Where I Share About Shoes and Carrot Fries....

I really loathe people who are always saying they are sooooooo tired/exhausted because really that's just something that real life throws on us at times.  I won't go there because I know that everyone out there is tired.  It's fine.  It's sometimes the nature of being an adult.  Mostly I do like being an adult.  Mostly...

I won't bore you with how much I worked already this week but I will have a small celebration here for some recognition from my manager at our team meeting this week.  Snaps to him for the nice bottle of wine that came with it (we love wine at this house).  I also found out that I have a small bonus coming in August -- which after not getting a raise this year -- it could be all of $100 and I would still be ecstatic.  Even if it will be sent to grown up things like paying off debt or my Roth.  Or that pesky medical bill from a doctor visit in March that I'm ignoring because I hate high deductible plans (note an adult thing I do not like). 

I digress.  To fun stuff.

• I made carrot fries on Sunday! It was easy and I really liked them.  If it helps sway anyone Matt advised me that even he liked them and carrots normally make him "dry heave" (what is it with men and vegetables?). 
• I would like to bake this sometime soon.
• Recently purchased these shoes -- I really wanted the Vince Allison mules that everyone has but many thanks to the blogger that linked the super similar  Shoemint Miller mules Kohl's. They are pretty much just alike.  

Really I want to stay home and drink coffee in a summer Thunderstorm tomorrow morning. I will say it's super nice that we have a short week and even get to close up early tomorrow.  We have a super low key Fourth of July planned and I'm really excited about it.  Catching up on cooking, reading, working out, and lake time! 

Catching Up + Thanksgiving Recap

Happy Weekend everyone! I have to say -- I only had to work 2.5 days last week and even though it will be a complete nightmare to go back to work until the wedding I have had the best time off.  I really think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday -- the food is great and it just seems more low key and less stressful than Christmas.  I came home from work and started baking early and finished a book by the fire.  It was heavenly. 

First -- we started off the holiday with our half-marathon! I have not run the Atlanta Half course in several years and they have changed the course since I ran last time.  We had a really great race but I was battling some cramps and being depleted around mile 11 (mainly because we were speed demons right out of the gate) and The Housewife left me to finish a bit ahead.  With all the hills on this course it made the back half of the race very tough so I was still very happy to finish just under 2 hours and 15 minutes.  We hit some really great splits -- if only I could have held them the last 2 miles. 

I immediately came home and started cooking before a trip to my Dad's.  I tried two new recipes this year -- the chocolate mousse pie above and a butternut squash + kale gratin.  I got both recipes from Martha Stewart Living and they were all a hit.  The gratin was really easy and while the pie had a lot of steps none of them were too difficult. 

Friday I had a lazy day and when Matt got home we went to a local farm here in Alpharetta to pick out our tree.  I loved our small tree last year and wanted to get another small one -- but I wanted to up my game and get a flocked one.  They are definitely expensive but if you get a smaller one its not as hurtful to your bank account.  Also -- if we return the stand ours came in we will get a $30 gift card. If you are in the Atlanta area I highly recommend supporting local for your Christmas tree and nursery needs with a trip to Scottsdale Farm.  

Saturday was my final dress fitting and watching the GA v GA Tech game with the fam.  It's a nice tradition -- but I like it a lot more when the Dawgs don't lose.  Also -- I've been living in this plaid shirt from JCrew -- I am obsessed.  It's 30% off today if you care. 

So far today I've happily cancelled my Fly Barre reservation, had copious amounts of coffee by the tree, and am determined to finish up Christmas decor today while also trying to read 8 library books that are overdue.

Happiest of Holidays to all of our readers! 

~the engaged gal~

Sunday Review

I kept telling myself I would blog this week but things got kind of crazy when my sweet neighbor went into labor early Wednesday morning.  This matters because both her and her husband don't have family close by and they asked me to let the dogs out when her time came.  Cue me being pretty late leaving for work through Friday morning. Thankfully we are still in summer traffic season here in Atlanta so I wasn't actually late for work any day.   Had a pretty chill work week but felt stressed and irritable for some reason so that will explain the giant photo of Pinkberry lunch below.  It just seemed totally necessary for survival by Friday afternoon. 

Gus and Gizmo.  My babies for the week! I pretty much want to steal that little black pug.  Not even going to lie. 

Originally planned for a Saturday lunch with Elise but after looking at the rain report we decided to run up to JCT Bar after work Friday night for some angry mussels and fries.  We had long chats over rosé and walked around Westside Provisions and even had our first Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams treat.  

