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Chirag Diyora
The recipe for my chili is below along with some kitchen hacks. You’ll notice that I modified the recipe a bit in the video. I did that because I was using things I had on hand. That is exactly what you should do. Take this and make it your own by using what you have on hand. My pantry and freezer are always well stocked with organic items that can be made into a healthy and hearty dinner on busy weeknights. I hope this becomes a regular meal in your home as it is in ours – and that you enjoy it!
RECIPE
PANTRY ITEMS:- 1 – Organic yellow onion
- 1 – 15 oz Can organic cannelloni beans (salt free)
- 1 -15 oz Can organic black beans (salt free)
- 1 -15 oz Can organic pinto beans (salt free)
- 1 -15 oz Can organic kidney beans (salt free)
- 1 – 28 oz Can organic fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 – Jar organic chili powder (no salt blend)
- 1 – 16 oz Bag organic fire roasted corn
- 1 – 16 oz Bag organic three pepper blend (sliced bell peppers)
- 1 – 11 oz Bag Beyond Meat (or alternative vegetable – meatless protein)
- Plug in Slow Cooker and put on low.
- Dump entire can of fire roasted tomatoes into slow cooker – juice and all.
- Open all 4 cans of beans and drain them. Dump the beans from all 4 cans (without the liquid) – into the slow cooker.
- Dump entire bag of three pepper blend into slow cooker.
- Dump 1/2 the bag of fire roasted corn into the slow cooker. Save the other half in freezer for another recipe.
- Dump entire bag of Beyond Meat into slow cooker.
- Dice entire onion and add to slow cooker. Stir everything well with large spoon.
- Let cook on low for 8 hours. Add 5-6 tbsp chili powder (more or less depending on your preference). I use at least 6 tablespoons of chili powder because I like a good amount of chili flavor. The kind I use is NOT spicy because I make it for my whole family, and my kids are still young. Keep that in mind and add more of a “hot and spicy” mix if you want more of a kick.
- Stir well and serve hot.
- Pre-washed spinach from the bag
- Pre-sliced organic mushrooms
- Any other type of organic bean that you like for chili
- Chopped garlic (fresh or pre-chopped from the jar)
- 1 – 15 oz can organic tomato sauce (for a saucier version)
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped parsley
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Scallions
- Sour cream
- Fresh diced tomatoes
- Tortilla chips
Yes this is a vegetarian chili. You can add meat – but it will take a lot of extra time to cook the meat, drain it, and add it into the chili. Also, you will miss out on the added veggies from the vegetable protein that I use.
Beyond Meat (or similar substitute of choice) is a fantastic mommy hack to get your kids to eat more veggies! The texture is like ground beef – but it’s a lot healthier! The one I use (see above) is soy free, non GMO, gluten free, cholesterol free, vegan, and kosher! Not to mention has 13 grams of protein per serving! You can also try Quorn which is another fantastic plant protein crumble that mimics ground beef really well in chili. Plant protein that tastes like ground beef in your chili! Yes please! Great trick to get kiddos the veggies they need! 🙂
Also, for any canned products you purchase (for beans, tomatoes, etc.) please be sure to only pick cans that have a BPA free lining! This should be available in most if not all grocery stores these days! 
One last trick – don’t tell your kids what’s in the chili if they are picky eaters! Let them try it and see how it goes! My nephew didn’t want to eat this chili because it has onions – and he “hates onions.” That being said – I told him that I took the onions out and he ate the whole bowl and asked for seconds. Yes…I know I fibbed a bit…but he needed to try his dinner and he ended up loving it! lol! If it tastes great – is super healthy – and was crazy easy to make – why ruin it all by telling them what’s in it??? Once they love it, tell them what is in it and have them help you make it! Fun!
Enjoy!! xoxo Shop My Faves
It’s November, which means Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and Black Friday are around the corner. It also means making your list and checking it twice…which can be stressful. I believe all shopping, including Holiday shopping, should be fun! That being said, I do have some challenging people to gift each year.
