Cajun Chicken Pasta

Do you ever just get a craving for pasta? I used to eat a lot of pasta growing up and I mean a lot! Every Wednesday and Sunday in my house my grandmother and mother made some sort of pasta dish for the family. Now living on my own, I hardly make pasta. Maybe I was just over loaded from my childhood?? Don't get me wrong once in a while I decide to whip up a ziti, or stuffed shells and some homemade gravy (sauce for you americano's haha)  or go totally off the Italian train and make something like below.

Today's recipe comes from a version I found on Pinterest. 

Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
Cajun seasoning (see below for recipe) or store bought
12 ounces farfalle or bow tie pasta noodles
1 red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup diced white onion

Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
1 cup Half & Half
2-3 teaspoons cajun seasoning (see below for recipe) or store bought
⅓ cup diced tomatoes

Cajun Seasoning 
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1½ teaspoon paprika (I actually used smoked to give it an extra taste)
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
heaping ½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions:

Make your pasta according to the package.  While your water is boiling throw your chicken in your skillet to fry and mix together your cajun seasoning. When chicken is almost done add 2-3 teaspoons of seasoning to it.  I cut the chicken into bite size pieces once it was fully cooked. Put to side.

In same skillet melt butter and saute the pepper and onion. Stir in flour and this will make it start to clump.  Slowly whisk in your half & half until creamy. If you want to try and spread out your sauce more, slowly add more half & half as desired.  Add in your diced tomatoes and about 2-3 teaspoons of cajun seasoning. If you want it more spicy add in more seasoning as desired.  Mix in chicken and pasta. You can serve with chopped parsley to accent. Enjoy!

Traveling Stress Free

This summer, besides that weekend trips to the shore or little get a ways I didn't travel at all! You may remember around Christmas Joe and I went to San Diego for a couple days. Well I fell in love and started planning our next trip this coming October. Those plans have since fell through due to work events, family events, and just life happening.  I am longing for another trip to just get away. Maybe once there is snow on the ground we can fly to somewhere tropical! Hey, a girl can dream right?

I always here people say.. traveling by airplane is so stressful... what a pain in the neck.. I would rather drive. Besides a few lay overs and minor delays (which is against our control) being prepared for your travel experience is key! Today I'm sharing with you some ways I stay sane while traveling by air!

Do you have any plans for this fall or winter to get away? Share them in the comments below!

New Shop Designs

I have been a busy little bee these past few weeks. Fulfilling orders, making new favors & decor and coming up with new designs. When I first opened my shop I wanted to keep things cheap. I know from experience, you spend a lot of time and money on the actual party, the last thing you want to do is go broke of the invites and accessories! I try to use the most cost effective materials so I can keep the prices down. So, here are some of my latest shop items.

Full Listing

Full Listing

  Full Listing

Bows Listing | Mustache Listing

Stadium Cups Listing | Emery Boards Listing | Nail Polish tags also available

Wanna get any of these new products? Well because I love you guys, I'm offering 10% off orders! Use code BLOGLOVE10 at checkout! Want something custom? Just email me and let's discuss an order :o) 

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Sunday morning I woke up all bushy tailed and ready to start the day at 8 am sharp! Now to most that may not seem early, but after a full day of sampling beers (I was suppose to be working for Joe pouring the beers.. I may have been pouring them also for myself) followed by another beer event at night and dinner and more drinks with friends. Needless to say, it should have been a rough morning. I woke up and knew I wanted to make something with the bananas I had sitting on the counter for a week.  With a quick look on pinterest, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins it was!

Ingredients:

4 Ripe Bananas (mine were almost mushy)

1/3  cup melted butter
3/4 cup  sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup chocolate chips (or however many your little heart desires)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease your muffins tins. I used cupcake tins since they were the only ones I have. Peel your bananas and remove any brown spots. Smash them until there are no chunks and add melted butter. To save time, I threw mine into my kitchenaide mixer. Mix in sugar, egg & vanilla until combined.  Add in salt and baking soda and mix.  Pour in the flour and mix well. Dump in as many chocolate chips as you like just make sure mix a little so there are some in every muffin. Pour evenly into muffin tins. My yielded about 12 muffins but may vary due to size of bananas you use. Bake for 20 minutes. They will start to get golden brown. Check middles to make sure they are done before removing. Remove from tins to cool on rack. 

Stitch Fix | September

I know I'm really late on this post.. and you wanna know how I know that.. because I just received my October box in the mail. Then it hit me- I never published my September box!! Well better late then never right?? I only ended keeping one piece in this collection.. the scarf. I have a slight obsession with this mustard color and am not ashamed to say I have already worn it a handful of times this month! What do you think of this stitch?

This was a comfortable dress, however I didn't like the placement of  sheer overlay.

This black tank was super cute. But having more then half a wardrobe of black and white tanks I didn't need another one!

