P.F. Chang's China Bistro is one of my favorite places to eat. I wanted to do a review because I love to know what people order when they go out to eat (yes it's quite nosey:). P.F. Chang's has become the go-to place for dinner when me and my mom have a girls day/shopping trip. One of the reasons we like it so much is because it is a great place to split dishes, which we almost always do. We almost always order the same thing, boring I know, but it's what we do. I also love that each waiter makes his/her own special sauce that you can use for dipping. I always love to see the different ways each person mixes it, I'm easily amused.
We order the Chicken Lettuce Wraps for our appetizer. They are so delicious, very fresh and flavorful. I highly recommend trying them if you haven't. They are probably my favorite thing on the menu. Over time I've also tried the egg rolls, pot stickers, egg drop soup and the crab wontons. They were all good as well but to me the chicken lettuce wraps are the best.
For our entree we either get the crispy honey chicken or the sweet and sour chicken. To me they taste almost the same, but they are both really good. I've also tried the crispy honey shrimp and it was really good. When I was there the other day someone ordered the Mongolian beef and it looked really good but I'm not exactly sure what all is in it. All entrees come with your choice of brown or white rice, I prefer brown. We usually order a side of plain Lo Mien noodles to split. They are delish.
I don't know about you guys but I am so happy that it is Friday! Me and the bff are going to dinner and to see Charlie St. Cloud tonight and I can't wait!! Hope you all have a fabulous Friday!!
I have been a fan of Lauren "Lo" Bosworth since she first appeared on MTV's Laguna Beach. I was always Team LC and loved her bff and sidekick Lo. I was a huge fan of The Hills and am so sad that its over :( but, I am so glad that Lo has decided to stick around in the form of her fantastic new website/blog The Lo Down .If you haven't checked it out yet then you really should. She has a new book coming out that is strictly about relationships but on her site there are sections on beauty, style, health, exercise and relationships. It's definitely already been added to my favorites tab! Go check it out!
Ok so for the past year I've been a faithful Redken Blond Glam girl when it comes to shampoo. I mix it up every now and again with Redken Body Full or Real Control, but bottom line I've been a faithful Redken girl. Well, a few weeks ago I got the notion for a new shampoo. I knew I was going to the beach and I wanted something new that would make my hair super shiny and healthy. Voila... while in Ulta with my bff K I found the perfect shampoo. Bonus: it is completely organic! No sulfates, dyes, or other harmful chemicals. I loved that! Then I opened it up and smelled it and it smelled goood. I was sold. So I tried it and LOVED it and continue to love it! My hair is shiny not oily, and super soft not frizzy. I highly recommend trying this shampoo! It's only $6.99, I got mine at Ulta but you can find a store near you on their website. They are so sure you will love it (because you will) that they have a rebate! Don't like the shampoo and they will refund your money.
They have 3 different kinds... I'm currently using "I love my hair! Body and Shine Shampoo" just because it was the best choice for my hair type ... but I am sure all of them are good. (p.s. I use the conditioner as well)
To get more info on this fabulous family owned organic shampoo line go here.
Personally, I could have stood to have heard a little more. The Men/Women Tell All is usually one of my favorite episodes and this season's did not disappoint. The highlights for me...
1. The Kasey montage- "This is just my heart, jump in and stay awhile" oh boy, as we say down south, bless his heart. It was hilarious. I will give Kasey koodos, he took the criticism and joking in a very graceful, lighthearted manner which I respected. 2. I loved that they showed scenes we had never seen, the bloopers are always my favorite anyway so I loved that they had even more this time. 3. Chris N- where was this guy all season?? because I sure would have liked to have seen him. I was glad he finally decided to show his personality. 4. Craig R- I find him hilarious. Like, I want to sit down and hang out with Craig R. He makes me laugh. 5. Kirk- adorable. sweet. caring. kind. I hope he finds a sweet girl. 6. Justin, Rated R whoever you are- I'm over it. Stop talking about this guy. He's a jerk.
Can't wait to see who she chooses. IF she chooses someone. I'm thinking she won't... but we'll seeeee.
I always have a towel in my beach bag. These are some of the ones I have. The two pink ones are by Lacoste and the orange paisley was a gift from K and it is by Ralph Lauren. I love these towels because they are really soft and extra long.
I loved my Lilly beach bag because it not only had 3 side pockets but it had this clear pouch that snapped onto the inside. I kept hair ties, my blackberry and chap-stick in it. I like options when it comes to chap-stick, but they all have SPF. The white tube is by Hawaiian Tropics and has SPF 45, the flavor is Vanilla Mint. (It was my fav) The other two are by Burts Bees, one is pomegranate and the other was mango.(I also kept my ipod in this but it's not in the picture)
Sunglasses are a must! These are by Juicy Couture and the case is Vera Bradley.
