Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup

Monday, October 7, 2019



There is nothing better than a nice thick and creamy soup for Fall time. This soup is so hearty and comforting... and yes, I may live in a state that doesn't have Fall weather, but we do have rainy weather and this works just fine for that too. 


Instructions:

Heat some olive oil in a Dutch oven pot over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook all the way through.Remove and set aside. 

Melt butter and some olive oil in the same pot. Add in minced garlic, onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Saute for 3 mins. 

Sprinkle Flour, stirring constantly for 3 mins. Its going to be thick. 

Lower heat to low and gradually stir in the 2 boxes of Chicken broth. Save some broth though to mix with your cornstarch on the side. Then add that to soup as well.

Stir in Chicken, Beans, Chicken Bouillon, and all spices and bay leaves. 

Add in Lasagna noodles (break this up into 1/2 inch pieces)

Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Then lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally for about 20 -30 mins. Until noodles are tender. 

Make sure heat is on Low, remove your bay leaves.

Add your spinach and then stir in your heavy cream.

Stir in your 1 cup of parm cheese. Season with Salt and Pepper. 

Let simmer for about another 10-15 mins. Serve. 


This meal is even better the next day as leftovers! It thickens up even more. So YUMMY!
Hope you all enjoy!



Self Care: skin care regimen

Sunday, August 18, 2019


Sunday's are for Self Care! For years I have been telling myself that I was going to get myself on a skincare regimen... and now I am in my 30s and I think it's about that time. I have done SO much research on the best products to use as well as the proper order in which to use them.
I am going to start out with my night time routine as it is more in depth.

In the Evening:

1. Cleanse
Its ALL about removing your make-up! The wipes are good for those lazy weekend nights after being out all night, but you really should be using a great cleanser. I just recently purchased and have been using Cetaphil Normal to Oily Skin Daily Facial Cleanser and it makes my skin feel so amazing and soft afterwards. So far I am super obsessed! It's also great on my sensitive skin.

2. Exfoliate // But only 1-2x per week. I aim for Sunday's and Wednesday's.
Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells and decongests pores! Eek. Which I have a lot of! Its great for oiliness, pores, and dullness.
I am a HUGE fan of the Caudalie skin care line. You will see a ton of their products featured throughout this post. Its super affordable and natural. It's their Deep Cleansing Exfoliator which leaves your skin feeling silky smooth!

3. Toner
You want to aim for a gentle toner. The toner is essential to ensure all of your makeup has been removed, that there is no more residue left, and to remove any remaining dead skin cells. It is also used to prep your skin for all the ingredients that will later be absorbed! My go to and which is super cost friendly is Witch Hazel - Rose Petal. Again, great for my sensitive skin and does not dry me out!

4. Face Mask // 1-2x a week. Again, usually my Sunday's and Wednesday's. 
A great face mask helps keep pores clean and tight. Basically rehab for the skin! It draws out excess oil and toxins from the pores like a vacuum. Apply to the skin once or twice a week. Leave on for 10 mins and then rinse. I have been using Caudalie Instant Detox Mask.

5. Treatment, Serum and/or Vitamin C
The heavy lifters of your skin care routine! They are SO clutch in adding nutrients, hydrators, and antioxidants into your skin that really amp up your skin health! I alternate in my skincare Serums. Once a week I use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid; I know you hear acid and think WTF?? but it isn't as scary as it sounds. It's basically a serum that pulls water from the air and into your skin and 't PLUMPS it up! I have not jumped on the Retinol train just yet, but every other night I have been using Dermalogica's Vitamin C Serum and so far so good! I have noticed a glow in my skin and it's only been a week!

6. Eye Cream
OK. I suffer bad from puffy bags and dark circles- I blame genetics. It's awful. I am going to do everything in my power to reduce the appearance of them. So I picked up Caudalie Resveratrol [LIFT] Eye Lifting Balm.

7. Moisturizer 
Let's Soothe and Soften the skin! You basically want to infuse the skin with hydration as well as lock in the other products previously used to lock them in and make them more effective. Our skin goes into repair mode at night. I use Caudalie S.O.S Intense Moisturizing Cream.

In the Morning:

Cleanse, Toner, and an SPF! Keep it Simple! Same products as above.

All products are featured and linked in My LIKEtoKNOW.it APP. Check it out!






Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup




Feeling sick and under the weather? I got you covered. Below is the best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, just like grandma used to make. While cooking this soup, it gives off this fresh aroma in your home... it is some kind of amazing. 

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic or one teaspoon of minced garlic (I'm lazy)
  • 8oz of precut crinkle cut carrots (again, I am LAZY!)
  • 3-4 celery sticks, chopped
  • 2 chicken breasts, bone-in 
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 Tbsp dried parsley 
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • bay leaves (about 3-4)
  • Freshly cracked pepper
  • 2-3 tsp salt 
  • 4 cups of chicken broth 
  • 4 cups of water
  • 6 oz. egg noodles 

(Insert ingredients picture)

Insert pictures throughout cooking process. 

