Ruth Soukup's Blog, page 50

Chicken & Vegetable Noodle Bowl

Our theory here at LWSL is that you can never have too many quick & easy freezer meals ready to go, especially ones that use budget-friendly chicken!  This tender, juicy, flavor-packed Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Bowl sure to be a new family favorite!

To make it as part of a freezer cooking day, just split the sauce & chicken into multiple bags, then throw it right into the freezer–no cooking required! Making it ahead of time is not necessary, although it is equally easy to prep and make for dinner the same day.

You can use any type of chicken but my family much prefers the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are a darker, juicier meat and also tend to be cheaper than the boneless skinless breasts.

Here is what you need:

3-4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 bags of frozen  vegetables (Broccoli, Carrots & Water Chestnuts)
soy sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
4-5 green onions, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cartons chicken stock ( 1 carton of stock for cooking day)
1 box of rice noodles (cooking day only)
1 bag of shredded slaw mix (cooking day only)
1/2 cup sesame seeds, toasted (cooking day only)
 Spicy Sauce (cooking day only)



6 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2-3 teaspoon sriracha sauce 
 

 

Step 1: Chop green onions, red pepper and garlic; set aside.

Step 2: Cut chicken into cubes; set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl mix together: 1 carton stock, green onions, red pepper, garlic, and frozen vegetables and 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

Step 4: Divide chicken into 2 gallon size freezer bags ( be sure to label bags first.)  Then divide sauce and vegetable mixture over top chicken.

Step 5: Thaw if frozen; cook in crockpot on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours; until chicken is cooked. (Note-don’t worry if your chicken isn’t all the way thawed.  It can also cook from frozen, it might just take a little longer.)Add shredded slaw mix to crock pot and cook for about 5-10 minutes until soft. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.

Step 6: In small bowl mix together: soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and Sriracha sauce.

Step 7: Toast sesame seeds in small frying pan until lightly golden in color. And set aside.

Step 8: Spoon rice noodles into a large bowl add spicy sauce and mix well.

Step 9: Then add chicken and veggie mixture,  toasted sesame seeds to finish off and serve. ( Note: If serving to children instead of adding spicy sauce add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to there noodles and top with toasted sesame seeds.)

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Recipe: Chicken and Vegetable Noodle Bowl

Summary: This super simple and absolutely tasty recipe can be made ahead of time or same night. For a fast and satisfying dinner your whole family will love.

Ingredients

3-4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
2 bags of frozen  vegetables (Broccoli, Carrots & Water Chestnuts)
soy sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
4-5 green onions, sliced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cartons chicken stock ( 1 carton of stock for cooking day)
1 box of rice noodles (cooking day only)
1 bag of shredded slaw mix (cooking day only)
1/2 cup sesame seeds, toasted (cooking day only)
 Spicy Sauce (cooking day only)
6 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2-3 teaspoon sriracha sauce



Instructions

Chop green onions, red pepper and garlic; set aside.
Cut chicken into cubes; set aside.
In a large bowl mix together: 1 carton stock, green onions, red pepper, garlic, and frozen vegetables and 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
Divide chicken  into 2 gallon size freezer bags ( be sure to label bags first.)  Then divide sauce and vegetable mixture over top chicken.
Thaw if frozen; cook in crockpot on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours; until chicken is cooked. (Note-don’t worry if your chicken isn’t all the way thawed.  It can also cook from frozen, it might just take a little longer.)
Once chicken is cooked, then cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
Add shredded slaw mix to crock pot and cook for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
In small bowl mix together: soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes and Sriracha sauce.
Toast sesame seeds in small frying pan until lightly golden in color. And set aside.
Spoon rice noodles into bowls then add chicken and veggie mixture,top with a tablespoon of spicy sauce and add toasted sesame seeds to finish off and serve. ( Note: If serving to children add instead of adding spicy sauce add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to there noodles and top with toasted sesame seeds.)

Preparation time: 7-10 minutes

Cooking time: 4-6 hours on low in crock pot or 2-3 hours on high, plus time to cook rice noodles.

Number of servings (yield): 4

 

 

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How to Unspoil Your Kids

When kids go from best behavior to obnoxious in ten seconds flat, it can be hard not to feel annoyed…or even downright exasperated! But when a pattern of spoiled behavior emerges, the red flags really go up and we realize it’s time to step back to figure out how to unspoil our kids—and I think many of us eventually realize there’s no simple quick fix.

Several years ago now, we took our girls to a dinosaur-themed restaurant after spending the day at Reptile World in Orlando. Despite the fact that we were surrounding by asteroids “crashing” into the scenery and these amazing, realistic animatronic dinosaurs, my oldest was stuck on ONE thing: the Build-a-Dino Workshop we passed in the gift shop.

Despite a firm NO WAY, she just wouldn’t let up. She couldn’t enjoy all the fun happening around us, instead preferring to complain and whine the entire meal.

I was aggravated, of course.

But mostly? I was worried.

As moms, we always feel like we should be doing more, teaching more, giving more. We want the absolute best for our kids, but we also want to ensure they’re respectful, behaved, and appreciative of all the things they have. We want to teach valuable lessons AND ensure they know they’re loved. We try our best to be fair but firm. We try to provide enough but not too much.

Yet sometimes, despite our best efforts, our kids just act…spoiled. And wow does that hurt.

Turning around spoiled behavior is a process. So please, give yourself a break when your kids get sassy, stubborn or ungrateful. The good news is that children, especially young children, often respond naturally and eagerly to kindness, empathy and unselfish acts. We just need to know how to nudge them in the right direction.

 

1. Engage Your Kids in Discussion

One of the best ways to help our children be unselfish and kind is to simply talk about it. None of us are perfect, of course (and most of us are far from it!), but children respond incredibly quickly to the idea of charity and giving to others. You might be surprised at some of the answers and thoughts they contribute.

Ask your kids to help with charity drives, such as food collection or coats for the needy. Be sure to bring up talking points with your child, such as, “Some kids can’t afford a new coat. What do you think we could do to help them?” or “You’ve outgrown your jacket from last year. Let’s donate it to help someone who doesn’t have their own coat.”

Be sure to delve into how they feel about giving and how they would feel if they didn’t have enough. Try discussing a time when your child felt hungry or cold, or even a time when they faced an emergency. Ask how they felt in that tough situation. Ask questions and talk about ways we can help others facing difficult situations or hardships.

2. Set Goals and Delay Gratification

Remember saving your money when you were a child? Maybe from a paper route or from your first job? I’ll bet you remember the first thing you saved up for and how hard you worked to be able to buy that special item…and I’ll bet you valued it even more because you earned it.

When kids are given things freely, they often lose the sense of value experienced when something is earned. Earning a special item such as a toy or a coveted pair of trendy shoes—or even earning the privilege to participate in an activity—doesn’t have to be punitive. It can actually be quite joyful and exciting. Earning a reward brings the recipient a great deal of satisfaction.

The next time your child asks for something, rather than caving and just handing it over (or dealing out money to purchase the “prize”), ask your child what she thinks she could do to earn the item. Discuss the price and be candid about it. It’s perfectly fine to say, “I didn’t budget money for a Barbie this trip to the store, but I think we can come up with an idea together so you can earn it soon. What do you think you could do to earn enough money (or to earn the privilege)?”

