Food

Date Night at Home

by Britni McAshan1 Comment on Date Night at Home
Date Night at Home

If you would have asked me a year ago what my favorite thing to do was, I would have instantly answered, “going out to dinner!” I love trying new restaurants and cuisines, but lately, I prefer cooking at home. I’m not sure whether its because of COVID or our new puppy, but I love being at home so our date nights have transitioned from going to our favorite restaurants to cooking at home as a family.

Tonight our menu was inspired by The Defined Dish’s Pan-Roasted Blackened Cajun Chicken. Alex warned us in her stories last night that getting boneless chicken breasts with the skin on might be a challenge, but the butchers at Central Market were happy to help me this morning, they were even excited to know what I was making!

When you’re at your local grocery store or meat market, just ask the butcher for boneless chicken breasts with skin. It’s not really common, but if you ask nicely, they’ll be happy to help.

When I saw Alex posting about this meal last night, I just knew we had to make it. Last year, my husband and I spent some time in the French countryside and ever since, I have such a new appreciation for chicken. The recipe Alex shared was inspired by the Cajun Chicken entree at Le Bilbouquet…one of my all time favorite restaurants. I’ve never had this dish in the restaurant, but I definitely will next time I go!

I paired our dinner tonight with a medium-bodied French red wine. I think the seasoning on the chicken paired so well with this wine!

For our date night, we started off with a little cheese board when Will got home from work. I kept it pretty simple, but used my favorite ingredients. Central Market makes my FAVORITE crackers, the rosemary crostini crackers…they are a game changer so I started out with those, selected a basil pesto goat cheese and a blue cheese, peppered salami and holiday grapes to round out my board. I like to drizzle local honey over my blue cheese because I think it gives it a really nice balance.

A little cheese board for our appetizer

For our salad, I made a version of a childhood favorite. I diced an apple, crumbled some goat cheese, added a dash of salt and pepper and mixed it with butter lettuce and a spring mix. I drizzled Garlic Expressions over it.

For our main entree, I served the pan-roasted chicken with oven frites and my mixed salad.

Pan-Roasted Blackened Cajun Chicken with Oven Frites

by Alex Snodgrass – The Defined Dish

Pan Roasted Blackened Chicken

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 lbs boneless, skin-on chicken breasts about 1 1/4 pounds
  • 1 tablespoon avacado oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine substitute chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon arrowroot starch
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or whole 30 use ghee
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Oven Frites

  • 1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes or 2 large potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 

Pan-Roasted Blackened Cajun Chicken

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  • in a small bowl, combine the salt,pepper, thyme, cayenne pepper, paprika, rosemary, and oregano. Set aside.
  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and season the skin side with half the spice mixture.
  • in a medium oven-safe skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat until just starting to smoke. Carefully lay out the chicken breasts into the hot skillet skin side down. Cook without moving until the skin is deep golden brown and very crisp, about 6 minutes. While cooking season the second side of the chicken with the remaining spice mixture. Carefully flip the chicken breasts and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake until cooked through, or when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breasts registers 150 degrees, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and set aside, reserving the pan juices in the skillet.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the wine, chicken broth, and arrowroot and whisk until the arrowroot dissolves. Set aside.
  • Pour off all but about 1 teaspoon of the fat from the skillet and place the pan over high heat. Add the garlic along with the wine mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cook, stirring until the sauce is reduces by two -thirds, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add butter and the lemon and allow the butter to just melt. Stir to combine. Taste the pan sauce and season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Slice the chicken breasts and serve on individual plates. Spoon plenty of pan sauce over the slice chicken and serve with the oven frites.

Oven Frites

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Scrub the potatoes well, then cut them lengthwise into 1/2 inch wide fries.
  • Place the fries in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Spread the fries across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer (you may need two baking sheets to ensure they are in a single layer and have plenty of room to crisp up).
  • Bake in the oven until potatoes are golden brown all over and crisp, about 30 minutes (and no, you do not need to toss during the cooking time at all).

