Sundays at home

cream cardigan p/s (stolen from mom) On Nick: Hedley & Bennett apron, thermal joggers

As much as we love dining out, my favorite part of the week is cooking Sunday supper with Nick. We usually reserve this day for any slow-cooking or soups / stews, and start early so that the aromas fill the house by the time afternoon sports are on. This weekend we made both my favorite dutch oven crusty bread and white chicken chili - the chili is easy enough for beginners, takes under an hour, and boy is it flavorful! Nick likes his brunch-style topped with a sunny side up egg. Read on below for the recipes!

Kate Spade kitchen towel
I'm also partnering today with Macy's wedding registry - I know several of you are planning a wedding (a huge congrats!), so I wanted to share some of our favorite, useful registry-friendly items. Snapchat friends probably see our Le Creuset cast iron oven on the regular, producing stews, roasts, bread, and so much more. It's quite heavy, so an added benefit of use is an extra arm workout!

Martha Stewart also makes a more affordable cast-iron collection that my mom uses and likes as well. Ours was thanks to a generous friend Liz who makes yummy "dutch oven crusty bread." It's soft on the inside, just perfect while warm with a pat of butter or olive oil. She got her pot as a wedding gift with the bread recipe card inside, and passed the tradition on to me since I always asked her to make it! We couldn't resist baking a loaf to go with dinner (recipe here; instructional video here) - I'm no baker, but this is the simplest bread you'll ever make. Just make sure to use instant yeast per the recipe, or proof your non-instant yeast first.

On to the chili - I love a good recipe that serves as a guideline, but can easily be adapted for individual tastes or for vegetarian friends (try veggie broth instead of chicken; extra beans and veggies instead of meat).

White Chicken Chili Recipe
Adapted from Cathy on Allrecipes. Serves 4.

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chile peppers
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed then diced*
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 2.5 cups chicken broth**
- 3 cups cooked, chopped or shredded chicken***
- 3 (15 ounce) cans white beans
Optional:
- canned or frozen corn
- topping ideas: cilantro, scallions, ground pepper, cheese or sour cream

* If you like it hot then put some seeds in since that's where the heat lies. Be careful and don't let your bare hands linger on the inner membrane & seeds! I learned this the hard way years ago and had hands on fire.
** Original recipe calls for 2 cans, or 3.5 cups broth which was a little soupy. You can tweak the ratios of broth, chicken, and beans based on your liking.
*** We love flavorful dark meat, so used boneless, skinless chicken thighs seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Wrap in foil to keep juicy, and bake for 20 minutes on 400 degrees. If they're not fully cooked at this point they will be in the chili. Ground chicken or turkey would be interesting too!

1. Heat the oil over a large pot on medium-low heat. Cook and stir the onion until tender. Mix in the garlic, jalapeno, green chile peppers, cumin, cayenne, and oregano. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in the beans then chicken broth, and simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

2. At this point if you want a thicker texture, dip an immersion blender into your pot, and pulse a few times to puree some of the beans before adding chicken. Otherwise, just stir in the chicken and simmer another 15 minutes. We're obsessed with the Cusineart smartstick (ours is a prior model) which we also got as a gift - it's a food processor, whisk, mini blender, and immersion blending stick all in one. The immersion stick is a must if you like making creamy soups - no messy & dangerous step of pouring hot soup into a blender!

Kate Spade apple spoon rest

3. Stir in optional corn at the end before turning off the heat. Serve hot and top with garnishes. I just love the sweetness of the corn and some fresh cilantro with the spices in this!

Bloopers - got hot beans up my nose due to an impatient Nick

Here's a few other gift-able items that we have and love. Readers - what was your most memorable wedding gift received?

Thank you Macy's for partnering on this post!

White Christmas at Home

Byron Lars dress c/o (on sale - 20% off everything at Anthro! see my review)
St Nicholas tree, old candle holders (similar), Threshold stool, Farm & Fable stockings

This is the first year we've had a tree up in our condo - Nick would only allow me a short and skinny one, but it sure beats nothing! Since our space is so small, I went with a light, metallic color scheme to keep it feeling open. One of my favorite memories growing up was unwrapping our family's ornaments each December and reminiscing where each one came from (usually the day-after-xmas clearance sale at our local mall, but they were fond memories nonetheless ; ). We have just a handful of meaningful ornaments on our own tree this year, but I look forward to slowly growing this collection, and trying my hand at some of these neat DIYs!

Pendleton plaid mug, Reiko Kaneko gold lip mug

These marshmallow snowmen are so easy to make (with kids too) to spruce up your hot cocoa. I flattened one piece a little for a larger body and then used two toothpicks, one to connect the segments and one for the arms.

We hosted a small gag gift exchange with friends so I pushed our large coffee table aside and lined our living room space with cozy cushions and throw blankets. My affordable Threshold cable throw & BNF pom pom throw are so soft and comfortable! I'm a bit of a blanket hoarder so also splurged on this Hotel Collection pom pom one (would make a great gift as well) which is super substantial and plush, and about a foot bigger than my other ones.

I love switching up pillow covers as an easy way to transition the couch from season to season. They are easy to make as well, if you can find the right materials. I wish more stores would offer just the outer covers instead of full pillows, for those who don't have much storage space!

H&M faux fur pillowcase, Amazon snowflake pillowcases, pom pom throw

Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your weekend! Stay tuned for a special holiday giveaweay!

