Chicken with Lemon & Thyme Sauce

We all need those delicious, easy, fail proof recipes in our arsenal, am I right??!!  This is one of those recipes.  It's a newer one of us but it's just so, SO good that I know it'll be one for the ages.  I dream of  my girls growing up with the desire to use recipes from home that bring back good memories for them in the kitchen, whether it be helping me cook dinner, sitting at the table working on homework with their daddy... just simple things that bring up warm memories.
There is something about cooking up a chicken dinner.  It's comforting.  I'm not sure if it's the way it makes the house smell amazing or how it seems to just warm up a kitchen, but I just find solace in a good meal cooking up in my kitchen.  Plus, isn't this beautiful?

This meal is versatile in the fact that you can serve it up with a few different things, depending upon the season.  In the spring/summer, some sautéed spinach or grilled potatoes would be great with it.  In these fall months, I like to go a little heavier with some linguini.  In the winter months, I think throwing some dried cranberries in the sauce would be a great addition, not only for flavor but for a pretty pop of color as well.  Use your imagination because this can work in so many different ways!


Without further ado...

Chicken with Lemon & Thyme Sauce

* 3-4 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on

*salt & pepper

*2 Tbls olive oil

*1.5 cups chicken broth

*zest and juice from one lemon (about 2 tbls juice)

*1/4 cup onion, chopped

*one clove garlic, minced

*2 teas fresh thyme leaves or 1 teas dried thyme

*3 Tbls heavy cream

*2 Tbls butter, room temp

*Lemon slices and fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Preheat oven to 375F.  Season thighs with salt and pepper.  In a hot, oven-safe skillet (I use cast iron) over med-high heat, add olive oil and then add the chicken, skin side down first. Cook for about 6 minutes or so or until skin is nice and brown and then turn.  Cook for another 5 minutes.  Remove chicken from skillet to a plate and cover with foil.  The chicken doesn't need to be cooked all the way through yet since it will be finished in the oven.

Add onion and garlic to the skillet.  Then add broth, lemon juice, zest and thyme.  Stir gently to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.  Bring to a boil and allow to boil gently, uncovered for a bit until the liquid is reduced by half.  Probably around 5 minutes or so. Reduce heat to low and add cream and butter.  Stir until butter has melted.  Remove skillet from heat, add back the chicken thighs (skin up) along with some lemon slices. Place in preheated oven and bake just until the chicken is cooked through... about 8 minutes.  You don't want to overcook!

Spoon some sauce over the chicken and serve up with your fav pasta, potato, veggie, etc.

AMAZING!  Enjoy!


*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways. 



My Favorite Fall Looks

If you're like me, you probably walk into your closet and stare.... what to wear today???  I think that's part of the fun with the change of seasons.  Things seem so fresh and new.  I've been working on adding fun, fall pieces to my wardrobe for the past month or so now.  I got some "staple" wardrobe pieces from some of my fav shops and I'd love to share them with you!  These aren't special occasion looks or anything.  Just pretty, functional, comfortable, everyday outfits. 
That's not to say I don't have the "what to wear" struggle on the daily.  It's as real as the "what's for dinner" dilemma.  But I'm a planner, and that can definitely be an asset.  Unlike dinner, which I generally plan out for the week ahead, my outfit inspo is more sporadic and depends a lot on what the ever changing MN weather has in store for the day, how my mood is and what I'm up to for the day.  These outfits are pretty well perfection for your average day because they are so comfortable and low-maintenance. 




First up?  You guys, I can't say enough about this amazing flannel. 

Flannel: Angry Minnow Vintage, Tank: Target, Jeans: Francesca's, LOVE Necklace: Wild Ruffle,

Boots: So old I can't even remember

It so unique, super versatile, super cool, soft AND supports small business, which I love.  This flannel is by Angry Minnow Vintage, available at the Crowned Crow in Rosemount, MN.  Ron & Christine Carter, the design masterminds behind these gorgeous products, are a husband and wife team.  Between the two of them, they make so many beautiful, unique products including (but not limited to) leather handbags, crossbody bags, keychains, flannels, leather cuffs... all amazing, all one of a kind, all handmade with vintage materials.  It's truly the good stuff.
My flannel is a fall staple.  What's even better?  They make 'em for the little ones as well!  Check out the much cuter, mini version of me in her Angry Minnow flannel. 

