The Better Wardrobe Essentials for Spring

This week was the first time that it finally started looking like spring. Granted this weather is not expected to last long, but I can't help but get excited for what the higher temperature means: no parkas.  

My school's campus is starting to look like a college brochure now that everyone is on the quad listening to music and playing frisbee.

Although the weatherman is telling us not to put away all our sweaters just yet, I'm already planning my warm weather wardrobe. 

dress/jean jacket/polish/sandals/blouse/glasses/bag/shorts

The Better Way to Make Bacon

I love bacon. nOM NoM NOM! But I sure don't like making it. Standing over a griddle as oil pops and ruins your silk blouse is no fun. No siree.

 

I don't know why I have never done this before, baking bacon, that is. It comes out just as crispy, plus if you are making BLTs this is great because it takes less time to make a large quantity, and the strips come out nice and flat. Just set the oven to 350ºF, turn the timer to 20 minutes, and walk away. Silk blouse crisis averted.

On a non bacon related note, Canine found the one patch of sun in the yard then decided it was nap time. #everyonelovestosunbathe

 

The Better Sophisticated Mac & Cheese

The funny thing about being a person who's frequently in the kitchen trying new recipes is that people expect me to be some kind of Wolfgang Puck. The truth is my taste buds have not matured much since the days of Lunchables and corn dogs in third grade. While I try to find recipes that are new and refreshing, most of them are pretty simple in technique and don't require an array of ingredients. With the exception of Go-Gurt, my favorite foods have remained the same; I have just stepped up the presentation. This recipe is not as easy as your out-of-the box Kraft variety, but I promise you it is well worth the trouble. 

The Better Artichoke Spinach Dip

Saturdays in my household are known for being filled with good food, lots of TV and board games (if my dad feels up for getting beaten by me). This week I adjusted a recipe from Real Simple, and made this scrumptious artichoke spinach dip. It goes perfectly with homemade, (or store-bought) toasted French bread. This recipe will forever hold a place in the Party Recipes file on my computer. 

{Ready for the Oven}

{On a toasted slice of baguette}