The High Heeled Hostess

Spring Style

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:13:00 +0000

It has been so nice here! We've been spending many evenings on the back patio.

I've gotten to dust off my short and sandals! Vince Camuto has helped me empty my pocketbook lately!

Here are some of my inspiriations for outfits chasing a kiddies on the go!

I'm obsessed with the boyfriend shirts from gap!

Cute, cute cute!

source: Beautyti.ps

Hello Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:32:00 +0000

Hi Everyone! Sorry for the prolonged silence! We've been busy busy around here! We were down at the beach house for two weeks while Clay had to work (poor Clay). Landry has turned into a Miss. Priss ( and she can say it which is really cute)! She loves make up, jewelry, sparkles and pink!

Landry is a beach bunny! She loves the water and the sand and everything beach.

We did a lot of lounging and playing with pups.

While Landry napped, I'd read on the second story balcony... it was so nice!

And before that we went to Napa with some good friends for my birthday! It was my first time out there and it was a little piece of heaven on earth.

Above is Cakebread Winery and below is us at Opus One. Being in the deserts of West Texas it was crazy to see some part of the work actually had green vegetation!

I'll show you the wreaths I made for my front door for a little spring inspiration! It was so simple. I got the grapevine wreaths and bagged moss at my local craft store, then I made bows from burlap ribbon! Easy and it will carry me through the summer! I literally just stuck the moss on the wreath with no glue or adhesive, the stick of the wreath cling onto the moss.

Is everyone ready for Easter??

St. Patty's Day Snack Mix

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:02:00 +0000

I found the perfect St. Patty's Day snack for Landry! This lucky charms snacks mix looks delish!

What you need:
Lucky Charms
Green M&M's
Peanuts
Pretzels
White Melting Chocolate
Green Sugar Sprinkles (optional)

How to:

Take your Lucky Charms (about 6 cups)

and separate out the Marshies!

Take the cereal WITHOUT marshies add pretzels, peanuts and well..whatever you want, then spread it out on a rimmed baking sheet or pour into bowl to get ready to mix with the chocolate.

Melt some white chocolate and pour over and mix well.

I ended up using about 2 bags of the wilton white

chocolate melts in the Colorburst pastel.

Next add the magically delicious MARSHIES

and some GREEN M&M's. I had some green sugar

sprinkles and tiny shamrock sprinkles that I added

to be really ~~GAUDY~~ FESTIVE! Oh yaaaaaaaaa.

Source: Sweetology

We've been busy busy over here! We just started gymnastics!

Clay and I also just got back from Napa, specially Yountville. That little town is heaven on earth!

We ate at the French Laundry which is literally the best food I've EVER eaten. We went to Mumm, Del Dotto, Cake Bread, Silver Oak, Domaine Chandon and Opus One. They were all wonderful. I had a lot of fun on this trip... a little too much fun... back to the treadmill so my jeans can button again!!

O'verlays

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:38:00 +0000

I couldn't be more obsessed with this company I found! O'verlays. They create wood overlays that you can attach to furniture and cabinets to make them more interesting! I already have 1000 places I want to place them! The company started to dress up boring Ikea furniture... so if you have any pieces left over from college you can revamp them. They do custom sizes too, so really any boring furniture can get a makeover! These were $10 mirrors from ikea! I'll take a few!

From this...

To This!!!

Um yes please!! I have flat doors in my house that have always bugged me.... by always I mean I've lived here for 6 months now :) I'm highly thinking about painting my doors place and attaching these overlays.... or leaving them white and doing gold overlays... Such choices.

Also loving this design. I'm thinking about the large x's for the side panels of my kitchen cabinets. We are repainting them soon, so now is the time to decide.

Here is our kitchen inspiration... Sarah Richardson knows how to design!

And that is all this morning. I'm in full house mode!!

Lucky Leaf's Valentine Recipes!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:38:00 +0000

Need some ideas for a delicious Valentine's breakfast? Look no further. Lucky Leaf has come us with some delicious easy recipes! These would be just sweet treats for your family, co-workers or children's classmates.