This dinner was amazing!! My husband and I both loved it and were pretty impressed with just how good it was. The chicken was full of flavor and moist, the oven frites were excellent ( I roasted mine for about 45 minutes because I like them extra crispy) and we loved the salad!

What are y’all doing for your date nights this week?! Leave me a comment and let me know!!

XO,

Brit

Style

Shopbop Fall Event takes up to 25 Percent off of Fall Favorites

by Britni McAshanLeave a Comment on Shopbop Fall Event takes up to 25 Percent off of Fall Favorites
Shopbop Fall Event takes up to 25 Percent off of Fall Favorites

It’s that time of year again! One of my favorite online retailers, Shopbop, is taking up to 25 percent off of more than 20,000 items!! From shoes to accessories and clothing, this sale is all you need to get your fall and winter wardrobe in top shape. I’ve scoured through the 200 pages of items and am sharing my favorites with you below.

Sister Jane Plaid Green Dress, Equipment Star Blouse, Sage Green Wrap Coat, Emerald Green Velvet Blazer, Emerald and Gold Fish Earrings, Sea Wool Coat, Helmut Lang Mint Green Sweater, White and Grey Veja Sneakers, English Factory Tan and Blue Shirt Dress, Powder Blue Veronica Beard Dress, Tory Burch Printed Thistle Midi Dress, Levi’s 501 Skinny Jeans, Naghedi Large St. Barths Tote, Tan Loeffler Randall Belt, Rachel Comey Clogs, Blue Free People Midi Skirt
My favorite everyday “mom” jeans! I wear the Levi 501s probably three times a week and they can be under $75 with the Shopbop Fall Event sale!

Absolutely in love with the Naghedi Large St. Barths tote I got last month! Whether you’re going to the beach or around town, this bag is AMAZING!!
Bell Multi Colored Midi Dress, Gold Chain Necklace, Black Midi Dress, Roller Rabbit Kimono, Stoney Clover Glam Cosmetic Bag, Cami NYC Black Sheer Dress, Sister Jane Black Bow Top, Loeffler Randall Penny Knot Slides, Black Star Mini Dress, Mother Black Step Hem Jeans, English Factory Puff Sleeve Tie Dye T-Shirt, Karen Mabon Snow Leopard Pajamas, Grey Polka Dot Sweater, Classic White Superga Sneakers, English Factory Black and White Faux Sweater, Aquazzura Bow Pumps

Happy shopping, loves!! Whether its splurging for that pair of shoes you’ve been coveting or for a fun new dress, I hope you find some beautiful pieces to add to your closets!

XO,

Brit

Style

Brit’s Fall Sweater Guide

by Britni McAshanLeave a Comment on Brit’s Fall Sweater Guide
Brit’s Fall Sweater Guide

Even though you wouldn’t know it by the temperatures here in Texas, fall is finally here and I am busting out my sweaters! I am so excited this season because I feel like designers and stores are finally embracing the grandmillennial trend and these sweaters I have chosen are living proof.

I live for feminine cuts, pastels, bows, delicate embellishments and dainty collars and I have never seen more of these details on sweaters before!

1. Pink Combo Pullover 2. Lavender Jewel Button Sweater 3. Cream Bow Trim Sweater 4. Blue Floral Embroidered Sweater 5. Pink and Blue Jewel Button Knit Cardigan 6. Pink Pom Pom Cardigan
7. Heather Grey Juliette Collarless Blazer 8. Grey Sweater with Peter Pan Collar 9. Vote Sweater 10. Emerald Green Leopard Sweater 11. LoveShackFancy Pink Duster Sweater 12. Black Edge Pearl Cardigan
Pink Combo Pullover

What is your favorite sweater trend this year and where is your favorite place to shop for sweaters? Leave me a comment and let me know!

