Delicious Stuffed Mushrooms

While the weather may be getting cooler and I've been dreaming of fall fashion and comfort food, the grilling season isn't over yet!  This week I made some grilled steak and pineapple kebabs, grilled asparagus and my most versatile recipe in my arsenal... stuffed mushrooms.

These are absolutely amazing and can be made gluten-free without changing the delicious, savory taste.  I make these for appetizers and I've also made them as a side dish as well.  These cheesy, flavorful stuffed mushroom are a repeated request when I host girls night at my house and I've been asked for the recipe again and again.  It's definitely a crowd favorite and they are soooooo super easy to throw together!  They're a must make for any season and they make the house smell mouthwatering good.

A bonus to this recipe is that you can make them ahead and just pop in the oven, taking up less time when prepping for dinner or entertaining guests.

I'm giving you the recipe as I wrote it down but I'll give you a heads up... you may want to make a double batch because these stuffed mushrooms go speedy fast!

Stuffed Mushrooms

*one package of fresh baby portabella mushrooms

*one Tbls vegetable oil

*one Tbls minced garlic

*8oz cream cheese, room temp

*1/4 cup parmesan cheese

*1/4 tsp pepper

*1/4 tsp onion powder

*1/4 tsp cayenne

*four green onions, chopped

*breadcrumbs (skip the breadcrumbs OR use a gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this a GF dish)

Preheat oven to 350. Spray baking dish.  Clean mushrooms, break off the stems and cut a sliver off the bottom of the mushroom cap to keep the caps from rolling around while you try to stuff and bake them.  Chop stems finely. (I use a food processor to save time)  Set a fry pan to medium heat and add veg oil.  Fry the minced garlic, chopped stems and green onions until all is tender and most of the moisture has disappeared.  Let cool a bit.  When stem mix is no longer hot, add to cream cheese and stir.  Add in parmesan cheese and seasonings.  Fill each cap with cheese mixture and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.  Bake for 20 minutes.

Friends, these are so super easy and incredibly delicious! 

*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. 



Something in the Air

My happy dance in in full force.  It's SEPTEMBER!  While I'm bummed the girls are back in school, I'm enjoying getting back on a schedule.  (Summer is NOT for schedules in our house.) The nights are getting cooler and the days are getting shorter.  I've been working on creating some fall recipes and I'm alllllllll about the fall fashion!  I had taken a few weeks off from Mainstream Boutique in Savage because the end of summer was nearing and we were just so busy trying to squeeze in the last of summer with our girls.  Getting back into the swing of things yesterday felt so good and walking through those doors felt like FALL!  So many beautiful sweaters & cardigans in all our fav fall colors and denim galore.  They have in Dear John jeans and I was totally swooning.  I'm a sucker for soft denim with a great fit, and Dear John jeans from Mainstream Boutique in Savage totally fit the bill.  So of course, I'm wearing them in three of the four outfits that I'm featuring this week.  (I have a habit of sticking to the things I love so I didn't want to venture to far from my new favs.)  I also tried on a great pair of distressed denim by Flying Monkey and I really liked them as well.  They have a really relaxed look and feel to them and look great with a slouchy or graphic tee.
Without further ado, let me introduce you to my picks of the week from Mainstream Boutique in Savage that stole my heart...


First, the distressed Flying Money jeans I was telling you about.  Cool, right?  This "Wild & Free" tee is SO me!  (I'm kidding... I'm actually pretty uptight and a total rule follower most of the time! lol)  But I loved the tee and I practically drooled over the cardigan.  The attention to detail on this makes it just amazing, don't you think?

Next up??  Another drool worthy cardi but this time, I used just about the best long sleeved black shirt under it.  Remember me bragging up the "the perfect white tee" I got from Mainstream Boutique in Savage about a month or so ago?  Meet its fraternal twin... for real.  This black shirt has the same soft fabric and slouchy feel to it but rather than a pocket it has a cool cut to the neckline and long sleeves.  I paired this with the distressed Dear John's and some super cute black booties.  I'm pretty sure this is the perfect fall outfit.  (I'm pretty sure I've said that before but I mean it every single time I say it!)

Ok friends, this shawl is BEAUTIFUL.  It comes in this gorgeous chestnut color, merlot and gray.  I kept the same long sleeve black shirt, Dear John distressed denim and booties.  A quick change for a different look.  A few wardrobe classics really go a long way and can get you the most for your money.  Adding different cardigans & a pop of color here and there makes you a smart shopper!

