Plated

I'm still working on getting everything up and running after my laptop crashed and I lost all my photos/layouts for this blog! But, hang in there with me. 

So this week I ordered a trial from Plated! I've been wanting to try a home delivery of this sort, they send all the ingredients (you just need to have some basics on hand, like olive oil and salt) and you cook up a chef created, restaurant inspired meal. I love that Plated uses sustainably sourced seafood and quality meats.

So you set your ship date, either Wednesday or Saturday, and they send an insulated box with everything you need. 

We received two meals with two servings per meal. The recipes I choose were: red fish with harissa (a spicy African hot sauce), kale chips and creamy polenta and (this one is my favorite!) Chicken with butternut squash panzanella salad. We loved both recipes, they both were something we never would have made at home. It felt like we were eating out (something we love to do but might now have the funds for...)!

 The ingredients came prepackaged and labeled, it was super easy to follow the recipe.

The fish was so. Good. I am not usually a fan of fish but when prepared like this (in a butter rosemary sauce...) I loved it!

Have you tried Plated or another at home cooking service? What is your favorite recipe?

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Having some technical difficulties!

It's All Good

My Instagram from dinner tonight. Follow me @abbeythegreat

Tonight we tried a recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow cookbook It's All Good. Over the weekend I made my Korean Pork Tacos for C's birthday and we've been on an Asian kick. The Thai chicken burgers ended up being really, really good. 

We also made a couple changes. I used some coconut milk in the ground chicken and it made the burgers extra juicy and flavorful. I highly suggest it. I also added scallions and a pinch of curry powder. Below is the original recipe:

Serves: 4

Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
2 garlic cloves, very finely minced
2/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
2 shallots, very finely minced
1 teaspoon very finely minced red chili (or more or less, however hot you like it)
2 teaspoons fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola, grapeseed, or safflower oil)

Directions:
1. Thoroughly mix chicken with garlic, cilantro, shallots, red chili, fish sauce, salt, and pepper. Form mixture into 4 burgers, each about 3/4-inch thick.
2. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Rub each burger on both sides with a bit of oil and grill for about 8 minutes on the first side and another 5 minutes on the second, or until nicely marked and firm to the touch.

How I wear my Banana Leaf Joggers

In my last post I showed some of my favorite pieces with the palm leaf print that is such a craze this summer. When I ordered the Banana Leaf Joggers from Dorothy Perkins I didn't quite realize what the 'jogger' style was. I thought they would be more fitted like a fitted work pant, but they ended up being more of a harem style pant, loose and breezy. I honestly didn't think they would do anything for my bottom half, but I was wrong. The loose legs make my thighs look great and the wide waistband accentuates my small waist. For those who may be apprehensive about the style of pants, here's how I war them most often:

Hat - Target Pants - Dorothy Perkins Shirt - JCrew Factory (On sale!!) Bracelet - JCrew

How would you style the 'jogger' style pants?

Palm Leaf Print

One of the biggest summer trends this season is the palm leaf print. It's taken over my Instagram feed and I love it! The print just screams summer. Here are a few of my favorite palm leaf print pieces.

1. Banana Leaf Joggers from Dorothy Perkins

I bought these a few weeks ago and I LOVE them. They are the perfect pants for summer. Light and breezy, I love them with a pair of sandals and a fitted tee.

2. Palm Leaf Bikini from Target

Gosh is Target always on point. This suit is perfect for mixing and matching with other pieces, and it's great all put together. Throw on a floppy hat and you're beach ready!

3. Worthington Pleated-Front Skirt from JCPenny

I never, ever, shop at JCPenny but I saw this skirt on another blogger on Instagram and I fell in love. The colors in the photo on Instagram look a lot more of a bright green than the photo on the website does. Best part of this skirt is it's on clearance for under $20! Pair it with a black tee and a denim jacket or a chambray shirt and you're all set!

4. Palm Leaf print Business Cards from The Atelier

This print is so chic. I would always remember the girl who gave me the chic palm print business card at a function. Melissa of the Atelier is so talented. Also check out her blog! 

5. Leaf Print Strappy Back Beach Dress from ASOS

The perfect summer dress, weather you're on the beach or walking around town, this dress is very on trend.

Ob.Sessed.

I'm traveling to Michigan this weekend for a friends wedding, so I will leave you with this delightful shoe eye candy...

Meet the Jack Rogers Contessa 

I'm in love.

The Homesickness is Real.

The theme of my life lately has been homesick.

Some days I come home and just cry for a bit thinking of how much I miss my friends and family in Northville. Moving away from home and being in a new (big!) city isn't all it's cracked up to be. I tend to have this twisted knot feeling in my stomach when I think of home, which is pretty much daily. I've had to come up with some coping mechanisms for those times I get so upset I can barely breathe.

