Summer 2013 - Bucket List

May 31, 2013

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We have always created a bucket list for the summer - things that we would love to do as a family in these warmer months to come, taking full advantage of the summer break for the kids and get in some much needed fun for all of us! 
 
...besides, what is better than making a list full of FUN things to do and crossing them all off... one fun-filled day at a time? :)  Even if we don't get to do every single one, it's nice to have options on a day when the kids utter the words that I despise: "I'm bored!".
 
We cheated a little by adding our {already booked} vacation to the list.  Just seeing that D word makes me so happy!, I can't wait!!!
 
What's on your bucket list this summer?
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 

 

Blue Block

May 30, 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
{Gray Ankle Trousers ~ Target / Royal and Navy Color Blocked Shirt Dress ~ Old Navy / Royal Blue Patent and Suede Mary Janes ~ Vince Camuto "Vionet" via Nordstrom Rack / Silver Handbag ~ Daisy in Philly Boutique / Sunnies ~ Urban Outfitters}
 
I love this little shirt dress that I picked up on clearance at Old Navy a few weeks ago.  I struggled with figuring out how to wear it to the office; it is way too short to be worn alone.  I randomly threw it on over these ankle trousers yesterday and was done! I am so in love with royal/cobalt blue.  It has to be my favorite color to wear. 
 
I've been enjoying this wonderful weather we've been having but I swear with the change of every season, come the closet meltdowns.  I feel like I have a closet full of nothing right now and it drives me crazy.  I really need to spend an entire day revamping and rearranging my closet.  ...and trying things on to see what still works.  By the time I leave my bedroom in the morning for work, my closet floor is covered in things that were yanked off the hanger to be tried on. Lol!  I'll get it together soon! :)  My legs have been SO happy to see the light of day and to feel the warmth.
 
I hope you are enjoying the warm spring weather too! :)
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 
 
 

Brown Sugar Crusted Braised Barbecue Short Ribs

May 24, 2013


After teasing the recipe a few weeks ago {I KNOW!} I am FINALLY getting around to posting this recipe.  This is by far the most requested Sunday dinner in my house, by my husband, of course.  He loves this dish so much and understandably so - these short ribs are divine. BUT, they definitely have to be enjoyed in moderation - these are very high in fat.  And I guess that explains why they are so rich and flavorful.  If you are a meat-eater, you will LOVE these.  ...now on to the {simple} recipe!

 Ingredients:

Cross Cut Short Ribs {I used about 3-4 pounds}
2 Cups Beef Broth
1/2 Cup Flour
2 Medium Onions, Chopped
1 and 1/2 Cups of Your Favorite Barbecue Sauce
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

First step - preheat your oven to 325 degrees.  These ribs are going to cook low and sloooow which will result in the softest most deliciously flavored meat ever.  Next, grab a large heavy-bottomed skillet to begin browning the meat before braising.

{Start by seasoning your ribs with salt and pepper.}

{To a large Ziploc bag, add your flour and season with salt and pepper.  Dredge the short ribs in the flour.}

{To your large skillet or pot, add your oil and over medium heat, begin to brown your flour-dredged short ribs.  This step helps to seal in the moisture and flavor of the meat.}

{Brown evenly for 2-4 minutes on all sides.  You want to sear just the surface of the meat, being careful not to cook it through. Once the ribs are all browned, drain on paper towels and add them to a large dutch oven, while you prepare the braising liquid.  You could use any oven-safe pot with a lid.}
 
{Roughly chop your onions.}

{To a few tablespoons of olive oil, heating over medium heat, add your onions and start to brown.  Add in your garlic and onion powders and continue browning the onions.}


{Add about 1/2 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the onions.}



{Add in a cup of the beef broth, stirring well to mix in the barbecue sauce.}

{Pour the broth/onion/barbecue sauce mixture over the browned short ribs.}


{Add in the other cup of beef broth to the dutch onion.}
 

{Tightly cover with a lid and braise in the oven at 325 degrees for 3 hours.}
 

{After cooking for 3 hours in a low oven, the ribs will be unbelievably tender!}

{Remove the ribs from the braising liquid and transfer them to a sheet tray.}

{Add a dollop of barbecue sauce to each short rib and brush to evenly coat.}

{Sprinkle each barbecue-brushed short rib with brown sugar.}

{Place the brown sugar dusted barbecue short ribs under the broiler for a few minutes until they are brown and bubbly.  Be very careful and watch this very closely, the brown sugar will burn fast!}
 
And that's it!  Easy and just divinely delicious. :)

 
{I served them with roasted veggies and sweet+spicy kale. YUM!}
 
Let me know if you plan to try these. They would be great for the upcoming holiday wekeend.  They can even be finished on the grill! 
 
Enjoy! xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 
 


Sorrata

May 16, 2013

 
     
  
 
 
  
 
{Black Riding Pants ~ NY&Co / Ivory Tunic ~ H&M / Black/Ivory Chevron & Neon Pink Wedges ~ "Sorrata" via JustFab / Gold Quilted Handbag ~ Thrifted / Lippie ~ Hot Plum from the Maybelline Vivids Collection}
 
I love love these shoes from JustFab, they are comfy cute and get a lot of attention. hehe! I was pretty much discussing footwear the entire day - these babies are conversation starters.  They will definitely be in heavy rotation this summer. :)
 
xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥
 
 

Lost Files

May 15, 2013

 
I guess I have a thing for pairing teal with mustard.  I just love these two colors together, I rocked an almost identical outfit to work, here, back in March.
 
 
I snapped these photos a few weeks ago on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for a lunch date with Cory. I was uploading and going through/deleting the pics on my camera and realized that I never posted this outfit.
 
 
I like to document casual outfits like these - what I rocked on the weekends; I feel like all I have are things for work and get so frustrated when I just want to grab something EASY on a Saturday and can't find anything.
 
 
I hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful Mother's Day.  Mine was great. I went to brunch with my mom, Cory and my sisters, then enjoyed some time on my couch.  So perfect! This month is shaping up to be an easy, care-free one and I am not complaining. :)
 
 
{Mustard Ponte Knit Pants ~ Spiegel / Teal Sheer Top2020Ave / White Tank ~ Target / Orange Patent Reva Flats ~ Tory Burch / Gold Quilted Handbag ~ Vintage.Thrifted / Sunglasses ~ Urban Outfiitters}
 
 
See you soon! xoxo, thanks for reading! ♥