New Years Cruise -- Isla Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel

Hey y'all! Before we rung in 2014, I posted that Hubby and I were going on a New Year's Cruise! (If you missed that post, click here!) 

We had the best time aboard the Carnival Magic Cruise Ship!  Our ports of call were Isla Roatan, Belize City, and Cozumel. 

On Isla Roatan we went zip lining in the jungle canopy. The zips were longer and faster than I had done before (in America -- where, ya know, we have lots of safety codes and regulations!). We also went to a lovely beach and frolicked in the warm, clear, Caribbean Sea. We bought coconut water from a bench vendor, and drank the coconut water straight from the green, baby coconuts. 

 In Cozumel we rode ATV's through the jungle! My hubby told our guide that we were experienced riders (watch out for lightening with that statement). We rode so fast through the mud and puddles, over rocks, all while weaving in and out of trees. (Speaking of which, I did hit a tree -- no injuries -- but it was scary because my ATV started smoking!) We cooled (and cleaned ourselves) in the ocean. We ate the best fajitas I've ever had at a beach grill. 

 

In Belize, we took a tour of the River Wallace and the Mayan Ruins at Altun Ha. On the river boat tour we saw dolphins, manatees, iguanas, howler monkeys, and crocodiles. I have never been to a more wild and jungle type place in my entire life. It was beautiful, green, and the people were so incredibly nice. 

We can't wait to plan our next cruise! :)

XOXO
Meg
 

Cats Playing Patty-Cake

Oh my goodness! Kir told me to Google "Cats Playing Patty-Cake" a few days ago. I almost cried -- it is too funny! And if you like cats as much as we do, you'll probably think it is equally as hysterical. Here's to a good afternoon chuckle!

 

Pink Dressing

My hubby's family introduced this wonderful dressing to me and now I can't eat any type of Mexican food without it!!! It is pink dressing! It is so good on Tacos, Fajitas, Quesadillas, Enchiladas, and I even like it on salads. It is creamy and sweet and not your normal spicy Mexican condiment.  It is simple to make and will take you back to your favorite Mexican restaurant, right in your home.

Pink Dressing
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or if you want to make it a bit healthier, you can sub 1/4 mayo and 1/4 plain yogurt)
garlic powder, salt and pepper (to taste)

Mix all ingredients, refrigerate and dress it up!

This sweet tangy mild option will spice up any Mexican food without the heat.

Enjoy!
Kir

Comfy Travel Attire

I love traveling -- in fact, Hubby and I are headed to Santa Barbara for my birthday next week! One thing that is a must for all plane rides is a comfy outfit! I love wearing yoga pants and a cozy sweatshirt. I usually try to wear a pair of shoes that would ordinarily take up a lot of room in my bag; either tennis shoes or boots. The outfit below is similar to something I will probably be wearing on my flight next week. Later this week I'll be posting some of my favorite carry on essentials! :) 

Comfy Travel Attire by megs2687 featuring Betsey Johnson

Olympic Spirit! Go USA!

Winter Games start February 6th! How exciting is that -- the 6th is also my birthday, but more about that later! Can anyone say "ice skating!!"? CAN NOT wait!

Ralph Lauren designed the opening ceremony outfits for Team USA! The look was unveiled yesterday and is -- in my opinion -- simply stunning and about as All American as it comes! To read the Los Angeles Times article about the big unveiling click here!

 

 The cardigan, which is currently no longer available according to the Ralph Lauren Website, was for sale to the public for about $500.00. (Mom -- if you're reading this -- knit me one as close to humanly possible ASAP, please!)

If you didn't snatch one up yesterday -- or if $500 is waaaaay too expensive for your budget (um... my husband would freak out!) -- here are some fabulous finds from Etsy to ignite your USA Team Spirit! 

 Red, White & Blue Tote

 Stars & Stripes Studs

Vintage Americana Cowboy Boots

American Flag Infinity Scarf

How great are these items? I'm obsessed with the boots and totally wish I could justify the purchase! If I ever run for a political office I will NEED those! So fun!

Are any of y'all planning on watching any part of the Winter Games? Any sport in particular? 

XOXO

Meg  

 

Let's Be BOLD

I recently took youth kids from our church to Winter Camp. It was such an amazing weekend spent with believers and kids learning more about God. The theme for camp was Bold. The speaker discussed how to be a disciple and not just a christian living in our little bubble, but going out and being bold for Christ; praying boldly, speaking boldly, and living boldly.