Another super cute pair of Dear John skinnies for ya!  I mean it when I say these jeans are fabulous.  They have a little stretch to them and really fit to flatter.  They don't sit to low on the waist either.  Personally, I'm SO over low cut jeans.  (It could be the fact that I'm over 30 and have birthed two kids, but whatever? #momlife) Mainstream Boutique in Savage has an array of really great jeans available in the shop right now that are all age and shape friendly!  On a different note, did you really think I'd get through a blog post without mentioning flannel?  This cardigan is lined with leather and it just so cute!!  I wore a gray tee with sheer detail on the bottom and the latest boot to arrive to Mainstream Boutique in Savage.  I overheard pretty much every customer that came in to shop while I was there say, "Oh!  Cute boots!"  So trust me when I say... very, very cool boots.  Plus you can't see it on the picture, but the bottoms are red. (I really liked that little detail!)

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 or FB at Mainstream Boutique Savage MN

*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.  You can also catch me live on Periscope at HauteDishHWife





Redifine Your Skincare Regimen

I hate to even admit this but technically I'm not redefining my skincare regimen... I never really had one to begin with.  I've always known it's important to wash my face day and night but I'm super guilty of not following that major skincare rule. 
I was recently getting my eyelashes done with my friend Mary Beth at Love My Lashes By MB and was talking to her about Rodan & Fields, as she is a consultant and really knows her stuff.  I've been curious about the products and have heard nothing but wonderful things, so I finally made the leap and gave them a try for myself.  I must say, I'm hooked!  I use the Redefine kit, which focuses on firmer, smoother, healthier looking skin.

I also gave the Multi-Function Eye Cream a try because I'm a 30-something mother of two.  I can use the help, okay?

The products are about as perfect as can be and even before I saw results I was hooked on the Daily Cleansing Mask.  It's the first product used of the four and for me, it's like a great intro of wonderful things to come.  The whole process takes 5 minutes, tops. Best part?  It doesn't dry out my skin.  I always thought if I had been washing my face with products twice a day that my skin would dry out but with the Rodan & Fields products, that doesn't happen. 
First, I use a washcloth with water to give my face a quick wipe.  Then I apply the Daily Cleansing Mask and let that sit for a minute or two.  During that minute, the product dries and forms a "mask."  It's got the most gentle (but effective) exfoliation and gets pores nice and clean.  I grab a washcloth and remove the Daily Cleansing Mask using warm water.  Then I apply the Pore Minimizing Toner.  Honestly, when it comes to my skin, pores are the least of my problem.  But this toner doesn't just improve pores.  It preps skin for the treatment that follows.  If you're using the kit, you'll either use the AM (which has SPF 30) or the PM cream for your moisturizer.  But for me, since I added the Eye Cream to my routine as well, I use the tiniest bit of eye cream and dab it around my eyes to minimize the appearance of *sigh* crows feet and helps to brighten the eye area while reducing puffiness. (Tired women everywhere... REJOICE!) Lastly, I use moisturizer.  The moisturizer is lightweight and absorbs so nicely, leaving me with healthier looking and feeling skin.
I've noticed a great difference in my skin since using these products, and five minutes in the AM & PM is well worth it to me.  As I get older I feel like I need to work a bit harder on my skincare, and Rodan & Fields has  proven to be the perfect skincare regimen for me.  It doesn't take much time, it's easy to use and Mary Beth has been so helpful in pointing me in the right direction as to which products would be best for my skin.  She can provide helpful info on an array of products that will target your trouble spots with your skin.  (Because let's be truthful here... we ALL have them.) As a consultant, she has products that help with wrinkles, skin tone, acne, anti-aging, skin brightening, etc.  I'm excited to try more of the Rodan & Fields products Mary Beth has to offer and as I try them, I will be sure to keep you posted on which are my favorites.
I feel much more comfortable on those days in which I have to go make-up free, whether it be by choice or just because we ran out of time and I don't get to finish getting ready.  (Insert eye roll... I know we've all been there before!)  I can tell you that, unfortunately, before I started my Rodan & Fields products and before I was getting eyelash extensions with Mary Beth, I most certainly didn't feel very confident to go out with my bare face.  Since my skin has improved, my confidence has improved as well!
Wanna give Rodan & Fields a try?  Contact Mary Beth via her Facebook page at Love My Lashes By MB OR call her directly with any questions at (612) 518-9778.  Already know just what you want?  Head to her website and place your order.
I talked to Mary Beth and we wanted to come up with a little Haute Dish Housewife special for new and existing customers.  Show proof of your R&F order and receive an extra discount on your lash extensions, whether you're a new customer in need of a full set of lashes or an existing customer coming in for a fill.  (This discount can be used WITH the existing HDHW 50% off special on a full set of lashes)
Enjoy your cleaner, clearer, healthier looking skin!

