broken budget & collapsed closet

I believe there is a cause and effect to everything. In this case, the cause was May's broken clothing budget and the effect was the total collapse of my closet. The month of May was a rough one with sales left and right, the sun teasing me with the desire for new Spring clothes and a string of "required shopping" for birthdays and mother's day. Ultimately it took a toll on my weak willpower- and I cracked. Once I fell off track, it was a downhill road to the collapse of my closet.

Here is a glimpse of what broken budget looks like:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Francesca
2. Forever 21 Tank
3. Banana Republic Long Sleeve Ruffled Collard Shirt
4. Forever 21 Lace Racer Back Tank & Lily White Printed Top
5. Banana Republic Army Green Knee Length Skirt & Forever 21 Pleated Mini
6. Mimi Chica Ruffle Bottom Dress & Mimi Chica Exposed Zipper Romper

a little motivation

I signed up for my first half marathon this year (June 25, 2011 to be exact) and I must admit the training has been a process. Mustering up the motivation to go for a long run when the weather is telling you to stay indoors has been the most difficult for me. So in an effort to keep things sunny and energetic, I've added a few things to my life & wardrobe that give me that extra boost and get me on the running path.

1. Beats by Dre
2. Nike Running Pants & Capris
3. Nike Dry Fit Running Tees
4. Nike Lunar Glide Running Shoes
5. Various Nike Tanks & Long Sleeves
6. Nixon Yellow Watch

tomato chicken chow mein

This dish may not sound very Chinese, but growing up my Mom made it rather regularly as it was one of my favorites. There are several variations you can make, subbing out the chicken for beef or even swapping potatoes in place of the noodles & serve over rice. I know potatoes, tomatoes, beef and rice, may sound like an odd combination, but trust me it's delicious :) Either way you make it, it's a crowd favorite.
 

Tomato Chicken Chow Mein

2 chicken breasts, cut into bit sized pieces

1 scallion, thinly sliced on a bias (for garnish)

Half a medium sized onion, cut into bit sized pieces

4 roma tomatoes, sliced into large chunks

1 lb chow mein noodles, rinsed

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 slice of fresh ginger

Chicken Marinade:

1 tea curry powder

1 tea garlic powder

1 TB corn starch

1 TB oyster sauce

1 tea sesame oil

1 tea pepper

Sauce:

1 TB oyster sauce

1 TB tomato paste

¼ c ketchup

1 c chicken stock mixed

1 TB corn starch

1 TB soy sauce

1 TB ground pepper

1 tea salt

1 tea sesame oil

1. Marinate chicken while you prep other ingredients
2. Place wok on medium high heat. When hot, add the oil
3. Rinse the chow mein noodles then fry in two batches, approximately 3-4 mins per aside until golden/lightly toasted. Remove from heat and place in serving dish.
4. Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok then add onions, garlic and ginger. Stir fry for about one min.
5. Add chicken, push around wok to form approximately one layer. Leave it alone for 3 mins until chicken is well browned. Then, give it a stir, and continue to cook for another 3 mins until chicken is almost cooked through.
6. Mix corn starch and chicken stock together and add to the wok.
7. Add ketchup and tomato paste, oyster sauce, soy sauce and sesame oil and stir.
8. Bring to a light simmer, and then add tomatoes.
9. Add salt and pepper then season to your liking. 
10. Pour mixture over crisp noodles and garnish with green onions.