Urban Cowgirl

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chambray dress forever21 bleached walmart hat

I previously showed you guys what my "Suburban Country" style looked like, so I guess it's only right I show you the "urban cowgirl" that is me at times.


chambray dress forever21 bleached walmart hat

I'm in love with this $10 straw cowboy hat I snagged from Walmart.  Just in case you want one of your own, it was in the men's section.  I always peruse the men's section in stores, and not just for hubs, but for myself.  You never know what you may come across.  Believe me, style knows no gender.

chambray dress forever21 bleached walmart hat

 Oh, and the dress and bag are from my beloved Forever 21.  The bag you've seen before, but this cute bleached chambray shirt dress I got a few weeks ago (and it's still available!).  In this post, I'm wearing it with a more country western style, but I've also worn it with a more "rocker" look, with black ankle boots, spiked jewelry, etc.  It' is so versatile.

chambray dress forever21 bleached walmart hat 


The shoes are a bargain find from Urban Outfitters.  I've had these for years now.

chambray dress forever21 bleached walmart hat

And that, my friends, is my "urban cowgirl" look!

chambray dress forever21 bleached walmart hat

Happy Thursday!

xoxo, *NikG*



Butter Me Up

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Hey guys, I was actually wanting to put up an outfit post today, but a case of the "lazies" got me again.  Instead, just thought I'd do a quick review.



I was in Trader Joe's the other day and while at the checkout counter, I saw this sitting on a shelf.  Hey, the sign said $4.99, so I thought "why not?".  I am a body butter lover, but as many know, all body butters are not created equal.  I usually stick to The Body Shop body butters, but they are quite pricey.



I'm telling you...this is just the same as The Body Shop's coconut body butter.  I kid you not!!  It's wonderful, heavy yet light, and the smell is divine!  And for 5 bucks, I say!!!!  I'm going back to get more today actually.  You never really know what items will stick around at TJ's, so I say go get'em while they're hot.

*NikG*

Warm Weather Eating

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So it has been a while since I've made a food post.  However, I am still always trying new recipes, as well as stalking Pinterest and Food Gawker.

I stumbled upon this pasta salad recipe on Pinterest the other day and knew I wanted to give it a try.  I've actually never been a pasta salad kind of person.  That's usually the dish I skip over at barbecues.  Somehow the ingredients and ease of this dish, spoke to me.  Not to mention, with how hot it's been, this dish is a great fit.





The verdict was....this dish was a hit!!  I will definitely keep this in rotation!  I suggest eating it along side a piece of pita bread, or something similar.

EASY GRILLED CHICKEN TORTELLINI SALAD

Serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: About 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the salad:
  • 1 box tri-color tortellini 
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 – 5 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 mini babybel lights, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 medium shallot, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
  • 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning

Directions:

  1. Liberally rub chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Preheat a grill to medium heat and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Add chicken and cook until completely done, about 5 – 6 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and slice into thin pieces. 
  2. While chicken cooks, bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add tortellini and cook for about 8 minutes, or until they are fully cooked (they’ll float to the top). Rinse.
  3. In a large salad bowl, mix the tortellini with the chicken. Add tomatoes, onion and sliced cheese.
  4. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a shallow bowl. Pour over salad and stir in fresh basil.

Nutritional information per serving (about 1/2 cup serving with 1 tablespoon dressing):

Calories: 421 
Fat: 20 grams* 
Carbohydrates: 28.75 grams
Fiber: 3.25 grams
Protein: 23.25 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 10

TIPS & MODS:

As you can see the only thing i did different, is the type of pasta.  I couldn't find tri-colored tortellini, so I used rotini instead.  I didn't grill my chicken--just baked it, then cut it into small pieces. Oh, and I also used a crumbled gorgonzola cheese along with the Baby Bell!

Enjoy!

*NikG*

Recipe courtesy of The Realistic Nutritionist.