Kielbasa skillet

Summertime is pretty amazing, right??  The kids are home, the days are busy and I'm loving every minute of it!  It's hard to accept the fact that school will be starting at the end of the month. 

I think by now you know that I really enjoy cooking.  It's no secret.  But do you know what I don't enjoy?  Clean up.  Summer is so fabulous because grilling means less dishes and clean up, and that means more time to enjoy the things I want to enjoy.  But let's face it... I can't grill every single night.  Want to enjoy less dishes, less clean up and more time doing the things you wanna do this summer? Let me introduce you to this kielbasa skillet meal.

Looks pretty amazing, right? One skillet.  Tons of delicious flavor for you and your family to enjoy!  This meal will be perfect once the kids go back to school as well.  It's easy to throw together and minimal clean up will give you more time with your family.  No kids?  No problem.  This skillet meal is a crowd pleaser.  Who wants to be left with tons to do after friends leave for the night?  Not me!

Ok, so the bad thing about this meal is that there isn't a real recipe that I use.  The good thing about this meal (other than it being easy, quick to throw together and delicious) is that there isn't a real recipe.  You can't really screw it up and it tastes amazing every time!

Ready??  Here's a general idea of what you need to make this amazing kielbasa skillet...

Kielbasa Skillet

*Russet potatoes, diced (I used 3 medium ones)

*One ring of Hillshire Farms kielbasa, sliced (I used half of that)

*One can of Frank's sauerkraut (I used half of that as well)

*Half of a sweet yellow onion, sliced

*One bag of shredded cheddar cheese (Let's be honest... I use most of that)

*Salt & Pepper

*Lawry's Seasoning Salt

*Lawry's Garlic Salt

*2 Tbls Vegetable Oil

*2 Tbls Butter

Grab a skillet (cast iron if you have it) and set it to a medium heat.  Add one tablespoon of both butter and oil to the pan.  Add sliced kielbasa and lightly brown on each side.  Remove kielbasa from the pan and add the rest of the oil and butter.  Add onions to the pan until they start to soften.  Then add the diced potatoes to the onions.  Season with salt, pepper, garlic salt and seasoning salt. Fry up the diced potatoes until lightly browned and tender.  Turn heat to low. Add back the kielbasa and top with sauerkraut.  Lastly, top it all with delicious cheese.  Turn off the heat, cover and let the cheese melt.  If you're using cast iron, feel free to set under the broiler to heat up the cheese a bit quicker and more evenly.  Now grab a big spoon and dig in!  Soooooo cheesy and yummy!

*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. 





Pre-Fall Pieces to Adore

I know... I know.  It's hotter than ever outside.  However, us Minnesotans know how quickly things can change and I like to be ahead of the game.  So does Mainstream Boutique in Savage!  With new arrivals daily, they've been unpacking perfect pieces to transition us into fall in the coming months as the weather will slowly get cooler.  While I will most certainly be writing all about the 2016 fall fashion trends and closet must-haves in the coming weeks, as well as sharing some wonderful recipes, I wanted to share with you a bit of what's been coming into Mainstream Boutique in Savage lately.
But first, lets get a few things out there.  I LOVE Summer.  I love pretty much everything about Summer.  Buuuuuuuut, I love Autumn equally as much, with it's one and only downfall being that Autumn brings the terrible, horrible, absolutely no-good winter. But fall fashion, crunching leaves, apple orchards, pumpkin carving, baking...   Autumn just looks, smells, and tastes amazing!
For now, I love that we can look forward to blending the trends of Summer with the warmth of Fall.  A cute little dress with a pretty cardigan, the perfect soft tee with an AMAZING jacket, florals with deep, bold, leafy reds... what's not to make our heart pitter patter?!?!?!
Here are some of my favs that came into Mainstream Boutique in Savage and if you're anything like me, you're gonna want to make it ALL YOURS.  Feast your eyes...


Let me start off my saying these are the go to shoe which I featured with all my picks this week.  They are a fun mix between a sandal and a bootie.  Super cute, totally comfortable and addition to your closet for transitioning from summer to fall.  (Pssst: That is my tan...)

Lovely little floral dress, meet this beautiful red jacket. I'm totally loving this jacket and not just for the color.  The 3/4 sleeves are so super cute and there's no belt needed thanks to the cinching by the waistline. 

Minimal accessories needed for this #ootd, but I decided to add the pretty blue horn pendant necklace for good measure.

