My Own Blog Review

Artichoke Chicken Casserole

2015-03-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Artichoke Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

2-3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
salt and pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound cubed chicken breast
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup raw quinoa, or 12 oz rigatoni pasta
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
3 cups whole milk
pinch of nutmeg
1 heaping cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces artichoke hearts, quartered {I used jarred, packed in oil and drained}
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

In a large skillet heat a Tbsp or two of oil over medium heat and add the onions. Season with a dash of salt and pepper, cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and saute until fragrant. Remove to a small bowl and set aside
Season the chicken well with salt and pepper. In the same skillet heat another Tbsp of oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook through, stirring every few minutes so it cooks thorough. Move from heat.
Cook one cup of quinoa, or 12 oz rigatoni al dante. Meanwhile make the sauce and preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook 3 minutes, constantly whisking. Slowly add the milk and bring to a simmer for 3 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat to low and add nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper and parmesan cheese. Turn off heat
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole or baking pan. Combine quinoa or drained pasta with chicken, italian seasoning, onion and garlic. Add 3/4 of the sauce to the pasta and stir well. Pour into casserole pan and spread evenly.
Scatter artichokes over top then spoon remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella
Bake 40 minutes until bubbly all over and golden on top. If the cheese starts to get too brown you can cover with aluminum foil

Recipe Adapted from Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice

Tomato Basil Chicken

2015-03-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

I didn't use to love basil but now I can't get enough! I used to serve at CPK and I loved their Margherita pizza but I would always get it without basil. Next time I go out to eat there I will probably have to ask for extra to make up for all that lost goodness! I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think!

Tomato Basil Chicken
Ingredients

1-2 large chicken breasts
salt and black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups fresh tomatoes
2 tsp minced garlic
4 Tbsp cold butter
2 cup fresh basil, chopped or 1-2 Tbsp dried basil, divided
Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried basil
When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
To test if the oil is hot enough drop a small amount of flour on it, if it starts sizzling immediately then it is hot enough.
After about 4-5 of cooking turn the chicken, cook the second side another 4-5 minutes, or until cooked all the way through
Add the tomato, basil then cold butter, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper
Let simmer until warmed through

Serve with pasta or, my personal favorite, quinoa

Recipe Adapted from Menu Musings

Best Last Minute Dessert...EVER!

2015-03-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

My son loves to sprinkle the marshmallows on, and watch them bubble up while they bake. Just thinking about all the times we have made these together makes me so happy. He just loves it. I need to take some pictures of my little helper helping me!

These are a family favorite! They are the best desserts to make when you need something last minute. Or if you want to make something that will definitely be a crowd pleaser but wont take you all day to make!

The best way to cut these is definitely with a plastic knife.

Marshmallow Brownies
Ingredients

Brownie Mix {and required ingredients for that mix}
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate Frosting

Instructions

Make your brownies according to box instructions
Last 3 minute of cooking place mini marshmallows on top and put back in the oven
When done remove from the oven and let the brownies cool
Once cool frost with chocolate frosting

Cookbook Giveaway

2015-03-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love this giveaway. I'm giddy just typing this because I can't even tell you how happy I would be if I won this. Cookbooks are my absolute favorite and I love to collect them! Doesn't that image look amazing too? My friend Carrie from Frugal Foodie Mama created it and I just can't even imagine where to start to make something like that. Love her! You have to enter this giveaway, please, for me! Because if I could I would definitely enter. Good luck!!!!

Good Cheap Eats Cookbook

from Frugal Foodie Mama

Signed copy of Dessert Mash-Ups

from Crazy for Crust

McGuire's Irish Pub Cookbook

from Cooking with Curls

Simply Divine- Easy, Elegant, & Affordable Entertaining

from My Own Blog Review

Seriously Delish

from The Gold Lining Girl

Gooseberry Patch Best-Ever Cookies

from Crazy for Cookies & More

Southern Living Heirloom Recipe Cookbook

from Penney Lane Kitchen

Taste of Home Easy Weeknight Dinners

from The Mandatory Mooch

Dessert For Two

from It Bakes Me Happy

Signed Copy of Perfectly Peppermint

from Simply Gloria

America's Test Kitchen- Pasta Revolution

From Cooking on the Front Burner

Signed Copy of The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms

from The Magical Slow Cooker

Party Popcorn

from The Bitter Side of Sweet

Williams-Sonoma Good For You Cookbook

from This Gal Cooks

Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

from A Little Claireification

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified, so please make sure you are doing what you are claiming in the Rafflecopter or all your entries will be voided. No funny business, folks. ;). By entering, you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. One winner will be selected. The winner will be notified via the email they provide, and will have 48 hours to reply to the email. If the winner does not reply back within the 48 hours, they forfeit the prize and a new winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter. Each cookbook will be sent directly from each blogger hosting the giveaway. Entries must come from your MAIN social media accounts, not accounts that have been set up separately just for entering giveaways. Entries from these types of accounts will be disqualified. Bloggers in this group giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

