A Tasty, "Healthier" Chicken Salad

For those of you who don't know me, I am weird about condiments.  I don't really like them and if I happen to eat them, they are in very small quantities or hidden in recipes.  For example: I will eat a tiny bit of ketchup on my french fries, however, I would still prefer honey.  I don't eat mayo or mustard but will grab some at the store for 1 of 2 specific recipes: mayo for chicken salad, mustard for salmon (very very occasionally).  Today I'll share how I like to make chicken salad.


My (Healthier) Chicken Salad


Ingredients:
2 Chicken Breasts
Celery- 1 stalk
Green Onions- 1/2 bunch
Apple (pink lady, jazz, etc.)- half
Mayo (I use Low fat Hellmann's- the green label)
EVOO
Mrs. Dash (Original Blend)
Dill Weed
Salt

1) Start by warming your grill pan to medium with olive oil.  Coat the chicken breasts to taste in Mrs. Dash.  Cook the chicken.  Salt to taste when cooked.
2) While the chicken cooks, chop the celery, green onions, and half the apple. Place in refrigerator while chicken cooks/cools.
3) Once the chicken cools, shred it/chop it and add to celery, green onions and apple mixture.  
4) Add mayo to taste.  Since I'm not a huge fan, I only use about 1 heaping table spoon. Some people like their chicken salad more "wet" and creamier, I prefer more "dry" and crunchier (lots of celery, little dressing).  
5) Mix everything together well to spread about the mayo.  A little does go a long way.  
6) Sprinkle with dill weed, to taste (I like a ton).  Mix it all together again and refrigerate for 3-4 hours before eating.  


I call this a healthier version because you are using a very little low fat mayo and chicken breasts.  You could take it one step healthier and just grill the chicken, eliminating the need for olive oil.  I've also heard of people adding grapes and/or nuts to their salad...get creative and make it how you like it.    


If you try it, let me know what you think! :)

Night at the Museum

Warhol in San Antonio.  


Last night my sister an I had a date night at the museum.  We stood inches away from the actual canvases of Picasso, Renoir, Monet, and of course, Warhol, just to name a very few.  The same canvases they stood inches away from creating this history.  It simply just blows my mind.  I'm not sure why; I guess because to me, experiencing art is so amazing, and it's right here in my home town.  Love.


My sister is a junior art major at UTSA and is a very talented artist herself.  It was fun having her there to school me on all things art history that I only vaguely remember from high school art class.  We had such a great time admiring the talents of those before us and are so thankful to be able to do so, so accessibly.  We left close to closing with a commitment to return as often as possible and dreams of traveling to other museums around the world.


Takeaways: Art is everywhere.  Appreciate different points of view.  Don't disregard mistakes as trash, as they are part of the process.  Collect more art!  Create more art!


Very inspiring.


Have a great weekend!

Handmade/ Reinvented Clutch

Fancy Faye Handmade/ Reinvented Clutch

Fully lined, Handmade Clutch

Yesterday, while working on other projects, a wave of inspiration came to me to create this clutch.  I had all the materials on hand and suddenly envisioned them being used together.  It is made of reinvented and vintage materials, from the vintage beaded form (from an old clutch) to the retro fabric (estate sale find)...right down to the thrifted metal zipper and thread.  The only exception is the red satin.  I'm digging it.  

Friday Finds

While running errands today, I swung by an estate sale going on down the road from me.  I left with some steals and wanted to quickly share them.  By the way, my vintage "shop" is open!  Check it out online...

Fancy Faye Vintage

1980s Laurence Kazar Beaded Peach Cocktail Dress- Mint Condition

Cut out the shoulder pads and you're good to go.

1970s Valentina Ltd. Sheath Dress- Great Condition

Shorten it and pair it with some black tights. Cute!

 1980s Pendleton Blazer- Like New

Unbutton it and pair it with skinny jeans, a cute top, and boots. Classic.

I'm off to get ready for a night of celebrating a beautiful bachelorette! Have a great Friday night, everyone!

Saturday at Pearl & The Garage of Good Recap

Last month I posted about an upcoming event that is held at Pearl and that I look forward to every time it comes around: The Garage of Good.  It took place this past Saturday and boy, did we make a day of it. 


Just when we thought winter had pretty much missed San Antonio all together, we got quite a little cold front this past weekend.  However, despite the wind and chill, it was an absolutely beautiful day at the Pearl (one of my fave spots in town- can you tell?).  


