Weekend ReCap 1.27-29

I love going into a weekend not knowing what to expect. It makes the events that occur more exciting because they are spontaneous. And sometimes it is more fun not to plan anything than to have a jam packed weekend.

On Friday night I became a little obsessed with Vampire Diaries...I know..but I couldn't stop watching. Nikki and I got some Chinese food and the night was completed...perfectly relaxing.

On Saturday, my friend Ashley invited me to go to Beer Dabbler, a festival at the St. Paul Winter Carnival that serves over 200 kinds of beer. It was really fun! We tried so many different types--the glasses were the size of a shot glass! And we got to play the hammer game where you pound a nail into a log cut out. It sounds weird but it is a really fun game when tipsy! I wish I had taken a few pictures but it was outdoors and freezing so I wasn't taking my mittens off.

Sunday I went home and did some laundry. I helped my mother make some Twice Backed Potato Casserole. Yummy! It is from a super old cookbook..the recipe is below.

 Betty Crocker--Classic

 The Baked Potatoes

 Whisking them up

Yummy Cheesy Potatoes

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

1. Scrub 4 medium potatoes and prick with fork.

2. Cook in 375 degree oven for 1.5 hours.

3. Increase temp to 400 degrees.

4. Cut thin, lengthwise slices and scoop out the inside of potatoes into a mixing bowl.

5. Mix for 2 minutes or until no lumps.

6. Add 3/4 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/4 cup butter/margarine.

7. Beat with whisk for 3 minutes.

8. Fill Casserole dish.

9. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.

10. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Delicious and according this article, healthier than regular mashed potatoes.

Let me know if you try the recipe..enjoy!

XO

Kirsten

Happy Friday!

Made it through another week! And its the end of the month--can you believe that we are almost into month 2 of 2012? I feel like I am making progress on some of my goals for this year.

First of all, I started my blog which took a lot of time and research-- I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to write about or what I wanted to do with my blog. But needless to say, I am extremely happy that I have started it and am working on new posts!

Another goal of mine is to spend less money on food. I have made an effort to make my own food if I am not going out with other people. I didn't want to lose the social aspect of going out to eat, but I have completely stopped grabbing Chipotle and Leeann Chin here and there.

The biggest change I have made is going to the gym. A lot. I am completely obsessed with working out these days--I have the class schedule in my office, at home, and on my phone. I love going to dance classes!

Finally, another change I made is making smoothies--I love them! I love creating new ones with different berry combinations, including spinach, yogurt, or my new creation--chocolate mocha. I will definitely do a post with some of my favorite concoctions.

Well since I have shared some of my goals and the progress I have made, here is a quote/picture that I find truly inspiring as it relates to many of the goals I have set for myself this year.

image via Pinterest

Well, now I just have to figure out what my weekend plans are--any thoughts on movies to rent or places to try out?

XO
Kirsten

Thinking About Valentine's Day

I really love all holidays. I love any chance to celebrate anything, big or little. When I realized that there were a ton of pins on Pinterest about Valentine's Day going around, I wanted to make a list of ideas I want to try out for this years holiday.

 Chocolate Heart Peanut Butter Cookies recipe here

 Paper Heart Wrappings--I want to make these for my friends and mail them with a little note or bracelet...if you read this, act surprised when you get it! how to make here

 Valentine sprinkle pretzels--dip pretzels in melted almond bark and sprinkle on your choice of festive sprinkles

 Two Tone Cup Cakes--I would make chocolate cupcake mix and strawberry cupcake mix and top with vanilla icing

Heart Candle Votives how to here

I'm thinking this weekend will be a good time to make my valentines and the candle votives. Spreading out Valentines Day over a few weekends to get the maximum holiday feeling :)

What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

XO
Kirsten

(all images via pinterest)

Taco Appetizer

Tomorrow we are having a pot luck for February Birthdays at the company. I am bringing my mom's Taco Appetizer that is always a hit at family functions. It is my first time making it so I am hoping it turns out good!

 All the ingredients

 Mixing the taco seasoning, sour cream, and cream cheese

 Spread the cream mixture in the 9x13 and adding the shredded lettuce

 Dicing a fresh tomato

Topping it off with the diced tomato, sliced olives, and cheese

I can't wait to try it out tomorrow during the pot luck! It looks just as good as the one my mom makes.

Here is the recipe:

1 envelope taco seasoning

1 (8 oz) container of sour cream

1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened

1 medium tomato, diced

1 small can sliced black olives

1/2 head shredded lettuce (I used a bag of shredded lettuce)

2-3 cups fancy shredded mile cheddar cheese (I used Mexican 4 cheese  blend)

1 bag tortilla chips (Scoops work out best)

Mix taco seasoning and sour cream in medium bowl

Use hand mixer to add cream cheese and mix until well blended

Spread in 9x13 pan

Layer lettuce, tomato, and black olives

Sprinkle cheese on top

Chill overnight

I also did a quick calorie count (I made sure to use all low fat and light versions) and it turns out there are 130 calories in one serving. A serving size is 1/24 of the pan (4-5 chippers). 

Well let me know if you try this recipe out!

XO

Kirsten

Falling for Fur

I forgot to mention my little purchase that I made this past weekend in Sioux Falls. Bopping around the mall, looking at sales, I found this great fur scarf that I instantly fell in love with. I wasn't sure how I was supposed to wear it, considering it looked a little bulky at first. After playing around with it for a few days, I wore it to work today. It was the perfect accent for this plain shirt and kept me warm all day long!

After work and my favorite Zumba class, I went out to Chatterbox and played games and had dinner. Here is the fur scarf!

 Playing classic Scrabble, however, I like to make up my own words (does tweedles and ting count?)

 Super yummy cheeseburger with 2 barbeque sauces. Love.

Well, so much for running errands tonight! Playing games and drinking wine was way more fun!

Things to think about:
1. Going to Target to use all the coupons I printed.
2. Hitting up Home Depot to buy some cream and gold paint for my nightstand/table.
3. Do I want to do "The Mixx" or "Hip Hop" tomorrow at LTF? Or both?

XO
Kirsten

Winter Wonderland

Finally! We had our first big snow in Minnesota this morning. Okay I guess it wasn't that big considering we were getting 10+ inches at a time last year, however, there was snow and that makes me happy.

Now with all this snow I couldn't help but think of things I love about winter.

1. Wearing scarves with every outfit. This one is a classic for MN girls.


2. Wearing UGG Boots outside, and then changing in the office. No walking in heels on cobblestone, only on the carpeted office floor. I love the button on these ones.

3. Colorful sweaters. I'm obsessed with adding a pop of color with a bright cardigan.

Other thoughts on this Mediocre Monday:

-How am I going to be frugal in February

-I'm excited for Dance Jam tonight at Lifetime

-How do I want to paint my new nightstand/table

Have a great Monday!!

Kirsten