I totally panicked when Andy called asking what we were having for dinner. I had no idea what to make, hadn’t gone to the supermarket, and I didn’t have too much time to make anything. I looked in the fridge and cupboard and pulled out the first things that made sense that went together. What I ended up with was a cheesy chicken potato bake.
I also made use of the microwave to save some time on the potatoes, which in the end put this meal on the table probably a whole 20 minutes quicker than it would have had I only used the oven. Plus, it’s super hot out lately, and who wants the oven on all day?
Easy Cheesy Chicken Potato Bake
Gather
3 large russet potatoes
1/2 sweet onion, diced
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1 chicken breast, cooked and diced
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, diced (optional)
Preheat oven to 375. Cook potatoes in microwave for 6 minutes, or until soft. Remove potatoes from microwave and dice. Toss potatoes, onion, and butter in a large bowl so butter softens and coats potatoes. Add chicken and toss.
Pour mixture into a glass pan and top with cheese. Bake in oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and started to brown.
Remove, let cool for 10 minutes, and serve. Top with tomatoes if desired.
I am over the moon about Stitch Fix. When my friend Laurenne first told me about it, I was skeptical. I had a not as exciting experience with another fashion monthly subscription service, the company didn’t seem to take my likes and dislikes into consideration. But even so, I had given Stitch Fix a chance, and I’m so glad I did!
I think the difference is that Stitch Fix stylists take the time to review the questionnaire everyone fills out in the beginning (what trends you like, colors, size, fit, etc.). However, they also took a look at my Pinterest account (click here to see the inspiration board they viewed). Clearly they saw my love of stripes and polka dots!
The Rundown
Pay $20 for a styling. Fill out questionnaire and link to a Pinterest board of items you like or inspire your wardrobe. Wait for your box, then you’re shipped 5 items to try on. Keep what you want, send back what you don’t. Anything you keep, you can put your $20 styling fee toward as a credit. Keep everything, save 25% off your entire purchase!! Ship back what you don’t want and you’re all set!
June Stitch Fix Unboxing
Skies Are Blue Fuchsia Tula Keyhole Detail Blouse – $48
I don’t normally choose bright colors like this fuchsia, but I have to say I adore the color. The only problem I had was that the blouse did this funky pleat thing above the chest and I just couldn’t bring myself to keep it if I kept thinking about the pleating. Otherwise, super comfortable, great fit and the color looked great on!
Pixley Navy Hanneli Polka Dot Swing Skirt – $54
How adorable is this skirt?!? Total keeper! Sits perfectly on my natural waist, flows as I twirl and is super comfortable. I just want to wear this every day with cardigans and white button-ups and skip down the cobblestone in flats. Even Andy said he loved it.
Kut from the Kloth Black Francesco Maxi Dress – $58
I really want to love this maxi, but no matter what I did, it just didn’t sit well on my waist. It’s super soft, very comfortable, but the material just wasn’t flattering for my shape. Such a bummer because I didn’t want to take it off. I’m super excited to get a maxi in my box though, a sign my stylist took the time to look at my Pinterest board which is full of them. However, back to Stitch Fix it went.
Romolo Silver Montana Metal Starburst Necklace – $34
I cringed when I pulled this one out of the box. It seemed heavy and awkward sitting there, but when I put it on, it wasn’t so bad. Still not my taste, but looked stunning on. I really loved pairing it with the maxi dress, a suggestion by my Stitch Fix stylist. Glad I took it, but I’m not keeping the necklace sadly.
Market & Spruce Navy Corinna Striped Dolman Top – $48
Pulling this out of my Stitch Fix box, it was as if I had pulled this sweater out of my own closet. Totally up my alley, but really looks like most everything I own: striped, navy, and dolman. If the sleeves were a bit baggier I probably would have kept it, but really didn’t think I needed another one of these sweaters, especially when it’s boiling hot out lately. Not really a summer item.
Verdict
Love it! Even though I’m only keeping one item, I’m still super psyched about Stitch Fix and how well my stylist selected items for me. She selected items I wouldn’t normally pick out for myself, but always eye. It’s easy for me to dress other people, but I always have trouble with myself, so this really opened my eyes to options for myself.
If you want to give Stitch Fix a try or check them out, please, please click through my referral link. Once you sign up, you can share your own link and get an extra $25 off through referrals to use toward purchases. Thank you and please share your Stitch Fix experiences with me!
If I’ve learned anything this last week, it’s that you should never take anything for granted. You should seize every (and I mean every) opportunity that comes your way. Look beyond the obstacles and do something new.
I’m starting my own new adventure, branching out into the unknown this summer, which is why you’ve all seen my blog starting to bloom a little more than usual. With this extra time, I’m working on me, my blog, and exploring things and places I wouldn’t have otherwise. And it scares me. Why? because starting something new and looking into the unknown is terrifying. There’s a million reasons for me to run back to something I know well, but I want to see where this open window takes me.
Which is why I’m imploring you all to do the same:
Find your own adventure.
My friend Rosemarie, who sells Stella & Dot, has offered to help me help you all start your own explorations this summer with a bracelet adventure giveaway. It’s a little reminder that new opportunities await you behind every hiccup, every bump in the road, and every failed attempt.
I’m giving away two Stella & Dot “Adventure Awaits” arrow bracelets. Just enter below in the Rafflecopter entry using your Facebook log-in or email address, comment on this post about what you’re doing new this summer, and share the post. The more you share this post, the more chances you have to win!
“An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward. So when life is dragging you back, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great.”
Contest runs from July 1, 2015 and concludes at midnight EST on July 31, 2015. Winner has fourteen (14) days from notification via email of winning to provide a US mailing address to receive giveaway prize. If winner has not claimed prize by then, another name will be selected and a runner-up will be notified by the same means. If you would like to book a Stella & Dot party through Rosemarie, please contact her via her website or Facebook page.
I’m so excited to share this one with everyone! I’ve been trying to find recipes to use my protein powder, and I think I found a really good cookie recipe that didn’t require I use any additional flour. There’s quite a bit of sugar, but I think it’s worth it. These ended up being double chocolate peanut butter protein cookies, which I actually think I’d prefer over using a vanilla protein powder.
There’s a lot of protein powders out there, I use ProFlex20 from Melaleuca. I’ve heard stories from everyone about which one they like, but honestly, it’s really just up to you. I mix with water, so many protein powders I’ve found taste gritty to me or are too watery because there’s no mix to combine with.
A good place to start is by asking companies for samples. Many will provide them at no cost to you, some just ask that you cover shipping. It’s totally worth it to investigate before investing in something that you won’t like.
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Cookies
1/4 c. Chocolate protein powder
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 egg
Chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips, stirring until completely combined. Add chocolate chips and fold into batter.
On a cookie sheet, place 1-inch balls of batter, spaced evenly apart. You should have 12 pieces.
Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven, let cook for 15 minutes for cookies to harden. Keep in a cool, dry, airtight container in a cool place, or in the freezer.
