Fall Shows Worth Checking Out

The only good thing about the weather getting colder is that all our favorite television shows come back on the air. It feels like forever since I found out what happens to some of my favorite characters and with plenty of shows leaving cliff hangers, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. Not only do we have our old shows returns, we also have plenty of new shows starting up that look they will become a new obsession of mine.

The Mindy Project

Last time we saw Mindy she was pregnant with her boyfriend Danny's baby and airing on Fox, but over the summer The Mindy Project had a complete make-over and will now be streaming their episodes on Hulu. I can't get enough of Mindy and her crew and with this new show debuting and her new book 'Why Not Me' getting released this past September, it's officially become the year of Mindy Kaling. 

The Walking Dead

We have less than two weeks before we are reunited with Rick Grimes and his motley crew of survivors. Last year things got pretty sticky for this group when Rick took charge of the Alexandria Safe House after almost getting banished. This year I'm looking forward to seeing what happens now that he is reunited with a more zen Morgan and what those crazy people with the 'W' on their forehead have in store for our group.

Survivor Cambodia

Speaking of survivors, I couldn't resist adding the newest season of Survivor to my list of must watch television. Last May, the show put the power in viewers hands and fans were able to vote 20 former players they wanted to see have a second chance back into the game. These players know what its like to lose a million dollars and now they are back for redemption. 

Scream Queens

Looking for something new to add to your list of shows you watch? Try Scream Queens. This hilarious take on the traditional horror movie packs plenty of laughs. Plus, the cast is filled with stars including Emma Roberts, Nick Jonas, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lea Michele. The plot is that a serial killer is on the loose at a college campus and is specifically targeting a famous sorority and the girls in charge. I know it sounds scary, but trust me it's more 'Scary Movie' than 'Scream.'

American Horror Story: Hotel

While Scream Queens won't frighten you, I can't make any promises when it comes to American Horror Story: Hotel. Each year this show debuts a new theme, new characters and a brand new story line. This year Lady Gaga takes over for Jessica Lange as the star and I heard she is plenty terrifying. I'm sure after watching this show you'll think twice about your next vacation and pay extra attention to what hotel you're staying at. 

What Fall TV are you most looking forward to?

xoxo

Sausage and Peppers with Cherry Tomatoes

Happy Tasty Tuesday!

It's getting cooler outside so I've been bringing out the crock pot so cook up some colder weather meals. There is nothing better than coming home to a home cooked meal after a day of working, without having to do any actual cooking. I really love homemade sauce, so I decided to create my own by adding cherry tomatoes to this crock pot recipe. What's really cool, is that when the crock pot reaches a certain temperature, the cherry tomatoes burst and mix with the seasonings to create a savory sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of hot sausage (remove from casing)
• 2 red peppers, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 packages of cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

Directions:

1. In the crock pot, combine all ingredients and stir to combine. Make sure you break apart the sausage into tiny pieces. 
2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours.
3. Serve over ziti.
4. Enjoy!

xoxo

Oktoberfest

Happy Monday!

Like many others around the world, I spent this past weekend celebrating Oktoberfest. I never really understood why Oktoberfest was celebrated in September, but I'm not complaining because the weather this past weekend was fantastic and it was the perfect day to be outside enjoying a few German beers with friends. If you're in the Albany area and a fan of German food and beer, I recommend checking out Wolff's Biergarten because even when it's not Oktoberfest, they have an awesome atmosphere to check out a soccer game. 

As far as the outfit I wore is concerned, it was a hot day and I wasn't about to bring out my new fall clothes just yet. So many people had heavy sweaters, scarves and boots on and I couldnt imagine how hot they all were because it was quite warm under the sun. I opted for a navy eyelet top and my new favorite leopard slip on sneakers. 

Did you visit Oktoberfest in your area?

xoxo

New Recipe: Bourbon Chicken

Happy Tasty Thursday?

