Pink Swap

I participated in a Pink Swap. I was paired up with Court from DC, and we each mailed the other a box of pink surprises! It was really fun to pick out items in one of my favorite colors.

Here is what I mailed to Court:

Here is what Court mailed to me:

A great way to start off one of my favorite months, February (short, sweet & pink).

Tomatoes, Biscuits & Lemonades

My friend Cara came over for dinner & zumba last week. Since it was dinner then zumba, I needed to cook light. In comes a delicious soup meal inspired by my friend Kat.

Southern Living's Basil Tomato Soup

This recipe honestly makes soup for many & then some so have a huge soup party! The best part about this soup? It is topped with sprinkles of fried okra, bringing on Southern flair.

I paired this with easy pimento cheese biscuits. I cut raw Pillsbury biscuits in half, spread pimento cheese on the bottom, placed the top back on & cooked according to instructions.

We enjoyed the soup & biscuits with Crystal Light in mason jars & lemonades for dessert. Now... Kat introduced me to these most amazing lemon cookies (i.e. lemonades). These are extra delicious (and easy). Here we go... Mix one box lemon cake mix + one tub of Cool Whip + one egg. Form balls and roll each in powdered sugar, then place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for eight or so minutes. Sticky dough = amazing cookies (so worth it)!

I sent Cara home with some cookies, and I brought some to share at work the next day. I did so by placing a few cookies in a bag, with a striped straw (since they are lemonades), added a citrus bow and voila! A super fun and sweet treat... Especially perfect for summertime.

Shelf Shop by Mrs. Loves Life

Growing up, my Dad & I would go treasure hunting together. We had the best time. Maybe we would find something cool, maybe not, but it was spending time together that made it all worthwhile. Treasure hunting is something I still love to do today. I prefer to hunt & find unique, one-off treasures over most others any day. I love the history of vintage pieces, and the fact that there are stories behind them as to how they were enjoyed in another time.

With that being said, a house can only hold so many unique & fun finds. I can't pass up the good ones, so I've decided to share them!! I've done so by opening an etsy shop, Shelf Shop. This is where I'll be adding new finds and creations often. Here's my philosophy:

"There are beautiful treasures throughout this world waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. It's these little treasures, brought into your home, that make for a happier and more enjoyable space. I love to discover all that is unique, fun and timeless. Each piece in this shop has been excitedly picked or created to make your home happier. I hope each time you are here, you find a new treasure you love."

Welcome to my Shelf Shop, I hope you enjoy it: etsy.com/shop/mrsloveslife.

*It's the Shelf Shop because all of these finds are displayed on a bookshelf in our house - A little spot of real estate for these unique treasures to sit and stay for a bit.

"Con Amore" Italian for "With Love"

February is here, and I'm loving Siglinda Scarpa's "Con Amore" Heart-Shaped Dishes.

These handmade pottery pieces are wow, gorgeous & unique. With a price tag of $255 per place setting, I would say these are my dream dishes. In regards to this tablescape, it is so pretty for a romantic dinner for two. I think a similar look can be achieved at home with china, flatware, stemware & the addition of a white tablecloth (which is what really brings that classy & timeless restaurant feel). I also love the delicate touch of napkins tied with satin bows. A tablescape I came across at A Southern Season... Valentine's Day inspiration!

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

This recipe is perfect timing in regards to Super Bowl Sunday. First, I gathered my toppings of shredded lettuce, diced onions mixed with cilantro, avocado slices, thinly sliced green onions and blue cheese dressing - all very green. I used Mission's Yellow Corn Tortillas.

As far as preparation of the buffalo chicken, I cut one pound of skinless & boneless chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces. I then seasoned these pieces of chicken with pepper. Separate in a bowl, I combined: 1/3 cup flour, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper & 1 teaspoon garlic powder. I then dredged the cut chicken in this flour mixture.

In a large & heated dutch oven* (medium-high heat), I added 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then added the dredged chicken. I mixed it around so each side had time to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Once the chicken was cooked, I tossed it in a bowl with 1/3 cup Frank's Red Hot.

*A dutch oven really means, dutch oven. A frying/saute pan = one smokey house!!

I assembled my tacos with the chicken, toppings and sprinkles of blue cheese & Red Hot.

Serving Size - 5 servings at 2 tacos each

Quick Fact: Did you know leaving the avocado nut in with your avocado slices or guacamole slows it down from turning brown? I've found this to be one amazing bit of knowledge.

This recipe was adapted from mrsregueiro.com via Pinterest.