Freckled Italian

Reminder: I Moved (And Wedding Photos are Up)!

2014-05-27T12:20:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to pop in here just in case anyone is still checking this site to remind you that I moved, and I've been sharing wedding photos on the new site! You can subscribe to Freckled Italian in Feedly right here.

Freckled Italian Has Moved!

2014-03-19T19:06:00.001-04:00

I have a new design and moved to Squarespace--if you're a Feedly user, you can subscribe to my posts right here.

See you there!

Doing Spring with Kleenex Style Studio

2014-03-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Kleenex for sponsoring today's post.

I know it's still early, but it really feels like spring has sprung here in Virginia. It's been so nice going for runs and walks on the Roanoke Greenway, eating dinner outside and wearing skirts and dresses. I definitely miss Rob and our home in Minneapolis, but this week of warmer weather was much needed.

I'm working with Kleenex over the next couple of weeks to talk about Kleenex Style Studio--a fun, inspiring way to discover more of the Kleenex Brand designs and products you love. And maybe even a few that’ll take you by surprise.

Whether you’re decorating at home or adding a pop of color to your clutch, Kleenex style has you covered. I picked up this fun spring-y box to compliment some purple flowers my friend Tina brought over the weekend. Because you know, pollen.

What will you do with yours? Find your style today--which Kleenex design is your favorite? As always, thank you for your support as I work with sponsors.

P.S. This is my last post before a new design tomorrow! Check back on Friday and let me know what you think!

What I Wore 32: Polka Dots and Paisley

2014-03-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm truly enjoying the warmer temperatures here in Virginia, but these photos have been waiting patiently to be shared since Valentine's day. They needed to be documented because it was the first time I had put on a dress in a really long time. And yes, I froze a little bit. Minnesota is cold. But we knew that already. So without further ado, I present to you a belated Valentine's Day outfit.

Dress: Modcloth | Necklace: LOFT

Coat (similar): Banana Republic

Silk Scarf (they're on sale now!): Vera Bradley

Leggings: Victoria's Secret | Boots: Sorel

Bag (similar): Coach

I'll actually be wearing this dress this week, without leggings. Here's to warmer days!

Life Lately According to Instagram (#27)

2014-03-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hello from Virginia! I'm always a bit behind with these Instagram recaps, but I love having them in my archives to flip through every now and again. March has been wonderful so far, but February was pretty good, too. I got a lot done and have a lot of exciting things coming up, which I'll be sharing more of soon. It's taken almost seven months and sometimes I still don't know what I'm doing, but I think I'm getting there.

1. February started with a great visit from my brother.

2-3. Valentine's day with Rob included several happy hours and a handmade card.

4. Spent many snowy afternoons exploring St. Paul.

5-7. Pretending spring is closer with fresh flowers every week and iced coffee every morning.

8. What a day at work looks like for me now.

9. Wedding rings! Can't believe we're getting married in eight weeks.

What did February look like to you? How's your March going so far?

Life Lately According to Instagram is a once-monthly feature in which I showcase my favorite Instagram shots. You can follow along with me in real-time if you'd like--I'm @megan_flynn.

Making Travel Easy with Venus Snap

2014-03-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

For the past year and a half or so, I have tried to improve my packing skills. It hasn't been easy, and I'm not even sure if I can say it has been successful. It wasn't until Alt Summit in January (with its set schedule and photo ops that suggest you look good in several different outfits per day) that I finally figured it out. You have to pack specific outfits for specific occasions--did you know that?

Until recently, I've just thrown all my favorite things into a suitcase and hoped for the best, which usually resulted in me wearing three of fifteen pieces and wondering where in the world that white top that I didn't bring could be, while marveling at how I ever got all of that stuff to fit in my bag in the first place.

So, because one successful packing experience obviously makes me an expert, and because I'm currently on a trip, I thought I would share a short list of packing tips with you.

1. Seriously, make a list of each thing you're doing and what outfit (accessories, shoes, the whole thing) you'll wear for it.

2. Pack the things you wrote down, and then add two or three pieces (shirts, skirts, dresses) that aren't on the list as backups in case you change your mind once you get there.

