Look Good, Feel Good

I really do believe that there is truth to the saying, "Look good, feel good." 
We all have those days.  Days that we wake up feeling unmotivated, maybe feeling a bit down & out.  Maybe a situation with a family member or friend has you left you feeling a bit lost.  Or maybe just tired!  Whatever the reason, those days leave me feeling blah.  I sometimes will give myself a day (or two if things are really tough!) where little effort is put into getting myself ready. (Think yoga pants, messy bun or pony and zero makeup.)  But I find that I can't give in to that feeling more than once or twice a week otherwise I start to feel somewhat lazy and depressed. 
While some days take a bit more effort than others, there is something to be said about getting up and just pulling yourself together.  Give yourself a few more minutes to do something cute with your hair, give that new lipstick a try or take a minute to go through your shoe collection and find a pair you've been leaving behind for awhile. 
Getting dressed up in something that looks cute just makes me feel good.  Going out to run that extra errand doesn't seem like such a chore.  I take more time to visit with people because I feel more comfortable with them seeing me.  I don't feel less than adequate when making an unexpected first impression.  I also find that if I get out of bed and take the time to get ready I'm even more productive IN the house.  I cook more and bake more.  I grab the vacuum and get going.  The lazier I allow myself to be and look, the lazier I feel.  Do you feel the same?
Even the colors I choose to wear can brighten my day, which is why I'm so thankful that Spring is around the corner.  Every Tuesday when I walk into Mainstream Boutique in Savage, I'm greeted with sweet, friendly faces AND pops of color everywhere!  It's an instant mood lifter!  I had mentioned in my last blog post that different shades of orange, (think coral and tangerine) floral and lace are really hot this spring, and these outfits from Mainstream Boutique in Savage definitely follow suite.
So check out my picks this week and if you see something you love, treat yourself and spend the day feeling fancy free in your new ensemble!


This asymmetrical dress is such a gorgeous color.  It just screams happy! I paired this with a scarf and a pretty emerald green necklace.  This outfit is effortless and totally cute!

Dress: $54, Scarf: $24, Necklace: $48

Next is this sleeveless plaid dress with lovely lace detail on the bottom.  I belted it to give me a bit more shape and wore nude flats to finish off the look. (Nude shoes, especially heels, make legs appear even longer than they are.  Which is always a good thing!)

Dress: $64, Tank $36, Belt: $18

This low cut maxi dress is flattering and is a great opportunity to show off that gorgeous necklace.  The cardigan is a perfect addiction to the outfit and comes in other colors as well as shown below.

Dress: $70, Cardigan: $58, Bracelet: $36, Necklace: $48

Floral makes me happy!  This dress is so light, soft and I love the little tassel detail. Again, I chose to belt the dress but this would look great without as well.  This would make a gorgeous cover up to throw over a swim suit (think vacation!) and head to lunch.  With or without the cardigan, this outfit is pretty, pretty, pretty!

Dress: $62, Cardigan: $58, Belt: $18

If your itching to wear floral right now while the weather is still chilly, here is your answer.  This top is soft and the sleeve detail is perfection.  These jeans are new in the store and they're not only comfortable, they are cute.  The frayed hem is totally in right now so be sure to grab yourself a pair!! 

Jeans: $64, Shirt: $39, Necklace: $36

I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved putting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Soup

The last few years, my husband and I pack up the kids and head to Florida for a few weeks.  It's absolutely wonderful having those two weeks free of house chores and to just focus on my husband and our girls.  We soak up the warm sunshine, bike miles and miles, shop til we drop and swim, swim, swim.  We try to make the most of our time before we head back to the cold winters we have at home.