Because of the lovely yet challenging people I need to purchase for, I have gotten creative over the years. The main person in my life who has everything and is really hard to shop for is my husband. To make it even harder, his birthday is the first week of January, so I need to purchase holiday gifts and birthday presents very close together. Arg! I always end up getting him a lot of beautiful sweaters and shirts for Christmas, but that isn’t as much fun for him as it is for me. 😉
I’ve been looking for creative gifts for the last couple of months, not just for him, but for all the special people in my life. The good news is…I know I’m not alone! We all have a couple people in our lives that have everything – which makes the holidays all the more interesting and fun!
Below you will find my holiday shopping guide – and everything is under $100. This is really only part 1 in a series of holiday shopping guides. I will have future posts for other family members (like kiddos) and other fun things YOU might like to receive from the people you love most. I hope this particular list helps you find something special for the people in your life that seem to have it all!
Happy shopping! XOXO
Shop My Look
Being a Minnesota girl, I love Fall and all it has to offer. I’m used to the leaves changing, the crispness outside, being able to see my breath in the early morning, the crunching leaves underfoot. It’s all part of the Fall beauty and experience.
Living in the Bay Area has a lot to offer, so I can’t complain, but Fall feels a bit different to me. The temps are hotter so it definitely takes longer to be able to sport your Fall gear. That being said, it is stunning outside, and there are some amazing things to do and places to see to truly enjoy the change in seasons. Being November in the Bay means it finally FEELS and LOOKS like Fall! Yay! I’ve pulled together some of my favorite things to do in the Bay area in the Fall. I hope you are able to take a look and enjoy!
To shop my look – scroll down for outfit details and links! XO
The Sweet Farm
This amazing place is a must visit all year round. There are member days that are filled with activities, learning opportunities and fantastic animal encounters. Becoming a member is easy – to learn more click HERE. They also have a U-Pick Club where you get 10 weeks of heirloom veggies and flowers (click HERE for the U-Pick Club details for 2018). The Sweet Farm is a very special place where you can meet animals like a mini cow named Gizmo and his BFF, a horse named Stergis. They have lots of other buddies on the farm, including chickens, super friendly goats, and more. They have a fantastic mission which includes “empowering people with the knowledge needed to lead a more humane and sustainable life.” Not to mention, Half Moon Bay is gorgeous and worth visiting in the Fall!
Japanese Tea Garden
Another fantastic place to visit all year round. The trees throughout the garden change in the Fall and create a beautiful blanket of colors. Enjoy tea, explore the grounds, take photos while you take a relaxing stroll. This is a perfect spot to visit to experience some Bay Area Fall beauty. It is open daily with no holiday closures. For information on hours and location, click HERE. Admission is under $10, free before 10AM on certain days, and free for children under 4 years of age. A very cost effective, fun and beautiful activity in the Bay.
Wine Tours
The wine country is a gorgeous place to visit. The vineyards, rolling hills, colors, smells, and tastes are all exquisite. As many of you know, the wine country is having a tough time in the aftermath of the fires that ravaged the area. If you would like to help, I recommend visiting for some fantastic food and wine! There are still some absolutely stunning areas to see the foliage and changing colors, AND you can stop at several wineries to sign up for wine clubs, do tastings, eat great food and more! Fall is a beautiful time of the year to visit! Bring layers as it does feel like Fall at this time of the year – even though it is California. 🙂
Bike Rides
Though this isn’t a specific place to visit – it is a WAY to visit lots of places in the Bay. Fall is such a perfect time for outdoor activities. What better way to explore the city than by bike? For bike trails and maps – click HERE. You can bike across the Golden Gate bridge, or take a ferry ride with your bike to Angel Island or Tiburon. In the Bay – the scenery is amazing, activities are endless, and you can stop for food and drinks along the way! Take advantage of the Fall temps and beauty and hop on a bike to enjoy!
Bay Cruises
Taking in San Francisco Fall from the water is always fun! There are a couple of cruises that I really enjoy on the Bay. The first is the Red and White Fleet. I find this cruise to be more casual and a lot of fun during the day. If you are looking for fantastic views on the Bay – but without a huge price tag – this is a great option. If you’re looking for a cruise that includes drinks and/or a meal with your view, I would recommend the Hornblower. I’ve experienced the Hornblower for more casual cruises with drinks, and for formal dinner cruises with dancing and music. It is a fun and unique way to experience the beauty of the Bay!
