Versatile Stir Fry

One of my favorite dishes growing up was Beef and Snow-peas. I asked for it every birthday for YEARS. This chicken stir fry with broccoli, water chestnuts, and snow peas is an easy weeknight option. Plus, one of the best parts about the recipe is that it really works for multiple proteins or vegetables and results in an amazing stir-fry every time. Check it out!

Ingredients 

1 lb protein (I used boneless, skinless chicken breast cubed) 

1/4 C Soy sauce 

1 Tbs. Corn starch 

1 Tbs. Dry cooking sherry 

1 tsp. Sugar 

2 Tbs. Olive oil

1/4 lb. Snow peas 

1 can Water chestnuts, sliced, drained

2 C. Broccoli florets, fresh and steamed in microwave 

Directions 

Mix soy sauce, corn starch, sherry, and sugar until well mixed. Combine marinade and protein, allow to marinade for at least 2 hours (4-6 is best). 

Heat olive oil to medium-high heat. Add protein and cook until almost almost cooked through. Steam broccoli florets, drain water chestnuts, and prep snow peas while meat is cooking. Once the meat is mostly cooked through add the veggies and allow to cook for another 5 minutes in order to incorporate marinade flavor.

Serve over rice and enjoy.

Remember, this recipe is INCREDIBLY versatile. I have made it with thinly sliced flank steak and you could really incorporate any vegetables you like. I hope this recipe makes it into your rotation for a try.

From our home-made take-out kitchen to yours

Salmon with Lemon and Capers

Last week Matt and I officially became an old married couple... we joined Sam's Club! As usual, we left with WAY more than we went there for, but one of the impulse purchases turned into an INCREDIBLE dinner. Matthew is a big lover of seafood and this dish was one that I could eat over and over again. 

Salmon with Lemon and Capers 

Ingredients 

Salmon filet(s) *We used one big filet but you could do individual small ones too* 

1/4 C Extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbs. Rosemary, fresh and minced 

2 Lemons, 1 sliced and 1 juiced (1 1/2 Tbs.) 

1/4 C Marsala cooking wine 

Capers to taste (we used about 2 teaspoons)

Salt 

Pepper 

Directions 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

Brush salmon with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and rosemary on both sides to taste. 

Top salmon with lemon slices, lemon juice, wine, and capers. *We didn't plan this step well and it got a little messy so I only share the picture before any liquid was added to the mix*

Seal the salmon tightly into a foil packet and bake for 30 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through. This will depend on the size of your filet(s). 

The result is a beautiful salmon filet that is jam-packed with flavor. I served ours with some jasmine rice and it made for an incredible dinner. This dish is a BIG winner. (Plus there are only 377 calories in a single 6oz. serving) 

From our fishy kitchen to yours! 

Kale and Sausage Penne

Matt has been asking to have some input on the new meal options and his recent choice was a HUGE hit. This kale and sausage penne with a lemon cream sauce was packed with flavor and I would highly recommend it. There is quite a bit of heat from the red pepper flake so if you aren't a big spice fan you may want to reduce or eliminate it. Also, there are several opportunities to make it a little healthier (different sausage or sauce bases) and I hope to try a variation soon. Also, kale is a SUPER FOOD. I encourage you to tryout this DELICIOUS pasta dish that is PACKED with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients
olive oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped (I used a mini food processor)
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flake
1 lb. Italian sausage
1 bunch kale, stemmed and roughly chopped
2 C half and half
1/2 C plain greek yogurt
1/2-3/4 C grated Parmesan
1 1/2 Tbs. lemon juice (could use juice and zest of 1 lemon)
ground nutmeg to taste *NOT MUCH
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. penne pasta

Directions
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté garlic, onion, and red pepper until golden brown (8-10 minutes)

Add sausage and cook through stirring regularly (16-18 minutes)

Add kale and cook until wilted, stirring regularly (7-8 minutes)

Add half and half and greek yogurt, bring to a simmer, cook, stirring regularly until reduced by 1/3 (7-8 minutes)

Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Boil pasta until al dente (8-9 minutes). Reserving 1/4 C of water

Add pasta and cooking water to sausage mixture and incorporate well, cooking for 5 minutes and enjoy

I hope you take the time to try this DELICIOUS recipe! It wasn't too strenuous and the flavor is incredible. It's amazing what trying something new can do.  

