Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Stitch Fix Review: A Great Service

I've read about Stitch Fix from some friends and bloggers, but never thought I'd try it out for myself because I love the thrill of searching for treasures in stores. Then I got a Klout Perk for $20 off and figured I'd give it a try. There's a "styling fee" of $20 each time, but you get that much in credit toward the purchase. So I figured I'd either get $20 off something or just send everything back with nothing paid out of pocket.

This morning, I got an email from Stitch Fix reminding me to return everything in a couple days. WAIT A MINUTE, IT'S SITTING ON THE PORCH NOW? I dropped my phone on the bed, throw on a robe, and grabbed the box from outside right away.

The box comes wrapped all nicely.


There's a pre-paid envelope to send back any rejects in.


There is also a card with styling ideas, and a list of the items with their prices.


This dress was the one I was most excited about. IT HAS POCKETS. I'm a sucker for dresses with pockets.


It's a good-quality weight and fit well.


Really, it fit like a dream. But I'm not in love with it for the $98 price tag, so I'll be returning it.


Then there's this top.


And these jeans. So, I commented on the survey for them not to send pants because of my derby ass and thighs. These jeans were the first item on top, and a size 14. I rolled my eyes.


But guess what? These jeans fit like a dream!


I like the top as well, but I'm keeping just the jeans. Seriously. JEANS THAT FIT.


Then there's this stretch jersey stripey dress. It's something I'd probably see in a store and like but not get around to trying on.


It's a great summer weight, and I'm dying to belt it.


This is the other keeper from the box.


Lastly, there's this dress. I died over the coral color. It's also a great summer weight.


It fit fine, but I just don't like things that are drapey on top and then gather. I want them to flow all the way down so I can add my own belt. A good styling fit for me, but I'm not in love.


Overall, I probably won't do this again because I have trouble limiting my shopping addiction as it is. But I would highly recommend that anyone try this once!

Wanna try it yourself? Please use this referral link!

https://stitchfix.com/referral/3553468

Friday, February 28, 2014

Revamped Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole



I realize I have posted so many versions of enchilada casseroles by now. It's partly because the recipe is so versatile. I'm also prone to modifying recipes based on whatever I have on hand. This one is perhaps the tastiest yet, and I like that it doesn't have any products packaged and marketed as fake meat. The lentils give it a great consistency and protein without weird chemicals.

This feeds a crowd perfectly. I've yet to meet anyone who didn't like either the veggie or meat versions, so I always make one of each for parties. It also reheats fantastically for weekday lunches.


Vegetarian Lentil Enchilada Casserole
Serves 6-8 people

Lentil taco filling (recipe below)
Semi-homemade refried beans (recipe below)
Corn tortillas
Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 can enchilada sauce

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare taco filling and refried beans. Combine these two ingredients together.
3. Spoon enough enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 glass cake pan to coat the bottom. This keeps the casserole from sticking.
4. Layer tortillas on the bottom as if you are starting a lasagna with noodles.
5. Cover bottom layer with half the taco filling.
6. Make another tortilla layer.
7. Cover tortillas with the other half of the filling.
8. Make a final tortilla layer.
9. Cover top tortilla layer with the rest of the can of enchilada sauce. It might seem soupy, but that's okay.
10. Top the entire casserole with cheese, as desired.
11. Bake until cheese is as browned and crispy as you like, about 20 to 30 minutes.


Lentil Taco Filling (adapted from AllRecipes)
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp dried onions
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 1/3 cup dried lentils
4 cups mushroom broth
2/3 cup salsa

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix lentils and taco seasoning into onion mixture. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
3. Cover lentils with broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
4. Uncover and cook until mixture is slightly thickened, 6 to 8 minutes.
5. Mash lentils slightly. Stir in salsa.

Semi-Homemade Refried Beans (adapted from AllRecipes)
1 tbsp canola oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 can pinto beans, drained
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp lime juice

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.