3. Roll clothes instead of folding them. It's space-saving and they won't wrinkle.

4. Pack small, travel-friendly toiletries, like the Venus Snap (available at Target). It's a mini razor (with the Venus Embrace blade) that comes in an adorable little compact case and has a water activated ribbon of moisture, so you really don't even need to pack shaving cream! Having one less thing to bring is always nice.

How do you make packing (and travel!) easier?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Off to Virginia

2014-03-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm flying to Virginia this morning to spend a week at home before heading to DC for my bachelorette weekend! I haven't been back since Christmas, so this visit feels long overdue. I can't wait to spend time with my family, see my friends, and hopefully soak up some warmer weather.

I have some posts scheduled while I'm gone (and a new design to launch really soon!), but feel free to follow along with me in real time on Instagram. Hope you have a wonderful Friday! What are you up to this weekend?

Half a Decade Later

2014-03-06T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy fifth anniversary to my soon-to-be-husband.

I can't imagine a life better than the one we have together.

Pulled Between Two Places

2014-03-05T08:30:00.000-05:00

There's a place that exists between fear and assurance, and I tend to dwell there. I want to be confident and enthusiastic about life and all of its possibilities, and most of the time I am. But sometimes I feel overwhelmed.

I panic about being far from my family and our friends. I miss my mom and my dad and my brother; and I am starting to yearn for warmer weather and a neighborhood full of friends. I want to be adventurous and free-spirited and easygoing, but often I am cautious and moody. We're nearing the time in Rob's career where talks about a new project are taking place. We might stay in Minneapolis, we might not. We might go back to Virginia, but we might not do that either. I would rather be the version of myself that asks, What's next? Let's do it! instead of the one who demands, What's next? I need to know now.

The more controlling side of myself has given way to the braver me plenty of times these past seven months. There have been countless opportunities for growth, and I am so grateful for them. But there's still a side of me that can make herself sick with worry. There's always a chance to let go a little more, and I try to do it every day.

This post is in response to the following prompt: "Often we are pulled between two places...Tell us about them. Give us the pull, the conflict, the desire." (From Old Friend from Far Away, page 204.) You can visit this post for next week's prompt.

Image credit: V.A. Photography

Recipe: Egg Salad Bacon Bites

2014-03-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

I've been incredibly lazy on the recipe/cooking front lately. On Sunday night, the thought of making guacamole was almost too much to bear--luckily I had a hungry and determined fiance available to cut avocados in half. So, as I'm sure you can imagine, I've been all about the easy way out. What do I already have? What can I whip up in just a few minutes that isn't totally boring? Enter egg salad bacon bites. Fancy enough to make as an appetizer for friends, but easy enough to make because you've probably got the ingredients in your fridge already.

Ingredients:

Three eggs, hard-boiled

One tablespoon mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, mustard, and crushed red pepper

Salt and pepper, to taste

Several slices of bacon

Cherry tomatoes and green onion for garnish

1. Pre-heat your oven to 375. Cut each strip of bacon into three or four pieces.

2. Assemble the bacon on a mini-muffin pan. Press each piece down so it bakes into a "u" shape.

3. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

4. In a medium bowl or mixer, combine hard-boiled eggs with mayo, garlic powder, mustard, and red pepper flakes. Season also with salt and pepper.

5. When the bacon is done, take it out and add a spoonful of egg salad to each piece. Top each one with half a cherry tomato and sprinkle the plate with sliced green onion, if desired.

Twin Cities Lunch | The Muddy Pig in St. Paul

2014-03-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

We stopped by The Muddy Pig in St. Paul one snowy afternoon when Rob's brother, Sam, was visiting us a few weeks ago. It's a little hole-in-the-wall with a nice, simple, but high-quality menu and a great beer list, so it's exactly the kind of place that goes on the list when one of our brothers visits.

I got the Buffalo Chicken Salad and was really pleasantly surprised when they served me a big salad (with no croutons!) with a whole, juicy chicken breast on it. The seasoning was more of a dry-rub than a Buffalo sauce, which I wish I had known so I could have gotten balsamic vinaigrette instead of blue cheese, but whatever--it was delicious. Rob and Sam enjoyed sandwiches and a few beers and we had a great time.

The Muddy Pig

162 North Dale Street

St. Paul, MN 55102

Food 3.5/5
Service 3/5
Atmosphere 2.5/5
Prices & Specials 4/5
Paleo-Friendly 4/5

Friday Favorites (36)

2014-02-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I have lots of links for you today.