Shop My Look
Isn’t it funny how we spend so much time picking the right swimwear only to search for the right thing to cover it up? Ha! If that’s you, don’t worry, you are NOT alone! 🙂 I love cover ups because it helps me with the many moods I find myself in while on vacation. Some mornings I wake up and feel like a champion – ready to take on the day in my bikini. Other times I wake up feeling like I need some full body coverage to get me through the day. No matter the mood – I’ve got you covered (literally)!
These are my fave cover ups for your next vacation. Yes the temps outside are making sweaters and jeans the go to items for fashionistas everywhere. BUT – there are vacations to be had and swimwear that is needed! Check out my top picks for cover ups – all under $20!
I’ve had a lot of questions about which cover ups I brought on vacation to Hawaii. Some of my cover ups are sold out – but I was able to find similar options and some of the exact ones in the photos you’ve seen in my IG stories and in my feed (some are in the photos above as well).
Click on the photos below to get your own cover ups for a serious deal. Covering up shouldn’t cost a lot! I hope this makes your next vacation all the more enjoyable! xo
In the past, when I thought of a one piece, I thought of swimwear. That is no longer the case! Jumpers and rompers are popping up everywhere right now. They are comfortable, easy, sleek, and work for almost any occasion.
What I love about rompers and jumpers:
- They are all one piece
- They come in all shapes and sizes
- When fancy, they are sleek and stylish
- When casual, they are perfect for a BBQ, the pool, or even running errands
- They are great for traveling
- You can dress them up or down easily with the right accessories
The drawbacks:
- They are notorious for being a challenge when you need to use the potty! Haha!
- That’s pretty much it! Otherwise – they are fantastic and are totally underrated.
I packed a couple of my fave rompers for vacation, one for a fancy date night out, and one more casual fun one for bopping around town and hanging by the pool. You can see the casual checked romper that I packed in the photos above. There are so many great options available and at such varying price points.
To make it easy, you can shop my romper and jumper roundup below. I’ve included a couple of long options that are perfect for weddings, dinner out on the town, events, etc. You’ll also see some fun short options that work well with OTK boots or heels – so you have versatility over the upcoming holiday season. Lastly, I’ve included some fun summery options that are perfect for any upcoming vacation plans. The price points start under $5 and go up from there. Please comment with any questions – I’m happy to help!
Happy shopping ! XO
There is something so satisfying about going on vacation during the cooler months. Getting away from the cold, smothering on sunscreen, drinking frilly drinks by the pool, and truly relaxing. We don’t get to do it often, but when we do get away without the kids, we get to sleep in and reconnect 🙂 Life gets so crazy busy that it can be tough to step away and have a little “us” time. We do have date nights, although not as often as I would like since I need to find a new local babysitter now that we’ve moved. Yes, date night is a treat. I do think it is necessary, and it’s a great mini moment as a couple alone. No, it is not enough time to truly reconnect as a couple. Not to mention, we tend to catch up over date night dinners on what the week has been like, silly stories about the kids, and what’s going on at work. That is NOT the same as snuggling up under a cabana while drinking frosting fruit flavored drinks.
I miss my kids while we are on vacation, but I also know that we need some alone time. We’re better parents when we get a little time away. I used to feel guilty about time away from the kids. My first trip away from my son was a wedding, and I cried the ENTIRE way to the airport. It was horrible! I know – I’m a total dork! 😉 I got over it and we had a great time!
Truthfully, I miss them a ton the second I leave, and it still takes me a full 24 hours to get past the pit in my stomach. BUT – I know they are in good hands with my parents. AND – I am always super excited to have fun away with my hubby, best friend, and love. These moments are few and far between – so I’ll take what I can get! Haha!
The way I pack is a process. I ALWAYS overdo it but I am prepared and happy about it. This trip to Hawaii is no exception. I literally have at least 9 swimsuits…possibly more! I didn’t attempt to count the dresses I brought with me – but that’s ok. I did not exceed the weight limit – so I’m proud of myself! Ha!
In honor of this trip away – and the pool time I’m going to be putting in – I’ve pulled together some of my favorite swimsuits that I purchased for this trip (and a couple I am coveting). I hope you’re able to get away for some fun in the sun – and that these swimsuits find their way to your closet (and suitcase) soon!