We arrived at the event just shortly after it opened and it was jam packed...especially the booth I was most excited about: The Kendra Scott Sample Sale!  Kendra Scott jewelry can be found in high end retailers like Nordstrom, boutiques, and her own stores.  She hails from just up I35 in Austin and we ("San Antonians") were odviously more than thrilled to have her here!  I patiently sifted through all the beautiful pieces, having to show quite a bit of self control as I wanted EVERYTHING.  I came out with 4 pairs of earrings (one for my sister) and a necklace. Ahhhh-MAZING.  At this point, however, I could no longer feel my fingertips due to the cold and lack of sunlight under the highway. Brrrrrrrrrr....

More than satisfied with my finds, but slightly frustrated with the crowds, we decided to leave the Garage of Good retailer space for a bit and venture over to the farmer's market to meet up with my aunt and cousins, where we hung out for the next hour or so.  We just sat enjoyed the sunshine, live music, delicious food, and conversation... perfection.  I could just "hang out" there all day, especially in the company of my cousin's sweet daughter who I just adore!  Can't you just tell that was some delicious hot chocolate by that smile?

Speaking of delicious... check out the chicken and waffles we enjoyed.  I have never had this famous combination and let me tell you...It was out of this world!!!  It was made to order and unbelievably fresh.  The fried chicken was very lightly battered with the perfect combination of seasonings and the waffle was light and fluffy on the inside and crisp and flavorful on the outside.  Perfection.  It's no wonder they sold out!


With full bellies and thawed hands, we all headed back over the Garage of Good to finish out the day with some more shopping.  


What a perfect Saturday!!! And since the farmer's market is every Saturday, I look forward to making more memories at the Pearl Farmer's Market this year.  If you're local, I encourage you to check it out and support your community...because it is proven: when you buy local more money stays in the community.  That'll make you smile! 

  Have a wonderful day!  

Andy Warhol at the McNay

Yesterday, while enjoying a beautiful (but chilly) day at the Pearl Brewery (post to come soon), I saw the huge billboard directly above me that I had somehow missed from the highway.  I have been planning on making a trip to the local art museum, the McNay, for a few weeks now but have been putting it off as other things come up.  Well, it appears there is an Andy Warhol exhibit in town!!!!  I'm super excited and know my sister will be happy to join me in admiring his fabulous pop art.  


From the McNay Art Museum Website:

"Andy Warhol: Fame and Misfortune -an exhibition exclusive to the McNay and San Antonio- assembles over 150 objects in all media, drawn from the rich collections of the Andy Warhol Museum in the artist’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Looking at Warhol’s lifelong obsession with both fame and disaster, the works included in this broad survey juxtapose icons of popular culture, legendary entertainers, art world luminaries, and world leaders, with images of suicides, automobile accidents, skulls, and an electric chair. This diverse range of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and films spans the three prolific decades of Warhol’s career, beginning in the mid-1950s and continuing through 1986, the year prior to his death."

Local friends, the McNay offers free admission on Thursday evenings (thanks to HEB) from 4-9pm to see the general collection!  Horray!  There is an optional fee to see the Warhol exhibit ($7), which is quite the steal!  


I know where I'll be this Thursday.  Who's coming with me? 

Ahh-mazing Anne Fogarty Find

Circa 1960s Anne Fogarty Wool Cocktail Dress

My Photography skills (or lack thereof) absolutely cannot do this incredible dress justice.  This is the most gorgeous piece of vintage fashion I have ever come across and had the opportunity to purchase.  It is in pristine condition and the details and styling are total perfection.  

Incredible Detailing

American Designer, Anne Fogarty (1919-1980)

I will not hesitate to say that Anne Fogarty outdid herself with this one.  Based on research of Anne, I would date this garment to be from the 1960s and it looks to have maybe made an appearance once with it's previous owner...and I'm guessing it was a very special occasion.  


The wearer of this dress can ensure their figure will look impeccable in the form-fitting silhouette.  Anne was known for her sheaths being figure hugging with high narrow waists.  This number accentuates that narrow waist with gorgeous inverted pleating all the way around.  The dress is fully lined and appears to be made of wool with graduated black rhinestone detailing and a fun yarn hem.  Have you ever seen anything like this?  


The only surviving label is of the maker, and therefore there is no marked size.  I believe it to be an approximate modern size 4.  Since I'm no size 4, this piece is up for grabs. Lucky ducks.  