And remember: things don’t have to be the center of attention when it comes to gratification. Our family learned so much when I took away our kids’ toys. Earning privileges can always come in the form of activities, experiences and trips. Our journey toward a more simplified lifestyle has taught all of us the value in creativity and family time in lieu of material things.

I’ll be honest. Whichever path your choose, you’re probably going to face an adjustment period when you first propose these ideas—particularly if it’s new to your child and she hasn’t been told before that she needs to earn privileges.

Setting a goal with your child and then helping them work toward that goal helps them feel successful and proud. It also helps them consider how much they want an item, so they can learn impulse control and delayed gratification.

3. Help Children with Gratitude

Regularly showing gratitude can change your family’s entire mindset. Encourage your kids to write thank you notes and to be sincerely gracious. This is important not just from an etiquette standpoint, but because it teaches children to consider the positive things in their life and to critically think and reflect on kind actions of others.

When someone does something nice for your child or gives her a gift, make it a family policy to write a thank you note. It doesn’t have to be an essay. A short, simple and sincere show of thanks is just fine. Drawing a “thank you picture” is perfectly acceptable for youngsters. Whatever the expression, these thank you activities help kids truly acknowledge the goodness of people around them.

On a similar note, make gratitude a regular family practice. Each day at dinner, ask your kids what they were most grateful for today, or simply ask each family member, “What was the best thing that happened to you today?” Encourage everyone in your family to express their gratitude through prayer and to reflect on the people and happenings that make their life great—and don’t forget the small stuff!

Making gratitude a daily practice helps keep all of us positive, not just the kids. You’ll be amazed at how these little daily additions can really change the dynamic of your entire household.

4. Encourage Positive Outlets and Expressions

As I’m sure you know, kids often struggle measuring their emotions. They feel things deeply and their feelings can change from minute to minute! We’ve all seen one of our kids go from riotous laughter and joy to complete and utter devastation and tears in what seems like seconds. The joyful part can be wonderful and delightful—but the other part, well, not so much.

Approach emotional turmoil with understanding. Teaching your kids how to count to ten, deep breathe, take a personal timeout, or be able to say something like, “I need a minute to calm down” can seem almost comical at first. However, giving your kids coping tools really helps them control some of that emotional energy and make good choices. Help your kids use “I feel” statements, rather than accusatory words, and ask them to identify their emotions, the cause of them, and what they see as the resolution.

5. Lead by Example

While we all try to lead by example, some days are certainly better than others. Many of us struggle to articulate our emotions, focus on the positive, express gratitude, think of others and delay gratification. However, our kids have no better role models than their parents. (No pressure, right??)

When we approach family life with a positive attitude, we set the tone for your household—and our kids will follow…eventually. When we’ve cleaned the house or worked on family projects, I’m amazed at how readily my girls enthusiastically join the team. Children naturally want to please people and to be included in activities—and they respond quickly to praise and positive response. Our kids might actually have a thing or two to teach us as well!

We all have our spoiled and selfish moments, but by implementing a few tactics and changing our mindset and activities to flow in a more positive direction, we can shift our entire family’s behavior and “unspoil” our kids. Like I said, give yourself a break, but try to be consistent. While it might take a while to see a big change, if you stick with it, I promise it’s worth it.

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Romance on a Dime: 15 Budget Friendly Date Ideas

This is a Guest Post from Cherie at Queen of Free

Can a I share a little confession? I miss the romantic comedies of the late 1990s and early 2000s. I had a bit of an obsession there for awhile. Sleepless in Seattle? Sure. Bridget Jones books and movies? Um, yes please. My Best Friend’s Wedding? I watched it so many times that “Say a Little Prayer for You” instantly conjures images of dancing lobsters. Seriously? That seafood restaurant had a piano player and EVERYONE sang along. Sweet November with Kenau Reeves and One Fine Day with George Clooney? I bought both soundtracks so I could keep the memory of the movie alive in my CD player. Probably the most overplayed and ridiculously over the top chick flick that graced my VCR was a little 1997 film entitled Picture Perfect with Jennifer Aniston.

A ridiculous romantic, I looked for the boy next door in every single passerby. Would he sweep me off my feet? Could this be the one? And so when my own love story began to unfold in the late summer of 1998, I had all sorts of notions about what love, dating, and eventually marriage should look like.

Most of those expectations involved choreographed dancing and signing. Thanks a lot rom coms. Never once has that happened. I’m still holding out hope a little bit, though.

When Brian and I married in 1999 (I KNOW oh so long ago!), reality met unrealistic romanticism. Imagine my surprise when my own handsome knight in shining armor didn’t show up home from work in a tuxedo with an arm full of roses, but instead left his underwear on the floor every stinking day of the week. And after we had our first child in 2002 and our second in 2008, sweeping gestures toward love involved me trying to remember to put on deodorant and shower at least couple of times of week.

Falling in love is easy. You don’t even need an elaborate script or a moonlit carriage ride through Central Park. Staying in love takes real work and commitment. They never seem to show those scenes in the movies.

I can hear your groans already.

But Cherie, we don’t have ANY extra money. To pay a sitter, to go out to dinner, to see a movie, to shave my legs and put on real pants and makeup – that takes a budget we just don’t have.

What? The legs/pants/makeup thing is just me? Oh well, move along please.

Listen, I get it. When we were paying off over $127K in debt, we had zero and I truly mean zero dollars in the budget for dating. And yet, those were some of the sweetest and romantic years of our marriage. It invoked in us a true appreciation for each other beyond money spent and items purchased.

Was it always easy? Of course not. Did we love being broke? Who does. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

If you’re trying to pay off debt or saving for a greater goal right now, it doesn’t mean you toss your love life out the window. In fact, financial hardship means you need to fight even harder for your marriage. Nothing can turn a relationship more sour than power struggles over money. You need to carve out time for one another. But you don’t have to spend every last penny in the bank to make it count.

 

Here are fifteen of my favorite cheap date night ideas to keep love alive and your budget safely intact.

1.Bake Up Some Love

Who needs high priced cheesecake? Why not whip up a delicious sweet treat together? Find a recipe online or head to the store and pick out the most decadent mix on the shelves. Then spend some time heating up the kitchen together and enjoying a sweet treat. While the dessert is in the oven, talk about the sweetest thing your spouse has ever done for you.

2. Recreate the Memory

If you can, take a stroll done memory lane literally. Remember when you were young, in love, and barely a penny to your name? Return either physically or symbolically to those days and recreate one of your favorite memories together.

3. Puzzle Up

Problem solving can strengthen your communication skills and teamwork. Spend the evening working on a crossword or jigsaw puzzle. Crack a puzzle you already own out from the closet to save the most money or hit the game aisle at your local big box retailer to pick a new one out together.

4. $5 Gifts

While your funds might be limited, you probably can spare $10 on a date night. Each take a $5 bill and hit the dollar store. Spend 10-20 minutes looking for a special gift for your spouse. Take the gifts home and wrap them (newspaper will work great!) and exchange, explaining why you bought what you bought.

5. Opt for Lunch

Dinner prices are almost always more expensive than lunch. If you can, meet your spouse for a lunch date at a favorite restaurant. If your children are in school, you won’t have pay for a sitter and you can take advantage of lower menu prices. Double bonus.