We walked around Star Provisions to window shop and peeked into that pesky Bacchanalia which killed me a lot inside because GOOD LORD I want to eat there so badly! It was a super nice evening and not too crowded I think because there was a 30% chance of rain -- which of course meant a nice breeze on the patio.  It did rain but we were there early enough to get one of the tables under cover on the back patio of the bar.  It was a super night with my wonderful friend.  She makes me laugh hysterically on the reg.  I only wish my wit were as sharp as hers. 

I'm still really trying to save money but finally gave in to replacing two of my throw pillows because the yellow and gray silky ones from Target were full of coffee/drink spills and dog drool.  I couldn't take it anymore.  I kind of feel like Chevron is played out but these were pretty much my only option after several trips to Homegoods the last few weeks.  It's not like Domino Mag is coming to shoot my town home anytime soon so I just bit the bullet in the name of cleanliness.  Also - don't look too closely at the Ikea sofa that so clearly needs to be replaced judging from the ALL THE STAINS on the cushions.  Le sigh. 

This morning Matt and I actually slept until 7:30.  I walked the dogs and then got back in bed to watch The Open with him under the covers until we dragged ourselves downstairs around 9 to make breakfast and coffee.  This NEVER happens.  It was soooooo nice.  I never allow myself to lay in bed -- there just always seems like there is too much on my list to complete before heading back to work. 

As far as the photo -- I know you like that butter wrapper in the pic right? It's Sunday -- my preferred cooking/baking day of the week so I jumped up and made some blackberry scones this morning.  Wow.  I could sit down and slowly eat through all of them today alone.  Grabbed the recipe here -- note I cook everything with almond milk these days so I subbed that in where the recipe called for regular milk.  Also, don't freak out about smushed blackberries because hey -- what can you really do about that when trying to roll out your dough? 

Happy Sunday! What are you up to? Baking? Reading? Nothing? 

~the engaged gal~

The Single Gal Cooks: Cheesy Black Bean Skillet

Tell me you love real life photos with the oven range smears on them.  Yes? No? 

This week 3 Putt and I were determined to get back on our normal eating routine after our extremely delicious yet gluttonous vacation.  We had bun-less burgers for dinner Sunday with some avocado/salsa/etc on the top and needed a side.  French fries were not an option.  So I grabbed a few things to chop up and throw in with two cans of black beans and some cheese.  It was so good.  And so easy!

- 1 green bell pepper, diced

- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

-shredded cheese

- 2 cans of black beans, rinsed and drained

Chop bell peppers, onions and garlic.  Sauté over medium heat until onions are translucent.  Add black beans and cook for several minutes to warm up on medium heat.  Add cheese as desired.  This seriously takes hardly any time and reheats well! 

Garnish: cilantro, sour cream, sriracha, salsa, avocado, anything really.  

enjoy! 

~the single gal~

{girls brunch}

Sometime in December as my regular brunch date approached with my friend Elise I thought -- "You know, I should have people over for brunch one day."  So I got a small list together of a few girlfriends {hopefully I can have another one soon and invite a different set of my favorites!}.  I wanted to invite everyone but my house isn't huge and I was doing all the cooking.  Also, budget is tight so I wanted it to be a number that was comfortable and fit those categories.  It worked well and I am happy to report I got to have quality time with everyone there because it was super small!   

I had a great time and made The Housewife come over and take pictures with her fancy camera.  Mainly so she can practice for the wedding stuff early in the day before I meet up with my photographer, amiright? 

Not magazine worthy but I thought I did a pretty good job. Didn't break the bank and didn't spend my entire week worrying about it or setting up for the big day. And it really was super fun.  Thank you Housewife for being the best photographer sister ever.  

 lemon ricotta bruschetta with honey and basil

//recipe here//

I also made some homemade cinnamon rolls, popped some baby quiches in the oven (house of Target), and made a fruit & cheese plate.  I also had a lot of mimosa supplies.  

I made a chalkboard menu...but my handwriting is not the best.  "A" for effort though.  I mean what is that little dorky try at drawing a champagne glass? I'll wait for you to find it.  

stripey straws courtesy of Homegoods. 

See -- in the real world we don't wear shoes when we host Brunch.  Just socks.  The scarf is prob not the best idea when cooking. Fair warning because that just screams "fire hazard" to me.  

Thanks 3 Putt for sending me a bunch of photos of flowers at Kroger and letting me pick them out virtually while you paid for them and brought them home.  I love that. 