You can read more about Anne Fogarty here.  She was truly an amazing American talent.

Delightful Diane (Von Furstenburg)

The main reason I began this blog was to share my love of everything vintage with you, so I'm THRILLED to finally have my first "Vintage Fashion" post!  I have been collecting vintage items for years, but just recently became enamored with vintage fashions.  Boy, was I missing out.

I have been scouring the city of San Antonio...searching at local estate sales and combing through thrift and resale shops in order to put together a mini vintage wardrobe.  I have found some incredible pieces and I'm so excited to bring new life to them.  I have even found treasures for you all...gorgeous items that are not my size but I couldn't pass up without sharing with you.  And the best news?  These pieces are FOR SALE! :)  I will be opening my vintage shop on etsy in the (hopefully) near future! 

About this look:

Top: Vintage St. John sheer ivory blouse, circa 70s/80s, For sale!

It has gorgeous shoulder details and a beautiful sheen.  Marked size 6.  

Bust: 19''

Waist: 19''

Length:25''

Sleeve Length:26.5''

All items are measured lying flat; therefore, it would be best to ensure a proper fit for you by measuring your own personal garment this way and comparing. 

Belt: Forever 21, current

Skirt: Vintage Diane Von Furstenburg orange rope print pleated skirt.  I die.  This beauty was a gift from a wonderful friend and I'm thrilled to be the new owner.  This baby will be making lots of appearances on me.

Necklace: Vintage Coro chain link necklace, circa 50s/60s.  This piece definitely makes a statement and adds a lot of glam.  The best thing about it...It's super light weight, making this gold chain effortless.

I find this look just delightful...it would be a lovely look for work in a creative industry or even at a Sunday brunch!

Doily Jewelry Catch-All

Fancy Faye's DIY Doily Catch-All 

Fancy Faye's DIY Doily Catch-All

I stumbled upon this idea thanks to my terrific fellow "pinners" on Pinterest, so when I found some doilies at a recent estate sale, I snatched them up for this project!  Below is the inspiration, above is my result.  Quite often I will see a picture of something I like and will just improvise how to do it my own way with what I have on-hand, without ever reading the how-to...and this time it wasn't too different from the original's method.  

Inspiration Photo from Design*Sponge

1) I started by covering the bottom of a large bowl with cling wrap and covering the counter top with wax paper for easy cleaning.  I turned the bowl upside down. 

2) I then filled a disposable plastic cup half-way with fabric stiffener that I purchased at a local craft store for another project.

3)  I submerged the entire doily into the cup and ensured it was all saturated with the stiffener.

4) I then rang out the excess and draped it over the bowl, reforming the pattern as even as possible.

5) Let it dry for approximately 24 hours, or until it stands on it's own.

TADA! 

The inspiration photo DIYer painted the fabric stiffener on to the draped doily, which would definitely work (especially for very intricate doilies).

As you can see, I'm using this one as a jewelry "catch-all" and earring holder.  I wear a lot of vintage clip on earrings which are difficult to organize without just trowing them in a box mixed together, so this was a great fix for that.  I'm currently making a few more for other areas of the house.  I am pretty sure one will make it to the new entry table I'm making as a catch-all for keys and mail!  I'm excited to see how they all turn out!  

Healthy Chicken Fried Rice

Trying to get my husband to eat healthy is not easy...so when I find a healthy recipe that he actually asks for...I'm all about it.  My mom introduced me to this fabulous Easy Fried Rice recipe from Weight Watchers and let me tell you...it is DE-LISH!

This recipe is wonderful as is, however, we like the added protein of mixing in some delicious chicken breast that has been marinated with teriyaki, soy, and chili garlic sauces.  Here's how we do it:

1. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cleaned up and ready) and marinate with teriyaki and soy sauce, to your liking (we do enough to coat them), and then add in a couple teaspoons of the chili garlic sauce (to taste-- it's pretty spicy, so be warned).  Let marinate at least 30 minutes in refrigerator.
2. Cook rice according to the recipe on the bag/box.  While it cooks, cube the chicken and stir fry cook it in another pan.  You may want to add some more sauce in the process, as it may dry out a bit...just eye-ball it.  
3. Cook the eggs and veggies according to the Weight Watchers recipe above.  
4. Toss it all together (adding more sauce to taste) and eat up!  Don't forget to have some yummy spring rolls on the side! 
5. Enjoy as leftovers!

There you have it!  This is a super yummy dinner that you don't have to feel guilty about!