2015-03-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

I purchased about 6 pounds of chicken from Sam's Club and each breast was huge. One pound each, at least! I usually purchase frozen chicken but didn't want to go through the haste of thawing it and went crazy one day making a bunch of different recipes so dinner would be easy that week. This is one of those recipes and I think you'll love it!

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
5 Tbsp parmesan, finely grated
2 Tbsp dried parsley
4 chicken breast fillets
1 lemon cut into wedges

Instructions

Warm olive oil on skillet and preheat over medium hot heat
Combine parmesan and parsley in one bowl, and lightly beat an egg into another
Dip the chicken into the egg, then into the parmesan mixture, place fillets onto hot skillet
Grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, turn half way through
Serve chicken with lemon wedges

Recipe adapted from Lose Baby Weight

Baked Chocolate Glaze Donuts

2015-03-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

These are so fun to make with children. My son loved to pick out which color sprinkles to use on which donut. I love baking and cooking with him. Helping him measure, pour, stir, and teaching him about different ingredients is something we both really like to do. I try to give him a lot of opportunities to make decisions. Picking the color of sprinkles may sound silly but I really think that teaching him how to make decisions early on is important.

This recipe is perfect for those of you who prefer a darker chocolate flavor, as opposed to my sweet husband who is a 100% milk chocolate all the way! Like it's borderline ridiculous you guys. ha! These babies are good enough without the glaze my friends, but if you're like my son and love sugar then you'll probably want to go ahead and dunk these.

Baked Chocolate Glaze Donuts

Donuts

Ingredients:

1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
6 Tbsp sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
6 Tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

Donuts:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sguar, cocoa powder, and bakign soda
In a small bowl, beat together the vanilla, egg, sour cream, milk and oil
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until combined
Spoon in a greased donut pan
Bake for 8 minute or until the top springs back when you touch them
Let the odnuts cool int eh pan before glazing

Glaze:

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sugar, milk, and vanilla until well combined
Remove from heat
Dunk the donuts in the glaze to fully coat and place on a wire rack to set

Recipe adapted from Buns In My Oven

Black Tulle and Grey Leather

2015-02-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Purse: Michael Kors | Leather coat: Victoria's Secret, old (also love)

Skirt: TJ Maxx (similar) | Shoes: Aldo, old (also love)

Legs: Airbrush Legs by Sally Hansen

As you may or may not know we live in Chicagoland and I had heard it was cold here but I had no idea. Literally could not have even imagined it. Taking pictures of my outfits usually takes a little time, but we were as productive with these photos as we've ever been! In and Out my friends.!.

I have had this leather coat for a few years. I got it at Victoria's Secret and instantly fell in love with it when I saw it in their catalogue but we had only been married for a year or two, and we were still in college so I didn't get it. When I saw it again the following year I just had to have it! The ruffling and extra detail with the lace? How could I not concede? I thought pairing it with the tulle skirt made it extra girly, and I love extra girly.

I purchased these Also does almost 9 years ago. These things are hammered but I love them. I love getting cute and trendy shoes, but I have found that some of my most favorite shoes are the ones that will always be in style. These were my first pair of really nice heels that I ever purchased, and they were a good buy! ...now I'm on the hunt for my next pair of nice, black heels without a platform. I'm thinking Loubs, haha, in my dreams. My far, distant dreams.

Things are about to get a lot more exciting around here! I have a new lens ordered. My 50 mm f/1.8 is on it's way and I can't wait. We're making major headway on the design of my blog too. I hope you're excited, because I am. It's going to be so beautiful and I can't wait for you to see. I can't wait!!!!!

Where do you live?

Are you staying warm?

Easy Fajita Chicken Casserole in 30 Minutes or Less

2015-02-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

I've gotta say I was a little nervous making this for my toddler because of the peppers. He had never had them before. At first he wouldn't even try, but we may or may not have forced him. Once he tried them he loved them! Do not be afraid to introduce new vegetables to your children.