To Read (and Listen)
17 People On The Most Important Thing They Wish They’d Learned Sooner
The 18 Essential Minneapolis Restaurants. I've only been to three of these--Pizzeria Lola, Brasa, and The Strip Club, but we have a Butcher & the Boar reservation for our anniversary!
We started a book club at The Eighty Twenty and our March picks have been posted! I'll be leading the One More Thing discussion.
I had no idea that Chris Carrabba had a new band but he does and it's everything! Thank you Diana for making me aware of this interview--I've been listening to their stuff all morning and I can't wait to buy the album.

Pretty Things
I'm seriously coveting this bar cart. $950--no big deal, right?
You guys, these sunglasses are $5.80. I bought them in black/brown and wear them every day.
I'm excited to have Philly Loves Lacquer--a vegan, handmade nail polish brand--as a sponsor this month!
This top is seriously springy and cute. I'm ready for fun tops and sandals!
Never in my life have I worn a jumpsuit, but I might give it a shot for this one.

Frozen
I finally saw the film over the weekend, so I've been all about it this week.
How pretty is this cover of "Let It Go?"
I hate to give this woman any more traffic, but I had to share this incredibly ridiculous and offensive take on the film.
I much prefer (and agree with) this piece.

To Watch
I loved every minute of this Game of Thrones Season 4 Foreshadowing and was sad when it was over.
(Speaking of Game of Thrones, how cute are these guys?)

--

This weekend, Rob and I are planning another Happy Gnome lunch date and heading to the jeweler to pick up our wedding rings! I also want to read, work out, and get myself organized since I'll be heading to Virginia in just one week! I'm working on a super exciting collaboration with La Crema and I absolutely can't wait to start sharing details with you all!

What are you up to this weekend?

Brand Highlight: Spiegel

2014-02-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

When it comes to shopping, I tend to be looking for just one or two new things for my closet at a time. I love browsing and I love clothes, but I'm not always one to just buy things randomly. I can go a long time without a shopping spree! But sometimes a website comes along that's really easy to use and the prices are great and I find myself suddenly "needing" a lot more! I go from only maybe needing a white cocktail dress for my bachelorette party to suddenly adding jumpsuits, jewelry, and shoes to my list!

I'm here today to talk to you a little bit about Spiegel. They're a brand that's been growing and evolving since 1912. You can learn more on their awesome About page. Spiegel is incredibly interested in trends and ever-changing style, as you can see from their Trends page. And they've also launched Ultimate Outlet, which you can use to find pieces at discounted prices (some start as low as $6.00)!

Spiegel has an abundance of beautiful pieces and their site is really easy to navigate--I'm totally loving some of their dresses! I've got my eye on this one, and this springy skirt is on my warm-weather wishlist. I really appreciate the way they've set up their site by trends, colors, and items--it really makes finding that piece you didn't know you needed so easy. What are some of your Spiegel favorites? Mine are pictured above (clockwise from top left): 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

This is a sponsored post. Thank you so much for your support as I continue to work with advertisers.

A Few of My Favorite Books

2014-02-26T11:15:00.001-05:00

I try really hard to always be reading a book. Sometimes I'm reading more than one, but that often doesn't end well. I tried to read The Hobbit and re-read Jane Eyre over Christmas and as a result, they both lie half-finished and untouched for some time on my bedside table. They are beautiful books, but they didn't stick with me enough to go on. But there are books (and characters) that have stayed with me throughout the years.

Sophie taught me that there's more to the world than I can ever see or know.

Atonement is sad and beautiful and overflowing with richness and showed me just how much power there is in literature.

Clarissa taught me about perseverance and complexity.

Where the Wild Things Are taught me the impact a picture book could have and ignited my passion for children's literature.

What books spoke to you in a way you didn't expect?

This post is in response to the following prompt: "Tell about periods when you haven't read. What were you doing? Where and when do you read best?" (From Old Friend from Far Away, page 160.) As you can see, you can take a prompt and go any direction with it. If you've written a response of your own, please share it below in the comments!

P.S. Visit this post for next week's prompt.

P.P.S. If you'd like to join The Eighty Twenty's book club, you can learn more here.

