Make them THINK you can cook!

Girls let’s just face it, I’m not a cook. I would like to be, but being that my husband and I both get home from work at the same time and he’s hungry the instant he’s home…I have to find ways to be creative other than having left-overs every night.  That’s where the crock-pot comes in. I prepare in the morning before I go to work or sometimes I do all the prep work the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning I plug it in and go!  I have made so many things from breakfast casseroles, hams, desserts, drinks, all sorts of things in the crockpot. Here’s my family’s favorite crock-pot meal.  I usually have a salad and some corn bread to go with it. ENJOY! 

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
From www.food.com
Ingredients

1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken
2 (15 ounce) cans great northern beans or navy beans
1 (15 ounce) can hominy or white corn
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope taco seasoning
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can of chopped green chilies
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
chopped green onion (optional)
monterey jack cheese (optional)

Directions:
Place chicken in slow cooker and top with beans and corn. In a medium bowl, combine taco seasoning, chiles, condensed soup, and chicken broth. Pour over top of ingredients in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
Before serving, stir gently to break up chicken, then stir in the sour cream.
Serve topped with green onions and jack cheese, if desired.

What are some of YOUR favorite crock pot meals? Share them with us in the comments below! 


- Suzy A. Hicks
Co Director, Columbus Chapter

In The Spotlight - Molly Burroughs

It’s time for another member spotlight this week! Molly Burroughs from our Columbus, OH chapter is center stage today!

This 41 year old married LBDC member works as a licensed massage therapist. While Molly loves her job, she does make time for a few hobbies. An avid hiker, Molly also shares a love for all things outdoors; taking a bike ride or just spending time in her yard gardening, she also enjoys curling up with a good book.

Molly joined the Little Black Dress Club nearly 5 months ago and has already grown attached to her new girlfriends. Looking to meet new people, make new friends and try new things, the LBDC has provided Molly with all that and more. She has really enjoyed getting together and having fun with other women.

Molly believes that life happens for you, not to you. So, she embraces all that life, and the Little Black Dress Club, has to offer her.

Thanks for being in the spotlight, Molly!

-Shay Ashcraft

Social Media Director, LBDC

Shantell’s Weight Loss Chronicles: Yummy Chicken Veggie Soup

This year, like so many of you and like so many years before, I resolved to lose weight BUT this time around instead of doing the latest, greatest fad diet I decided to consult a dietician who helped me create a balanced, healthy eating plan. But with a schedule that includes a full time job, two businesses, a LBDC chapter to lead, and a dissertation to write I quickly came to the realization that making sure I get all of the required portions/nutrients/good stuff in one meal is a CHALLENGE. Per my dietician’s advice dinner should include 6oz of protein, ½ cup of starch, and unlimited veggies. So I’ve decided to sweep the dust off the crock pot and make meals that meet all of my dietician’s requirements in one convenient pot.  

Here’s my yummy chicken veggie soup recipe (Disclaimer: the measurements are approximate. I’m a “season to your taste” type of cook so feel free to adjust to your taste). Feel free to use frozen or canned veggies.

What you need:
4-6oz chicken breast
2 tbsp. of olive oil
1 tbsp. of black pepper
1 tbsp. of garlic powder
1 tbsp. of seasoning salt
2 tbsp. of parsley flakes
2 cups (or 16 oz.) of whole kernel sweet yellow corn
2 cups (or 16 oz.) of cut green beans (I prefer fresh cut over French cut)
1 cup (or 8 oz.) of sweet peas
1 cup (or 8 oz.) of sliced carrots
2 cups (or 16 oz.) of tomato sauce
1 cup (or 8 oz.) of water
½ cup (or 4 oz.) of tomato paste

What to do:
Warm olive oil in a large pan. Season chicken using a little of the seasoning salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.  Lightly  brown the chicken in the olive oil. Slice chicken into strips or chunks while it’s browning. WARNING: Do not let the chicken get crispy! Drain the oil from chicken.

In your slow cooker add the tomato sauce, remaining black pepper, garlic powder, seasoning salt, and parsley flakes. Add veggies and chicken. Add tomato paste and water. Stir.

I usually let this soup simmer all day but it’s actually ready to eat in about an hour, freezes well, and is very filling (i.e., no bread/rolls/crackers necessary). In one serving you have 6 oz. of protein, ½ cup or less of starch (carrots), and unlimited veggies! The perfect balanced meal.

If you’d like to know more about the meal plan I’m following please feel free to email me by clicking here.

Enjoy ladies!
Shantell Malachi
Director, LBDC Richmond Chapter

Little Black Dress, Oh Let Me Count The Ways...

How can I get the most use out of my Little Black Dress?
I look for a theme to all my styles and I love to switch it up.  This keeps your look fresh even if it’s the same dress you wore at the last event.

Classic
Wear your diamonds (real or fake) girls!  Necklace, Earrings, Bracelet, Rings, Hair Pins, you name it you can’t go wrong.  Depending on your taste you can wear dainty or go big. Grab your black high heels and purse and go meet the girls!

Preppy
Pick out your favorite cardigan and tie it over your shoulders or one of my favorite things to do is wear it over the dress with a skinny belt.  Also many short blazer’s look great with a LBD. Shop your local goodwill for some great deals!  Wear your favorite pearls, headband, and colored tights.

Retro
You take a classic black dress, pin your hair up, put your red lipstick on and add your favorite high and I mean HIGH heels. You’re good to go!

Boho-Chic
Grab your favorite LARGE colored purse, boots, and long necklace, put your hair in a bun and you’ve just made a statement!

Glam
Fur or feather’s make anything glam! Fur collars have been popular this winter as well as vest and coats. Feather’s are great as earring’s or hair accessories that totally transform your look. Don’t forget your rhinestone or colored high heels!  

What's YOUR favorite way to jazz up the LBD? Tell us in the comments below! 

-Suzy A. Hicks

Co Director, Columbus Chapter