Deck the halls on a dime

Living alone for the first time gives you a whole new sense of control and independence. I get to do everything my own way and on my own time. My family has always been a "wait-until-after-Thanksgiving" family as far as Christmas decor goes, and I respect it, but I love Christmas and I just simply could not contain my excitement. I told myself to wait. But how does one not go crazy when you're flooded with Christmas in every store you walk in to? I was drooling when I went in to Target last week.

But unfortunately I've got a sick pup (click here to read more on his GoFundMe) who needs lots of medical attention, which in turn means lots of money, and I also went a couple of weeks out of work, which meant I had to keep my budget super tight.

I wanted so. badly. to buy up Target and HomeGoods and clear them of their Christmas sections, but I'm a lady on an extreme budget these days, so I had to figure something else out. This year I did all of my Christmas decor shopping at, drum roll please, the Dollar Tree.

I went garland crazy. You can wrap garland anywhere and things immediately look more festive! I want to keep it on my bar cart year-round! I also threw two Christmas kitchen towels over the handle to pull it all together. (PS- the wine glass and candy canes inside it were also from the Dollar Tree!) I bought 5 strands of garland total + 2 towels + 1 box of candy canes= $8 total.

Ok let's be real- I have two huskies with endless energy and I do not have the patience for glass ornaments. They're pretty, sure. But I don't need sliced up paws and endless sweeping and frustration just because those nuts think the ornaments are more of their ball toys to toss around. I bought 6 packs of varying ornaments (I got 4 of the same gold and silver ornaments and 2 packs of red to add a little bit of color). And again, garland. It fills up the extra space and makes the tree so much shinier! 6 packs of ornaments and 2 strings of garland? $8 to decorate the tree.

These mini Christmas trees make several appearances in my house. They're so festive and for $1 each I went a little nuts and bought 4 of them. They look great on an end table, coffee table and/or kitchen table! I also bought 3 festive faux flower bunches and put them in little glass jars. $5 total. Now I won't lie and say the "home for the holidays" sign didn't come from Target- but it was from the $1, 3,5 section for only $3, bringing this table to a total of $8.

Stockings! Oh how I love to jam-pack stockings full of goodies months before Christmas. I was so thrilled that the Dollar Tree had Star Wars stockings, because it's perfect for my nerdy boyfriend. They also had stockings for pups to fulfill all of my dog-lady desires (and cats, for you crazy cat ladies!). I have yet to buy a stocking for myself, but I know my mom and dad will pull through on one for their house ;)  Stockings= $3 total.

Wine glasses!! I'm so big on wine glasses. I used to be a crazy coffee mug hoarder (I won't lie, I still am) but as soon as I was introduced to the gloriousness that is wine, I became a wine glass hoarder. I stalk HomeGoods wine glass section on the regular because they have the cutest glasses for great prices. But low and behold, the Dollar Tree had these simple yet gorgeous glasses (they've got a gold lining on the top! Ahh). I bought a few for drinking, and one to hold candy canes in on the bar cart! Four wine glasses= $4.

Obsessed with the gold rim. It takes them from simple to elegant, and they look far more expensive than $1! They even have matching coffee mugs (got those, too) and plates so you can have a gorgeous table setting if you're hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!



And the grand total? $31 for all of this holiday gloriousness.
I did purchase a couple other things that weren't photographed, but all in all, I didn't go over $50! The Dollar Tree is your friend! While I was in HomeGoods I also made a few other purchases (a Christmas themed mug that says "Dog Mom" because that's the kind of person I am) and some gift wrap.
The Dollar Tree also provided me with 6 rolls of wrapping paper, however I will say that HomeGoods has amazing prices on gift wrap and you generally get more square feet!  And the Dollar Spot at Target is home to many cute glitter mini-trees and festive signs.

Happy budget shopping!

In Susie's Kitchen: Crock Pot Creamy Enchilada Soup

I've made more enchilada soups than I can count. This blog might turn into an enchilada soup blog soon enough. But today I tried a crock pot version of creamy enchilada soup and it honestly was everything I've ever dreamed of and more in an enchilada soup. And I honestly have dreamed about it before. Plus it has to be one of the easiest and cheapest meals I've made in  a long while!

