Welcome to our weekly “walk and talk,” where we bring our weekly walks to you. Our walks are a time to catch up on family life, share online shopping hits and misses, exchange recipes, discuss our newest Netflix binge — all the stuff that friends share with each other. And now we’re sharing with you!
Don’t miss a single link! Click here for previous editions of our “Walk and Talk.”
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING & LISTENING TO
Just a friendly reminder from your favorite new bloggers….today is the premiere of Season 4 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video). Get ready ladies – two episodes each Friday starting 2/18! Can you tell we’re huge fans? The writing, the casting, the costumes, the humor — what’s not to love!
MEGAN: The Oscar nominations came out last week, how many of the Best Picture nominees have you watched? Each year I try to watch the movies nominated for Best Picture, 1st up Bradley Cooper’s movie Nightmare Alley. It was solid, I mean who doesn’t like Bradley Cooper? Directed by Guillermo del Toro (best known for Pan’s Labyrinth and Shape of Water), Nightmare Alley has that horror movie/fairy tale vibe. Interesting story about a carnie (Bradley Cooper) that is a con man and a psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) that is even scarier! I don’t think it will win but I recommend you see it.
RANDOM STUFF WE’VE PURCHASED
CHRISTA: I purchased some new curtains for my office. (Well, they are sort of new because I replaced the old faded ones with the exact same curtain in a longer length…I liked them that much!) They look so much better since I hung them higher this time. (Here are some professional tips for hanging curtains.) My curtains are from Amazon and I definitely recommend them. You’ll be surprised/impressed by the quality for only $57 per panel – they’re room darkening, lined and weighted at the bottom. The curtains in the pics were just hung so they definitely need to be steamed. I ordered this steamer to do the job.
MEGAN: A few years ago I purchased a hydrometer to track the level of moisture in my house. In the winter when the heat is on the air gets super dry. I keep shocking the dog when I pet her and my skin is starting to take on some lizard like qualities. The hydrometer led me to a mini, bluetooth humidifier. It charges during the day and I set it on my bedside table at night. Let me tell you my sinuses and skin are very appreciative. Highly recommend.
WHAT WE’RE EATING
CHRISTA: I’m trying Weight Watchers again – fingers crossed I can muster up some willpower! I’m eating yummy and nutritious stuff but in smaller portions, and counting my points. WW does make you realize pretty quick how portion sizes can get out of control! This recipe for flourless banana chocolate chip breakfast muffins is a favorite and it’s very few points (points vary depending on the WW plan you’re following). If you don’t mind using the app and tracking the points, then WW is a simple approach for weight loss.
MEGAN: Lawless is how I would describe my current eating habits. The good news is tomorrow is a new day… Tonight I’m making a family favorite, we call it Barbara’s Chicken Pot Pie. This great weeknight dinner can be prepped in 20 minutes and bakes for 30.
Barbara's Chicken Pot Pie
www.StyleAmongFriends.com
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen peas & carrots
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/3 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 2/3 cup milk
- 3 chicken breasts (cooked and cubed) tip: I use 1 whole shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 9″ ready made pie crusts
Instructions
- Rinse and drain peas and carrots, heat butter in a pan, add flour, onion, salt and pepper – stir until thick and bubbly.
- Remove from heat, stir in milk and chicken broth. Put back on the burner and bring to a boil, stirring for 1 min.
- Add the chicken and veggies (you can use any frozen mixed veggies you have on hand).
- Pour into bottom pie crust, put 2nd crust on top, pinching the sides to seal. Poke holes to vent on the top and paint the top with an egg wash to make the crust extra yummy. I sprinkle sea salt flakes on top just for flavor.
- Cover and bake at 425 for 30 min. Uncover last 10 min. Enjoy!
WHAT WE’RE SHOPPING FOR
CHRISTA: Time for some refills…I know it’s still February, but I’ve been looking for new sandals, which reminded to make sure my feet are sandal ready to wear them. I love this foot scrub and use it regularly in the shower, with this scrubber. It’s time to order more – I definitely want to have plenty with spring around the corner. Keeping up with this habit has kept the soles of my feet from cracking this winter, so I’ll be sandal ready for these Arien Mid Wedge sandals from Schutz that made it to my cart. (I wore this pair by Schutz all the time last summer – highly recommend these! – comfy and super cute with everything. Can’t wait to get these new sandals!)
MEGAN: I popped into Sephora the other day with the thought that it’s time to switch up my foundation. Armani Luminous Silk Oil Free Foundation has been my go to for a few years and I still love it, but I’ve been itching to try something “clean”. A few friends recommended the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40. You guys – I love it. It’s a little runnier (wetter?) then I’m used to, but I figured out that applying it with my fingers then buffing it with this brush creates the magic combo. Sephora has free samples so you can go home and try a few colors and play with the application. The coverage is as good as the Armani with the added benefit of SPF and clean ingredients.
WHAT WE’RE PLANNING
CHRISTA: Time to schedule an annual checkup at the dermatologist. I know, not the most exciting blog material to share, but I wanted to remind everyone in case you haven’t done this or you’re overdue. Here are some tips to make the most of your appointment. While you’re at it, check in with yourself to see what other doctor appointments you need to schedule.
MEGAN: A makeshift/camp kitchen is in my future as the contractor gets ready to tear out my kitchen. I’ve been ordering a few things I think will come in handy as I start cooking in the basement. This two burner cooktop has over 4k reviews and this big boy can roast a 20lbs turkey! Let’s hope I’m not still cooking in the basement next November. I’m (not so) secretly thinking about ordering this table top dishwasher for the obvious reasons. Insert crying face emoji.
WHAT WE’RE WEARING
CHRISTA: It was VERY cold this week for our morning walk, but I stayed nice and warm in my winter coat from Sam Edelman that I purchased last year. It’ll keep you warm without being too heavy or bulky. If you are in need of a new winter coat or if you like to shop ahead for next year, grab this one at Nordstrom.
MEGAN: Poshmark has been good to me this winter. Last month I scored the Aquatalia boots I’d been eyeing since last summer and this month I got two cashmere sweaters for the price of one! I don’t think they’ve ever been worn, one still had the tags on it. I wore the skull sweater last Friday and got 6 compliments. That’s a winner in my book. Don’t forget about Poshmark when you need a little wardrobe refresh at the end of the season. Next week I’m putting a bunch of my stuff on Poshmark for sale.
AND, HERE’S WHERE WE WALKED
A peek along our walk…
It was very cold for our walk this week….18 degrees! What the heck were we thinking? But it was very sunny, so no complaints here! (And neither one of us fell in the streams we crossed either!) I’d say it was a good walk!
CHRISTA’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video)
- The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (Netflix)
- ShopYourTV.com
- some new curtains // professional tips for hanging curtains // steamer
- This recipe for breakfast muffins
- this foot scrub and this scrubber
- Arien Mid Wedge sandals from Schutz
- Tips for your upcoming dermatology appointment
- winter coat from Sam Edelman – on sale 56% off at Nordstrom Rack!!
MEGAN’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- Nightmare Alley
- hydrometer
- humidifier
- Armani Luminous Silk Oil Free Foundation
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
- brush
- cooktop
- counter top oven aka “big boy”
- table top dishwasher
- Poshmark
- Aquatalia boots
Walking is always so much better when you go with a friend! We hope you’ll share our blog with your walking bestie. And let us know in the comments what you’re watching, wearing, eating, planning or shopping for.
Best Chicken Pot Pie. Make it this weekend!