slow cooker pork chops

In an effort to add a little spark back into our normal weeknight dinners, I bought some pork chops at the store last weekend with the idea that I'd bust out the ol' slow cooker and make a fabulous meal.

So today, I came home for lunch [it is so wonderful working just a few blocks from home!] and searched for easy slow cooker recipes over a bowl of broccoli cheese soup. I finally found one I wanted to try but realized I only had a few minutes until I had to head back to work! Yikes. I hastily threw everything together, set the slow cooker on low, and sprinted out the door. Despite my worries that I wouldn't get the results I wanted, I walked in the door after 5 p.m. and was greeted with a mouth-watering aroma. The chops turned out GREAT.

Here's the recipe I used as my guide, though I did have to make some substitutions and additions based on what I had in the pantry. If you're in need for a quick, healthy, yet delicious weeknight meal, I highly recommend this! xo.

Slow Cooker Pork Chops adapted via AllRecipes.com

1/4 cup olive oil [I used just a drizzle.]
1 cup chicken broth [I used 3/4 cup water + 1 cube of chicken bouillon.]
2 cloves garlic, minced [I used McCormick's, just eyeballed it.]
1 tbsp. paprika
1 tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. poultry seasoning [I used Adobo, found in international food aisle by Mexican food.]
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil [I omitted this. Wasn't sure I wanted a basil flavor for this meal.]
4 thick cut boneless pork chops [Mine were a petite size, but worked just fine.]
salt and pepper to taste [Didn't add salt. Did add ground black pepper.]
Worcestershire sauce to taste [my own addition]

**Great addition: Red potatoes, cubed. Carrots or other veggies would also be a great addition.

Directions [rewritten by yours truly, containing my adaptations]

1. Rinse and scrub red potatoes well and cut into approx. 1" cubes. Toss in the slow cooker with the pork chops.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients on top. I stirred the chicken bouillon around in my water to dissolve it a little, but if it's not completely dissolved that's ok! It will dissolve on it's own over the next few hours.

3. Set the slow cooker on low for about 5 hours or high for 3-4. If you cook on high, check the food periodically so it doesn't overcook. Once the chops are no longer pink in the center, it's time to chow down! 

*If potatoes aren't tender enough, zap them in the microwave for 3-5 minutes, pausing periodically to check tenderness.

delightful dressing room

Oh, to have a spacious boutique-style closet to display clothing and accessories worthy of magazine photo spreads and MTV cribs tours. It's every girl's dream, right?

I'll admit my closet is pretty much at the bottom of my home decorating priority list since I prefer to spend my time and money on spaces that people besides the hubs and I will see. However, I spend so much time in the closet picking out what I will wear for work, dinner dates, weddings, or simply weekend errands--why not spruce it up and make it a beautiful space like I aspire our other rooms to be?

To create a special dressing area without breaking the bank, look to sources such as Overstock.com, Target, and IKEA for inexpensive yet stylish decor. A pretty chair or ottoman, soft lighting, and organizational items that are both beautiful and functional are key for a boutique-style closet. xo.

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these days

My life has been kicking into high gear lately.

After doing some internships and a little bit of part-time work after I graduated college, I finally landed a great full-time job and love it! I've also started doing some photography on the side and have been booking some engagement and family photo shoots--which is also very exciting for me. I've always loved anything that allows me to be creative, and photography has been so much fun for me these past few months!

So until I get the hang of this new crazy busy [and fun] schedule, my blogging might be a little more sporadic in the coming weeks. But don't fret, my pets! [Steve Urkel quote--sorry, I couldn't resist!] I'll be using my down time to come up with some more great content for the ol' blog. I know I'd especially love to start bringing you more food related posts and will be working hard on that!

For now, I'll leave you with this nice little collage of what I've been loving lately. xo.

see 1, 2 / hear 1 / do 1, 2, 3 / eat 1, 2

repurposed

I recently received a Container Store booklet in the mail advertising their spring organization sale. While flipping through, their Jumbo Wire Cart caught my eye. Rather than its intended purpose as a pantry or laundry organization device, I immediately pictured it with a new purpose as a budget-friendly bar cart [it's currently on sale for $26.99!]. If you live in a condo or apartment and/or are short on space, this would be a great way to incorporate a mini bar for entertaining with the option of tucking it away when it is not being used. A tray, some sparkly glasses and decanters, a vintage bar book, and liquor are all you need to set up a stylish bar area. xo.

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suit up

Swimsuit season is almost upon us and I've got my eye on several cute suits. I own a few halter-style bikinis already but I am absolutely obsessed with the retro, sweetheart style tops that are out now. I'm also noticing more and more equally adorable one-pieces and will have to try some of those on as well. I haven't worn a one piece since probably middle school and the ones on the market now are definitely MUCH cuter these days. What kind of swim suit[s] are you adding to your summer repertoire this year? xo.

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navy + raspberry

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I seriously adore this color combo, don't you?? Navy is an essential spring/summer neutral for me. Raspberry pink adds a nice pop of contrast. xo.

hubby's birthday

My hubby's birthday is in a few weeks so I've begun a mental list of things I know he likes and/or wants for his special day. This little gift guide I compiled would be good for any style-conscious, tech-savvy dude in your life--husband, brother, fiance, etc. If you have a birthday or anniversary coming up, I hope this will provide some shopping inspiration! Let me know what you think and if you have anything you would add. xo.

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