My (afforable and pretty) Spring Tablescape

Confession:  I just recently (like, we are talking a few weeks ago) removed the snowmen and Christmas table runner from my dining room table.  Seriously.  So ashamed. 
I took down my other winter décor back in January (I want to point that out so you know I kinda got my sh*t together) but when it comes to my dining room table, it just drives me crazy to leave it bare and I was super indecisive about what I wanted.  In fact, I made the decision NO Easter egg colors.  I'm not a big fan of pastels on my table... or so I thought. 
I was at Target with both girls and on a mission.  Actually, I decided I was on a mission while standing in the dollar section (if you can resist that little area of the store, you  have some kind of freaky super human power) and I came across some small, glittery Easter egg ornaments, a wooden "spring" sign and pretty yellow pails.  I suddenly had an idea and accepted that YES... as a matter of fact, I DO want a bit of pastel on my Spring table.  I thought of what I had at home that could go with this and I decided some pretty tulips in one of my old vases would be pretty.  I could cut the strings off the egg ornaments and place them in wine glasses.  (I bought a package of 4 for $5 from Target this past winter to use on my Winter tablescape)
 I struggled a bit with napkins and napkin rings.  I had nothing at home that would work so I grabbed a new set of napkins (4 for under $10) and my mind went back to the dollar section where I saw a package of flower clips for $1.  I figured since I couldn't find napkin rings that I loved, I'd use the flower clips and some twine from home to make my own.
I did splurge on a hurricane candle holder for $20.  Mostly because I knew I could reuse it all year throughout the house. That makes it definitely worth the $20.
Then, or course, after I thought I was done I came across the little succulents for under $5 so I grabbed a few of those as well.  (Damn you Target, with your strategically placed objects!!)
So anyway, I've never claimed to be an interior decorator buuuuuut, I'm proud of my first official Spring tablescape.  I hope you like it too.

Happy Spring!

*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.

Hippity Hoppity

Last week was a busy one around here and it about killed me not to hop on my computer and start writing about all the wonderful new outfits Mainstream Boutique in Savage had in store.  But then I arrived this morning and saw even MORE new arrivals that I thought would be absolutely perfect to wear for Easter in a few weeks.  They'd also dub for super cute vaca wear.
When I shop, I tend to look for a certain occasion, but buy something that I will wear for more than just that occasion.  It drives me crazy to come across something in my closet and then think to myself, "Hmmm.  That was really cute for that one day I got to wear it."
I shop the same way for my children.  While I'm tempted by all the super cute Easter dresses (and had given into that temptation for a few years) I don't want to buy something that will be worn for that one day.  I like to buy something that will be super cute for that one day, plus would look great to wear at a wedding, birthday party, etc.  I like to chose pieces I can dress up or down.
I'm a big fan of a super cute jean jacket thrown over a dress.  Or a pretty cardigan.  Heels or flats?  Even make-up can make a difference in how to help your outfit come across.  Go for a lighter girl-next-door look if your dressing down or maybe a more dramatic eye or lip if you're wearing it for a night out.
That's something I really love about the associates at Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  They have a trained eye to help you pull off the look that your going for.  Bonus?  They have what you need right there in the boutique to get you head to toe ready.


Emily and I were totally thrilled that while the weather was a bit on the dreary side today, it was warm enough to get outside and take some pics.  YAY!  A change of scenery and a breath of fresh air while I tried on my Easter picks...  Love!


She had me try on the #ootd, which is posted on their IG and FB pages daily.  (See below for deets on how to follow Mainstream Boutique in Savage on social media.)  The white shirt & jeans were super cute and comfortable and I kinda fell in love with the kimono.  And the shoes.  If you read my previous posts you'd already know how I feel about these shoes with their perfect heel to chase after my little ones.

I obviously can't keep my eyes off them...

Look at this statement necklace.  GORGEOUS.

Ok.  I actually may have let a tear or two fall when I had to return this dress and poncho back to the racks.  The dress alone was gorgeous and then the poncho just made it over the top lovely.

Again... drooling over the shoes. *sigh* I just need to give in and stock up on all shoes in Mainstream Boutique in Savage, for crying out loud.

How cute are these stackable bracelets?  Adorable, right?  (I can't hear you but I'm pretty certain you're totally agreeing with me right now.)

Gasp! Floral dress.  Statement necklace. Wedge heel. 

That's about all I have to say about this because it hits every criteria for the perfect Spring outfit.  Which makes it the perfect Easter outfit.  Grab yourself a cardi (or, if you love jean jackets as much as I do, grab that!) and you're good to go!

Look. At. This.  I'm not sure why there's not a picture of my gawking at those gladiator sandals because I seriously did.  A lot. They're my favs and not just because they're totally swoon worthy.  They are completely comfortable as well.  No suffering for beauty with these!

I have to say that this was an easy pick for me.  It was all put together on a mannequin, I took one look, picked her up and carried her into the dressing room with me.  This outfit is gorgeous, warm, the cardi can be removed if the weather heats up... it's a dream.

Last, and most certainly not least, is this gorgeous coral colored dress.

I've always been a huge fan of this beautiful color.  It's bright, fun AND will make your tan (notice I say "your tan" because mine is gone) more noticeable.  Such a bonus to this impressive color.  I added a cute belt to match the shoes and then stacked up some bracelets to add a tiny bit of turquoise to the outfit.  

