1.28.2016

LYSSE, aka the best pants...EVER!

Happy Thursday readers!

Much of the pretty snow has melted here and life is mostly back to normal post-Jonas.

I am really excited to be back in a blogging groove. As mentioned before, I've had a list of posts planned for quite a while, but am finally now getting around to write them. Today's post is one of those.

Those that have been following along for a while, know that every year Bryce and I head to the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland with his family. To get an idea of what the festival entails, you can check out a recap post from my first visit to the festival here. Easton is the most charming small town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and is filled with unique and fun shops. Bryce's mom and I really enjoy taking a break from all the ducks during the weekend by logging some girl time together shopping. I really hit the jackpot when shopping this year, because I found the best pants...ever!

As we were visiting the different boutiques, I kept noticing the brand Lysse. In fact, at Chesapeake Trading Co, in nearby St. Michael's, there were racks and racks of Lysse pants. After seeing the label pop up so many times, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to try a pair on. Boy...was I glad I did!


These pants, which are also available in plus sizes, are amazing! As you can see, they are a legging style pant, but with a thick enough ponte fabric that they can be dressed up for work or play.


I would compare them to a J. Crew Pixie Pant without the zipper, much softer fabric, and a leaner price tag. Wearing them literally feels like yoga pants, and on top of that, they have a nice high waistband with tummy control. Finally, if I haven't sold them on you yet, they come in endless styles! I bought the pair styled in this post, as well as this flocked velvet pair. And did I mention they're machine wash?


I took the close-up above to show you the detailing on the pants. I love that the print is subtle enough to be a neutral, but still pushes the envelope a bit. I also really appreciate the detail of a visible seam, which makes them more formal than a typical legging. Unfortunately, I can't find this exact pair anywhere online, but this pair has a similar feel.


They run true to size and I am wearing a small.

Next on my list for sure, is a navy pair, but I am also ogling over some of the more daring styles! Snakeskin, anyone?



They also design tops, jackets, dresses and skirts. I will say, I didn't try any tops on while in Easton, because I have a hard time justifying $80+ for a simple tee shirt, BUT, if they are as wonderful as the pants, it might be worth the splurge.



You can shop all styles at Lysse's website here, but after a quick search, I saw Lysse styles were also available at Nordstrom and Zappos....which led me to wonder if I've been living under a rock all this time?

Have you shopped Lysse before?

What are your go-to brands for pants and clothing that are as comfortable as they are stylish?

Have a great day!

1.26.2016

Crockpot Carnitas with Chimichurri Sauce in a Cauliflower Tortilla

Happy Tuesday readers!

Are you thawing out yet?

We got more than 15" here in Richmond and the snow days were just what the doctor ordered! Bryce has been traveling a lot the last two weeks, so being snowed in and having quality time just the two of us was so nice.

On my first snow day, I made crockpot carnitas...something I'd been dying to try forever! Bryce loves Mexican food and could eat it on a weekly basis. While I enjoy it, I'm more a once a month Mexican kinda girl. All that being said, I was excited to take a stab at one of Bryce's favorite foods.

I am so glad I did, because boy were they tasty! They were also very easy and cost effective! The whole pork shoulder cost around $10 and was enough to make 2 batches of this recipe, and each batch makes around 6 servings, or 3 meals for a couple. That put the pork cost for our dinner on Friday night to less than $2...add in the other ingredients, many of which we had on hand, and our whole meal probably cost less than $10!


I had pinned several different crockpot carnitas recipes and made my own version by referencing them. You can see my inspiration recipes here, here, and here.

Crockpot Carnitas
Serves 6

Ingredients
2.5-3 lb pork shoulder
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, slivered
1 beer
juice of 2 limes
2 bay leaves
2 tsp hot sauce

Directions
Combine all ingredients in crockpot, stir to mix together. (Many recipes recommended using the seasonings to make a dry rub. I was lazy and just dumped everything into the crockpot, making sure to mix well and the end result was still delicious!)

Cook on low in crockpot for 6-8 hours. (The cumin and cinnamon are so fragrant and fill your house with a wonderful smell...mmmm!)

Line a baking sheet with foil and remove pork from crockpot using a slotted spoon. Put onto foil and shred with 2 forks. Top the meat with some of the leftover liquid in the crockpot.

Place baking sheet in oven under the broiler, broiling approximately 5 min on each side, until browned.


I served with homemade chimichurri sauce (recipe here). As a note, next time, I will probably use half the vinegar this recipe called for. I also, made cauliflower tortillas (recipe here) to make it diet approved. I will say, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by how good the cauliflower substitutes are as we do this diet! The tortillas were amazing! 

