Merry Christmas

We are all packed up and making our drive back to Texas tomorrow! It is going to be a long drive, but I am sure we will make it fun:) But, before we leave and hit the road, we wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To my sweet family and friends who will be in Dallas or Houston, I can't wait to see you all soon!

XOXO,

Tiff

Thanksgiving and Christmas Happenings

I am obviously not very good at blogging...but you know, I try:) Over Thanksgiving, we flew back to Houston and it was the first time we ever flew with a dog. Honestly, I thought it was going to be much worse, but Bentlie Belle was a perfect little angel! Let me back up, I thought it was going to be a disaster because a week before we flew out, she ate 15 multi-vitamins. Seriously, you would think we don't feed the dog! But seriously, she pulled a tote down from a chair and chewed threw the bottle and then ate 15 vitamins...they do not even taste good. So, we had to go to the emergency vet - where we sat for 4 hours and she threw up all over Matt and the entire waiting room (he was thrilled, especially since he had to get up in 4 hours for a case competition!). So with that prior episode in the back of our minds, we were not really looking forward to the airplane ride. However, before the ride, we gave her a little Benadryl and she was good to go! She only whined for less that two minutes right when we put her under the seat and the rest of the ride she was as quiet as a mouse!

Bentlie Belle waiting in the airport
Bentlie Belle about to get zipped in! *Look at the the fear in her face*
She made it!!

Our trip to Houston was great! We got to spend time at Matt's grandmother's house. They have been doing Thanksgiving there for many many years, so it is always nice to see everyone! Later, we had Thanksgiving with my immediate family. As many of you are aware, my parents are building a house and trying to sell theirs, so my mom was not so keen on cooking. Instead, we had a catered Thanksgiving dinner and it was actually quite nice! Hopefully, we will be in the new house for Christmas...but you just never know. No one is holding their breath:)

When we go back to Chicago, we got our Christmas decorations and put them up (well we delayed a couple days, but you catch my drift). I really did not want to too many decorations because we are driving back to Dallas on the 21st or 22nd and we will not be back until the 2nd! So, I just elected to do a tree and a few things. This year, I FINALLY made a decent top! I was actually impressed with myself! It is really nice to get into the holiday spirit and have a tree up in our condo.

This past weekend Matt and I went on a date and we decided to stop through Millennium Park. We have lived in Chicago for 4 months now and have yet to see the bean! So, we took some pictures of it and sipped on hot chocolate while watching people ice skate in the park.


Now I am off to do some Christmas shopping!

IPO and City Life

On Friday, Groupon went public. While I have no stock in the company, it was a pretty cool experience to be apart of a company that went public. They kicked off the morning bright and early with champagne and cake to celebrate the day!


Needless to say after champagne and cake, productivity around the office on Friday diminished quickly. So, why not bring in Donatello's hands from The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles...!!! WHAT! Apparently, our COO of North America was Donatello from TMNT. I don't know about y'all, but I was a huge fan of that movie! Check out those hands...they have a presidential seal too (although I am not sure why?)!


So, a while ago we had a little taste of Texas in Chicago. We went to Pat Green at Joe's and I finally got to bust out my boots in Chi town. They might be a little aggressive for Chicago...but who cares...I am a Texas girl and I love them!

We also finally went to Navy Pier...it was not the experience I was looking for...but at least we went. We did not ride any rides, nor did we play any games or buy anything...BUT, we can now say that we have been to Navy Pier; I guess...

Lastly, I just had to throw these in here. We obviously LOVE our dogs, but the other evening they were both sleeping in the most awkward positions.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Good Night Y'all!

Tiff

Updates - too many for one title

It has been quite a while since I have last posted a blog, but to be quite honest I have been rather busy with my new job and schedule. However, I have still managed to have some fun. About a month ago, I went to Houston to celebrate my one of my best friends Lauren Drapp and her sweet baby Aubrey at her baby shower! I had so much fun getting to catch up with her and ask her about her pregnancy. Check out all of her fun pics here.

The very next weekend, I had a quite a change of pace and went to celebrate another of my dear friends, Emily Holland, for her bachelorette party in New Orleans. We had the best time! While I got there really late on Friday night and had missed all of the daytime fun, we stayed up late chit chatting and catching up! Saturday night we went out and partied with the soon to be Mrs. Tim Davis. The whole trip was awesome...the only thing that could have made it better was a stop at Cafe Du Monde!

October came and went fast but we did finish off the month with decorating some pumpkins for Halloween!

Bentlie Belle also participated in Halloween with some booows. She is not one for costumes!