Favorite Thing

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Well, I use to do these "Favorite Things" posts, but I sort of fell off.  I've decided to make a conscious effort to start these posts back up again, seeing that I buy so many knicknacks for my home, kids, organizational stuff, etc.--maybe I should share it...

So, I just recently got this new case for my iPhone 5.  Everytime I'm out and whip it out, someone stops me and asks to look at it, find out where I got it, etc.



As you can see, it's a slimmed down "wallet" case. I bought this case from Amazon, and it has been God-send.  I tend to carry tiny little purses while out on the town (clutches, etc.), and usually my phone a lipstick and my cards on thrown in there loose because my actual wallet is quite large.  Well, now I don't have to have my cards (ID and credit card) just sitting loose, and lessens the risk of me losing them.  I also can just grab my phone and go when running quick errands, without lugging my huge purse with me all of the time. 



The case is made of rubber, and then has a leather wallet slot stitched onto the back.  It can hold an ID and 2 credit cards, or an ID, a card, and dollar bill.  It comes in several colors, and as you can see I went with the "green" which is more of a teal color. 

Also, the rubber wraps around the outer edge of the front of the phone which makes it very protective in that if your phone falls flat on it's face--the actual face doesn't touch the ground!!  I think the case is quite stylish for something that has turned out to be so useful for me.  

I do have to admit that the case isn't all that cheap.  I paid 30 bucks for it, and depending on the color you choose, the price varies.

If you're interested in this case, it can be found HERE!  Not to leave anyone out, there is also a version for the iPhone 4/4S HERE as well. Enjoy!

*NikG*

Showing some skin.

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If someone mentioned an outfit consisting of a crop top and short jean cut-offs, your first thought may be something that looks slighty trashy.  But surprise, there is a way to do it in a way that comes off casual and cute.  You see, I'm a married mother of two, but I workout regularly to maintain--so, I have no issues showing it off (just a bit).  I prefer to show a little skin in a more casual manner, which is what this little ensemble gives.  For me showing full on belly has become passé, instead it's more chic to pair a crop top with a bottom that is high-waisted.  Even these shorts aren't as high-waisted as I'd have preferred, but it's what I had and I worked with it.  By the way, I've been living in these cut-off shorts lately.  They were "mom jeans" from the Goodwill bought for the sole purpose to make them high-waist cut-offs.  They are so comfy and I love the slight "paperbag waist" effect I get when I belt them.  

 



Because my crop top is a tube top, I chose to throw this awesome little button up I found at Walmart (yes, Walmart!) over it.   Finishing it all off with a cute pair of flat sandals (Enzo Angiolini), and my showing-skin-in-a-casual-way look is complete.

Have a great weekend!

*NikG*






Navy + Red + Sea Horses

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As you all know, I've never met a print I was afraid of.  I adore the little "animal prints (literally)" even more.  Heck, you've seen me wearing horses, crabs, and now one of my personal favorites--sea horses!  I walked past this dress in Target, and I had to have it.  I love the juxtaposition of the somewhat sophisticated styling with such a whimsical print.  The slight high-low hem, didn't hurt either.



Dress - Target // Shoes - Coach // Clutch - H&M


If you haven't tried wearing one of these zany prints, I suggest you do.  Be prepared to say a lot of thank you's for all of the compliments you'll get!

xoxo,

*NikG*



P.S.  If you are in the Atlanta area, be sure to check out the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival parade and festival on Saturday.  It will be tons o' fun!

These boys of mine.

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They just warm my heart daily.  It's funny watching the youngest do the same things that the oldest did at the same age.  They both are obsessed with cars and trucks, and they both love to play with them along the window sills.



And of course, Max, is such a good big brother.  They fight a lot, but they hug a lot too.


Thankfully, it looks like Atlanta has made it to the 80+ degree temperatures, and it should be here to stay!  Hence, the shirtless boys.

Happy Thursday!