6. Change Night

It’s time to go on a change scavenger hunt. Dig through the couch cushions, car glove box, and your wallet. Don’t forget the bottom of your purse and that jar on your nightstand. Use the money for a night out on the town. You may have enough for a fancy dinner or just enough to rent a Redbox (check Inside Redbox for potential codes to save more money!) or a game of skeeball at the local arcade. Another option might be intentionally collecting change all year long for a special night like your anniversary.

7. Take Out, Stay In

If you’re lucky enough to have someone else watching your kids outside of your home (we love you, Grandma!), spend the evening in instead of hitting the town. You could order takeout  to share from a favorite restaurant (we love Thai Food) or stick to your meal plan and enjoy a wee bit quieter meal. Don’t forget to crack out some candles and create a playlist of songs popular when you fell in love.

8. Sitter Swap

Can’t afford a sitter? You might consider swapping with another couple who have children of similar ages and stages. One week, you watch their kids so they can go out and the next, they return the favor. Again, you could stay in to save a few bucks or you could choose one of the other cheap date night options.

9. Start a Series

There’s nothing like share a story together, even if it isn’t your own. My husband and I love weekly time together catching up on joint Netflix loves. You could choose a long running TV show, an epic movie series, or maybe a create a list of classic movies together to check out from the library and off your list all year long.

10. Play a Game

There’s nothing like a little healthy competition to get your heart pumping. Whether you hit the court for some one-on-one, play a little tennis, get your video game on, or simply break out a board game you haven’t played in forever, playing together can be fun and affordable.

11. Community Crush

From high school musicals to community band concerts, many cities and towns offer free entertainment on a regular basis. Sure, you might not be Broadway babies, but you can still have a great time while spending a whole lot less. Go to your town or city’s website. Check local television station’s online community calendars. Look on the Visitor Bureau’s free events calendar. You might be surprised how many free or low cost opportunities you have in your area.

12. Take a Hike

When the weather cooperates, you can have a great time in the great outdoors. All you need is a good pair of shoes, some snacks, and a bottle of water. Hiking clothes optional (j.k. I’m pretty sure that will get your arrested and that will certainly be expensive). You could even pack a backpack with an entire meal.

13. Cash in Your Rewards

I love rewards programs! From Swagbucks to Shopkicks, from My Coke Rewards to Disney Movie Rewards, I’m always collecting as many points as I can. If you use rewards programs, cash some out for date night. Again, you may have enough for just a cup of coffee, but you might have enough for much more. Check out 7 Rewards Programs You Should Be Using to starting collecting your points now!

14. From the Bookstore to the Library

Channel your inner nerd. Go to the bookstore and browse popular titles. Take screenshots of interesting books, magazines, movies, and music. Then hit your local library to see if you can check them out for free. You’ll have the relaxing time together browsing but not actually have to spend extra cash. If your library doesn’t currently have the title, check to the see if there’s a way to request a new title purchase.

15. Dream Dates

Focus your eyes on what lies ahead. If you don’t have much of a date budget, spend your evening dreaming together. Once your debt is gone or your savings goal is met, where would you LOVE to go as a couple for a date night. Do research to find ways to save money on that evening or maybe even weekend. Center your hearts and minds on what you need to do to reach that goal, together. You might even create a virtual dream board on Pinterest or a physical dream board on a piece of posterboard of your shared future.

Life is never as perfect as it is in the movies. Much to my disappointment, people rarely bust out into song as I kiss my husband passionately. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. And our still limited resources may not allow a weekly, monthly, or even yearly big date night. But, the creative quiet evenings we have spent together often mean more than any flashy experience. After all, it’s the quality of the time that counts, not what you do.

I’d love to hear your creative cheap date night ideas! Weigh in with ways to keep love alive while you save money in the comments.

 

Cherie Lowe is an author, speaker and hope bringer. Her book Slaying the Debt Dragon details her family’s quest to eliminate over $127K in debt in just under four years. As her alter ego the Queen of Free, Cherie provides offbeat money saving tips and debt slaying inspiration on a daily basis.

 

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Beer Cheese Soup

There is nothing better than a big bowl of homemade soup, especially one made with 2 of my favorite ingredients: beer and cheese!

Okay, so this one probably won’t win any diet awards but man oh man, is it good!  It’s the ultimate comfort food–and the perfect meal for the big game, or maybe just because!  Serve with warm soft pretzels and (more) beer for a quick & hearty meal everyone will love!

Here is what you need:

1/2 cup butter
1 cup carrots, chopped fine
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup shallots, chopped fine
1/2 cup flour
1 container chicken broth
1 cup milk
4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
6 oz. of beer, preferably ale (3/4 cup)
salt & pepper to taste
 

Step 1: Chop shallots, celery and carrots and set aside.

Step 2: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high; add shallots, carrot, and onion and cook until soft, 4 minutes.

Step 3: Add flour to butter and vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes more.

Step 4: Then add the stock, milk, a pinch of salt, and pepper and stir, cook on medium heat for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Then add  the shredded cheddar and beer and stir and cook on medium heat until soup comes to a rolling boil. Soup will continue to thicken as it cooks.

Step 6: Once cooked, spoon into bowls and serve hot with warm soft pretzels.

 

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Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Summary: This delicious soup brings together two of my absolute favorites: beer and cheese!!

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
1 cup carrots, chopped fine
1/2 cup celery, chopped fine
1/2 cup shallots,chopped fine
1 cup flour
1 container chicken broth
1 cup milk
4 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
6 oz. of beer, preferably ale



Instructions

Chop shallots, celery and carrots and set aside.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high; add shallots, carrot, and onion and cook until soft, 4 minutes.
Add flour to butter and vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
Then add the stock, milk, a pinch of salt, and pepper and stir, cook on medium heat for 30 minutes.
Then add  the shredded cheddar and beer and stir and cook on medium heat until soup comes to a rolling boil. Soup will continue to thicken as it cooks.
Once cooked, spoon into bowls and serve hot with warm soft pretzels.

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooking time: 2 hours

Number of servings (yield): 4

 

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Design a Life You Love – 4 Simple Ways to Cultivate Your Passion

This is a guest post from Tammy of tammystrait.com

It’s a little ironic, truth be told, telling you how to design a life you love. I spent most of my life trying desperately to fit in to someone else’s version of good enough. Understanding what made me me and discovering what I loved seemed wholly unimportant. For a girl far more bent to the perceptions of others – pleasing, performing and perfecting, this lesson was hard-won. But I guess that’s how God works.

After writing and blogging for years I finally had enough. Enough trying to live out the gifts, talents and abilities of those I admired. Enough playing a part that wasn’t me and feeling stuck. Enough pretending I knew what I was doing. Or even why I was doing it. I felt like a fraud. I was half a person in my very own life and, I don’t remember exactly when or why or how it happened, but something in me shifted. I was done. Disappointed and disillusioned with who I had become, I wanted to live a life I loved but I didn’t have the first idea what that meant. Deep down I feared that whatever it was, it wouldn’t be enough.

I’d been there before. Perpetually not enough. But something was different this time. In spite of my fear, I was willing to lose everything I had to discover who I was and become her. Even if that was a drastic departure from my present. Even if it seemed crazy, I wanted to live a life I loved.

Do you want to design a life you love? While most of us say it, and many of us strive for it, it’s the reality of doing it that’s hard. We can live a good life, but staring at a calendar trying to balance work, home, kids, marriage, exercise, dinner, friendships and laundry, is there margin for love?

Can you actually create a life you love?

