My Favorite F-Words - Page 5 of 8

Your Best Weekend in ATX

June 28, 2019 No Comments

austin tx, best weekend, things to do in austin, ATX, weekend

Hey Friends!, We just got back from a weekend trip to Austin, TX where it was H-O-T, hot! We’ve been in Denver so long I forget how much humidity there is until I’m immersed in it again! So, I wanted to share a few of my favorite food / scenic spots so be sure you spend your best weekend in ATX!

The Chive Headquarters – Downtown, Austin. OK, I’m a touch biased here, but it’s downtown, only blocks from the South Congress Bridge – so just stop in! My husband is a board member of Chive Charities which is also headquartered here-so go check out their message! On Fridays they offer free tours with a reservation. It’s about as dude-tastic as you’d imagine it might be!

Watch the Bats at the South Congress Bridge – While you’re on South Congress, this is VERY close to the South Congress bridge, where you can watch the bats fly at sunset!

Travel by Scooter – Austin has TONS of electric scooters available downtown for quick & easy transportation rather than grabbing an uber – just scoot! This was so much fun scooting around on Sunday afternoon- although a little scary! I’d recommend NOT doing it in heels, and be careful crossing the street!

Austin Beer Works – North Austin. If you’re a beer person, check this place out while you’re up north! Obviously local, they have some cool & unique craft brews available, and a great back patio that actually stayed pretty cool with the misters!

Beer Flight, Austin Beerworks — I grabbed a flight, as per my usual at a new brewery! I thought all the options I tried were really flavorful!

The Domain – North Austin. A really cool outdoor shopping and eating spot in North Austin! Other than the heat in June, it’s a great day spent shopping & eating!

If you swing by Sprinkles be sure to grab a delicious cupcake indoors or better yet – at the Cupcake ATM! – Yes, you read that correctly!

Wonderbar – The Domain – North Austin. If you visit one spot strictly for the photo ops alone – this is it! Talk about psychadelic. I can’t imagine this place at night. They have a tube system into a private room, where you can order shots (cash only) via the bar. There’s also a spinning wheel – think Price is Right – where you can win everything from a free drink, to a warm shot of gin, to getting escorted out of the bar. Ha! And an entire rubber ducky room!

Austin TX, Wonderbar, The Domain, Happy Couple, Head in the Clouds

The Erin Condren Store – The Domain – North Austin. Talk about photo ops!

The Rainbow Staircase at Erin Condren – Since it’s just down the street, at the Erin Condren Store, go take a quick pic at this totally instagrammable staircase. (My husband is such a tolerant photog! )

Erin Condren Store, Rainbow Staircase, Austin Texas

Cyclone Anayas – The Domain – North Austin. – A staple of mine, but lets be honest, all Tex Mex is a priority when I’m in the region! Cyclone Anayas was a favorite of mine when I lived in Houston, and I was lucky enough to snag a meal here. Do yourself a favor and get a delicious Marg while you’re here! I’m a girl who can never have enough cheese, so I’d recommend the Spinach Enchiladas or basic Cheese Enchiladas – which are anything but. (PS I cannot find good Tex Mex in Colorado, and it’s the pits.)

Margaritas, Cyclone Anayas, The Domain, Austin Texas

Culinary Dropout – The Doman – North Austin. While I can’t speak for the food other than the look of it, the craft cocktails and beer selection available here were delicious. I went with one of my favorites – a French 75, and it was 100% on point.

French 75, Day Drinking, Austin Texas, Culinary Dropout

Jo’s Coffee / “I love you so much” Mural – South Congress – [Old Photo] Who doesn’t love a great Iced coffee? I can’t get enough cold brew either, now that I’ve mentioned it!

I love you so much mural, Austin Tx, South congress, jo's coffee, mural, photo op — And in the SAME kimono nontheless! (TWO years later!)

Greetings from Austin Texas Mural – South Congress – [Old Photo] But a staple for at least once in your life! And Funny enough, wearing the same kimono! Ha!