Aloha!
Current Fave Swimwear:
This Palm Tree Backless One Piece is everything! You can see the front in the photo above. It is comfortable, flattering, and under $30. The high waist holds you in, the top has small pads for a little extra coverage (no push at all), and it ties at the neck for a sleek overall look. AND it’s backless! Need I say more?
This Green Velvet Halter Bikini is soft, sexy, has a little bit of push up, and is under $15. It is a must have for your next vacation. It looks and feels WAY more expensive than it really is. People loved the look of the velvet and it was a total hit with all the gals at the pool! Size up if you want more coverage – I’m in a size small. Grab it before it sells out! Trust me! You’ll love it! 
If you’re looking to keep the colors simple but still have some sass, this Black Criss Cross Bikini has you covered. It is a true push up bikini and gives you some oomph while keeping it classic in black. It does come with cute bottoms, but being a solid top, you can mix and match with your favorites as you please. The set comes in at under $30 which is a steal. 
For something more fun and tropical, try out this Lace Cheeky Triangle Bikini. It is fun comes in bright colors, and is perfect for a pool party! The bottoms are very comfortable with the lace sides, there is a little cheeky action going on so size up for more coverage, the top is more of a classic triangle without much push, and it is very comfortable. The set is under $40 and will definitely work for many tropical vacations to come.
This Robin Piccone Mia Crochet One-Piece Swimsuit is one I am coveting right now. It is classic, classy, beautiful, and has a little touch of sass. I love how the Boho crochet connects the “bikini-like” top and bottom for a peekaboo-effect, while is is still a one-piece. It has some good support up top and is very flattering to your figure. It is about $140 right now, but being classic and chic, it will last you for a long time.
I’m also coveting this Tavik Emme Halter One-Piece Swimsuit in Ivory. Turn up the heat at the beach in this saucy one-piece made with a plunging cutout neck, low back and cheeky bottom. This is a very classy one-piece that offers just the right amount of coverage with the high waisted feeling, with a sassy top half to turn heads all day long. Yes – I love this swimsuit. Yes – it needs to be a part of my vacation wardrobe ASAP. It is currently $168 and oh so worth it!
If you really want to make friends in the pool – check out this amazing unicorn pool float! You can see a photo of it in my IG feed as well. It was a huge hit and has already lasted 3 days of our vacation without popping! It is a must have and I am SO happy we brought it to Hawaii! I plan to bring it home for my kiddos – they are going to LOVE it!
Hope you are planning your next vacation, or just adding to your vacation wardrobe so you are READY to go! Happy shopping!
xo
Ok…I can admit it. I am a big fan of pretty much any opportunity to dress up! It is SO much fun! Halloween is not a fun time of the year to get the whole family involved in the festivities! I’m a firm believer that no matter the age, Halloween must be celebrated! Each year we pick something new and fun to dress up as. The best part is that our son is old enough to help pick out our costumes now. Last year he was 3 years old and decided that we were going to do a Star Wars theme, and he picked which character we were each going to be. It was a blast and he was super into it!
Below are some fun and family friendly costume ideas to give you Halloween inspiration! Have fun!! xoxo
Goldilocks and the 3 Bears:
This was the most comfortable costume ever! It was like wearing PJs 🙂 If you are looking for something simple, cute, and cozy for your family – this is a big win! I’ve added links to bear and Goldilocks costumes, and a possible yarn wig option. I ordered the yarn wig for Sofia from Easy but the option I included below is on Amazon for faster shipping since Halloween is right around the corner.
Star Wars:
The costumes were inexpensive, comfortable and I was able to put the kids in warm clothing underneath which was great for trick or treating. I’ve included links to several costume options that should be able to ship in time for Halloween. Yay!
Farmers:
This is a big win because most people have at least one pair of jeans and one flannel. 🙂 I’ve included links to some cute hats to make the costume complete. As a bonus – these work well for pumpkin patch photos.
