5: Where Will You Be Five Years from Today? and Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life. If you need a dose of inspiration to start off your year right, these books will do it. I received both of them for Christmas, and I’m in love.
5: Where Will You Be Five Years from Today? was a gift from my baby cousin (she’s 14), and it’s a book to inspire you to make your dreams into a reality. It’s has fill-in-the-blanks and somewhat doubles as a journal. The best.
Watching…
 |
| Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace // Hunter High Gloss Boots |
My Christmas gifts. I officially feel like a lifestyle/fashion blogger now that I am the proud owner of Hunter boots. How cliche of me. But you guys, there is a reason why everyone is wearing them. They are the most comfortable, warmest shoes ever. They give my Uggs a run for their money. Even Charlotte got a pair, and I am finding every outfit in our closets to go with them. Now I want them in every color. Houston, we have a problem.
Cooking…
The Dove’s Nest Restaurant’s White Bean Chicken Chili. There’s a restaurant in Waxahachie, Texas that is famous for this chili. Thank goodness the restaurant made a cookbook, my Aunt Rita got ahold of it, and the internet shared it, too. It is by far my entire family’s favorite chili of all time. My aunt used to make this for us all the time for special occasions when the temperature dropped, and it’s too good and special not to share. I shared a picture on Instagram this week of what was simmering on my stove when I was making this, and I received a lot of requests for the recipe. Here are the exact ingredients I use when making it. I will admit that it does heed a lot of ingredients, but it’s so worth it! It makes enough for an army, and you could seriously eat this all week. Enjoy!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (10 oz.) cans of Rotel (mild…I don’t like it spicy, but you could make it spicy if that’s your thing)
6 tomatillos, chopped
1 medium jalapeno, seeded and minced (I omit this)
32 oz. chicken stock
1 (17 oz.) can chopped green chiles
1 rotisserie chicken, deboned and chicken chopped (yields about 2-3 cups)
3/4 teaspoon oregano
3/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 (19 oz) cans Great Northern Beans
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
fried corn tortilla chips
Directions
1. Heat the olive oil over medium high heat in a large stockpot.
2. Add in the onion and sauté until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer, but don’t let it brown.
4. Add in the Rotel and tomatillos. (Add in the jalapeño if you’re making the spicy version.) Cook until the tomatillos are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Add in the chicken stock, green chiles, chopped chicken, oregano, cumin, cilantro, beans, and lime juice. Stir frequently and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Laddle chili into large bowls.
7. Garnish with a dallop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and homemade fried corn tortilla strips.
You can find the original, printable version of the recipe here.
Thankful for…
2014. This past year was pretty amazing. Watching my little sweetheart grow is the best gift I receive daily. Just next month, I’ll have a two year old! Like everyone else this week, I was scrolling through my pictures from the year, and each moment makes my heart so full. Charlotte turned one and learned how to walk and talk. We took vacations and celebrated really fun holidays. I’m so thankful for this space to document it all. I had shared a 15 second clip on Instagram, but that just wasn’t enough. Here’s a look back at our year thanks to Flipagram.
I’ve been wanting Hunters forever, but have yet to take the plunge!! Sounds like I’m definitely missing out :) I got several new books for Christmas and need to get busy reading them… especially that parenting toddlers one. Happy New Year!! Whitney @ http://polka-dottyplace.blogspot.com/
They are really the best boots! I’m loving them, and they’re definitely worth it. I really would love to read more than I do. Here’s hoping! Happy New Year, Whitney! :)
Oooh that chili looks good! I’ll have to give it a try!!! I love anything white bean. Also, I totally want a pair of Hunters but I just can’t justify it with this Houston weather…. and only being able to wear them for a few weeks out of the year. But maybe I should put it on my Christmas list for next year! Haha :)
Yes, mam, it is yummy! I used to love regular chili, but now I love this. And the last week has totally justified Michael buying these for me for Christmas. ;) I think I’ll put them on my Christmas list every year until I get every color. Lol.
Downton ABBBBEYYYY!!!!!!! So excited, so excited! Pinning your recipe too, can’t wait to try it!
Do you watch it via online streaming before it makes its way to the US? You totally should. I watch with everyone else here, too, though, because you can never have too much Downton in your life. :) Hope you like the chili!
