Recipe: Sprinkle Cake

Hey Cats!

This past weekend, I had a family reunion with my dad’s side of the family. We have it every year, and I always love going! It’s great to see my family, plus there’s always really delicious food. I was talking to my dad a couple of days before and he asked me what I was going to bring. “Wait, what?” I’m still used to being a child and not having to bring food, but I guess since I’ve been a responsible adult for a full year, I’m capable of bringing some sort of dish to a function. So, I decided to make one of my favorite recipes that’s beyond easy but also delightful. And I made two, because I wanted to keep one for myself.

Sprinkle Cake!! Y’all. This cake is probably my favorite. It’s simply a pound cake with sprinkles inside! Confession: I only make this to take somewhere when I know I will have plenty to bring home. Not a joke. I like to eat it for breakfast. It’s just SO GOOD. Also, people love it, because it’s fun! You know how people have “signature dishes” that they’re asked to bring to functions? I want this to be mine. “Kristen, bring that sprinkle cake, it’s so good!”. That is my dream.I clearly have too much time on my hands. So anyways, here’s how you make this:

I got this recipe from The Sweet {Tooth} Life, so I can’t really take credit, but I would love to share!

Here’s what you’ll need:

-1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

-1 cup of sugar

-4 eggs

-1 tsp vanilla extract

-1/2 tsp salt

-2 cups of flour

-1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (I used Jimmies… I honestly hate that they’re called that so much but I couldn’t think of another way to explain them. Ugh Jimmies. Such a stupid name.)

Here’s what you’ll do:

1.First, cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl.

2. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each.

3. Mix in vanilla and salt until fully incorporated.

4. Add flour and stir until smooth!

5. Add the sprinkles and give it another stir

6. Transfer to a buttered & floured loaf pan

7. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour

8. Enjoy!

This is a great quick dessert to bring to an event, or for whenever you feel like something sweetie. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

That’s all for meow!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

Happy Friday! This short week flew by, which is exactly what I was hoping for! It was also a busy week, but a good one! P.S., can you believe it’s already June? I feel like it was just New Year’s! Also, I’ve declared June a “no-spend” month for me. I went a little crazy on the shopping this past month, and I need to tone it down. There are things in my closet that I bought months ago and still haven’t worn, if that tells you anything. I’ve decided that I’m just going to have to get creative with what I’ve already got in my closet (which is plenty). Plus, it’s summer, so I can re-discover all of my tanks and shorts! At least that’s what I’m telling myself. But it’s not going to be easy (those flash sale emails get me every time. I am a sucker.). So pray for me. For serious.

But anyways, here’s what I’m loving this week:

1.Charming Charlie

Earlier this week, I went shopping with a friend and we wandered into Charming Charlie. And yes, this was May 31st, the day before the dreaded spending fast began. My friend Catherine that was with me has decided to also participate in a no-spend month! Anyways. Charming Charlie was having an amazing sale (75% off all clearance!!), so I got 4 great pieces of jewelry for just under $9! I think my favorite find was this pair of Lola Beaded Tassel Earrings. I’ve been wanting a pair of Lisi Lerch tassel earrings for years, but I couldn’t justify the price tag. The Charming Charlie dupes are marked as just $6.99 online, which is already a steal, but with my 75% off, I got them for $2. TWO DOLLARS. That’s less than a Starbucks. Clearly I am still beside myself about this. And once my shopping ban is lifted, I will be back. I’m planning on wearing these with my new top from Lyon + Post for my Friday night activities! So summer and so cute. P.S., with my $30 credit, this top was only $20! Sign up here to get your own $30 Lyon + Post credit!

2. Quinoa Salad Recipe

I came across this recipe for Sweet Pineapple Chicken Quinoa Salad from Layers of Happiness on Pinterest! As you know, I love quinoa, and am always trying to find ways to incorporate it into my diet. This looks like a really yummy summer lunch option, and I can’t wait to give it a try!

3. Embracing my curly hair

Ever since I started fixing my own hair, I have flat-ironed it into submission, refusing to wear it natural. Over the years, I think my hair has gone from wavy to actually curly, but I never left the house without fixing it, except for a few times in college. When I went to the beach, I decided to just let my hair run free, and I loved it! I decided to see if this would work on a daily basis. I bought the Quenching Coconut Curls shampoo and conditioner by OGX to try and enhance my curls, then added the styling milk to tame the frizz! I’ve worn my hair curly to work ever since I returned from vacation, and I have no plans of stopping! It’s so nice not to have to fix my hair every morning, and I really love how it looks! So big. Just wondering how I lived so many years without taking full advantage of my lion’s mane.