This sheer top just really didn't do anything for me. I am a fan of the neutrals colors, but I didn't like the style or fit. It definitely didn't flatter my stomach area.

Like I said before, I ended up purchasing this pineapple mustard infinity scarf! It is perfect to style with a tee and jeans and flip flops or boots.

I thought this jean vest was so cute, especially the detail. But I do already own one the same denim color so couldn't get myself to purchase another one.

Did you receive a Stitch Fix box this month? What did you get?

Wanna get your own? Check it out here  

 

Make Up Expiration Dates

I'm definitely guilty of hoarding makeup.. even past it's expiration date. But to me, unless I run out of it, or decide to switch to something different, there is no need to toss it out.. right? Well it turns out you should switch up your make up and that most products do actually have expiration dates. Bacteria can grow on your mascara and then you touch it to your eyes.. EW. Check out some of the expiration dates I found for your everyday make up routine.

Some of these dates may vary depending on the climate you keep them in also.  Some liquids may dry up quicker if you keep them in a bag or drawer everyday.  So,how about a trip to Sephora soon :)

Monday- Again..

Oh Monday we meet again! You have such an ugly head and I hate that you sneak up on me every week. Why is it that every Sunday night I have every intention to wake up early on a good note.. yet I find myself hitting the snooze button one two many times (or five!)  

 Today, friends, I'm teaming up with some of my favorites to give you a chance to win some of the items that are on my fall favorites list. Maiedae prints will always be on my favorites list. These two prints, though, take the cake. I think the Live Each day with a Thankful Heart print will be perfect year round, but especially for this season of thanksgiving. The gold geometric stud earrings are callin' my name! As you may have heard, gold is my favorite color. These pretty things will go so perfectly with a plaid scarf. Dontcha think? 

There will be two winners in this giveaway. One lucky winner will receive two Maiedae prints, the gold geometric earrings, and a $25 Starbucks giftcard. The second winner will walk away with a $25 Etsy giftcard (perfect timing for the Fall Etsy Swap, am I right?). 

This giveaway is brought to you by:

Dearest Love + Rachel Rewritten + Ashley Maria + The Quiet Place + The Wetherills Say I Do

Elah Tree + The Lady Okie + Life with the Casterlines + A Beautiful Exchange

This giveaway is run via rafflecopter. All entries will be verified, so please play by the rules! The winner must claim their prize within 48 hours of being emailed, or a new winner will be chosen. I'm so sorry international friends, but this giveaway is only open to those living in the US. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What are some of your fall favorites?

September Sponsors Spotlight

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to some of my wonderful sponsors! They are sitting pretty on my sidebar this month, and I'm so happy to get to know them!

Check out Rebecca over at Renovating Rebecca! And those GIF's she mentioned are hilarious

Read her full post HERE

Don't forget to show her some love on Pinterest, Instagram & Bloglovin'

Leah has the cutest boutique with Chloe & Isabel with such trendy jewelry. Best part is that the prices are completely reasonable! Two of her favorite picks are the bead and chain multi wrap bracelet & the gilded reeds aventurine long pendant necklace (love them both also!) 

Show her some love on Twitter & Facebook too!

Melissa has the coziest scarfs in her shop! I purchased a bright, floral infinity scarf in the spring and literally wore it all the time! So has some great options for fall & winter such as my favorites, the black crocheted scarf with buttons  and the purple & tan paisley scarf. 

Don't forget to like her page on Facebook!

Fall Events in the Lehigh Valley Area

And just like that the weather is starting to get cooler and the nights are getting darker earlier. Fall is in the air. I do love a little crisp in the air along with all the colors that go along with the Harvest season.  There are so many events and festivals that are happening in the area too! Here are just some of events that I want to attend this season.

Full Listings for Events:

Bacon & Brews Bash

Victory Bluegrass Festival

Celtic Classic

Great Pumpkin Festival

Easton Garlic Festival

Oktoberfest 

Ghost Tour of Historic Downtown Bethlehem

Lehigh Valley Phantoms Game (brand new arena)

Are there any special events you are looking forward to attending in your home town?

Saturday Morning Coffee | Get Fit Giveaway!

Ladies! Today is a great day on the blog! I've teamed up with some other awesome bloggers to give you the opportunity to win some awesome fit gear! With summer coming to a close, and the temperatures starting to drop some of you (I hope not just me) are starting to divulge in the tailgating snacks, comfort foods, and beer.  With that comes the pounds and I want to try and keep them off as much as possible this fall & winter! With this giveaway you get the chance to win some gadgets to help you stay on the right track!

You can click on any blogger's picture above and it will take you straight to their blog! Neat, huh? Now for the giveaway details: Open to US participants only! Sorry international readers, but we still love you! Entries will be verified before winner is notified, so don't cheat! Winner will be notified by email after the giveaway closes, and will have 48 hours to respond. If no response is received, a new winner will be chosen, and so on and so forth. With that said, start entering! Good luck to all of you!