I believe you can. Here’s the rub: it won’t happen by accident. It also won’t happen while cruising on autopilot. And it won’t feel all warm and fuzzy all of the time. Designing a life you love doesn’t require a lot of money, a personal chef or a full-time nanny. One need only to look at the latest magazines to see that often the opposite is true.

The biggest, most powerful step to designing a life you love is action. “The distance between dreams and reality is called action.” You’ve got to move. You’ve got to say yes. You’ve got to do the work. You’ve got to believe in yourself more than your doubt, and you have to actually get to know YOU. Designing a life you love requires you to be true to yourself. Not easy, I know. It’s why I think loving ourselves better is our life work.

To design anything, one must take into consideration a number of factors. The same is true of your life. To be completely honest, I fumbled through this quite disastrously and only discovered the process looking back. But as hard, embarrassing and raw as it felt at times, it got me there. Here. And while I don’t know exactly where that is, I know it’s different than anywhere I’ve been before and that it feels amazing and free and totally me. And I love it. I’m hoping that maybe, somehow, this process might also help you.

If you want to design a life you love, you must process through four main areas of your life. Your:

PAST – EXPERIENCE & WISDOM:

Look back on your past experiences and write down some of the most life-changing, transformational moments or memories in your life. Include moments of success, failure, joy, sorrow, happiness and pain. With each experience, write down a lesson you learned from it and the wisdom you now carry. Don’t look back and get stuck. Remember: your past is a tool. So many times we want to leave our past completely behind. This is a mistake. Perhaps you’re embarrassed, ashamed or simply want to be totally different from who you once were, I get it, but don’t throw away your experience. Uncover, process and accept your whole story so you can harness it to propel you into your future.

PRESENT – PRESENCE & PASSION:

What makes you feel present, alive, angry, focused, grateful or sad? Your emotions are powerful indicators of the places your heart beats strong. You have a perfect guide and chances are you’ve heard the whispers or felt the nervous pounding in your heart before. Listen to the still small voice inside you. No matter where you are, you have the power to write a better story. Being alive and awake in your present day, paying attention to what you think, feel, and know deep in your bones – helps you uncover some of the things you need to incorporate or eliminate to design a life you love.

POSSIBILITY – VISION & DREAMS:

What inspires you? What magazines or books do you read? What writer, actor, song, place, color or activity activates your sense of passion and drive? Every one of those things is trying to tell or teach you something about who you are, how you’re wired and how you can design a life you love. Use those words, role models and elements to create a vision board for where you’re going. Surround yourself with thoughts and images that inspire you to reach forward, to pursue growth and transformation into the whole person you were created to be. When you set your sights ahead with a vision in mind, even if you don’t know exactly what it means or where it’s going, you will inevitably start moving in that direction.

POWER – PLAN & PURPOSE:

Once you’ve processed these four areas on paper, look for connections. Circle themes you see repeating in multiple categories. Draw thread lines where, for example, one past experience led to a present passion. Begin to explore the uniquely beautiful landscape of your life where no experience, pain, joy or passion is wasted. Follow the guide inside, that still small voice who whispers to the deep places of your soul; ignites your heart to beat out of your chest or brings goose pimples to your flesh. It knows the way.That doesn’t mean it will be easy. It simply means you’ve started the beautiful life-long work of living with your whole heart. Everyone wants to live a life they love but, in a culture so accustomed to immediate gratification if we can’t find meaning, we will settle for pleasure. It’s a shallow substitute for a good life. If you want to design a life you love, the meaning has to go deep. It must have action. It must honor YOU. It must love others. Grab a sheet of paper and write some notes in each of these four areas. Connect the threads.

Remember: A life you love honors all of who you are. Designing it means that you invite your past to live in harmony with your present and your future. When that is balanced by a plan, purpose and power greater than yourself, you’ll have the unique recipe for designing a life you love. So do the work, let go of your fear, your not-enoughs, and your copycat life; listen to that still small voice inside you and create one of your own. You can do it. You can design a life you love.

For regular conversations on how to live free and love life, you can follow Tammy on her blog at: www.tammystrait.com. COR44TM was designed through Tammy’s own personal journey to freedom to help women find their strength so they can design a life they love. www.cor44.com.

Tammy is a wife, mother, writer, runner, dreamer and soul seeker. She writes about food, fitness and freedom on her blog at tammystrait.com and recently launched Personal Training CardsTM at her new company COR44TM, a wholehearted fitness company designed to empower every woman to find her strength, love her body, and intentionally design her life. She is the author of Pretty: Breaking Free From the Illusions of a Superficial Life. You can find out more on her websites at www.tammystrait.com and www.cor44.com.

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Skincare for Every Season

Who doesn’t want beautiful skin? Beautiful skin looks radiant and feels so soft and moisturized. But how can we get that beautiful, healthy glow?

Most of the time, we simply go along without giving skincare much of a thought, especially if we’re busy (and who isn’t?)! We might even follow the same skincare routine we did as a teenager: wash, moisturize, repeat.

Usually skin is the last thing on our minds, unless it’s breaking out, we notice a wrinkle, or it’s itchy and dry. Then we try to fight the problem or treat it, sometimes making it even worse!

When skin “misbehaves,” it can be so frustrating! Dry, itchy, scaly skin is so uncomfortable. Breakouts are awful and we all want to prevent premature wrinkles (and some of us are dealing with all of these things at once)!

So what are some easy ways we can add a little healthy glow to our visage all year long? Here are some quick tips and tricks to incorporate into our skincare routines, no matter what our skin type (normal, combination, dry or oily).

Here’s how to get and keep beautiful, healthy, “glowy” and radiant skin throughout every season, all year long.

Great skin all year round starts with taking better care of ourselves.

Skincare All Year Long

Drink More Water

Water can help flush out toxins and it keeps your skin looking bright and clear. If your skin is dry (your cuticles or the corners of your lips always seem to be cracking) it’s definitely a sign you need to increase your hydration. For most of us, 6-8 glasses of water per day is a good guideline.

Keep Tabs on Your Diet

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats from sources like olives, avocados and salmon all help boost your skin’s radiance and overall health. Avoid processed and fatty foods. Some people report breakouts, eczema and reactions due to too much sugar, alcohol or dairy in their diet. If you suspect one of these might be a culprit for you, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks to see if it helps.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Yes, with everything going on, sometimes sleep is hard to come by. But you know how when you don’t get enough sleep, your skin looks kind of…off? Sleep gives our skin the opportunity for cell turnover and renewal. Practice good sleep hygiene and turn off those electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Aim for 7-8 hours per night whenever humanly possible.

Quit the Tanning Bed

While you’ve probably heard it a million times, it bears repeating: tanning beds are still, yes, VERY bad for our skin. They can cause wrinkles, drying, age spots, and worst of all, use can lead to skin cancer. If you must have a tan, try using self-tanner instead. Use a gentle scrub, and then apply carefully. Gone are the days of orange, streaky self-tans, and most are very natural looking. Try some that build up gradually, like Jergens Natural Glow.

Treat Skin Gently

If you have frequent breakouts or skin that’s particularly flaky, dry or combination, there can be a tendency to want to abuse your skin—scrubbing, picking, using products with alcohol or foaming cleansers that contain SLS, and slathering on products left and right. Be gentle and heal your sensitive skin. Sometimes the best solution to a problem is simply time and gentle, routine cleansing and moisturizing. Scrubbing can create tiny tears, alcohol can dry your skin, and foaming cleansers can irritate sensitive skin. You might even try products that are marked “non-comedogenic,” which means they’re specially formulated not to clog pores and cause even more breakouts.

