Newlywed in the Kitchen {2016} Recipe #7: Chicken Parmesan

I've been in a major funk where absolutely nothing sounds good to eat.  I don't know if it's the heat--I suspect that's it--or me feeling hugely pregnant, but I've just not been in the mood.  But the other day, an Olive Garden commercial inspired me and I decided we needed to have some chicken Parmesan for dinner.  Enter Pinterest, where I combined a couple of recipes to find something pretty painless!

Rating:  I give it a 4/5.  The Boy from Texas won't play along anymore, but he ate two servings and said it was something he'd eat again.

Chicken Parmesan

4 medium/large chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
1 cup flour
Salt

Pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
3 cups grated Parmesan cheese  (You can actually use 1C Parmesan just for the breading and then the other 2C can be another kind of cheese...the recipes I saw called for Mozzerella, and I made The Boy from Texas' with a Mexican cheese that he likes on everything.
Olive oil
Your favorite spaghetti sauce (I'm a Prego fan, myself)
8 oz (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

Slice chicken breasts in half to make them nice and thin.  (Note:  I usually buy thin cut chicken at the meat market, so if you do that, you can skip this step.)  Get three bowls.  In Bowl 1, put flour, salt and pepper.  In Bowl 2, put eggs and beat.  In Bowl 3, mix breadcrumbs and 1C Parmesan cheese.  (I used shredded, you could probably use grated just as well.)  

Dip the chicken (both sides) in Bowl 1, then Bowl 2, then Bowl 3.  Set aside for a few minutes.

Heat up olive oil in skillet and brown each side of the chicken breasts.  You don't have to cook all the way through since you're about to put them in the oven, but you want them to be nice, brown and crispy.

Place chicken in a baking dish.  Top each chicken breast with some spaghetti sauce and cheese.  Bake in the oven at 425 for about 10-15 minutes.

I served with a Penne pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs.  You could really serve with anything you want...salad, spaghetti with sauce, veggies, whatever.

BB: Ten Months

At 10 months...

- Has 8 teeth. Four on top, four on bottom.

- is absolutely non-stop all the time.

- Loves the water.

- Has been to the lake twice and seems to really enjoy the boat so long as no one puts a life jacket on him.

- Has taken three or four steps "on his own" a couple of times.

- Enjoys sneaking into the bathroom to splash in the toilet.

- Attended his first show lamb clinic. 

- Became the proud owner of four Red Angus cows. 

My favorite shots

Monthly Check In

We didn't get weight and height stats this month...we'll try again in August!

Likes:  Cool whip, all food actually, standing up, his lion walker, the water, drinking from Dad's glass or bottle.

Dislikes:  Laying still on his back, anything touching his feet, getting too hot, wearing a life jacket. 

52 Week Photo Project: Week 29

52 Week Photo Project: Week 29

52 Week Photo Project: Week 28

My Return to Campus

Back in June, I got the chance to head back to my alma mater and one of my absolute favorite places on earth.  There is something about Stillwater that just feels like home to me and probably always will.  I was able to go and speak at a meeting for cattle producers on campus and took full advantage of the opportunity to see some old friends and take a little run around campus.

After the program, I met up with SoulMate Friend and her precious family for dinner, dessert, and walking around downtown.  Then, we headed to campus where her boys had an absolute blast running around Library Lawn.  It made me super excited to take BB and LL and let them go wild one day as well!

SoulMate Friend and I met 13 years ago at OSU
and I'm not sure what I'd do without her friendship!

This is my professional "10 years ago I graduated, today I'm back
speaking here for my job" photo.

What better location for LL's 20 week bump photo?

So back in the olden days (12 years ago), Dave proposed to Kelly right here on this bench.
They them promptly came to my house to share the news.  We had to do a family photo on
said bench.  

The next morning, I decided to do a run around campus.  I was quite proud of my ability to run from the stadium clear across to Ag Hall and then down around to end things at the Union.  Somehow, I managed to not save any of the photos I got for my Snap Chat tour of campus except the first one...