I did that one year but then forgot, so I will watch it as it airs. Of course I missed it last night UGH, have a baby cutting two teeth at the same time and going through a growth spurt. Not happy days right now :)
Oh, no! I’m right there with you. Charlotte is getting her incisors, and it’s the worst! And she’s getting over an ear infection, too. If you need to watch the first episode, there’s always streaming. ;)
Happy new year my sweet friend!! Love your necklace :) I love that five year journal book… U ordered a few books from Amazon… I want to try reading more (although I don’t know when I’ll find the time haha)
Can’t wait to hear your resolutions for the new year!
Xo
Happy new year, love! You know my sister hooks me up with Kendra Scott. ;) You know she works for their corporate office, right? And yes to reading more. I am still trying to finish a book I started in May. Lol. Slow much? I need to catch up on your blog, but with M being off, he’s been keeping me off social media. Haha!
Love you!
Shut up!! That’s awesome, your sister is such a fashionista! Lol girl I can never finish a book… unless the movie is coming out or something, then I loose sleep and instantly regret reading it in the first place.
No worries on reading the blog, it’s hard to keep up with everyone :)
I've been wanting Hunters forever, but have yet to take the plunge!! Sounds like I'm definitely missing out :) I got several new books for Christmas and need to get busy reading them… especially that parenting toddlers one. Happy New Year!! Whitney @ http://polka-dottyplace.blogspot.com/
I think Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day would definitely be on my families play list. I love that song and it always reminds me to make the most of each day.
Isn’t it great watching your kids turn into themselves? That step from baby to toddler that your daughter made is a wonderful one. My oldest turned 5 recently and it’s amazing to me to see the little person she’s becoming. I fall more in love with her everday.
Also, I think I’ve been out of the world for too long becuase I have no idea what Hunters are… Off to google them.
Happy New Year!
Amber at OurCharmedLife.net
That is an excellent song! I could totally see that in a life playlist. :)
And yes, I love watching her grow more and more into her own each day. It’s the best!
If you don’t know what Hunter’s are, good for you! But honestly, they’re really great boots. ;)
Happy New Year, Amber!
Oooh that chili looks good! I'll have to give it a try!!! I love anything white bean. Also, I totally want a pair of Hunters but I just can't justify it with this Houston weather…. and only being able to wear them for a few weeks out of the year. But maybe I should put it on my Christmas list for next year! Haha :)
Downton ABBBBEYYYY!!!!!!! So excited, so excited! Pinning your recipe too, can't wait to try it!
Happy new year my sweet friend!! Love your necklace :) I love that five year journal book… U ordered a few books from Amazon… I want to try reading more (although I don't know when I'll find the time haha)
Can't wait to hear your resolutions for the new year!
Xo
Love those boots!! And the chili looks phenomenal!! -Dorrie @ Bear Den Plantation
Thanks, Dorrie! Both are my favorite. :) Hope you’re having a great first weekend of the year!
I think Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) by Green Day would definitely be on my families play list. I love that song and it always reminds me to make the most of each day.
Isn't it great watching your kids turn into themselves? That step from baby to toddler that your daughter made is a wonderful one. My oldest turned 5 recently and it's amazing to me to see the little person she's becoming. I fall more in love with her everday.
Also, I think I've been out of the world for too long becuase I have no idea what Hunters are… Off to google them.
Happy New Year!
Amber at OurCharmedLife.net
Love those boots!! And the chili looks phenomenal!! -Dorrie @ Bear Den Plantation
They are really the best boots! I'm loving them, and they're definitely worth it. I really would love to read more than I do. Here's hoping! Happy New Year, Whitney! :)
Yes, mam, it is yummy! I used to love regular chili, but now I love this. And the last week has totally justified Michael buying these for me for Christmas. ;) I think I'll put them on my Christmas list every year until I get every color. Lol.
Do you watch it via online streaming before it makes its way to the US? You totally should. I watch with everyone else here, too, though, because you can never have too much Downton in your life. :) Hope you like the chili!
Happy new year, love! You know my sister hooks me up with Kendra Scott. ;) You know she works for their corporate office, right? And yes to reading more. I am still trying to finish a book I started in May. Lol. Slow much? I need to catch up on your blog, but with M being off, he's been keeping me off social media. Haha!
Love you!
That is an excellent song! I could totally see that in a life playlist. :)
And yes, I love watching her grow more and more into her own each day. It's the best!
If you don't know what Hunter's are, good for you! But honestly, they're really great boots. ;)
Happy New Year, Amber!
Thanks, Dorrie! Both are my favorite. :) Hope you're having a great first weekend of the year!
Looking forward to an awesome 2015! Would you believe I’ve never seen Downton Abbey? I’ll add it to my list of things to check out.