4. GIF of the week

If you haven’t been watching Real Housewives of Not Houston Dallas, you have been missing out on the best way to waste your time. Stephanie is probably my favorite, because she cries when people are mean to her, which I feel is the most normal response. Or would be my response. Bless her heart.

That’s all for meow! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

Happy Fri-Yay! This week has been so busy that I don’t even know where it went. But it’s been fun! Last night, I drove downtown to have dinner with my mom, who’s in town for training, so it was great to see her! After work today, I’m going into full-on vacation mode, with pedicures at 6, then finishing up shopping, packing, and getting to sleep early for our 5 am flight Sunday morning. It will be here before I know it! Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

1.College Station’s Best

So I found this list  of the 45 Best Places to Eat in College Station and it made me want to return to Aggieland for the sole reason of eating. I’m proud to say that I’ve eaten at most of those places (if I could choose my last meal, it would def be from Napa Flats), but there’s a few that are new! And some that I’ve missed. Just another reason to go back! If you live there, try some for me!

2. Lyon and Post

I’ve been seeing other bloggers talk about Lyon + Post for a while now, but I didn’t really know what it was so I just ignored it until I saw that one of my favorite bloggers (Brenna from Chic Street Style) scored a mega deal on an adorable dress, and was intrigued. After perusing the site, I discovered that it’s a site that sends you clothing to try on but doesn’t charge you for any of it unless you keep it! Which is great for those of us who are short and are sometimes scared to buy things online. They have great brands like Elizabeth and James, BB Dakota, Vince, and more!  There’s no subscription fee, and you get to try before you buy, just like a brick and mortar store! It vaguely reminds me of “About the Fit”, the fictional company that Anne Hathaway’s character runs in The Intern (which is a fabulous movie, by the way. It motivates me to no end to be the ultimate girlboss, and I watched it with my ex-boyfriend and he hated it and that’s part of the reason he’s not my boyfriend anymore. Bye). I’m waiting until I return from vacation to send for my first batch of clothes, but I’ve already got my eyes on a few things! If you’re interested, register here to get a $30 credit for your first purchase!

3. White Queso

White queso is my latest obsession. Actually, any queso, but I’ve been on a particular quest for queso blanco since Cinco de Mayo. The clinical staff in my office had fajitas catered on Cinco de Mayo from a local Mexican food restaurant, and they had white queso. One of my coworkers was telling me how delish it was, so obviously I had to go sneak some. Then I kept finding reasons to go up to the front, but I would actually just stop by the break room and sneak a chip loaded with queso. I’m not proud, but I’m also not sorry about it. Anyways, right after the queso-swiping incident, I came across this recipe for white queso from The Baking Fairy, so obviously I pinned it. Some of my friends and I are planning on grilling dinner one night soon, and I’m definitely making this!

4. GIF of the Week

This is how I feel that VACATION IS HERE!!!!! I literally cannot control myself. P.S., still trying to decide how I feel about Real Housewives of Dallas. I think Real Housewives of Houston would have been better, but Andy didn’t ask me. But considering the above, maybe he should have. ALSO: speaking of vacation: I will not be posting next week…sorry! I think it’s just time for a break from everything. But! Check back the following week, because I will have plenty of beach content!!

That’s all for meow- see you in a week!

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Recipe: Shrimp & Spinach Summer Salad

Hey Cats!

Happy Wednesday-we’ve made it halfway! I hope everyone is having a great week so far. For me, it’s been busy but happy. Monday night I went to a new Bible study with my friends, and last night was my last Junior League meeting of the year. Tonight I’m at home, and will probably be scrambling to get my life together before I head to the beach on Sunday with my friends! SO EXCITED.

I threw this salad together Sunday night, and it was so yummy that I had it again for lunch on Monday! This weekend, I bought shrimp for dinner for a little something different. However, I asked for 1/4 of a pound, but walked out with 3/4 of a pound, and it was like $9 so I’ve had to get creative to use it all. This is just one way! This meal is perfect for lunch or a summer dinner!

Here’s what you’ll need:

-Spinach

-Shrimp

-Quinoa

-Goat Cheese

-Croutons (optional but delicious)

-Lemon vinaigrette (or whatever dressing you desire)

Since I’m going to assume you all know how to combine ingredients in a bowl to make a salad, I don’t need to include steps. But I will tell you how I cooked my shrimp!

1. Melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter
2. Spread raw shrimp out on a cookie sheet. I got mine from the counter, and went with peeled and de-veined.
3. Pour the butter over the shrimp, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Toss until evenly coated
5. Cook at 350 degrees for 7-10 minutes until pink and curly!

So easy, and so quick! Also, the dressing I used was divine. I found it at the grocery store and thought it would be the perfect light addition to my shrimp salad. It’s called Leo’s Lemon & Caper dressing, and is pictured below. I also like Marzetti’s Lemon dressing, or you could make your own! I liked how the taste didn’t overpower everything else in my salad.

That’s all for meow!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

We made it!! This has been the longest week. I honestly started thinking that it was Friday on like Tuesday. So that was sad. But it’s finally Friday for real, and I’m headed to see my family this weekend! Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

1. Healthy Recipe

I found this recipe for bell pepper pizzas from Peas & Crayons on Pinterest a while back, and it looks so yummy! I love pizza, but I also love healthy versions of my favorites. However, I will most likely omit the broccoli. I mean whoa, it’s pizza, not a salad.

2. Dress

I know I featured this dress on my Beach Packing List post, but I can’t get over it. I love the print, Lite Bright Bull from MUMU, and I think I may have to get it. I’ll wear it on my birthday! Also, it’s May and my birthday is in August and I’ve already bought two rompers “to wear on my birthday”. I need help. Or a social life that requires something fancier than Nike shorts & a t-shirt. But probably both.

3. GIF of the week

This is how I felt when I thought it was Thursday but it was actually Tuesday.

Short and sweet this week- Have a great weekend!

That’s all for meow!

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Recipe-Spicy Shredded Chicken Sweet Potato

Hey Cats!

It’s only Wednesday? This week has been dragging on it seems! I’m going home this weekend, so that could be why. But it has been/is going to be a fun week! Monday night my friends and I made s’mores on the grill at my apartment complex, which was definitely an adventure. Then tonight, I have my end of provisional year party with the Junior League, and it’s Kentucky Derby themed! Stay tuned for pictures of my outfit, because I’m so excited about it.

On to the main event. Sweet potatoes are my new favorite thing, and I’ve been experimenting with different ways to make them for dinner. I’d seen a few recipes on Pinterest that had shredded chicken inside a baked sweet potato, so I decided to make my own version! It’s so easy and requires very little cleanup, which is always a plus!

Here’s what you’ll need:

-1 sweet potato

-1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded

-2 tablespoons sriracha

-1/4 cup lemon juice

-2 tablespoons honey

-cilantro

-salt and pepper

-goat cheese crumbles

Here’s what you do:

1.First, bake your sweet potato and cook your chicken. I baked mine at 400 for 45 minutes, and boiled my chicken breast for about 20 minutes.

2. Once the chicken is cool, shred it.

3. In a bowl, mix together the sriracha, lemon juice, and honey. Adjust amounts to taste!

4. Chop the cilantro finely and stir it into the sauce, along with a sprinkle of salt & pepper.

5. Toss the shredded chicken in the sauce. You can let it marinade for a while if you’d like!

6. Top your tuber with the spicy chicken and goat cheese crumbles.

7. Enjoy!

See, it’s so easy! And if you’d like, you can bake a few potatoes and make more chicken to have it again for lunch or a quick dinner later in the week. I love the spicy chicken with the creamy sweet potato and tangy goat cheese. YUM!

That’s all for meow!

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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

Happy Friday! I feel like this week has flown by- it has been incredibly busy! Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I’m looking forward to the weekend, with dinner and beach trip planning with my friends tonight, and finally getting to sleep in on Saturday! Here’s what I’ve been loving this week:

1.Upcoming Menu Item

Doesn’t this Mexican Street Corn Salad from Camille Styles just look delicious? Confession: corn is one of my favorite vegetables, even though my mom says it’s not really that great for you because it’s basically just cellulose. But whatever, I love it. Another confession: I’ve always wanted to try Mexican Street Corn, but I can’t eat corn on the cob because my front teeth are super loose due to a golf cart accident and a cheerleading accident in my youth. That is so sad and I can’t believe I just told everyone that. But that’s why I have to make this, so I can finally experience the glory that is Mexican street corn. Thank you.