One thing that really stuck with me was, as a leader, I am asking my kids to be Bold, at school, with their friends, or even at work. But, how often am I being bold with my prayer, being a disciple and stepping out for Christ. It was a huge turning point for me and God just really spoke to me during this whole weekend to take a look at myself and what I am doing for Him. 

I challenge you to step up and be Bold for Christ. Whether it be inviting a friend to church, praying more boldly or showing God's love through your actions. 

Deuteronomy 31:6

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the  Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you."

Be Bold Today!
-Kir

Casual Friday Fashion

If I don't have clients or court I can wear jeans on Friday, but I always have a tough time creating a cute outfit. I was fumbling around on Polyvore last night and created this little number! Comfy chambray button down, paired with black skinny jeans, black heels, and polished accessories -- the perfect causal Friday look! What do y'all wear on Fridays?

Casual Friday at the Office #2 by megs2687 featuring MICHAEL Michael Kors

Casual Valentine's Day Date Outfit

Got casual Valentine's Day plans? This outfit is both comfy and stylish! And if anyone talks to my hubby... I have my eye on that Kate Spade bracelet!

Casual Valentine's Day Outfit by megs2687 featuring kate spade jewelry

Valentine's Day DIY Centerpiece

Valentine's Day is one of my all time favorite holidays! Maybe it is because it is the only holiday (besides my birthday) where everything can be shades of pink! Light pink, hot pink, magenta, fuchsia! Pink! Pink! Pink! Or maybe it is because of  truffles, heart shaped cookies, chocolate covered cherries.... yum! Or maybe it is because of the romance, love poems, and -- oh who am I kidding -- it's the pink and the chocolates!

Anyway, I decided to get a jump start with my Valentine's Day decorations because I totally sucked at life with my Christmas decor. (The tree went up on the 12th and we left on the 22nd for Hubby's parents house... and I equally sucked at life with taking down the tree... is January 10th inappropriate?) 

I decided to create a centerpiece for my entryway table using a very inexpensive filler - Conversations Hearts! :)

I used a giant glass vase and placed an old tin candle at the bottom of it and placed the candle I'm planning on burning on top of that. I did so I didn't have to buy as many bags of candy. 

 I bought three 8 ounce bags of Conversation Hearts and filled up the vase! It turned out so cute and adds a festive note to my apartment! Okay okay -- I did eat a few hearts in the process! Call me! Luv me! U R Cute!

 Anyone else decorating for Valentine's Day? I'd love to hear from ya! 

XOXO
Meg

Easy Chicken Piccata

For one of my New Years Resolution I decided that I would work on being more creative and challenge my cooking. During my days at home, while cleaning the house or doing laundry, I usually have Food Network on. One of my favorite shows is the Barefoot Contessa. I love how fancy her food is and yet very simplistic. On one particular show I was watching this past week she made Chicken Piccata that looked easy to make and I had all the ingredients already on hand (yeah me!).

It turned out perfect and had a sauce which my husband loved!!! What a simple meal that will leave your family guessing why you aren't a five star chef...okay maybe not, but my hubby was proud of me :)

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (split in half) and pounded thin
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 Flour (possibly more depending on size of chicken)
1 egg
1/2 Tablespoon water
3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs (possibly more)
Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons butter, divided
Juice from one lemon, lemon halves reserved
1/2 cup chicken broth
Sliced lemon, for serving


Preheat oven to 400. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sprinkle pounded chicken with salt and pepper.

On one plate, mix flour, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. In a bowl, beat egg and mix in 1/2 Tablespoon water. On another plate spread out your bread crumbs. 

Dip chicken into flour mixture and then in the egg mixture and next into the breadcrumbs. Repeating with all chicken breasts. 

Heat 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large saute pan. Once heated, cook chicken (about 2 minutes on each side).
After chicken is cooked, place on baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce. 

To prepare the sauce, wipe out with a dry paper towel. Heat 1 Tablespoon of butter over medium heat, adding in lemon juice, reserved lemon halves, broth, and 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Boil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter until combined. Discard lemon halves. Serve a small amount over each chicken breast on the dinner plate. 

*I added a bit of cornstarch to my sauce, because my husband likes sauces not so runny. Up to you!!

I served the chicken with some roasted zuchini and carrots and some homemade Rice-a-Roni (post to come).

You can find this original recipe at http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/chicken-piccata-recipe/index.html.

Enjoy!
Kir