XO,

Brit

Wellness

Presidential Debate Serves as a Reminder to Register to Vote

by Britni McAshan1 Comment on Presidential Debate Serves as a Reminder to Register to Vote
Presidential Debate Serves as a Reminder to Register to Vote

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will take the stage tonight for the first presidential debate of 2020. While this debate will give voters more of a glimpse into the two candidates, it also serves as a reminder to register to vote. In Texas, the deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 5th. If you have moved, switched political parties, changed your name or haven’t voted in the past four years, you will need to register or re-register to vote.

If you’re not sure if you are registered, you can check your registration status here and also learn more information about polling locations, mail-in ballots and more. If you’re in Texas, votetexas.gov is a great resource to use for local voting information. According to the Houston Chronicle, 16.6 million Texans have registered to vote so far, an uptick of 1.5 millions voters since the last presidential election.

Graphic from the Ignatian Solidarity Network.

While I don’t intend to share my political beliefs on this blog, I don’t consider the act of voting as political. It has been said time and time again by both parties, that this election, no matter who wins, is going to change the future of our country and it is our civic duty and privilege to vote. Because voting is a privilege that many people around the world do not have, I think it is important to take this responsibility seriously and to inform yourself before the election.

When I was in high school, I was lucky enough to take speech and debate classes taught by a former speech writer for one of the presidents of the United States. Of course, we all wanted to know if she was a republican or democrat and who she worked for, but she wouldn’t tell us. On the first day of class she told us that she would never tell us which party she voted for, but that if you listened to what she said, you would know which party she aligned with. Rather than blindly following a party, I think we should all be able to clearly articulate why we are voting for a person based on their beliefs, agenda and policies. Until you are able to do that, you really aren’t prepared to vote.

To learn more about both candidates, tune into tonight to watch the first of three presidential debates. Tonight’s debate, held in Cleveland, will be the first debate where the presidential candidates will not shake hands because of coronavirus protocol and will give candidates a chance to speak about how the COVID-19 pandemic was handled, the economy and possibly the filling of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Supreme Court seat.

Are you watching the debate tonight? Leave me a comment and let me know!

XO,

Brit

Style

Brit’s Picks: Fall Neutrals

by Britni McAshanLeave a Comment on Brit’s Picks: Fall Neutrals
Brit’s Picks: Fall Neutrals

Happy first Friday of the fall, y’all! We had a brief moment of sweater weather here in Austin and it was amazing! I’m not usually this excited about the beginning of fall, but this year, there is something so wonderful about it and I can’t wait to break out my sweaters, boots and jackets!

This week, I’m easing into my fall fashions with neutrals. These pieces can really work year-round, but put together, they work perfectly for the early weeks of fall. For my first manicure of the fall, I’ve already brought back my go-to color, Don’t Bossa Nova me Around by OPI, this white-beige polish is a beautiful neutral and it looks gorgeous on a multitude of skin tones.

1. Theory Relief Cashmere-Blend Cardigan 2. English Factory Cream Jersey & Poplin Ruffle Top 3. Frame Braided Petit O Ring Double Wrap Belt 4. Adina’s Jewels Pave Butterfly Pendant Necklace 5. Zara Tan Sweater Dress 6. Nanushka Cream Belted Sweater Dress 7. OPI Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around Nail Polish 8. Vanina Inflorescence The Pearl Comino Top Handle Bag 9. Mansur Gavriel Monogrammed Dream Ballerina Flats 10. Mother The Insider High Waist Crop Step Fray Jeans

Something I love about this time of year is that you can still wear dresses or jeans and a tee and just throw on a sweater to stay warm. I’m loving these sweater dresses from Zara and Nanushka and think they would be beautiful with ballet flats, tennis shoes, sandals or even a pair of boots depending on where you are in the world.

For a casual fall look, I’m loving this new Theory cardigan paired with a white tee, darker denim and ballet flats. I can already tell this will be my uniform for the next few weeks!

What are your fall favorites so far?! Leave me a comment and let me know!