I also topped mine with some fresh grated parmesan and chopped red onions. Bryce did the same but also added salsa and sour cream to his! 

I will suffice it to say, he was pleased! 


Are you a fan of Mexican cuisine?

What are some of your favorite crockpot recipes?

Have a great day!

1.22.2016

Five on Friday

Happy Friday snow bunnies!

Better late than never, I am excited to be linking up today for the Five on Friday!


ONE
First Snow Day!


I thought the days of "snow days" were long gone for me, so you can imagine I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email yesterday afternoon announcing that our office would be closed today. I have been really run down the last two weeks, so this day has been just what the doctor ordered. I have used it as a day to relax and get things done. I started my morning with a barre class, came home and began prepping dinner (crockpot carnitas with homemade chimichurri sauce in cauliflower tortillas...will definitely share the recipe if it's good!), attacked a mountain of laundry, and have just enjoyed the slow paced day and watching the beautiful snow come down from the comfort of my cozy home! I think cookies are in store next (because calories, carbs, and sugars definitely DON'T count on snow days....)!

TWO


This cape first hit my radar a few days ago when Ashley posted it on her blog! I've been wearing a lot more neutrals this fall and winter, but went gaga over this cape! The girlie girl in me just can't resist the pretty pink and it has Valentine's Day written all over it! I have a Nordstrom gift card from Christmas and at under $35, this cape was a no brainer! I can't wait for it to arrive!


THREE


I am so excited to share that I just registered last week for the Southern C Summit! I was invited to attend this creative conference in Charleston last year, but couldn't take 3 days off of school. This year is a different story, and I can't wait to return to Charleston, with one of my besties, Erin of Attention to Darling Blog, by my side! Any of y'all going!? I would love to plan some time to catch up during the conference!

FOUR


I don't know about y'all, but I love it when I find a new blog to follow. Last week, I found Samma's blog Spice & Sass, and couldn't resist sharing the love! Her blog chronicles her day to day life, including that of her ahhhh-dorable family, and has a great dose of Southern! I found myself engrossed last week, reading and reading her posts! If you haven't checked out this down-to-earth blog, you must!

FIVE


How stinkin' cute is this DIY tumbler? I need another cup/tumbler/waterbottle like I need a hole in my head, BUT, I just might have to get crafty and make this one! I also have a bachelorette party for my cousin coming up in March and think making a set of these for all the girls could also potentially be fun for that weekend! I'll keep you posted!

What's going on in your life?

Has snow storm Jonas hit where you are?

Have a great weekend!

1.13.2016

2015, a year that ANSWERED

Happy New Year readers!

Those of you that have read for a while, know that every January I like to do a post that reflects on the past year and also looks ahead to the new year.

And that's why you haven't heard from me yet this year.

I didn't want to come into January without first posting my annual New Year's post. One of my all time favorite quotes is "I cannot advise that we remain as we are" by Plato. I like to enter the new year with that in mind--embracing change, betterment. This blog has become the place for me to express that, and it just didn't feel right starting a new year of blogging, without first, reflecting on myself in the new year and sharing that with y'all.

If you remember from last year's post, 2014 was literally the worst. After a year that was so tough, I found writing a New Year's post to be cathartic. It was easy to make goals, because it felt like the only way to go was up. That being said, I've felt a lot of pressure to write this post. Can I give it the same earnest emotion as I did last year? Do I have many goals or resolutions for 2016? Is it bad, if the answer to that last question is no?

Then, yesterday morning, The SouthernC tweeted (yes, I have Twitter now! Follow here!) this:

It's one of my favorite quotes and I pinned it myself, ages ago. As soon as I saw it on Twitter, though, I knew the direction that I wanted this post to go. 

Last January, I proclaimed that 2015 was "the year of doing my thing," a time to un-apologetically be myself, and also to be selfish.

So...how'd it go?

I have to say, great! 2015 was most definitely a year that answered.

Being so tough, 2014 asked a lot of questions. My relationship with Bryce was put through huge external challenges; I learned that teaching today isn't quite what I had hoped; and I really had to dig deep to determine what controlled my happiness.

By proclaiming 2015 the year of doing my thing, I found answers to those questions. It was a whirlwind year.

The biggest "answer" of the year probably comes to no surprise to you. It was the choice to leave my teaching job and seek a new career. You can read all about that choice in much more detail here and here, but all I can say was that it was the best choice. I am a new person and didn't realize just how much teaching was affecting all other parts of my life. And now, when I look back, quitting my job this summer is one of my proudest accomplishments. Having the courage to take a stand for myself, and make the unpractical decision was huge for me.

