~ Tiptoe Butterfly ~

Winner Winner Pork Dinner

2018-11-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

This is a total winner you guys! - I didn't take a picture of the finished product b/c it honestly didn't pop in my head to do so ( i gotta get that 'blogger mind' back going ) - and let's face it, how many times do we try a new recipe and it's just 'eh' - well this one was so good and i was super stoked about the success that i had to share:

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Boneless Pork Chops

Ingredients

6 thick cut boneless pork chops
( i used 8 thinner cut ones with all fat removed )

1 tablespoon olive oil
( i used coconut oil )

salt and pepper to taste
( i didn't measure any of the below; i just did to taste )

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/2 cup ketchup

1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cook the pork for 4-5 minutes on each side until deep golden brown.

Add the pork chops to the slow cooker.

NOTE: you can skip the browning process if you prefer and simply season the pork chops with salt and pepper then add them to the slow cooker. ~ but the browning adds a lot of flavor! ~ so if you can spare the few extra minutes and a dirty pan, DO IT!

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ketchup, soy sauce and honey. Pour the sauce over the pork chops. ( i added some sauce first to the slow cooker, layer of pork chops, more sauce, another lay of chops, and then more sauce .. i also used my medium sized slow cooker )

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours.

In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the slow cooker. ( i took the pork out, added the cornstarch mixture, whisked all together, then added the pork back in )

Cook for 1 more hour or until sauce has just thickened and pork chops are tender. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. ( i skipped the parsley b/c i didn't have any fresh on hand ~ also i put the sauce in a gravy boat and served on the side, it is sweet so keep that in mind )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i took the left overs for lunch and it was beyond good heated up! .. this is definitely a recipe i'll be remaking with different proteins and tweaking here and there to change it up - if you give it a try - let me know what you think!

Happy Cooking!

HouseCleaning

2018-11-05T16:49:00.003-05:00

wow it's been a serious minute since i've blogged - so much has happened and so little as well - i've been having this nagging feeling to get myself blogging again - so i figure why not pop on here and see where it takes me - will it be on the regular? who knows - will it be every month? maybe - will it be one and done? your guess is as good as mine - but here i am and it feels good to sign on

*hi butterflies*

apparently there's A LOT of housecleaning that needs to be done - looks like a bunch of my coding is broke *sorry* and lord only knows the issues i'll find as i actually get back at this - please bare with me as i dust off the cyber cobwebs ( PS - if your a web designer i'm all ears for suggestions to update this little spot! ) - i'm thinking i'll post and 'fix' as i go - let's see where it takes me this go around

*thanks again for sticking around*

Convertibles: 1 pair = 3 ways to wear & a GIVEAWAY!!

2016-12-02T08:45:00.002-05:00

Super excited to share with you: Convertibles by Glogover Hosiery! - forget having to go out and buy new hosiery every time you get a new pair of shoes or when styles change! - now you can buy 1 pair and wear any way you like to fit your style and needs! - they are perfect for traditional wear, open toe shoes, pedicures, carefree dancing (hello weddings), commutes to work, podiatry visits, beach weddings, and just being barefoot (earthing)! I can personally tell you #GlogoverHosiery nailed it!

Your gonna LOVE them & PERFECT during this holiday time!

Ladies, you know we have enough to worry about, Convertibles were created for the modern woman with our real life demands in mind - they are the only 3-in-1 pantyhose in the world with a patented seamless toe flap that folds back and under the foot - this allows us to wear them traditionally with a closed toe with heels at the office, then roll up to ankle or calf while we run to get our pedicure on our sacred lunch break, and after the day is done roll down the toe-flap and put on a pair of open toe booties for a night out! - they really are #ThePerfectPantyhose !

I should mention, because it means a lot to me - #ConvertiblesByGlogover are 100% made in the USA! - they come in two colors; nude and black - Features: soft & no roll waistband; comfort control top; cotton crotch; pull-resistant; graduated compression; convertible foot flap; and completely seamless toe! - and FREE SHIPPING!