One of my favorite things to do on vacation is to eat.  Duh!  I love trying out all the different restaurants on Sanibel Island.  Doc Ford's is a very popular tourist-y restaurant on Sanibel and while we were dining there one night I decided to give their soup of the day a try.  It was chicken and mushroom soup and it was absolutely to die for.  My oldest daughter decided to give it a try as well and we were both scraping the bottom of the bowl trying to get in every single last bite.  I looked at her and promised her that I'd do my very best to recreate that amazing soup when we got home.  Sure enough, as soon as the bags were unpacked I was scouring the grocery store for ingredients that I thought would be perfect to clone Doc Ford's chicken and mushroom soup. 
While my Sweet Girl was at school my Little One and I went to work chopping, mixing and taste testing.  I was super happy with what we came up with and just had to share with you, dear reader!
I've also added a few tips on how to stretch this soups leftovers (if you have any) and make it into a delicious casserole. Since it's a cream based soup, freezing wouldn't be the best option for leftovers.


Without further ado...

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Soup

*2 Tbls butter

*one tsp extra virgin olive oil

*one onion, diced

*2 chicken breasts, cooked and diced or shredded

*one package of sliced baby portabella mushrooms (I chopped the bigger ones into smaller bites)

*1/2 tsp dried thyme

*3 cloves of garlic, minced

*1/2 teas Lawry's garlic salt

*one celery stalk, diced

*1/3 cup flour

*4 cups chicken broth

*3/4 cups half & half

*salt and pepper, to taste

In a large soup pot melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.  Add onions and celery until both have softened and onions are opaque.  Add garlic and mushroom and cook until mushrooms start to soften.  Add chicken and stir up a bit.  Then stir in garlic salt, thyme and flour.  Cook about one minute or so until the flour is absorbed.  Slowly stir or whisk in the chicken broth a bit at a time to prevent lumps.  Reduce the heat to medium low.  Cook for about 20 minutes or so until soup has thickened.  Stir in the half and half and then remove from heat.  Salt and pepper to taste, although depending on how salty your broth is, you may not need to add any salt at all.

Serve with a crusty bread.  Delicious!

To stretch this meal you can add a cup of cooked wild rice soup.  Another option is to add two cups of wild rice to a 9x9 baking dish.  Top with a cup of your fav chopped veggies (maybe some green beans, corn, cooked carrots... even steamed broccoli or cauliflower might be some to try? Whatever is available in the fridge!)  Top with 2-3 cups of chicken and mushroom soup and them top that with a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.  Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.  YUM!

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.

Trends to Try: Spring 2016

This week is Fashion Week in New York. While designers are debuting their 2016 Fall/Winter collections, (so jealous and would totally love to attend someday) I'm just over here in MN trying to forget all about Fall & Winter. I'm totally looking forward to Spring, you guys!  (However, that's not to say I haven't been stalking my fav models and designers on Instagram & SnapChat to get sneak peeks... because I have!)
Walking into Mainstream Boutique in Savage this week was completely refreshing. After a few weeks off due to vacation with my family on Sanibel Island and then a week of trying to get back on track at home, I was due for my Midwest fashion fix and there no place more perfect to get it than Mainstream Boutique in Savage!
Some of the top Spring trends for 2016 are lightweight denim and fringe (both of which have carried over from previous seasons) and, of course, the classic white shirt.  Whether it's a crisp button down or a soft tee with a great fit, you can't go wrong with the classic white.  Orange/tangerine in a variety of shades is also a go-to hue this upcoming season.  Pick it up in a wedge, a handbag or a pretty statement necklace for a simple pop of color.
If you're a girly girl you are in luck because Victorian era influences are hot this Spring! Think ruffles, floral, & lacey eyelet dresses... extremely feminine.  *sigh* This makes me super ecstatic because I'm a total girly girl at heart.
Dyana, owner at Mainstream Boutique in Savage, knows what's up and follows the trends carefully to bring her shoppers what's in style season to season.  In fact, you can find a beautiful floral dress below as well as a lightweight denim shirt dress with a coral tank that brings a lovely pop of brightness.
This past week I met up with my dear friend Amy Lindquist of Lindquist Fashion & Image Consulting. (www.lindquistfashion.com) and together we came up with some must-haves to be stand out darling this Spring.


*A great wedge heel.  Dress them up or down, you'll find you'll wear them a ton!  (Bonus if they are orange and worn with the denim shirt dress from Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  You're welcome.  That's a perfect outfit idea right there.)


*A fabulous, amazing handbag that you just can't live without.


