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The Monogrammed Life


Don't you love it when you find the perfect dish that is super easy and worthy enough to be put on repeat! I have been making these stuffed portobellos non-stop and Stephen loves them as a side to his steak or whatever meat he's eating. for me, they're plenty filling enough as a main dish, especially since I added ground veggie sausage to the mix.



I love using field roast veggie sausage, just slice it into pieces and throw it in a mini food processor and voila, ground veggie goodness. field roast is so flavorful, no need to add seasoning.




don't these look so so sooo good...

another reason that I love this recipe: I save the leftover corn/black bean mix and the sauce in little tupperwares and there's enough left to stuff another four portabellos the next week!


ingredients:

-4 portobello mushrooms
-2 T olive oil
-½ c. corn kernels
-½ c. black beans, drained and rinsed
-1 c. enchilada sauce
-¼ t. salt
-1 T. flour
-1 c. mozzarella or monterey jack cheese, shredded
-1 field roast veggie sausage link, ground

instructions:

1. pre-heat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 450 degrees.

2. using a small spoon, scoop the gills out of the mushrooms.

3. brush mushroom exteriors with olive oil and place on a large plate.

4. in a medium bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, salt and flour until no lumps remain.

5. spoon around 1 tablespoon of veggie sausage and 1 tablespoon of corn and black beans into each mushroom. drizzle with the sauce. 

6. top with shredded cheese.

7. grill for 5-6 minutes or bake for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melty and bubbly!

this recipe makes enough topping for 8 portabellos, be sure to save your extra topping to make another batch.

Written by Lauren from Lauren Alford Design. 

Wednesday, August 30, 2017 1 comments

HOW TO WAKE UP HAPPIER

Classes are now in full swing which means that getting up in the morning will be getting a bit more difficult than during the summer. My earliest class is at 9 which isn't horrible, but I've still been looking to find ways to wake up a little happier and more energized. Check out some of my favorite ways below that I've been implementing! 

*via

+ Prepare For the Morning the Night Before 
Check the weather for the next day and set out your outfit to avoid running late in the morning. I also always pack my backpack and have my water bottle ready so I can minimize any stress when I wake up. 

+ Wake Up Earlier
I know this is the last thing you want to hear, but waking up earlier will give you more time to get ready for your day. You will feel less rushed and can enjoy your morning routine rather than dread it. I also just feel so productive and happy after I get over the initial drowsiness!

+ Inspire Yourself 
Keep a motivational quote by your bed or as your screensaver on your phone so you wake up with a little inspo. I also love going on Pinterest (specifically my quotes board) when I wake up to get myself pumped up for the day ahead. 

+ Stretch 
Nothing feels better than a nice long stretch, so start your day by doing just that. Sometimes I do this in bed to feel more awake as I get out of bed, or if I'm more energized I'll jump out of bed and do some quick stretches as if I'm going for a run. 

+ Limit Your Social Media Usage 
I'll be honest, lately, social media has really been stressing me out. Whether it's the new algorithm messing with likes or seeing posts waaay out of order, it's a lot to worry about (especially when you have 3 accounts to manage!). So, I've been waiting a little later in the day to check everything to assure that I start my day off a little more stress free. 

+ Play Some Music 
Every day last semester I would blast my favorite country music while I was getting ready to hype me up for the day, and I think I'll continue that this year too! Any upbeat songs will do, so make a playlist that you love and play it as you're getting ready for the day - it will instantly boost your mood. 

Do you have any things you do in the morning to boost your mood?
xoxo
Written by Caroline from Citrus and Style. 
Monday, August 28, 2017 10 comments

 Top: Kate Spade New York // Bag (℅): Starling & Ivy // Jeans: Rag & Bone {altered} // Watch (℅): VOTCH // Bracelet (℅): Kristine Lily // Shoes (℅): Wills Vegan Shoes // Glasses: Dior

This outfit incorporates some of my favorite pieces from this summer that I'm in love with right now, starting with this gorgeous bag.  I love the minimalistic structure of it, and the simple gold detailing that makes it look so luxurious and streamlined.  It's the Onyx Mini Crossbody from Starling & Ivy, an amazing indie company that specializes in gorgeous and ethical vegan bags.  This one is a black canvas material, which I feel so much more comfortable carrying around on a daily basis because I know that it's easier to clean and keep looking nice.  I definitely recommend checking out their gorgeous line of bags, you're sure to find an amazing everyday bag like this one!