Here's where it get's GOOD LADIES - 1 lucky follower will get a pair for FREE!

No jumping through hoops
Just make sure you:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

** Make sure you leave comment(s) below **

( Giveaway ends Dec 19 12:00am EST )

Winner Announced December 19th

( chosen by a random generator )
WINNER IS TRACI!

On the Day I Die

2016-09-16T14:08:00.001-04:00

On the die I day a lot will happen.

A lot will change.

The world will be busy.

On the day I die, all the important appointments I made will be left unattended.

The many plans I had yet to complete will remain forever undone.

The calendar that ruled so many of my days will now be irrelevant to me.

All the material things I so chased and guarded and treasured will be left in the hands of others to care for or to discard.

The words of my critics which so burdened me will cease to sting or capture anymore. They will be unable to touch me.

The arguments I believed I’d won here will not serve me or bring me any satisfaction or solace.

All my noisy incoming notifications and texts and calls will go unanswered. Their great urgency will be quieted.

My many nagging regrets will all be resigned to the past, where they should have always been anyway.

Every superficial worry about my body that I ever labored over; about my waistline or hairline or frown lines, will fade away.

My carefully crafted image, the one I worked so hard to shape for others here, will be left to them to complete anyway.

The sterling reputation I once struggled so greatly to maintain will be of little concern for me anymore.

All the small and large anxieties that stole sleep from me each night will be rendered powerless.

The deep and towering mysteries about life and death that so consumed my mind will finally be clarified in a way that they could never be before while I lived.

These things will certainly all be true on the day that I die.

Yet for as much as will happen on that day, one more thing that will happen.

On the day I die, the few people who really know and truly love me will grieve deeply.

They will feel a void.

They will feel cheated.

They will not feel ready.

They will feel as though a part of them has died as well.

And on that day, more than anything in the world they will want more time with me.

I know this from those I love and grieve over.

And so knowing this, while I am still alive I’ll try to remember that my time with them is finite and fleeting and so very precious—and I’ll do my best not to waste a second of it.

I’ll try not to squander a priceless moment worrying about all the other things that will happen on the day I die, because many of those things are either not my concern or beyond my control.

Friends, those other things have an insidious way of keeping you from living even as you live; vying for your attention, competing for your affections.

They rob you of the joy of this unrepeatable, uncontainable, ever-evaporating Now with those who love you and want only to share it with you.

Don’t miss the chance to dance with them while you can.

It’s easy to waste so much daylight in the days before you die.

Don’t let your life be stolen every day by all that you’ve been led to believe matters, because on the day you die, the fact is that much of it simply won’t.

Yes, you and I will die one day.

But before that day comes: let us live.

by John Pavlovitz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2016 has been a pretty awful year for myself and my family ~ my Dad has spent the last 7.5 months in the hospital ( was home for a little over a month and we finally thought he was in the clear; but last Saturday he ended up in the ER and now the nightmare continues ), my Mom had emergency eye surgery that didn't go as expected and still can't see, my 91 year old Gram has become to frail to live on her own and had to give up her apartment for a nursing home, and this is just to name a few things that have been going on ... it's been a roller coaster of emotions, and at times, I've found myself preparing for the worst because it is/was a reality ... ( my stomach is in knots for even writing that out ) ... my heart aches; a different kind of ache ... I do my very best not to complain or get frustrated as I know things can always be worse ... but i'm only human ... I thank God multiples times in a day for the many blessings I have ... and i thank Him for listening to me all night long; especially those 3 am 'chats' ... I have taken' the past 36 years of bountiful living for granted; that is quite clear to me now ... I have grown, learned, listened, felt, seen, and and imagined things this year that i never could of fathomed ... but that's living, right?

"Nothing is ever so bad that it couldn't get worse."