I am very particular about Face sunscreen because they can cause breakouts if you choose the wrong one. This one is by Clinique and it is SPF 30, it works really well. It's light and doesn't clog your pores. I also keep some type of de-tangler or leave in conditioner in my beach bag because the salt water dries out my hair. This one is Daily Nourishment by John Frieda, it is really good. I also keep a wide toothed comb in my bag because I have naturally curly hair and if I don't comb through it after I get out of the water it is a tangled mess!
I always keep a book in my beach bag because I love to read. These are the ones I read this year. The Beach House by Georgia Bockoven was probably my favorite. I also LOVED the first 2 books from Lauren Conrad's LA Candy series.
So as I've said a gazillion times it feels like, I am on vacation. For the past several months I have tried to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle, drinking only water or juice, working out at least 5 times a week, and eating healthy (for the most part). So, I vowed that while on vacation I would try my best to continue this because it is a lifestyle not a diet, and there is a difference. So, one of my absolute favorite snacks that I have found is......
I kid you not this stuff is the bomb.com. I am obsessed with it. It has 0 fat and only 120 calories for the whole thing, and it tastes amazing! They have several flavors the blueberry and strawberry are my favorites! I'm a huge fan of Greek yogurt and have tried several brands and I have to say I am diggin the Dannon.
As I said in my previous post, I am on vacation at the coast for the next 2 weeks so the blogging will be a smidge more sporadic than normal. I just have too many books to read, waves to catch and sun to soak up...
I was really excited to have recently received my first award from fellow blogger Miss Southern Prep , if you haven't checked out her blog you should!
So basically after receiving the award you are supposed to share 10 random things about yourself and pass it on to others... so here goes!
1. I am writing this blog from the coast of South Carolina where I will be spending the next 2 weeks... bliss.
2. I love going on adventures.. and it doesn't have to be anything huge at all. The other day K and I were in search for some things I needed for the beach and couldn't find an item... we hit like 6 different places looking for it. Thus an adventure was born.
3. One Tree Hill is my absolute favorite show. I have watched it literally since episode 1. I have been to Wilmington, NC several times to meet the cast and watch filming, and I've been an extra on the show. 4. I have a brother that is 4 years younger than I am and he has become one of my best friends. And I think that is very cool.
5. I own all of the seasons of Newlyweds:Nick and Jessica on DVD and when I get depressed I take them out and watch them. I have no idea why, but it makes me feel better. 6. I hate Dr.Pepper
7. Psalms 97 is one of my favorite passages of scripture. I am extremely involved in my church and I am in pursuit of a passionate relationship with Christ. Striving daily to somehow make my Father proud.
8. I love buying water bottles. It really has become an obsession, and when I find one with a built in straw it's like I've struck gold.
9. I love buying Makeup. MAC is my favorite brand by far but I also love Benefit and I use Clinique skin care.
10. The beach is my favorite place in the world to be. I love the ocean, I love the sand between my toes.. everything. So, now that is where I am headed out to now!
Thank you again to the lovely Miss Southern Prep for awarding me!
I pass the Sugardoll Award along to..
Random Musings of an East Coast Belle My Life as a Young Southern Prep
So this is a really great recipe that I have personally made! It may sound kinda complex but I promise it is easy! This dish is surprisingly healthy and it tastes Delish!! You must try it! It is from a recipe book I've shared with you before called Cook Yourself Thin, it really is one of my favorite recipe books. They just came out with a second edition that gives recipes that are just a bit faster and easier, so I'm sure it is worth checking out as well.
Hope you ladies have a fabulous Friday!
Penne Alla "Not-Ka"
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil, plus extra for serving
3 cloves garlic 1/2 cup chopped red onion 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes or whole tomatoes in juice, pureed in a food processor Pinch red pepper flakes 8 ounces penne 1/4 cup heavy cream 6 tablespoons evaporated nonfat milk 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup shredded fresh basil 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions: 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the penne.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the 2 teaspoons oil with the garlic over low heat until the garlic begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt, cover, and cook until the onion is softened, about 2 more minutes. Add the tomato, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat and simmer very gently 10 minutes. Stir in the cream and evaporated milk and simmer 1 more minute.
3. Meanwhile, after the sauce has cooked 5 minutes, add the penne to the boiling water and cook until just shy of al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup pasta water. Add the drained penne to the saucepan and simmer until the penne is al dente, 1 to 2 minutes, adding a little of the pasta cooking water if the mixture is dry. Stir in 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, along with the basil and black pepper.