Greetings from Austin Mural, Photo Op, South Congress, Austin TX

A few of my other faves we didn’t get to this trip:

Torchy’s Tacos – South Congress – an Austin staple if you’ve never been! Though they’re expanding to other states, it’s still best to check out the original. I’d call this a taco stand with some Tex Mex influence. Grab some queso – it’s spicy!, Ask for the Secret Menu, and be sure to order a “trashy” taco.
Nightlife – Rainey Street – Downtown Austin. This is where the party is! Several blocks of bars, most of which are open air.
Nightlife – 6th Street – Downtown, Austin. – Touche’s Bar (Get a Flaming Dr. Pepper! Get a photo at the Jackalope, and Check out the Aquarium.
Float the Guadalupe – San Marcos, TX. If you have a chance, drive down about 1.5 hours to San Marcos and get in a river float on the Guadalupe River! I’ve done this with my girlfriends several times and we always have a blast!! We use Don’s Fish Camp for rentals.
Texas Wine Country – Fredericksburg, TX. Depending on the length of your trip, make some extra time to check out some wineries and vineyards in Texas Hill Country!

What are your favorite things to do/places to visit in Austin? In other words, what contsitutes your best weekend in ATX? I’ll be back in about 6 months and would love some new places to try!

Fashion & Beauty, Fashion & Style

Being an “Inbetweenie”

June 25, 2019 No Comments

inbetween size, body positivity body confidence self love

During my daily podcast listen, I heard a term that was new to me from the LIKEtoKNOW.it influencer radio. “Inbetweenie”. Sarah Tripp, of the blog Sassy Red Lipstick, who tags her niche as a body positive fashion blog, referred to an inbetweenie as a fashion blogger who is an in-between size – greater than a size 4 up to a size 12 — not teeny, not full-figured. And I loved the term so much I’ve officially adopted it. (Thanks, Sarah 😉 )

There was a day that I realized that I wasn’t like my teeny tiny size 2 and 4 girlfriends in high school, and I had the insight at a young age that I needed to learn to be proud of the body that I was given (and learn how to dress it well ;). I go into way more detail on this in my previous post about being referred to as an Amazon woman.

I am 100% an inbetweenie. I’m just a hair shy of 5’10”. My weight generally fluctuates within a 15 pound range, and it’s ok. I’m V-shaped, with narrow hips & broad shoulders. I like to say i’m mismatched – in that I typically wear a size 6-8 on the bottom and nothing smaller than a 12 on top! (So frustrating when trying to buy bathing suits – And so, separates it is!) And yes, I am sometimes frustrated when some brands only go up to a size Large – that won’t even fit my body! – but that’s what this growing fashion community is about.

During that time that I was so ashamed that I was bigger than all my teeny friends (at a ripe old 14), I was horrified to even discuss my weigh or my size. This was a growing pain for me to realize that it didn’t matter what the number on the tag said – it matters how it fits and how you feel in it. I have some size 6 bottoms and some size 14 dresses – ultimately it’s of no importance so long as you feel good in it.

Sure, there are things every person dislikes about their body, but my philosophy is that you should try and change it if you can, or learn to work with what you’re given. Some days that feeling comes easier than others, but the unfair pressure of trying like you need to fit into a mold that you weren’t made to fit into is ridiculous.

I have to say, I truly admire Sarah’s ability to be incredibly body positive and hope to emanate that same level of appreciation and understanding that beautiful is applicable at every size.

Fashion & Beauty, Hair & Beauty

Girls Night In

June 24, 2019 No Comments

Happy Sunday! I’m 100% refreshed after a little at home pampering session from last night. Do you ever have those weekend days you just need to hibernate at home? Sharing the best routine to relax and rejuvenate for a girls night in (or girl, as it were) pampering products with you below!

Relax, Rejuvenate, Girls night in, Baking Soda, Bath Bombs, Aromatherapy, Mud Mask, Nail Polish, Face Cream, Eye Cream, Rose, Wine, Sleep Mask, Girly Girl

First & foremost – get comfy! It’s tough to pamper yourself if you feel restricted. I love a good PJ set! Mine is sold out, but I linked a few cuties below. Make sure to get some that are also super soft and with a little stretch!

