Parmesan Skillet Chicken

In case you haven't gathered it, I love chicken.  It's my go-to meal staple.  Basically, it just becomes a question of what I'm going to do with the chicken each night.  It's been awhile since I made this recipe, and I'm kind of mad that I haven't made it lately because it's SO good.  It feels fancy without being difficult to make.  And the flavors - WHOA!  Look out.  It's like Italy took over your kitchen and then hijacked all of your tastebuds.  Here are the ingredients...

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin is preferred - or you can butterfly two breasts and pound them out)

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary (I use a little more, because I love this flavor)

1 can (14.5 ounces) Del Monte Italian-style stewed tomatoes

cooked pasta of your choice (don't you love the freedom I give you?)

First, coat the chicken with the parmesan cheese - really press that cheese into the chicken.  In a large skillet, cook the chicken in the olive oil over medium heat until done.  Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover with foil or a lid to keep warm.  In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms and rosemary until soft.  Add the tomatoes.  Cook uncovered over medium heat until the sauce thickens.  Spoon sauce over pasta and top with the chicken. 

Deliciousness (and happiness) abounds.

Day 14 - Thankful for candy-like medicine

I'm trying to be positive, really I am. But honestly, I feel like I've been run over by a truck. I have a cold and I'm pretty miserable. So today, in efforts of counteracting my thoughts of "un-thankfulness" about not having any more sick days...I'm thankful for delicious Luden's cough drops. I hate menthol and these taste like candy.

Day 13 - Thankful for Fall Weekends

This weekend, I did the following:

1. Spent quality time with my sister

2. Went to a NASCAR race and didn't sweat my butt off, AND saw my favorite driver win

3. Went on a hayride to a pumpkin patch and drank apple cider at a farm

It was delightful, and I couldn't have had more fun this weekend if I tried.  October in NC is delightful.  Trust me.

Day 12 - Thankful for (not so) Spontaneous Purchases

There was a full post up detailing the awesomeness of my secret purchase, but it needs to remain a secret so that it can be revealed at the proper time.  I have terrible shopper's remorse, but I don't have it over this.  Which is awesome. 

Anyways, this purchase was life changing.  And I am totally totally thankful for that.

Details to follow in a post most likely in November!!

Photo Friday!

Okay.  Truth be told, I was going to name this weekly treat "Photo Phriday," but I hate when things are purposely spelled wrong.  I also don't want people to think that I'm one of "those people" from Philadelphia who spell everything that actually has an "F" with a "Ph" instead.  That's not how I roll.  But anyways...I wanted to start sharing one of our favorite pictures every Friday.  What's better to close out a horrendous work week with than a lovely visual snack?

This is one of my favorite pictures from Davenport, CA...

Day 11 - Thankful for Happy Hour Deals

Sorry, no pic for this, but I'm thankful today to be leaving work early and heading over to Cheesecake Factory for their happy hour $5 appetizers. Sorry CF, I'm PMSing and hungry - you're losing out today because I'm ordering approximately 22 things. :-)

Product Review: Lacura

First off, let me start by telling you that I love makeup. I have more makeup than 10 people should have (probably more than 10 if I’m being honest). I love trying new products, particularly ones from high-end makeup counters :-) I have tried products from every mall brand you could possibly think of, and tons from all the standard drug store brands as well. Usually it’s very apparent which one’s the cheapie brand and which you shelled out the big bucks for. Until now. Aldi’s makeup brand, Lacura, is the best of both world’s. It’s dirt cheap – nothing over $3.49 - and performs like (actually, I think better than) a big name brand. Also, the packaging is very sleek, making it look expensive. I bought face cleanser, Q10 day cream, two shades of foundation, eyeliner, an eyeshadow duo, pressed powder, lip gloss, and waterproof mascara for $28.00 including tax! This is unheard of! Let me tell you…wow. I’m looking my best today for sure. The foundation goes on like a dream. Perfect coverage while feeling light (definitely not cakey) and a great match to my skin tone. I am in love! I was also especially impressed by the eyeshadow – very silky and easily blended. One downside: it’s very perfumey. Like an old lady (particularly the lip gloss). However, it dissipates quickly, so I’m ok with it. Totally worth the trade off. What’s your favorite brand or product? I would love to try it!

Dare to compare? Just as a little experiment, I looked up the comparable products and what the prices would be at Clinique. This is a middle of the road make-up counter at the mall, much better than drug store, but not as pricey as Lancome or MAC. So, here we go: Creamy face wash $18.50; anti-aging cream $48.50; foundation $23.00 (x2 shades = $46.00); eyeliner $14.50; eyeshadow duo $17.50; pressed powder $19.00; lip gloss $14.00; waterproof mascara $14.00. Bringing the grand total to $192.00! If you bought the Lacura over the Clinique, you would save a whopping $164.00 and I promise you - the quality is right in line with eachother. WOW!