My Favorite Kitchen Essentials

So far 2016 has been the year of me returning to the kitchen. We've been trying to curb eating out during the work week so it's back to meal planning. After years of being able to cook basic pasta dishes and microwaves meals exclusively, it's nice feeling confident in the kitchen!

One of the main reasons I do feel so confident in the kitchen is because I'm equipped with the right products! Here are just a few of my favorites that I use all the time.

Cravings by Chrissy Teigen: Amazon / Salt Grinder: Amazon / Taco Plates: Eggshells Kitchen Co. / Garlic Zoom: Eggshells Kitchen Co. / Lodge 6.5" Cast Iron Skillet: Eggshells Kitchen Co.  / Zak! Confetti Mixing Bowls: Zak! / RSVP Culinary Torch: Eggshells Kitchen Co.

In the interest of full disclosure, I do own those mini skillets but have not put them to use yet. But if they are anything like my regular cast iron skillet, I know they will be perfect. I have lots of breakfast scrambles planned for our immediate future!

What are you can't live without kitchen products?

Valentine's Gift Guide for Her

I can't help but love Valentine's Day - maybe it's all the heart shaped items? Love is in the air? Who knows, but I dig it. We usually celebrate ours on a different day than the 14th but it's still fun having a dedicated day to spoil eachother.

And that's what I like about Valentine's Day - I like gifting EH something that spoils him that he wouldn't normally buy for himself. And same for me!

So here are a few items if you need some inspiration for yourself. A gift guide for the Mister in your life coming soon!

Druzy Earrings: Kendra Scott / Acrylic Photo Block: tinyprints / Perfume: Tory Burch /

Lock Pendant: The Giving Keys via Nordstrom / Oval Signet Ring: Bauble Bar / 

Custom Stuffed Plush Dog: ShelterPups.com / Naked Smoky Palette: Sephora

I love all of these items but my favorite is that sweet custom plush dog. Not only is it a sweet reminder of your own furbaby, but they donate money back to your local shelter to help shelter animals in need. I can't think of a greater gift than that!

Hope you enjoy the rest of the week - I swear it's been the longest week ever!!

OAR at Goldstrike, Brunch in Memphis

One of my favorite memories from college is going to see O.A.R. in concert. Something about that music just takes me back. So when we heard they were playing at the Goldstrike Casino in Tunica, we knew we had to go!

It was everything we remembered from college! 

EH broke out even at the casino, and I came out with at least some of my spending money left unused. That seems like a victory to me!

The next day we all benefited from brunch in Memphis. A quick google search gave us Bar Dog in the heart of downtown. 

Their bloody mary was delicious - just spicy enough for that post night-out headache.

I ordered breakfast sliders with potato hash.

Super cheesy, perfectly cooked fried eggs and bacon. I want to try and recreate these at home, so good!

EH went for a ham and cheese omelette. 

Our friend S ordered a little bit of everything - pancakes, eggs, bacon, breakfast slider! Who can blame the guy.

A few hours we were home! Tunica treated us well and was a great 24 hour trip. Have you ever been? What casino game is your favorite? Penny slots for life over here!