Most Comfortable Sweater

With all the Christmas shopping I've been doing I couldn't help but pick up a few things for myself! Especially since most stores put out their resort and spring collections in a few short weeks. I went to Cotton On to pick a few accessories for friends when I saw this beauty! I have been looking for a good poncho with not too big of armholes that didn't look to frumpy. Well this my friends is the most comfortable thing I have worn in a longgg time.

Sweater (sold out online)

Denim

Boots

Last Minute Gifts

Oh Christmas Eve how you sneak up so quickly on us all! Hopefully you have gotten all your gifts but if not here are some last minute options for you to pick up today just in the nick of time!

Mani/ Pedi at Local Salon

Gift Card to Favorite Online Shop

Favorite TV Disk Set

Hair Services at Local Salon

As a special bonus to my readers.. Boutique Sui Numeris is offering 30% off your purchase with code ashleymaria8001.  You can get one of their gift cards ranging from $25-$100 on their website! So many cute options for New Years Eve dresses and be sure to check out their selection of wedding gowns!! 

Cream of Mushroom & Chicken Pasta

I found a recipe I wanted to try while browsing Pinterest a few days ago. Well dummy me never pinned it and can't find it to go back and get the actual recipe for it! So what to do when this happens.. improvise of course! Today I'm sharing with you a recipe that is very easy to make. You can surely whip this up after a long day of work!

Ingredients:

2 Boneless chicken breast

1 box pasta of choice (you will see I combined rigatoni & farfalla)

1 Can cream of Mushroom soup

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 Cup broccoli

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Cook chicken in large skillet on stove top. I seasoned mine with a little garlic, salt & pepper first, but that's totally optional.  Cook pasta according to box. Heat broccoli according to package (either microwave or stove top).  In small pot heat cream of mushroom soup on low. When starts bubbling add chicken broth and keep stirring. When chicken is cooked cut into small pieces.  Add all ingredients into skillet and heat on low. Add shredded cheese and mix until all blended together. Enjoy

Frosty Vox Box by Influenster

I am so excited to share with you all today my very first Influenster box I received! The day I received my box I opened it up not really knowing what to expect since I never received one before. I was pleasantly surprised with the items in the box. Mainly the large round hair brush since it took up most of the box! I wanted to immediately try each product and see what all the buzz was about.

Eco Tools Full Volume Hair Brush | This was great for my thick, naturally curly hair. It actually sped up the drying process of my hair due to the holes in the core of the brush. 

NYC Color Expert Lipstick | I was pleasantly surprised with how long this lipstick stayed on and there are a lot of shades to choose from.

McCormick Thyme | This was a full bottle. I made a pork chops with it and it added the perfect flavor!

No 7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Aging | Even though I don't (well hope) use anti aging creams yet, I tried this and it went on really smooth. I may use this daily in a few years.

Fruit Vines | I love CANDY! The smaller the pieces are the better- it makes them last longer! I'm a huge fan of Twizzlers pieces and this may give them a run for their money!

Rimmel Scandal Eyes | This eye liner is water proof and smudge proof, which is great for going from day to night with the same makeup!

Celestial Candy Cane Lane Tea | This was so good. I'm not usually a big fan of tea except when sick, but this reminded of my favorite winter drink, peppermint mocha; and was so tasty.

Rimmel Eye Make up Remover | I never really used remover in a bottle before, but this was very gentle and did take all my mascara and eye make up off with just one swipe!

If you want to get your own Influenster box check it out here!

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."

Easy Pork Chops with Sherry Cream Sauce

Want an easy dinner that makes you look like a great chef? Well then I've got the recipe for you!

Ingredients:

Two boneless pork chops
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp onions

1 Cup half & half 

1 tbsp rosemary

1 tbsp oregano

1 tbsp thyme

1 tbsp 

1/4 cup dry sherry
1 tsp flour

Directions:

Start by seasoning pork chops with salt and pepper and I used a little garlic salt too. Use 1 tbsp butter in large frying pan on medium hear and add chops. Fry until brown on both sides. Remove pork and put aside. Add remaining butter and with onions and saute for about 1 minute on low heat.  Remove pan from heat and add sherry. Place pan back on medium heat and add all herbs. Keep mixing until starts to bubble. To thicken sauce add flour as needed. Turn stove to low/ simmer heat. Put chops back into pan and let soak for about 2 min on low heat and rotate and repeat. Serve extra sauce with chops. Pairs well with mashed potatoes!