These pumpkins lead perfectly into my next update...SMU Homecoming. This year was our 5 year reunion. We flew in to Dallas last weekend and did not rest until Sunday night. Friday night, we went to our friend Leo's new house for his birthda, and then I left to go have some dinner with girlfriends at Javiers. If you are ever in Dallas, you must GO! I love Javiers! It was so great getting to see all of my Dallas friends. I have really missed all of my friends and living in Dallas so much. Later that night, like usual, everyone was re-living the glory days at the local SMU hangouts Barley House and Home Bar. It is so fun to act like a college kid again!

Saturday, was the day of the game. Although, SMU football does not get that many fans in the game (which is something that drives me crazy!) they ALWAYS get tons of people on the boulevard. The boulevard is very similar to The Grove at Ole Miss, if you are not sure what it is. As students, and as residents of Dallas, we always went to tailgate, so this Saturday was no different....except, that my little sister Maddi is now an SMU cheerleader - following in her big sister's foot steps:) I loved getting to watch her walk in the parade and cheer. It was also great to see some of my family that day as well! To top off the weekend though was LSU beating bama. Wow, what a game, and and even more awesome ending! Geaux Tigers! Enjoy some pics from the weekend.

Tailgate

Maddi walking the boulevard



Lauren, Julie, Me

So good to see Jen!


The Fam

Have a great week!
Tiff

First Days - Pony Up!

In the Slataper household these past two weeks have been filled with "first days." As you know, Matt started University of Chicago Booth business school (which I am very proud of, it has been ranked the #1 business school in the country two times in the past five years...toot toot;) two and a half weeks ago, but his first day of school was not until last Monday. So far, he is LOVING his classes. He is really being challenged by his peers and his professors and I know that was something that he had been looking forward to for a while. So before his first day I, of course, took his picture. Here is my handsome hubby on his first day! He is just too cute!

So, after Matt had a successful first day, it was now on to my first day at my new job. Today, I started a new position with Groupon. I am sure you are all well aware of what Groupon is, but if you are not you should definitely check it out! I started a position that is titled merchant services training associate...I finally found out what my title would be today! I had training today and met in the front office, which is pictured below. It was very vibrant!
I think that this new position is going to be a lot of fun and since the company is still a "start-up" there is plenty of room to shape the position and make it my own. It is completely different from teaching, but I guess the position does entail all of my prior positions. I will be in a coaching role (using my counseling degree), training (using my teaching background), and developing some communications pieces (using my former marketing job at Match.com and my prior English teacher skills). Now that we are both getting settled into our new roles, it is definitely making Chicago feel a little more permanent and more like home.


OH, and OF COURSE before I forget. Last weekend was a great weekend for the SMU Mustangs! I could not be more proud of our team for beating the horned frogs in overtime! I must say that June Jones is worth every penny those boosters are giving him:) I am so proud to be an SMU alum and I am even prouder that my little sis is a freshman there too! Pony up!


XO,
Tiff

Fall Time Fashion

As most of you aware, we are now living in the mid-west...which means seasons, YAY! But, it also means colder weather much sooner and actually getting to wear true winter gear. I have been told by many people that come Jan/Feb you don't even bother looking that cute, because you are so bundled up. So, if that is the case, I am really going to take advantage of the Fall fashion.

I am also on a pretty serious budget, BUT I did just finally score a J.O.B. So, here are some things on my shopping list;)

Neutral colors...yes please!


Cardigan from Victoria's Secret
Loving silk blouses right now and especially loving them because we don't live in Texas and now I won't sweat like crazy in it! So, this one is a little pricey...but here's to hopin' for sales. It is from Saks.

And, as it begins to get colder...who am I kidding, it is already cold...I will be using me new warmer items below.
I don't own ANY hats...so I will be getting this, along with a little wrap around faux fur - later post:)

I found these in People Style Watch Mag and they are from JC Penney (low cost)!

I wear flats pretty much every day, and I LOVE Tory Burch flats! They are so easy, practical and comfortable. Lately, I have been really wanting a driving loafer to wear, rather than just the Reva flat and I think these are the ticket:)



Hunter Boots: I will definitely be purchasing these this week! I have heard that they are a necessity for Chicago weather, especially with some sock inserts.


You will be finding these items in my closet 28 floors up.

Tiff

Domesticated Diva

Over the past two weeks I would like to call myself one "Domesticated Diva." Hence the apron I was given at one of my bridal showers.



I have cleaned the house more times than I would like to count and have cooked many new recipes...some that I would recommend and others that I would not. Since I have been interviewing and job searching, I have needed something to occupy my time, so why not get myself familiar with being a house wife;). I also made some recipes I could freeze, because (well I have not decided yet) I may just stay a whole week with my folks next week in Houston- Why NOT? - and then Matt will be able to have some meals if he does not feel like cooking. I have to go to Dallas two weekends back to back, so I figured that if I have nothing else going on, I might just stay in Texas, rather than going back to Chicago.

