Latest Obsession: Tie Dye

Lately I cannot get enough of tie dye.  I know, it seems so 1980's of me but I swear, it just feels fresh and fun and springy.  And it is popping up everywhere.

Look at these cute dresses:

And I want ALL of these pillows:

If I had a kid or a beach house, I'd be making some of these sheets NOW.

Even a whole chair can get the look.  Would be adorable in a play room:

And it isn't just on fabric.  Now you can eat your tie dye!  How adorable are these tie dyed cookie shirts?

Even these popsicles from Martha Stewart have the look.

So do you think I'm crazy and need to be sent back to the 80's?  :)

A Happy Habitat

I came across A Happy Habitat on a recent One King's Lane sale and am completely smitten.  I love the bright, bold graphics and prints.  Just the ticket for cheering up any bedroom or living room...especially in these long, cold days of winter.

All items can be found here.

Goody Goulash - An Easy Freezer Meal

Goulash has kind of a weird name.  Basically it reminds me of a baked Italian pasta but with corn and a little different flavorings.  Yummy, comfort food.  And, I love it cause you can freeze it.  I made some for our friends Beth and Brian who just had a baby so they can save it for when their meal train runs out.  :)

What You'll Need:
1 pound lean ground beef
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups shredded cheese 
2 cups of tomato soup (I used Trader Joe's creamy tomato and basil soup)
one 6 oz can tomato paste
2 cups cooked pasta 
2 Tbsp Italian seasoning 
1 can (15oz) corn, drained
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

What You'll Do:
Brown ground beef in oil and season with onion powder and garlic powder.  Drain excess fat. Cook noodles according to package and drain.  In a large bowl, combine soup, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, noodles and ground beef.  Stir in corn.  Transfer to an ungreased freezer baking dish.  If you are making for someone else, use the foil, disposable trays so that they have less clean up and don't have to worry about returning your dish.  Sprinkle the top with cheese and cover with foil.

To serve, thaw and bake covered at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until heated through.  Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes under the broiler on low to make the cheese all brown and bubbly.

Easy and Healthy White Chicken Chili

We were in Florida for the Superbowl and my Aunt Connie made this White Chicken Chili - - delish!  Even better is that it is super healthy because the main ingredients are chicken, chicken stock and white beans.  The sauce is thickened thanks to mashed white beans!  I love the hit of lime and cilantro to keep it light and fresh.  It is also a really quick meal that is perfect for a little weeknight inspiration!

What You Need:
3-4 chicken breasts, diced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups sweet onions, diced
2 cans white beans, mash one of the cans
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can chipotle corn (the recipe just called for corn but I like the red color and flavor the chipotle adds to the chili)
1 1/2 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
juice of one lime
1 large handful of cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil

What You Do:
Drain the beans.  I mashed one can with my hands.

Heat olive oil in a pot and add diced chicken.  Cook through.  Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.  Add onion and continue to cook and stir.  Add cumin and chili powder and mix well.  Add beans, and chicken broth and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add corn and lime and 1/2 of the cilantro.  Season with salt and pepper.  Garnish with additional cilantro and serve with cheese and sour cream (optional).

Scenes from the Abode

Scenes from around these here parts from the past couple of weeks...little snippets of happiness to get through this long, dreary month!

Two of the cutest models you ever did see are wearing my knitted hats...

No knitted hat for this guy but still really cute.

Amaretto sours.  I love 'em.

I tried to get all crafty-like and fancied myself a painter.  I need acrylics...the oil paint I got was too complicated for a novice like myself.

Love this little guy I got in an antique store in New Bern, NC a few years ago.  He makes me happy when I look at him.

Sunny fruit salad in the winter time is a happy sight!  And the fact that I got to share it with my needlepointing gang (yes, you read that right), made it all the better!

Mimosas on a Sunday...

We had friends over for a dinner party with pork and steak tacos.  I used the leftover rice and pork to make pork fried rice later in the week.  Delish!

Sweet little ranunculus.  Not only do I love how they look, they lasted for three weeks and were a bargain!

Cut this lone rose down from our rose bush in the back.  Crazy how it grew in the dead of winter!

Happy Monday! x

Cupid, Draw Back Your Bow.

And let your arrow fly.  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

In honor of Valentine's Day, I have collected a little round up of sweet arrows sure to strike your heart.

All found via Pinterest.  Last two art prints via Minted.