Jump On It

2016-03-01T11:24:00.001-05:00

i'm a sucker for a good jumpsuit/romper .. i know they are not for everyone; and they surely don't make using the bathroom easy .. but they are a staple to my style .. i love the comfort and laid back feel of them, as well as the ability to step up your game by adding killer heels and a bold necklace and your ready for a night out .. here's a few I've been eyeing up and wouldn't mind if they just so happened to end up in my closet :o)

Lauren Manoogian - Selvedge Utility Jumpsuit

*on sale & i'm obsessed*

Maison Margiela Jumpsuit

Ulla Johnson - Tamara Jumpsuit

*on sale*

Humanoid - Bounty Jumpsuit

Chimala - Overalls

NLST - Officer Jumpsuit

*on sale in Navy*

Raquel Allegra - Drop Rise Romper

Zara - Long Crossover Jumpsuit

Isabel Marant Etoile - Ojima Fluffy Jean Jumpsuit

Osklen - Emperor Floral Overall

*on sale*

Do you 'jump' on a good one-piece?

Pohawk - DIY

2015-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

i found this pohawk beanie by Mischa Lampert and instantly knew i had to have it - half a second later i saw the price ( $612 ) and knew i wasn't going to have it - *bummed* - then another half a second later i thought ... DIY; i mean how hard can it be to attach 5 furry pom poms to a knitted beanie?! .. well i don't have the answer yet, but this weekend i'll be attempting to recreate this way overpriced beanie

any DIY projects on your list?

Balmain x H&M Collab

2015-10-21T12:06:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars if you haven't already - Nov 5, 2015 - Balmain collaboration with H&M hits the stores - from what i see it looks GOOD!! - i'm sure it's going to sell out just as fast as the Isabel Marant collaboration did - here's a few pieces that i wouldn't mind snagging up :o)

you can find the full collection and prices here

Zucchini Blueberry Coconut Mini Muffins

2015-08-03T08:54:00.003-04:00

it was a busy bee weekend for me - but i managed to make these zucchini/blueberry/coconut muffins - i'm not so much a baker so i was a bit nervous on how they would come out - *success* - so if your like me with an overload of zucchini from the garden - give these a whirl

* these are my actual muffins *

What You Will Need:
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups white sugar
2 cups shredded zucchini

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 pint fresh blueberries

Handful of shredded coconut

Tips:

** Zucchini - i added more; probably closer to 2.5 cups if not more ~ if i was using up a jumbo zucchini i hulled out the middle with the seeds and only used the 'good' stuff ~ after it was shredded i also let it settle in a salad spinner and spun it every so often to get the excess water out

** Coconut - for this i eyeballed the amount - i tried to have the same ratio of coconut to blueberry ~ so it's all about preference on that {dates, cranberries, any other fruits can be used too}

** Muffins - i made these in mini-muffin trays - this recipe used 2 and 1/2 trays

Let's Start To Bake:

* 1 * Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

* 2 * Lightly grease pans

* 3 * In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar

* 4 * Fold in the zucchini

* 5 * Beat in the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon

* 6 * Gently fold in the blueberries and coconut

* 7 * Transfer to the prepared pans

* 8 * Bake 30 - 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean { time depends on of what size of muffins or if you make as a loaf }

* 9 * Cool 20 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely

ENJOY & SHARE

Whole30 Stuffed Peppers

2015-07-30T14:44:00.001-04:00

I've had this recipe on rotation in my house for years now - sometimes i stuff peppers - other times i'll stuff zucchini or eggplant - i switch the ingredients around all the time - and i never measure anything, i go by eye and taste FYI - i try to change the seasonings every time i make it so it's a little different as well - but here's the basics of a healthy version of 'stuffed peppers' - also Whole30 approved

(photo is not mine - but this is pretty much what it will look like)

What You Need:
* 8 bell peppers
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion (chopped)
* 4 garlic gloves (minced)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground pepper
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 2 pounds lean ground turkey
* 1 16-oz container of salsa
(check ingredients - make sure no sugar, etc - look in cold section of food market, this is usually where you will find fresh salsa with no added ingredients)
* 1 10-oz bag of frozen thawed and squeezed spinach or 2 cups fresh baby spinach
* 1 large avocado (sliced)