INstructions

  • Dice the onion. Add the onion, minced garlic, and olive oil to a large pot and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and transparent.
  • While the onion and garlic are sautéing, cut up your celery. Add the celery and about 8oz of your pre-cut carrots to the pot and continue to sauté for a few minutes more.
  • Pull the skin and any excess fat from the chicken breasts. I season the breasts with Salt and Pepper. Then Add the breasts to the pot along with the bay leaves, basil, parsley, thyme, more freshly cracked pepper, and 4 cups of chicken broth for more flavor and 4 cups of water. Cover the pot, bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for one hour. Make sure the pot continues to simmer for the whole hour. If the heat is turned down too low and it is not bubbling away, the chicken will not shred easily.
  • After an hour of simmering, remove the chicken from the pot. Using two forks, pull the meat from the bone and shred it slightly. Season the broth with salt. Add as much to your liking. The flavor of the broth will really pop once the salt is added.
  • Add the noodles to the pot, turn the heat up to high, and boil the noodles until tender (about 7 minutes). Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Taste and season again with salt if needed. Serve hot!

Insert final product picture.

Hope you all enjoy this as much as my family did and does. Also, hope you all start feeling better too!




Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta


This pasta dish has easily become a favorite in our house! And it is pretty much all cooked in one pan! Besides making sure the chicken cooks all the way through- this is a super quick and easy meal.


Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts
Olive Oil
Minced Garlic
Salt and Pepper
16oz Heavy Cream or 24oz if you like a creamier sauce
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese
Italian Seasoning
Parsley
1/2 bag of Baby Spinach (or use the whole bag)
1lb box pasta ( we used Rigatoni)



Directions:

Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over medium high heat and cook your chicken all the way through- browning each side. Once cooked, set aside.
In same pan, heat your minced garlic and olive oil. Slowly pour in your heavy cream, stirring continuously. Then add in the parmesan cheese. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon of parsley. Stir. Then add in the spinach and mix. Cook about 5-7 mins. Add your chicken back into the pan. Cook another 10 mins, covered. Slice chicken. Add cooked noodles and mix. Simmer another 5 mins and then serve.


Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: 2019

Friday, July 12, 2019






You Guys!! It's here! Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale! Its Black Friday and Christmas all in one! 

What is the Nordstrom Sale? Well, its where you get to shop new arrivals for fall/winter pieces from your favorite brands at low-prices. Its their biggest sale of the year. 

The sale starts Today, July 12th for Early Access(card members), which is 7 days before the general public and runs through August 4th. Online and In-Stores. I highly recommend becoming a cardmember, and you can sign up here. Nordstrom offers free shipping and free returns!!


If you aren't a Card Member the sale runs from July 19th - August 4th. Things sell out pretty fast, so I recommend making a list for the top items you want- so you can shop them first. For me, I take advantage of the booties, cardigans, and beauty gift sets. 


Side Note: From July 19th - August 4th- stop in to any store for inspiration and education on ALL things beauty! As well as on Sunday, July 28th for Self Care Sunday and on Monday, July 29th for National Lipstick Day!


I highly recommend shopping online- they have more to choose from and the stores can get pretty overwhelming. Clothes are everywhere, the store is mobbed, items sell out pretty fast. The only thing good about it, is you are able to try the items on. But remember, I said Nordstrom is great about returns. So order all that you want and know, if it doesn't fit or you do not like it, you can always return it.


You can expect to see pieces from my favorite brands like BP., Leith, Tory Burch, Free People, Topshop,  Madewell, Vince Camuto, Adidas, Nike, and more!


I am sharing my top picks:


SHOES: 


I have an OBSESSION with booties. They are my go to for work. I have linked some of my favorites below, in addition to some other shoes.


BP Heath Bootie BP Bootie $69.90 $ 109.95 *

Vince Camuto Gigietta Bootie $99.90 $149.95 My absolute FAVORITE and top pick! I got the color “Tortilla” which is the best light tan suede with a block wood heel, but they come in 5 different colors, including 2 snakeskin options! *


Vince Camuto Nethera Perforated Bootie $99.90 $149.95


Steve Madden Everly Over the Knee Boot $86.90 $129.95


Steve Madden Ankle Strap Sandal $59.90 $89.95


Adidas Swift Run Sneaker $63.90 $85  *


Hunter Rain Boots Black $99 $150 


Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Sneaker  $58.90  $89  *


CLOTHING:


Madewell Ryder Stripe Cardigan Sweater $64.90 $98 Size Down- Runs Large- I got a size XS.  *

Topshop Long Cardigan $44.90 $68 Runs large! Definitely size down. I’m wearing the XS. I purchased Oatmeal! *


Leith Longline Cardigan $45.90 $69 Soft and Lightweight! *


BP. Longline Open Cardigan $31.90 $49  *


BP Everyday V-Neck Sweater $29.90 $45


For that SPLURGE Purchase- This Cashmere sweater is the absolute softest!

