Author: neverbeenso

A girl who has neverbeenso enthused to connect with the world.

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

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Quick & Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

The sicknesses are officially making their presence known around our house. We’ve been loading up on meds and tea, but finally today I decided this was a job for the chicken noodle soup tribe. However, the last thing I want to do when I’m sick is go to the grocery store, prep and stand in the kitchen all day cooking. Therefore, the only homemade chicken noodle soup I’ve ever made consisted of dumping canned soup into a bowl and heating it in the microwave (I know, I know).

This recipe is probably the quickest and easiest chicken noodle soup recipe you can get away with. I adapted the recipe from AverieCooks, making a few adjustments, and it turned out great!

It warmed our insides and was full of savory flavor. Here’s to hoping it also fights off this horrendous sickness so we can go on about our lives.

Using the rotisserie chicken was a HUGE time saver.

Sizzle Sizzle.

Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1.5 cup carrots, peeled and sliced thin (about 2 large carrots)
1.5 cup celery, sliced thin (about 3 stalks)
1 cup sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, peeled and diced small (about 1 medium onion)
4 garlic cloves, minced
80 ounces (10 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
12 oz wide egg noodles (or your favorite noodles or pasta)
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (use storebought rotisserie chicken to save time; or cook your own)
3-4 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1-2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
salt, to taste

Directions
1. To a large dutch oven, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and sauté for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Stir intermittently.
3.  Add the garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, pepper, and bring to a boil. Allow mixture to boil gently for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are fork-tender.
5. Add the egg noodles and boil mixture for about 10 minutes, or until noodles are soft and cooked through. At any time while making the soup, if the overall liquid level is lower than you like and you prefer more broth, adding a cup or two of water is okay. At the end you will adjust the salt level.
6. Add the chicken, parsley, white wine vinegar, and boil 1 to 2 minutes, or until chicken is warmed through. Taste soup and add salt to taste. I added about 1 tablespoon but this will vary based on how salty the brand of chicken broth used is, how salty the rotisserie chicken is, and personal preference. Make any necessary seasoning adjustments (i.e. more salt, pepper, herbs, etc.), remove the bay leaves, and serve immediately.

Soup will keep airtight in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Look For Less: Duck Boots

Published on by neverbeenso2 Comments

I’ve wanted duck boots for awhile now, but every time I’ve gone to order them from L.L. Bean , they’re out of stock. Well no surprise, this Holiday season. My mom went to order them for me as a Christmas gift, and we were shocked that the arrive date was March 2016. I understand they are hand-made and for that reason, take extra time to create. However, that doesn’t mean I want to wait until March of next year for an item that I order now.

I finally told myself, I just wasn’t getting duck boots again this year. UNTIL, I was walking in Target yesterday, and saw a pair! I had to do a double-take because from far away they looked the exact same as the ones I’ve been pining after. I figured as I got close I would notice the problem. But there wasn’t one. Sure, they aren’t the same caliber of quality, but they’re also $50 cheaper and you can have them RIGHT NOW. If you’re using them mainly for fashion, it’s a no-brainer. I have a pair of sturdy hiking boots I wouldn’t trade for the world, so those are my go-tos for any type of trekking. I tried them on and they looked great!

FYI: I’m usually a 7.5 and the 7 fit me well. The 8 was a little too big.

So, why spend $100+ on duck boots, when you can get this pair at Target now for $50! They also have different styles and colors!

Target
The Look For Less: Duck Boots

L.L. Bean
L.L. Bean Duck Boots

Stuffing Stuffed Acorn Squash

Published on by neverbeenso2 Comments

Let me start out by saying I am NOT a fan of leftovers. AT ALL. However, somehow we always end up with mounds of them in our refrigerator (thanks, Mom). In the past, we’ve been really bad with not making the most of our leftovers, so this year I decided to change that up. By adding simple ingredients, leftovers can save a ton of time and money and not taste half bad.

My mom made some STELLAR stuffing this year, full of sausage and cranberries. Per my request, I was sent home with her stuffing leftovers after Thanksgiving; however,  I wasn’t all too enthused to eat it popped into the microwave on its own. So I stopped and picked up a few acorn squash (I had never cooked with them before!) and some sage, not exactly sure what I’d do with them. First thought: stuff the squash, of course, and what better to stuff it with then….(you guessed it) STUFFING! The rest of the ingredients were already in my pantry, so this made for a very cheap and tasty winter meal.