Coral and turquoise together are about as attractive as it gets, don't you agree?

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.

Comforting Tuna Noodle Casserole

Nothing says comfort and warmth quite like a good ol' casserole in the oven.  My mom made casseroles all the time when I was growing up and I remember I'd usually hesitate at the idea.  Or groan.  I just flat out didn't appreciate good food in my youth.  (Trust me when I say I'm paying for that now with two picky kids of my own... my mom laughs as she knows just how that goes!)


With my own children, the rule is one bite for every year of your age.  My four year old should take four small bites when giving something new a try.  Some nights this works like a charm and others take a bit more coaxing.  My seven year old is at the point now where she will try pretty much anything without having to be persuaded and her palate has really expanded the last year or so.


Now, I'm not saying this is just a MN thing but we sure do love our casseroles/hot dishes.  I make them pretty regularly (once every two to three weeks or so) and have a variety of different recipes.  One of the most comforting, warming recipes I can think of is for tuna noodle casserole.  It's creamy, filling and I top mine with cheese and potato chips.  I mean... #nobrainer

My recipe is as follows and is pretty basic.  I'm not a big lover of peas, but if you want to add some color you can always throw in some peas or carrots.  If you want to kick it up a notch, add some diced peppers and rather than the Velveeta cheese, use pepper jack.
This recipe is so versatile and there are so many possibilities to make it your own.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

*3-4 cups cooked (al dente) medium egg noodles

*one small can of tuna, drained

*one can cream of mushroom soup

*one can cream of celery soup

*one cup of crushed potato chips

*half of one small block of Velveeta cheese, cut into chunks

Mix all ingredients together except for potato chips and cheese.  Spoon into greased casserole dish.  Add chunks of cheese to the top.  Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.  Top with crushed potato chips.

Classic comfort food. 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.

Heel to Toe Appeal

I completely refuse to let Minnesota's bi-polar attitude shatter my spring fever.  I must admit, Sunday & Monday's cold weather left me feeling pretty down after such a gorgeous Saturday.  My attitude quickly turned around when I made my weekly trip into Mainstream Boutique in Savage to see what's new, and behold!  Open toed shoes, gladiator sandals and wedge heels!! YEEEESSSSS!  (along with lovely new clothing arrivals which come in on the daily at Mainstream Boutique in Savage)


Side Note: I know mom life isn't the only life where one needs/wants to make the most of their time.  We all do.  That's one of the things I like so much about Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  I go in there weekly and I never feel like I'm looking at the same thing I did the week before.  There's always something new to get excited and "oooh and ahhh" over.  It's really a place to make the most of your time when it comes to shopping.


Ok. Back to shoes.  I won't lie... it was slim pickings for awhile after all the fall and winter beauties were gone.  But patience is a virtue (one that personally, I could use a bit of help with) and Dyana completely delivered with some really cute new shoes!


Here are my picks of the week at Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  All of the following can be your by stopping by the store if you are local OR by calling (952)440-4020.  Sales associates are extremely helpful and quick to ship because they know you can wait to get all that cuteness on your doorstep.


Step one: Get yourself this lovely little floral romper. (which are so popular right now)
Step two: Add some pretty, open toe heels.
Aaaaaand you're done.  This was completely effortless and would be cute for pretty much any occasion from date day/night to park time with the kiddos.  The shoes are comfortable and have the perfect amount of heel. 

I'm such a fan of any nautical look.  I just feel like it's flattering and I love navy and white together.  This delightful little dress has waist detail to give your middle a slimmed down look which is a great feature no matter what your figure is.  I added a lightweight cardigan and a chunky necklace to pull the look together.  And again, these beige heels which are so versatile that I think you'll find yourself wearing them as your go to cute shoe when headed out the door.

I featured these crop jeans last week and I'm doing it again this week but with a different look.  The frayed hem is cute cuffed or left alone, but with this tunic I decided to cuff them and add Mainstream Boutique in Savage's new wedge heel.  A few posts ago I wrote that one of my summer must haves to update your closet would be a wedge heel.  These are affordable, cute and comfortable... so here's your chance! Again, this color has endless options and will likely match many things that are currently in your closet.  I added some charming little Mac & Me gold accessories to top off the look.

This next outfit is a great one to transition to Spring.  A flowy maxi skirt, tank and tee are simple and pretty.  The scarf is light and can be removed if you start getting warm, and then I added a super pretty necklace so your look is still pulled together even if the scarf is taken off.  This necklace is so unique!  These sandals are a bit lighter in color than the previous ones posted.  The nude color will help give the look of longer legs.  (Plus a shoe with a heel and can give legs a more toned look... always good.)

This last one might just be my fav of the bunch.  This dress is lightweight and has such a versatile look.  You can wear it out to dinner with a hot date, brunch with family, or throw it over a swim suit to run errands.  You'll be looking pretty either way!  These black gladiator sandals shall become mine. For real.  I was strong enough to leave them behind but they haven't left my mind.  They are really comfortable and obviously cute to the extreme. I chose a black tassel necklace and black/gold bracelet to complete this look. Simple!

If these outfits didn't cure your cold weather blues, I'll be posting a comforting casserole recipe up on the blog in the next day or so.  Perfect to warm you up until the weather starts to heat up a bit here in the coming days.


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.

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.