Flannel: Angry Minnow Vintage, Shorts & Tank: Target, Shoes: Marshalls

No joke, she wears it at least a few times a week.  It goes to school with her many days as an extra layer of warmth.  She styles in with jeans, leggings, boots, sneakers... you name it, this girl can pull it off!






This past weekend my handsome husband and I went out to celebrate our wedding anniversary at The Port in the historic St. James Hotel.  I love that place for numerous reasons.  The atmosphere and food are amazing, the bartender, Lori, is the best AND it's totally low key.  You can choose to dress up for the night or dress down, but either way, you will feel like you "fit in."  My husband is a super low key, casual kind of guy so I decided to dress in some cute jeans and one of my favorite new sweaters.  It's a recent purchase from Francesca's.  If you've never been there, you must.  They have such pretty, stylish clothes as well as offer an array of gifts.  It's got a small town boutique feel but, but located in a mall.  I went to the Francesca's at Twin Cities Premium Outlets.  I walked in, saw this sweater on the front table and let me tell you, it was love at first sight.

Sweater & Jeans: Francesca's, Booties: Charlotte Russe

So pretty, right??  These skinnies are from Francesca's as well and I don't think I've taken them off since I brought them home.






Another sweater weather win is this cutie from Primp Boutique in Excelsior.  The family and I took a few hours one afternoon on a gorgeous day to stroll around the Minnetonka/Excelsior area.  We had lunch at Lord Fletcher's, dessert at Maynard's and then My Sweet Girl and I hit the shops!  I love the hemline of this sweater and the zipper detail on the sides.  Super cute!

Sweater: Primp Boutique, Jeans; Francesca's

Boots: So old I can't even remember

Speaking of super cute... blazers, you guys.  They are just so easy!  What a great way to add an extra layer to the typical jeans and tee. This one is from my fav Prior Lake Boutique, Wild Ruffle. 

Blazer: Wild Ruffle, Jeans: Francesca's, Tee: Target, Booties, Charlotte Russe

If you are from the Twin Cities area, you have probably caught Cate & Tammy, owners of Wild Ruffle, on Fox 9 Morning Buzz talking fashion.  These girls not only know their stuff, but they are super sweet as well.  If you are from the Twin Cities area, I urge you to check out the Wild Ruffle.  If you aren't from the area, you're in luck! They are online and are super easy to shop. (link above)  They also have recently added kid's clothes to their array of cuteness, so you know where to find me come Christmas time.  I can't wait to put some fun, unique kids clothes under the tree for my fashion loving littles!






If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that our family took a little camping trip in August.  We went to Lansboro... a cozy, lovely, scenic little town that boasts river views, bike trails and beautiful bluffs as far as the eye can see.  Our trip was... interesting.  We had a great time swimming, exploring bike trails, tubing and campfires.  But my youngest ended up with the stomach flu, which ended up resulting in some pretty puke filled memories.  YIKES!  Before all that craziness took place, we had so much fun shopping the unique little shops in Lanesboro.  One in particular, Beautiful Something, was were I found this lightweight, soft, camo shirt.  It's so cute, comfortable, on trend with the camo print that is big this fall AND pairs fabulously with my ripped knee black denim skinnies from Francesca's.

Shirt: Beautiful Something, Jeans: Francesca's, Booties, Charlotte Russe, MN Necklace: Primp Boutique

Last, and certainly not least, I just couldn't do an outfit post without including something from MY FAV, Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  They are filled to the brim with amazing fall fashion must haves, including this stunning sweater.  It's super soft and brings the cold shoulder trend from summer into the fall.  It's just simply beautiful.   

Sweater & Jeans: Mainstream Boutique in Savage

I paired it with some Dear John denim, which is a plenty right now!  If you are looking for the perfect jeans, you need to stop in to Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  Or check them out on Facebook!  Their daily #ootd posts are second to none and you are bound to find something you adore. Seriously.  Happens to me every single time. Loooooove.






*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.

Purple Reign for Rett Syndrome

October is wonderful for so many reasons, but it's also an important month for many families out there for a NOT so wonderful reason.  That reason being Rett Syndrome.  October is Rett Syndrome awareness month.  Never heard of Rett Syndrome?  Here are a few facts..


*While Rett Syndrome is rare (fewer than 1,000 cases per year) it is heartbreaking.
*Rett Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects girls almost exclusively.
*There is currently no cure for Rett Syndrome.
*Most cases are spontaneous, which means the mutation of the MECP2 gene occurs randomly.
*Rett Syndrom robs its victims of purposeful hand skills, social interation and communication, causes scoliosis, seizures and sleep irregularities. It can cause these beautiful girls their ability to walk, chew, and basically makes them a prisoner in their own body.