Aren’t they so pretty?!

Stuffing Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffing Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffing Stuffed Acorn Squash

If you don’t have stuffing leftovers just lying around, and you think this recipe sounds way too delicious to pass up, just go ahead and make a batch of stuffing (I included my mom’s recipe below) and use it throughout the week for other meals!

Here ya go, two recipes for the price of one!

Stuffing Stuffed Acorn Squash

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients
2 acorn squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sage, minced
2 cups leftover stuffing (I used my Mom’s cranberry sausage stuffing recipe below, but you can use your favorite)
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cut the acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds. Tip: Cut the tip of the top portion so that the squash sits easily on both sides (you will be cooking face up and face down).
3. Add the olive oil in the middle of the open halves and use a pastry brush to coat the edges.
4. Place the squash halves open side down on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Flip the squash over and run a fork through the middle making strings. Add a little butter and top with leftover stuffing (can be right out of the fridge).
6. Bake for another 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and spray with cooking spray and top each half with panko breadcrumbs. Bake for another 15 minutes or until squash is tender and the stuffing is hot.
7. When done, top with sage and serve.

**Again, I used leftover stuffing for this recipe. If you don’t have a favorite stuffing recipe, I’ve included the very tasty Cranberry Sausage Stuffing recipe that I used below**

Cranberry Sausage Stuffing

  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients
16 oz Jimmy Dean sausage
½ cup butter
6 stalks celery, finely diced
2 medium onions, finely diced
12 oz package cornbread stuffing (stove top)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 tsp salt
2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In large skillet, crumble and cook sausage until browned. Remove from pan.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and saute the celery and onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl combine celery, onion, sausage, stuffing mix, cranberries, and salt. Add broth and stir until well mixed. Bake in casserole dish, covered for 1 hour at 325 degrees F or until hot.
5. Refrigerate up to 4 days in air tight container until ready to use.

 

 

Wind Down Wednesday: Buddha Boards

Published on by neverbeenso1 Comment

I started off this Wind Down Wednesday series a few weeks back with my post on adult coloring. Not only do I want to share the ways I’ve found to deal with stress best, but writing is one of my favorites, so why not kill two birds with one stone (pats). We all have our stress, but it’s the way we handle it that makes or breaks us. And I’ve done my fair share of breaking.

Work is a place where a large portion of my stress stems from. My day-to-day features a high-intensity, fast-paced environment paired with high-dollars and high-ranking officials watching my every move. Being that I’m also a perfectionist, this is a known recipe for disaster. I end up bringing my work stress into my home far too often instead of dealing with it at the best place possible, AT WORK.

While my fiancé was browsing a local toy store at home for Christmas gifts, he stumbled across a Buddha Board.

Wind Down Wednesday: Buddha Boards

From the creators: “Buddha Board is inspired by the Zen idea of living in the moment. You simply paint on the surface with water and your creation will come to life in bold design. Then as the water slowly evaporates, your art will magically disappear leaving you with a clean slate and a clear mind, ready to create a whole new masterpiece.”

Knowing all too well the stress I deal with at work, he picked one up and excitedly brought it home for me (figuring $14 is worth it if it can save just a slice of my sanity). I love to think I’m #Zen; although, I’m far from it, but the idea intrigues me. So, instantly I figured I’d give this a shot.

I went to work the next day, placed the mini Buddha Board on my desk, filled the tray with water and waited for the perfect moment to test it out.

Wind Down Wednesday: Buddha Boards

6:00am and the perfect moment had arrived (doesn’t take long when your morning starts bright and early at 4:15am). Instead of cursing under my breath (if my co-workers are lucky), as I normally would, I picked up the mini paintbrush and doodled. Just freely moving in an unclear motion in an environment that’s so rigid and restricted was INSANELY calming! I did this at least 10 times throughout the day. I really felt better and for such a small price!

I can’t always change the environment around me, so why not work on what I can!