2. Rompin’ Around

I found this  Runaway The Label romper at Marshall’s a week or two ago, and I’m obsessed. It’s definitely not something I would typically buy, but I think that may be why I liked it so much! Unfortunately, I can’t find this one online anymore, but I did find a few that are similar! Here’s one with navy and white stripes, one with stripes and a plunging neckline, a similar shape, and this one that isn’t similar at all but I love it. I can’t wait to wear this on vacation! I’m planning on pairing it with my Vince Camuto Roux heels (P.S., they’re on sale!) and simple gold jewelry!

3.Giveaway

If you’re not following along on my Blogstagram, you should be! I posted this awesome giveaway last night for a Kate Spade tote bag, Kate Spade laptop sleeve, and a MacBook Air to go inside! Don’t worry, there’s still time to enter- the giveaway runs until 10 pm EST, Saturday April 10. Good luck!

4.New Lilly

Lilly Pulitzer’s new arrivals hit my inbox this week, and I’m having to restrain myself. This Ryder shift is definitely a favorite, along with these laser-cut shorts, this romper, and this top that would go with absolutely everything this summer. Lilly, keep doing what you’re doing.

5.Bethenny

Enjoy your weekend. I sure will.

That’s all for meow!

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One & Done Dinner- Salmon, Sprouts, & Sweet Potato

Hey Cats!

I hope everyone is having a good week! I’ve got a few projects coming up at work, so it has been a busy week, and it’s only Wednesday! When life gets busy, it can be really easy to eat whatever’s fast and doesn’t require a sink full of dishes. So basically Chick-Fil-A, pasta, or anything else that’s probably fried and severely lacking in nutritional value. However, I’ve found that eating crap when you’re busy makes you feel even worse and slows you down when you don’t have time to be slowed down. Lately, I’ve been experimenting to come up with healthy dinners that are more exciting than my usual chicken-quinoa-roasted brussels sprouts combo, and require less clean up. I crafted this little trio last week and it’s already made a repeat appearance! Pecan-crusted salmon, a baked sweet potato, and roasted Brussels sprouts (lol if you thought I could stray from this) with goat cheese- sounds pretty involved, right? False. Let me show you how it’s done.

Here’s what you’ll need:

-1 small sweet potato

-1 portion of salmon (I either get the 4oz serving from the fish counter or get a large piece and cut it in 3rds and freeze the rest!)

-1 tablespoon of butter

-1 tablespoon chopped pecans

-1 tablespoon grated parmesan

-1 tsp dry ranch dressing mix

-1/2 cup brussels sprouts,  quartered

-olive oil

-honey

-goat cheese crumbles

-almond butter (optional but HIGHLY recommended. Highly)

Here’s what you do:

1.First, you’ll need to bake the sweet potato by itself for a bit. Wash your sweet potato and poke holes all over with a fork- just don’t stab yourself (I have done this. Raise your hand if you’re not surprised). Bake at 400 for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your tuber. You can just place it on the middle rack of your oven, no pan needed!

2. While your sweet potato is baking, do what you need to do. Live your life. Unload your dishwasher. Throw a load of laundry on. Do your workout for the day. Sit on the couch and watch trash tv. Neglect to write a blog post. It’s up to you. This is your time.

3. When your timer has about 15 minutes left, prepare the rest of your dinner for baking. Cover a baking sheet with foil whilst rejoicing that this is the only thing you will have to wash.

4. Prepare the salmon by following steps 1-4 of this recipe. Yes, I’ve made this before, but it was solo. This time it has friends. If you’re not feeling fancy, you can always simply season your salmon with salt, pepper, and dill!

5. Next, prepare your sprouts. Here’s my process: chop off the hard stem on the bottom, hopefully taking the outer leaves with it. Peel off a few layers of leaves until it looks clean. (always wash them first, by the way) Chop the little sprout in half, then in quarters. If the quarters are still large, I’ll chop them again! Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper- this can be done on the pan!

6. Then, assemble the pan. Place the salmon on one side, sprouts on the other, and the sweet potato in the middle. Fits perfectly!

7. Increase the heat to 425, and bake everything for another 20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked thoroughly and the sprouts are crispy!

8. Next, dress it up! I drizzled honey and crumbled goat cheese on the brussels sprouts, thanks to Bites of Bri. Ugh, so good I nearly cried. Then, instead of cinnamon and sugar on my sweet potato, I put a dollop of almond butter on top after a recommendation from my coworker (thanks, Natalie!). Changed. My. Life. It’s so creamy and delicious. I was afraid it would be too sweet but it is excellent. You will die. And then come back to life to thank me profusely.