Without further ado, here's the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 frozen chicken breasts
• 1 can of corn (don't drain!)
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of Rotel
• 1 package of dry ranch dressing
• 8 oz. of cream cheese (or greek yogurt if you're healthier than me)
• 1 teaspoon of cumin (I always go overboard and add a little more!)
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder (I also added a few frozen onions)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Cilantro (optional)
• Tortilla chips (optional)
• Mexican-blend cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

• Put the frozen chicken breasts into the crock pot 
• Top the chicken with the Rotel, beans, corn, ranch dressing, and all of your spices
• Stir together
• Top with cream cheese
• Set the crock pot on low and cook for 6-8 hours (I cooked mine for 7)
• Stir occasionally to mix the cream cheese in
• Shred the chicken once it's finished
• Garnish with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and crumbled tortilla chips

One of the most painless meals I've ever had. And so good!

I will say that I always add a little extra to all of my spices and seasonings to give it a little more flavor. So if it calls for a teaspoon, I almost always add another 1/4 or 1/2 tsp!

Enjoy!

In Susie's Shoes 5th Anniversary!

My blog first started back in the days where Rumi Neely (fashiontoast) ruled the world and bloggers were few and far between. I was fifteen years old and I practically worshipped Rumi and thought what she was doing was the greatest thing since sliced bread (or, in her case, toast). I decided to create a blog of my own (outside of tumblr) and started posting all sorts of things- outfits posts, flat lays, outings and adventures with friends, makeup, Polyvore guides...you name it, I was attempting it.

All of a sudden, blogs started popping up everywhere. Companies would contact me left and right and I was thinking, "Holy crap. This is so. Cool."
I was constantly looking for new things to talk about and to wear, and it was great.

And then I started working every day until 10 pm. And I started college and I suddenly had to start working for my grades (who knew?). My blog posts were dwindling, but I couldn't bring myself to delete it. Just recently I realized what a huge outlet and blessing this blog had been for me and how many opportunities I have been given through it, so I started to get back into the habit of posting occasional outfits and recipes (while not letting it get too consuming).
And I thought to myself, I've been doing this a while. I wonder how long it's been?
Much to my surprise, Blogger tells me I started this old thing in June of 2010. Five years ago. 

 So I wanted to take this opportunity to post a few throwback outfits and to thank everyone who read my blog 5 years ago, everyone who just started reading it, and the all of the companies and organizations who have collaborated with me to make something great.
I am so very thankful for each and every page view, comment, and email I get from all of you!

Here's to another five years!

In Susie's Kitchen: Cheesy Enchilada Rice

I think it's time for me to be put on a Mexican food timeout. I think about chips and salsa all day and I have dreams about enchiladas. And margaritas. Always margaritas. So since I have been on such a Mexican food kick, I decided to start trying out my own (easy) Mexican dishes for dinner! This one was crazy easy and, not to toot my own horn, pretty darn good. I hate leftovers, and I ate all of these leftovers. All. Of. Them.

So like I said...dreams about enchiladas. Except I don't actually want to have to put forth the effort to make enchiladas right now so...an enchilada rice skillet that takes 25-30 min tops? My kind of enchiladas. 

Ingredients:

• 
  
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 lb chicken (I used frozen shredded chicken)
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 cup onion (I used frozen onion!)
• 1 can of sweet corn, drained
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup mild enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup green enchilada sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 packet of taco seasoning
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• small bunch of chopped fresh cilantro
• tortilla chips (optional)
• sour cream (optional)

Cooking instructions:

• In a medium pot, boil 1.5 cups of water, then then add rice and simmer on low for about 20 minutes (could be different depending on instructions on package).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet on med. high and add garlic, onion and chicken. Cook until chicken is browned (3-5 min).
• Stir in corn, black beans, rice, enchilada sauces, cumin, and taco seasoning. Let sit on med. low for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until heated through.
• Remove from heat and top with cheese, cilantro, crumbled tortilla chips (optional) and sour cream (optional).

Enjoy! 

Summer Chic with Madison Reed

I was just talking to some wonderful ladies over at Madison Reed, an at-home hair dye company, and we were discussing how we transition our style and beauty regimen into summer! So today's post is about what I change up to survive this inferno of a state (Texas) for the year's hottest months.
If you live in Texas, you'll know what I mean when I say that the heat is almost unbearable. Jeans and cute airy, lightweight sweaters no longer exist. We throw them out this time of year because we can't even look at something that would make us even hotter than we already are. We fight for the closest parking spot everywhere we go because we don't want to walk more than a few feet in the heat before going inside. Unless we are in a pool, the hours of 12pm-6pm are off-limits as far as being outdoors and we try our hardest to stay inside an air-conditioned building.

