Favorite Party Apps!

Going to a New Year's Party tomorrow night?
Looking for a last minute appetizer or "dish to pass"?
I have collaborated and have 10 of my top favorite appetizer dishes here!
Some are my own recipes, some are my favorite Pins on Pinterest!
They ALL look super delicious! (and easy!!)
Enjoy!
And may the New Year find you well!

Taco Dip

Vegetable Pizza



Zesty Sausage Dip

Salami Roll Ups


Goat Cheese Bruschetta:
-Italian loaf of bread, sliced in thin slices
-package of goat cheese
-shredded parmesan cheese
-tomatoes, diced up
-red onion, diced up
-balsamic vinegar
-olive oil
-optional: balsamic drizzle

-Marinate diced/cut up tomatoes and red onion in balsamic vinegar (for an hour or just before, what you have time for). Heat oven to 375 degrees. Drizzle bread slices with olive oil and bake for a few minutes (until getting a little cripsy). Spread goat cheese on bread slices, top with tomatoes and onion mix, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and back until cheese melted some. Drizzle serving plate with balsamic drizzle, place bruschetta slices on plate and drizzle a little more balsamic over pieces. Enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Bites

Jalapeño Poppers


Crockpot Meatballs:
-Bag of Frozen Meatballs
-Can of Jellied Cranberries
-Bottle of Chili Sauce
-Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce

-Mix all together in a crockpot and cook on high for 3 hours.

Ramen Noodle Salad

Lastly, one that I have been dying to try... fried pickles!!!

Oven Friend Pickles

xoxo,
Ashley

Easy & Delicious Pot Roast

Easy & Delicious Pot Roast

A few weeks ago the snow was coming down in these big, beautiful snow flakes and the warmth inside my home made me crave some home made, mom-and-pop kind of cooking.

Ironically, ((enter))....  Pinterest (of course!). 

I found a recipe for a super easy but delicious-sounding pot roast and quickly bought the ingredients to make the next day. Boy, was I not disappointed. It was so juicy and tender and the flavor... O.M.G.

This is definitely a must try! And you know me, super easy week night meals are kind of my thang! ;)

Ingredients:

• shoulder roast
• approx. 10 redskin potatoes, rinsed
• carrots (approx. 1 small bag)
• small onion, chopped
• 1 package of Lipton Beef Onion dry soup mix
• 1 package of Pioneer Brown Gravy mix
• water

Make it!

• In a large crock pot, start with potatoes, then carrots, then meat, then seasonings. 
• Next, add water until all ingredients are covered.
• Cook on low for 10-12 hours. (I got a late start and did mine on high for approx. 6-8 and it still turned out yummy!)
• ENJOY!! I served ours with some cornbread muffins! My mouth is starting to water!

(recipe source)

The Link ups:

(Full Time Mama, Eat Drink & Be Mary, and Coping with Frugality)

 

(Martinis and Bikinis and Green Fashionista)

What is your favorite home cooking!?!?
Thanks for joining today!

xoxo

Broccoli Cheese Soup

I wish I had a picture to provide you of this wonderful, yummy, cheesy goodness but I whipped it up real quick for my husband and scurried off to work.
This soup is hearty and creamy and oh-so-delicious!!
Imagine... something like this....

(source: here)

It is perfect for these chilly nights we have been having and doesn't take long to make!

Definitely worth a shot!

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of fresh broccoli
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic (I used minced and always end up throwing in more, I LOVE garlic!)
• 2 cups of vegetable or chicken stock (I ended up using 3 cans)
• 1 cup shredded carrots (I bought the carrot matchsticks... easier!)
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 3 Tbsp. flour
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup gouda cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. basil
• salt & pepper to taste

** I love cheese so I definitely added more and added in some fresh shredded parmesan cheese as well. I also made a bigger batch so I ended up making a bigger roux with more butter and flour.  I also added in more stock to fully cover veggies when simmering.

What to do:

1. Chop onion and broccoli fairly small. Shred or chop carrots in to smaller bits. Mince garlic if not already done so.
2. Add veggies to a pot with your stock. Simmer for about 20 minutes, covered.
3. After the veggies have simmered, melt the butter and whisk in the flour in another pot. (Your roux!)
4. Add the roux to your veggie and stock mixture and stir really good.
5. Cook on low for another 5 minutes or so, or until the soup has thickened.
6. Remove from heat and add in the half and half and seasonings. Mix well.
7. Add in the cheeses and ENJOY!!!

(recipe source)

The Link ups:

(Full Time Mama, Eat Drink & Be Mary, and Coping with Frugality)

 

(Martinis and Bikinis and Green Fashionista)

Hope you have a great rest of your week!

Thanks for visiting!!!

xoxo

Guest Post!!!

• 2

Hi there! I'm excited to be a guest today over at Kristen's page Treat & Travel where I share with her readers Tyler & I's destination wedding. I can't believe this year is almost over and February is right around the corner marking our 2 year anniversary! Check out the post and the rest of Kristen's page: here.

xoxo

Ashley

Our World Boutique BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

Once the leftovers are wrapped up and the fine china is put away... 

my favorite part... the shopping begins!

But, don't be so quick to head for your coats and gloves... instead grab a blanket and some slippers!!

No need to head out in the cold and wait in long lines; you can shop this sweet deal right from your couch (stretchy pants and food coma style!)

I am super excited to announce that I have teamed up with Our World Boutique (OWB) and some amazing bloggers to host an amazing giveaway!!! They are giving away not one or two but THREE gift cards to their boutique! 

WAIT! It doesn't stop there! 

The giveaway isn't even the best part!