XO,

Brit

Style

WFH Style

by Britni McAshanLeave a Comment on WFH Style
WFH Style

Working from home–or WFH as it has been coined, once a situation many dreamed of, now seems here to stay. As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, in-person meetings have been swapped for zoom meetings, and a new genre of clothing has emerged…Work From Home Style. Luckily, comfort is key in the WFH trend and pairing comfortable pieces with laidback sophisticated pieces will have you looking on point for your all of your virtual appointments.

Working from home is a major adjustment and while many of us thought it would be a temporary situation, we are now six months in. At this point, we just need to embrace our new normal and be thankful for the time we’re saving each day getting ready. Although working from home is more relaxed than your look needs to be in the office, there is still an unspoken dress code… or at least there should be. By mixing sophisticated pieces with casual loungewear, you can achieve a polished work-from-home look. From easy t-shirt dresses to work-appropriate leggings, I will show you five looks that will be great for Zoom calls and keep you comfortable for the whole day.

Brit’s Tips for Working from Home Comfortably:

  1. Comfort is key
  2. Mix easy pieces with a polished top or blazer
  3. Amplify your look with accessories from the waist up
  4. Save your skin and do a minimal version of your usual makeup
Heather Grey Juliette Collarless Blazer, Emerald Cut Earrings, White T-shirt, Black Sports Bra, Black Scalloped Leggings, Fluffy Black Slides
White Knotted Shirt Dress, Classic White Superga Platform Tennis Shoes, Sweet Sentiments Positivity Bracelets, Silver Hoop Earrings
Grey Luxe Lounge Set, Gold Hoop Earrings, Pashmina Wrap, Golden Goose Sneakers
Lap of Luxury Cream Knit Set, Fluffy Slide Slipper, Missoni Striped Headband, Nicola Bathie Golden Flower and Pearl Earrings, Karen Walker Philo Round Blue Light Glasses
Black Knotted Headband, Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry Margaux Extra-Small Hoop Earring, Black Belted Sweater Dress, Tkees Black Leather Slides

What have been your favorite WFH pieces the last few months? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

XO,

Brit

Style

Brit’s Fall Boot Guide

by Britni McAshanLeave a Comment on Brit’s Fall Boot Guide
Brit’s Fall Boot Guide

Depending on where you are in the world, you might not be ready to think about boots for Fall and Winter yet, but in fact, the time is upon us! Fall is just one week away and many top boot and bootie styles are already selling out. Here in Texas, we can only wear boots for a few months out of the year so I’ve rounded up my favorite boot styles that you can save or splurge on, but still look stylish as ever.

Tan Knee High Boots

Save: Gianni Bini Barrine Suede Over-the-Knee Block Heel Boots

Splurge: Paris Texas Knee-Length Boot

Winter Boots

Save: Inuikii Classic Shearling Sneakers

Splurge: Isabel Marant Nowels Boot

Western Boots

Having grown up in the West, I’m a sucker for any style of western boot.

Save: Boot Barn Tan Riley Vintage Boots

Splurge: Golden Goose Low Wish Star Boots

Black Combat Boots

Save: Lug Combat Boot 

Splurge: Chanel Black Leather Ankle Boots

Over The Knee Boots

I have had the Stuart Weitzman Lowland Boots since 2015 or 2016 and have worn them about a thousand times. I like them, but to be honest, am kind of ready for a new style.

Save: Kaitlyn Pan Low Heel Boots

Splurge: Stuart Weitzman Lowland Boots

Cozy Boots

Save: Koolaburra By Ugg Burra Mini Uggpure Lined Boot

Splurge: Ugg Classic Mini

Perhaps my most-worn boot of all time. I LOVE the Classic Mini Uggs in Chestnut Suede.

Which style of boots will you be wearing this year? Leave me a comment and let me know!