Such a drastic change in the weather also calls for a few other changes!

• I almost always live in a maxi skirt and crop top in the summer. It's an easy, lightweight combo that keeps me cool and doesn't show too much. 
• I generally lighten my hair a little bit, and being as frugal as I am, I always use an at-home kit.  The next color I'm going for this summer is Roma Blonde! I've been wanting something a little bit lighter and not quite as brassy. 
• If I'm not at work, I almost never wear makeup in the summer, and I leave my hair natural! I use summer months to give my hair and skin a little time off.
• I stop drinking hot coffee almost entirely (except for maybe a cup in the morning at home) and switch over to a vanilla iced coffee! 
• You can almost always find me in a sun-hat. Sometimes I'm just not feeling washing my hair and it's the perfect way to cover up my greasy hair and add an extra punch to what I'm wearing. 
• I always keep a spare bathing suit in the car. Something I have learned over the years is that it's never fun to be over at a friend's house and they are dying to swim and you don't have anything to wear. So I keep one in the car now, and it's saved me from having to drive home on several occasions.

What do you you guys do differently during the summer months? 

Check out Madison Reed's summer checklist below for ideas!

• Top- Thrifted for $1! (It's a little girl's tank that I turned into a crop top!)
• Skirt- Thrifted for $2.50!
• Shoes- Sam & Libby for Target
• Sunglasses- RayBan
• Necklace- Forever21

And thus, the black & white saga continues...

One day soon I'll make a post where I'm wearing color. I promise.

But today is not that day and there's nothing I can do about it at this point. 

Today was all about cheap basics with statement accessories.

1. Top- Forever21 ($8)
2. Pleather shorts- Forever21 ($6- resale)
3. Booties- Target ($12- resale)
4. Necklace- Sam Moon ($5)
5. Watch- Target ($20)
6. Triple Crystal Cuff- Jazzy Jems (the boutique I work at)
7. Rayban aviators in black & gold- ($30- resale)
8. Loren Hope "Sarra Cuff"- From my new RocksBox set! I get designer jewelry every month and you can get a month free with my code insusiesshoexoxo
9. The clutch was gifted and has no brand,  sorry!

Almost all the essentials of this outfit were basics and under $20, and I just added some fun accessories to make it pop! I wore it to work and after I got off I switched my bucket bag for this cute clutch and made it the perfect outfit for dinner with friends! 

Leopard & Checkered

It's been a long time since I've had an outfit post, and I'll tell you this: I'm just as awkward at "posing" as ever.
"What should I do with my hands?" "Do my arms look awkward?" "How fat do my thighs look from this angle?" "Okay stop let me look at these really quickly to see what I should stop doing."
And then there's the terrible moment when you look at all the images on the camera and you thought you were smiling in all of them but you actually look like you're trying to snatch someone's soul. Yeah. Does this ever get easier? Stay tuned.

But regardless of how awkward I am, I have been super into black and white checkered prints lately. I got this Forever21 top at a thrift store recently, as well as a similar print on a pair of shorts from Forever21 (also thrifted) which I can't wait to wear. I'm a black-and-white-clothing-only girl through and through, so when I can find a print that I like, I wear it to pieces. It's like wearing a flannel in the summer. And I love it.

• Top- Forever21 (thrifted)
• Leather shorts- Thrifted (real leather, high-waisted...only $3. Such a happy thrift moment)
• Necklace- Jazzy Jems 
• Leopard Clutch- Jazzy Jems
• Shoes- Trouve
• Cuff Bracelet- Forever21
• Moonsong Bracelet- Rocksbox (sign up with my code and get 1 month FREE- insusiesshoesxoxo)
• Sunglasses- RayBan
• Earrings- Sam Moon (these are clip-ons because my ears are not pierced!)

Bucket bag: Splurge v. Steal

Pictured above is my own "steal" bucket bag, from Old Navy! (Sadly no longer available)

Being the unorganized person that I am, bucket bags are my favorite go-to bag because I can throw everything I need in and head out (it all gets lost eventually, right?). The draw-string ties are also a bonus because they stay shut, but are easy to pull open- you know, when your phone's ringing and you're expecting a call and you simply do not have time unzip three zippers and punch in a 10-digit code to get into your bag. 