Ingredients
nonstick cooking spray
118.25-ounce package devil's food cake mix
121-ounce can LUCKY LEAF^® Premium Strawberry Pie Filling
3eggs, lightly beaten
1 ⅓cups dairy sour cream
1egg, lightly beaten (separate mixture)
¼cup sugar
2Tablespoons all purpose flour
1teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °F.

Lightly coat 24 to 30, 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix, pie filling and 3 eggs until moistened.

Remove 1 cup of the batter and set aside. Divide remaining batter among prepared muffin cups filling each about half full.

In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, 1 egg, sugar, flour and vanilla until smooth. Spoon small mounds of reserved batter over sour cream mixture in each cup (batter will not cover sour cream layer).

Bake for 25 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched.

Remove and cool in pans on wire racks for 15 minutes. Loosen edges and remove from pans. Cool completely. Chill within 2 hours. Makes 24

Ingredients

121-ounce can LUCKY LEAF^® Premium Apple Pie Filling
118.25-ounce package spice cake mix
3eggs
1Tablespoon butter
2Tablespoons packed brown sugar
¼cup pretzels, crushed
3Tablespoons pecans, chopped
vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease or line twenty-four 2 1/2-inch muffin cups with paper baking cups and set aside.

Chop one can of LUCKY LEAF Premium Apple Pie Filling into bite-sized chunks. Reserve 1/2-cup of LUCKY LEAF Premium Apple Pie Filling for topping.

In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix, eggs and LUCKY LEAF Premium Apple Pie Filling. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes (batter will be thick).

Fill prepared muffin cups about 2/3 full with cake batter.

Bake about 20 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched.

Cool in cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from cups and cool completely.

For streusel: In a small skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir to combine. Add pretzels and pecans. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.

Place each cupcake on a dessert dish. If using paper cups, pull paper down around bottom of cupcake.

Top cupcake with a small scoop of ice cream, then top with reserved LUCKY LEAF Premium Apple Pie Filling and streusel.

Makes 24

Ingredients

1teaspoon Cinnamon, ground
2packages Refrigerated pie crusts (3 crusts)
121-ounce can LUCKY LEAF^® Premium Blueberry Pie Filling
1Egg
1Tablespoon Milk
1Tablespoon Sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400° degrees.

Unroll the 3 refrigerated crusts. Using a 4-5” circle cookie cutter (or even the rim of a glass/bowl), cut out 12 circles of dough.

Spray the muffin tin with cooking spray. Lay each circle on top of the muffin hole and gently press down to the bottom and along the sides, covering the whole muffin cup. The side crust should come to just below the top of the muffin cup.

Fill each with 2 large tablespoons of pie filling.

Cut ½” strips of dough and lay down in an overlapping pattern to make lattice tops. Use a pastry brush to brush the lattice of each mini pie with an egg wash (egg and milk combined). Mix together cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on top of each pie.

Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Let pies cool slightly before removing from the tins Makes 24.

You can go to Lucky Leaf's website for many more inspiring recipes!

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:22:00 +0000

People.... this is soooooo good! I'm so busy today, but I HAD to post about this recipe before I forgot, this is an instant family favorite. All you need is.... 3 chicken breast, 1 jar of your favorite salsa and taco seasoning mix. Put the chicken in the crockpot, cover with one jar salsa and taco seasoning and cook it on high for 6 hours. I used the thin breast tenderloins and it took them 3 hours to cook.

Once your meat is done shred and serve with your favorite taco toppings! Easy Cheesy... and great for entertaining a large group of people without having to lock yourself in the kitchen all evening!

Valentines Free Printables

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Good Morning Everyone! Valentines is on my mind! I used to love waking up every morning having a Valentines gift from my parents waiting for me at the breakfast table. Now I get to create those memories for my family. Landry and I are going to bake cookies for our friends this year.

