Friday's Call For Fried Shrimp

If I didn't say this before I'll say it now....I ABSOLUTELY LOVE SEAFOOD!!!! Man oh man, it's like the best thing next to fashion- lol! 

I'd been craving shrimp lately so I went and bought a big bag of extra large shrimp from BJ's wholesale and they are so worth it!!

I fried a couple up using the Zatarain's shrimp fry and I must say it was a WIN!!! It was my first time using their shrimp fry because I normally just make up my own batter but this Friday was a late night so I decided to stop and pick something up. They came out GREAT! The color and the taste were on point!

Take a look...

Up close and personal

Zatarain's Shrimp Fry-Soooo Good

In the Zatarain's batter (Zatarain's shrimp fry + water)

After the batter comes more Zatarain's mix

Frying in Coconut Oil

Finished Product....Yummy!!!

Finished Product paired with a small simple salad!!!

Mixing Classic with Casual

You know when you're in the mood to be a little classy but still wanna keep it casual? Well, that was the mood last weekend. Hubby and I were going out with some friends and I wanted to be cute and comfortable! (Sidebar: he constantly teases me when we're going out because I ALWAYS wanna be cute and comfy so when it's time to get dressed he says: "what you going for today cute and comfy"? -lol). 

Anyway, I opted for the classic black dress (which every girl should have at least one of) and made it casual by adding my black and red flannel shirt tying it at the waist and I think it came out pretty nice. You've seen this look around before so here's a look at how I did it.

Take a look...

What I wore: 

Black Dress: ASOS Curve

Black and Red Flannel Shirt: Forever21

Black Pumps: Nine West

As always, thanks for checking out my blog: TwithTally!

Fall Days

Hello All!!!

We're in a new season and I am LOVING this weather here in DC!! We're still in that cute in between phase where layers are our jackets and scarfs are simply for the look vs the weather.  

This particular weekend the hubby and I had some errands to run so of course we stopped and took a few pics!

Take a look...

What I wore:

Blazer: Forever21

White Tank: Target

Jeans:  H&M Plus

Shoes: BCBG

Handbag: Aldo

As always, thanks for checking out my blog: TwithTally!

Life Is About Growing

"Let Go and Let GOD"!!

We sometimes let our "comfort zones" get in the way of us prospering! We all have a comfort zone or two. Whether it be your job, your friends, your relationship etc.... if it isn't helping you prosper- YOU MUST LET GO, AND LET GOD!! Let go of the problem and let GOD guide your steps!

You cant continue to hold on to dead weight and expect your life to be elevated! (I.E.) When you have dead/split ends, you cut them off and THEN the growing process begins! When you plant a seed and the roots begin to grow but not in unison, you cut off the old weeds and THEN the plant begins to grow!

Treat your life as a plant! Water your soul with positivity, keep yourself in the light of success and most importantly.. let go of ANYTHING or ANYONE keeping you stagnant!!!

"Let Go and Let GOD"

The bigger your faith - The smaller your problem!!

As always...thanks for checking out my blog: TwithTally :)

Beautiful Weather ='s Beautiful Pics

What I wore:

Pants: Jessica Simpson via Nordstrom Rack, Cami: Target, Black waterfall cardigan: Target, Shoes: 1st pic- Steve Madden 2nd/3rd pic-Nine West.

As always thanks for checking out my blog: TwithTally :)

Happiness Is A Way Of Life

"Happiness is a choice!! You don't wait on it - You create it"

Nothing in life will make you happy until you truly decide to be happy!!! Some may ask what I mean by this. Well, in my opinion I feel that we control our happiness. Here are 4 simple ways to control your happiness:

1. Start your day thankful! Give thanks for waking up and being able to start over, to start what you didn't finish, to see and experience things that those cant. You'd be surprised at how simply changing your mindset at the start of your day will impact your day!!
2. Meditate!! Meditation is simply spending time with your inner self!! We often spend so much time focusing on our goals that we don't stop to focus on our accomplishments. Think about it....if you constantly ONLY focus on your goals, what you want to attain, or what you need to gain, you're constantly keeping your mind in a race which can cause frustration, confusion and or depression simply because it can get overwhelming. Now, I'm not saying by no means not to focus on your goals. All I'm simply saying is to take time out of your week to stop, sit back and appreciate your life and all that you have accomplished thus far. Whether the accomplishment be your job, a healthier lifestyle you've committed to, a bill you've settled, a house you've closed on, something you've worked hard to obtain etc. Because the more happy feelings you put into self, the more happiness you show :)!!!
3. ALWAYS know it could be worse!!! Yes life will throw you curve balls but it's not about how you get OUT the storm, it's how you got THROUGH the storm that matters!! So, when something "challenging" happens in life....remind yourself that it can be worse and there's always someone going through something harder than you are. Remember- the rainbow comes out AFTER the storm!!! 
4. And last but definitely not least.... ALWAYS show love to others!!! Be a positive force in your life!! Help someone in need. Give compliments when they're deserving! People may not remember everything about you, they may not remember your name, but they will ALWAYS remember how you treated them!! If you give positive energy, you reap positive energy! By you showing love, it shows others your happiness. It makes them wonder why is she always happy? Why does she constantly show love? And it also makes them want that same "thing"....happiness!

Now those were just a few things that I think will keep you in good spirits! Not a man, not a woman. Because at the end of the day.....this is YOUR life. You have to fully grasp the concept of "being genuinely happy" with or without companionship. Happiness starts within, with YOU! 

So, if you haven't been doing these things, give it a try because...... 

                  "Happiness is NOT a destination - it's a way of life"! 

As always....Thanks for checking out my blog: TwithTally :)

Mashed Cauliflower w/Laughing Cow Garlic n' Herb Wedge Cheese

Baked Chicken w/mashed cauliflower

Hey Guys!!

I know there's still a lot of us trying to get that perfect "summa" body although we're halfway through the summer-lol! So, if you're trying to achieve that and stay away from carbs or just want to try a healthy rendition of mashed potatoes.....here you go!!

I actually make this dish for my husband and I pretty often so I figured I'd share! If interested in seeing how I achieved this creamy, delicious and healthy version of mashed potatoes check out the step by step instructions below!

• First step is to bring your pot to a boil and boil your cauliflower for approx. 6 to 8 minutes. You can opt for fresh or frozen. This particular night I used a frozen 16 oz. bag.
• Once your cauliflower has boiled to the desired tenderness of your choice, drain all water out of pot.
• Once all of the water has been drained out, proceed to mash as you would potatoes. (I don't completely mash them because I like to leave a little texture like homemade potatoes have).
• After you've mashed up the cauliflower add 2-3 cubes of the garlic n' herb laughing cow wedge cheese as seen below.

• I also used 1 tablespoon of yogurt butter. You can use regular butter or margarine. The brand yogurt butter I use is "Brummel & Brown" pictured below.

• After you've drained and mashed the cauliflower, you're ready to fold in the wedge cheese and butter. I fold instead of stirring because I like to see bits and pieces of the wedge cheese and by leaving bigger pieces of the cheese, it gives it that extra spunk of flavor in each bite! Now you can season to your liking with a little salt and pepper. (Just an FYI...roasted sea salt gives everything better flavor :)

Take a look at the final product!

Yummy, creamy, healthy aaaaaaand delicious!! 

Let me know if you guys decide to make this and how it turns out. Or if you've made it differently, let me know so I can try...don't be stingy :) 

(F.Y.I......If you want the consistency to be more creamy, you can put the boiled cauliflower into a food processor. After you've processed it, transfer back to the pot and add your cheese, butter and season to taste). 

As always...Thanks for checking out my blog: TwithTally!