What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving!

My tastebuds are satisfied and my dress is not tight, so I am happy

This morning was full of casserole baking and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade watching. I remember watching the parade every  year since I was young. To think that I had been on the same street a month ago… just amazes me. I wish I could live in new york. It is truly the best city that I have ever been to. I just love that city. Anyway, getting a little off track here. We are all about Thanksgiving today!

My Thanksgiving day outfit.

Striped top- H&M, Black Long Vest- Express and High Heel Boots- H&M.

When we walked into my aunt’s house.. everything was just as I remembered. The smell, the friendly faces. The only thing missing was Hans

But, I have to say that the food was fantastic!! Our Thanksgiving is very traditional. I wouldn’t swap any of these recipes out for anything. They are the tried and true.

We have somewhat of a potluck in our family. Every one brings a few dishes here and there, and the turkey and gravy are made at my aunt’s house. It always works out pretty well with minor mishaps. Today the only problem was my aunt burnt the crescent rolls, oops.. just blame it on Grandma.. hehe.

Appetizers

Crackers and Jalepeno Jelly

Deviled Eggs

Main Course

Cornbread Casserole

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Stuffing

My Grandma’s Mac&Cheese

And… *drumroll please….

The Turkey!!

There were a few more things added that I didn’t get a chance to take a photo of.

My Plate- Turkey w/gravy, Mac&Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Broccoli Rice Casserole, and Candied Sweet Potatoes. I only ended up eating a bite of the turkey.

Can you tell what my favorite things were? (Broccoli Rice and Sweet Potatoes!!!)

It was funny because my mom and I were the last ones eating, I guess we are slow eaters? But, we noticed that we had the same dishes left on our plates- the broccoli rice casserole and the sweet potatoes. Both of us like to eat one dish at a time and save our favorites for last. It was pretty funny when we looked at each other and both of our plates looked the exact same. Like mother, like daughter, I guess..

I guess a little too much like mother, haha.. I may have to dye my hair or something. And my brother is being a complete goof in this photo.

After dinner, we reminisced while watching old videos of my favorite cousin playing with vacuum cleaners and myself showing off in frilly dresses, not much has changed.

Then, it was time for the dessert!!!! I could skip the whole meal part of Thanksgiving and go straight to the dessert.

I sampled a little of everything. My Swedish chocolate cake and a sliver of pumpkin and pecan pie with real cream.

I was proud of myself today. I spread the lunch/dinner out far enough so that I wasn’t too full and I was completely satisfied. After dessert, my aunt and I decided to take a walk. I brought my walking shoes along with me.

I look like a dork with my dress and tennis shoes. But, that’s me

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, laughter and delicious food. I just wish that my favorite person could have been there to enjoy it with us. I miss you Hans.

I am thankful for
1. My health and sanity around food. A few years ago I would have been freaking out after a meal like this.
2. My amazing husband and family.
3. LAUGHTER! and letting loose.
4. Traveling.
5. All the opportunities I have been given.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Have a good one!!

Just call me Betty Crocker

Today should become a national holiday.

Pre Thanksgiving Baking Day

Swedish Chocolate Cake

Innovative thinking, haha. No Kitchen Aid so I made do with what I had

Pumpkin Rolls

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

Maple Pumpkin Pie

Original Pecan Pie- that was a bit over done, whoops.

Original Pumpkin Pie

Lots+lots of baking. So fun, I love to bake!!

I didn’t escape the baking fun without fault, however.

Ouch!

Oklahoma has a winery?

After I lived in Europe, I learned to associate wine with good food. These days I just cannot comprehend enjoying a delicious meal without the accompaniment of wine.

So, since my family doesn’t normally drink wine at Thanksgiving, I brought it upon myself to make sure that I bring along a dry, red (my favorite!).

Last weekend, my mom and I were doing a little shopping at the mall, as per usual.. and I spotted a wine tasting booth. After talking with the lady behind the booth, I found out that Oklahoma has it’s own wineries and a few vineyards! Crazy, eh? Who would have thought. Of course, they have to import most of their grapes from Sonoma or the East Coast but all the wines from Tidal School Vineyards is produced on site.

From their website.. “Built in the 1920’s during Oklahoma’s original oil boom, by John D. Rockefeller’s oil company and later acquired by J. Paul Getty, this 8,000 sq. ft. historic school building has been restored and transformed into Oklahoma’s premier winery and vineyard. Open daily for free tours, free tastings, and a free opportunity to have California-style wine country experience, right here in Oklahoma.”

I may have to go check it out. I have been dying to go to wine country but I guess this will have to do for now.

The question is which wine did I pick up from Tidal School Vineyards?

I chose the Cabernet simply because these grapes were the only ones produced in Oklahoma and not imported from other states.

Support Local! I say.

Does your home state ever surprise you?

Trust your intuition

I decided to take my blog in a new direction. Instead of focusing on one area that interests me, I am trying to post about whatever is on my mind- fashion, celebrities, food, wine or nutrition. I am trying to let go of the restrictions that I put on myself with my blog writing and just let go and write what I please. I hope you all like the turn that my blog has taken because I think it is much more fun to write this way.