*A new dress.  One that flatters you perfectly.  One you can dress up or down.  Shirt dresses are great for a slimmer figure while a pretty sheath dress compliments many figures.  If you are curvier or if you have a shorter midsection, a tunic style dress may work better for you.  Be sure to pick one that hits right above the knee to show off those legs!  (But ladies, if you are going with an above the knee dress be sure to go with a cute boycut panty or shorts so you don't show off the goodies!  Getting out to pump gas on a windy day while the kids are in the car begging for treats and your butt is showing to pumps 1-5?Not fun. For real.)

*A swimsuit. I know... finding a great suit is like finding a freaking unicorn.  But it IS possible! (the swimsuit.  NOT the unicorn.) They have so many options to choose from and you just gotta ignore the crappy, unflattering dressing room lighting and find what's best for you! Underwire?  Padded or no? Tummy control?  Soooooo many options!
While you're at it grab yourself a fab swimsuit cover up.  You don't need to necessarily shop "cover-ups." An adorable maxi, sundress or tunic are great options to throw over a suit if you need to run an errand or the like.


With all that said, it may be cold and icky outside, but my heart is singing a Spring tune.  My closet is saying, "dresses, tunics, skirts and sandals... please!" Who am I to fight it?
Check out my personal favorite Spring finds this week from Mainstream Boutique in Savage and shop these looks by stopping by the store or by calling (952)440-4020. 


This top... my goodness!  ALL the heart eyes!  The necklace is gorgeous.

Jeans: $89.50, Shirt: $68, Necklace: $56, Scarf: $24

I absolutely love this mustard top with the denim.  These cropped white jeans are a great fit and while destructed, they are patched as well which is good for those of you who aren't fans of the actual holes in the jeans.

Jeans: $99.50, Shirt: $54, Denim Shirt: $78, Necklace: $36

Pretty much the perfect spring outfit.  It hits the denim and the go-to hue trends and I'm a total fan.

Shirt Dress: $88, Tank: $36, Scarf: $24

This. Is. Fabulous and I love everything about it.  Plus the necklace says "calm & focused" which is TOTALLY me.  HA!  Kidding!  But it's a great reminder, right?! Dress?  Perfect. 

Dress: $42, Belt: $18, Necklace: $54

My favorite.  For real.  Both the dress and belt came home with me because I loved it so much.  (No worries though!  You can still call and get one!) The floral was gorgeous and the neckline detail was totally lovely.

Dress: $66, Belt: $18

I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved putting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.

Birds With A Feather

This year, my Handsome Man took his work crew out pheasant hunting for a day.  He had a great time and when he came home he had a few clean pheasants to throw in the freezer.  I didn't really give them a second thought until the other night he pulled them out of the freezer and asked if I'd make them for him.  Mmmmm kay.  No biggie.  Like, chicken... right?  Apparently not.  I knew that pheasants were a bit dryer than chicken but that if cooked correctly, they could be delicious.  So I did what I do when I'm a bit unsure about how to prepare something... I head to Google, look at recipes, take what I can from that and create my own. 
I was totally ready.  I planned to inject the whole pheasant with delicious flavor (using an old family recipe I use for turkey) and then roast them in the oven.  However, when I took them out of the bags I noticed they were cleaned of skin AND had been cut up.  My plan kinda went out the window so I had to come up with something different.  While I thought, I rinsed the pheasant and noticed something I just seriously can NOT handle.  A feather.  A freaking FEATHER, you guys!  There were a few dark feathers stuck to them!  NOOOOO!  It totally ruined my whole, "I'm gonna try this" mood.  I reluctantly picked off the few feathers, made a couple gagging sounds and told myself I better make one hell of a side dish because I certainly wasn't going to eat that pheasant!
Feather picking aside, the rest of the experience went smoother than I thought.  I used part of a recipe that I've had for years for crockpot chicken wings and I'm telling you... it was AWESOME.  I think it would have been even better had I had the time to marinade them for awhile before baking, so if you choose to do that, great.  If not, this recipe is perfect as is.  I HAD to try it since I made it.  I was just completely surprised by the fact it tasted incredible and that I grabbed myself seconds.
My husband was throwing out the praise left and right so I knew that I definitely had to share this recipe with you.  I'm looking forward to fall when he goes pheasant hunting again and I already asked him to bring home double what he did this year.  Because what's better than sharing a new fav with friends?  I also learned that you don't need to hide pheasant in soups or stews (which is what I found most recipes did with it)... you can make it the star of the meal if cooked properly.  Very good!