MY TIPS:
I will change up the 2 pounds of turkey with beef or chicken (doing 1/2 and 1/2; Whole30 approved) - i also will add shallots, lots of garlic, and red pepper flakes to the dish - sometimes i'll cut up some eggplant or mushrooms to the mixture - in addition i usually add twice the amount of spinach and kale as well - like i said i really try and play with this recipe a lot b/c it really is a good one! - (it freezes well too *bonus*) - play with this recipe and go by taste - i also sometimes don't even 'stuff' anything but will buy raw broccoli slaw in the bag and then top it with the mixture and make a salad that way and use avocado as my 'dressing'

Here's What You Do:
** Preheat over 375 and oil a baking dish
** Remove stems of peppers and remove the seeds (you can leave whole or cut in 1/2)
** Place peppers in baking dish - brush them with olive oil - cover with tin foil - and let bake for at least 20 mins (all depends on how soft/roasted you like your peppers)
** In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat
** Add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin - cook until veggies are softened. (again add less or more whatever veggies/spices you'd like - don't limit yourself)
** Add turkey - cook until slightly browned
** Stir in salsa and spinach (again add to your taste) - cook another 5 mins or so
** Remove skillet from heat
** Carefully fill peppers will mixture
** Cover with foil and place back in over for another 25-35 mins
** Place slices of avocado on top when serving

HAVE ANY WHOLE30 RECIPES TO SHARE?
DO YOU TRY TO MAKE YOUR MEALS A HEALTHIER VERSION THEN THE ONE'S YOU MAY HAVE GREW UP ON?

Fanciful Designs

2015-07-07T10:36:00.000-04:00

looking through my feed on Instagram - i saw Homegoods posted a picture of Kristy's daughters room { she has a blog Wicks Nest } and i went into full on hunt mode - she had custom quality french paper flowers made by Fanciful Designs { here's her Etsy shop } and i'm determined to get a set for my own bedroom! - i have one wall in my bedroom that i really can't figure out what i wanted to do with it to jazz it up and these flowers are exactly what it needs ! ... i've also been looking for a daybed for my spare bedroom and i'm loving this one from Restoration Hardware!

pictures from here

BTW - the flowers are great for weddings { back of the brides chair } - or for a backdrop for a step-n-repeat - use for table settings etc - check out Fanciful Designs for more ideas and custom designs!

The World On A Plate by Mina Holland

2015-05-26T08:58:00.001-04:00

currently my new go-to recipe book! - The World on a Plate features 100 recipes from around the globe and tid bits of their origin ~ including some trivia, and why people in certain parts of the world eat what they do ~ the recipes are simple and on point ~ you don't need to be a pro in the kitchen to master these dishes ~ and what a great idea to throw a dinner party focusing on one region of the world; say Argentina

Dulce De Leche

5 1/3 cups superfine sugar
16 3/4 cups whole milk
1 vanilla pod, split lengthwise in half
1 tsp baking soda

1. Heat large, heavy saucepan over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Add 1/4 - 1/2 sugar. Cook, stirring, until the sugar caramelizes to a golden color.
2. Watching for spatters, quickly stir in the milk along with the remaining sugar, the vanilla pod, and the baking soda. The milk will turn a light beige color.
3. Continue cooking stirring occasionally, for about 1 1/2 hours. Then start checking the pan attentively while stirring more frequently. When the mixture starts to bubble steadily, check the state of doneness by spooning some drops onto a plate to see whether they flow ir stay in place, or use a candy thermometer. Make sure you wait a couple of seconds for your sample to cool a bit. If it solidifies a little, or if it has reached 225 degrees Fahrenheit the thermometer, it is done.
4. Have ready a heatproof medium bowl placed over another bowl filled with cracked ice and a little water. When the dulce de leche has achieved the desired consistency, becoming a shiny, creamy custard that is still a bit liquid, pour it into the prepared bowl to let it cool and thicken. Store, rightly covered, in a plastic or glass container at room temperature or in the refrigerator It will last for months.