Healthy Deep Dish Cookie Pie

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Will this rain ever stop?! It’s been two full days of nothing but RAIN. And what’s worse is by the time I get home it’s dark, so there really is no getting me to do anything productive after work. All I want to do is Netflix & NOM.

This deep dish cookie allowed me to do just that and not feel totally bad about it. It’s so decadent and chocolatey and warm and even SOMEWHAT healthy! I was a bit skeptical when trying out this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie because one of the main ingredients is beans. I’ve done the whole bean thing before and it was not a pleasant result, but Katie knows what she’s doing. NEVERBEENSO delicious!

Healthy Deep Dish Cookie Pie

Chocolate Covered Katie

Healthy Deep Dish Cookie Pie

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: easy
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Ingredients
2 cans white beans or garbanzos (drained and rinsed) (500g total, once drained)
1 cup quick oats
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 tbsp oil (canola, veg, or coconut)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Blend everything (except the chips) very well in a good food processor (not a blender).
3. Mix in chips, and pour into an oiled pan (I used a 10-inch spring-form pan, but you can use a smaller pan if you want a really deep-dish pie.)
4. Bake for around 35-40 minutes. Let stand at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
5. Pair with milk and indulge!

Mexican Chocolate Pecan Pie 

Published on by neverbeenso1 Comment

 

Need I say more here? Probably not, but I will..

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Every Thanksgiving I try a different rendition of a pecan pie. Last year it was whiskey pecan pie, but let’s just say whiskey-1, me-0.

This year I was inspired by Chef Marcela’s Mexican Chocolate Pecan Pie. This recipe only takes up your oven for 10 minutes and on Thanksgiving that’s about all I have between everything else. There were some conflicting reviews posted on Marcela’s recipe, so I decided to change it up a bit when it came to a few ingredients.

The Perfect Pie Crust  

This is the Mexican chocolate I ended up finding. Wasn’t the brand the recipe recommended, but I found it at Whole Foods and ended up mixing in some milk chocolate and cinnamon.

Mexican Chocolate

  Mexican Chocolate Pecan Pie

Mexican Chocolate Pecan Pie

  • Servings: 6
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients

Crust
Nonstick cooking spray, for pie dish
1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Filling
12 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons light corn syrup
3 cups pecan halves (about 10 oz)
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 oz Mexican chocolate (I used Taza Chocolate – found at Whole Foods), finely minced
1 oz milk chocolate, finely minced
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Directions

Crust
1. Spray a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray.
2. Blend the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and light brown sugar together in a medium bowl by hand.
3. When well combined, press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish. Cover the crust and freeze while preparing the filling. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead and kept frozen).

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Filling
1. Combine the butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in medium saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring often. Boil 1 minute.
2. Stir in the pecans and whipping cream. Boil until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
3. Add the chocolate, cinnamon and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is well blended.

Pour the filling into the crust. Using a spoon, evenly distribute the nuts. Bake until the filling bubbles all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer the pie to a rack and cool completely.

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25

Published on by neverbeenso3 Comments

This holiday GIFT GUIDE series started off with my last post on subscription boxes and now here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers UNDER $25 that can be for just about anyone on your list or for those secret santa/white elephant exchanges you never know what to buy for.

Stay tuned for the next post in the GIFT GUIDE series. Who is your hardest person to buy for??

stocking stuffer 5
Half Moon Planter – $14

stocking stuffer 1
Who’s Most Likely To Game – $16

stocking stuffer 6
Beverage Warmer – $19.99

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Shark Socks – $10

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Date Night Bucket List – $18

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Beer Stein Can Grip – $6

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Travel Theme Adult Coloring Book – $10.55

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
The Little Book of Yoga – $14.95

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Carry On Cocktail Kit – $24

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Pallet Drink Coasters – $16.99

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Leather-Bound Explorer Journal – $25

AND WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS….