Easy Fajita Chicken Casserole
Ingredients

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1-2 tsp Taco seasoning
2 Bell peppers in assorted colors, thinly sliced
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese

Instructions

Trim the chicken breast, cut into thin slices and lay in a glass baking dish
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the top of the chicken
Lay the peppers on the chicken breast evenly
Drizzle olive oil over the peppers
Sprinkle cheese over the top of the dish
Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through
If you choose not to cut the chicken breast you will need to bake it longer

Recipe adapted from The Pinning Mama

Lunch With The Girls

2015-02-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bag: London Fog | Coat: Victorias Secret, old (also love)

Skinny Jeans: Target, old (on my wish list) | Shoes: Aldo, old (I need these and these)

One thing I miss most about not living 5 seconds from my mom and sisters definitely has to be our lunch dates. Getting together once a week, or as often as our schedules allowed, was definitely a highlight and I miss it so! Sometimes as a stay-at-home-mom outfits get a little mundane, or sweats become the usual protocol. Having an afternoon set apart to be the Girls Who Lunch always ads a little pip in your step. I look forward to those days again. Until then I'll have to find another reason to get dressed during the week here in Chicagoland {or Chiberia as I like to call it ... burrrr}

Sidenote: Did you know that London Fog made bags? I had no idea! Where have I been? The second I saw this bag I fell in love. I literally texted a photo to my husband with the caption "Valentine's?" Let me just add that we had discussed not getting one another gifts this year. Well that went out the window when I saw this bad boy. haha. I just couldn't live without the quilted detail, and the structure. Obviously.

Will someone please buy the shoes I linked. Oh my word, I'm dying for them! Steve Madden just speaks to me.

What styles are you most looking forward to this spring?

How do you REALLY feel about the mule shoe making a comeback?

Do you ever buy gifts for yourself from your spouse?

Best Way To Edit Your Photos On Your Phone

2015-02-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

I have downloaded so many "amazing apps" on my phone. Too many to count really. I had heard one of the best was VSCO. I got it, looked at it, noticed it wasn't as user friendly as others and deleted it. Well now that I've done a lot of research and have a better understanding of photography and editing in general I decided to revisit the VSCO app.

Check out my post 3 Quick Edits I Make To Every Photo

In the image above you see the before and after photo. I took this photo late afternoon, right next to a window. As you can see from the original image, it was not light out at all, however, looking at the final product you would think this photo was taken with optimal lighting! Here's what I did, step-by-step, using screen shots from my phone:

Can you believe the difference? Taking photos at the perfect time of day, when the sun is positioned just right, is not always possible. So don't stress, and try these edits out! For me the brighter the better! Play around with the different settings and find out what you like best!

What are your favorite photo editing apps on your smartphone? What are some of your favorite Instagram accounts you follow?

Vanilla Texas Sheetcake

2015-02-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Vanilla Texas Sheetcake
Ingredients
Cake:

1 c butter
1 c water
2 c sugar
2-1/4 c flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c sour cream

Frosting:

1 c butter
6 Tbsp evaporated milk
4-1/2 c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Add water and butter to a medium sauce pan over medium-low heat until butter is melted
Remove from heat and stir in sugar, flour, salt and baking soda. Stir with a wire whisk until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla
Stir in sour cream and mix until blended
Pour the batter into a well greased 11"x17" sheet pan
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched
Remove cake from oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the frosting
Place butter and milk into a medium saucepan and heat until butter is melted, and brought to a simmer
Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla and a dash of salt. Whisk, or mix, until completely smooth

Recipe adapted from Eat Cake For Dinner

Master Bedroom Decor Ideas

2015-02-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I finally purchased the bedspread of my dreams. I've seriously been waiting forever to get it, and when I saw it was $25 off I didn't think twice about getting it.

Now I have other things I'm looking forward to buying. Isn't that how it is? Always looking for the next big find, instead of enjoying what we've waited so long for? Ok, that might be a little dramatic. Just a little.

Here's a little Master Bedroom Decor Inspiration for you!

1. A&B Home Decorative Wall Mirror

2. Boho Boutique Texture Euro Pillow Sham
3. Ruffle Decorative Pillow
4. Textured Wool Rug

5. Yellow Nest Bowl

6. Threshold Gold Foil Throw Pillow

7. Threshold Starburst Mirror

8. Threshold Taped Solid Toss Pillow in Navy

9. White Ceramic Bowl

I did purchase a beautiful navy rug for my bathroom. Navy is the new decor neutral, and I love using it in little splashes here and there! Aside from that and my bedspread it's pretty bare in my master. For now I enjoy my perfect comforter sans {perfect} decorative pillows.