Oh! You Pretty Things by Shanna Mahin

2015-05-06T08:01:00.001-04:00

i was lucky to snag an advanced copy of Oh! Your Pretty Things by Shanna Mahin {no worries; it's now available to purchase} - it's a novel about life on the fringe of celebrity and the people who push you down on their way up - the author, Shanna, has a unique perspective of LA life as she is third generation Hollywood - this book is on point! - perfect read for when you hit the beach ~ promise it will satisfy your gossip thirst and hit you with humor and wit!

Bow and Drape

2015-04-20T08:29:00.004-04:00

new crush alert: Bow and Drape - made in NYC - customize your own sweatshirts, t-shirts, bags, and even dog clothes {btw new items to customize come in stock all the time} .. you may have seen these custom tops on celebrities such as Carole Radziwill from RHONY and Jamie King to just name a couple - all tops can be customized on front and back as well as the arms - the one i created and ordered says "it's never to late to live" on the front and the on the back "happily ever after" - and did i mention they are 100% returnable! ~ and how perfect with wedding season upon us?! - and of course perfection for every holiday! - let your imagine run wild and have fun - oh and btw you can put as many decals as your heart desires, it's all just 1 price!

this week only use code: YAYNORDSTROM for 20% off

Love Not Ready

2015-04-16T07:42:00.000-04:00

“Someone can be madly in love with you and still not be ready. They can love you in a way you have never been loved and still not join you on the bridge. And whatever their reasons you must leave. Because you never ever have to inspire anyone to meet you on the bridge. You never ever have to convince someone to do the work to be ready. There is more extraordinary love, more love that you have never seen, out here in this wide and wild universe. And there is the love that will be ready. ”

— Nayyirah Waheed

Otherworld

2015-04-09T07:47:00.000-04:00

i recently got introduced to the brand: Otherworld by no other then Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black *thanks girl!* - these kimonos are much more then just kimonos, you can watch here all the versatile ways to wear them {cover up, cape, shrug, veil, headscarf, kimono, scarf, skirt wrap} - light and airy with a boho vibe, what's not to love! - and with Spring here and Summer on it's way, i can't wait to wear mine! - and PS sign up to be on their mailing list and your first order you'll get 20% off!

check out OTHERWORLD today!

PSS - i purchased the Grotte D'Hercule kimono and i'm in love!

Tory Burch x Fitbit

2015-03-27T09:01:00.000-04:00

Tory Burch x Fitbit = fashion + fitness + health

i've been wanting to get a Fitbit for some time now, but really didn't wanna wear the ugly Fitbit bracelet around and have it stick out like a sore thumb - but seeing how Tory Burch teamed up with Fitbit and came out with these below {necklace & bracelets - in gold, silver, and rose gold - and different shades of leather} - i think it's finally time i cave and get myself one!

anyone have a Fitbit and have any pro's or con's?

Target x Tori Praver

2015-03-25T09:39:00.003-04:00

good news! - Target collabed with Tori Praver! - i have a bunch of Tori Praver bikini's and LOVE them - so if you never got yourself one due to price, here's your perfect opportunity to grab one up - check em' out:

Brother Vellies

2015-03-03T09:19:00.001-05:00

My new current shoe crush is Brother Vellies - CFDA-recognized sustainable footwear label - founded by designer Aurora James - all shoes are inspired by traditional African wear and are handmade in South Africa, Kenya and Namibia - to know me is to know i'm a sucker for all good things; you can read about there sustainability here - below are a few hardcore crushes i have:

now to decide which pair to get first :o)

PS - they sell men's, women's and kids

Giambattista Valli

2015-02-09T09:02:00.000-05:00

i can not even describe my feelings for this dress - other then to know me is to know this IS my kinda' dress! - i will have dreams upon dress of this and pray one day that i can slip inside it and twirl - Giambattista Valli you have made my dreams come true!