STRAWBERRY GOOEY BUTTER COOKIES

makes about 24 cookies

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 egg
1 box (18.25 oz) Strawberry Cake Mix
1/4 cup powdered sugar

How to Make

In your mixer cream together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add egg and beat until combined.
Turn mixer to low and slowly add in your cake mix. The dough will be thick.
Refrigerate dough for about a hour or so, just enough so it's not quite as sticky. Also, the colder the dough is the puffier your cookies will be.
When dough is chilled preheat oven to 350°.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place. powdered sugar in a small bowl
Roll dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter, then roll in powdered sugar.
Place about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet and bake for approx 10 minutes until centers are just set.
Cool on wire rack

Notes

adapted from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

Source: Cookies and Cups

These cute printables are from Lucky Leaf! I will show you what we are cooking up soon!

Bedroom Obsession!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:51:00 +0000

January is the time to realize you are not happy with your house. Once all the glitz and glam of Christmas decor goes away you realize your house is empty. I'm in full house redo mode. Now if only I can convince the husband to splurge on all the things I want. haha.

This bedroom is me in a nutshell. Simple, elegant, clean with a touch of modern traditional.

Landry is still in a crib. But I already think of how I want to do her big girl room! I'm loving this room, especially the desk chair.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!

Red Velvet Pancakes

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:55:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is less than a month away. Pamper your loved ones with these red velvet pancakes!

Red Velvet Pancakes

1 1/2 C. Buttermilk
4 Eggs
4 Tbsp. Butter, melted
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 Tbsp. Red Food Coloring
2 C. Flour
2 Tbsp. Cocoa
1/3 cup Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Salt

Mix together dry ingredients and set aside. Melt butter in separate bowl, then add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and food coloring. Blend well. Pour in dry mixture and beat until smooth.

Pour ½ cup of the whipped batter on a greased skillet. Pan fry on medium heat until browned. Flip over and brown again. Top with desired toppings and serve warm.

{To make a heart shaped pancake (optional), place a heart shaped cookie cutter on the skillet, and pour batter into the cookie cutter. Remove form before flipping.}

*Optional toppings include syrup, butter, whipping cream, and shaved chocolate.

Buttermilk Syrup
1 C Butter
1 C Buttermilk
2 C Sugar
2 T Vanilla
1 t Baking Soda

Bring the first three ingredients to a boil and boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda. Stir and Serve.

Source: Whipperberry.com

Free Custom Water Bottle Labels!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:51:00 +0000

Hello everyone! Sorry for the silence... I've been one busy lady. I'm decorating two houses and decorating 2 rooms for the Museum of the Southwest fundraiser.

I'm really excited about all my projects, but it leaves me a little stretched for time with my sweet little doll face always wanting my attention!

This picture was at great grandma's house. She loves curlers and make up!

I'm Obsessed with this image! I need to have a champagne party asap!

This champagne bar would be fun to add at your next event! While we are talking about hosting parties.... I have a fun offer.

Now for the fun (free) stuff! Magnet Street is a custom printing and party stationery store. They have offered 50 free custom water bottle labels for the first 10 people that apply! These are so great for baby showers, wedding showers, Girl's Night Out parties and birthday parties!

Use code LMW3C2A7EB

50 free water bottle labels with free UPS shipping.

http:/www.magnetstreet.com/water-bottle-labels

Expires 2/28/13

Happy January everyone!

Light Poblano Corn Chowder

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:50:00 +0000

This is my favorite soup of the season! The flavors are so bold, but yet its a light soup.

Serve with crusty rolls or paninis.

Ingredients

1 large poblano pepper, cut in half lengthwise
1 (20-ounce) tube frozen creamed corn, thawed
1 1/2 cups 1% low-fat or fat-free milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 to 2 cups reduced-sodium, fat-free chicken broth
1/2 (8-ounce) package fat-free cream cheese, softened
Garnishes: thinly sliced jalapeño pepper strips, ground black pepper
Preparation
1. Broil poblano pepper halves, skin side up, on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet 6 inches from heat 5 to 6 minutes or until pepper looks blistered. Fold aluminum foil over pepper to seal, and let stand 10 minutes. Peel pepper; remove and discard seeds. Coarsely chop pepper; set aside.
2. Bring creamed corn and next 4 ingredients to a boil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring mixture constantly. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring often, 10 minutes.
3. Stir 1 1/2 cups chicken broth into mixture. Whisk in softened cream cheese and chopped poblano pepper; cook, whisking often, 5 minutes or until cream cheese melts and mixture is thoroughly heated. Whisk in additional chicken broth, if necessary, to reach desired consistency; garnish, if desired. Serve chowder immediately.
Southern Living 2003

