Dinner Tonight: Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese

Nothing says comfort like a big bowl of macaroni and cheese, especially when there’s bacon involved. And just to make you feel better about eating carbs and bacon grease, add some chicken into the mix to balance things out. There you have it; dinner is served.

I got this chicken and bacon mac and cheese recipe from Rachael Ray, and I modified it very slightly. I swapped out the whole wheat pasta for the regular stuff (only because I had a ton hanging out in my pantry), and used yellow cheddar and swiss for the white cheddar and gruyère. I love me some gruyère, but the price tag isn’t quite as loveable.

How do you take your mac and cheese? Are you a homemade only, blue box, or creamy shells and cheese lover? 

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Letters and Clothes

Dear weekend,


Why are you so short? 

Jacket: Gap; sweater: Target; skirt: Forever 21; tights: Merona, Target; oxfords: Target 

Dear Monday, 


Why are you here? 

Casual Jackets by Mango
Flats by Very Volatile

Sincerely,

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A Short Drive to Crazy

I’m spent. Working five days this week has really taken it out of me. Where are all the snow days this year? Not that I’m complaining about this mild winter we’ve been having. I suppose if I’m not going to get snow days it may as well be fifty degrees outside. I’m just saying a surprise day off would be nice, that’s all.

Cardigan: Old Navy; shirt: Gap; cords: Loft; flower: so old I don't remember; shoes: Target

This was one of my ridiculously cheap sweater scores at Old Navy: $4.50 for this baby, can you believe that? These shoes were another fun find. I was grocery shopping at Target when they just jumped into my shopping cart. Has that ever happened to you? Well, after that I had to buy them of course.

Uh oh, I’m starting to personify my shoes. I’d better walk away from the computer before my sweaters start talking to me. It may be too late. 

Cardigans by Old Navy
Flats by Chinese Laundry

My sweaters, these shoes, and I all wish you a happy (and slightly crazy) weekend! 

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Wishlist Wednesday: Button Down, Stock Up

Right after Christmas, I discovered that Kansas City has a J.Crew outlet. It must be relatively new, because it definitely wasn’t there the last time I visited the outlets. Although there were many things I liked there, the only thing I walked away with was this button-up shirt. I knew it was something that would get a lot of wear, and (despite the lack of blog photos) it has.

Blouse: J. Crew Outlet; dress: Target; necklace: Loft Outlet; tights: Merona, Target; flats: Se Boutique via DSW

I love how versatile a plaid or checked button-up shirt can be—it looks good with solids and prints, jeans and dresses, nearly anything! That’s why on this week’s wishlist I have yet another button up. 

I figure I’m covered in the plaid department, but my closet definitely lacks a leopard print button up. I used to think that my leopard shoes were enough, but with all the wear I’ve gotten out of them, I’m convinced that a leopard blouse would be a great investment. This Equipment blouse from Shopbop is a little beyond my budget, but that’s why this is a wish list, not an “I’m going to buy this right now” list.

 Here’s one way I would style it up (tied over the dress):

Longsleeve Tops by Equipment
Pumps by Sam Edelman

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Dinner Tonight Tuesday: Waffle Time

While I was in Quebec, one of the places we visited was a “sugar shack”, where they made their own maple syrup. I’m glad I planned to check my luggage, because there was no way I was leaving without a jug of that sweet, maple goodness. Naturally, I wanted to have breakfast for dinner as soon as possible.

I decided to make my mom’s waffle recipe and fry up some bacon. These waffles may take a bit longer to make than the frozen variety, but boy are they good. They’re light and fluffy, perfect for soaking up that maple syrup. For a printable recipe go here.

[Funny story: So, when we crossed the border, a customs officer asked if I purchased anything while in Quebec. I listed off a few items, one of them being a shot glass. He asked if I bought anything to put in it. My reply: “Maple syrup?” I got a chuckle out of that. Syrup shots, anyone?]

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Inspiration Monday: From Work to Weekend and Back

This weekend was just what the proverbial doctor ordered. Rest, relaxation, shopping… you can’t really beat that combination. Friday night Aaron and I went out for Mexican food and then came home and watched Water for Elephants. Of course I liked the book better, but I was pretty pleased with how the movie turned out.

Blazer: Loft; top: Forever 21; jeans: Gap; earrings: Charlotte Russe; socks: Target; boots: Franco Sarto via Macy's

On Saturday, I went shopping with my best friend Abby. I told myself I was only there to help her shop, but of course I ended up going home with a few things. I snagged two sweaters at Old Navy for $10. That’s $10 total! (No, I haven’t kicked the sweater habit yet.) 

This outfit was inspired by the gorgeous Eva Longoria, for Inspiration Monday. Like the Two Birds gals, I was really smitten with her socks, so that was the part of the outfit I definitely wanted to keep. However, I changed up the solid black on top for a printed blouse. The structured blazer paired with jeans was the perfect outfit to transition me from work to weekend. If only it were that easy to transition back… 

Tees by Forever 21
Boots by Adrienne Vittadini

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Turquoise Skirts and Other Good Things

The nice thing about coming home from Quebec on Tuesday night is the fact that I only had to go to school for three days. Those days flew by, and now, miraculously, it’s the weekend again. I cannot wait to linger in bed a few extra hours; nothing beats the luxury of a good night’s sleep.

Cardigan: American Eagle; blouse: Loft; skirt: The Limited; earrings: H&M; brooch: no idea; belt: Loft; tights: Gap; boots: Mia via DSW

We’ve been watching the movie Les Choristes (The Chorus) in my French classes this week. (Yes, I needed an easy day to recover from Quebec!) I’d forgotten just how much I love that movie and its beautiful music. If you have never seen it, it’s definitely worth checking out. 

I don’t have much to say about this outfit, other than how happy I am I bought this skirt. After much hunting for a brightly colored pencil skirt, I found this one at The Limited over winter break. I’m trying to be more patient, and buy the things that I need (or really want) rather than just buying things because they’re on sale.

Cardigans by Halogen
Boots by Mia

This post was completely random. I swear, my head will be clearer next week. Happy weekend!  

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