This bright Berber striped peplum top is everything right now for me- such a summer piece.  Kate Spade always nails it on her summer collections, and this top is just so stinking cute.  And if you're a little confused about the first picture, those are my new glasses!  I took them off for the rest of the pictures, but I wear them for reading and distance, and it's been a while since I've last worn glasses (not since 4th grade!)  


Written by
from Little Miss Haute Couture
Friday, August 25, 2017 2 comments


As college approaches, I am reminded of all of the items I need to get. Yes, I have been absolutely horrible with my packing schedule. And this is something I need to start doing, considering I leave for college in three weeks. And if you’re like me, you’re probably stressed as well on how you’re going to get that big list done. That’s why, friend, I compiled a list of beauty products that you absolutely should bring for the fall.
Top 5 Products To Pack For College at Dear Ash
So without further ado, here are five beauty products you should bring with you for this next year of college.

1. NEUTROGENA MAKEUP WIPES

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes - Top 5 Products To Pack For College at Dear Ash
These wipes are absolutely heavenly. I have used them consistently for years, and I don’t think I’ll ever convert to a different set of makeup remover wipes. In college, sometimes you will be too tired to go through your nightly skincare routine. In those times, I resort to these wipes, that take off every ounce of makeup (eyes included) and also leave my face feeling clean and nourished.

2. HARRY’S SHAVE SET

Harry's Shave Set - Top 5 Products To Pack For College at Dear Ash
I know you may be used to your Venus razor, but unfortunately these razors don’t last forever. Gunk can get in the way and ruin the blade, and before you know it you have to buy several more razors than you can afford. In this case, I recommend buying one of Harry’s shave sets. This set is totally worth the price, because these razors actually last.  In addition, I am offering y’all a shave club free trial option, where you can get a Truman razor handle and blade, travel foaming shave gel, and travel blade cover for free, but you just have to cover $3 for shipping. It’s a $13 trial set so this is a great value!

3. HAND LOTION

Hand Lotion - Top 5 Products To Pack For College at Dear Ash
In college, you will have times where you feel gross. When you go to bed, a great way to feel better about your health and your life in particular is to throw on some comforting hand lotion. This Gardener’s Hand Therapy is probably my all time favorite hand lotion. And even if your life is crumbling apart, at least you smell good.

4. NAIL POLISH

Nail Polish - Top 5 Products To Pack For College at Dear Ash
When you need a break in college (which I am sure will be quite often in the upcoming year), that break is always well spent painting nails with your favorite tunes playing in the background.

5. L’OREAL MASCARA

L'Oreal Mascara - Top 5 Products To Pack For College at Dear Ash
I found that during my first year of college, I didn’t wear as much makeup as I thought I would. You won’t really wear eye shadow or go all out everyday, but something you can rely on for a quick pick-me-up is this L’Oreal Mascara. I have used this for years and it has never failed me. Also, it is very affordable, which makes it all the more worthwhile.
Really y’all, we should not stress ourselves out for the upcoming weeks of getting ready for another year of collegiate-responsibilities. This should be fun!
However, since it automatically is stressful having to return to real life and real responsibilities, I want you to know I am here for you in this time. Stay strong, sister. Before you know it, you’ll be nestled and ready to conquer the collegiate world, just like you’re used to.
All in all, remember you’re not alone. Everybody is stressed together in this messy time of checklists, books, and cute throw pillows. Let’s keep our mind on what’s to come, and everything will work itself out.
New seasons are beginning, and oh what exciting news is that!
                                                  Written by
Dear Ash Signature
                                               From Dear Ash

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 1 comments
When deciding on an apartment and later which rooms would be whose among my roommates I had one wish list item. A room with enough space for a desk. I've come to learn over the years that I am most productive (in the morning) when seated at a space designated for work. I knew that if I wanted to be able to come home and get work done and also manage to keep blogging as my teaching career begins that a desk was a personal non-negotionable. Fortunately, my room has enough space for a desk and it is my hope that this designated area helps me to continue to get work done despite not having the library in a mile perimeter (college, I miss you already).