Stocking Our Dream House

2014-02-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Image via Apartment Therapy.

I love living in a cozy one-bedroom apartment, but there's a big part of me that can't wait for more space and new furniture and organized little nooks to decorate one day (as you can see from this Pinterest board of mine). I dream of a house with big windows and a great, open kitchen; plenty of surfaces for picture frames and vases of fresh flowers; and weird things like a rowing machine, and the most peaceful and beautiful bedroom in the history of the world.

Setting up our wedding registry has been really fun, even if it means a lot of our gifts will stay in boxes until our next move. I think we've picked out pretty much everything we need, but we're still on the lookout for a perfect bedspread--these are all so dreamy--for the king bed we don't have yet (I'm not great at sharing and Rob's 6'7"...not the best combination for a queen mattress). But anyway, I'm looking forward to the day that we have a big bed with lots of pillows and only the comfiest, most luxurious of blankets.

What's in your dream bedroom?

Weekend in Photos // Settled In

2014-02-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend was low-key and exactly what I needed. I've been a little more stressed out than I'd like to be lately, so we slept in on Saturday and drove through our neighborhood Caribou for coffee before going back home to make ourselves breakfast, read a wonderful article my mom sent from Roanoke about our wedding officiant (making us even more excited for May 3), and spend a large chunk of time on the couch.

I also managed to organize my work space and editorial calendar for the next few weeks, fold some laundry, and go to the gym twice, so it was the perfect mix of a Lazy Weekend and a Get Things Done Weekend.

On Sunday, I met my friend Daci for coffee and writing (we're taking those Old Friend from Far Away prompts seriously, you guys), followed by a quick walk through the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. And on my way back, I swung by our apartment to pick up Rob and we had a nice late lunch/early dinner at one of our favorite places. All in all, a great few days.

How was your weekend?

Guest Post | On Seeing a Nutritionist

2014-02-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

I invited my friend Kristin to be a guest on Freckled Italian today and share a bit of her story. Paleo really works for me and I love it, but I appreciate how everyone is different and how our paths to wellness can really vary. I hope you find some inspiration in her words!

Hello there! I'm Kristin, and I blog at Tales From the Nook.

Tales From the Nook is a lifestyle blog, but recently it's been focused mostly on my weight loss journey. Finding my "why" really smacked me in the face about two years ago. Although I wanted to lose weight for many reasons, I had an eye opening experience that really kicked my efforts into gear. I was sitting in the office of my Fertility Specialist, after 3 failed treatments, and he spoke the words, "you need to lose weight."

And I knew that. But when it comes down to the fact that having a baby is being affected by your weight, it really opens your eyes to the reality of what extra weight does to your body. I was on a mission to find the perfect "thing" to help me lose the weight. And let's be honest, the options are endless. And it's really important to find what works for you. If someone else does Beach Body shakes and loses 30 pounds, and you lose 3, that's okay! Everybody is different!

For me, I tried a lot of different programs. I went all organic for 6 months. I was eating really awesome organic food, and I didn't lose any weight at all. What is wrong with me? I went GMO free. Nothing. What is wrong with me? I did the Whole30 challenge and then went Paleo. I lost 2 pounds on Whole30. Ok, seriously, what in the world is wrong with me?? I was trying all of these things that went SO WELL for others, so why weren't they working for me? I was doing the right things (so I thought). I got great advice from Paleo pros like Megan! And slowly but surely I learned... nothing is wrong with me!! I just had to find what was RIGHT for me!

So I got a nutritionist.

And it was the best decision I've ever made.

The beginnings of my time with my nutritionist were tough. They were frustrating. I was at the same point that I usually get to around week 3 of my "diets." This isn't working. I'm going to quit. But this time was different. Because I had someone to tell me, once a week, to just give it time. Try doing this. Try taking away that. Add some fiber. Eat more vegetables. Tone down the protein. And guess what? IT WORKS. Slowly, but surely, I was able to find out what worked for ME. Not what worked for other people. What worked for MY BODY. And it's so amazing. In 3 months, I've lost 16 pounds, and I feel so good. I am finally doing it! I didn't quit because my nutritionist didn't let me. I love the way my body is changing, and I really love the way my attitude is changing.

Follow along with Kristin on her journey: Instagram | Facebook
She and her husband have a new blog launching March 3! Check it out.

