one pot lasagna soup

A few people were interested in a lasagna soup recipe I have been making lately (twice in a month!) so I wanted to share! It couldn't be simpler and is a one pot meal. Anything I can just throw in my dutch oven is perfect for me. 

Lasagna Soup

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided

1 lb lean ground beef

1 large yellow onion, diced (2 cups)

3 - 5 garlic cloves, to taste, minced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes

1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes

2 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste

1 3/4 tsp dried basil

3/4 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed

1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp granulated sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite size pieces (6.5 oz)

1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (5 oz)

1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (2 oz)

8 oz ricotta cheese

Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, crumble beef into pot, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally until browned. Drain majority of fat from beef and set aside (you can drain it all if you want it to be healthier I just like the little bit of flavor a small amount of the fat gives). 

Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in pot, add chopped yellow onion and saute until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add in garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Add in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, rosemary, fennel seeds, thyme, sugar, parsley, the cooked ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare lasagna noodles according to directions listed on package, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining pasta. Add cooked pasta to soup along with 1/2 cup - 1 cup pasta water as desired. In a mixing bowl, using a fork, stir together mozzarella, Parmesan and ricotta.

I will say, one time I made this I didn't have ricotta on hand and skipped the cheese mixture and just doused with mozzarella instead on top. The second time I did the cheese mixture and I actually preferred the mozzarella only way. But, that's just me!

Enjoy!

-K

new year : new you : sales edition

Happy New Year, friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and hopefully some time off! I can't believe it is 2015! I am the same way every year, and once the holidays are over and the decorations are put up, I am ready for Spring!

Lucky for any of you that are like me and cannot wait for warmer weather, there are some sales right now that have great transitional pieces you can wear now with a cardigan and later once the weather warms up.

Right now, J Crew is offering extra 40% off already reduced sale styles. This is the perfect time to stock up on basics! Here are some pieces I picked up this morning!

1. Leather  Trim Tee  would pair perfectly with white jeans!

2. RayBan ClubMaster - okay they weren't part of the sale but I love them for Spring/Summer!

3. I loved this tassle trim top when it wasn't on sale, and now that its on sale its a no brainer!

4. Love this chiffon back tank to wear now and into the summer!

5. Their linen v neck tees are a favorite of mine!

Happy Shopping!

-K

Cheers to a NEW YEAR!

Happy New Years Eve, friends! I hope your evening is filled with fun, laughter and of course great bubbly ;-) 

Here's to 2014!

-k

stocking stuffers: mens edition

If you're anything like me, the stocking is one of your favorite parts about Christmas morning. They were always so big in my family and is such a fun tradition to carry on with my husband. Sometimes, though, stocking stuffers for men can be so tough! Here are my picks that are sure to please! Well, at least hopefully Austin ;-)

1. These collegiate hats from Smathers & Branson are a great option for any college football lover. I love the needlepoint detail. 

2. This phone case from Pottery Barn is unfortunately now unavailable, but they do have some other great options!

3. What guy doesnt love more pocket squares? These from  Brooks Brothers  come in various colors and patterns that will be great for Spring!

4. Because what guy doesnt love pampering? J. Crew never fails and I'm a sucker for good packaging.

5. Austin's a big LL Bean boots guy. These are perfect for the guy who likes to be outdoors and keep warm!

6. I am such a sucker for this scent. You know how scents take you back to a certain place in time? This cologne reminds me of when we first started dating and is truly one of the best scents I have ever smelled on a man, plus its Chanel ;-) 

7. We are taking a trip to Florida after Christmas and what guy doesn't like a good set of shaving essentials? I bought the monogrammed razor from Harry's last Valentines Day and its still a favorite of his!

Also, most of these items above you can get cash back through Ebates! Don't forget! Use this link to sign up if you haven't already. You wont regret it ;-) 

3 days, people! 

xo,

-K

{before & after}

It has been a busy week in our little bungalow! I  wanted to share a couple of projects with you guys that we wrapped up this week and I couldn't be more excited about them! 

First, Santa brought us plantation shutters! I am so thrilled! I knew I wanted them the second we bought this little house and now they are finally in. I previously had a canvas drape that I liked, but I am really working on sprucing our space to be bright and airy and fresh. I love the way they turned out. 

Next up, we demoed our entry way. You can sort of see it from the picture above, but I really wanted to dress up the space. It was "ok" when we moved in, but didn't really have that entry way feel about it.

Here is the only picture I can find of the before:

The chandelier and mirror are from Ballard Designs and the frame is from Pottery Barn. The frame came with a much more ivory mat than was shown in the picture, so I ordered a bright white mat to match with the white accents better.

Here is during. Kudos to you that have done full house reno's, I think I was sweeping every chance I got to keep dust to a minimum. Ok, maybe I'm a neat freak.

And finally, here is the after. It is amazing what 24 hours can do! All new trim and added crown molding at the ceiling. I love the way it turned out. 

My next debate is wallpaper. I fell in love with a sample of Thibaut Grasscloth, but I've heard it can really be a pain to dust. Have any of you dealt with that?

Happy Saturday!

-K

{tis the season}

How is everyone coming on their holiday shopping? I started early this year, for whatever reason I panic thinking I just won't have enough time. I can thankfully say there are about 3 people left on my list and then I am DONE! The hardest part for me is when people ask for MY wishlist! This has been such a blessed year with our new home, new jobs and everything in between and I truly feel that I have all I could ever wish for. So much to be thankful for this year. However, if there were a few things I would wish for under the tree this year, it would probably be these :) 

I live in my Plum Pretty Sugar robe and I love this new print of PJ's! 

I first got this as a sample with my Sephora order. Immediately fell in love. Its light and fresh but warm and perfect for winter if that makes sense at all ;-) Great perfume!

These Stuart Weitzman babies are worth every last penny. They are a bit steep in price, but everyone I know that has a pair says you will truly have them forever! Worth it in my book!

How gorgeous is this candle?! I am such a sucker for little luxuries and this one entirely fits the bill. Plus, the scent is incredible.

Whats on your wishlist?

-K

Sephora VIB Sale

I do live! Shocking, I know. As I'm sure you are aware, there are only a few hours left in the Sephora 20% off sale. I use this sale to stock up on my essentials at a super price. Be sure and sign up to be a VIB and use code GIFTVIB to receive your discount. 

I first received this serum as a sample  as a VIB Rouge member. I used it for a week and knew I had to get the full size. It evens, balances and tones unlike any other product I have used (and lets be honest, that is saying a lot) Its marked down to $52 with the sale and I picked up the cleanser as well! 

I was one to never really spend much on mascara, mascara is mascara right? Wrong. So long, Maybelline Great Lash I found a new best friend. This stuff is awesome, and with the discount is really reasonable! I am officially a convert!

I also received this product as a deluxe sample and fell in love (they get me everytime) This is such a great starter before you put on your makeup. It is silky smooth and gives you a really even baseline before you apply your foundation or concealer. Highly recommended!

I also picked up this mask after reading awesome reviews about it on various blogs and websites. Its so refreshing and I think masks are such an important part of your weekly routine in-between facials. I have only tried this once so far, but so far I think it is a great add to the cabinet! 

I also stocked up on many shades of Moxie glosses from Bare Minerals (an all time favorite) and a few other staples. But hurry, this sale is only on for a few more hours!

Happy Monday,

-K