

Here are a few of my favorite meals:

Cherry-Lime Rickey chicken with juniper, barley, and bok choy

Seared steak and creamy chipotle pan sauce with poblano, corn, and crispy potato hash

Shrimp taco lettuce wraps with smoky chipotle beans, charred veggies, and garlic lime crema

Lemony salmon & Cacio e Pepe linguine with green beans, burst tomatoes, and chilies

If you would like to give Hello Fresh a try, I have a coupon code just for you. Use FZ99VD to receive $40 off of your first box. Bon appétite my friends! 

Big Flavor in NOLA

When it comes to a mini vacation, I love scoping out local places and the token tourist destinations. When we found out at Oklahoma State University made it to the Sugar Bowl, it was a no-brainer that we were making the trip to cheer on the cowboys! I took to Instagram to get recommendations for dining while in New Orleans, shoutout to all of the top-notch suggestions. I want to share with you a few of my favorite dishes I had during my recent trip.

The Best Drink

Arnaud's is located in the heart of the French Quarter and the bar is named after a signature cocktail, the French 75. This is where Jered and I rang in 2016, we had a romantic four-course dinner that started with a French 75. They were so good, I had another before my main dish. Weeks later I find myself dreaming of this cocktail. Too bad I don't know the secret recipe! If the marriage of champagne and lemon makes your mouth water, this is your drink.

The Tourist Trap

I have now visited New Orleans twice and each time I stop at Café Du Monde. I know that there are better breakfasts in the city. Trust me, I have had a few of them. It's hard to beat hot out of the deep-fryer beignets and all of their glory! If you want to pig out, get an extra order for you to share. Time for a truth, I am not a fan of plain black coffee. I take a couple of teaspoons of the extra powdered sugar and stir it into my coffee. I know, I am such a sissy! #NoShame

The Best Brunch

When you walk into Brennan's you want to take in every single detail. The way this restaurant is decorated is something that you don't see every day. I am all about the details, both big and small. You know what else love? The classics! When you find something you like, stick to it. That's my motto with brunch. I have a confession, I am obsessed with Artisanal Eggs Benedict and this one was a grand slam! The Brennan's brunch experience is one you will not forget.

The Best Dessert

This dessert has a special place in my heart. The night before Jered proposed to me in Orlando, we had dinner at Emeril's. One of his favorite desserts is banana cream pie. Truth be told, I have bananas with a passion (not a fan of mushy textures). Before we even got the dinner menu that night at Emeril's New Orleans, Jered told me we are getting dessert so save room! This pie is beautiful, like how doesn't it have it's own Instagram account? Not to mention it's delicious, even if you don't love bananas. 

Let's just say after this trip I needed clothing with elastic waistbands only. I look forward to our next trip to New Orleans until then I will be dreaming about shrimp, grits, oysters and the bold flavors that make this place so wonderful. What's your favorite NOLA dish?

A Few Of My Favorite Things

The holiday season is here! This time of year can be extremely stressful if you are not careful. There is so much stress to find everyone in your life the perfect gift for Christmas. I decided to round up a few of my favorite things this holiday season.

Kendra Scott Sky Earrings in Bright Red—These have such a fun shape and are the color of a holly berry. Pair it with a bright red lip and you are the life of the holiday party. $55.00

Lush Dashing Santa—I am obsessed with bath bombs; if you follow me on Instagram, you already know this. This little Satna is packed with smells that will have you singing Christmas carols in your bathtub. $5.25

Sephora Collection Face Mask—This pomegranate mask awakens, energizes, and protects your skin with antioxidants and smells delicious in the process. $6.00

Volspa Petite Decorative Candle Set—This house will have you transported to a winter wonderland with Cinnamon Ceylon & Copal, Spruce Cuttings, and Visions of Sugar Plum. $35.00

Starbucks Double Wall Traveler-Red Jewel—If you looked into my kitchen cabinets you would say I have a mug addition, and it’s true. This beauty just screams, tall gingerbread latte, please. $19.95

Take time for you this holiday season and get yourself a treat when you are out and about. Even if it is something as small as a bath bomb, we all deserve time to relax and unwind. Want a chance to win this awesome package? Follow me on Instagram for the details!

My Momma’s Taco Soup

I type this curled up on my couch with my favorite blanket. The cold front has moved into Oklahoma, and I am not looking forward to the freezing temperatures. There is one thing that I do like about the cooler temperatures, say it with me—crockpot. The crockpot is going to be your best friend during the winter. I have one recipe that is a huge hit, and I am going to share with you. This soup is perfect for freezing leftovers too.

My Momma’s Taco Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 package of taco seasoning
• 1 package of dry Ranch seasoning
• 2 14 ½ ounce cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (I like the one with cilantro), undrained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can hominy, drained
• 1 avocado halved and sliced, for topping*

Directions:

1. Brown the meat in a large saucepan, drain, add into slow cooker 
2. Drain the beans, corn, and hominy
3. Add the diced tomatoes, Rotel, and drained vegetables into the slow cooker
4. Add Spices, and mix to combine
5. You can simmer this mixture on low for four hours. Eat and enjoy! *You can top this soup with grated cheese, sour cream, or the avocado slices.

If you have leftovers, feel free to freeze them. You just have to let the soup cool, place into zip lock bag, lay flat, and place into the freezer. Write the date on the bag before you fill it so you know when you need to eat it by. I would try to eat it in two months.

Stay warm out there friends, this week is going to be a cold one! I hope that this Taco Soup warms you right up.