Are y'all ready for Christmas?? I am! Here is a picture of us in Vegas a few weeks ago. The decorations were fab!

Christmas Party Finishing Touches

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:05:00 +0000

Make this cute little tree when having some guests over this season. It will pair wonderfully with some wine, and is incredibly quick and easy to make. Tis the season for cute and QUICK appetizers.

The green stuff is fresh thyme.

Also I've been dying to try these Christmas cranberry mojitos. My dad loves a good mojito, these may be fun for Christmas eve!

And of course don't forget these reindeer pancakes for Christmas morning. We started making these last year, and I'm sure Landry will be in college and I will still be making these for her every Christmas. Food is more fun to eat when its cute, right?

source

If you happen to be having a party. Here is a fun play list to get the party started!

I was just looking back at pictures from last Christmas. Look how tiny Landry was!!

and now!! I didn't believe they grew this fast... but now I'm a beleiver!

Countdown to Christmas- Crafts and Cocktails!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:59:00 +0000

Here is an overview of my Spice up the holiday's party I threw hosted by Captain Morgan and Spike Mendelsohn of Top Chef. We had a crafting party!

Spice up the Holiday's

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:48:00 +0000

I had my Spice up the Holiday's party featuring Captain Morgan this week. We had a lot of fun. Its always great to get a group of girls together. We are all young moms, so a kid free night is rare (and needed). It makes me laugh though, because what did we talk about before we were moms?? The conversations always turns back to our little stinkers.

I will post more about the party soon!

But until then try making gingersnap milkshakes to spice up your weekend!

Gingersnap Milkshakes

Soak 8 crushed gingersnap cookies in 1 cup of milk in the blender.

Add 2 cups of vanilla ice-cream and 2 tablespoons ground ginger.

Add one shot of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum.

Blend. Pour into gorgeous glasses and top with whipped cream and crushed gingersnaps.

xoxo Our holiday parties start this weekend! So excited. Not meaning to brag but I get to put these little puppies on my feet this weekend. Vegas was nice to me last weekend!

Latte Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:55:00 +0000

This has been one of those weeks... I just got back from Vegas yesterday, I have my Captain Morgan Party tonight (so excited), the church where Landry goes to Child's Day Out caught on fire (no school til who knows when)... and I haven't gotten to blog about my new latte machine! Yesterday in all the frenzy, I sat down and made a creme caramel latte. It was so good! It was like Starbucks came to my house, and I am no barista!

Creme Caramel Latte

6 tbsp coffee

8 oz water

13 oz milk

5 tbsp Torani vanilla syrup

Whipped cream on top

You just put it in the machine, wait a few minutes and pour! So easy!

This would make such a great gift for your favorite Starbucks junkie! You can make a million lattes, hot chocolate and chai teas! Mr. Coffee is offering a discount to my readers. Type in promo code: MLAT10A for $10 off and free shipping!

Phones calls with celebs and rum waffles.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:01:00 +0000

So remember I'm in the Spice up the Holidays with Captain Morgan's contest?

I talked to Spike Mendelsohn from Top Chef yesterday on the phone!! It was crazy! I was nervous, but he was so nice and sounded just like he does on tv (I feel like when I hear my voice recorded it doesn't sound like me... I figured it was true for everyone... guess not).

Sorry Spike... I like posting all your abnormal pictures on my blog :) I figure it fits your personality.

