This life we create through social media, through what we choose to let others see can sometimes seem like we live in a perfect little world where nothing bad ever happens. I hope that I don't come across that way, because while I am blessed in the life department, life sucks sometimes too.

Life is imperfect. Life is messy. Shit happens. Life goes on. But that life is beautiful. And while I love sharing with you beautiful recipes, my sweet husband, my cute dogs, and a perfectly staged Instagram shot. I also want to be real with you and let you know that everyone has stuff going on in their life whether you know it or not.

PostedSeptember 23, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesLife

TagsLife, Imperfections, Beautifully Imperfect, Yesterday, tomorrow, Life's Moments

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Ahhhh. That's me taking a breath. I know it's Monday, but I am happy about this week being here. Last week went by in a blur and I don't remember much other than I was on robot mode to get everything done each day. When life is busy sometimes you need a recipe that can be made into two meals because you just don't have the time or energy to deal with anything else. These crab cake BLT's are my round two meal from my crab cake with spicy garlic dipping sauce recipe that I posted a couple of weeks ago.

Of course you won't make them weeks apart, and I didn't either, but I am just now getting around to sharing this amazing sandwich with you. I apologize I didn't get it to you sooner, because it's one hell of a sandwich and you are going to love it.

PostedSeptember 22, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

TagsCrab Cake BLT's, Crab Cake Recipes, BLT Recipes, BLT Twist, Weeknight meals, Easy cooking recipes, Bacon Recipes, Yum, Eat, Local Seafood, Eat Local

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I could use a date night in my life. Canean and I haven't had much of a chance to do anything together lately and I think tonight we are finally going to make it happen. I am ready to get fixed up , eat a yummy meal, and hang out with my favorite guy. I have partnered with The Mint Julep Boutique to show you one of my favorite date night looks and I'm giving away a $20 gift card!

You might already be familiar with The Mint Julep Boutique, and if so then you should be super excited to enter the giveaway because you already know that they have great clothes and the prices are affordable! There is something for every style and that's what I love the most.

PostedSeptember 19, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesStyle

TagsThe Mint Julep Boutique, Gift Card Giveaway, Fall Style, Date Night Looks, Friday nights, Weekend Things

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Asian Pear and Mint Bourbon Sparkler: My Diary of Us

It's bourbon month so I figured that I better get on board and make you people a cocktail. Last week whiskey, this week bourbon...what is happening to me? Regardless, this week has been cray cray to the second degree. I have seen Canean maybe for thirty minutes each night before we both crash and I have been operating on go mode since Monday. An Asian pear and mint bourbon sparkler is just what the doctor ordered and I plan on drinking one (or two) of these bad boys tonight to celebrate tomorrow being Friday.

Yesterday I helped a friend out where she works at a local home and garden store. We built a wood pallet wall which we managed to saw half of (with our bare hands) and a handsaw and did a floor move. You didn't know I was handy too did ya?

Yesterday I was all "I'm in shape, I won't be that sore", and this morning I'm like "damn, I'm not as in shape as I thought I was" because my body tried to not let me get out of the bed this morning. It was like I needed some WW40 on my joints.

I definitely deserve a bourbon cocktail for my manual labor yesterday, I'll tell you that much.

PostedSeptember 18, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesCocktails

TagsBourbon Month, Bourbon cocktails, fall cocktails, asian pear cocktail, asian pear recipes, seasonal cocktails, gluten free, cheers, cocktail recipes, Thirsty Thursday

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Celina Mancurti Table Linens: My Diary of Us

A good table linen in like putting on your lipstick right before you walk out the door. Your makeup might look great, but unless those lips are done the look isn't complete (so my mom still tells me). It's like setting your plate at dinner, without the right linen the setting isn't complete either. A great napkin or a beautiful table linen can take your plate of food or tablescape to the next level. Everybody needs good linens in their kitchen and I just happened to have discovered my new favorite. Celina Mancurti table linens and handscreen printed fabrics have me itching to add several new styles to my linen collection!

Let me introduce you to the talented Celina Mancurti. Celina is originally from Argentina and found herself working in the textile industry printing silks for ties where she witnessed handcrafted techniques shift to computers and realized she wanted to be a part of preserving the beauty and craft of textile making. She went on to several other jobs in the textile industry and ended up in the United States when she followed her husband here. Celina ended up teaching textiles at a university where she couldn't shake her dream and passion of making handmade textiles.

PostedSeptember 17, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesArtist Feature

Tagscelina mancurti, handcrafted textiles, kitchen linens, table linens, tea towels, artisans, textile maker, screen printing, fabrics, textiles, kitchen accessories

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Healthy Chipotle Turkey and Spiced Potato Tacos: My Diary of Us

I could eat Mexican food every day of the week...I kid you not. But I obviously can't do that because the result would be me not fitting into my jeans and nobody wants that, especially me. And although cooking Mexican at home is never the same, but it can be done and it can be delicious (and healthy). It's a great way to get your fix without the high calorie margarita (which is kind of a requirement if you are at a restaurant) and without two baskets of chips being inhaled before your entrée arrives. My healthy chipotle turkey and spiced potato tacos get you all that flavor without the I had too much sodium, swollen fingers the next morning.

Yeah, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

This meal is perfect for any weeknight because it can be ready in thirty minutes and is a relatively inexpensive meal too. I doubt any family members will turn their nose up at taco night, and the leftovers are quite possibly better the next day.

PostedSeptember 16, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

TagsTaco Tuesday, Taco night, Taco Recipes, Turkey tacos, healthy taco recipes, healthy weeknight meals, healthy, weeknight meals, Cook at home, Mexican recipes, Yum, 30-minute meals

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