If you love all white as much as I do, just add lots of different fabrics and textures. It helps add dimension to your interior! You don't want it to look flat.

Honey Salmon Baked In Foil

2015-02-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Honey Salmon Baked In Foil

Ingredients
2 pounds salmon
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper
Place salmon onto prepared baking sheet and fold up all 4 sides of the foil. Spoon the honey mixture over salmon. Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, covering completely and sealing the packet closed
Place into oven and bake until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes
Serve immediately

If desired, half the ingredients above if you only have 1 pound salmon

Recipe from Damn Delicioius

Red Velvet Brookies

2015-02-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited with how things are going here at My Own Blog Review {MOBR} I'm getting the website redesigned, I have a huge giveaway to celebrate, and now I get to share these yummy Red Velvet Brookies. These could not be easier, especially if you decide to use refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough. Might I suggest you add a lot of white chocolate chips, because they add a lot! They add so much flavor, and next time I make these I'm definitely adding a lot more! So go ahead and give them a try, and keep these in your arsenal for those days you need to whip up a quick dessert.

Red Velvet Brookies
Ingredients
1 box Red Velvet Cake Mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
8 oz white chocolate chips
1 pkg Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside
In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, oil, milk, and egg until a smooth, thick batter forms
Spread the batter in the lined baking dish. Set aside
Sprinkle with white chocolate chips
Press the cookie dough between your palms to flatten, and lay on top of the cake batter is covered
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until toothpick inserted comes out clean
Let rest for 15 minutes before cutting

Recipe adapted from Something Swanky

75 Desserts for Valentine's Day

2015-02-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you guys have a wonderful Valentine's Day. We went out this last weekend, so we will probably stay home and make pizzas as a cute little family on the actual holiday. Ya know, just being awesome, haha!

An InLinkz Link-up

85 Recipes For A Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner At Home

2015-02-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

What are some of your favorite recipes to make for Valentine's Day Dinner At Home?

Share them in the comments!

An InLinkz Link-up

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

2015-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

This recipe is for all of us that have a very unsuccessful relationship with cookies. They turn out flat, never keep their shape, and sometimes tasteless. Well worry no longer, because you will never go wrong make these bars. They're delicious, keep their shape, and look fun and festive with interchangeable candies. Perfection!

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS

Ingredients

1-1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
12 oz package peanut butter M&M's
6 oz peanut butter chips
6 oz chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease 9x13 baking pan
Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda in a bowl, set aside
Mix brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and sugar until smooth
Add egg and vanilla extract and mix on medium speed until just combined
Reduce mixer speed to low and add flour mixture
Mix in M&M's, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips by hand
Spread batter evenly in pan and bake 25-30 minutes until golden and center is done
Cool on a rack and slice into bars once cool

You can modify these by omitting the peanut butter and peanut butter M&M's, and use any kind of candy you'd like. These are perfect for any holiday!

Recipe modified from The Happier Homemaker

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

2015-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients

12 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups plus 2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-1/2 cups chocolate chips
11 ounces caramel bits {or 11 oz. caramel squares, unwrapped}
3 Tbsp heavy cream
Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325. Prepare a 9x13 pan by lining with foil
In a large mixing bowl combine butter and sugars, and mix until combined
Add egg and egg yolk and vanilla, and mix until combined
Add flour, baking soda, and salt, and mix until just combined {do not over mix}
Gently fold chocolate chips into the dough
Spread half the cookie mixture in the prepared pan, pushing with your hands to form an even layer.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and heavy cream, and microwave on high at 20 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth
Pour the melted caramel over the top and spread to cover. Sprinkle with sea salt. Top with remaining cookie dough. Sprinkle the top with more sea salt
Bake 25-30 minutes or until very lightly golden around the edges. Be careful not to over bake. Remove from the oven and let them cool almost to room temperature before you cut into them. If you cut into them too early you run the risk of the caramel leaking out

Recipe from The Baker Upstairs

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole...30 Minutes or Less

2015-01-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had prosciutto? I have seen it in recipes at restaurants and for one reason or another I steered clear of anything containing it. I'm not sure why but one thing I know for sure is I have been missing out. I have had it three times in the last month, at different parties, and I love it. One restaurant we went to made it themselves. The owner told us it takes one year, yes one year, to make. Crazy.

I honestly just threw this recipe together one night, and it was so good. You know it's great when your toddler says "Mmmm" after literally every bite. It reminded me why I love, love, love casseroles! They're a hit every time.