Oversized Cashmere Sweater $199.90  $329

Caslon Drape Collar Knit Blazer $38.90 $59


Gibson Cozy Twist Front Pullover $31.90  $49


The North Face Knit Stitch Fleece Hoodie  $48.90 $70


AG The Farrah High Waist Ankle Skinny Jeans $149.90 $225 Another SPLURGE of mine. I have been wanting a good pair of designer jeans. *


Free People Ripped High Waist Skinny Jeans $51.90  $78


BP. V-Neck Tee $11.90 $15 The best BASIC tees! *


All in Favor Twist Tank $18.90  $29  *


Lace Trim Satin Camisole Top $25.90 $39 These sell out FAST. Make sure you snag yours! Comes in a few different colors/patterns. *


Adidas Original tee $21.90 $30   *


ACCESSORIES:

Tory Burch Everly Leather Flap Saddlebag $305.90 $458 I snagged this one in the cream color! Perfect transition from Summer to Fall. *

Tory Burch Mini Everly Bag $165.90 $248 This bag is a super slim crossbody that’s perfect for traveling and those nights out! There are card slots built into it so that you don’t have to put a wallet inside and it stays super lightweight.  This one is a top-seller every year, so be sure to grab one ASAP if you love it!   *


Tory Burch Everly Leather Tote $352.90 $528 The perfect work bag! Fits a laptop and or planner!


Ray Ban Polarized Sunglasses $141.90 $213    *


LOUNGEWEAR:

I love pajamas - especially a cute set or nightshirt. And these two below are SO soft. I live in Florida, but they also have the set in Long Sleeve/Pants.
Nordstrom Lingerie Moonlight Nightshirt  $31.90  $49  *
Moonlight Short Pajamas $35.90   $55


Another SPLURGE of mine are these Silk pillowcases. I have been dying for them, they are so good for your hair and minimize frizz! WORTH IT!

slip™ for beauty sleep Slipsilk™ Pure Silk Queen Pillowcases $119  $170  *

BEAUTY:
MAC Up Close and Personal Lip Kit  $36.50  $54

Oribe Full Size Magic Styling Set $61  $92


La Mer Mini Miracles Collection $90  $122 If you have been wanting to try this brand- this is a HUGE STEAL and a great way to test out their products. *


PRO TIP: Use your Personal Double Points Day(s) to earn double the points! Think of all the rewards!! 

  

Traveling: Carry On Essentials - Purse Edition

Monday, July 8, 2019



Packing the right things in your carry on is huge! 
This list is mainly for a carry-on that holds the must have items while everything else goes in your checked luggage- which I have a checklist for that. The Ultimate packing list- check it out here.

In addition to the below and it kind of goes without saying, but I am going to say it: Make sure you have your Tickets and/or passport if needed.

Also! Remember when packing - store all your valuables in your carry on luggage, as well as an extra pair of clothes, and anything else important. This is just a safety measure in case the airlines unfortunately lose your luggage.

Most of the below items are what I store in my purse. But I purchase a large purse to make sure everything I need is in one bag! 


I have linked some items on my LiketoKnow.it App (Search under Influencer - Alyssa Tatesure) some of my travel favs. Check it out for direct access to the items/websites.



Other items to consider:

  • Portable charger - the carry-on suitcase I recommend has one attached. But this one will be for your purse as a back up in case.
  • Snacks/Water
  • Neck Pillow
  • Light Sweater - I like to use this as a blanket on the flight. 

What are your must have items that you need to have in your Carry on? Let me know in the comments below. 



Traveling: The Ultimate Packing List



I absolutely LOVE to go on vacation and to travel. 

Every time I am getting ready to go on a trip, I panic with the thought of all I need to pack. I am always so worried that I am going to forget something. Now that I have a child whom I also need to pack for- I stress even more. She's a toddler, so you would think she wouldn't need much. Wrong. Absolutely wrong. They need just as much. Snacks. Diapers. Entertainment. Stroller. Etc. 

In addition to my love for vacations, I also LOVE to make lists- its this weird obsession of mine. I pretty much make a list for everything. There is something also very exciting about checking something off your list, whether it is a packing list or a to-do list. 

Every time a vacation is coming up, what I usually end up doing is getting together a checklist of the necessary things/items that I will need for that trip.

If you are anything like me, then this next part is going to get you really excited. I put together my ULTIMATE Packing list to share with you all so that you do not need to worry about forgetting anything for your future trips. Its a basic list of the essentials- some things necessary and some things maybe not. But either way, its a great start and it'll get your brain flowing with anything else you think you may need. 

Also! Remember when packing - store all your valuables in your carry on luggage/purse, as well as an extra pair of clothes, and anything else important. This is just a safety measure in case the airlines unfortunately lose your luggage.

Feel free to save this picture for future use. Trust me it comes in handy!


I have linked some items here as well as on my LiketoKnow.it App (Search under Influencer - Alyssa Tatesure) some of my travel favs. Check it out for direct access to the items/websites.

Side Note: Just bought the Away luggage, and I am OBSESSED. I got the "Bigger" Carry-On and the Large suitcase. Highly recommend. If purchased together, it actually saves you $40! Huge win! Totally worth the money!

I have linked my set here: 
Away Travel - The Bigger Carry-on
 Away Travel - Large Suitcase


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