I was so happy my Influenster vobox arrived just in time for this recipe! I was able to use my #McCormickGourmet Thyme and it made so tasty!

I received this products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Tailgating Fashion

I love a good tailgate. Actually I may like the tailgate more then the actual game! It's your time to spend with friends, make new friends, and even some rivals! I am a Philadelphia Eagles fan, naturally, since I am from PA. However, my boyfriend is a hardcore San Diego Chargers fan and just in the past year we have been to two games- one in San Diego & the other in Baltimore. Even though the Eagles are team, if you asked my favorite player without a doubt I would say Danny Woodhead! He was an underdog at only 5'9 is so fun to watch on the field. However, I am cursed and every player I purchase a jersey for either gets hurt, traded or leaves the team. Annddd wouldn't you know that one of the first games he got a season ending injury. Yeah- I get a lot of flack for that, trust me.

But anyway back to the tailgating.. what are some essentials that you always bring with you? What do you wear? I prefer to layer when I go to games. Typically the sun may be out when the day starts, but start to set towards the end. How about a purse? Stadiums don't allow purses bigger then 4.5 x 6.5" in the unless they are a certain size or clear and lord knows I do not want to check my purse with all those people waiting in line after the game! Well today I'm gonna show you some of my tailgating finds I love to bring with me!  I love to start with wearing my favorite NFL team jersey and there are so many options for kids, adults and even women's cut!

Jersey

Bracelet
Thermal

Wristlet
Vest
Boots

Stadium Cup

So what are some things you enjoy while tailgating at your favorite sporting events. 

Cleaning Your Closet

I'm sure we all have this problem.. you look into your closet (that is filled) and you have nothing to wear. Am I right or am I right?  It's a constant struggle with me. Either I don't like how it looks, it's not the outfit I was looking for, or I'm just do tired of looking at my clothes. Yet I keep buying new ones, even though there are more then a handful (if not two hands) that have tags still on them! 

With the holidays in full swing, I have been trying to keep my clutter to a minimum and my life a little more organized. I figured the best way to do so is start with my closet since it is the first thing I do to start the day. I decided to clean out my unwanted stuff and with that choice was happy to donate 6 bags of shoes, sweaters, pants and accessories to Good Will Bethlehem. I am hoping someone else will get good use out of my things that have been sitting in my closet collecting dust!

It was hard to let go to some things- and I swear I'm not a hoarder, just thinking well maybe I may wear this one day.. but after much thought I took the plunge and made my giveaway piles.

Have you worn the item in a year?

If it is a change of season, think back how often did you wear this piece last year? Did you wear it at all? If you have not worn it in a year or more then chances you wearing it this season are slim to none. 

Do you feel comfortable wearing it?

Maybe it was an item you loved last year.. think short shorts, skimpy sun dress or fitted sweater. You now have matured and started wearing baggy clothes and don't feel comfortable wearing those items anymore. I speak from experience and this is pretty much how I got rid of so many clothes! Your body changes as you get older and with that comes your self confidence too. I prefer a baggy sweater and leggings instead of skinny jeans and tight blouse. But find what you style is and go with it.

Does it fit or have stains?

This rule goes hand and hand with the above. If you don't feel comfortable with the way it fits then chances are you won't be wearing it - EVER. Maybe it was a t-shirt you wore the entire season last year, but at the last holiday party you spilled wine and it never came out even after washing it. Put these pieces in a THROW pile and get rid of immediately. 

Is it in style still?

That cat sweater might have been all the rage last season, but would you be caught wearing it again this year? If you answered no, then it's time for it to go!

Fella's Gift Guide

What to get the guy that has everything.. Story of my life every year. I started to make a list of things that Joe would like but most likely not purchase for himself.  Maybe this will help you with that difficult person in your life also!

Fitbit

NFL Apparel

Bottle Crate holder

Art of Shaving

Watch

Hostess Gift Guide

So you've been invited to your first holiday party of the season.  You know you should bring something, but you are on a tight budget already and have no idea what to get! You can't go wrong with a bottle of wine, craft beer, or box of chocolates. If you really wanna get fancy pair one of those something on my list!

Towel

Beer Flight

Wine Topper

Table Scatter

Napkins

Cheese Board