Here's what you need to make this phenomenal pheasant:

*2-3 pheasants, cleaned, cut and skin off

*1/2 cup white sugar

*3/4 cup kikkomen soy sauce (use low sodium if you prefer)

*1/2 cup water

*1/2 teas garlic powder

Set your oven to 350.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray and place pheasant down in a single layer.  Whisk together sugar, soy sauce, water and garlic powder.  Pour mixture over the pheasant and bake for 45 minutes, flipping the meat every 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes or so.  Serve as whole pieces or slice the meat off and drizzle juices from the bottom of the baking dish all over the meat.  Or you can serve the meat with little bowls of pan juice for dipping.  ENJOY!

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.

On Vaca Mode

Vacation.  One of the sweetest words ever, especially when you are living in -20 weather with -40 windchill.  Seriously?  Ugh.  About a week or so before vacation, I go into what I refer to as "vacation mode."  I shop, dine out and have a little count down going with the kids as to how many sleeps are left before take off.  It's almost like a pre-vacation, but without the gorgeous weather, flip flops and bikinis. Mmm-kay, maybe not quite. (damn you MN winter!)
Today has been spent doing laundry and packing (including my fav little striped top I just got from Mainstream Boutique in Savage... check it out below) and while I can't quite bring myself to post spring looks yet, I figured adding some skirts, short sleeves and cold-shoulder tops would satisfy my vaca dreaming until we actually get to go. Here's hoping!
Mainstream Boutique in Savage has already gotten in some SUPER cute spring styles.  Like I said previously, not quite ready to post Spring looks, but that doesn't mean I'm not ready to do a bit of warmer weather shopping!  So get in there and check out the cute dresses, short sleeves and springtime accessories!  Until then, enjoy this little sneak peak as I s-l-o-w-l-y work my way into Spring styles. (PS: Prepare yourself because once I get home from vacation, it's warmer weather clothes only!)


Take a peek at these adorable looks, all available at Mainstream Boutique in Savage.


The "cold shoulder" tops are super in this spring and I have a few here to show you.  This lightweight, soft grey tee has the cutest shoulder cutout. Pair with some of the newest destructed denim at Mainstream (super comfy and has a great fit) and some lovely little accessories (tassels are also trending) and you'll be set to meet up with friends, chase after kids, etc and you'll look totally cute doing it.

Jeans: $89, Top: $44, Bracelet: $42, Earring/Necklace: $28, Bootie: $49

I totally dig this top. I'm a sucker for a nautical anything and so there was no way this wasn't going to end up in my closet.  Pair it with a flowy white skirt, some navy cropped pants or my fav jeans from Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  These navy you & me flats are only $21!

Jeans: $89, Top: $58, Flats: $21

This outfit is one of my favs!  I love the bow detail on the back and the lace detail peeking out from under the sweater.  I grabbed a pair of high waisted leggings to style with this and it was as comfortable as it is cute.

Leggings: $36, Sweater: $89, Necklace: $32, Booties: $42

This white tunic-y top looks so fresh. I belted it to bring in my waist a bit and again, paired with high waisted leggings.  If you have yet to try a pair of the high waisted leggings at Mainstream Boutique in Savage, they are a muffin tops BFF.  For real.  They just pull everything in tight and give you a nice slim look.  I can't imagine saying no to them!
The necklace has an inspiring little quote on there AND looks cute.  I notice these are super hot these days and they have so many accessories with encouraging words in the store.  Give them a look next time your in!

Leggings: $36, Shirt: $64, Belt: $18, Necklace: $22, Booties: $49

Finally, this lightweight long sleeve top has such a pretty look to it.  I tucked it into this long skirt with a bit of ruched detail on the side.  Super cute for work or a casual date night. Effortless and adorable.