All in all a fun day for the five of us! Maybe I will be braver and try more people the next time.  The dogs were also really well behaved! I was very proud of them especially since so many new people were there for them to be excited about.  

Was this post totally boring? I hope not. We all like pictures right? Enjoy these because I'm going to make 3 Putt take like 3 million of me if we are able to reach the Eiffel Tower while we have our layover in Paris in two weeks.  Prep yourselves now. 

love you. mean it. 

~the single gal~

Happies from Tuesday but Divulged on Thursday

This was originally going to be Tuesday Happies but I got busy (read: I did not allocate my day property).  So now it's Thursday.  Since I am essentially working for a small start up while we work claims runoff from a dwindling carrier we had to move our office to something much smaller.  And we ain't got nobody to do it for us.  So Tuesday was spent unpacking file boxes and breaking nails.  But really it was super glorious to have a legit excuse not to work a single claim or take any phone calls.  I also find unpacking to be really euphoric in the fact that everything feels super organized when you are done. It is like crack for me.  

We also went to Baldino's since I work off Buford Highway now (when I'm not working from home).  Best subs ever.  And pepperoni rolls.  

I did get off work a little early on Tuesday and felt like going home but couldn't really skip the gym since I legit had time to go.  Oh hey jammie pants that I had to wear grocery shopping because its super hot in the gym so I have to wear shorts there, but super cold outside.  Whatever. I'm engaged. I've let myself go. 

Tuesday I came home in the pouring rain to a surprise from the love of my life.  How cute is it that he surprised me again and got my doughnut.  That one has a sense of humor, no? Anyway, I loved everything about this. 

I also had this random urge to cook after a long day (which really never happens) and also really had a craving for butternut squash.  Super random. Seriously.  I loosely looked on Pinterest and noted that I saw some kale in the fridge and had some quinoa so this recipe was our winner.  With just a little bit of chopping and a few fresh ingredients this Kale, Quinoa, and Butternut Squash dish came to life.  It lists a vinaigrette but we went with a touch of soy sauce and some siracha for me.   SO GOOD. SO EASY.  I'm keeping this recipe. 

What made you happy this week? I want to know!

~the single gal~

Friday Five

1. I'm really grateful for some unplanned time off this holiday season since we are a bit slow at the office.  I don't have to go back to work until Thursday next week! Hoping to find lots of projects to occupy my time with because seriously I am no good at relaxing.  

2. Trying two new recipes for Sunday Christmas gathering with extended family! I tried to find a jazzed up green bean recipe because I think green beans are the only veggie 3 Putt likes and I'm making a fancy brussels sprouts salad that probably only the females in the fam will even try.  Links below to the pins where I found the recipes!

Green Bean Salad with Walnuts, Fennel, & Goat Cheese

//via//

Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad with Creamy Shallot Dressing

//via//

3.  I saw that PIPM recently reviewed some African Black Soap and I finally found some at Wal-Mart so I can try it! I heard it really helps with bumps and is an effective make-up remover.  The bar was just under $5! I promise to report back. 

4.  I have had such a fun time reflecting on 2013 lately as it is drawing to a close.  Lots of changes.  Lots of surprises.  Lots of potential for 2014.  Got a lot accomplished and looking forward to goal setting for the new year. 

5.  I'm sending up prayers to the sleep Gods for The Housewife.  Her children are not napping and I can't seem to see her and she can't blog.  Y'all join in. I know we all want to hear from her! 

Happy Friday! Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

~the single gal~

Photo Purge

Hello friends! Life has been feeling a bit out of control with work and events and family gatherings and weddings and babies and birthdays. I always wish to "slow down" but I suppose I can always say "no" to activities and it is my suspicion that I put myself in these situations. How do you all prioritize your social calendar? I need help!

So here is a bit of catching up!

 Found this recipe on https://smittenkitchen.com/ for a raspberry cake. This cake was so easy and delicious! Take it to a friend or just keep it for yourself! 

Demanded some margs from 3 Putt before Mom and Jer moved in. (They are still with me for the time being...more on this later!)

Outfit item on high rotation - Lilly Pulitzer Seersucker mimosa skirt. Wouldn't be summer without this staple! 

Don't think I ever put up this one of me And my beautiful little sister from her wedding Memorial Day weekend! 

Also, look at the ever adorable Housewife and one of her perfectly dressed children. 

I have a birthday weekend follow up coming but this week 3 Putt and I were able to visit his best friend who just had a son. 3 Putt is his Godfather and so proud. Here is little baby Jack!