Speaking of accessories, how beautiful is this necklace??  Another floral dress but a totally different look.  This is such a great outfit.  The neckline of this dress shows off the tan shoulders of summer and I like that.

The longer cardigan is definitely a closet MUST.  It's great over dresses, to throw on with jeans or as an extra layer at work because they keep those offices so freaking cold. (I don't miss that one bit.)

I hope this boho look never goes out of style.  This cold shoulder dress has such a fun pattern and looks really cool with the chunky tassle/cross necklace.  It would look great belted as well!

 

Next up?  My favorite.  For real.  What's better than Paige jeans, the most perfect comfortable, soft white tee and this absolutely 100% fabulous jacket?  The answer is not much.  The lace-up back on this jacket is the CUTEST. EVER.  We opened up the box and a gasp followed by each of us... it was that amazing.

I'm doing a live video on FB this week for my August favorites and I'm including this white tee.  It's serious perfection.  I'm wearing it right now.  Ladies, you know how your bra shows through all the white tees and tanks and it drives you crazy because you just want that relaxed look without having to add the tank underneath?  NOT an issue here.  No tank required.  The pics don't even show the slouchy front pocket. Like I said, this whole outfit is just the best.

They say it's all in the details, and the neckline on this adorable shirt just can't be beat.  How cute, right??!!  This was my second fav this week.  Maybe I'm just really in the mood for great jeans and cute shirts?  Whatever the reason, I hope you agree with me that this shirt is pretty amazing.  And the Paige denim jeans.  Obviously. (If you haven't been in to Mainstream Boutique in Savage yet to try on a pair of these jeans, promptly drop what you're doing and drive there. They're spectacular and worth every single penny.)

 

 

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 or FB at Mainstream Boutique Savage MN

*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.  You can also catch me live on Periscope at HauteDishHWife

Treat Yourself: Renew Your Skin

As a woman (and even more so since I've become a mom) I feel like many of us don't give ourselves "me time" or treat ourselves enough.  I always have good intentions, of course.  Sadly, I find myself feeling guilty for spending the time, money and time away from my kids to do things for myself.  I know I'm not alone.  I talk to so many friends who feel the same way.  We head out shopping with good intentions to buy ourselves something for an upcoming event but then walk into Justice or Gymboree and BANG... there it goes.  It's easy for women to spend money on their children.  It's easy for us to justify getting our friend that adorable shirt for her birthday because it will look SO CUTE on her and she would totally do the same for you, right? Ladies, it's time to really treat yourself to something relaxing, rewarding and healthy for you!
I recently had an opportunity to treat myself to something I had never experienced before... a facial. Not just any facial... a HydraFacial with Denise at Renew Facial Plastic Surgery.

It was INCREDIBLE but even more than that, it got me thinking.  Mostly about my health.  Let me explain...


I went into Renew Facial Plastic Surgery in Edina to meet with Denise Bona, a licensed aesthetician and my skincare angel.  (Meet Denise here!) We went in and had a long talk about how I have (or have not) protected my skin over the years.  I told her I use sunscreen.  Ok, sometimes.  NOT all the time and likely not as much as I should and the whole time I'm thinking, "I know better.  I know better.  I have friends who have suffered and continue to suffer from melanoma.  I see what the sun can do to our skin."  She did a really cool test on my skin where she told me where the most damage was and we talked about steps to take to protect my skin in the future.  I take good care of my teeth, hair, nails... but I seemed to realize I've been neglecting my skin.  I don't think twice about slathering sunscreen on my kids daily and worrying about their health and the future of their precious skin, but never really made my own skin a priority.
Friends, check this out... the skin test.  It measures things like pores, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.  It tells you the age of your skin.  The real age of your skin.  I won't lie... the truth hurt.  But I definitely needed to hear it to realize that while damage to my skin has been done, that doesn't mean it has to continue.  Denise gave me some great skincare tips and advice!  She even pointed out a few spots on my skin that she thought should be checked out by a dermatologist.  These are spots I see every single day and completely overlook.  Needless to say, I'm so thankful I had her expertise to give me some guidance.