GIFT GUIDE: Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Coal Gum – $6

GIFT GUIDE: Monthly Subscription Boxes

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Gift Guide: Monthly Subscription Boxes

Monthly subscription boxes are quickly taking over and with good reason. They’re a unique, personalized and who doesn’t love getting surprise things in the mail?! And there is literally something for EVERYONE. I subscribe to quite a few of these and could easily add 50 others if money was no object. I decided this year these monthly boxes are going to be a huge part of the gifts I give for the holidays; hello online shopping without the wrapping! You can either give one box as an introduction or buy a few months for your someone special; it’s up to you! Here are a few of my favorite monthly subscriptions.

FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE:

Mantry: jerky, hot sauce, bacon-everything etc.
Dive Bar Shirt Club: Each month they’ll receive an authentic t-shirt from the best of America’s most interesting and unusual bars.
Bowtie of the Month Club: Each month receive 1 bowtie in the shape of your choice.
Root Bizzle: If bow ties aren’t their thing, sign them up to receive regular ties, once a month. Choices vary between skinny, whimsical and business and sizes of their choice.
Birchbox Man: Box filled with grooming and lifestyle samples from both up-and-coming and well-known men’s brands.

FOR THE TRAVELER:

Try the World: 8 authentic gourmet foods from a new country every month
Escape Monthly: Luxury products from new destinations each month

FOR THE HEALTH NUT:

Bestowed: 7-10 healthy snacks, beverages and lifestyle items
Buddhi Boxes: Delivers mindful products that enhance your yoga practice on and off the mat

FOR THE CREATOR:

Smile Create Repeat: Quality art supplies, hand selected by artists with creativity card and additional surprises (from kids 3+ to adults)

FOR THE SWEETS LOVER:

The Cravory: 1-2 dozen cookies at your door each month!
Mystery Chocolate Box: 3 mystery chocolate bars from top chocolate makers; for every box sold, two meals are donated to charity, so you can feel good while you’re stuffing your face with chocolatey goodness.
Treatsie: red velvet milk chocolate bar, lavender sea salt caramels, cinnamon peanut butter cups etc. (DROOL)

FOR THE BEAUTY BABE:

IPSY: 5 beauty products in a darling reusable cosmetic bag
Julep Maven: $40 worth of never before released polishes and luxurious nail treatments.
The Clean Getaway Box: Receive luxurious bar of soap and other beauty faves such as lotions, lip balms, candles etc.

FOR THE BOOK WORM:

Crate Joy: Each box contains 1 YA hardcover book and 3-5 other bookish goodies
Gift Lit: Allows you to choose the theme of books for your subscription (i.e. mysteries, history, favorites for women etc.)

FOR THE FOODIE:

Bacon of the Month Club: 2 lbs of bacon to your door monthly…nuff said
Taste Trunk: Gourmet items under various themes chosen by you each month
Carnivore Club: 4-6 different selections of cured and smoked meats, charcuterie and jerky from around the world

FOR THE COCKTAIL CONNOISSEUR:

Crafted Taste: full size bottles of alcohol and mixers..need i say more?!

FOR THE NEW PARENT:

Citrus Lane: toys, books, snacks etc. newborn – 5 years

FOR THE KIDS:

Kiwi Crate: Ages 5 – 8
Tinker Crate: Ages 9 – 16+

FOR THE BEER BUFF:

Craft Beer Club: Each month receive 12 bottles of craft brews from around the country
Cooler Can Monthly: To accompany those bottles, check out this monthly koozie subscription from around the country.

FOR THE GAMER:

Loot Crate: Hand-picked geek and gamer products, such as shirts and gadgets.

FOR THE FASHIONISTA:

RocksBox: 3 designer jewelry pieces, wear up to 60 days and then decide if you want to keep or return!
The Trendy Box: 3-4 fashion accessories such as necklaces, belts, wallets, ring etc.
Stitch Fix: A personal stylist gets assigned to you and instantly sends you 5 products you can choose to keep or return. They even take a look at your pinterest boards for inspiration.

FOR THE TEA/COFFEE LOVER:

Tea Club: 4 oz of premium loose leaf tea per month.
Craft Coffee: They find the perfect coffee blend for you & ship it right to your door monthly!

FOR THE NEWLY ENGAGED:

The Bride Box: Fun full-sized products and samples specifically catered to brides!

FOR THE COUPLE:

Lovebird: Once a month, your favorite couple will receive a creative date at their door!