Since I didn't have time to post a recipe on my usual Tuesday, I decided to switch it up and celebrate Tasty Thursday instead. This was a new recipe that I tried earlier this week and it packed plenty of flavor. Despite its name, it's an Asian inspired chicken. I started it when I got home from work and had it finished within 35 minutes of starting so it's definitely an easy dish for when you're looking for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless chicken nuggets (you can buy chicken breasts but the nuggets are easier to dice up)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat.
2. While skillet is heating up, dice up chicken into bite sized bits (think when you get hibachi chicken at a restaurant).
3. Add chicken pieces to skillet and cook until browned.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Add remaining ingredients, stir to combine and heat until well mixed.
6. Add chicken back to skillet and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Enjoy! -- Note: I served mine with rice and vegetables

xoxo

NYC Recap

Happy Tuesday!

I don't have a recipe for you guys today, but I am trying two new recipes later this week so I will have one soon! Instead I'm gonna show off a few photos from my trip to NYC this past weekend. I had so much fun visiting with friends, but as usual I could use a vacation from my vacation. I did get to check a few things off my bucket list though, including walking across the Brooklyn Bridge! 

I arrived on Friday afternoon and immediately hit the town to do a little shopping before we met up with friends for dinner. The shopping in NYC is always so much better than Albany so I couldn't resist the opportunity to have a little retail therapy. The weather was absolutely beautiful so I took as many opportunities as possible to be outside and walk. After taking the ferry and walking the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, we went to the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, which is this huge street festival with plenty of amazing food vendors. I gorged myself on authentic Italian cuisine and plenty of homemade gelato. On Sunday, it was another gorgeous day so we spent the afternoon in Central Park before I had to make my way back to Albany. I'm already looking forward to planning another trip in the city since it only cost me $20 round trip on the Megabus, it was so nice to visit friends and catch up... the perfect end to summer. 

xoxo

Weekend Reads

Happy Saturday!

While I'm off spending my weekend in NYC with friends, check out some weekend reads that I picked out for you all!

Weekend Reads: 

• With the presidential race heating up, Jimmy Kimmel brought in some important correspondents to discuss the candidates, a bunch of kids. Their honesty on the issues are hilarious. 
• Speaking of Jimmy's, I'm a huge fan of Jimmy Fallon's lip sync battle, where he competes with celebrities in the ultimate non-karaoke competition. Last week he competed against Ellen Degeneres with guest judge Justin Timberlake, and magic ensued. 
• I'm on the hunt for the perfect suede bootie for fall and Sole Society has a variety of amazing options I'm considering. My two favorites are these western booties and this army brown option.
• Since I'm in NYC this weekend, I thought this article was perfect: 11 Tips for Taking the Best Travel Shot on Instagram.
• Now that the pool is closed, I'm getting back in the kitchen to cook up some new recipes. Rachel Ray gives me 16 Quick and Easy Fall Recipes that I definitely want to try including spicy creamed corn and butternut pudding. 
• I've been on the hunt for cute work pants for fall and Tommy Hilfiger came to my rescue with these plaid ankle pants.
• I had to take Misa to the vet last week and it's always a production because she is so afraid. As usual, there is a Buzzfeed article to describe my usual experience: Pets Afraid of the Vet

What are you up to this weekend?

xoxo

NYC Bound

TGIF!

I'm super excited because today I'm en route to NYC for the long weekend. Normally, I head to New York City once a year in December to do a little Christmas shopping but this year I'm getting another opportunity to spend some time in the city and I won't have to battle the cold weather. A few weeks ago when I was in Chicago a couple friends of mine we're discussing making a trip to NYC for a long weekend in September and I immediately knew that I wanted to join. Luckily for me I was able to find tickets from Albany to NYC on the Megabus for $20 round trip (what a steal)!

I'm not quite sure what adventures we will have lined up this weekend, but I know it will be fun. Be sure to follow my travels on Instagram!

xoxo