What I Wore 61: Grandpa Sweaters + Flannel

2014-02-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's been a pretty magical mix of 20-40 degrees and snowy the past week, which is pretty much making all of my winter dreams come true. It's cold enough to bundle up (obviously), but it's not so cold that you can't run from your car to wherever you're going without leaving your jacket in the car. Outfit photos might be back, people. The winter might be winding down?

Sweater: Calvin Klein

Tanks: Victoria's Secret (this one), Everlane

Scarf (this one): c/o OohBabyInfinity

Hat: J.Crew | Pants: J.Crew

Boots: Sorel | Bag: Hobo

I can't say enough good things about this cozy scarf. I received two of them (see the other here) and have been wearing them non-stop! They're warm and soft and I just love the flannel. And all OohBaby Infinity flannels are 20% off through February with the code WINTERPLAID20, so now is the time to get yourself one!

What Have You Carried?

2014-02-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

I poured iced coffee into a jar yesterday afternoon and thought about Virginia.

It was 40 degrees and sunny outside, and my apartment was clean and I had fresh tulips sitting on the table, still waiting to fully bloom. I love living in Minneapolis, I really do. There's something about the city and the people and the food that makes me feel extremely understood.

But I don't have anyone to run with here, no one to drop by for tea on a random afternoon. These past six and a half months with Rob have truly felt like a blessing--like a chance to make up for the time we might have lost over the year that we were so far from one another--but there are days where I think we both would love to just have one or two of our best friends around for drinks or a laid-back weekend brunch.

I know that at some point, I will have to stop fantasizing about the time I spent as a student, because there is never going to be another time where all of my friends can drop what they're doing to just hang out. Shawna and I won't always just have an hour or two in the middle of the afternoon to meet for coffee, or decide to drink a pitcher of mimosas on a porch, or go on a quick run down our favorite trail in Charlottesville. There isn't a realistic new version of the story where Tina and her sister and I go to lunch and then spend the rest of the afternoon all cuddled up together in my bed, watching some episode of Grey's Anatomy.

But these are my favorite memories--the ones where I meet my mom for lunch every day and hang out with my dad on the lake every weekend; where almost all of the people I love are just an arm's reach away. I carry them with me everywhere I go, to every place I'll ever call home. And maybe one day, I can return to that world for good and put them down on a mantle somewhere, where they will be safe and I can start to make new ones.

Minneapolis might understand me, but Virginia knows me.

This post is in response to the following prompt: "What's been on your mind? What have you carried and gnawed over?" (From Old Friend from Far Away, page 154.) If you've written a response of your own, please share it below in the comments!

P.S. Visit this post for next week's prompt.

Weathering the Winter with Reebok

2014-02-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

My biggest complaint about winter in Minnesota isn't necessarily the constant sub-zero temperatures, it's that the ice and snow on most sidewalks has completely hindered my running. I've found a few trails that seem pretty clear and not too slippery, but to be honest I'm just too scared to risk it. Running on a treadmill is not my favorite thing to do, so I've been spending my time jump roping or treadmill walking on an incline, which for some reason is less boring to me. But Reebok recently sent me a pair of Reebok ZQuicks, and they've got me excited about getting back out there.

The shoes are inspired by hi-performance, Z-rated tires--and the outsole delivers control, traction, and speed. They fit like a glove and are super light, with a no-sew upper and internal bootie that hugs your foot and makes you feel incredibly secure in the shoes. They're breathable and sleek while still being supportive. And they're bright and fun enough to remind me that winter won't last forever.

Two From the Weekend

2014-02-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday! Rob has the day off and his brother, Sam, is with us until this evening, so we're still weekend-ing today.

The two of us had a wonderful, laid-back Valentine's Day together and then Sam got in on Saturday afternoon, so it's been a great few days. We're deep into season two of House of Cards (oh my goodness) and have hit up more happy hours in the past seventy-two hours than I can even count. How was your weekend? I hope you had a lovely one, too.

PS My first Old Friend from Far Away prompt response will be posted on Wednesday! I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.

Happy Valentine's Day

2014-02-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a warm Valentine's weekend full of love, flowers, and plenty of chocolate!

P.S. A Valentine's Day post I wrote two whole years ago.

