Homesick

I often get texts and messages mentioning how amazing it must be to live in Miami and how wonderful my life appears. True: the appearance is an accurate representation of my life. Everything I post is real and beautiful. I have many blessings, but after all, no one has a perfect life. Of course, there is always a behind the scenes. Even though my palm tree picture may look gorgeous, it doesn't mean that day was nearly close to being one of the best days of my life. Quite frankly, it may have been closer to the worst day.

Sometimes, I get pretty lonely being in Miami Beach. When I think about all my family and friends in NY, NJ and elsewhere, it can be tough. When I want to see my sisters or parents, not just talk over the phone, it really bums me out. Especially, when things aren't going quite so great and I need a hug or a shoulder to cry on. When things aren't going so hot for my loved ones, I want to be the shoulder to cry on. The simple every day things or weekly things that I often never thought twice about, have now left a vacancy in my life that is evident now that they are gone. Man, I even just really miss going to Wednesday Wing Night at our favorite NYC bar with our double date besties. I hate feeling left out of parties and other life events that Zach and I just can't make it to, either because it's tough getting a dog watcher or it's too last minute to hop on a plane. It can get expensive going back and forth a lot.

However, I will say, that if you ever do leave your hometown, count on lots of visitors if you move to a sunny beach town, like Miami. That is the bonus in all of this. We may not make it back to the city or Jersey as often as we would like, but we have had lots of visitors since we moved last April. It keeps us busy on the weekends and keeps me happy enough to not want to move back to NY, just yet ;) We enjoy exploring with family and friends when they come to visit us, or stop through town on business and other trips. This past week alone, we have had multiple visitors. It means the world to me that so many people have kept us company and taken the trip down, just to spend time with us in our new home.

Though, come Thursday, when the last visitor leaves and my only bestie that lives in Miami will head out of town to visit her family back in California, I can't help, but know I will likely have a pang of loneliness again, because I have the homesick bug. Who can relate, any tips to help? xo RCN

 

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

Zach loves chicken pot pie, so I figured since yesterday was my food shopping day, I would get the ingredients to make the latest and greatest pot pie recipe I have seen. That would be Kate Lee's recipe I discovered in the Food Network magazine a couple months ago. I was a little nervous at first to undertake this recipe for dinner last night - as it was only yesterday afternoon I decided to make it. It turned out to not be too difficult and nothing super fancy involved ingredient or direction wise. The recipe notes it takes 2 hours and 10 minutes...took me more like 2 hours and 40 minutes, but I was Insta snapping all along the way, which added some time. After all, I am not an expert, but with following directions I completed this recipe and both Zach and I loved it. Two thumbs up! xo RCN

Ingredients: Recipe yields 4

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 sheet puff pastry (I used Pillsbury), thawed as the label directs

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

3 sprigs thyme, plus 1 tablespoon chopped leaves

2 bay leaves

1 large onion, quartered

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup frozen pearl onions, thawed (I used frozen thawed chopped onion)

2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

1 cup sliced white mushrooms

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 cup milk

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions:

FOR CRUST & CHICKEN: Sprinkle a little flour on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Roll out crust on parchment paper to about 12 inches square. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to prep for baking.

Combine the chicken broth, peppercorns, thyme sprigs, bay leaves and quartered onion in a large pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 30 minutes. Then add the chicken breasts to the pot.

Increase the heat and return to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool. Strain the stock through a fine-mesh sieve. You'll need 2 1/2 cups for the filling; reserve the rest for another use. When the chicken is cool to the touch, cut it into bite-size chunks and set aside.

FILLING: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pearl onions and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes then add peas and mushrooms, cook for another five minutes. Stir in 5 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring, 1 more minute. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chicken and chopped thyme; season with salt and pepper.

FORM PIES: Set out four 2-cup ovenproof bowls or ramekins. Transfer the pastry to a floured surface. Using a paring knife, cut out 4 rounds of dough that are slightly larger than the mouth of the bowls.

Place the bowls on a baking sheet and spoon in the filling. Place 1 dough round on each pot pie, pressing the pastry against the side of the bowl to seal. Brush the dough with the beaten egg. Cut a slit or X across the center of the dough to vent. Bake until the pastry is puffed and dark golden brown, about 35 minutes.

 
Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/katie-l...

Sale Must Haves - Spring 17

Though, half of the Northeast is covered in snow and dreaming of warmer days, the good news is, it's already March. Spring will be here before we know it. It's the perfect time to spend perfecting our wardrobes for when cocktails and brunch will move outdoors.

When it comes to my closet, I shop mostly sale. Except, for those few items I just have to have right now...and designer. When it comes to designer, I rely on the not often enough Netaporter.com sales (the best!). Eventually, everything (mostly everything) gets marked down. Before you go blasting your budget on the newest of new, hit the sale up first, even for the upcoming season. Sandals to layered jackets, my favorite sale items are all right here and waiting for you. Hopefully, along with some sunshine. xo RCN