What makes you go back to your favorite blog day after day? Is it recipes {dinner, healthy, dessert}, or fashion, home makeover, DIY? Tell me below in the comments. I want to know what you like!

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole Recipe
Ingredients

1 cup Quinoa
2 cups water
3/4 jar pesto {just eyeball it}
Can of chicken
Bacon {also great with prosciutto}
Parmesan cheese
Seasoning salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare quinoa with water according to instructions

Place broccoli in a medium saucepan with about 1" of water. Boil until tender, about 5-7 minutes

Once the quinoa is cooked mix it with your pesto and bacon

Lightly grease a 9x9 pan, then spread the quinoa evenly on bottom

Spread chicken evenly over the pasta, and sprinkle seasoning salt on top

Cover with cooked broccoli, then sprinkle cheese on top

Bake for about 10 minutes, or until warm throughout

Remove and serve immediately

You will also love Broccoli Casserole with Chicken... 30 Minutes or Less

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole in 30 minutes or less

3 Quick Edits In Photoshop

2015-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

If you follow me on Instagam you know that one of my goals has been to improve my photography. I felt very overwhelmed and was kind of scared to even try, if I'm being honest. I knew it was the next step I needed to take in improving my blog, so to get started I did a lot of research. A LOT! You can find a lot of what I read here.

I also asked a lot of my blogging friends for advice.

As well as a good friend of mine growing up. Check out her photos here. We played on the same competitive soccer team from 4th grade until we graduated high school and I had no idea she had such an artsy side to her. She's fabulous! If you're in Utah look her up!!!

Here's the gist of what I learned:

Shoot in RAW
Learn Photoshop and/or Lightroom

Shooting in RAW gives you a lot more control in Photoshop {PS}. It allows you to recover a lot of the detail and true color you can loose when taking photos. For example, if your exposure and white balance settings aren't perfect when you're taking the photo you have full control to fix that in PS. When shooting in RAW you have a lot more freedom with lightening and darkening shadows or highlights, and tweaking color while editing.

PS does cost money, but they have a pretty reasonable monthly plan that gives you access to Lightroom too. If you have a blog, want to start a blog, or just want to start improving your photography overall I highly suggest you get PS/Lightroom.

Like I said, I have researched a lot, and I still have a lot more to learn, but these are the three edits I make to every picture. Try them out and you will see how you can transform your photos!

1) Brightness/Contrast

I like clean, white photos! I like to keep my photos as bright as possible while still keeping detail in the whites. If you can keep from loosing detail then it won't be too bright. Trust me. If you don't feel a little uncomfortable with how bright and white it is, that probably means you need to crank your brightness even more. This will really make your photos pop! Some of my pictures I go as high as 39 and 40 respectively.

2) Levels/White balance

I usually try the auto button for white balance, just to get an idea of how it needs to be adjusted. But if I have a large enough area that is pure white I use the bottom dropper, click on the white of the photo, and it adjusts the levels of the picture according to the area you indicated was white.

3) Vibrance/Saturation

For this particular photo I didn't change much, but I did adjust it a little.

I think we can all agree that the end product looks much better than the RAW original. Just start playing with your photos, try a lot of different adjustments and you will start to find what you like. Check out pinterest, and blogs {especially mine, haha} and find out what types of pictures you gravitate toward and start from there!

Making beautiful pictures is so fun, and it really is something that everyone and anyone can do!

Lemon Mousse Recipe

2015-01-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am so excited because I'm getting a new design for my blog! I can not wait to reveal it, and once it goes live I'm having HUGE giveaway, so be sure to check back soon. I think you are going to really like it. Eek! So excited.

This Mousse is amazing! It is so delicious! You can use it in a really yummy chocolate cup like I did, or use it as a dip with pretzels, graham crackers and baked pie crust for your next party. Or go casual and eat it by the spoonful in your sweats while you watch TV. No judgement here!

Lemon Mousse in Chocolate Cups
Ingredients

3 extra-large whole eggs
3 extra large eggs, separated
1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 tsp grated lemon zest
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt
1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

In a large saucepan whisk together 3 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks {remember egg yolks...I messed this up!}, 1 cup sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for about 20 minutes, until the mixture is thick like pudding

The heat needs to be super low, otherwise the eggs will cook and scramble, and you don't want that!