Skirt: $64, Shirt: $66, Necklace: $36, Booties: $52

I will be taking a few weeks off due to vacation, but you can follow along with me at SnapChat (username: hautedishhwife) and Instagram @hautedishhousewife
I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved getting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways

New Jeans & Sweaters & Flannel... Oh My!

Confession: I'm an over-thinker.  I analyze every thing, every time.  It's no different when I shop.  I always want to be sure I'm getting what I want, what's in style and at a good price.  I certainly don't like over paying for anything, but I'm willing to pay a bit more for a better quality and fit of clothing.  I look for deals, coupons, and sales when I can, splurge when I need and love when I can add something new to my closet. (speaking of deals and discounts, follow Mainstream on FB https://www.facebook.com/MainstreamBoutiqueSavageMn/?fref=ts and claim their 20% off up to 2 items coupon this month.  Their monthly deals are the best!)


I went to Mainstream Boutique in Savage this week after what felt like such a long time.  I had taken some time off for the holidays while the kids were home from school so I could focus 100% on family and we had SO much fun.  However, it felt really good to be back.  While I was away they got in some fabulous new Jag jeans.  They are so comfortable and have a great fit.  I saw a beautiful dove grey sweater that I seriously fell in love with and some new flannels as well.  If you've been paying attention at all, you know by now my love for a cute flannel with a flattering fit. There's more... check it out!




This tunic was absolutely adorable. The fit was great and the suede pockets and neckline made me love it even more.  We styled it with the new jean jacket they got in, some grey high-waisted leggings and a lovely necklace with the cutest charms. Don't forget the fringe booties! 

Leggings: $36, Tunic: $42, Jacket: %89, Booties: $42, Necklace: $48

I'm. In. Love. This alluring sweater is soft, the color is just gorgeous and the fringe detail is pretty irresistible.  I styled this with a simple black tank and some of Mainstreams newest leggings they got in. They're a bit thicker (not lined, just a thicker fabric) that would be perfect to wear to work.  Add some tall black boots, a trendy necklace and you're set.

Leggings: $74, Tank: $28, Sweater: $69, Boots: $79, Necklace: $24

EEEEEK!  YES!  New jeans at Mainstream Boutique in Savage!  These are the perfect amount of destructed and the denim is soft which makes them completely comfortable to wear.  The shirt has cute plaid pocket detail and elbow patches and elbow patches are a weakness of mine as well.  Swoon.

Jeans: $89, Top: $36, Booties: $52, Scarf: $14

Flannel. Beanie. Jeans that have become my fast favorite.  I mean... I'm really not sure what else to say here.  Those are pretty much all my favorite things wrapped up into one outfit, sooooooo....
I'm gonna just stand here while you look at the cutest Midwest casual outfit ever.

Jeans: $89, Flannel: $42, Booties: $49, Beanie: $12

Athleisure is a thing, you guys, and I'm THRILLED about that.  Let's be real here... I'm NOT athletic.  (I wish I was, but I'm just not) But I do like leisurely things so this is totally up my alley.  It makes me look like I might work out, right?  Plus it's soft and has thumb holes which I really dig.  My daughter has a "thing" with shirts with thumb holes that I never understood until I tried this on. It's cute and cozy and you just need to have one. 

Jeans: $89, Top: $66, Booties: $52

Last, but certainly not least, is this suuuuuuuper cute shirt.  It's perfect with jeans and the detail is heart worthy, for sure.  The beautiful blue in this gorgeous necklace matches the blue detail in the shirt perfectly and I LOVE this bag.  It also brings out the color in the shirt and I thought it all just pulled everything together 100%.  The accessories at Mainstream Boutique in Savage are all unique, gorgeous and you must check them out.

