Travel Guest Post- Pt. 1

Hello TVP readers! Rhonda from Belle in Bows here. 

I can't even tell you how excited I was that S asked me to guest post for her while she is off traveling. 

How lucky is she to be in Portugal? A country I have always wanted to visit! 

S jet-setting got me to thinking about how much I absolutely love traveling, and a lot goes into it. Especially if you are traveling internationally. 

Today, I wanted to give you some of my tips that I stick to when I travel. 

**First and most importantly: 

Moisturize and hydrate! 

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I cannot emphasize how important this step is when traveling. Especially when traveling by air. However, even if you are going by car these are still important. A lot of time passes where you may be sitting and not being active, it can be easy to forget to drink water! It is still vitally important. Also, don't forget your daily moisturizer. On days when you are traveling you may need to moisturize more often. Being on an airplane always makes my skin dry and feeling gross. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! 

**Secondly, dress comfortably. I never understand when people get on a long flight wearing tight dresses and heels. Practicality beats fashion when traveling. I am not saying you have to wear sweatpants and a t-shirt, but I am not saying it's wrong either. Here is a sample of what I would wear when traveling. 

Travel by BelleinBows featuring beaded bracelets

There are some basic rules to attire when traveling. Dress in layers in case the temperature on the flight fluctuates from warm to cold. Simple shoes, I don't want to be behind you in line at security if it takes 5 minutes for you to take your shoes off. Minimal accessories, for the exact same reason as shoes. 

**Next,  a neck pillow. 

I know, I know. Sometimes I too snicker at people with neck pillows, but trust me, it's worth it. If you forget this step you may wake up with an extremely sore neck. Or worse, with your head resting on your neighbor's shoulder. I would die. 

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**On a international flight I like to spend most of the trip sleeping. However, I need, and yes I mean need, coffee. I need this coffee just to put up with the amount of people I will encounter on any given trip. May be ironic but coffee will give me the patience I will need to not lose it over a grumpy flight attendant, a slowpoke in security, and/or a chatty neighbor. 

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These are some of my tips! Please, feel free to share some of your tips with me! 

Don't forget to check back tomorrow to read my Travel Pt. 2 post! You aren't going to want to miss it. 

Friday Fall Frenzie

Since I live in Texas and we are on our 20 something day of triple digit heat...I am so looking forward to buying and wearing my fall clothes!! I probably won't get to wear them until October...but hey a girl can wish!!

Below are pictures via Pintrest, which I just stumpled upon, that I am looking forward to adding to my Fall wardrobe!!



Loving everything about this fall outfit!




I love these embellished Wellies...it't not that rainy in Texas, but I really NEED these!



Loving this color for fall and all of the sparkles!



Want a or many blazers this fall...thanks to Kim K and Kate Middleton





And lastly a fabulous fall outfit!



What do you have on your fall wish list?



Xoxo,


"E"

Southern Inspired Dinner

I am so excited to be a guest blogger on TVP for the next two days!! I have really enjoyed blogging and one of my favorite things to do is cook! I like to think I am Paula Deen, Jr.


This following dinner is Southern Inspired since I am from Texas and I always use my southern belle voice while making all of it!

One of my fiance's favorite thing I make is chicken fried steak. With it being so messy to make he probably only gets to enjoy it once a month...maybe.


Paula's Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients

•1 1/2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

•1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

•8 (4-ounce) tenderized beef round steak (have butcher run them through cubing machine)

•1 teaspoon House Seasoning, recipe follows

•1 teaspoon seasoning salt

•3/4 cup vegetable oil

•1 1/2 teaspoons salt

•4 cups hot water

•1/2 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (recommended: Ac'cent), optional

•1 bunch green onions, or 1 medium yellow onion, sliced

Directions

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle 1 side of the meat with the House Seasoning and the other side with the seasoning salt, and then dredge the meat in the flour mixture. Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 or 4 of the steaks to the hot oil, and fry until browned, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove each steak to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat with the remaining steaks, adding up to 1/4 cup more oil, as needed.

Make the gravy by adding the 2 tablespoons remaining flour to the pan drippings, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. Stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and the salt. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the flour is medium brown and the mixture is bubbly. Slowly add the water and the monosodium glutamate, if using, stirring constantly. Return the steaks to the skillet and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, and place the onions on top of the steaks. Cover the pan, and let simmer for 30 minutes.

House Seasoning:

•1 cup salt

•1/4 cup black pepper

•1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups



Paula's Garlic Mash Potatoes
Ingredients

3 medium baking potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoon butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup sour cream, at room temperature

1 teaspoon finely minced garlic

whole milk, start with 1 Tablespoon, at room temperature or warmed

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste


Directions

In a medium saucepan, cook the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan.

Add the butter, sour cream and garlic. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or the back of a fork until the ingredients are blended. Add the milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes are the desired consistency. Taste and add salt and pepper, if needed.



Paula's Not Yo Momma's Banana Pudding

Ingredients

•2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies

•6 to 8 bananas, sliced

•2 cups milk

•1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding

•1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

•1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

•1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream

Directions

Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 12.


Xoxo,

"E"

And I'm Off!

To Portugal that is :) Only for two weeks and I am nervous, excited, saddened and just a mixed bag of emotions. I have loads to do today and things to get ready at the house. But pray for me that I will have a safe flight, my pup, Lucy will be okay with out me for 14 days and that all will be wonderful.

While I am away TVP will be having guest bloggers to post thorught the two weeks I am gone. They are my wonderful friends - Julie at Wearingmascara Erin at It's all about E and R at Belle in Bows. 

Have these great ladies feel welcome to TVP. Comment and enjoy! :)

So I am off and I will miss you all terribly. But be safe, enjoy life and love! Here are some images of where I will be for two weeks--- Ah...My homecountry of Portugal! :) 

Adues & Ciao!

Photo Credits

Manic Monday..

2 more days until I am up in the air and off to Boston then Porto, Portugal all in one day.
I must admit I am not that great of a flyer.. all i want to do is just sleep and breathe. My anxiety and nerves are coming up and will be full force on Tuesday. Oy... I see Advil PM in my future for 2 nights at least.

On a happier note, I have three guest bloggers coming in and posting on TVP while I am gone.
Those would be my fabulous friends- A Belle In Bows, It's All About Erin and Wearing Mascara.

Check out their blogs. This will be a great treat for all TVP readers. :)

Also, a sad tribute to a great talent who struggled with addiction... R.I.P. Amy Winehouse.
Such a sad ending to a talented person. May you have peace at last.

Photo Credit

T.G.I.F. in Pictures

Happy Friday Everyone!! Truly, Thank Goodness It has Arrived! :)

Enjoy this images for your friday! :)

Have a fabulous weekend and stay cool!

Photo Credits

Much Love  :)

On my mind...

• 5 more days until I am in the air and flying to Porto, Portugal. AAAHHH I cannot believe I will get to see my parents and extended family.
• 5 more precious days before I leave this sweet baby for 2 whole weeks :(

• I think I have found the one. More on that later.
• Overwhelmed with the items and errands I have to accomplish before I leave on Wednesday morning. I swear I need an assistant
• Hoping that I can switch my IPhone/AT&T carrier to international plan so that I dont get charged with roaming.
• Grateful for my twitter and blog girlfriends- E and Belle In Bows - They are truly the best a girl could ask for :)

And had to share this.. just made me smile this morning :)