Despite the fact that I haven’t posted about food in awhile, I still have been enjoying some noteworthy meals. I haven’t been cooking any elaborate dinners or anything but that doesn’t mean it tasted any less fantastic.

It’s all about the cheese. In moderation, of course. I have been obsessed with melty, gooey cheese lately from Brie to American. I have trouble with lactose intolerance sometimes so when my tummy lets me, I will eat cheese

An American classic.

The Haleigh way. 2 slices of whole wheat bread with a veggie burger, 1 slice of swiss cheese, spinach and loads of ketchup.

On another note, I thought I would share with you some of my tips for the upcoming holidays.

How to enjoy the holiday season to the fullest without going up a dress size.

1. Take note of all the holiday events coming up. For example, I have Thanksgiving dinner plans with my mom’s side on Thursday and my dad’s side on Friday. A holiday party the 11th of December. Then, Christmas and New Year in Sweden.
2. Indulge during these special events instead of the usual weekend treat. I make sure to cut back during the holiday season on all the “extras”. We don’t realize it but all these small things along with the holiday parties do add up. The latte at Starbucks, an extra tbsp of peanut butter, the after dinner chocolate. I completely get rid of these during this time of year.
3. Eat plenty of nutritious, wholesome foods when your not out enjoying the season. We don’t think about healthy eating at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners so make sure to stock up on the good stuff while at home.
4. Eat the real thing! I want to enjoy my grandma’s pies, my mom’s broccoli rice casserole and my aunt’s sweet potatoes. I don’t want to “modify” all of these family traditions to fit my healthy lifestyle. The truth is I eat well 90% of the time. I want to enjoy the foods of my childhood that I associate with Thanksgiving. I don’t really want the healthy excuse for a casserole. Not my thing. I have noticed that if I try to make an old family favorite healthy, it doesn’t satisfy me as much as if I would have just enjoyed the real thing.
5. No leftovers. Yep, that’s right. Just don’t bring any home. When you know there is stuffing, casseroles and other goodies in the fridge then you are more likely to load up another Thanksgiving plate.
6. Use plates. I never tend to overdo it during the actual holiday dinner or dessert. It is the small bites here and there that can send me over the edge.

And most importantly.. trust your intuition.

Listen to yourself!! Listen to your body and it’s cues. Whether it be that you have had too much to eat or you really want seconds on dessert.

Honestly, if you take note of the events you have coming up and indulge at these events, and not on an every day basis.. then you should be perfectly fine.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Instead of feeling anxious about the food on the table, talk with family and make wonderful memories with the people who love you. The holidays are a time to spend with the people who mean the most.

Do you like the new style of my blog? or do you prefer the food journal?

Glitz and Glam

After all those shiny-sequined outfits at the AMA’s last night, I was pumped to go to the mall for some fun. I didn’t end up buying anything but I tried on some new outfits and got my make up done by Sephora. I don’t wear that much make up on an every day basis but I wanted something new for when I get all dolled up for an evening on the town.

Do you like my party make up?

I do. It’s hard to get used to wearing make up since I don’t usually wear this much but for a night out, it’s perfect.

I also tried on some clothes at Express. A black mini skirt and a silver top.

Perfect for a holiday party. I think I could find a better shirt though, I didn’t like this one too much.

The infamous boyfriend jeans from Gap. Hans loves baggy jeans on a girl. He says it makes her look sexy and care-free.

I might have to give them a try just because they were so freaking comfortable.

What do you think about the above finds?

American Music Awards

Did you catch the AMA’s last night? What did you think?

I was disappointed with the red carpet looks at the AMA’s, to say the least. Nothing really ‘wowed’ me in that department.

AMA red carpet fashion was all about the shine, glitter, and bedazzle, an eye opening look.

Rihanna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Way. Too. Much. The dress drowns her. Rihanna is a fierce and strong woman but I did not think this dress did her any justice.

Shakira.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shakira has a hot body. This tight, bright ensemble shows it off nicely.

Selena.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have a fashionista in the making on our hands here. She looks stunning and most importantly, she is appropriately dressed for her age without taking away from the outfit.

Fergie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nice legs Fergie-Ferg!! The dress? Meh. Not so much. It looks like it weighs a ton.

Alicia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No, no, no… like blue much Alicia? Such a shame. Alicia is a beautiful, young woman and this blue mess does nothing for her.

Kate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am on the fence with this one. Kate could have done something with her hair. It looks like she rolled out of bed and put it in a pony tail. And where are her boobies? tehehe.. couldn’t resist.

J.Lo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flawless skin and make up. I like the dress but it’s not my favorite. She is just trying too hard in this photo and she always comes off as looking bitchy.

Carrie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I may be prejudice toward Carrie Underwood since she is from my home state of Oklahoma BUT she looks amazing here aside from the hair. She pulls off the glitter glam look without it being too much and the dress fits her perfectly and I love how it cinches in to show off her tiny waist.

Leona.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rocker Diva. Leona pulls of sweet and sexy with one look.

Nicole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot arm candy Nicole but this is an epic fail.

Kristen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first glance, I did not like this but look at it again I think I do? Kristen had good intentions with this look but I don’t think she quite pulled it off.