XO,

Brit

Style

Brit’s Picks

by Britni McAshanLeave a Comment on Brit’s Picks
Brit’s Picks

It is feeling like fall here in Austin, y’all and I am here for it!! This was my first summer in Austin and I was shocked at how hot/unbearable it was! So of course when I got a whiff of this 65 degree weather, I jumped on my chance to try out some of my new fall clothes!

Although many thought the “modern prairie” trend would not last, I’m happy to report that it is here to stay. I love feminine dresses with long sleeves so if that makes me look like I’m from Little House on the Prairie, then I’m totally ok with that!

1. Green Sweater 2. Leopard Face Mask 3. Gold Face Mask Chain 4. Green Plaid Dress 5. Wooden Hoop Earrings 6. Roxanne Assoulian Bracelets 7. English Factory Sweater Dress 8. Vintage Denim 9. Louis Vuitton “On the Go” Look Alike 10. Grey Celine Nano Belt Bag 11. Golden Goose Western Boots 12. Gucci Loafers 13. Stutterheim Raincoat

I recently picked up this plaid green dress by Sister Jane and am so in love with it! The fabric is a bit heavier than I expected, but it is beautiful in person and really well made! I’ve paired it here with a pair of old Zara boots that have since sold out, but I’ve linked a similar pair here, and my grey Celine Belt Bag. If boots are too heavy for the climate you’re in right now, I would suggest wearing this dress with tan ballet flats or even slide sandals.

If you’re looking for a for a casual fall uniform, look no further than this combo! I’m a sucker for anything green so this Cupcakes and Cashmere Sweater speaks to me on so many levels! The simplicity of the sweater and classic Moussy jeans (currently on sale) leave a perfect opening for these amazing Gucci loafers! Will be running all of my errands in this look for the next few months! If you’re looking to add a little more color to your look, I would suggest this amazing set of blush-toned bracelets from Roxanne Assoulian, they are 80 percent off right now at Moda Operandi! I know Christmas is still a few months away, but if you have ladies you need to buy gifts for, these make a fabulous stocking stuffer!

I also love a good raincoat for fall and when I saw this beige beauty from Stutterheim I got all of the Julia Roberts vibes in Notting Hill!! I like this one particularly because of the weight and it is just effortlessly chic.

Stutterheim Raincoat

Which clothing items and trends are you most excited about for fall?! Leave me a comment and let me know! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and enjoy some nice fall weather!

XO,

Brit

Style

Brit’s Picks: Endless Summer

by Britni McAshanLeave a Comment on Brit’s Picks: Endless Summer
Brit’s Picks: Endless Summer

Labor Day is the definitive sign that summer is coming to a close. Although I don’t particularly subscribe to the belief that you can’t wear white after Labor Day, I do believe it’s a time to start transitioning your wardrobe.

I’m loving these pieces because they are good any time of year (especially in Texas) and can help you transition from Summer to Fall seamlessly.

1. Gucci Dupe Sunnies 2. Pink Bottega Venetta Pouch 3. Free People Sun Hat 4. Pink Hunza G Swimsuit 5. Pink Sweater 6. Have a Nice Day T-shirt 7. Birkin Pool Float 8. Glitter Beach Balls 9. White Crop Frame Jeans 10. Tan Hermes Sandals 11. Leopard Ganni Shorts 12. Golden Goose Sneakers

I hope you have the best Labor Day Weekend and wear your white jeans and dresses as much as you can!

XO,

Brit

Travel

Brit’s Summer Travel Series: Park City, Utah

by Britni McAshan2 Comments on Brit’s Summer Travel Series: Park City, Utah
Brit’s Summer Travel Series: Park City, Utah

As Summer comes to a close, so too does Brit’s Summer Travel Series. And the last stop on my journey is one of my favorite places in the world, Park City, Utah. Because I grew up in Salt Lake City, Park City is like a second home to me.

Just 35 minutes from the Salt Lake City airport, Park City is a top destination anytime of the year. Although the town is famous for its skiing, the summer months are just as fabulous. From hiking to river rafting, shopping and eating, there are endless activities to do in Park City that work for people of all ages.