Photo from my styled shoot with V.A. Photography.

In Which My Fiancé Models | Hanes for Him

2014-02-13T10:15:00.000-05:00

You guys, it's Valentine's Day week and Rob has agreed to model for a sponsored post on my blog. Romance is everywhere! I am so going to marry that guy.

Rob's style is casual and laid-back, which I love. He has a lot of really soft tee-shirts and a collection of great-looking sweaters. He's almost always in nice jeans, unless he's in a pair of flannel-lined khakis, which he got for Christmas and loves. Because he's such a tall guy, we're always on the hunt for shirts that are long enough, so when Hanes offered to send us a pack of their ComfortBlend tees (available at WalMart), I jumped at the opportunity. And so here we are.

These tees are super soft and durable enough to wear on their own, but since it's winter in Minnesota, he's been mostly wearing them under his sweaters. They have a wide variety of colors, but the Navy Heather (shown above) is my favorite.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Old Friend From Far Away | Round Two

2014-02-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

When I was in college, writing was a dream that seemed attainable. I already did it every day--academic papers kept me sharp and well-read, and my creative writing minor had me pumping out quality personal essays on a regular basis. And then there was the feedback--the constructive criticism that made me better every time. I never knew what I was going to "do with my life" (sometimes I still don't), but I knew that I would always write.

This might sound ridiculous, but this blog doesn't always feel like a place where I write. I don't like that. It feels like I'm not being true to myself in some way. I love sharing my life with you guys, but I want 2014 to be the year I start writing more things I'm proud of--things that feel more like complete pieces than blog posts. And I want to start getting better again, because when I sit down to a blank Word document, I realize just how rusty I've gotten.

Back in 2011, I vowed to write a piece of creative nonfiction every week. It was obviously an ambitious goal, or else I would have done it. But I would like to try again.

These posts will be labeled "Old Friend from Far Away" (because the writing prompts are all taken from the book--get it here), and I'm not sure how I'm going to go about them. I once made a list that I think was easy to follow, so I'll go ahead and do that again. I've spoken with a few people who would like to follow the prompts and write along, and I'd love that.

~~02/17~~: What's been on your mind? What have you carried and gnawed over? (OFFA, 154)
~~02/24~~: Tell about periods when you haven't read. What were you doing? Where and when do you read best? (OFFA, 160)
~~03/03~~: Often we are pulled between two places...Tell us about them. Give us the pull, the conflict, the desire. (OFFA, 204)

03/17: Write about your mother's jewelry. Write about her shoes. (OFFA, 153)

03/24: What is your anchor, what you trust and know and can come home to over and over in your writing? (OFFA, 238)

03/31: What is the third thing? There is you and there is writing. But you can't write about writing. It's ingrown. You and writing must gaze out at a third thing. Of course, a fourth, a fifth will appear, but for now the two of you look out together. What is there in this world? (OFFA, 42)

Thanks for reading. Thanks for writing.

Photo credit: Winona Grey Photography

Recipe: Paleo Tortilla Soup

2014-02-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

I love cooking, and I love tortilla soup, but I don't always love going to the grocery store for a big list of things specific to just one recipe. While my brother was visiting, we vowed to make a big pot of it, and somehow made it work mostly with ingredients I already had in my kitchen.

Full disclosure: some cumin, chili powder, a habanero pepper, and paprika would have been nice. Feel free to add some of that to yours if you make it. But this was flavorful and perfect for a cold evening spent at home watching the Olympics, which is exactly how we did it.

Ingredients

One onion, chopped

About three chicken breasts + one or two thighs

One and a half tablespoons of marinara sauce

Two 32 ounce cartons of chicken broth
Half a tablespoon of crushed red pepper

Avocado, tomato, lettuce, cilantro, and lime as toppings

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot, cook the chicken in a bit of olive oil. When the chicken is cooked through, remove from pot and let cool. Add chopped onions to pot.

2. Saute onions and add marinara sauce. Once those two ingredients are combined, add the chicken broth.

3. Once chicken has cooled enough to handle, pull the meat apart (like pulled pork or..chicken).

3. Get the soup to a boil and add the chicken and red pepper. Add salt and pepper.

4. Serve in bowls and top with chopped tomato and lettuce, sliced avocado, cilantro, and a wedge of lime.