52-Week Savings Challenge

I wanted to share the recent challenge that Matt and I have taken on. On top of our normal savings measures we have agreed to attempt to participate in the 52-week savings challenge. You save $1 more each week for 52 consecutive weeks and in the end a single person will save $1,378.00. (so between the 2 of us we will have saved $2,756.00!!!)

Above is the template that I made in word for us to keep track (and the blank image is below). I would like to invite each and every one of you to this $$ saving challenge! Let's make our finances even more stable!

From our $$-saving house to yours!

Kittle Family Chex-Mix

Normally this would be a post for the holiday season! Home made chex-mix is a Thanksgiving and Christmas tradition at the Kittle house!  Matthew came home yesterday and informed me that we were in charge of providing a snack for their investment day at the branch. His request was Chex-mix. I have to say that making this snack is usually the job of Dr. Dan (my dad) and he is a PRO! While my attempt was amazing it will never compare to the magic my Dad can do with these ingredients. Here is the recipe breakdown...

Ingredients
1/2 C butter (1 stick), melted
2+ tsp garlic salt
4 1/2 tsp worchestire sauce
2 1/2 C rice chex cereal
2 1/2 C corn chex cereal
2 1/2 C wheat chex cereal

Optional Additions
1 C pretzals
1 C nuts (peanuts or cashews)

Directions
Melt butter, add garlic salt, and worchestire sauce and mix well 

Add all rice cereal and stir well being sure to fully coat the cereal
(don't leave a puddle at the bottom of the bowl)

Microwave for 2 minutes at medium-high heat
Stir well
Microwave for 2 minutes at medium heat
Stir well
Add any additions
Microwave for 2 minutes at high heat
Stir and allow to cool before serving

From our snack-filled kitchen to yours! 

Archie vs. Desert Rain Frog

I'm sorry it's been a while! Life has been INSANE and then lucky me caught the flu! Here is a quick post about my adorable puppy!

Last night I was cruising through my Facebook and a friend posted a super cute video of a desert rain frog. It makes this tiny squealing noise. See the frog video below.

When I played the video Archie when nuts. Once he calmed down we recorded him while we played the frog noise. It was like he was hunting for it. It's one of the cutest things I've seen him do and thought you might enjoy! See below.

From our puppy-loving home to yours! 

V-day Love!

This will be a fast one. I know that most of you spent your V-day celebrating with your loved ones. I had EVERY intention of spending the entire evening with Matthew. We had dinner reservations and movie plans but after the crazy day of grad school that  I had, there was NO way I could go anywhere. I had 14 emails to send, 2 poster drafts due before tomorrow morning, and some research to do. I just wanted to take a second to acknowledge my amazing husband. I hope that every one of you has a man or woman in your life that is just as understanding. I hope you all had an amazing day celebrating your loved ones and that they celebrated you! 

Birchbox Product Reviews (Part 1)

A while back I posted about the AMAZING product, Birchbox, that provides monthly cosmetic, hair, and perfume samples. Check out my post at January Birchbox Inventory. I decided I would post about the best products from recent boxes. I have broken the post into 2 parts, 3 months each. August through October can be seen below. Check back next week for November - January.

August 2012

BEST - SHU UMEURA shimmer illuminating shampoo and conditioning treatment. I am a stickler for hair care products. They really have a lot to live up to and with highlighted locks I need something that truly cleanses but also hydrates. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with this one. If I wasn't already in love with my Aveda shampoo and conditioner this would be a must purchase.

Other highlights - Jouer Lip Gloss

September 2012

BEST - This was a TIE. I am not a regular user of consealer but the Wei Consealer was GREAT. I was really surprised with how well it covered and how light it felt on the skin. The second was an adorable hair tie that could double as a bracelet. The Twistband is the perfect accessory. It comes in tons of colors and provides great ponytail hold without kinking your hair (a MUST). I have already purchased a set for spring. 