1. Yoga
My savior has been the Bikram Yoga studio that is just down the street from me. I brought a Groupon package from them several months back and I am addicted. It's one of the few places I can go and turn off my mind, I go in and just sweat it out. Even if I can't make it all the way throgh the poses, I can lay down in the heat and just relax without thinking about anything. I'm not sad, not happy, just content in the moment.

2. I like to wear something that reminds me of home
Weather it's my peplum domino and dice printed shirt I bought with my friend Amanda at a boutique in Detroit (if you're ever there, check out the Peacock Room across from the DIA. It's incredible!), or a simple State Traditions hat, I can have something on my body that reminds me of home. 

3. Pamper yourself!
My favorite thing to do when I am upset is to sit back and take a break from everything. Paint my nails, soak my feet. Lately I've been loving this charcoal polishing mask from Freeman. I use it both as a mask before my shower and as a scrub in he shower, it leaves my skin glowing!

4. Read
With the warm weather knocking on our doorstep I have been loving sitting on the porch with a cold drink and a good book. Nothing takes my mind away from the present like a good book. Lately I've read, A House in the Sky and Between Shades of Grey. Both are excellent books.

How do you deal with homesickness?

Turkish Towels

Last weekend we went to Eastern Market for my birthday brunch. While walking around the market I came across a Turkish towels booth. I've seen these towels around before and I have been drawn to their pretty colors, stripes, and they just look so soft. Apparently they soak up water faster than a terrycloth towel. And they're not just for drying off after a shower. There are scarves, shawls, and blankets too. I'm thinking of getting a couple for the apartment. Does anyone have one of these beauties?

Loomed NOLA All Star Scarf

Peshtamel House

Another 5K under my belt!

 On March 15th I did yet another 5K, and at a record time for me. My running has been slowly improving, and I'm starting to love it, rather than it feeling like a chore. My friend Allyson did the Rock n Roll Marathon in New Orleans and I was supposed to do the half, but I wasn't quite there yet. So I decided to sign up for the Rock n Roll USA 5K. I love the Rock n Roll series, they have great medals and live bands every mile along the course!

 At the Capitol South Metro station the morning of the race.

I bought an expandable running belt from Hippie Runner and it was the best purchase! It fits my phone, band aids, chapstick, and it has loops to keep your Gu packs in for easy access. It doesn't bounce around at all and it actually kept my shirt from riding up while I ran. I highly suggest one!

Finished and feeling good! Ready to run a half!

Crazy week!

Hi all! I've been away for far too long! Two weeks ago today my grandmother died, she was in pain and I am in peace knowing she is in a better place now. So I had to fly home unexpectedly on Thursday. I was supposed to fly home the next Thursday for a wedding so I just decided to stay for the week. It was so good to be home, but my routine that I love so much was thrown out the window. My anxiety was hitting me full force and my stress level had skyrocketed. It was hard to stay on top of the schoolwork I had to do for my online classes. I did manage to have a really good week though, I connected with some old friends, saw a lot of people, took a shift at my old job, and went to a good friends wedding.

 

Sunday morning my half brother and I went to see Divergent. I LOVED it. I absolutely love the books and the movie was such a great adaptation. I honestly think it's a better series than the Hunger Games. The main character is so brave, it's actually really inspiring. Go see it and tell me what you thought! The soundtrack is also worth checking out.

I wore this Anthropologie Vernalis Maxi Dress to my friend Laura's beautiful wedding this past Saturday. I paired it with a scalloped bolero jacket from Target a few years ago because it's Michigan in March, AKA still cold!

The Look for Less

Let's be honest, I love Jack Rogers. Their quality is great and their marketing is on par. 

But... I can't always spend over $100 on a pair of sandals when I can only wear them 

several months out of the year. Enter: Hot Cakes. 

This shoe company has a look-a-like version that is spot on. 

Check it out:

I love the gold pair, I think this will be my staple summer shoe!

Do you have Jack Rogers? Are they really worth the price?

Desk Essentials

Working from home two days a week and taking online classes has really made me think of how I study/work. I always curl up on the couch and proceed to get distracted by the TV, then I think it's time to light some candles, oh now I should vacuum. It's not good. I decided I needed a real work/study area. We have some room in the bedroom for a desk so here's what I got:

Kate Spade XL Desk Eraser. But it HERE.

#whistlewhileyouwork Pencil Set from Design Darling. Buy it HERE.

Hustle print from Design Darling. Buy it HERE.

One Day at a Time Notepad set. Get it HERE.

 I love, love, love this notepad set!

Ashley Brooke Designs Mug. Get it HERE.

Flash Furniture Ghost Side Chair. Buy it HERE.