Jeans: $89, Top: $46, Booties: $42, Necklace: $28, Handbag: $42

I hope you enjoyed looking at these outfits as much as I loved getting them together and posting them for you to check out.  If you see something you love, stop on by Mainstream Boutique in Savage if you're close by!  Experience that unbeatable customer service first hand.  Otherwise, give the ladies a call at (952) 440-4020 and they're more than happy to help you out and ship you your purchases.  Not only are they sweet... they're quick to ship because they know you're excited to get your new stuff.
 You can also follow them on Instagram @mainstreamboutiquesavagemn

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife or on Twitter and SnapChat @HauteDishHWife for more recipe ideas, crafts/DIY, my style and giveaways.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

About once a week at our house we have a Mexican food night.  While regular ground beef tacos seem to be the favorite with the kiddos, a gal needs to switch things up now and then. (Please see previous posts for an easy, delicious crockpot cilantro lime chicken tacos recipe as well as chicken enchiladas your family are sure to love) I was going through some of my recipes the other night and came across one for chicken tortilla soup.  Bingo!  It was one of those recipes I've made before, was a hit with my husband & I but the (picky) kids seemed a bit young for it so unfortunately it got lost in the shuffle.  Thank goodness now that they are a bit older, they are willing to try more things.  (It helps that this recipe is topped with shredded cheese and tortilla chips... they dug right in!)  Another wonderful thing about this recipe is that you can freeze it.  I LOVE freezable soup recipes and I'm quite picky about them because I don't like the ones where the consistency changes after it thaws.  Ew. Thankfully that won't be an issue with this chicken tortilla soup.  You can also pack it up in a thermos for the kids, along with baggies of some broken up tortilla chips & shredded cheese and they'll get to enjoy a wonderful hot lunch from home while they're at school. 
To make this meal even easier, grab yourself one of those mouthwatering whole roasted chickens from the deli section of the grocery store (I've found Costco is cheapest at about $4.99 for a whole chicken) and start shredding!   I use about 3/4 of the meat for the soup and save the rest to make chicken and cheese quesadillas to go along with the soup.  (I add caramelized onions to my quesadillas, because... yum!) You can do whatever you want!  If you don't want to make quesadillas with it just add all the chicken to the soup and you'll just have a heartier soup.  If you choose to make this earlier in the day, a crockpot can cook it as well or just be used to keep it warm until dinner.
Thinking ahead, this would also make another wonderful meal to bring friends that could use a night off.  (I always try to think outside the box and do something other than lasagna. While it's definitely a fav and much appreciated, I seem to fall into a "lasagna trap" and use that as my go to, every time.  Good to switch it up!) Whether it's celebrating the life of a new baby and a mom that needs a break, or even mourning the loss of a family member or friend, a ready meal is something that gives that person one less thing to worry about.
So whether you choose to top this already amazing Chicken Tortilla Soup with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, avocado or sour cream, I'm confident that you'll really enjoy it.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

*shredded or cubed chicken (about a pound or so)

*one (15oz) can of diced or crushed tomatoes, whichever you prefer

*one (10oz) can of mild enchilada sauce

*one medium onion, chopped

*one (4oz) can chopped green chilis

*2 cloves garlic, minced

*2 cups of water

*one (14oz) can chicken broth

*one tsp cumin

*one tsp chili powder

*one tsp salt

*1/4 tsp black pepper

*one bay leaf

*one (10oz) package of frozen corn

*one Tbls chopped cilantro (or use cilantro paste if fresh isn't available)

*6-7 corn tortillas

*vegetable oil

Saute onion and garlic with a teaspoon of veg oil in a soup pot.  Add chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, chilis, water, broth and dry seasonings.  Once mixed, stir in corn and cilantro.  Bring to a simmer and then turn down to low.  Let cook for about 45 minutes or so, or throw into a crockpot on low for about 6 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Preheat oven to 400.  Brush both sides of the corn tortillas with vegetable oil and lay on a baking sheet.  Grab a pizza cutter and cut into strips.  Bake until you notice they are crisping up... about 8-10 minutes, being careful not to burn.

Sprinkle tortilla chips over soup and serve with delicious toppings of your choice. ENJOY this easy to throw together, incredible meal! 

*you can follow me on IG or Pinterest @hautedishhousewife, on FB at Haute Dish Housewife https://www.facebook.com/hautedishhousewife , Snap Chat username: HauteDishHWife or on Twitter @HauteDishHWife for more food, fashion and family.