So there I was.... in the middle of Ulta returning some eyeliner when I got the phone call. So crouched in the corner of the store near the nail polishes I told him about my theme and what dishes I have been trying with success. He sounded excited about my appetizer, so woohoo for me. I'm not going to lie, this whole thing has been nerve wracking!! I love parties... throw them all the time... I love cooking.. do that all the time too, but not for people who own their own restaurants and cook on tv. I don't know the first thing about technique... heck I can't even chop an onion without using my chopper whopper.

Great gift for that wanna be chef in your life... no they didn't pay me to say that.. I wish.. I just really love my chopper whopper.

So I don't know if I'm supposed to be secretive about what recipes I've decided upon for my party, but I think I will! I will share this recipe which I loved, but just won't work for the party.

Banana Pecan Waffles with Rum Raisin Syrup

Sidenote: Someday... when I'm like 50 and there are no more kids in the house, I'd love to go to Napa for a month and go to cooking school. Just saying. The end.

Mr. Coffee Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 01:45:00 +0000

What better time of year to win some cash money or coffee machines??

There is none!

Mr. Coffee has a Pinterest contest that just went live! Win the swag for yourself or for that coffee lover in your life! Here are the details.

You could win the grand prize of $500 or one of two Mr. Coffee® Café Latte makers in the Mr. Coffee® Brand Coffeehouse at Home contest. And don’t forget to register your board at www.mrcoffee.com/mrcclg004. Be sure to use the #mrcoffeelatte hashtag! Contest ends 12/3/12 -- good luck!

Christmas Shopping in full swing!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Tis the season! I'm halfway through my shopping. l love when Neiman's does their gift card rewards. Its like guilt free a gift for you a gift for me! Here are some of the things I wouldn't find seeing wrapped up under my tree (or purchased with my gift card I'll receive in the mail after Christmas).

Jessica Simpson... you make one cute boot.

source

Who doesn't love beautiful monogrammed placemats and gold flatware. This would be a rocking Christmas day table.

Luxury Monograms

Possibly a bit impractical living in West Texas, but even if it is 70 degrees, would people think I'm crazy for wearing them, or jealous of the tiny little bow on my finger??

Gloves

This lovely tufted ottoman would look fabulous in the middle of my bathroom.

source

Burberry holds a special place in my heart. There is something about that plaid.

source

And finally this latte machine! I just got one in the mail today. I'm so excited to start brewing delicious wonderfulness every morning. I'll let you know some of my favorite recipes as I play around with it.

What are y'all asking for or giving this year? PS Fun with Rum to come!

More on my Captain Morgan recipes and party!

Pa-RUM-pum pum pum.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:30:00 +0000

So like I posted last week, I am in the "Spice up the Holidays" with Captain Morgan holiday competition. I jumped the gun a little on that one! It starts this weeks, so that has given me even more time to gather inspiration. Here are some fun ideas I've seen. I've got to cook up some test runs to see what is my favorite. Y'all be sure to let me know any great recipes you have tried!!

Hot Buttered Rum Cupcakes

Spiced Rum Eggnog

Rum Raisin Cheesecake

I need to select an appetizer, dessert and cocktail all featuring Captain Morgan's Rum.

You can find all these recipes and more on my Pinterest board!

Be sure and follow me if you don't already. What are y'all doing for Thanksgiving? I'm at the lake for a week with Landry helping Mia prepare for Thanksgiving.

We have quite a cooking schedule ahead of us. Nothing out of a can over here!

Captain Morgan's Spice Up Your Holida

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:53:00 +0000

I've been selected to enter a competition! The competition involves throwing a party... making it cute... coming up with new recipes using Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum... eating and drinking! Right up my alley. It wasn't too long ago I was in college and we'd just drink Captain Morgan warm.... or threw it in our Sonic drinks.

Well now I'm "mature" I'm a year shy of 30! Now I drink my rum in invigorating new recipes! (Sometimes). But seriously make your holiday party stand out with a signature warm spirit and delicious food. This will be our motto this holiday season!

The presents aren't wrapped! Consult sign above. I burned the turkey! Consult sign above. My husband bought me another vacuum for Christmas! Consult sign above. Get it? This holiday season will be the best yet
( but don't drink the whole bottle at one time... there are consequences) .