 

Linnmon Table from Ikea. Buy it HERE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{Frozen}

I saw Frozen maybe a month ago and I fell in love. Not since brave have I been so inspired by a strong willed Disney Princess. And the fact that they addressed the 'love at first sight' conundrum within the Disney universe made me so happy. The soundtrack is gorgeous but one song really sticks out above the others, Let it Go. I've pretty much been listening to Let it Go on repeat, on the metro to work, at work, running after work, you get it. There are so many beautiful versions on Youtube that I have begun to discover. Here are some of my favorite versions:

This is the original version from the movie!

Let It Go - Frozen - Alex Boyé (Africanized Tribal Cover) Ft. One Voice Children's Choir 

How amazing is that little girl?? I get shivers listening to her! Such a great interpretation and spin on the song!

The Demi Lovato version is a frequent pick on my music playlists!

Let It Go/Let Her Go (Frozen/Passenger MASHUP) - Sam Tsui 

This mashup is very catchy, one of the new versions I've discovered. 

This is another video from the Disney Animation page, it's Let it Go sung in multiple languages, it's very cool to hear the differences!

Getting fit!

Guys, I'm on a mission.

After watching Allyson at the Rock 'N Roll Marathon last week I decided I needed to kick my training into high(er) gear. My asthma has been a lot better since I started running more, I think I just needed to get my lungs used to that kind of work again. I'm going to start teaching swim lessons again and I can't wait to get back in the pool, that was the best lung excersize I've ever had. While trying to get myself in the mood to run and swim I realized one reason I've been hesitant to do it is because of my inadequate workout wardrobe. 

It may sound vain, but I don't really feel like working out in ripped leggings and an old t-shirt. I want to look cute (and sweaty as all heck) while running. I've been drooling over some new training clothes and I think before my race next month I will purchase a new outfit. Here are some of the things I've been crushing on:

 

 HA! How perfect for my race in DC! You can find one (and tons of other cute tanks) HERE

I don't usually go for this brand, but I read some reviews of this top (plus an endorsement of it from a coworker who also works a Lulu) and I fell in love. The ruffles on the shoulders? I die. Come on, it matches my blog background! Find it HERE

I saw a lot of runners in tutus! How fun! I am all for a great way to jazz up anything, including working out! I may be ordering one for my race! Check it out HERE

KT Tape is a lifesaver. I have terrible arches and I get bad heel spurs, and this stuff actually helps a lot. They have a ton of videos on Youtube on how to tape for the problem you may have. Buy the take HERE

Swimming is my first love, I have been teaching lessons and coaching for about 5 years now and I love it. I will always teach part time! I love being in the pool and getting my aggression out with some hard core butterfly. Swimming is definetly my sport. 

I own this suit by Splish and I get so many compliments (and laughs!) on it! You can get one HERE

What are your workout essentials? What makes you feel fancy when covered in sweat/chlorine?

NOLA!

My good friend Allyson and I have been planning last weeks trip to New Orleans since last spring! We bought tickets in the fall and have had the hotels booked for months. Allyson went to run the Rock 'N Roll Marathon and I was supposed to run the half but my training didn't go over so well (darn sports induced asthma!). We ended up having an amazing time. I hadn't been to New Orleans in almost ten years, so it was like I was discovering it again. Thanks to some great tips from a coworker we made it to some pretty great spots!

Photo by Allyson Putt

See more:

101, in 1,001

73. Take a calligraphy class. (in progress)

Yesterday my good friend Kathleen and I started our online calligraphy class from Skillshare. 

Since she is in Michigan and I am in Virginia, we used Google Hangouts screenshare (awesome, BTW).

My mom and I bought her the class and supplies for her birthday, and as a treat I bought the class and supplies for myself so we could do it 'together'.

The lessons are easily laid out and the instructor goes nice and slow for beginners (plus she's gorgeous and she gets so excited about calligraphy). 

So far we've been loving Skillshare and I can't wait till we have time for our next class!

Check the class out and make sure you order the paper she suggests, my notebook totally bled through!

I'm Baaaaack!

Wow. 

It has been a whirlwind couple months. 

I staffed my second American Model United Nations Conference as the president of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

I ran the Turkey Trot 5K in Detroit on Thanksgiving day.

I finished the semester strong and the day after my last final I got on a plane with 4 giant bags and moved to Washington DC!

I celebrated Christmas by traveling pretty much all over Michigan.

Then I went to Chicago for the Alliance Management Institute (during the polar vortex, UGH!) and became a Certified Nonprofit Professional (and had some awesome deep dish pizza). 

  

Now I'm finally back in my apartment and trying to get into a routine.

I never really realized how much I depend on routine, even at my old job where I could be at any of our offices (or a combination of all three!) in one day, I still knew I was working tomorrow from this time to this time. I realized I crave routine, and now that I am settling into the new place I am trying to create that routine!

My new routine includes blogging more and I will be sticking to it!