Take off the heat and set aside for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the lemon glaze and refrigerate for about 1-1/2 hours, until completely chilled.
Place half the egg whites and a pinch of salt in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on high speed with the whisk attachment. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp sugar and continue to beat until the whites are stiff and shiny. Carefully fold the beaten whites into the cold lemon mixture with a rubber spatula
Place the cream in the same bowl of the mixer and beat on high until the cream forms stiff peaks. Careflly fold the whipped cream into the lemon mixture
Fill a pastry bag, fitted with a large round tip, and pipe it into the chocolate cups to the very top. Place in the fridge and chill for several hours
If desired, right before serving, using a sieve, dust the top with cocoa powder

Recipe adapted from Mamas Gotta Bake

150 Recipes Perfect For The Super Bowl

2015-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Please note: many {or all} of these photos do not belong to me. If you want to pin a specific image, please click on it to visit it's original source. If you want to pin this collection as a whole, feel free to pin the collage image above!

An InLinkz Link-up

Red Velvet Cookies 'n' Cream Magic Bars

2015-01-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

These bars contains everything I love, and so naturally I love them! Red velvet {check}, Oreos {check}, Cookies 'n Cream Hershey's Kisses {check}, sweetened condensed milk {check}. Isn't that all you need to know to know that they will fit seamlessly into your life as well? Oh my word, so delicious. I love how each bit tastes a little different from the other because the kisses don't melt everywhere. Then there's the crunch of the Oreos. Oh my word, I'm going to make some more tomorrow.

Red Velvet Cookies 'n' Cream Magic Bars
Ingredients

1 box red velvet cake mix
1/2 cup oil or apple sauce
2 eggs
1 splash vanilla extract
About 15 Oreos, coarsely crushed
24 cookies n cream Hershey's Kisses, unwrapped
1 {14 oz} can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13x9 inch baking pan with foil and mist lightly with cooking spray. Set aside
In a large bowl combine the cake mix, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan
Bake for approximately 10 minutes
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately top with the crushed Oreos, and {unwrapped} Kisses evenly on top. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk on top of candies
Return pan to the oven and continue to bake until golden and bubbly, approximately 10-15 minutes
Allow the bars to come to room temperature before cutting into the squares

I suggest cutting with a plastic knife

Recipe adapted from The Domestic Rebel

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole in 30 Minutes or Less

2015-01-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Casseroles have become some of my favorite things ever! They make so much, they're yummy and you have plenty of left overs. Another awesome thing is being able to pretty much add whatever you have into the dish. Ran out of cream of chicken soup? Awesome, add Cream of Mushroom, or whatever you have!

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients

1 box macaroni {or other small pasta}
1 can chicken
1 head of fresh broccoli, or mixed veggies, boiled until tender
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Prepare pasta according to box instructions
Place broccoli in a medium saucepan with about 1" of water. Boil until tender, about 5-7 minutes
In a sauce pan stir broth, cream of chicken, mayonnaise, chicken, and lemon juice together. Heat and stir until well combined and heated through
Lightly grease a 9x13 pan, then spread the cooked pasta evenly on bottom of the pan
Spread chicken cream sauce evenly over the pasta
Cover with cooked broccoli, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted
Remove and serve immediately

You will also love this Broccoli Casserole with Chicken in 30 Minutes Or Less:

Broccoli Quinoa Casserole in 30 Minutes or Less

Island Pork Tenderloin

2015-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things to make {and eat} is definitely pork tenderloin. It's so delicious and tender! It can be kind of hard for me to try new recipes because when I find one I love and I don't want to waste such a good piece of meat on a potential bad recipe. I'm so glad I tried this recipe, however! Oh my word, it seriously blows my mind. I was a little hesitant at first due to the tabasco sauce, and thought about omitting it, but you mustn't. It adds so much! My 3 year old at this recipe, so that goes to show you that it's not all that spicy. I mean it definitely has a kick to it, and I did make sure I didn't add any extra sauce to his helping, but he really liked it. So if you are sensitive to spice try this anyway!

Island Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Spice Rub:
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cinnamon
2 pork tenderloins {2-1/4 to 2-1/2 lbs total} trimmed
2 Tbsp olive oil
Glaze:
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp finely chopped garlic
1 Tbsp Tabasco

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Stir the spice rub ingredients together in a small bowl and rub all over the pork
Heat oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Brown your pork, turning occasionally, about 4-5 minutes. Place in an oven safe dish
Stir together brown sugar, garlic and tabasco in a small bowl. Pat the mixture on top of the pork
Roast until the thermometer reads 145 degrees. About 20-25 minutes. Check every couple minutes after 20 minutes.
Remove from oven, and let rest for 10 minutes

Recipe adapted from Little B Cooks