October 2012

BEST - theBalm Mary Lou Manizer luminizing powder or highlight. This stuff is amazing. You can use it as eye shadow, or highlighter, or just to give your face some glow. I use it almost every day and will soon have to order the full size.

Other highlights - Mox botanicals lip butter, LiQWid SiLK The Perfect Wave Shampoo and Deep Conditioning Treatment

I encourage you to try out this amazing gift. Send it to a friend for a few months or treat yourself to a box or two and see if you like it. I have really LOVED getting a small package that is just for me once a month. Take a mom to consider and if you decide to here is a link: Milea Birchbox Referral

**All Images from Birchbox.com**

Chicken Hash

Sometimes I just want to experiment in the kitchen. This week I had one of those nights and the result was FANTASTIC. Do you have a collection of random marinades or dressings that are gathering dust in the pantry? I always do, so this week I decided to use one. My little sister recently moved to Vermont (I miss her bunches). She sent us some INCREDIBLE local dressing that was a maple and pepper sweet and sour sauce. Check it out at Sugar Daddy Maple Products. I never really knew what to do with it so I just took the plunge. I encourage you to repeat this recipe with a sweet and savory marinade that is hiding in your pantry just waiting to make your night!

Chicken Hash 

1 lb. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" cubes

1 bottle Marinade 

3 potatoes, diced into cubes 

1/4 onion, finely diced 

1/2 tablespoon paprika 

1 tablespoon parsley flake  

dash garlic powder 

salt pepper 

3 eggs 

Directions

Marinade chicken 4-6 hours, drain from marinade and cook in 2 Tbs. of oil at medium heat until cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Boil potatoes for 5 minutes then drain and transfer to the pan you just removed the chicken from. Add onions and dry seasonings and cook at medium high heat for 10 minutes (or until potatoes are cooked thru) Add a 1/3 cup of water after 5 minutes and stir regularly. Add chicken and push mixture to the side. Scramble 3 eggs in 1/2 the pan, combine into the mixture and enjoy. 

I hope this turns out as great for you as it did for me! I think adding some other veggies would be a great addition as well but we didn't really have anything but the onion on hand. Even if you have a marinade that wouldn't work in a hash recipe, I hope you will find this post to be the inspiration to use some of your pantry stock-pile.
(pair it with pasta, or rice, or whatever you think would go best with the marinades you have on hand)

~From our exploratory kitchen to yours~

Scentsy Introduction

As some of you may know, I am an independent consultant for a company called Scentsy. (Milea's Scentsy) The  main product line is composed of a variety of wick-less candle wax warmers. How does it work? It's easy, you place some wax in the bowl and the heat from a light bulb melts it, releasing amazing scents into the air! Think of it as a dual purpose nightlight.

**Image from Frugal Fabulous Finds**

As someone that is a huge fan of a good smelling house but doesn't love the idea of open flames, I was immediately in love with the products. I started my collection with a small black warmer that would fit into any room in my house and I now own several holiday warmers and use them to help decorate.

Recently, the company has expanded to include a line of body washes, lotions, hand soaps, and even solid perfumes. I am personally a huge fan of the solid perfume. I travel quite often so being able to bring my perfume in my carry-on or purse without having to include it in my liquids baggie makes more room for my shampoo etc. Plus the Enchanted Mist Scent is super refreshing. This month the solid perfumes are even on a special BOGO deal. (Buy One Get One)

**Image from Wickless Candle Shop**

I have also used some of their Travel Tins as favors for a bridal shower! I decorated the Lucky In Love scent tins in the brides colors and sat them at each place setting. They were a HUGE hit.

I would encourage you all to check out the amazing products of Scentsy! This month there are a LOT of items 10% off as we prepare for the new Spring/Summer Catalog to be released (new products will be available in March). I am telling you, your house will never smell better and you will receive TONS of compliments.

Milea's Scentsy

Spoon Bread (Corn Pudding)

I have been on the look out for easy and delicious side dishes lately and this one seemed like the perfect accompaniment for Milea's Famous Slow Cooker Chili . This dressed up corn bread was a big hit! Super easy and only dirtied 1 dish.