That was a "melt your heart" day for sure. The man spent probably almost 2 hours driving me around Atlanta in 5 pm traffic trying to rescue a pug and then he hold babies and drives me to Pinkberry. 

How is your summer? Is anyone else feeling the crazy like we are?! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Unscheduled Programming {Monday Thoughts}

I'm not feeling particularly over the moon about anything lately so you guys just get a regular post tonight.  You know -- the ones with a bunch of random stuff  that's in my head.   This is mainly because 3 Putt and I had a rather long and drawn out Sunday Funday so I wasn't as prepped for the week.  But no harm there.  A homemade breakfast, a long walk with Hogan, beer, bowling, French food, Operation Smile, and afternoon naps are just as important.  

Y'all 3 Putt surprised me this weekend with concert tickets!  Alabama comes to The Fabulous Fox Theatre in May.  I die.  Seriously.  He was supposed to go too but he already found a schedule conflict so I have been ordered to bring The Housewife instead.  She can buy me a beer to thank me later.  Or 3 Putt, rather.  

How much do I love this photo? The Housewife and I have also purchased tickets for New Kids on the Block when they come with Boyz II Men (did I do that right?) in June.  Let's just say its an intense summer concert season for us already.  Don't hate. 

Alabama

Also...I can't stop thinking about these two items of clothing.  Like I want to wear them together.  Or separately.  Either way they are on my mind.  I don't even know that would it would look good as a combo but I'd like to try.  But I am pretty sure this skirt from JCrew Factory already sold out. Blah.  I dislike being poor. And having to pay taxes {I'm sure I'll complain about that more later}.  

Ever since making those cinnamon rolls the other day all I want to do is bake.  Like I want to just stay home from work and bake.  All day.  If I could do this I would be making some of these Pinterest desserts I have been drooling over.  

Lemon Buttermilk Bundt Cake

Chocolate Pistachio Sandwich Cookies

Chocolate Bread Pudding

How is your Monday? What's on your mind? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Monday Obsessions: Cinnamon Rolls

This weekend I made some cinnamon rolls and I really just can't stop thinking about them. I know making them from scratch seems like a lot of trouble but the recipe I use really is simple.  I got the recipe I use from my friend Caroline -- her lovely mother in law, Carol would make these.  Seriously -- I tried another recipe one time that ended up with cinnamon rolls being thrown into the garbage.  This one works.  Trust.  If there is one thing I'm not messing around with it's food.  

Carol's Cinnamon Rolls

4-5 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 envelopes yeast

1 Tsp salt

1 cup milk

2/3 cup water

3/4 lb butter

2 eggs (at room temp)

 

- place 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt into large bowl

 

- place milk, water and 1/4 cup oleo into pan. Heat until very warm

 

- place milk mixture into flour mixture

-add eggs

 

- add enough flour to make dough elastic

 

- place dough in greased bowl and let raise until doubled

 

- after dough has risen, roll into a square shape

 

- spread butter over dough then sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon

 

- roll and cut into 1 1/2" to 2" pieces

 

- place into greased pan

 

- refrigerate 2 to 24 hours

 

- when ready to bake let rolls sit out for 10 minutes and bake at 350 degrees until brown

 

Powdered sugar glaze: powdered sugar, very little milk and pat of oleo. Blend and place on rolls when still warm. Add flavoring.

here is my photo journey...except I forgot to take one of them out of the oven! Sorry! 

Dough after it has had time to rise/double. 

The rolling pin of all Single Gals - can o' beer. 

All rolled out with the good stuff for the middle. 

And now rolled up. 

Ready for the fridge until time for breakfast! 

Seriously try these! The best part is making them the day before and just popping them in the oven the next morning and enjoying them with friends and family! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

In the Kitchen with The Single Gal {mexican fiesta + cornbread}

It's been a bit of struggle to get my mind around posts that aren't random as hell these past two weeks.  But really, this post is brought to you as someone who has worked 13 of the last 14 days {and by the end of this week I will have worked 18 out of the last 19 days!} and let me tell you -- it has been hard to fit in all my other normal activities, appointments, etc. I hope that I will feel a lot better about all of this once I get my paycheck Friday!

I really wanted a home cooked meal and a night at home after a dinner out Friday night but after my other cooking failures the last two weeks {those obvs didn't make it on the blog} I really needed a new recipe that had like zero chances of coming out badly.  Random -- I get really emotional about cooking.  I put so much into and I get so sad if it doesn't turn out right.  So I googled some enchilada recipe and decided to jazz it up.  The original recipe was from the Kraft website or something on All Recipes.  Since I made some necessary additions, I felt it only appropriate that I changed the name of dish. 