Check out all the Black Friday deals they are running:

• EVERYTHING on their site will be 30% off starting TODAY through Monday Dec. 1 at midnight!
• With every $30 purchase OWB you will receive a Tassel Fringe Pendant Necklace FREE!
• Starting today there will be a NEW Cyber Steal every day through Monday (similar to like a doorbuster!)
• AND, you can receive an additional 30% the cyber steals with discount code!
• Be sure to check out their Cyber Sale tab too for even more great items at great prices!
• Discount code: CYBER30

Now, what are you waiting for!?!?
Shop Our World Boutique


ENTER TO WIN ONE OF THREE GIFT CARDS 

($100, $75, and $50)
BELOW:

**Winner will be chosen on Tuesday the 2nd. Open internationally, you will just have to pay a shipping difference.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just want to say a HUGE thanks to ALL of you

for making this blogging experience so great!

Thankful today, tomorrow, and always!

Forever blessed!

xoxo

Our World Boutique Wish List!

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all types of shopping but there is something about receiving a package via snail mail that makes me just love online shopping!

Have you checked out Our World Boutique? 

They have some of the CUTEST accessories and latest trends in clothing at great prices!

I have several of their flower necklaces and I love them!

I have had my eye on this military jacket with faux leather sleeves and plaid scarf!

Seriously, their prices cannot be beat!

AND... good news!! They are having some seriously A-mazing Black Friday deals. 

Tomorrow their deals starts, so stay tuned for a post highlighting them and a giveaway announcement!!!

Hurry over and check out their site!

Shop Our World Boutique

You can always use the code: perfectlyscrubbed for 20% off your order and there is FREE shipping on all order of $25 or more!

Happy Shopping Fashionistas!

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!!

xoxo

Balsamic Chicken Bake

I have recently discovered a love for balsamic, so when I came across this recipe while scrolling through Pinterest one evening, I had to make it!
This bake has it all: veggies, chicken, cheese, and balsamic flavor!
Best part: simple and easy! You know me, I love quick weeknight meals that do not involve a whole lot extra.


Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tsp. balsamic vingear
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (I bought a small can in the veggie aisle)
• 1 package cherry tomatoes (sliced up)
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• handful of mozzarella and handful of parmesan (or to taste)

Make it:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Brown the chicken in a pan.
• In a blender, mix garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and water and pulse until pureed.
• Place the browned chicken in a casserole dish and top with garlic and balsamic mixture, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes.
• Bake about 20-25 minutes until chicken cooked throughly and dish is heated through. Top with cheese and bake for another 5 minutes or until melted (and brown if you'd like!)
• Eat with rice and a salad on the side!!

**one thing I may try different next time is I may just try drizzling with balsamic dressing and season with garlic and top with veggies and see how that turns out... one less step! 

Recipe source.

The Link ups:

(Full Time Mama, Eat Drink & Be Mary, and Coping with Frugality)

 

(Martinis and Bikinis and Green Fashionista)

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today! 

Hope you have a great week!!!

xoxo

Leopard Cardi Style

Ahh... my love of leopard! Sometimes I am not sure which is more out of control... my love for all things leopard or my obsession with stripes. My lust for leopard grows deeper though with this PERFECT cardigan! It is great for layering and leopard really is a neutral so it goes with basically everything; chambray, plaid, gingham, stripes, basics.... you name it! Where can you grab your own!?!? The one and only Target of course. #targetdoesitagain

Don't be afraid to play around with different patterns and colors or throwing in some accessories to spice things up. This cardigan has become super popular on Instagram and even had it's very own day: #leopardcardiday. Check out the hashtag on IG for more inspiration on ways to wear this adorable little guy. 

Now, go get yours today at your local Target or online here
(does run slightly big)



Thanks for stopping by today!
Something you would like to see on the blog? Or questions you have?
Let me know!

xoxo

Buffalo Chicken Flatbread

I love pretty much anything buffalo chicken... add some yummy bread and it is a match made in heaven!

This was so delicious that I didn't want it to end. 

What you will need:

-flat bread from local grocery store or bakery

(I found mine at Meijer's and it was garlic, focaccia, and cheese!)

-shredded chicken, approx. 2-3 cups

(I just bought a rotisserie chicken and shredded that up

-1 cup of diced celery

-1/2 bottle (or to your liking) Red Hot Buffalo Sauce

-1/4 cup Ranch dressing

-1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese

Make it:

-Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

-Mix together in a bowl chicken, celery, Red Hot, and ranch.

-Spread on to flat bread.

-Sprinkle top with Mozzarella cheese.

-Bake in oven approx. 10 mins or until warmed and cheese melted.

-Enjoy!!!

Weekly recipe link ups!!

(Full Time Mama, Eat Drink & Be Mary, and Coping with Frugality)

  

(Martinis and Bikinis and Green Fashionista)

Enjoy something delicious this week!

xoxo

Through the Lens: October 2014

Through the Lens: Here is a re-cap of October 2014 in pictures!

1\\ The month was kicked off with a girls trip to Nashville!

2\\ It was so much fun!! Lots of cowboy boots, country music, dancing, and drinks!

3\\ We visited the famous Loveless Cafe in Nashville.

4\\ My husband had a birthday and I planned a surprise day for him of arcade games, massages, and dinner! Most importantly, nothing to do with school!

5\\ Fall Harvest Party with some lovely friends

6\\ Enjoyed some lazy afternoons snuggling with the pups

7\\ Took in some Fall beauty at the park down the road

8\\ Fall is my favorite season and I love Fall fashion!

9\\ Wore my cape to work Halloween night because all nursing staff really are superheroes!!!

Linking up today with Kristen from Treats & Travels and you should too!

Thanks so much for inviting me, I loved doing it and can't wait to do a November one too!! 

I also loved your set up on your page and hope you don't mind, I followed suit!

Have a great one ladies!

xoxo