The best Black Friday 2015 sales (petite-friendly edition)

Ann Taylor sweater c/o (50% off w/CELEBRATE), Baublebar necklace (30% off w/THX), Anthro mugs (25% off w/SHOPTOIT), Kate Spade thermos (25% off w/MERCI)

Target sweater leggings sz S (Sold out - similar in red/white)

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate! This year, we're staying cozy on Black Friday at home in our PJs. My family used to brave the hectic crowds each year (starting earlier and earlier until my dad would skip dinner altogether) - I've finally convinced them that sales are just as good online, plus you can shop from the comfort of your own couch ; ) Here are some of the best sales, including great deals on a few favorite items in my closet:

Sorel - 25% off some of their best-selling insulated weather boots + free shipping, including my Winter Fancy Lace ii boots (worn here)! These very rarely go on sale and are usually sold out by wintertime. They run a little small - I mistakenly mentioned I have a 5.5 but just checked and mine are a 6! I didn't notice I got the wrong size because they fit fine with thick socks on (for reference, I'm usually a 5 to 5.5 in most other brands). They're not lightweight shoes but they do keep your feet very warm. The Caribou boot is another popular option for even heavier snow conditions, and don't forget functional gifts for your men (Nick has these Cheyanne boots and suggests going up half a size)...


Baublebar - 30% off site-wide w/ code THX, with free everyday shipping & returns. There's several pieces I love from here including the slim bar pendant worn above (I have in gold & want it in silver & rose gold too!) and of course my favorite bib necklace (last worn here). I just picked up this cute personalize-able travel jewelry roll for a gift.

Ann Taylor - 50% off everything with code CELEBRATE. I adore the sweater worn above and the bow heels (both styled in this post; limited sizes left) and just got this luxe faux-fur collar in plum. I also love a good winter white piece for this season. I haven't personally tried this boiled wool jacket or cream sweater dress but they have solid reviews.

Anthropologie - 25% off site-wide w/SHOPTOIT. Reviewed the shrunken Hei Hei bomber jacket + pretty Byron Lars dress in this post and the comfy curved poncho sweater in this post. Also the holiday monogram mugs (pictured above) are back! They make great gifts, esp packed full of goodies (I usually use mine as makeup brush and lip gloss holders : )

ASOS - 30% off everything w/ code BLESSED. Free shipping & easy free returns on orders over $40! Their petites run small and their blanket scarves (I have the tartan & here's another cute one) are oversized & cozy. Also, my bridal shower white lace dress (size up; see on me) is still in stock in all petite sizes & a good price with the promo!

J.Crew Factory: - 50% off everything & free ship over $50 w/ SHIPGIFTS. I've been very impressed by their stuff this season. I just love my tartan popover (try regular sizing if you have longer arms) and pom beanie below, and recently got to try on a few more items pictured below which all fit really well. Here's a peek of how some of the below items look on me in my usual sizes 00/xxs. The new arrival wool-blend topcoat in petites disappeared in the blink of an eye in the camel color, but is still fully avail. in the hunter green. Ladies who can usually wear a 0P or up could try the regular sizing which is still in stock starting in 00. It's a very decent tailored coat for the price, reminiscent of a combo between their lady day + regents coat.

1. wool-blend coat 2. striped dress (I didn't think it ran large in petites) 3. cable sweater 

4. beanie (sold out; similar on sale!) 5. sequin skirt (00p is 12.5" across waist) 6. pants

Nordstrom - extra 25% off many sale items, ends 11/30. Sizes are going quickly, so the best way to shop is to visit their Black Friday sale page and then filter by a category (ie. womens clothing or womens shoes) and your size.

Kate Spade - 25% off your order with code MERCI, and everyday free shipping & returns. The striped thermos pictured above brightens up my mornings, but heads up, you must carefully align the lid when screwing it on otherwise it will leak. My party-perfect structured bow back dress which is very petite-friendly (worn in this post) is already on markdown plus eligible for the additional discount! Other picks are the cedar street harmony mini bag I have, or this highly-reviewed cameron street satchel ($156 down from $348) in a rich burgundy or forest green. Please note items marked down 50% or more are final sale.

7 for All Mankind - amazing 40% off site-wide on designer denim + free ship w/ code BLACK40. I like their ankle skinnies (may fit petites as regular jeans w/ no alterations needed) which start in a size 23. Been eying the leather-look ones in black or mink - let me know if anyone has info on sizing/fit for these!

J.Crew - 40% off select items and 30% off everything else w/ code HOLIDAY. With the addition of their latest sizes 000 and xxxs petite - I imagine the ladies who have to get everything altered must be thrilled at this option! Here's some of my favorites which I haven't seen yet at these prices:
- Wintress Puffer Coat - I love the stylish removable faux fur hood, and the flattering belted silhouette (despite being a puffer). Please note I found the petite sizing to run pretty small and shorter in the sleeves - size up if you want to layer, or try regular sizing if you have longer arms. I have my usual xxsp and after wearing a few times, wish I tried a size up!
- Cambridge cable turtleneck - one of their classics that is often excluded from sale. Runs slim and sleeves fit narrow, so size up if you want it to fit like it does on the model.
- A cropped swing trench is one of my most worn pieces, and I keep mentioning this J.Crew version as the best dupe I've found starting in tiny petite sizing. I can't believe it's still left in all sizes and on major clearance for $54 (from $138)!
- Icon trench - very classic and reminiscent of Burberry style. Often on backorder and rarely on sale, but it's part of the 30% off today.
- I haven't personally tried this, but here's a newer-arrival petite wool Melton coat still left in most sizes and colors at 40% off.
- No 2 wool pencil skirt - a work staple; I have dusty cedar and ivory which usually don't last through bigger sales. I have to get all my pencil skirts altered except this one - the 000 petite has a 24" waist and is a snug fit. Please note this size is much too small for me in everything else at J.Crew...I only size down for the pencil skirts because I like them to fit higher on the waist.