These beautiful, once completely healthy girls are thinking clearly but have no way to tell you what they need or want. Their minds are working.  They have the same feelings, emotions and go through the same stages of adolescence as any other child.  Imagine that?  It's a heartbreaking, helpless feeling, right? 
These girls are amazing!  What they endure with a smile on their sweet faces is inspiring, to say the least.  Don't know a girl with Rett Syndrome?  Let me introduce you to this sweetheart...


Meet Maddie.

Isn't she beautiful?  Maddie was dignosed with Rett Syndrome in 2008 when she was only 3 years old.  Maddie is currently 12 years old.  Rett Syndrome has taken many, many things from Maddie, including her ability to walk & talk.  She has developed scoliosis and suffers from seizures.
However, it has NOT taken her beautiful, ever present smile.  She has a deep love for her family. (and Curious George) Maddie finds comfort in music and being surrounded by those she loves.  She has an amazing mother, Angie.  Angie has been one of my closest friends since we were three years old.  (SERIOUSLY!  We grew up like sisters!) We met and became instant BFFs.  There is no mountain she wouldn't climb for Maddie and is ever active in raising Rett Syndrome awareness, along with her mother, Kim (Maddie's Grandma) and Maddie's brothers, Devin and Aiden.


For more information on Rett Syndrome, please go to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation website. Here, you can learn more about Rett Syndrome andis a great place to donate time or dollars, should you wish.
If you are in the Twin Cities area, please check out the upcoming 10th annual Strollathon for Rett Syndrome, being held on Sunday, Oct 9th from 1:30-4:30PM in Savage, MN at McColl Pond Environmental Learning Center.  For more info, please click here.


Now that you know October is Rett Syndrome awareness month, let's bring on the awareness!  The color purple represents Rett angels and I've put together some links and photos of my fav purple products that you can adorn to show your support.  Every conversation, donation... everything helps bring awareness and brings the Rett community closer to a cure!


If you know me personally, I've probably mentioned this before.  In fact, it's made my fav things list via FB live more than once!  It's my VERY favorite Essie nail polish color EVER.  It's called Merino Cool and it's perfection for most every season.  Find it anywhere Essie polish is sold.  I get mine at Target because I'm pretty much there all the freaking time!  (*insert eye roll*)

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How super cute are these rain boots? 

They are Kamik Olivia Rain Boots in the color Berry and you can order them from Famous Footwear by clicking here. They're originally $49.99 but are currently on sale!  YAY!  You know I love a good sale!  How cute will you be splashing around in these adorable boots?!?! 

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Sooooo, if you are old school like me (and still in school) and enjoy an actual calendar/planner versus the calendar on your smart phone, you will love this Vera Bradley agenda.  How cute is this purple pattern??  Plus it's small enough to throw in your handbag and carry with you.  (A phone is too, but whatever.  Don't get me started.  Old school, all the way!)  Get your own here.

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A good handbag is important.  I own this exact one in the color luggage and I absolutely love it.  Perfect size, wears well and goes everywhere with me.   When I saw Michael Kors offered up this bag in Plum, I just knew it had to be added to my purple favs!  Get it here.

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If you already have a handbag that you adore, jazz it up a bit with a pop of color!  You guys, this is a thing now and I personally couldn't be happier.  I freaking love them!  I have one for my own bag. Click here to get one! 

 

They just hang from your bag, like so...

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Last but not least is this amazingly adorable Love Your Melon beanie. 

Plus, it's got a pom which you know I love.  PLUS Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to giving a hat to every child battling cancer in America as well as supporting non-profit organizations who lead the fight against pediatric cancer.  So not only are so supporting Maddie and other Rett girls by wearing purple to bring awareness to Rett Syndrome, but you also have a hand in helping donate a hat to a child battling cancer.  Be part of something amazing by purchasing your hat here.

Friends, thank you so much for your time in reading this and I hope that you will join us in bringing awareness to Rett Syndome.  Each person who knows about Rett Syndrome and is willing to make another aware and, if able, to make a donation of time or money, brings these amazing girls and their families one step closer to a cure.

*you can follow me on IG @HauteDishHousewife , on FB Haute Dish Housewife , on Pinterest @HauteDishHousewife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.