*NikG*

Taking it back to the old school

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I've been wearing wash-n-go's consistently lately.  Basically alternating between that and buns.  Oh, have I mentioned that I've decided to grow my hair back out?  Indeed, I am.  I'm missing those inches I chopped off and have decided to grow it back out to mid-back-length or maybe even waist-length.  I'm really missing the inches because of my new found love of the wash-n-go, and I wouldn't mind it hanging a bit longer.  Shrinkage is real, ya'll! So I've decided that I would start bunning my hair again consistently and just give it a rest for stretches at a time.  My plan is to bun during the week, and then wash-n-go on the weekends.  Of course, if something comes up and I need to "get cute" during the week, I will bust out the wash-n-go then as well.

I've been able to get 3 days out of one wash-n-go by preserving it the same way I preserve my braidouts/twistouts---putting in about 5-6 large twists at night.  This also stretches it, which makes 2nd day hair my FAVORITE.  I could probably get even more days out of a wash-n-go, but I think 3 days is more than enough.  I've also been pulling my hair into an old, tried-and-true puff.  I haven't really worn puffs in YEARS.  It's kind of nice to take it all back to things I did when I first started out in my hair journey.  Hopefully, I can stick to this new and simple regimen.  Wish me luck!



Mellow Mood

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It's another gloomy day in the A(TL).  It has been overcast and rainy for a couple days now, with only more to come.  I decided to brighten up my mood by going bright on my hands and toes.  

Hopefully the sun gets my hint.


This is Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polish in "Mellow Yellow".


xoxo,

NikG



P.S.  And yes, that is a wash-n-go!

Curls baby...

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Hey ya'lls!  I haven't posted in a while, and so I decided to conjure up something to post about.  The quickest easiest posts to do...........hair posts!

 


I've been wearing wash-n-go's a lot lately.  This is a big deal because I'm someone who hardly EVER wears them.  Well, lo and behold, I stumbled upon this natural hair vlogger and tried out her method of wash-n-go.  This method works!  It just works!!  I don't know why all of this time I haven't tried to apply product in sections.  I've always been under the impression that it's better not to disturb the curls once out of the shower as it can hinder the "clumping".  Well it doesn't, and because every single hair actually gets some product on it--the clumping snaps right back!  


I suggest you check out this wash-n-go method video and give it a try.  For the record, the products I used were: 1) My oil blend (coconut, almond, olive, castor), 2) Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and last 3) Fantasia IC Gel, in that order with each section.  I didn't use as many sections as she did in the video.  I say experiment and do what works for you.


By the way, while trying to take pics of my hair, my youngest insisted that I pick him up so he could take pics too.  Who am I to deny him?  


Have a great weekend!

P.S.  Please disregard the mess in the background--when I get inspired to take pics, I just have to go with it. :)

Now Playing!

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If you're not familiar with songstress Alice Smith--you're severely out of the loop!  She just recently released a new album titled "She" and I haven't been able to stop listening.  She has such a great voice--so clear with a retro vibe....but the lyrics...  There's some deep stuff on this album.  By the way, I got this album for $7.99 on Amazon.  Definitely was pleased with that price!

I must also mention, that this lady has impeccable style.  Google her for pics if you want to see.  I'm girl crushing!

Anyway, hope you all have a fabulous weekend.  Me and the hubs have a date night (though it will actually be in the day) planned for this Saturday.  We so need it!!

Now back to the music...




Back!

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Not that I post on this here blog EVERYDAY, but still--have ya missed me??  I've been swamped with moving (still in ATL metro area).  Our house is officially on the market, and I couldn't take shacking up in the itty-bitty condo anymore, so now I'm officially a SURBURBAN housewife/mom!  We're about 20 minutes from downtown/midtown to be exact.  My hubs' commute to work has gone from 30+ minutes to about 10 minutes (if that).  Me and the kids' commute has gone from 15 minutes to 25 minutes (no highway driving!)--so it was a fair compromise seeing that we made him suffer for so long. haha  I'm really enjoying how calm everything is out here.  I don't have to fight the hustle and bustle of Atlanta just to take care of my "everyday" errands and such.  My local Publix is so nice and calm and there's practically never a line especially during working hours.  And lastly, I'm sure I don't even have to mention the SPACE and size of dwellings out here.  I am truly sold on #BurbLife as I like to tweet about.