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Favorite Traditions | Blogtember Challenge

I'm sure like an family everyone has traditions. Some of mine include..waking up Christmas morning to the smell of cinnamon buns in the oven, feasting on the 7 fishes on Christmas Eve, receiving an Easter basket from my parents even at the age of 26 and so many more. But today as part of the blogtember challenge I thought I would share with you a tradition not from my blood family, but instead my sistas from another mista!! My sorority of course!

I attended Moravian College located in Bethlehem, PA .  Moravian is a liberal arts college with students from everywhere and anywhere. It is also a very small school, but for me coming from a high school with a mere 250 kids (from 7th-12th) this seemed huge to me! When I was a Freshman I already knew I wanted to join a sorority, just wasn't sure which one. After seeing some of my teammates on the cheer squad interacting with their sisters, I knew Tri-Sigma was it!

One of my FAVORITE rituals is homecoming. No matter where everyone lives, works, or travels too, as many of us come back to our roots for this one day. The day typically starts with a mimosa gathering at the Sigma house.  That is followed by a parade of all current sororities & frats show casing their decorated and themed float.  It ends at the football field where there is the annual Homecoming football game and huge tailgate. Sadly, I never get to participate in the tailgate due to cheerleading and now coaching, but I still love that all my friends come and visit my during the game and we all usually end at the bar next to the field. The day is never complete without a trip to the good ol' OBT (Old Brewery Tavern) only the best dive bar in town. And I use the world dive bar lightly. Seeing everyone and catching up makes the long day totally worth it. No matter where we left off we always pick up!

Ten Things I Like About Myself | Blogtember Challenge

I've been slacking on this whole everyday prompt from the Blogtember Challenge
Today's topic is to stop all the negativity and talk about 10 things you like about yourself.

1. My personality- I think I can get along with anyone!
2. My freckles- Even though growing up I hated them and used to try and scrub them off, they make me, me and give my face character
3. My ability to think I can do anything.-You need 100 invitations designed and made by tomorrow while I work 8 hrs a day then have practice til 9pm.. I CAN DO IT!
4. I am an animal lover- Oh there is a turtle crossing a 3 lane highway. Yes I will stop and pick him up.
5. My hair- Whether long or short.. I can pretty much do anything with it. Curls, Straight, Waves, Messy.
6. My eyes- Everyone I know has blue or hazel eyes. Mine however are green.
7. I'm a fast learner- If you teach me something once, I will pick up the hang of it in no time!
8. Style- I like to think I'm a pretty stylish person and there's nothing more flattering then imitation.
9. Learning to bake- My grandmother always used to have homemade baked goods when we came home from school and after a day swimming. I would love to do that for my future kids and have recently begun baking more. Now I find myself baking when I'm bored instead of shopping!
10. Good Person- I like to think I am a good person. When I see a person drop money I will give it back to them.  I try to do the right thing always, even if just to keep a good conscience.


ahh.. I'm not used to writing good things about myself and hope I didn't bore you all too much.

What's My Favorite Music | Blog-tember Challenge & a Giveaway!

I am definitely a Pandora junkie. I used to see on friend's Facebook status' they were listening to Spotify and the songs title's.  I remember downloading it.. and that's it? I didn't create any stations, I don't think I even opened it! I have a Pandora account. I even have some stations I listened to still on there from college! While at work it's always open on my desktop and even while I'm sitting on the beach.  Sometimes I switch it up and listen to iTunes Radio but they usually play the same selection of songs in the same order.  So what are some of my favorites? 

Now how about a giveaway??

i've teamed up with a group of seriously awesome women to offer one heck of a birthday giveaway to you all!  i've gotten the pleasure of getting to know these girls through their blogs and then also through the peony project, and i seriously love having such an awesome community to collaborate with!  please, please, please go check out their blogs, and then enter to win below!

heavens to betsy // a tiny traveler // arroway // sew what scarves

oak + oats // set free // ashley beaudin // rivers + roads

love the here and now // kent heartstrings // seeking individuality // goose egg blue

the ashley maria blog // suzie lou // the celebrating mama // keeping up with the haneys 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

the giveaway will end on september 19 at midnight and all entries will be verified, so please play fair!  good luck!

A Look Right Now and Then | Blog-tember Challenge

If you haven't already figured it out.. I was always a fashionable child. Well most of the time. So when I saw this prompt on the Blog-tember page I knew exactly what I wanted to write about!

CROP TOP!!

Do you remember wearing the crop top when you were younger? Well this was just one of the many I used to rock out! 

Now there are crop tops everywhere! I mean literally everywhere.. malls, concerts, parks, fine dining. Don't get me wrong, I like the crop top as much as the next person, however there is a time and place! I won't even get into that because this post will go on forever.. 

Some of my favorite tasteful crops are

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

So what are some looks that were fashionable back then.. and they are back again?