Lilly Pulitzer x Target

2015-01-07T08:35:00.002-05:00

here we go again; another collab with Target - this time with designer Lilly Pulitzer - hits stores April 19 - price range from $2 - $150 but over 200 items are under $30 - items will be woman's and girls accessories, shoes, and clothing (this will be the first time a collab with Target will offer plus size for women); home accents, outdoor entertaining pieces, beach gear, travel accessories, and more

i still don't know how i feel about these collaborations; due to the fact the items are usually so poorly made; yes they are at a great price point {especially when they hit the 50-70% off when then don't sell} ~ i'll probably check it out even though i'm really not a Lilly Pulitzer kinda' girl ~ the home decor items have caught my eye {especially the outdoor stuff}, as well as some of the jewelry, beach towels, a pair of pom-pom shorts, and possibly a kaftan

Here's to Targets first collab of 2015

Chloe Large Marcie Tote

2014-10-13T10:51:00.000-04:00

-- OR --

I've been on a bag hiatus; but i'm finally ready to pull the trigger; problem is WHICH one?!

Donation Regret - DIY Dresser

2014-09-26T16:09:00.001-04:00

do you ever experience donation {or seller} regret? - i'm having a serious case of the blues on this one! - last trash day i threw away my solo-flex machine - i was clearing out my parents basement and i just said 'screw it, let the metal people take it and get some cash for it' - but now that I've been working out 5+ times a week, i really wish i kept it instead of now having to go out and buy one

i also threw out a ton of old furniture - there's chairs i'm really missing right now - but mostly i'm thinking about all the dressers i threw away - WHAT WAS I THINKING?! - you can never have enough dressers! - i mean seriously, right now instead of having loads of bags and bins of clothes, i could have them neatly organized and settled into a draw - and i wouldn't even need to worry about space b/c they could all be in my basement {aka exercise/laundry dungeon}

not only am i upset that i got rid of some really good stuff - i'm also a little blue over the fact that they could of been my DIY projects over the winter - since I've been really craving an artistic outlet as of late; these now gone dressers would of been a way to 'fix' that - my hands/mind have been steady for too long, they need to get working on something artistically! - needless to say i'll be keeping my eye open to all curb alerts on dressers in the hood!

here's what could of been of my dressers:

SEE WHY I AM HAVING DONATION REGRET?!
HAVE YOU MADE OVER FURNITURE OR RE-PURPOSED IT?

* PS i plan to be putting a load of stuff on eBay; i have hundreds of designer items i need to let go of - I've been in the process of 'trying' {key word} to let go but i haven't pulled the trigger yet - i'll keep you posted to when i actually post on eBay - all 100% authentic designer labels *

Healthy Habits

2014-09-18T12:00:00.003-04:00

i know i gotta work on a few of these

*ok maybe more then a few*

Here's to healthy women!

Pure Vida Bracelets

2014-09-10T09:08:00.001-04:00

Have you heard of Pura Vida bracelets? - 'Purla Vida' means 'pure life' in Spanish - Enjoying life slowly, celebrating good fortune and not taking anything for granted embodies the Pura Vida Lifestyle. It's about being free and living with no regrets or taking another for granted; it's an attitude - you can read about their story here on how it all came to be and the amazing charitable work they do!

each bracelet purchased {which if you know me; i'm a sucker for a good cause} helps provide a full-time jobs for local artisans in Costa Rica!!! - so of course i placed my orders already!

Are you ready to join the movement?!
If you click here you will get 50% off your 1st order!
{ your welcome }

For Sale: Christian Louboutin Corneille

2014-09-05T12:12:00.000-04:00

SOLD OUT 100% Authentic Christian Louboutin Corneille 100mm - size 36.5 - NEVER WORN - bought wrong size (i missed the 2 week window to return) - $675 due to limited edition color and being sold out everywhere *free shipping*