Reduce Stress

Easier said than done, right?? Yet, stress is one of the biggest culprits for skin issues. Yes, hormonal changes and other factors might play in, but really, managing stress by giving yourself a (well deserved!) break and practicing self-care can go a long way in preventing skin reactions (and overreactions). Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne can all be exacerbated by stressful times and situations.

…As for different weather and even during travel to different environments, you might have to vary your skincare routine to suit what’s going on around you. If you’re traveling to areas that are dry, or at different altitudes, or with different humidity and temperature levels, they can all play a factor, as can the changes in the seasons.

Skincare in the Spring

During spring, the days get a little longer, warmer and brighter. We’re often still keeping to our New Year resolutions to work out and get in shape for summer. This is a prime time for breakouts from sweat! Keep your hair pulled back and off your forehead and hairline when you work out. If you notice that breakouts are a problem for you, always shower after working up a sweat.

In the spring, we tend to spend more time outdoors and in the sun. It’s a good time to remind ourselves to check the expiration dates on our SPF and use a type that’s specially formulated for faces. Consistently wearing sunscreen really helps. Keep in mind that most of us underestimate the amount we need to be wearing. Reapply sunscreen whenever you go out and every few hours. Watch for makeup that contains SPF, but also keep in mind that 20-30 isn’t enough. Instead, look for a sunscreen with a protection factor of 50 or higher.

As your skin adjusts to spring weather and moisture in the air, consider adopting the use of a moisturizing toner like Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel. This can help keep pores clear and minimize their look while keeping your skin from feeling tight and dry. You can treat pimples with tea tree oil and try frankincense to fade the look of dark spots. Always use a carrier oil and test for any reaction before applying essential oils to your skin directly.

During this time of year, you might see a higher reaction to allergies. If you tend to have redness and other reactions to allergens, consult with your doctor about which over-the-counter remedy or solution to use. You may see an increase in rosacea and redness as well as puffiness around your eyes. Try teabags, which seem like an old-fashioned remedy, but they contain tannins that can reduce puffiness and water retention. You may also need to use a red-based concealer to hide any dark circles around your eyes. Remember to dab on concealer rather than rub, which can tear and injure the delicate skin surrounding your eyes.

Skincare in the Summer

Summer is the season of skin! We wear lighter clothing that might leave us exposed to sun rays. We swim, spend time in the sand, and sweat. All of these things can lead to skin irritation, rashes and other issues. Not to mention bug bites, poison ivy and other skin irritants. Yikes. That said, don’t let the skin-hazards of summer keep you from joining in on all the fun!

In the summer, you can go foundation-free or opt for a tinted moisturizer if you feel you need some sort of coverage to even your skin tone. Try a moisturizer that contains sunscreen like Shiseido Urban Environment with SPF 43. Find products that can do it all-in-one, so you don’t have to spend time applying layers of sunscreen, moisturizer AND foundation.

If you like the feel of scrubs, only use very, very gentle products. Use a scrub that’s sulfate-free and doesn’t contain harsh particles that can stretch, pull and damage your skin—even leading to infection! Philosophy’s Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash is extremely gentle and doesn’t dry out your skin like some scrubs.

When the time is right, give yourself permission to skip makeup or minimize your routine as much as you can. Working up a sweat in the summer and mixing sunscreen, bug spray, wet bathing suits and activity can be a perfect storm for your skin. Give it a break by going as natural as possible. Opt for bug repellent that’s natural, and try to avoid chemical-laden products.

If you tend to get blackheads in the summer or small clogged pores, a charcoal mask or cleanser might help. Charcoal brings dirt to the surface and removes it. It may seem a little strange to use black soap on your face, but it can really help break down oil and reduce blackheads and clogged pores.

Skincare in the Fall

In the fall, many of us start getting a little cozier with our fashion and hairstyles. Hats and headbands and even just wearing our hair down can lead to breakouts, especially around our hairline. Try to keep your hairline free of products and apply only to the ends of your hair when possible. Always rinse your hair thoroughly when you wash it.

During the fall, you might want to increase your moisturizer, even if you don’t have normally dry skin. Skin that’s oily can overproduce oil to compensate for dryer weather, so if you feel your skin is out of balance, check your moisture levels rather than trying to just dry things out. Maracuja oil (another name for passionfruit) can help to even things out without clogging your pores. It may seem counterintuitive to use oil on your skin, but it actually helps remove dirt and keeps your skin looking glowy and fresh. Try Tarte’s Maracuja oil in a travel size so you can reapply right from your bag.

If you’re bothered by signs of aging, talk to your dermatologist. Retinoids can be harsh for some users, but can also aide in cell turnover and renewal, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The biggest concept is consistent application of moisturizer and sunscreen, no matter what wrinkle treatment you prefer.

If your skin becomes dryer in the fall months, you may need to use a humidifier in your room at night, which can help keep moisture in your air, especially when the furnace is running. Watch for reactions to fabrics like wool, which can cause some people to get itchy and react with already dry, irritated skin.

Wash your skin before bed each night and again in the morning, using a moisturizing cleanser. Cetaphil is a classic, because it’s easy to find, gentle on your skin, won’t clog your pores, and leaves skin moisturized and healthy.

Skincare in the Winter

During the coldest months, skin gets the driest. With indoor air and dust, as well as a constantly running furnace and heater, you might find yourself feeling itchy and scaly. The answer is drink water, moisturize, and then drink water and moisturize some more!

Try a more intense night therapy for your hands, feet and body by using coconut oil as body butter. Apply a small amount to your elbows, knees and anywhere else that needs some extra moisture.

Mix a little brown sugar into your coconut oil to make a fast and easy lip scrub that can keep chapped lips looking smooth and supple. Apply lip balm liberally, and watch for options that contain SPF to protect lips from the sun, especially if you’re out in the snow. We often don’t think of sun protection in the winter, but with the sun’s rays reflecting on snow and clouds, it can be deceptively hard on our skin.

Be sure to remove all makeup at night and avoid sleeping in any makeup, which can dry skin out as well as clog pores. Try a micellar water, like Simple to remove your makeup without drying out skin or causing you to scrub and pull at your eyes and sensitive areas.

If you really need a little boost, try a hydrating mask of honey. Any honey will do, but Manuka honey (available at natural food stores) has antibacterial properties and can be especially healing and nourishing for dry, sensitive or combination skin.

Remember all year long to treat your skin with care and tenderness. Soft, beautiful skin enables us to feel the warmth of a touch, the coolness of crisp bedsheets, a soft kiss from our loved ones, or the tickle of grass in the sunshine. Our skin is amazing and sensitive and should be cared for like the precious organ it is.

Be good to yourself and your skin will be just as good to you!

 

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Spinach & Sausage One Pot Pasta

Raise your hand if getting dinner on the table feels a little overwhelming sometimes!

There’s nothing I love more than a simple but hearty meal, except maybe one that takes almost no effort.  And that’s exactly why this spinach & sausage one pot pasta is quite possibly my very favorite pasta recipe to date! The fact that it comes together fast with just a few minutes of prep, then freezes beautifully and goes straight to the crock pot is just icing on the cake, as far as I’m concerned!