This recipe is from Pennies On A Platter.

1/2 C. Butter, melted

1 Can Whole kernel corn

1 Can Creamy corn

1 Box Jiffy corn muffin mix

1 C. Sour cream (you could probably substitute atleast 1/2 with greek yogurt)

1 C. Shredded cheddar, optional

Melt butter in your 9X9 baking dish, grease sides of dish, add all other ingredients, mix and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes.

This was so good. The finished product is pretty sweet but it had a great balance when served with Milea's Famous Slow Cooker Chili which is both spicy and salty. I encourage you to try this. I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe.

My Etsy Wedding (Part 4) - Gifts

I can't count how many times people have asked me about where I got all the ideas for the custom touches at our wedding. To be honest, most of them came from Etsy. I thought I would share links to the Etsy stores that we worked with to help make our wedding so full of personal touches!

In case you missed them, check out the previous 3 posts - Cocktail Hour & Reception, The Bride, and The Ceremony

For the fourth and FINAL installment I will focus on gifts for bridesmaids, mothers, and kids!

1. Monogramed Beach Towels - My amazing Mom, maid of honor, and matron of honor planned an INCREDIBLE bachelorette party. They even had gifts for those of the bridal party that were able to make it! I thought these monogramed beach towels were a great addition to our amazing trip to Sedona, AZ. 

Thanks to RegalRhinestones we rocked some amazing towels while chilling in the hot tub! 

** Adapted from RegalRhinestones**

2. Water Bottle Labels - In our out-of-town guest boxes we used small water bottles and replaced the traditional labels with custom labels for the wedding. By simply removing the label and replacing it with our own we were able to add a personal touch to each hotel guest experience. We even made some extras and used them at the day after brunch. 

Thanks to Davet Designs we were able to design our own labels with custom colors and names. 

3. Door Hangers - Another great addition to our out-of-town guest boxes were the Do Not Disturb door hangers. I originally saw this idea on Pinterest and fell in love. We had ours made to incorporate our modern style but in the end I just LOVED seeing all the signs on the doors at the hotel. 

Thank to Designed By Me we were able to let everyone at our hotels know that our wedding was a huge success. 

4. Bridesmaid Jewelry - I went a different route with bridesmaids jewelry and purchased something unique for each girl. Etsy was the perfect place to find a wide range of options. 

Thanks to MANY stores my ladies looked amazing. Be sure to check out Melvin Avenue, Water Waif, Kmajewelrydesigns, Frosted Willow, JewelleryByMarielle, LBlackbournJewelry, FurthermoreDesigns,  AstilbeDesigns, Meredithbead2, Madebysheri, BuddingCreations1, BeadedTreasurebySue, and ILoveHoneyWillow. 

**Photo by Jessica Strickland Photography**

5. Bridesmaid Bags & Luggage Tags - I wanted to be sure to provide my bridesmaids with a stylish way to carry their necessities between the get-ready space and wedding venue so when I found these ADORABLE chevron bags I had to have them. After ordering these I quickly realized that it would be really hard for 7 bridesmaids to tell their bags apart if they were identical so I decided to add custom luggage tags. I think the final product turned out pretty freaking cute! 

Thanks to Ooh Baby Infinity and WhenItRainsShop my girls had super cute bags to carry their necessities in! 

6. Mother of the Bride Luggage Tags - Similar to the gifts for the girls, I purchased Very Bradley totes for the both the mother of the bride and mother of the groom so I decided some adorable luggage tags would be perfect for them too! 

Thanks to Happythoughtsgifts the mom's bags had a personal touch. 

7. Cups for the Kids - I think sometimes people forget that the Ring Bearer and Flower Girls need to be thanked for their efforts too. My amazing mother found these adorable customizable kid friendly tumblers and they were the perfect addition to the gift bags for the kids (more on these later). 

Thanks to LylaBugDesigns our little ones were more stylish than ever. 

**Image adapted from LylaBugDesigns**

I hope you have all enjoyed these Etsy Wedding posts. I don't have any more Etsy details to write about but there are a wide variety of other personal touches that we incorporated into our big day and I plan to continue posting about some of our wedding planning details.