The view of The Canyons from McPolin Farm

Since I’ve lived in Utah, Park City has changed so much. Many of the restaurants and shops are now different and even the ski resorts have had a major shakeup, but it is still charming as ever and now much fancier, which I love. For my most recent visit, we chose to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Park City and absolutely loved it.

The Waldorf was not only a beautiful hotel with huge, updated rooms, but the staff was also incredible. Everyone remembered us and they were so sweet to our puppy, Charlie. Little things like s’mores by the fire at night and the DJ at the pool on Saturday made our long-weekend stay so much fun. We booked our room through Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection so our room was automatically upgraded and we had free breakfast every morning which was amazing. I loved the food at the hotel, thought the wine list was ok and the cocktails were great.

The Waldorf is four miles from Main St. so if you’re looking to be right on Main St., the Marriott Summit Watch is a fabulous choice and affordable. If you’re interested in staying in Deer Valley, the Montage, St. Regis and Stein Eriksen are my top choices.

If you’re a foodie like me, then you will love Park City! I have to start with 501, it was by far our favorite restaurant of the trip and a total surprise. We actually went in because we wanted to have lunch on their balcony. The restaurant is situated right on Main St. and has wonderful views. We LOVED the food and they had an excellent wine list. I had the Ahi Tuna appetizer two days in a row and would have done it for a third if I could. The service was excellent and we couldn’t have asked for better lunches.

We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner at Riverhorse and I would say this is a must-try if you’re in town. I made our reservation about a month in advance and the restaurant was full so definitely make a reservation for this one if you can. The service was also impeccable here and the food and wine list were top-notch.

If you’re staying in the Canyons like we did, Powder, the restaurant at the Waldorf, Versante and Cortona are excellent choices and are close by. If you’re looking to stay on Main St., Riverhorse, 501, Yuki Yama, and Tupelo will be perfect for you.

As far as breakfast spots and coffee shops go, I love the Java Cow Bakery. When I was growing up, we would always go here for ice cream (usually after dinner at the Pizza Noodle) and I just lived for it!! But they now have wonderful coffee and breakfast options so I highly recommend checking it out. Riverhorse Provisions, is also a great option for breakfast.

One of my family’s favorite places to go for a celebratory brunch when I was little was the Stein Eriksen so of course we had to go this past weekend. But things have changed. Because of COVID-19, they no longer do brunch as a buffet, but rather family-style and it was not good. The service was great here and the views can’t be beat, but the food did not do it for me. I would suggest going for lunch, dinner or maybe a drink to see Deer Valley, but I would pass on brunch for sure.

The activities in Park City are literally endless! On our long-weekend, we barely had time to scratch the surface. Of course, checking out Main Street should be on your list. Historic Main Street is filled with art galleries and unique shops where you are sure to find something you’ll want to take home with you. We stumbled upon Baranof Jewelers and I found a few gems I will definitely be returning for.

If you’re looking for souvenirs to take home to your loved ones, Park City Mercantile has fabulous leather coasters, cutting boards and more. I also love the Deer Valley Signature Store on Main Street for Deer Valley Merchandise like t-shirts, hats and odds and ends. If merchandise isn’t quite the way you want to remember your time in the mountains, an iconic piece from the McMillen Fine Art Gallery might be more up your alley. Jared and Tish McMillen have captured some of the most stunning scenes from the Rocky Mountains and any of their pieces would be the perfect addition to your home.

Growing up, we would always bike around McPolin Farm. Not only is there a great trail, but because of the iconic white barn with an American Flag, its makes a wonderful spot for family photos and is a landmark in Park City that is not to be missed. Don’t be fooled by the fence around it, McPolin Farm is owned by the people of Park City and is completely open to the public.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip to Park City as much as I did! What are your favorite things to do in Park City? Leave me a comment and let me know what I need to add to my list!

XO,

Brit