So here are the details to this competition:

This winter, Captain Morgan will help you “Spice Up the Holidays” through a program in which 10 influential women’s interest / entertaining / food bloggers will take part in an entertaining competition judged by former Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn.

(Sidenote: Spike- If you are reading this I watched Top Chef All Stars and Life After Top Chef, it wasn't until I just googled your name for a picture that I realized you have quite a hat collection... impressive you should showcase it more on TV(Readers... Seriously, you should google him) Spike if I win I'll send you a hat to add to your collection. ((That's not bribery right?))

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The competition begins with you announcing your challenge to your readers(which I am currently doing): to “Spice Up the Holidays” by throwing a memorable party fueled by adventurous choices in cocktails, food, décor and entertainment.

The only requirement is that you incorporate one cocktail, one appetizer and one dessert that calls for Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum into your party – other than that, it’s up to you how you “spice up” your party!

Sooooooo. This is where I need y'alls help! Do you have a wonderful recipe with rum in it? Or an idea of a fabulous theme? All help is appreciated! I may even throw in a prize if the idea is delicious enough!!

And no recipes like this please! Haha.

XOXO- Ashley

PS. I put up my Christmas decorations this weekend... I'm crazy right? I'll post pictures of that soon.

A delicious dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:34:00 +0000

I brought dinner to a good friend tonight who just had a baby. I thought comfort food was just what she needed. I LOVE bringing food to people with babies, because I cook double for myself, and it is stuff I usually won't go all out and cook on a Thursday evening.

Tonight's menu was Pioneer Woman meatloaf (look it up, its worth every calorie), mashed potatoes with bacon and cheddar, green beans and strawberry muffins!

Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheddar

Reminiscent of twice baked potatoes, this take on mashed potatoes includes bacon and cheddar.

Prep time: 1 hour

Yield:1 (Servings)

Ingredients:

5 lbs russet potatoes

5 slices bacon

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chives

2.5 cups cheddar cheese, grated

2 teaspons kosher salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel potatoes, and cut into 1-inch chunks. Place in a large saucepan, and add enough cold water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender and easily pierced with a paring knife, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a colander to drain; return to pan, cover, and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon, and cook until crisp and browned, turning once. Transfer to paper towels to drain; let cool, and crumble into pieces.

3. Using a fork, mash the potatoes in pan until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese, butter, and sour cream, and stir until combined and smooth. Add the chives, 2 cups cheddar cheese, half the bacon, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Transfer to a buttered 3-quart baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Bake until top is slightly golden and potatoes are heated through, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven; garnish with remaining bacon. Serve immediately... just grab a spoon and dig in like me!

Fresh Strawberry Muffins

Fresh Strawberry Muffins

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries
3 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Cream butter and sugar. Add egg and mix well.

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to butter mixture. Add vanilla. Gently stir in strawberries.

Spoon batter into muffin pans.

Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over muffins.

Bake at 400º for 20-25 minutes.

Makes one dozen muffins. (Make sure you eat them the day you bake them. They aren’t so great the next day.

Source: Wendy's food files

)I obviously am not dieting for the holiday season... On that note have y'all rented the runway?? I did for the first time and am super excited for my dress to come for one of my Christmas parties.

And on another note! I have some exciting news for Monday so stay tuned!!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Reese Cups

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:12:00 +0000

If you are trying to loose weight for the upcoming Christmas parties, do not keep reading! These cookies are so good I'd say splurge and buy a black dress :) Chocolate chip cookies have always been one of my favorites, adding reese's peanut butter cups just puts them over the edge!

Ingredients:

Your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe ( I use Betty Crocker dry cookie mix)

Miniature Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Grease small muffin pan or use small muffin pan liners. Drop spoonful of cookie dough in each muffin hole. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. While cooking, take paper foil off peanut butter cups. Press these in the middle of cookie when you take it out of the oven. Let cookies cool in muffin pan, I took mine out too early one time and they just collapse into a gooey delicious heap ( I still ate it). Eat them.

