re-fresh

Refresh : give new strength or energy to; reinvigorate.

Recently got back from a little vacation from Palm Springs! Got to have relaxing time by the pool, nice weather, visit with the husband's family, and go to a very posh and beautiful wedding of his cousin's. After feeling like I had been running around and working a lot, the vacation definitely hit the spot and gave me a little pep to my step. Feeling refreshed and I am back on beast-mode. Ready for the next project! But before I jump into my inspiration and plans for what is coming up... I'll give a little recap into the vacation. Humor me if you will... I miss vacation right now as the temperature keeps dropping in Chicago.

**First off, Tim's parents rented a house while we were there. Perfect. Wake up and have some coffee out back while watching the sun rise over the mountains... and end up hanging out in that spot because it works for the rest of the day too!  We hung around the pool most days, made an excursion to downtown Palm Springs, did a little driving around sightseeing, or visited with family.

**Tim and I also went hiking for the first time. Trails up towards the mountains not too far from the house we were staying at-- definitely on the list to do again!

***The night of the rehearsal dinner, we headed to eat at La Quinta Resort. Now, gorgeous desert hotel community BUT biggest thing is that this is where Frank Capra wrote "It's A Wonderful Life"!! :) Now, I will explain the extreme draw of this for Tim and I in December when have our annual Christmas date, but for now- let's just say, this was a very special place to see! :)

               

***Now for the wedding, I am saddened to say that it was so gorgeous and with so much visiting and stuff to see... Did not get a decent picture of the full ensemble. Lighting was either off... Mother-in-law (love her! she admits she hates being the photographer) cut off the feet... or again, just plain forgot. However, got a few compliments from other guests and it was so comfortable. Already thinking about when I can wear it all again!

Necklace- Target

Black Dress- Dillards :and looks like it is on sale right now!!!

Shoes- DSW

Sunglasses- Old Navy (last year)

Earrings- ?? Don't remember, but just little diamond studs.

*** And.. a little about this wedding. It was absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful weather, great scenery (mountains and palm trees), food and appetizers that I am still thinking about, the father of the bride played with his band during the cocktail hour AND had a surprise song played with family members for the bride, it was at a Polo club and there was a small polo exhibition match for the guests to watch, a cake at each table plus a little dessert table, and a good time had by all dancing, drinking, and visiting. 

 Just heard on the news that the temperature is dropping down into the 20s tonight.... sigh... 

xo Jess xo

Fall is Fabulous

 Just a little throwback to our engagement pictures taken with some beautiful fall foliage :)

I know that technically fall started last month- September 23rd to be exact... but isn't Fall fabulous? It is definitely my favorite season. Jeans, sweaters,  flannel, boots, cardigans (!!), scarves (!!),  pumpkin spice lattes and hot chocolate, fall scented candles, pie, baking, start of holiday season, and even, just a little bit, football.  Yes I know... I am a basic white girl.

Now that the weather has turned a little cooler, I am definitely soaking up the Fall-ness of it all!
In honor of a little fall festive-ness, I found the first 2 quizzes on buzzfeed and the last one on Seventeen.com (remember that one is technically for younger peeps..) :

1) How much do you love fall?
2) Are you ready for sweater weather?
3) Which fall trend are you?

PLUS- in honor of all this feel-good fall, I am gonna share one of our recent favorite cooler weather dishes to warm ya right up!

 Chicken Taco Chili

Recipe seems like it takes a lot, but it makes 8 good servings... and tastes wonderful reheated! Most likely can even be jarred and frozen for future meals!  AND it is soooooooo easy to make!!! Ingredients + slowcooker = done!

What you will need:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (16 oz) can chili beans
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans
• 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (12 fl oz) can/bottle beer -- can just utilize 1 cup chicken broth... but we used beer
• 2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained 
• 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 3 whole skiness, boneless chicken breasts 

• shredded cheddar cheese (optional- but amazing)
• sour cream to taste preference (optional- but amazing)
• crushed tortilla chips (optional- but amazing)

 What to do:

1. Add all ingredients -EXCEPT OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS and CHICKEN to slow cooker. Stir to blend it all together. Then place chicken breasts on top of mixture until just covered by all the other ingredients. 
2. Slow-cooker for approximately 5 hours on low heat.
3. After the 5 hours, remove chicken from slow cooker and shred. 
4. Place shredded chicken back in slow cooker and stir to mix.
5. Continue cooking for approximately 2 hours on low heat.
6. Serve and Enjoy!  Definitely recommend with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips!

**Reviews on original recipe on allrecipes.com did say that they cooked it longer (i.e. were at work or cooked it over night) and had no issue. Just had to shred the chicken and let it all mix together for a bit!

YUMMERS!

Had it for dinner last night and leftovers today! :)

xo jess xo