Boone Pickens Stadium

On my way back, I took a stroll by our old abode.  Back in the day, I really thought we lived in a super nice place.  Turns out, it's kinda a dump?  Not really a dump, but it's sure not fancy.  It was, however, close to campus, had the comfiest couch, and was always filled with the best people. I  wouldn't trade those years in that place for anything!

And there you have it.  Almost 10 years to the day after I donned my cap and gown to walk across the stage and then proceeded to leave town with tears in my eyes, I was back right where it all began.

Go Pokes!

52 Week Photo Challenge: Week 27

Stitch Fix Report: Summer 2016

I was planning on waiting until after LL (stands for Littlest Lashmet...name announcement is coming soon) is born before getting another Stitch Fix, but I had a couple credits and an email offering me a free styling fee, so I could not refuse. If you want to give it a try, use my referral link!

Although Stitch Fix offeres maternity boxes, I opted for regular clothes since I will not be pregnant for that much longer (I said that last summer too, mind you...) 

Without a doubt, this is my absolute best SF box ever.  I will ruin the suspense and just tell you that I kept all 5 pieces.  I plan on keeping this stylist (Torrey) for as long as I can. 

Usually, I do my report and include photos of me in the outfits. But since these clothes are not designed for someone 6 months pregnant, I will spare you. 

Rayna Crochet Trim Dress

I absolutely love this dress.  It might be my favorite piece.  The color is perfect. The detailing is fun.  And I think that when my baby bump is gone it will fit just perfectly. I am thinking of pairing with a white cardigan. 

Tibiron Embroidered Maxi Dress

I love maxi dresses.  They are cute, comfy, and can go for any occasion. I am seriously thinking about wearing this home from the hospital after LL arrives.  You can't see it, but it has a slot in the front.  And the detail is orange..obviously right up my alley.  My thinking here is if I wear it with a denim jacket and brown sandals, it will be a cute work outfit. 

Delevingne Tie Neck Top

I don't love the cut of this top...the skimpy halter straps are not so much my style, but I love the colors and think it will go with anything. I figure I can always throw a sweater or denim jacket over it and the top won't matter anyway. I think white pants or shorts will be the perfect pairing.

Kinski Mixed Material Top

The color of this shirt sold me.  I love that deep blue paired with white jeans or dress pants.  

Quirrel Halter Top

This is actually one of the items I had pinned on my Stitch Fix Pinterest Board. After I saw another blogger get it, I knew I wanted it too.  I am thinking it will go great with Navy blue shorts. 

Here is the info on these pieces if anyone wants to request any of these items in your next fix. 

Want to give Stitch Fix a try yourself?  Use this referral link and I will get a credit for sending you their way.  Worst case scenario, you are out $20.  Best case, you get a box like mine and have 5 new wardrobe items that you love! 

Santa Sacks

Blonde Oklahoma Girl has started a little business (that she's hoping to grow into a BIG business) of making adorable crafty things.  Hilarious onesies, decals, coffee mugs, you name it, she does it.

Right now, she is having a Christmas in July sale on these adorable canvas "Santa Sacks."  They are customized with your kiddo's name on the front and then on Christmas morning, the Santa gifts are all delivered inside the sack.  Pretty cute idea, no?  

I've already ordered two for BB and LL to use this Christmas!

Visit her shop, Sweet Sager Designs, on Facebook and make your order!

52 Week Photo Project: Week 26

You Gotta Get Back on the Horse

BB loves his rocking/rolling horse.  I have not gotten a picture yet, but a lot of times I will find him in his room petting his Horsey on the nose.  It's adorable. 

We have taken several rides on Horsey around the house, and BB appears to be quite the horseman. 

But, even the best get bucked off sometimes.  Last week, Horsey apparently got a little wild, and down went BB.  His dad was quick to the rescue, picking up the cowboy, helping him dust himself off, and giving him the speech every country kid has heard from their father...."Now son, you have to get back on that horse.  I know he bucked you off but that's life and you always get back on."

And so, BB crawled back on Horsey and off they went, with dad watching proudly in the background.  I love watching The Boy from Texas be a dad and I can't wait to see what other important lessons he has up his sleeve.

Oh, here is a little video so you can see the horse and rider in action. 

52 Week Photo Challenge: Week 26