These don't weigh you down and they're easy to transition from fall into a summer beach bag, so you can keep it on your shoulder year-round.

Everywhere I look, someone has a cute Tory Burch or Rebecca Minkoff bucket bag, and as much as I'd like to splurge on one, I think I should pay my rent this month.

And that brings me to my "steal" bucket bags. If you're in the same boat as me, here are a few options for you that are all under $40!

• Top left (Liz Claiborne)
• Top right (Neiman Marcus)
• Bottom Left (H&M)
• Bottom Right (Liz Claiborne)

Edit: After this post was originally created, the two Liz Claiborne bags went off sale from $39 back to their orig. price of $65.

In Susie's Kitchen: Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

I'll admit, I've been cooking up a storm the past few weeks and have been seriously slacking on posting recipes of the deliciousness that has ensued. I want to use the whole "I'm studying for finals! It's the end of the semester- give me a break!" excuse, but we all know I'm not the type to lock myself in my room or a library and study for hours. 
So here I am, with a long overdue recipe that I loved, and the best part? It cost me under $20 for all of the ingredients (I used store-brand for everything except the Rotel) and only took 30 minutes to make!

Ingredients:

• 2 small corn tortillas cut into strips (I used a pizza slicer! So fast & easy)
• 4 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb of chicken breasts, diced or shredded (I used pre-cooked & diced)
• 1/3 cup white or yellow onion
• 3/4 cup enchilada sauce 
• 8 oz. original cream cheese

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 1 can corn (drained)
• 1 can of Rotel diced tomatoes (with green chiles- optional)
• 1/2 cup fiesta blend cheese
• *optional* Cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Over medium heat, add 1tsp  vegetable oil in a large pot. Add your tortilla strips and fry until they are crispy and slightly browned. Remove them and set them aside.
2. Add the last 3 tsp of vegetable oil to the pot and turn heat to medium high. Toss in your chicken and onions and brown them. (Cook your chicken for about 7-9 min if you did not use pre-cooked, and add your onions after about 5 min).
3. Mix together your cream cheese, cumin, and enchilada sauce in a separate bowl. 
4. Pour in the chicken broth over the chicken and then add your cream cheese mixture. Stir in well, and then add the beans, corn, and Rotel. Let it simmer on medium-low for 5 minutes, and then cover for 10 minutes (stirring occasionally).
5. Serve immediately with cheese, tortilla strips, and cilantro.

Enjoy!

Let me know if you try it & how you like it!

GPPO Blogger Event

Photo via http://cocktailsandconverse.com

Photo via http://katyroark.wix.com/kadydyd

Blogging is a cool thing. When I first started my blog back in 2011, I just wanted an outlet to practice what I wanted to do for a career: write about fashion. I had no idea that it would lead me to such cool opportunities and exciting adventures. 

Among some of those cool things is having the opportunity to get to meet up with other bloggers who share the same interests as you. Last week I got to do this at the Grand Prairie Premium Outlets with a couple of other really sweet bloggers and some amazing hosts.

We started off the evening mingling over champagne and dainty little snacks at Saks off Fifth Avenue, which was followed by a presentation of an array of trends for spring and then we were sent off to shop. Champagne and shopping? Sign me up, count me in, and don't ever let me leave.

Next we headed to bare minerals and they made me pretty. I will, without a doubt, be back for all the products my bank account will let me walk away with. If you are like me (pale with dry skin and ugly blemishes-so basically hopeless) they can help you. I was truly amazed.

After that we all made our rounds through Kate Spade, J. Crew, and Bloomingdales- everything was beautiful and nothing hurt. Except my wallet. And my feet. 

I left with arms full of goodies, tons of spring outfit ideas, new friends, and sore feet. All the ingredients of a good night!

Huge thank you to Saks off 5th for hosting us and all of our wonderful store tour guides! 

Top- Forever21

Skirt- Sugarlips

Chunky Necklace- Jazzy Jems (Order items straight from Instagram- @jazzyjems)

Dainty Necklace- Kendra Scott

Shoes- Uptown Cheapskate Arlington (Only $12!)