To make it as part of a freezer cooking day, just split the mixture into multiple bags, then throw it right into the freezer–no cooking required!

Here is what you need:

2 packages chicken Italian sausage, chopped
3 7 oz packages of frozen sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 15oz can of diced tomatoes
1 and a half cartons of chicken stock
 1 9oz. bags of fresh baby spinach (cooking day only)
1  20 oz. package of cheese tortellini (cooking day only)
Pecorino Romano, grated (cooking day only)


salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Slice chicken sausage and set aside.

Step 2: Dice onion and mince garlic and set aside.

Step 3: In large bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, onion, garlic, sausage and chicken stock.

Step 4: Divide mixture into 2 gallon size freezer bags. ( be sure to label bags first)

Step 5: On cooking day, place frozen mixture directly into slow cooker. Set to high and cook for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours.

Step 6: Once you are ready to eat; add package of tortellini directly into crock pot with fresh spinach,stir and cook for 5-7 minutes or until pasta is done.

Step 7: Spoon mixture into bowls top with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and enjoy!

 

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Recipe: One Pot Pasta with Spinach & Sausage

Summary: This hearty meal can be made ahead of time and is sure to be a new family favorite.

Ingredients

2 packages Chicken Italian sausage, chopped
3 7 oz packages of frozen sliced mushrooms
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 15oz can of diced tomatoes
1 and a half cartons of chicken stock
1 9oz. bags of fresh baby spinach (cooking day only)
1 20 oz. package of cheese tortellini (cooking day only)
Pecorino Romano, grated (cooking day only)
salt and pepper to taste



Instructions

Slice chicken sausage and set aside.
Dice onion and mince garlic and set aside.
In large bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, onion, garlic, sausage and chicken stock.
Divide mixture into 2 gallon size freezer bags. ( be sure to label bags first)
On cooking day, place frozen mixture directly into slow cooker. Set to high and cook for 2-3 hours or on low for 3-4 hours.
Once you are ready to eat; add package of tortellini directly into crock pot with fresh spinach,stir and cook for 5-7 minutes or until pasta is done.
Spoon mixture into bowls top with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and enjoy!

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooking time: 2-3hours on high or 3-4 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Number of servings (yield): 4

 

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Stop Worrying About Money

Worrying about money can get downright scary—and facing our fears about our financial situation can be stressful to even start to think about. But there’s a better answer than lying in bed at night fretting about bills we need to pay, dodging calls from collection agencies, and avoiding opening our bills because we’re too scared to even look at them.

Not so long ago, my husband and I were at a make-or-break point when it came to finances. I was spending too much and living beyond my means, and as a result, he was stressed to the max and we were fighting all the time. I wasn’t trying to ignore it, but looking back, I realize I wasn’t being completely honest with myself about where we were financially. I was having a hard time exercising self-control when it came to spending…and we were paying the price.

Eventually, we all come to a point where we have to face reality—even when it seems like the hardest thing in the world.

If you’re worried about your finances, know there’s help available and you’re not alone! Here are some things you can do RIGHT NOW to lessen your money worries and come out on top.

1. Assess Your Finances

The first step to overcoming your financial worries is to assess your finances. So many of us avoid looking at “how bad” it is because we’re scared. We don’t know how to solve our money woes, so we try to ignore it and put it off.

It’s time to address your financial situation and get a handle on what you’re looking at before you start to tackle it. Gather your bills together. Log in to your bank accounts and your mortgage company. Figure out what you owe on your cars and credit cards. Look at your student loan payments, your tuition bills for your kids, and any medical bills you have outstanding. Bring it all to one place.

Once you’ve gathered all of that financial data together, sit down and take a look at it. Write down how much you owe in each case, what the terms of the loans and bills are, and how much the minimum payments are for each. Don’t be daunted by it, even if it’s a large amount. To get started, you have to get a handle on where you’re starting out.

2. Make a Budget

Making a budget can be challenging, especially if it’s not something you’ve done before. Use our budget resource to help you get started. You’re going to want to figure out all of your monthly bills. Look at what you spend regularly for things like entertainment, food, gifts, and pets. Take a look at your full financial picture and then work on what you can realistically tackle and make headway on.

Part of working on your budget is looking at your payments to insurance, cable, phone, and other utilities and services. Call up your providers to see if you can reduce any of your monthly amounts. Think of ways you can creatively reduce your bills. Can you give up cable and just rely on Netflix or a Roku? Can you switch out to a slightly lower speed Internet? Can you raise your insurance deductable by a manageable amount and lower your monthly premiums?

Once you’ve created your budget, make a commitment to stick to it. Your budget shows the picture of what you can realistically live on and what you can afford to spend each month. If you’re constantly going over your budget, you need to reduce your spending somewhere or do a reassessment on your priorities. It might mean sacrifices, but it will be worth it when you can relax and let go of your financial worries.

3. Communicate with Your Spouse

There are many hard conversations that couples need to have—and finances are definitely one of them. Sometimes couples are on different pages when it comes to spending and saving. You might not agree with the way your spouse prioritizes their money; you might even resent them for not making enough or vice versa. Sitting down with your spouse and addressing your concerns will help bring them to light and resolution.

If you share finances as a couple, look at what you’re both spending and appoint one of you as the “point person” for your budgeting. All purchases and spending should be decided upon together and the two of you should meet regularly to assess where you are and how things are going.

In some couples, one person runs the finances and the other just sort of hopes for the best. While this can work for some, if you find you’re worried about your finances, don’t go it alone. Get your spouse in on what your concerns are and how you can work together to overcome challenges. Make it a team effort.

4. Reign in Spending and Take a Break

If you’re ready to get started tackling your financial worries, give yourself a boost by trying a “no spend month.” Not only will it get you to shift into “savings mode,” it’ll also give you a boost of confidence when you see just how far you can go without spending a thing. This one’s certainly not easy, but it’s not impossible—and it’s SO worth it!)

When you go on a month of zero spending, get creative and use up what you have on hand. Make meals from the foods you have in your cupboards. Put away your credit and debit cards and see how long you can go without having to swipe them. Use up any gift certificates or freebies you have on hand, and see if you can swap or sell things to meet your needs.

When you successfully complete a month of zero spending, you’ll be amazed at how much it reprioritizes your buying mentality and changes how you look at things when you go to the store! You’ll feel more proactive about how you’re managing your money and proud for sticking to it throughout the month.

5. Try a Debt Reduction Plan

If your money worries are keeping you up at night and you’ve looked at your budget and still don’t know how you’re going to make headway, try embracing a plan to reduce your debt. Dave Ramsey recommends saving $1,000 for emergencies (to avoid going into additional debt when the furnace goes out or the car needs new tires), and then trying the “debt snowball” approach.

The way a debt snowball works is you arrange all of your debts from largest to smallest. Pay off your smallest debt first, and once it’s paid off, put the money you were paying toward it on your next smallest debt (moving up and paying off your debts in a “snowball” effect).

It’s a great way to really see progress on your payments! It can be satisfying and a big boost to know you’ve paid something off totally and you’ll never have to worry about it again. Continue on your debt reduction plan until you’ve paid down all your debts (except your mortgage), and you’re on your way to financial freedom!