Me too Laila! I was a late follower of the DA craze, but it’s really a wonderful show. :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Shut up!! That's awesome, your sister is such a fashionista! Lol girl I can never finish a book… unless the movie is coming out or something, then I loose sleep and instantly regret reading it in the first place.
No worries on reading the blog, it's hard to keep up with everyone :)
That chili looks delicious! I will definitely be trying it out. I’ll let you know how it goes.
And, I wish I could find the time to read a book. Seriously, I don’t know how you do it! :)
Yes, please do! It’s so good!
Haha! I am still reading the SAME book I’ve been trying to finish since May! I just read 100 pages last night, so no new blog post today. That’s how I do it. Lol. One book a year. I’m hoping I can up my game to 2 books a year. Ha!
That chili looks delicious! I will definitely be trying it out. I'll let you know how it goes.
And, I wish I could find the time to read a book. Seriously, I don't know how you do it! :)
That soup looks delicious! I got a pair of Hunter boots also and I’m obsessed with them! I pretty much wear them 24/7 regardless of the weather. I have not drunk the Downton Kool-aid yet, but am definitely adding it to my list!
Thanks, Liz! And yes, they are my favorite and I’m finding any excuse to wear the Hunters. Well, once you do drink the Downtown tea (get it??? Because it’s an English show), you’ll be hooked like the rest of us, I’m sure. ;) Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
I did that one year but then forgot, so I will watch it as it airs. Of course I missed it last night UGH, have a baby cutting two teeth at the same time and going through a growth spurt. Not happy days right now :)
That soup looks delicious! I got a pair of Hunter boots also and I'm obsessed with them! I pretty much wear them 24/7 regardless of the weather. I have not drunk the Downton Kool-aid yet, but am definitely adding it to my list!
Me too Laila! I was a late follower of the DA craze, but it's really a wonderful show. :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Yes, please do! It's so good!
Haha! I am still reading the SAME book I've been trying to finish since May! I just read 100 pages last night, so no new blog post today. That's how I do it. Lol. One book a year. I'm hoping I can up my game to 2 books a year. Ha!
Thanks, Liz! And yes, they are my favorite and I'm finding any excuse to wear the Hunters. Well, once you do drink the Downtown tea (get it??? Because it's an English show), you'll be hooked like the rest of us, I'm sure. ;) Hope you had a wonderful weekend!
Oh, no! I'm right there with you. Charlotte is getting her incisors, and it's the worst! And she's getting over an ear infection, too. If you need to watch the first episode, there's always streaming. ;)
I miss reading! and yay for the chili recipe!! It’s on our meal plan this week :)
I don’t do it as much as I’d like. I really miss it, too. It took me 6 months to read the last book I just finished. Lol. Did y’all try the chili?
I miss reading! and yay for the chili recipe!! It's on our meal plan this week :)
I love Downton Abby! I started watching it about a year and a half ago, and my husband walked in after the first ten minutes and asked what I was watching. I explained, and asked if he wanted to watch it with me. Shockingly, he agreed, and he’s been hooked ever since :).
That’s awesome! My husband isn’t as interested as I am. I sometimes watch with mom and aunt. :) Hope you’re enjoying the new season!
I just started watching DA on Amazon this week…it’s amazing! I can see why everyone is hooked :)
Thanks for linking up with Tuesday Talk!
Katie @ Sweet Little Ones
Oh, man! What season are you on? It is sooo good. :) Let me just warn you that your heart may stop on some of the episodes. Lol. Happy Tuesday!
Season 1! I know…I’m so behind the times :) My friends have warned me not to get too attached to some ccharacters, but I don’t know who! GAH!!!
I love Downton Abby! I started watching it about a year and a half ago, and my husband walked in after the first ten minutes and asked what I was watching. I explained, and asked if he wanted to watch it with me. Shockingly, he agreed, and he's been hooked ever since :).
I just started watching DA on Amazon this week…it's amazing! I can see why everyone is hooked :)
Thanks for linking up with Tuesday Talk!
Katie @ Sweet Little Ones
I don't do it as much as I'd like. I really miss it, too. It took me 6 months to read the last book I just finished. Lol. Did y'all try the chili?
That's awesome! My husband isn't as interested as I am. I sometimes watch with mom and aunt. :) Hope you're enjoying the new season!
Oh, man! What season are you on? It is sooo good. :) Let me just warn you that your heart may stop on some of the episodes. Lol. Happy Tuesday!