4. To serve, divide pasta among 4 serving bowls. Drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
What a dooozy! I loved this weeks episode but I must admit I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the Jake/Vienna drama most of the episode... BUT, I did manage to pay attention to Ali and her dates... here goes.
1. Roberto- It is no secret that I love Roberto, and his date did not disappoint! I think he is so cute and seems really sweet and genuine. He is an athlete, that kinda scares me b/c most athletes are well.. players. But, Roberto seems pretty grounded. I am not buying the whole "I've never dated any girls like you" thing, let's face it, he is hot and a baseball player.. I'm sure he gets plenty of attention from the ladies. 2. The 2 on 1 with Frank and Ty- HOLY AWKWARDNESS! I felt bad for the guys because Ali is definitely not good at hiding her emotions. I get that it is probably super weird.. but it was way too awkward. I personally saw the Ty elimination coming, because although I love a southern gent, I do not see Ali with Ty. 3. Kirk- I was sooo glad that she pulled it together and had a great dinner with Kirk. Kirk seems like a great guy, I really have liked him more and more as the season has progressed. The more I watch Ali, the more I think that guys like Kirk and Chris L could do better. My bff K pointed out an "Ali Vibe" that she is on the show for fame.. and due to recent magazines, I tend to agree. 4. Chris L- I love this guy. I want to move to Cape Cod and marry him, he is so adorable and sweet. On a side note.. I LOVED the Cape Cod Dennis Bracelet that he gave Ali! If you loved it too, you can purchase them here
OK... now onto Jake and Vienna.. bottom line I think they both are after fame. I don't really believe that she cheated on him though. There argument sounded like high school.. "she plugs in the gps to check after my directions"?? Come on Jake! Man up! I thought the whole thing was very comical and I enjoyed the heck out of it!
Ok so every summer I find a few things that I just absolutely Love. Some of my favorites this year are the same as last year, but I didn't blog last year so I am sharing them anyway.I absolutely love buying makeup, it's one of my favorite things, so I'm going to share some of my favorite beauty products as well! Here are some of the things I love.. I'm sure there will be updates for this list..
1. This song by Katy Perry. Even though it says California Girls in my mind it says "Carolina Girls" so I love it. It's just fun and a really summery song I think.
2. Clinique Youth Surge SPF 15 Moisturizer $48.50 I have been using this for the past 3 months and I love it! I think using a good moisturizer is very important at any age. This one is great for 20-somethings that don't have wrinkles yet.. because it prevents them! And it has an SPF which is very important. It is very light, not oily which I love.
3. MAC Bronzing Powder $22, I use the color 'Bronze' I've also used 'Golden' in the past and liked it. 'Golden' is what I would recommend for fairer skin types. I am pretty tan during the summer but I do not like to get sun on my face. So I use a darker makeup and bronzer to make my face match my body. I like MAC bronzers because they are not orange!! You get a very natural, tan, glowy look. Perfect for summer!
4. Benefit Lip Gloss, $18, I use 'Life on the A List'. It is super shiny without the gunky feeling on your lips. I love this color for summer! It is one of my must have glosses! Another Lip Gloss that I am LOVING this summer is one by Chanel and it's called 'Bikini Peach' I love it! I highly recommend either of these!!
5. Peanut Butter Bumpers Cereal, I got this at Whole Foods but you can find it in cereal sections of most grocery stores that carry a lot of organic foods. I love this cereal, it makes a great snack or breakfast option. Delish.
6. Lilly Pulitzer Sea and Be Seen Tote, I got mine ON SALE for $80 through Piperlime. This will be my super cute beach bag this year! I love it! It really is the perfect beach bag, great material, super light weight and has lots of pockets inside! I drooled over it for months and when I saw it on sale I just had to get it. It's so cute. My mom was super excited that I got this b/c now she gets my navy JS one that I had bought earlier in the year.
7. Charlotte Russe patent flip flops, $7. I am not a huge Charlotte Russe fan but I do love their jewelry, so last year I was in there and found this flip flops and loved them. I only bought 2 pairs because it was end of season and they didn't have many colors left. Well, this year I struck gold and went on a day when they had them buy 1 get 1 so I stocked up on every color! This are just great to have. Unfortunately they have sold out of a lot of the fun colors like yellow but they do still have some. I love these. They are great to slip on when I'm not wanting a heavy shoe or just need something simple.
8. Redken Mineral Elixir Dazzling Smoothing Oil. This product sprays out like a very light mist, it is not sticky at all. It makes your hair very shiny, prevents frizz and fly aways. This is not a texturizer, it just makes your hair look soft and shiny. My stylist recommended this product to me and I have loved it! Plus, you can't tell from the picture but the bottle is not huge so you can easily slip it in your purse.
Those are just a few of the things I'm loving. I'd love to see what you guys think and what your favorites are!
