Update | Sick Sunday

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I've been feeling a cold coming on for a few days now (thanks, Chris) but today it hit me hardest when I got home from work. Luckily I had no other plans for the day and just got to relax.

I threw on some comfy clothes and set myself up on my couch with a quick and easy dinner, some HGTV, and just let myself rest for the night.

Just some warmed up tomato and roasted red pepper soup and some toast with avocado topped with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and a little onion powder.

Oh yeah, and Benji kept me company all night.

How could I be mad about being sick if this little guy was snuggled up next to me?!

I hope your Sunday was slightly less sick, but just as snuggly :)

<3 Sam

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Fashion Tip | Simple Outfit Ideas for Fall

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Pumpkin EVERYTHING, brisk weather, apple picking, apple cider, Halloween, Thanksgiving... what's not to love about Autumn? It's definitely my favorite season. I especially get excited about the fashion trends that come with fall - sweaters, boots, layering, scarves. The weather is just brisk enough to bring out your favorite faux leather jacket and and pair it with your favorite pair of knee high boots. AND you don't have to hide your awesome fashion sense under a big bulky winter coat. Perfect!

Here are a few outfit ideas I put together that I thought could cater to a bunch of different scenarios you might find yourself in this fall. Whether you're out pumpkin picking with your best friends, or going out on a date with your favorite guy, these outfits will keep you cozy while still looking fabulous.

Outfit #1: Cute & Casual
perfect for a girls' day out

Plaid is a very fall/winter trend. Pair your favorite plaid shirt or flannel (it might even be the one you stole from your boyfriend or your best guy friend) with some skinny jeans/jeggings, a pair of knee high boots, and a light scarf. If it's a warmer fall day, throw a tank top under the plaid and leave it unbuttoned for a looser and cooler look.

Outfit #2: Cozy Layers
for those chillier autumn days and nights

This look can be easily dressed up or down. The colored jeans and flats give the outfit a classier look with the denim shirt thrown over a chunky sweater. Pair the tops with some leggings or denim/black jeans for a more casual, but equally as cozy, look. A fluffy infinity scarf completes the look with some extra warmth.

Outfit #3: Date Night
...or going to the bar with your girlfriends

Circle skirts are my favorite skirt for any season. In the fall, they can be paired with leg warmers and high boots, or some tights and flats. Either way you keep your legs warm, you'll look cute sporting a circle skirt. Throw on your favorite crop top to accentuate the high waisted skirt. If it's a chilly night, add your favorite denim shirt or sweater to stay warm but still look good.

Outfit #4: Plain and Simple

My favorite look for fall is just a big ole sweater over some black skinny jeans or leggings. Pair this outfit with some cute ankle booties and you've instantly dressed it up. I also like pairing this outfit with some knee high boots.

Put your own spin on these outfits and have fun with the flexibility that fall fashion gives you!

<3 Sam

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Recipe | Chunky Vegetable Soup with Cannellini Beans

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This recipe yields roughly 7 pints (I stored all my leftovers in handy pint-sized Mason jars- I suggest you do the same to portion everything out and have easy, quick dinners for the week!)

1 quart of Vegetable Stock (you might want to get a low sodium one so you can control the saltiness level of your soup)
a couple tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
4 cups water
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 zucchini, cut into fourths, length-wise, and then chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 bell peppers, chopped (use whatever colors you have - I had a green and a red so that's what I used)
2 cups frozen broccoli
1 15oz. can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed.
1 cup pasta (I used broken up pieces of linguine)
1 tbsp hot sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce (not photographed - this was a last minute addition)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste

Set a large stock pot over medium heat and add some olive oil. Sautee the carrots for about 7 minutes. Then add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic and sautee for another 5-7 minutes, or until they start getting tender. Add some salt and pepper and the cumin, turmeric, and hot sauce. Stir to incorporate the spices and then add your stock and water. Add your broccoli, beans, and soy sauce to the pot. Cover with a lid and bring the soup up to a boil. Once at a boil, drop your pasta in and cook until the pasta is al dente (or of desired consistency). Adjust seasonings to taste and enjoy! The soup gets better the longer it sits - so left overs are GREAT :)

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