taco soup

A quick, tasty, and hearty meal that is super easy to make.  Seriously, just brown the meat and onion together, then dump the rest of the ingredients in and simmer.  Voila!  YOU CAN DO THIS.

taco-soup

ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef (also works with turkey)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 (1 oz) package Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning mix
1 (15-16 oz) can pinto beans
1 (15-16 oz) can hominy or whole kernal corn
1 (10 oz) can diced mexican style tomatoes or Rotel tomatoes
half of 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes   (so ~5 ounces)
2-6 cups water (just depends how thick you like it, I use ~5 cups)
salt and pepper to taste

optional garnishes

shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
cilantro
tortilla chips
avocado

directions

  1. Brown the ground beef and onions in a large pot.  Only drain off some of the fat if there is lots.  (I use 90% lean ground beef and I don’t drain anything off.)
  2. Mix the ranch dressing mix and the taco seasoning mix into the meat.
  3. Add all of the other ingredients WITHOUT DRAINING.
  4. Simmer for one hour.
  5. Serve with any or all of the garnishes.

Enjoy!

xoxo
-ash

taco-soup-1

OOTD: denim dress

A couple years ago I picked up a chambray shirtdress on sale at Anthropologie and I have worn and loved it many times since.

Here I wore it to Tamber Bey Vineyards.  As an aside, if you’re looking for a beautiful winery in Calistoga (Napa), Tamber Bey has great wine, horses, and a spacious patio!

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And here I wore it to Chateau Montelena Winery, another great winery in Calistoga (Napa).  Before visiting Chateau Montelena though, I highly recommend watching Bottle Shock – a comedy/drama that tells the story of Chateau Montelena and California wines.

Don’t yet have a denim dress, or feel like you’re ready for a new one?  There are so many options this season!  Here are jut a few —

Farryn Laced-Back Shirtdress |  Fringed Chambray Button Down  |  Luna Denim Shift

Open-Shoulder Chambray Shift  |  Open Sky Denim Dress  |  Ruffled Denim Shift Dress

DV Sam Bootie  |  Harrow Suede Bootie  |  Vince Camuto Bootie

Calhoun Cutout Bootie  |  Star Studded Bootie  |  Iris Fringe Bootie

And while we’re on the subject, who could forget the denim on denim sported by Britney and Justin at the AMAs over 15 years ago.  (Has it really been that long?!!)

xoxo
-ash

 

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Ash’s obsessions

Lucky in Love sweatshirt.  St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and this sweatshirt is the perfect blend of cute and festive.  Need it now.

Chelsea28 ruffle blouse.  Ruffles are totally having a moment and this blouse (in pink or white) is perfectly on-trend.  Love that it can be dressed up or down and easily transitions from the office to date night.

Haloscope highlighter.  Dewy glow perfection for under $25.  Yasss!  I picked up this magic stick last week and I’m in love.  Keep an eye on the blog for a review coming soon!

Aj’s obsessions

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Floral blazer.  Love the girlie style of this pretty blazer. Dress it up or down- it’s just perfect for spring! If spring ever gets here…

H&M Coat. A good, basic, black coat for under $35! Sign me up for one.

Jcrew Wool Bow Sweater. Love the v-neck, color, and sweet bow detail. Also, that it is lightweight- not a bulky sweater. I have plenty of those.

spring fever!

Spring doesn’t officially arrive until March 20th, but I’m already feeling it.  Need a nudge?  Here are 30 items ALL UNDER $75 to get you in a spring mood!

Floral Neck Tie Dress | Faux Leather Satchel  | Wayf Choker Shift Dress  |  Chantecaille Lip Gloss

Lips Canvas Espadrilles | Endless Rose Louvre Blouse  |  Mirrored Sunglasses  |  OPI Nail Lacquer

Summer Garden Midi Dress  |  Tom Ford Lip Color  |  Dolman Sleeve Wrap Dress  |  Stiletto Mesh Heels 

Flounce Midi Dress  |  Vans Slip-On  |  Ruffled Lace Blouse  |  Ruffle Wrap Maxi Dress

Off-The-Shoulder Top  |  Burberry Nail Polish  |  Soprano Ruffle Tee  |  Speak Easy Printed Top 

Lace-Up Shift Dress  |  Cotton-Poplin Top  |  Tatiana Clutch  |  Tie Waist Midi Dress

Ruffle Hem Shift Dress  |  Scalloped FlatsScalloped Flats  |  Endless Rose Boho Blouse  |  Faux Suede Mules 

Lace Bell Sleeve Top  |  Converse Chuck Taylor

Happy (almost) Spring!

xoxo
-ash

 

 

 

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Ash’s obsessionsscreen-shot-2017-02-14-at-7-06-39-pm

Vince Camuto Kensa bootie.  I’ve been looking for a casual peep-toe bootie to transition to spring, and this may be the one!

L. Erickson Little Gem Bobby Pin.  Swarovski crystals add some glitz to these adorable little bobby pins.  A great way to add some chic to that pony tail or messy bun.

Soprano Ruffle Tee.  A dressed-up and adorable tee for $35?!!  Yes, please!

 

Aj’s obsessionsscreen-shot-2017-02-15-at-6-47-20-pm Ed by Ellen Ballet Flat. In the spirit of the month of love, I love these ballet flats. Black and white perfection.

Wildfox Diet Coke Sweatshirt. I’m more of a regular CocaCola kind of person, but I thought of some people I love who need this sweatshirt in their life!

Raye X For Love & Lemons Heel.  These come in several colors and are on SALE! Love the tie in the back and the stacked heel. Such a pretty shoe.

last minute valentine’s

vday

So Valentine’s Day snuck up on you… again… and you need a gift that doesn’t scream LAST MINUTE.  Don’t fret!  Here is the solution:

Make it a great Valentine’s Day, even last minute.

Step 1 – Go online and buy tickets for a future date to some event or show that he or she will like and that you can do together (think theatre, cooking class, sporting event, movie, concert, etc.).  Print the tickets or a flyer for the event and put in nice card.

Step 2 – Light some candles, open a bottle of wine, and cook dinner or order nice takeout;  either way serve it on real plates with silverware, no plastic or paper please!  Give your beloved the card with the tickets over dinner and start getting excited about the event!

Step 3 – Dessert will depend on your personalities.  For example, you could finish the wine while snuggling and watching a romcom… or break out the coconut oil for a sensual massage… or… you get the idea!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

xoxo
-ash

ps.  This 3-step plan also works GREAT for birthdays, name days, work promotion, or any other special day.  I’ve used it a few times 😉