Disclaimer – the Rosé is not linked 😉 but choose your favorite.

I like to start with a quick polish change and am loving this Sally Hansen Insta-Dri. It claims to be dry in 60 seconds, which I Can neither confirm or deny, but I can say that mine was 100% dry within 6-10 minutes. Still a huge accomplishment from regular nail polish! (Be sure to grab the top coat – this will extend the polish for another 3-4 days.)

Post dry polish, I like to have a good relaxing soak in the tub. I was recently gifted this set of aromatherapy bath bombs and let me tell you – they smell amazing! Would be great for gifting…. even to yourself! My favorite is the lavender because that scent is so calming.

Let’s talk face-specific skin care – Post relaxing bath, I exfoliated. Exfoliating helps to slough off the top most layer of dead skin and leaves you with a shiny new layer when you’re done. Honestly, I’ve been through product after product, and one of my favorites is still regular old Baking Soda – that’s right! The stuff from your kitchen! It’s very mild and won’t scratch your skin if you have any sensitivity or acne happening, vs some other kinds that are more like grains of sand and tend to be more rough.

I chose this mud mask after exfoliating called “purifying” to help me proverbially slough off some of my previous week’s stress! The option pictured contains tea tree oil which is also known to have a natural anti-bacterial, which is great if you have any blemishes happening.

Always follow your face washing routine with moisturizer! Why? Because you remove natural oils from your skin when you wash with soap and water. If that moisture is not replaced, your skin will produce more oil, trying to remoisturize — so just cut it off at the pass. You’ll feel better about it and be less prone to break outs. I linked my favorite affordable eye & skin moisturizer for very dry skin (like mine) below.

And lastly, my very favorite part of my girls night in weekend routine involves sleeping in – I don’t know about you but that 5:30 alarm on the weekdays is just a little too early bird for me. Have you ever tried using a sleep mask before? I originally purchased this for a VERY long overseas flight, but it works wonders to help keep that light out when you want to sleep in! I love this sleep mask because of the cute details.

This was my “feel better because you’re staying in on a Saturday night alone” plan – what did I miss?? What would you have included that is important to your self-care routine?

Fashion & Beauty, Fashion & Style

July 4th Fashion Finds

June 22, 2019 No Comments

Can you all believe it’s practically July?! Where this year has gone, I’m not sure, but doesn’t it always feel this way? I wanted to share a few July 4th Fashion Finds with you, and if you’re any bit of a procrastinator like me, the best part is all these are available on Amazon Prime! Hooray for 2-day shipping! (Shameless plug – seriously, one of the best decisions we ever made, and if you don’t have it you can get it here, and trial it free for 30 days 😉 )

So one thing I haven’t been terribly public about is that my husband is actually a Team USA athlete, so I’m looking for these patriotic July 4th Fashion Finds year round!! If you’re wondering if I look like a total fan girl at his competitions, the answer is yes 🙂

What is your favorite July 4 Fashion Find? Or even accessory?? I often find awesome patriotic extras in the dollar bin at Target… Score! Which I utilize year-round.

Food, Recipes

Southwest Stuffed Bell Peppers

June 14, 2019 No Comments

Who loves a good stuffed pepper? This girl! Especially when the peppers are in season and major on sale! Only way I shop — sales. 🙂

These southwest stuffed bell peppers are stuffed with quinoa (What a power grain!), Black Beans, Corn, Onion, Turkey Sausage and Cheddar Cheese! Yum.

So, to start, heat your oven to 400 degrees. Begin cooking the turkey sausage over medium heat, and while the turkey is cooking, prepare the peppers and chop the onion. For stuffed peppers I like to behead them and then manually tear out the flesh & seeds. (Sounds so violent!) Then, a little trick I picked up was to slice off the points on the end of the peppers so that they stand flat while they’re cooking!

Sort of an aside – Mix 1 cup quinoa with 1 cup water and 1 cup broth (it adds more flavor), and allow this to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and allow the quinoa to cook for 15 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, I like to leave the pan on the hot burner, and allow to sit for 5 minutes more. This makes the most perfect fluffy quinoa!