In terms of Bryce and I, our relationship is stronger than ever before. I can honestly say that he is the best partner or teammate in life--someone I can count on for literally anything and everything. My career change has also led to big improvements in our day to day relationship. I come home in a good mood and still have energy, rather than coming home frustrated and grumpy.

And finally...the happiness piece. That's a tough one. I would like to think we are all in charge of our own happiness, but I will say that a lot of my unhappiness was wrapped up in my teaching job. The reality is that we spend a majority of our time at work; so when work isn't satisfying, it does affect happiness. I struggled to "leave work at work," because teaching is so all-consuming and emotional. While I don't like that it was such a controller of my happiness, it was the reality. My control or take charge piece, however, came in when I chose that it was no longer worth it and to leave. I think taking control of one's own happiness, shouldn't be assuming that you'll always be happy, every second of every day. It is accepting that there will be bad times and good.Taking control lies in reacting to those ups and downs in the best way you can, and hopefully, ultimately, coming out of those tough times a better or happier person.


If I haven't bored you yet, I'll do a quick check of last year's official goals or resolutions and dive into how I hope to grow and improve in 2016.

Last year, I planned to:

  • Focus on Positive Relationships: Check, check check! 2015 was a great year in this department. I will say, that the not so pretty side of this, was having to walk away from or let go of some toxic relationships. But 2015 also brought lots of new and amazing people into my life. I reconnected with some old friends as well. I really feel as if my cup runneth over.
  • Spend More Time Interacting with Other Blogs: I have to admit, this was a fail. SO much happened for me in 2015, but being a star blogger was not one of those things. Does anyone else feel as if Instagram has taken over your blog? 
  • Get Back to Healthy Eating: This was also a bit of a fail. While I can say, I am not very picky anymore, 2015 was a year of good eating. The Richmond restaurant scene continues to boom and Bryce and I are foodies. That, combined with a new job that includes regular lunches out, caused 2015 to be a year of weight gain for me. So...to new beginnings in 2016!
  • Build Up My Savings: I'd say this was a success. I've cut way back on my spending, particularly on clothes, and at the end of 2015, I bought my first car! Prior to that, my biggest grown-up purchase had been a mattress, so financing a car was a big step. Because I had worked on my savings, making a down payment on my car wasn't as hard as I thought. Having a monthly car payment, I think is also going to make me be more mindful of my purchases moving forward. I am going to have to stick to a tighter budget and am actually excited to be at this phase in my life.
Ahhh...and now for 2016. In all honesty, I have to say that this year is light on the resolutions. I'm so proud of how far I've come, but alas feel like I need to make a few goals. So here they are:

CONTINUE TO FIGURE OUT THIS WHOLE "GROWN-UP" THING
As mentioned above, my life is feeling more and more grown-up. I've now entered the world of car payments, started a new career, and have multiple friends with babies. Though all the responsibility can feel overwhelming from time to time, I am so happy to be at this phase of my life. You couldn't pay me to be in college again or a different phase of my life. All that, being said, I still have a lot to learn and figure out. For example, I have been putting money away for retirement for several years now. Do I fully understand the whole investment thing? No. I hope that in 2016, I can learn more about my investments, and perhaps tweak the way I am investing some of my money. On a smaller scale, I also want to get better at day to day "grown-up" things like staying on top of the laundry and meal planning.

GET BACK TO HEALTHY EATING...and lose a little weight
I can say with a lot of confidence that I will be successful in this goal. I just know I am in the right mindset. Bryce and I have started the year doing the no carb/sugar/alcohol thing, and for the most part, it's been much easier than I expected. I am already noticing differences when I put on my clothes in the morning and just feel better nourishing myself with healthy foods. After this initial phase of strictly adhering to the diet, our ultimate goal is to eat in this way most of the time. Meal planning and getting creative with our meals has been key to our success so far. (Post with a round-up of Alexandra Bee Approved Low Carb Recipes coming soon...) I also am working on my exercise routine. I am currently doing a New Year Barre Challenge of 20 classes in 30 days, which has been a great way to hold myself accountable. After that concludes, I want to start taking cycle classes 1-2 times a week in addition to barre.

BLOG
Plain and simple, I want to blog again...with consistency and routine. The last several months I've had a laundry list of posts, but have lacked the initiative to sit down and write them. As mentioned before, sometimes I feel like Instagram has overtaken the blogworld; but point blank, at the end of the day, I really love writing here. Bryce has a lot of studying to do in the coming months as he prepares for the Professional Engineering Exam in April, so I am hoping that we can carve out study/blog time that will be helpful.

CALL & VISIT MY GRANDMAS MORE
No explanation necessary.


2016...I'm ready for ya!

How was your 2015?

Do you make goals or resolutions for the new year?

How's your 2016 going so far?