6. Stick to Your Goals and Give them Time

I’m sometimes impatient…how about you? I wish I could just wave a magic wand and be done and on to the next thing. This is where tackling money worries gets really tough. Keep in mind, when it comes to debt, chances are it didn’t happen overnight. Accumulating debt is usually a long, slow process of spending a little more than we had coming in. There were probably emergencies that crept up and unforeseen events. Paying off our debt is the same way: it’s not something immediate and can be a long, slow process.

Keep your eye on the prize and revisit your budget regularly. Keep a close eye on the progress you’re making and congratulate yourself on the little victories along the way. Just like setting any goal, we have to take small steps toward the final outcome. If it’s too daunting to get to the finish line, just watch for the next mile marker.

By tackling the toughest things first—facing and assessing your finances, making a budget and figuring out a debt plan, you’re already eating the frog and getting the hard stuff out of the way. Now that you have a plan, all you need to do is keep at it and stay the course.

7. Learn to Say No

One of the biggest keys to getting organized, taking back your schedule, or doing any hard job is learning how to say no to the obstacles in your way. Getting out of debt is no exception. In fact, debt is usually related to the problem of saying yes too much. To reverse your financial situation, you have to learn to say no.

This means you might have to teach your kids about finances and some important lessons about needs vs. wants. They might have to think creatively when it comes to birthday gifts and entertainment, and focus on the joy in experiences rather than accumulating gifts and toys.

You may also have to rethink your approach to social plans. Let your friends know you’re trying to reduce your debt and avoid spending money. Ask them if, instead of going out for drinks or coffee, you can enjoy a walk around a park with them. Join a book club through your local library or watch a movie together at your house rather than the theater. Arrange a clothing swap, a craft afternoon or other activities where everyone can bring a dish to share and you can still stay social while not spending a dime.

8. Get Expert Help

In the end, if you truly can’t get a handle on your finances and you’re worried you’re going to lose your house (or worse), it’s time to seek the advice of a financial advisor or expert. Most credit unions offer financial advisors for free to members. They can help you examine your credit score, work out deals with creditors, and consolidate or work on other ways to tackle your debt.

You can often defer student loan payments in times of hardship, and even creditors will work with you in cases of job loss, health crisis or other major trial. Many churches also offer financial guidance to their members and can help you get in touch with family services, food pantries, and other programs to assist you through a difficult time.

You may need to temporarily pick up some extra work, have your spouse pick up another job, or find a way to earn money from home. There are many opportunities to build up your finances and make ends meet in times of trouble and crisis. Ask yourself if you really need two cars. If you have a lot of large items, like sports equipment, furniture or electronics, consider selling a few things to generate some extra cash. Pick up some odd jobs (babysitting, cleaning or doing yard work) to earn some money. Think of other ways you can boost finances to get you over this hurdle.

Whatever you’re facing financially, don’t lose hope! All of us can turn things around and get our heads above water, if we try. You might be going through a rough time, but if you set your goals and take small steps to get yourself back on your feet, you can do it!

 

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How to Dress Up a White T-Shirt

Is there anything more classic than a white tee? Simple, clean, EASY. It really is the perfect wardrobe staple. It’s a great option for a quick and effortless look upgrade, without any of the hassle. Because let’s face it–who wants to spend extra time digging through tons of clothes just trying to find something (anything!) to wear in the morning?

So often, our closets become stuffed to the brim with hard-to-match items. We keep clothes that don’t fit and don’t flatter, cluttering up our storage. Still, we hold on to these items well past their prime, simply because we can’t bring ourselves to let them go. In this era of cheap, fast fashion, it’s easy to accumulate a lot (and I mean a LOT) of clothes. Go to any discount clothing store and chances are you can walk out with multiple bags for under a hundred dollars. Unfortunately, much of this clothing is cheap and poorly made, while trendy items that might seem cute this season end up in the “goes with nothing” pile in a few months, and then we’re left throwing on whatever “sort of works” after we’ve been standing in front of the closet for 20 minutes trying to find something to wear—all while the kids are late for school and we still need to pack their lunches. Been there! So frustrating!

When I first pared down to my 40-hanger closet, it was a big-time leap of faith. I knew I had to do something to get a handle on my wardrobe. I knew I didn’t feel great when I looked in my closet. And too often, I couldn’t find anything to wear, even though I had tons of options. I got really sick of wasting so much time every day just digging through clothes!

By paring down to the best, most flattering, loved and classic pieces, I was able to create a wardrobe that I feel great in every single day. Now, I’m very careful with my clothing purchases, opting for classic cuts and styles, well-made and tailored items in fabrics that hold up. Each item is precious, because when a new piece goes into my closet, I know something else must come out.  (And to keep temptation at bay, I opt for Stitch Fix rather than going to the mall.  It’s genius!)

If you’ve been working to simplify your wardrobe and spend less time digging through your closet every morning, chances are you’ve realized the value of the white t-shirt. It can go with nearly anything! You can dress it up, dress it down, and it always looks fresh. SO easy! There’s a white tee style for every person, and a style to fit you.

There are so many great, easy ways to style a white tee. Here are a few ways I’ve found work best for dressing up my classic white t-shirts, so I can create a great, simple and easy look, no matter the occasion!

Pair It with a Skirt

The quickest, easiest way to dress up something simple is to pair it with something dressy, like a skirt. A beautiful bright floral pattern in an a-line, a classic black pencil, or a long maxi skirt all look great with a white tee. Given the right skirt and a tee in silk or rayon, you might even get away with taking your white tee to a fancy event. For your kids, try pairing a tulle skirt with a simple white tee for an adorable outfit.

Even a tee paring cotton with a bit of stretch like spandex or a fine gauge knit can elevate the average white t-shirt to something special and “skirt worthy.” Look for little details: a pretty edge, piping along the collar, or a nicer flowy fabric to take a tee to the next level. Loose comfortable v-neck t-shirts can look great with fitted pencil skirts and a pretty peak of a camisole underneath. It’s about playing up the comfortable tee in contrast with the dressy skirt.

Wear It Under a Dress

Do you have a sheath dress with a neckline that’s a little too deep? Maybe you have a slip dress you’d love to wear, but you aren’t sold on the sleeveless idea. Pair a classic fitted white tee underneath your dress to add polish, make it a little more modest, or take an outfit from “beach” to “dinner.”

Almost any sleeveless dress looks great as a jumper over the top of a classic tee. The trick is to find a tee fitted enough to lie flat under the dress and avoid extra bulk or bunching. Look for shell styles or t-shirts with a rayon-spandex blend in a size down.

Go Classic with Pants in Black, Navy or Brown

Yes, yoga pants come in black, too…but if you want to dress up your white tee, try breaking out some of those “big girl pants.” Dress slacks in a pinstripe or a classic color like navy or black always look polished. Look for a trouser fit or a looser boot cut, if you’re wearing a tee fitted to your body.

Flowy, loose tees look better with fitted bottoms. A classic cigarette pant or ankle-length skinny pants can be very chic with an easy-fitting tee. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn by pairing fitted and cropped bottoms with flats and a boat neck tee for a great summer-to-fall look.

Add a Scarf

The number one, super-duper-easy way to dress up a white tee? Add a classic scarf! A great scarf can make a tee seem fresh, interesting and beautiful. Go for pretty colors and dare to try brights and patterns you would otherwise skip over. With scarves, when it comes to texture, color, weave and fabric, the sky is the limit!

