Vegas Baby....

I'm off for my first trip to Vegas with two of my favorite people. 

high five gypsy. 

My sis and bro-in-law.  We tend to have zero self control when we get together, which makes me even more excited for these next few days.  The boy was scheduled to accompany me, but a little thing called the real world and a job stood in his way.  Spring Break should exist forever in my eyes, but I guess his boss did not agree.  Strange I know?  

packing is so much more fun than unpacking.... 

especially with leftover treats from girls dinner.... 

we have gambling, drinking, eating, drinking, and a show on the agenda. 

wish me and my liver luck people. 

I'll be back next week.... 

oh and I'm on my way to my first spin class ever this AM before my flight.  

wish me and my body luck with that too.   

xoxo

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Mexican Lasagna

There is a tradition of Taco Thursday in my apartment;

what's not like to like about your own tacos + Mexican in general? 

but sometimes it's nice to change up the routine. 

This Mexican Lasagna was really easy to make, and SO GOOD.
The no-boil lasagna noodles make this a breeze. 

Best part: you can add or subtract whatever you like or don't like! 

{I added corn for example and omitted the black olives}

Mexican Lasagna

 via Taste of Home

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
• 1 envelope taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons hot salsa
• 4 cups (16 ounces) shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 12 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles
• 1 jar (16 ounces) mild salsa
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
• 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped, optional

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the beans, chilies, taco seasoning and hot salsa.
• In a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer a third of the noodles and meat mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Repeat layers twice.
• Combine mild salsa and water; pour over top. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour or until heated through.
• Top with sour cream, olives, onions, tomatoes if desired and remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes longer. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings.

my pictures always look EXACTLY like the websites, don't they???

top with sour cream and green onions, and enjoy!  

xoxo

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Weekend Recap

Hope everyone had a great weekend :)

it seems our summer weather in Chicago has come to an end.... but late last week I was able to soak in the final days of outdoor dining.

sangria + app's on Quartino's patio

used the grill for the first time this year and sat on my porch for hours

then the weekend was filled with lots of KU basketball

 the boys eyes were glued to the TV for the majority of Friday and Sunday

and I made an incredible Mexican Lasagna

I know it sounds strange, but it was incredible!

Recipe to come tomorrow. 

I also picked up this yellow sweater from Old Navy after my yellow wishlist wednesday had me itching for the color

perfect color, and perfect price. 

how were your weekends!?

xoxo

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Carrot Tea Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Here's the recipe for the delicious carrot cake I made last week.

It's Martha's recipe.... so you know it has to be good.

It was simple to make and tasted incredible.  I don't like super chunky carrot cake, so feel free to add raisins or anything else if you like yourself with more texture.

Carrot Tea Cake w Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup packed grated carrots (from about 2 carrots)
• 1 bar (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 5-by-9-inch (6-cup) loaf pan. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in carrots. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture; beat just until combined. Transfer batter to prepared pan; bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool in pan 5 minutes. Turn cake out onto a wire rack, and let cool completely.
3. Make frosting: Using mixer, beat cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until fluffy. Frost top of cooled cake.

Grab a fork and enjoy!

xoxo 

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Friday Randoms

Seriously Random.

Kim K got attacked by a flour bomb on the red carpet

extreme. yes? hilarious? YES.

I saw this on Pinterest as "mini grilled cheese" .... and started cracking up.

 all I see is the probably drunk party guest in the background who looks like she is about to attack that server for some late night eats. 

I want to be her bff. 

my friends and I use this word far too often

via pinterest

I had high hopes Hilary Duff wouldn't act like a celeb and would give her child a normal name... 

nope... Luca Cruz.  although totally normal compared to other celebs. 

I made my first carrot cake with cream cheese frosting last night... 

recipe to come - it was amazing! 

The best part: eating it with two forks right off the platter on the porch, while having beers and listening to music, and watching a Crossfit class workout while we gorge ourselves.

nothing like eating and drinking 

while people burn calories and evil eye the hell out of you. 

I leave for Vegas next Wednesday and I have officially check out mentally.... 

so ready for a mini vacation!!! 

Hope you all have a great weekend :) 

xoxo

  

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Coffee Talk

discuss amongst ya-selves.... 

I can't lie... I've barely had any time this week and my DVR is calling my name.  So many TV shows, so little time.  But not to worry there's still plenty of dumb celebrity gossip to discuss. 

Am I pathetic for wanting to see the third American Pie? 

Nevermind. I know the answer is yes. 

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If only just to see Tara Reid and shake my head in dismay at what the eff happened to her in the past 10 years.

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Hot Mess + Crazy Pants. She was so cute and sweet in Van Wilder and all those other movies. 

Also.... I just learned that Sean William Scott is engaged to a Victoria's Secret Supermodel. 

via

How did Stiffler manage to pull that?? Has he done a single thing since American Pie? 

AND speaking of random people that were completely "it" when I was a tween....sorry my mind is going all over the place now, remember the beauty that is Paul Walker

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OF COURSE YOU DO.

Good Lord.... he's the one person that made me change my mind about being attracted to blondes.  

I die. 

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okay sorry.... got distracted. 

Appartently he hasn't disappeared... he's a shark enthusiast? This information came from my boyfriend.... sometimes, when you least expect it, they surprise you and all those hours of boring Discovery Channel shows pay off with some useful info.

I have seen every episode of Sex + The City almost as many times as I have seen every episode of Friends 

(who am I kidding, that's not even possible)

via

And now they have a prequel coming to the CW this fall.  Will you watch? I'd give it a chance.... hopefully it'll be like Gossip Girl with the fashion mixed in with the Sex + The City vibe. 

Rumors of Mike "The Situation" in Rehab better be true..... 

I can't stand him and nothing would excite me more than him not being back on the show.  I'm sure his treatment is for severe acne and STD's, not booze and pills though.  

Patti Stanger has gotten so damn skinny and it is creeping me out. 

 photos via her twitter

I mean.... good for her, but I still think she just looks weird this skinny?

Reese and her new hubby are expecting!! 

if this child is even half as adorable as her other two, it'll be one good looking kid. 

And finally..... set your DVR's

If you have been reading this blog for awhile, you know that My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding is one of THE greatest television shows on the face of the earth.  

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If you missed last season, park your ass on the couch and get ready for hours of entertainment.  A new season premiers tomorrow, Friday, on TLC.

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And of course..... Man Men 2 hour premiere Sunday.   We've only been waiting, what, like a year and a half for this to come back on?!?

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I love me some bitchy Betty. 

See.... I totally watch more than just trash on television!!!  I also enjoy critically acclaimed shows that encourage lots of drinking, smoking, and sexual escapes.

Bored out of your mind with this Coffee Talk?

 I suck when I can't sit on my ass and watch TV.

My apologies. But at least I gave you some Paul Walker eye candy. 

xoxo

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Wishlist Wednesday: Not So Mellow Yellow

lusts for the week....

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xoxo

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