Other FUN ideas include…
- The Scooby Doo Crew
- The Simpsons
- Peanuts
- Shrek
- Wizard of Oz
- The Adams Family
I hope this gives you some costume ideas and inspiration for your family! Happy Halloween!
xoxo
I love designer pieces, but they can be so expensive, and there are other things I need to spend money on…ya know…like on food, our home, the kids, school, etc. 😉 Because I love fashion and designers, but NOT the price tag, I’ve pulled together my top 5 designer dupes to get you through the Fall! These are pieces that will match multiple outfits, look great, are functional, and are total must haves for the price!
Bags:
The Chloe Small Faye Leather Shoulder Bag is beautiful and features a soft suede flap and a spacious, accordioned interior. It also has a bold, polished ring and pendant chain that add a “subtle glam-rock flair.” This feminine little bag will run you about $1390 – which is a pretty big price tag. The photo below is of the actual bag.
If you would like to own this bag, but don’t have the budget for it, try this beauty! The ‘Anja” Faux Suede Leather Cross Body Bag is a perfect stand in for the Chloe Faye. I just got it in the mail and it is perfection. The faux leather flap, accordion inside, ring and pendant chain all make for a great dupe. It comes in black (shown), grey, cognac, pink, and red. The photo below is of the actual ‘Anja’ and it is only $69! Not a bad deal for a pretty fantastic bag!
Next up is the Chloe Nile Leather Bracelet Saddle Bag in black. You can see this beautiful bag in the photo below. This simple saddle bag is made of a mix of suede-and-leather panels. The Chloe bracelet and circular studs are the chic details that make this bag special. You can carry it by hand, wear it on your shoulder or as a crossbody. All of this can be yours for the price of $1690. It sure is beautiful!!!
Now, if you are like me, a great dupe may be a better option. Check out the Vintga Women’s Saddle Bag in Black. It is a great dupe that has the bracelet and circular studs, AND it’ll cost you under $30! Part of the bracelet is covered, but I found that to be comfortable when I have it on my wrist (which I usually do). It comes with a strap so that you can use it as a cross body as well. It is adorable and super affordable – and it comes in black, brown and white. Get all 3 since they are such a steal!
If you want a dupe that is a little closer to the actual Chloe Nile, check out the Qidell Women’s Top Handle Bag with Metal Ring. It is a VERY good dupe and it will run you around $100 – which is still a great price! It comes in some beautiful colors that include black, white, brown, pink and red. The color of the metal ring is a bit dark in my opinion, but it is all a matter of opinion. For a night on the town, this bag will do the trick! Snag this bag before it sells out! 🙂
Belt:
The Women’s Gucci Leather Belt is a beauty that works with anything from jeans, to over dresses and sweaters. It is simple, elegant, and slim. The logo hardware has an antiqued-brass finish which will match anything. This lovely little belt (pictured below) runs around $350.
My dupe belt is by MoYoTo. You can see it in brown the image below, and it also comes in black and coffee. It has the antique brass finish, and looks VERY close to the real deal. The quality is not great (not going to lie), but I got it for $14.99, so I’m not going to complain. I sport this belt with jeans at least a couple times a week, and only get compliments on it. You will be the only one who knows the truth – that you got it for under $15!
Boots:
The Stuart Weitzman Hiline Over The Knee Boot (pictured below) is both sophisticated and sexy. This over-the-knee has an incredibly high shaft that’s nearly thigh high and it is secured by drawstring. It is make of goatskin-leather and has a curved half-moon block heel. These boots will run you about $800.
For a really perfect dupe, check out what Steve Madden has to offer! These beauties are faux leather and they come in black, taupe and grey. They have a stretchy boot shaft for an easier on/off, a high heel, and a tie at the top to secure them. These boots will cost roughly $100 and you will fall in love with how great they are for the price!
Heels:
Last but not least, these Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong Ankle Strap Sandals in Beige (pictures below) are perfection. They come in a variety of colors, have a wonderful heel height for the upcoming holidays, and very slim, feminine straps. They also cost around $400.
The dupe I’ve selected is by Charlotte Russe and it is a steal at only $20! I mean how to you beat that? They are SO close and yet you will save SO much! Snag these before they are gone – trust me!!
Ok cuties – that’s it for today! I hope you found some designer dupes that will round out your wardrobe without breaking the bank! Have a great week!!
xoxo