{single gal enchiladas}

1 cup low fat sour cream 

1 cup tomatillo salsa

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tsp of oil

3 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts

1 (4 oz) can of green chiles, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1  1/2 cups mexican style shredded cheese

8 (6 inch) flour tortillas

1 avocado, chopped

{Directions}

1. heat oven to 350 degrees F

2. mix sour cream and salsa until well blended.  

3. cook and stir onions and garlic in hot oil in large skillet on medium heat for 4-5 minutes.  Stir in chicken, 1 cup of sour cream mixture, chiles, black beans, and 1/2 cup of cheese. 

4. spoon about 1/3 cup of chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla.  Roll up.  Place, seam side down in 13x9 inch backing dish sprayed with cooking spray.  Top with remaining sour cream mixture and cheese.  Cover. 

5.  Bake 15-20 minutes or until heated through. 

6. Top with chopped avocado and serve! 

A few things -- I love cornbread and I thought that I would make it tex-mex and have some with dinner.  But really I just wanted cornbread.  You don't have to make that part.   These were SO easy {mainly because I bought a rotisserie chicken rather than even cooking one} and SO good.   The least y'all could do is humor me and make them.  And also tell me how great you think they are, too.  Oh, and if I weren't so busy I would have taken a picture...but it didn't even enter my mind that night.  

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

In the Kitchen with The Single Gal

Just checking in mid-week! We had family Christmas on my Mom's side of the fam this past weekend and I finally got in the kitchen for what seems like the first time this holiday season {I shamefully only went to Thanksgiving at Mom's loaded with champagne. Didn't make a single thing!}.  I tried two new ones that I really liked and wanted to share with y'all before Christmas.  

I don't have a standard recipe for Mac and Cheese. Usually I try a new one and keep looking for one that I just love. But until last week I hadn't really found one.  It's a lot of trouble buying 6 freaking cheeses and trying to work that one Giada made on The Food Network.   Normally, I steer a bit clear of Martha Stewart recipes because some seem difficult or a bit more complicated than I am looking for when I am ready to make something.  But I bit the bullet and tried her recipe for perfect mac and cheese.  I have to say, it was really easy and it it was incredibly delicious.  The only thing I would change is to add tomatoes but since I knew my group wouldn't be into that, I opted not to this time around.  It really may be perfect, though. 

*photo from the pin i found on pinterest*

Here is the link for Perfect Macaroni and Cheese.

It's also not likely that I will turn down the chance to try any recipe that involves Pillsbury Crescent rolls.  So, I also attempted a new dessert/breakfast item -- Nutella Cream Cheese Danishes.  These were very easy!  I recommend making them for people when they can eat them right out of the oven although they aren't terrible when zap them in the microwave for 10 seconds if you can't make that happen.   The one thing I found when I doubled the recipe was that I had a lot of leftover filling and even had a bit too much in my dough ring.  As a result, I didn't pinch the sides closed well enough and some of the filling came out and they were open on one end, but obvs still tasty. 

photo credit - also found on recipe link

Here is the link for Nutella Cream Cheese Danishes.

What is your favorite Macaroni and Cheese recipe? Or dessert? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Butter Really Does Make Everything Better

Just because the holidays have come and gone doesn't mean that my baking frenzy is over! I came yesterday and it was a very rainy afternoon. I had a migraine and thought my whole evening after work was completely done for, but I was cruising Pinterest after taking some meds and was suddenly feeling better and feeling inspired.  

Let's talk about the best part of this recipe -- I had all the ingredients measured out and practically had them all mixed together by the time my oven was pre-heated! What's better than a super easy bread recipe that takes next to no time and involves a beer? I used a leftover Guinness that was in the fridge since I had to buy them to make a beef stew a few weeks ago {that I never ended up blogging about}.  

I have linked the recipe to credit the person who came up with this delicious and easy bread, but you can also just read it below. 

~Honey Beer Bread~

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp honey or agave nectar
• 1 12 oz bottle of beer
• 4 Tbsp butter, melted (you can double if you want)

Yield: 1 Loaf

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9"x 5" x 3" loaf pan

In a medium bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a wooden spoon, stir the beer and honey into the dry ingredients until just mixed.  Tip -- put the honey into the microwave for a bit to make it easier to mix!

Pour half the melted butter into the loaf pan. Spoon batter into pan, then pour the rest of the butter on top. 

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Serve immediately. 

Smells good!!! 

Butter really did make my day better. And beer.  And bread. 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~