FOR THE CAR FANATIC:

Box of Car Stuff: Mixture of luxury, commonly known brands and eco-conscious value product brands including interior and exterior products.

FOR THE ANIMAL LOVER:

Bark Box: Dog treats, toys and goodies for your pup each month!
Meow Box: Unique toys and goodies specifically catered to your favorite feline!

FOR THE GOLF GURU (I have a lot of these in my life):

BirdieBox: Premium golf, lifestyle and nutritional products. Every box includes the current Golf Digest magazine. Can be customized for Men or Women and logos can be added for corporate outings.
BogeyBox: $40 worth of golf goodies, lifestyle products and food & beverage samples to help you focus on improving your golf game and time on the course.

What are some of your favorite monthly box subscriptions for yourself and/or to give as gifts?!

Wind Down Wednesday: Adult Coloring

Published on by neverbeenso3 Comments

So now that we’re adults, we have a lot of responsibility, and with responsibility comes stress. But can you remember back to the time when you had none?! What was your biggest concern? Being picked last on the dodgeball team? Your parents taping over your favorite recorded show on VHS? Or maybe going outside the lines while coloring? I think we can all admit we’d give anything to have these be the worst parts of our days now. We need to take some time to de-stress regularly, so that we don’t just combust and we get that report done by deadline to keep our jobs to keep our paychecks to then keep our shelters and put food on the table and clothes on our back….wow, better not F up.

This is the first of a new weekly bit I plan on posting with ways to wind it down.

I’m a pretty stressed out person 98% of the time. My Mom, being the ultimate Mom that she is, decided to introduce me to adult coloring. She came to visit one day with a bag full of coloring books and a brand new 96 pack of Crayola crayons. As a kid this would have been the best day ever; as an adult, I just gave her a quizzical look. “Coloring books? Don’t you know I don’t have time to COLOR??” She calmly stated she read about adult coloring being a great way to de-stress. I decided to put this theory to Google. And what do you know, there have actually been studies done that prove that coloring can have a de-stressing effect. According to Huffington Post, “when we focus on a particular activity, we focus on it and not on our worries. But it also ‘brings out our imagination and takes us back to our childhood, a period in which we most certainly had a lot less stress.'”

Psychologist Antoni Martinez said [in the article for Huffington Post] “I recommend it as a relaxation technique. We can use it to enter into a more creative, freer state,” he assures. We can also use it to connect with how we feel, since depending on our mood we choose different colors or intensity. “I myself have practiced that. I recommend it in a quiet environment, even with chill music. Let the color and the lines flow.”

Reading this article alone made me instantly intrigued. In the bag of fun from my Mom, included one adult coloring book and a few kids’ coloring books [ya know, the one’s with big kittens and princesses].

The adult coloring book had pages a little more complex.

Wind-Down Wednesday: Adult Coloring Wind-Down Wednesday: Adult Coloring

I tried these first and immediately found myself getting frustrated because the crayon tip was too big for such detailed designs. [yeah, I’m a perfectionist even when it comes to coloring] However, in the same HP article, cartoonist Antonio Fraguas stated this tip for beginners “Despite how highly stressed you may be, the most important thing is to not use pen markers with alcohol that go through the paper. The proper thing is to use crayons.”

So, to not lose my interest, I moved on to the kids coloring books. These looked way more my style. 

Wind-Down Wednesday: Adult Coloring

I sat for TWO hours coloring. I’ve neverbeenso relaxed. When I was done, I felt like I had a new perspective on life.

I went ahead and invested in some colored pencils which make a huge difference in the adult coloring books, but the kids pages are fun too. And that’s the thing with coloring as an adult, you make the decisions! As long as you are feeling relaxed and pushing some troubles away for a few minutes or a few hours, do what works! You’re an adult, you can buy yourself whatever coloring book you want or browse the online sites that offer free printables! No parent permission needed! You want florals? Kids + Adults. Animals? Kids + Adults. Geometrics? Kids/Adults. Television? Adults. Drink? Adults. The coloring world is your oyster!

Sure, coloring isn’t going to fix all of life’s problems, but it may clear your mind to better focus and organize the important things. Give it 10 minutes and if it’s not working, pour a glass of wine and wind down.