Anyway, it took forever for our cable/internet to get cut on, but now I'm back in business.  More posts to come!





Purty Persimmon

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I got a few questions regarding my last style post asking me what lip color I was wearing.  Not one to spend a bunch of money on make-up I hardly wear, I'm happy to tell you guys that it was Wet n' Wild Mega Last Lip Color in "Purty Persimmon".  It's a lovely bright orange-y red--more orange than red to me in real life than is showing in these pictures.



These Mega Last Lip Colors only cost $1.99 at your local drugstore.  I really like this line, and they have several nice colors to choose from.  It's very matte (and dry), but that's what gives its "lasting" capabilities.  So, make sure you use a lip balm prior so your lips won't look dry and cracked.


 The color actually goes on heavier than what you see above.  I had blotted a lot of it off.  Anyway, I have a couple other colors in my stash as well.  I'm sold on them!

Have a great one!

P.S.  You've asked and you shall receive!  I plan to do a skincare post soon.  As I'm getting older, I've definitely had to step it up, so stay tuned for that.





Meatless Monday!!

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Hey guys, it's another Meatless Monday!  I don't post weekly about Meatless Monday, but we've definitely been sticking to it! 





So I thought I'd share with you all one of the favorites of all the meatless meals we've tried thus far.  This turned out GREAT, and would also make a great side with a meat as well.  Trust me though, you won't miss the meat if you make this a meal.  I served it up alongside garlic bread. 


 I could easily see adding cooked chopped chicken or shrimp to this if you're not a vegetarian.  That is something I may actually do in the future.


 ZUCCHINI HERB CASSEROLE
Ingredients:
1/3 cup uncooked long grain white rice
2/3 cup water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds zucchini, cubed
1 cup sliced green onions
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups seeded, chopped tomatoes
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese,
divided
Directions:
1. Combine the rice and water in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes, until rice is tender.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a shallow 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the zucchini, green onions, and garlic 5 minutes, or until tender. Season with garlic salt, basil, paprika, and oregano. Mix in the cooked rice, tomatoes, and 1 cup cheese. Continue to cook and stir until heated through. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
4. Bake uncovered 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.


Let me say that I modified this dish based on it's reviews as follows:

  • I DOUBLED the seasonings (except the salt).  There were quite a few reviews that said the recipe was bland, so I copied a few other reviewers who said they doubled (some even tripled) the seasonings and had great results.
  • I used Monterrey jack cheese.  No real reason.  I'm sure cheddar would be fine.
  • I added a bit of red pepper flakes.  Hey, we like a little "kick" in our food over here.
  • I think I added red bell pepper.  I honestly can't remember, but there was a particular review that I copied most of my mods from, and she did--so I may have.
Hope you all enjoy!  Again, this is one of our favorites!

Recipe found HERE.

Neon + Dots

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In this outfit post, I decided to re-create what I wore in my previous post when me and hubs went to Coast restaurant.  I had planned on taking pics that evening, but never got around to it.  So I put on exactly what I had on that day.  The only difference is straight hair.





Top & Belt - Target // Jeans - Levis (thrifted) // Shoes - Boutique 9 // Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters

By the way, that was the first time I wore the new neon pumps out, and let me tell you...  I got complimented FIVE times by random women (we only went one place).  Hubs thought it was the funniest thing!  I had to reiterate to him, don't question momma's steelo (style).  He may not get it--but trust, the girls do!

Anyway, have a great weekend!  Don't forget, it's Friday Wine Day!  It's an hour past noon and I've already had a glass.  It's 5 o'clock somewhere!