Chop the bottom from a bell pepper to make it stand upright when cooking — Tough to see, but I’ve sliced off the little “feet” at the bottom of the pepper so it will stand upright in the oven! 😉 One of my favorite cooking tips!

And don’t let that top go to waste! Chop off the edible portions, and you can add these together with the onion, and stuff them in the peppers too.

Don't let the pepper tops go to waste! Cut all the edible portions and add them to the dish!

Not a must, but I like to line my pan with foil to make cleanup a little easier. Pepper filling gets a little messy!

Disclaimer – I only cooked 4 peppers, but had a ton of leftover “stuffing”. 6 peppers will be much more fitting unless you just want to eat the stuffing as-is. Which I sometimes like to do!

So, once your turkey is cooked, Add the chopped pepper & onion. As they are cooking, stir in the spices, and continue to cook until peppers are soft and onions become translucent.

Once all this yumminess is cooked, remove it from the heat, and into a separate mixing bowl. Add the corn, beans, cheese and cooked quinoa to this, and mix until well blended (Promise it’s all hiding down there).

And now you’re ready to stuff those peppers! I use a medium sized spoon, and fill to the brim, gently pressing the stuffing down to fill the entire pepper. You could call them well-stuffed peppers…

Once those peppers are stuffed, put them in the oven for 35 minutes. During the last 5 minutes, add a little cheese and let it brown in the oven.

I garnished with a little extra cheese (yum!), some sliced avocado and my not-so-famous Greek Yogurt + powdered Ranch dressing mixture.

Southwest Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa & Turkey Sausage

admin

A delicious and easy meal, perfectly made from a few leftovers or on the fly!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 peppers

Ingredients

6 Sweet Red Peppers
1 cup quinoa (dry)
1 cup water
1 lb ground turkey sausage
1 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion
1 jalapeno (could omit if too spicy!)
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup corn, frozen
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp oregano
salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Remove tops & seeds from the bell peppers. Slice the edible portion of the tops off, and chop. This will be added to the frying pan later.
Slice the bottoms off the peppers, to make them flat so they will stand upright in the glass pan (see photos). But don't cut into the interior of the pepper. Don't want the goodness leaking out!
Begin cooking ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked through, and no pink remains.
While the turkey is cooking. Add 1 cup of dry quinoa with 2 cups of fluid (1 cup water & 1 cup broth). Bring to a boil, and once boiling, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, turn the heat off, but leave the pot on the burner, and the lid on. Let steam for 5 minutes more for fluffy quinoa.
While the turkey is cooking, chop the medium onion, and add to the pan with the cooked turkey.
Add the seasonings to the turkey and then the chopped jalapeno peppers, tops of the red bell pepper, and onion. Continue cooking until onions are translucent and bell pepper is soft.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cooked quinoa, and the turkey & vegetable mixture, with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Place the hollowed bell pepper in an oven safe dish, and fill each pepper with the grain & meat mixture. Once each pepper is filled, top with additional shredded cheese.
Cook for 35 minutes or until peppers are tender. Garnish with chopped cilantro for serving.

Keyword bell pepper, ground turkey

As always, Enjoy!

Fashion & Beauty, Fashion & Style

Summer Statement Earrings

June 10, 2019 No Comments

Just a heads up: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thanks for supporting me!

Who doesn’t love a good statement earring?? Check out my top picks from Amazon below! The best part is that all these summer statement earrings are suuuper light! They don’t weigh your ears down and every set is under $15! I got an incredible amount of compliments after wearing a tassel pair to the pool over the weekend, so I decided to share the deets!

Products are linked below, or through the like to know.it app.

Summer Statement Earrings | Tassel | Rattan | Wicker | Fringe | Acrylic | Light Statement Earrings | Leather | Not Heavy Earrings | Big Earrings — Leather // Rattan // Tassels // Acrylic

I’m generally a big fan of statement earrings because I think the elongate my face. And I’m very “anti” wearing a large statement earring with another large statement piece. What do you guys think??

Which summer statement earrings are your fave and how will you wear them?!