Below are the recipes I made. Enjoy!

Pioneer Woman - Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken Spaghetti

Prep Time: 30 Minutes | Cook Time: 45 Minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 8

Print Recipe 3"x5" Cards 4"x6" Cards Full Page

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked Chicken
• 3 cups Dry Spaghetti, Broken Into Two Inch Pieces
• 2 cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup
• 2 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 cup Finely Diced Green Pepper
• 1/4 cup Finely Diced Onion
• 1 jar (4 Ounce) Diced Pimentos, Drained
• 2 cups Reserved Chicken Broth From Pot
• 1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon (to 1/4 Teaspoon) Cayenne Pepper
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Additional Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Preparation Instructions

Cook 1 cut up fryer and pick out the meat to make two cups. Cook spaghetti in same chicken broth until al dente. Do not overcook. When spaghetti is cooked, combine with remaining ingredients except additional 1 cup sharp cheddar.

Place mixture in casserole pan and top with remaining sharp cheddar. Cover and freeze up to six months, cover and refrigerate up to two days, or bake immediately: 350 degrees for 45 minutes until bubbly. (If the cheese on top starts to get too cooked, cover with foil).

Grilled Chicken Taco Pizzas - this was one of my favs!!!

Total Time: 1 hr 25 min

Prep 1 hr 5 min

Cook 20 min

Ingredients

For the Taco Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Pizzas:

• 1/4 cup canola oil, plus more for brushing
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 16-ounce tube pizza dough
• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 avocado
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon diced red onion
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Make the taco seasoning: Mix all of the ingredients with 1 tablespoon each salt and black pepper in a bowl.

Prepare the pizza: Mix 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning and the canola oil in a shallow bowl. Pound the chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap to 1/4 inch thick. Add the chicken to the bowl, turning to coat, and marinate 30 minutes.

Preheat a grill to medium high. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Let cool, then cut into bite-size pieces.

Divide the dough into 3 pieces. Roll out each on a floured surface into an 8-inch round. Brush with canola oil, sprinkle with taco seasoning and grill until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes per side; remove from the grill.

Mix the cheeses in a bowl, then sprinkle on the crusts and top with the chicken. Return the pizzas to the grill, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, mix the avocado, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, red onion, and salt and pepper to taste. Top the pizzas with the avocado mixture, salsa, sour cream and cilantro.

Lastly, Paula Deen's Taco Soup - this is a pretty popular one, so you can google it;)

You all should try these recipes. I have a few more that I would like to make, but I am going to take a break and go on a date with my hubby tonight!

XOXO,

Tiff

Self Pity No More

Have you ever felt like God just seriously slapped you upside the head...metaphorically of course, but don't doubt him...I am sure he could do it physically if he wanted to! Well, that is exactly what happened to me the other day. We moved here a month ago and I am sure as most of you know, I was quite reluctant to go. Of course, I knew I had to go because I love and support my husband, but to me it just seemed like poor timing. I just finished my masters and we were settling into a house...(living the good life). Well, we moved here and thing after thing happened and I continued to feel more and more like it was not the 'right move.' Currently, I do not have a job (bored out of my mind...my ADD self CANNOT handle it), I really do not have anything other to do than shop...which I can't do (you know...the no money thing), and in general I have just been feeling sorry for myself.

Well, the other morning I woke up to this email from the Daily Bible Verse:

"Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” – James 4:13-15 (NIV)

Can you say...WOW! Yeah, my thoughts exactly! Since reading this, I have just had to constantly remind myself that it is NOT my will. We are here for a reason and while it may not seem 'right' to me right now, it is RIGHT! So with that, unempolyed or not; bored or not, I am going to live in the Lord's will. I am not saying that I miraculously feel better, I am only human, but I do LOVE how we are "put in our place" from time to time and it makes us (me) realize what is really important!

XOXO,
Tiff

28 Floors Up

I know that some of you (friends/family) have been curious about our place, so I have uploaded some pictures so you can see how we live 28 floors up.
So, here is the tour. This image is when you walk into our place.
Next, turn to the right and it will lead you to our study nook.

As you can see we are still not completely done...hence no chair, rug, diplomas on the ground, etc... Now, turn down the hall and it leads you to the guest room and guest bath.


After, exiting the guest room you go into our living room and the kitchen. (Yeah, so I am not sure why it is all of a sudden underlining everything...but go with it!



Last, is our bedroom. At first, I was a little shaky about living so high up, but honestly, it is not that bad if you look out and not down. Now, all we need are more visitors:)

XOXO,
Tiff