In college I was a huge proponent of going to the library to do my work. My friends still to this day make fun of just how much I love Furman's library. The large windows, tables with plenty of space to spread out, and silent (and sometimes not so silent) camaraderie with everyone else attempting to get their work accomplished made it one of my favorite places on campus. Since I spent so much time in the library (read: spent hours there during finals week when I didn't have any finals because of how much I love it) I never truly had to make my desk space my go-to place for productivity. 

Now, fast forward to post grad as I have just finished my first summer of grad school and am preparing for my first year as a fourth grade teacher and now, it is ESSENTIAL that my desk is a place for productivity. In addition to creating a space conducive for checking off to-do lists I wanted to make sure that my desk area was still cute considering it's in my bedroom. Naturally, I turned to PB Teen to look for some ways to upgrade my space in a functional and mature way. 


Below you'll find five different items I used to help my desk space become a place I want to go to that is organized and functional. 





Pin Board

The first thing I needed to figure out in my desk area (aside from the desk of course) was how to fill the space above it. In college, I used a desk hutch under which I placed a bulletin board. It didn't take long each year for my bulletin board to become filled with pictures and items from the events of each year. When I came across this Scallop Statement Pinboard I was sold. It is huge and will be the perfect place to house any inspiration that I want to save as well as photos, reminders to myself, letters, and mementos that serve as memories. Right now I have a long ways to go before it's filled but I cannot wait to continue adding items to it over time.




Desk Chair

My desk chair was the next thing that could use some appeal. Since I was envisioning myself sitting here to accomplish work I figured I may as well find something comfortable. When I stumbled across this Navy Twill Tufted Desk Chair I decided that it would do just the trick. It feels like a living room chair but with wheels (and the ability to spin!) it makes you mobile from one part of your desk space to the other. The navy definitely gives the white initially found in my desk area some contrast which I love in addition to the comfort and support the chair provides. 



Art

Having a giant inboard in front of my desk left the wall to the side of my desk beginning for something to balance it. When I discovered that PB Teen sold prints from one of my favorite artists, Evelyn Henson, I knew that was the perfect solution. This Framed Paris Print has soothing colors that look good with my decor with a subject mater that makes me take a mini vacation when I look at it. The size was perfect for this wall and I love that it's one of the first things you see when you come into my room. It wasn't until I started to hang up art the difference I saw it make in completing my space. 



Alarm Clock

Does anyone else function better when you know you have a set amount of time to work on something? I think the reason this works for me is due in part to lengthy to-do lists not being categorized into time frames since I can never be quite sure how long a task will take. Having a visible clock with a timer is helpful when it comes to working on something as I like to eliminate all distractions and work on one specific thing for a set period of time. I'm not tempted to check my phone or suddenly get distracted by my computer since I am able to see how time is passing which in turn motivates me to keep working through something. Whether I set an alarm for 30 minutes or an hour knowing that what I'm working on has an end time makes me more efficient! It also didn't hurt that this New Covenant Garden Alarm Clock is so cute and the perfect color! 




Desk Organizer

Last but not least, I can't function when my space is messy. Drawer organizers are helpful but I know that having stuff within my reach without having to dig through drawers helps me to stay on task in the long run. That is why I love this Classic Wooden Storage Caddy. With multiple compartments I am able to organize my pens and pencils while keeping notepads and other desk supplies neat and in one place. I also love that this caddy is pretty narrow which makes me feel as though it isn't taking up much of my valuable work space. I am a school supply junkie and if it weren't for something like this to keep it all together there is no telling what my desk may look like. 