To make them festive you can add a colorful M&M or edible decorative into the warm reeses cup.

Halloween is over!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 01:58:00 +0000

Hi everyone! I'm trying really hard to keep up over here. I'll share some of my favorite fall images.

Here is Landry at the pumpkin patch! We had a pumpkin painting party and had a great time!

Now onto getting our houses ready for Thanksgiving!

Turn your jack-o-lanterns into planters!

Time to de-spook your house and make it homey for Thanksgiving with this printable banner.

Here is the link for this fun banner for Thanksgiving. String it with twine!

Don't forget to celebrate your home's transformation with some yummy treats.

Pumpkin cookies with caramel cream cheese. Num! Num!

Ingredients
Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
Pinch of salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in pumpkin. In a medium bowl, sift together the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, salt and flour. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

To make frosting: In a medium saucepan, combine butter, cream, and brown sugar over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture just begins to boil; remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool then stir in confectioner's sugar. Spread frosting over cooled cookies.

Let's Dish
The frosting is the star of these cookies, and it's a nice change from the cream cheese frosting that often accompanies pumpkin desserts (I love that version too, though). Really, they're more like little pumpkin cakes. They're so moist, I've left them out on the counter overnight and they were still fantastic the next day. These don't flatten much during baking, and the dough is a bit sticky to flatten it before baking. I flatten mine slightly with the bottom of a glass just as they come out of the oven. Once they're frosted, no one knows! This recipe makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Who Dished It Up First
Adapted from allrecipes.com

My favorite Halloween costumes

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:40:00 +0000

Growing up I always selected my costume by September 1st. I studied that circular from Party City for hours, debating the pros and cons of each outfit.... I never grew up. I STILL do this, but instead of a circular I use Pinterest. I now have the joy of not only picking out my costume, but Landry's and Clay's too! Yippee. I can't share Clay's costume with you... its top secret, we are going to a party where prizes are involved! But I'll share some of my favorites!

Landry is going to be Minnie Mouse.... we had a cute pink poodle costume, the head piece was not acceptable in her opinion, so this will have to do.

Haha love this one! Dumb and Dumber.

Another classic choice. I totally remember this background from Elementary school!

I love this Coppertone baby! Is this inappropriate for an adult to wear??

And who doesn't love a Toddler in a tiara, creepy parent and all!

What do y'all want to be for Halloween??

Uggs! You've done it again.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:39:00 +0000

I always decide I'm over Uggs, and then they do something new that makes me so happy! They've done it again. They now MONOGRAM the boots. They come in kids and adult.

Yes please Santa Claus!

On a more fall note, I have been cooking up a storm. Anything with pumpkin in it is on the top of my list. Here is a delicious treat that I'm going to make for football this weekend! OU/ Texas time is coming, that is always a rowdy time in my house since we are divided!

Pumpkin dip: Cool Whip, vanilla pudding mix, and a can of pumpkin!

Couldn't be easier. Serve with apple slices and vanilla wafers.

The High Heeled Hostess

Spring Style

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St. Patty's Day Snack Mix

O'verlays

Lucky Leaf's Valentine Recipes!

Instructions

Ingredients

Instructions

Ingredients

Instructions

Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Valentines Free Printables

Bedroom Obsession!

Red Velvet Pancakes

Red Velvet Pancakes

Free Custom Water Bottle Labels!

Happy January everyone!

Light Poblano Corn Chowder

Ingredients

Preparation

Christmas Party Finishing Touches

Countdown to Christmas- Crafts and Cocktails!

Spice up the Holiday's

Latte Love!

Phones calls with celebs and rum waffles.

Mr. Coffee Contest

Christmas Shopping in full swing!

Pa-RUM-pum pum pum.

Captain Morgan's Spice Up Your Holida

So here are the details to this competition:

A delicious dinner

Chocolate Chip Cookie Reese Cups

Halloween is over!

My favorite Halloween costumes

Uggs! You've done it again.