9. Enjoy your gourmet dinner and then enjoy only washing one pan!

Side note: when I told my mom about this, I kept going on about how “it only took one pan!”. Eventually she asked me, “Is that because you only have one pan?”. No, it’s because I’m lazy. But honestly, I’m not even surprised, because I also told her that day that I had made toast in my oven in a loaf pan. Because I’m resourceful. And I’m not married so people don’t think I need/want nice kitchen appliances such as a toaster. I digress.

Do you have any one-and-done dinners? Please share, I hate washing dishes!

That’s all for meow!
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Friday’s Few

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Hey Cats!

Happy Friday- we made it! After a busy week, I’m so ready for the weekend. Tonight and most of tomorrow, I will be volunteering with the Junior League at an event that gives Houston-area high school girls an incredible experience of finding a prom dress and accessories, along with self-esteem classes that empower them to be confident young women, all for free! I’m so excited! Also on Saturday night, my bestie Robyn is staying with me after her career fair, and it will be great to see her! Anyways, it’s been a jam-packed week, so here’s what I’m loving:

1. Cat Clutch from ASOS

GUYSSSSSS. I need this. I saw it on Pinterest and lost my mind. I mean, can you imagine the conversation starters with this? “Cat’s out of the bag!” “Cat got your tongue?”. I’m sorry, this bag is just the cat’s meow. I’m sorry again. If I keep making cat jokes you may have to kick meowt. DONE I PROMISE. But really, how adorable is this straw clutch? It would be so cute for a night out, or for a trip to the beach! I need it. Right meow, not kitten.

2. Brussels Sprouts Pizza

It happened. I found someone more obsessed with Brussels Sprouts than I am. This woman put them on a pizza. And it’s genius. I had to try this for myself this past weekend, and it was just the best. The sprouts with the onions and the creamy ricotta…ugh I loved it. Try this Brussels Sprouts and Ricotta Pizza from Recipe Runner if you’re brave enough! You will not regret it.

3. Jacks & JL

Two of my favorite things combined! Jack Rogers has created a special pair of sandals for the Junior League, with 10% of the proceeds being donated back to the Association of Junior Leagues International to help women continue to make a difference in their communities. How great is that? Thanks Jack! P.S., a pair of Jacks are on my shopping list for this summer. If I don’t get these, I’m thinking about getting them in bone, cork, or Caribbean blue!

4. Taste of Streep

Who does not love Miranda Priestly Meryl Streep? I stumbled upon this incredible Instagram account while creeping hard. No shame. You should follow it, because it consistently makes my day.

5. Bethenny is Back

I forgot that the new season of RHONY premiered on Wednesday night until I turned my TV on. YAAS. Bethenny is back, and she knows it all.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! That’s all for meow!

 

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Recipe- Good Morning Green Smoothie

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Hey Cats!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Mostly because if I don’t eat it, I become irrationally hungry at around 9 am. For the longest time, I thought that I could never have “just” a smoothie for breakfast. “I need to EAT something, not drink it through a straw!”, I exclaimed. Well, a few weeks ago my friend Ashley Snapchatted (Verbs of 2016) me her green smoothie and something came over me like a wave of healthiness: I had to try it. So I tweaked her recipe a bit and now it’s my breakfast every day! This is a great way to make sure you get at least some fruits & veggies in your diet each day, and it’s a healthy way to start your morning!

Here’s what you’ll need:

-1/2 cup soymilk

-1 handful of spinach leaves

-1 whole banana, sliced

-1/4 cup pineapple (I buy the pre-cut chunks from the produce section and just throw a few in!)

-1/2 tablespoon of chia seeds

-1/2 tablespoon of almond butter

Here’s what you do:

1. Load everything into your blender in the order listed. It’s best to have the more dense ingredients closest to the blade so you’re not left with big chunks! I use a single-serving blender similar to this one, so I start with the soymilk and work my way down!
2. Blend it up until it’s smooth and enjoy!

This takes me about 3 minutes every morning, and it’s so delicious! At first I was just blending the milk, spinach, and fruit, but I was noticing that I would get really tired throughout the day, so I added the almond butter for protein! You can change this up any way you choose: my friend Ashley uses mango instead of banana, or you could add berries or use a protein powder. The possibilities are endless! Let me know what your favorite green smoothie recipe is!

That’s all for meow!

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