Afterwards, I was ready to take some steps towards healthier, better skin.  Denise and I went into a room for my HydraFacial.  I laid down and before the HydraFacial began I was treated to dermaplaning, which is a simple and safe procedure for exfoliation and ridding the skin of fine hairs.  Dermaplaning feels AWESOME and requires zero chemicals, making it a great option for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.  (Which I'm NOT, but I have just heard such wonderful things about the procedure that I had to try it.  SO happy I did!)  HydraFacials are amazing because they're not only effective at improving overall skin health but over time it can remedy fine lines and wrinkles, skintone and firmness, hyperpigmentation, oily skin, enlarged pores and advanced signs of aging.  Sign. Me. Up.  Right??!?!!  So I was told this was a pain free procedure, but I'm a total skeptic so I have to admit, I was a bit nervous.  But guess what... it was COMPLETELY pain free.  Not only was it pain free, but it felt really cool because with each step I could feel my skin feeling better.  It's gentle AND effective, and as far as I'm concerned, you can't beat that!
Check out this video to see more on how HydraFacial works.
Renew Facial Plastic Surgery is second to none in customer service.  I felt so welcome the minute I walked through the door.  Appointments ran right on time so I wasn't made to wait very long at all, but just incase I was offered water by the extremely hospitable front desk staff and a seat in a very comfortable waiting area filled with what seemed like all my fav magazines!
While I was so fortunate to receive the HydraFacial and dermaplaning, Denise is a skincare expert and has a variety of aesthetician services to choose from. To see a list of all services Renew Facial Plastic Surgery has to offer, please click here.  Click around a bit on their website to see services performed by Denise & Dr. Wudel, as well as some incredible before & after photos. 

Speaking of which... OMG.  I can't believe I'm even doing this because they're completely make-up free photos (YIKES!) but here are my before and after pics. 

 

The first I took right before my appointment and the second I took the morning after.  (I didn't get home until right before dinner and the night was busy, busy!) Notice how much smoother my face looks in the after photo?  My complexion has a more clean, even look.  I felt like my skin was glowing.  No joke when I say my face felt incredible!  My appointment with Denise left my skin feeling baby soft and smooth.  Even my make-up goes on better and more even since my appointment.  This is definitely something I'd recommend and something I will most certainly be treating myself to again.
Wanna treat yourself to a HydraFacial or any of the other fab services Renew has to offer?  Call (952) 227-3639 and be sure to tell them I sent you!  Then follow up with me and let me know if you loved your skincare experience as much as I did.  Be sure to follow Renew on FB!





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, style, beauty and super cool giveaways. 

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

You guys... feast your eyes on THIS.



Tender chicken satay laced onto skewers, just waiting to be dipped into this AMAZING peanut sauce.  This is seriously one of my favorite homemade meals.  It's really like take-out, but at home.  Not to mention so much better for you because we know exactly what's going into it.  It's also really easy to whisk together and the hardest part about it all is just waiting for the chicken to marinade because it smells soooooo good.  Bonus if you throw together your own fried rice.  I love to make a big ass batch of homemade fried rice because... leftovers.  That in itself could make great leftovers for lunch but my personal fav is if by some chance I have leftover chicken, I just tear it up, throw it into the rice and spoon the peanut sauce over it all.  OMG. Heaven.

So, make extras.  Trust me.  You'll thank me later.

In the summertime I grill the chicken skewers.  But cold weather doesn't stop me and I just throw it under the broiler for a few minutes during the colder months here in MN.  Just as delicious!  I've also made this with beef and that's super yummy as well.

Are you ready to make a meal your whole family will adore??  Here's what you need:

Chicken Satay

*1-1.5 lbs skinless boneless chicken breasts (of sirloin steak), cut into strips

*2 Tbls soy sauce

*2 Tbls lemon juice (fresh is best!)

*one Tbls honey

*one Tbls sesame oil

*2 cloves of garlic, crushed

*one tspn fresh ginger, grated or paste

*one tspn curry powder

Cut chicken lengthwise into strips and place into a ziplock bag.  In a small bowl, whish together the rest of the ingredients and pour over the chicken.  Marinade for at least a few hours.  (I usually get to ready in the AM and let it marinade throughout the day.)  Soak your skewers in water for about 10 minutes (this prevents them from burning while on the grill or under the broiler) and then thread the chicken onto the skewers.  Grill on medium high heat for about 4 minutes per side or set under the broiler for about 4 minutes per side.  I set my broiler to 425.

Serve warm or at room temp with peanut sauce for dipping.  (recipe below)

Peanut Sauce

*3 Tbls chicken broth

*3 Tbls peanut butter

*3 Tbls soy sauce

*one Tbls honey

*one Tbls brown sugar

*2 Tbls lime juice

*2 cloves garlic, minced

*one tspn ginger, grated or paste

*1/2 tspn sesame oil

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.  Or if you have a jar with a lid, use that and shake, shake, shake. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Sounds easy enough, right??  Give it a try and let me know what you think!


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.