With back to school season upon us now is the perfect time to take precautionary measures to ensure productivity and give your desk space a nice little face lift. While I'm sure there will be many long nights spent at my desk in the year to come, hopefully I won't dread it and time won't be wasted due to the organization and inspiration I put in place now! 

I'd love to hear if you have any tips for creating a functional desk space both in school and after! 

This post was created in partnership with PB Teen. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Prep In Your Step possible.

Written by Dorothy from Prep In Your Step
Friday, August 18, 2017 2 comments
I think I had this chopped Greek salad pizza for dinner at least 4 times last week. But can you blame me? It’s cheesy, crispy and crunchy. Plus, thanks to Trader Giotto’s Brand Pizza Crust, this dinner comes together in 15 minutes or less – with leftovers for lunch + dinner.
In the summertime, I try to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen. As soon as I turn the oven on, I feel like I’m about to burst into flames. Another key factor when I cook dinner in the summer is to keep it light. When it’s this muggy out, feeling stuffed is just horribly uncomfortable.
Greek salads have been in heavy rotation this summer since they fit my summer meal criteria but the other week, I needed to kick it up a notch. It had been for-ev-er since I had pizza so on my trip to Trader Joe’s, I picked up some light shredded mozzarella and Trader Giotto’s Brand Pizza Crust. I love Trader Joe’s pre-made pizza dough but this pizza crust comes pre-cooked and just requires a few minutes in the oven to crisp up. The pizza crust is crispy on the corners while keeping that chewy bread-y goodness on the inside. Side note: It also keeps well if you slice up the crust and keep in Ziploc baggies in the fridge for a few days. For $3, it’s a solid Trader Joe’s purchase.
I already had the ingredients for Greek salad on hand and my favorite store-bought pesto (Shocker – It’s Trader Joe’s Pesto alla Genovese) so I was in business.
First, I chopped up all the ingredients for the Greek salad. This is the part that takes awhile but just put on a podcast and get choppin’! I’ve started making my own red wine vinaigrette for Greek salad and trust me, you won’t be able to go back to store-bought dressing. Making your own dressing is SO easy and much better for you since you know exactly what’s going into it. Place the chopped ingredients into a large bowl and drizzle the red wine vinaigrette over it and toss to combine. Let it sit in the fridge for now to let all the flavors marinate – again, trust me on this one.
For the pizza part of the chopped Greek salad pizza, I lightly brushed the Trader Giotto’s Brand Crust Pizza with olive oil and then placed in a skillet over medium-high heat. Top with pesto, mozzarella and feta and cover with lid for about 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove from skillet and top with the chopped Greek salad. Add a glass of rosé and dinner is served!

Save Print
Chopped Greek Salad Pizza
Prep time:  10 mins
Cook time:  6 mins
Total time:  16 mins
Ingredients
Chopped Greek Salad
  • Romaine
  • Cucumber
  • Tomato
  • Pepperoncini (Optional)
Red Wine Vinaigrette
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • Salt to taste
Pizza
  • Trader Giotto's Pizza Crust, sliced into triangles
  • Pesto
  • Mozzarella
  • Feta
Instructions
  1. Chop all the ingredients for the Greek salad into small or bite-sized pieces. Whatever your patience allows.
  2. In a jar with a lid, add in the ingredients for the red wine vinaigrette and shake vigorously until combined.
  3. In a bowl, combine the Greek salad and drizzle a bit of the red wine vinaigrette over it. Toss to combine. Store the red wine vinaigrette in your fridge for later use.
  4. Let the Greek salad sit in the fridge while preparing the pizza.
  5. Lightly brush the bottom and top of Trader Giotto's Pizza Crust with olive oil and place in a skillet over medium-high heat. Top with pesto, mozzarella and feta and then cover with a lid.
  6. Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat and top with the Greek salad.
  7. Enjoy

* * *
Written by Lauren Anne from DC Girl in Pearls
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 No comments
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