Try taking a Pashmina or large wrap over a shoulder and tucking it into a wide belt for a DIY poncho (and plenty of warmth from the office air conditioning).

Create a cowl neck effect by double-looping an infinity scarf around your neck. Use a knit scarf and even arm-warmers to make a white tee seem instantly cozy and fall-ready. Use a pretty broach or vintage pin to hold the ends of a silky scarf together. Or, knot it around your neck for a French look that will pair with your boat neck tee and cropped pants!

Add Statement Jewelry

Another super-simple way to take a tee from ho-hum to “ooh la la!” is to add an eye-catching piece of jewelry. With a crewneck tee, go bold or go home. Use bright beads, chunky necklaces in candy colors, or fun fashion jewelry to really make a statement. Think of a white t-shirt as a blank canvas and add color and shape to really make things pop!

For a v-neck or scoop neck tee, sweet delicate necklaces (like chains, single or layered, or a floating pendant) can look great. Gold and silver both look wonderful with classic white t-shirts—and you can even go classic-on-classic with a diamond (or faux diamond) necklace. Long pendants also add a boho aura to a tee and can make your outfit seem effortlessly stylish.

Throw on a Blazer, Cardigan or Jacket

Have to run out somewhere and need to look polished? The easiest solution is to throw on a great blazer or jacket. If you’re wearing jeans, a blazer or cardigan and some comfy dress flats can make a white t-shirt look meeting-ready.

If you have a cute floral skirt you want to take from summer to fall, go with tights and boots, and throw a jean jacket (roll your sleeves) or a pretty cardigan over your white tee. Belt the cardigan with a skinny belt to really look Pinterest-worthy.

A jacket, cardigan or blazer allows your white tee to peak through as the perfect, classic base for your outfit. The combination is unstoppable and appropriate for nearly any occasion.

Try Different Shapes, Sleeves and Necklines

When we think “white tee,” most of us think of the classic crewneck, short sleeve option, but there are so many more cuts and styles to choose from! Tees come in many different fabrics—silks, rayon, knits, cotton and more. You can find great long sleeve options as well as tank and sleeveless tees. When it comes to necklines, there’s boat, scoop, v-neck, crew and even turtlenecks (though let’s leave the mock turtleneck back in the 1990’s).

Experiment with different shapes and fabrics to find your “classic white tee.” Maybe you love a chest pocket or maybe it makes you cringe. Some women prefer baby doll or ladies cuts and others like a more classic shape. White tees are so versatile, you can really make it stretch through your entire wardrobe, so find something you love and go with it!

Do a Half-Tuck, Tie or other “Blogger Trick”

Do you ever wonder why women on Pinterest and fashion blogs always have outfits that look so together? It’s simple. They take time to “style” their clothing. This means rolling up sleeves, doing a half-tuck with a baggy shirt (tuck in the front at the waist), or even tying the corner of a shirt on the side.

These little stylist tricks take your outfit from “I threw this on” to polished. Adding a belt, accessorizing or layering can make a huge difference. It makes your look seem more thought out and put together. Experiment with these little low-effort tricks and you’ll be hooked!

Keep It Clean & Shiny

Life happens. With kids, well, you know how it is—you find food stains, crusties and who-knows-what on your sleeve, down your shirt, and wherever. You might even literally laugh out loud at the thought of wearing a white shirt. I’m here to tell you: you can wear white shirts and get away with it!

A mommy-trick I’ve found? Always have a sweater, vest or jacket handy. You can cover a myriad of stains and spills at a moment’s notice simply by pulling on a sweater or jacket. Even a scarf can cover up things in a pinch.

Be sure you treat stains before washing and always launder your clothes carefully. The great thing about white t-shirts is they’re actually easier to clean than colors. You can use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and/or oxy-cleaners to get stains out without fear of bleaching or fading. I find it’s actually easier to have white shirts come out in good shape.

There’s also the dreaded “pit stains” which can be an issue with white tees. Treat yellowing underarms with a mixture of a half-cup baking soda, a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and a tablespoon of salt. Mix together and dab on with a sponge. Let sit for about twenty minutes, then rinse clean. You’ll be pit-free and ready to go!

A classic white tee is a wardrobe staple that’s fun to play around with—and wow does it make for a simpler, less-time-consuming wardrobe! Make it an experiment to see how many different ways you can find to wear your classic white t-shirt. In fact, you just might love it so much you’ll find yourself building your whole look around the simple white tee! Have fun!

 

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Creamsicle Pancake Bites

This is a guest post from Sammi of Grounded & Surrounded

It’s hard to not love muffins, especially muffin “minis”. This delicious pancake bites recipe is simple to make, eat, and share. The addition of orange zest in the batter and the use of orange juice in the syrup are simply delightful. This unique use of a simple orange is so bright and cheery it will have your taste-buds singing!

Through many kitchen experiments, I have found that quite a few breakfast recipes take on a new life when made in muffin form. Take this recipe for example, pancakes are always a hit in our home, but baking this batter in the oven versus preparing on the stove-top creates a whole new morning meal!

Another perk of this recipe is the fact that no cutting is required for little ones. These small bites are perfect for young children to eat for breakfast on their own. Plus, they love dipping each mini muffin into their own bowl of citrusy syrup. But who are we kidding, these are a hit with the “big kids” of the house too!

Here is what you need:

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 eggs
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla extract
zest of one large orange
Syrup
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from the large orange you zested)

 

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt.

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and the zest of the orange.

Step 3:  Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Step 4: Spray a mini muffin tin or silicone pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Using a spoon or cookie dough scoop pour a scant tablespoon of the batter into each muffin well.

Step 6: Bake for 10-11 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the pan and eat warm with syrup.

Step 7: To make the syrup, add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and fresh squeezed orange juice to a bowl and whisk together. Dip each pancake bite into the syrup or pour syrup over the warm bites on a plate.

Recipe Notes: These bites can be refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for months. The syrup stays fresh for a few days at room temperature. We like to serve the bites with small individual bowls of syrup for each person to dip their pancake muffins in.

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Recipe: Creamsicle Pancake Bites

Summary: These delicious little pancake bites are simple to make, eat, and share. The unique use of a simple orange is so bright and cheery it will have your taste-buds singing!

Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 eggs
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
zest of 1 large orange
Syrup:
2 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (from the large orange you zested)



Instructions


In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and the zest of the orange.
 Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
 Spray a mini muffin tin or silicone pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Using a spoon or cookie dough scoop pour a scant tablespoon of the batter into each muffin well.
Bake for 10-11 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from the pan and eat warm with syrup.
To make the syrup, add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and fresh squeezed orange juice to a bowl and whisk together. Dip each pancake bite into the syrup or pour syrup over the warm bites on a plate.

Recipe Notes: These bites can be refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for months. The syrup stays fresh for a few days at room temperature. We like to serve the bites with small individual bowls of syrup for each person to dip their pancake muffins in.

Preparation time: 5-7 minutes

Cooling time: 10-11 minute(s)

Number of servings (yield): 50

 

Sammi Ricke likes to keep things simple, delicious, and nutritious in her kitchen. She enjoys the challenge of finding unique ways to incorporate “just one more whole food” into every meal while leaving just enough room for life’s essentials: chocolate and peanut butter. If you are looking for “healthified” versions of your family’s favorite meals be sure to visit Sammi’s Grounded & Surrounded Blog. You can also find her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

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