Photos from people.com

So, who do I think is the best and worst dressed?

Worst dressed goes to Nicole Kidman. Hands down. The lace, the length, the off the shoulder.. it just doesn’t work together. Nice try though.

Best dressed goes to Carrie Underwood. Absolute perfection. She should think of hiring a new hair stylist though.

What did you think of the red carpet looks at the AMA’s? or perhaps you were more into the performances? I loved Lady Gaga’s performance. She definitely delivered. Adam Lambert was pitchy and obviously wanted the shock factor, I think he tried too hard. None of the other performances really stood out to me.

Empower

My stash of Glo bars is almost gone. Très triste.

I made a new discovery today. I popped the glo bar in the microwave for 10 seconds and out came a gooey, coffee, peanut buttery aroma. Pure heaven.

I “cooked” dinner last night for my mom and I. I made some oven baked sweet potato fries and broccoli with ketchup, of course.

My brother walks in while I was “cooking” my oven baked fries and asks me why I like cooking so much? If only he knew. I don’t even consider this cooking, haha. It’s basically chopping up vegetables and throwing them in the oven.

Pretty In Pink

Simple+Cute for a Saturday full of running around trying to prepare for Thanksgiving and Black Friday. I wore my hair back in a headband with a loose braid for an “I don’t really care what my hair looks like” look. I really didn’t care yesterday.

Are you participating in black friday?

The best of both worlds

Can you believe that the beginning of the holiday season is right around the corner?

I can’t wait for turkey, casseroles and pie Oh, and I can’t forget about black friday! I will be hitting the mall at 6 am. Yes, I am that person.

You didn’t think that my dad’s birthday celebration only included cake did you? Another love of my father’s is Mexican food. He makes his own salsa and won’t step inside Los Cabos (one of the trendy Mexican restaurants in Tulsa) because the salsa is not up to par. Luckily, On the Border passed my dad’s critical taste test- the food and the salsa.

I wanted to order fajitas but I knew that there was no way that I could eat all of it and I don’t like leftovers (I know, the horror). My dilemma was solved once I saw that they had Chicken Fajita Tacos on the menu. Two flour tortillas with fajita chicken and lettuce. I smothered the *fajitacos??* with salsa and guacamole, naturally. My dish was also served with black beans and grilled vegetables.

Demolished.

Fajitacos- gone. Guacamole- gone. Salsa- gone. Yum! I love Mexican food. But, then again.. who doesn’t?

My dad. Probably contemplating whether or not a chain restaurant’s salsa is good enough to even touch his miraculous taste buds. Ha!

My little brother and my littlest step brother.

They look like they are up to something? As always.

Happy Saturday!

Candy. Bday.

Yesterday was my dad’s birthday.

It was also the day that I attempted baking my first birthday cake.

The cake looked like it could be showcased in the window of your corner bakery.

How was the taste?

It was okay. My family gave this cake raving reviews. It was moist and flavorful. The icing was fantastic. But, it contained sour cream which kind of threw me off. I went with it anyway. I don’t know if it is just the thought of sour cream in the icing or if it actually had a hint of a tangy flavor but the icing did not sit well with me. This cake needed to be served with vanilla ice cream to be enjoyed up to it’s full potential.

I am not trying to bash on this cake by any means. I am just not a birthday cake person. I prefer a fudge-like consistency to my baked goods. Or I could throw all of that out the window and let you in on a little secret…

I don’t like most baked goods hardly at all. Or let me rephrase that. I love to bake it but not to eat it. Honestly, I would choose a few dumle or wine gums over a cupcake any day.

Swedish candy is one out of the two top reasons why I am counting down the days until I leave for Sweden. The second is Hans. Yep, I am a candy lover. So sue me. I am sure they are full of HFCS and other naughty goodness but to be quite frank. I don’t care. I love my candy and I won’t stop eating it because some one tells me that I should. Who am I to take away such a pleasure?

Moving on. Back to the birthday cake. My dad loved it and despite his stubbornness for unwanted attention, enjoyed his birthday celebration.

What is your favorite candy? I can’t get enough of almost all of the candy in Sweden and of course my childhood favorite, Reese’s.

An ode to Brie cheese

Brie is a soft cheese that is named after the province in France from which it was originated.

I had not even heard of such a cheese until my freshman year at the University of Oklahoma. Some Frenchies introduced me to the wonder that is Brie cheese. They also introduced me to Nutella which is a whole other story. One way to enjoy Brie is with cracker for a quick, savory snack. Also, Hans and I like to make a meal out of it by serving a french baguette with Brie, wine and some grapes. Whatever way you like to eat it, no one will argue that this cheese is in a whole category of it’s own.

For lunch today, I had a fantastic turkey and brie sandwich.

Crusty bread with Brie, turkey, and lettuce leaves.

Just look at it oozing out of the side. Le sigh. What would I do without Brie?

I have been working on a little project. All will reveal itself with time but let’s just say that I am super excited about what is ahead.

I like to make sure that I keep my thoughts and notes organized. It also helps to have a chic red binder.

What is your favorite way to enjoy Brie cheese? Just a good piece of french bread is enough for me.