Wild Rice Soup

Thank you to the ladies who participated in my Everyone Wins Giveaway. Your goodies are being sent out today!



Ingredients:

  • 1 quart of chicken broth
  • 1 box of Near East Long Grain and Wild Rice Mix – Original
  • 1 yellow squash
  • 1 zucchini squash
  • 1 stalk of celery
  • 1 carrot
  • water
  • olive oil
  • flour
  • cream
  • salt
  • pepper


Directions:

  • Cook rice in chicken broth according to package directions.
  • Dice vegetables.
  • Cook vegetables in olive oil. Coat with flour (flour will help thicken the soup later).
  • Once vegetables are soft all the way through, add to rice and broth mixture.
  • If desired, add water to thin soup.
  • Heat through.
  • Add heavy whipping cream to desired creaminess before serving.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.


Blogging The Bachelor: Week 8 (and 9?)

Before we get into the good stuff... don't forget! I am hosting a giveaway where everyone wins! Check it out. It only lasts until Friday!




It was a full blown Bachelor fest this week with episodes on Monday and Tuesday. Kimberly, Aubrey, and I are ready to dish on the details!



Night 1 – Hometowns

  • Nikki's hair look amazing. I want to know how she styles it like that.
  • I felt like I being forced to watch weird, redneck porn when Juan and Nikki mount that bull together and proceed to ride it. Ew, my computer needs an STD test after typing that.
  • I am in love with Nikki's family.
  • Juan Pablo shows up in Atlanta dress like an ex-baseball player turned bum, and we learn he is a terrible shot.
  • It got a little Mrs. Robinson on the porch with Andi's mom. Apparently Patti loves to “dance” and loves the younger men.
  • Andi's dad is using way too much English for Juan Pablo to understand.
  • Juan makes out with Andi and tells her that he had a great time, but his eyes are saying, “Get me the hell out of here!”
  • Renee came alive during her hometown date. She's so laid back compared to the other girls.
  • Ben's such a little cutie and her family is really down to earth.
  • Clare's hometown – WOW, that is way too much estrogen in one place.
  • Putting it nicely – sister Laura is an odd duck. And we thought Clare was crazy. Clare's sister beats out even Desire's brother for the craziest Bachelor sibling award.
  • Clare's mom speaks Spanish, what?! I'm just glad Sister Crazy finally allowed her to talk.
  • Renee came in with class and leaves with it. She will be missed.


Night 2 – Overnight Dates

All we really care about is what happened with Andi, but before we get there...


    • So, JP feels it's not appropriate to go swimming and kiss in the ocean, but it's fine to “sleep over” with three different women on three consecutive nights. Um, ok.



    • Andi calls out JP for being a name dropper, self involved, and egotistical.
    • So, I'm thinking Juan Pablo knows he's an ass, but didn't count on one of the women calling him out. His smoke screen of “it was so great, she could be my wife,” blah, gag, blah blah, makes me wonder what really went on behind the scenes this season. I'm thinking he's been full of shit this whole season.
    • JP goes on the defense, admits he knows nothing about her, and puts the blame on her that she should have taken more initiative in the fantasy suite.
    • Don't mess up my makeup” translates to “Don't f*cking touch me.”
    • She was too smart, too pretty, and too much of a woman for him

     
    Jef Holm calls Juan Pablo Galavis “Sleaziest Bachelor” in Show's History. Do you agree?


    Until next week, ladies... Stay classy!













    The Taboo Things I Do

    Don't forget! I'm hosting a giveaway where everyone wins something! Check it out. It only goes until Friday!

    Blogging the Bachelor is moving to Wednesday this week! Stop back tomorrow.


    I've always been my own person and have marched to the beat of my own drums. Some people may find me weird, or a little quirky, but I love being unique! Here are some of the Taboo Things I Do:



    1. Go to the grocery store and bank in my pajamas (which consist of yoga pants and a sweatshirt) with no makeup on.
    It could be worse...

    


    2. Pick my nose. I think everyone does this, they just won't admit it. Sometimes they just take a hold inside your nostril and refuse to come out with a blow!





    3. When I see road kill I try to figure out what it was when it was living. I don't feel bad for it, heck I don't consider myself an animal person! I think it's like a mystery and I feel like I have to figure it out.



    4. I sing in the car... loudly. I rock out. "Concrete Angel" by Martina McBride is one of my go to belt out songs in the car. If it's an upbeat song (like "Moves like Jagger") I get a little dance party going too.



    5. I swear, not as much as I used to, but I still do it. Regularly. Swear words are so forceful and passionate. How could I not use them?

    What are some Taboo Things You Do?

    My First Ipsy Glam Bag

    Don't forget about my giveaway - where everyone wins!

    Yay! I'm finally an Ipsy Glam Bag subscriber! After seeing and hearing other reviews of Ipsy I knew I had to get on the bandwagon. What really sold me was that not only do you get awesome products, but every month you get a travel sized makeup bag!

    February was probably not the best month to get my first glam bag. This month's theme was "The Look of Love," and I am not a fu-fu, pink kind of girl.


    Plump Pout Mini in Fuschia Freesia
    Pros: Love the packaging! I like lip glosses vs. lipsticks.

    Cons: Hate the color. It's the color of something that would come in my five-year-old niece's "play makeup" kit.

    Retail Cost of Full Size: $16

    Value of Mini: $4 (?)

    Zoya Nail Polish in Dot
    Pros: This is my first time using the Zoya. A lot of people had recommended it to me.

    Cons: Pink is probably my least favorite color.

    Retail Cost: $9

    Eyetini Cordial Cream Shadow is Violette
    Pros: I have never used cream eye shadow before and was glad to have the opportunity to try it out.  It lasted all day!

    Cons: Although purple is my favorite color, I think it makes my eye bags stand out. I will use this every once in a while. I would like this in a more subtle or neutral color.

    Retail Cost: $16.00

    Fresh Start Mask with Ice Age Mud by Skyn ICELAND
    Pros: After going through everything, this was the product I was most excited about! This mask is used for 10 minutes once a week which is definitely something I can fit into my beauty routine. Skyn ICELAND is a "cruelty free" company - they do not test on animals!

    Cons: It stays a little tingly even after you wash it off. The instructions suggest using a toner after. I would suggest a natural, green tea toner.

    Retail Cost: $39 for 6 masks

    Value in Bag: $6.50

    Eyelashes + Eyelash Glue from J.Cat Beauty
    Pros: I can save them a big night out or a photo shoot.

    Cons: Neither of these occur in life, like EVER. I have no idea why these were sent to me. I've worn fake eyelashes once in my life, and that was for a dance recital.

    Retail Cost: $3.99

    This bag was awesome value-wise. The contents included retail for around $39.49, and I spent $10.  However, overall, I was disappointed - mostly because I would never wear these colors and I saw some girls got blushes and beauty blenders in their bags and I would have much rather had those. Here's hoping March's bag is a bit better!



    If you are thinking about joining Ipsy please use my referral code. Click here.






    Have an awesome week!

    xo, Ash
      


    Friday Giveaway! Everyone's a Winner!


    New to A Cute Angle or have you been around while? Did you know A Cute Angle has a Twitter, BlogLovin, and Facebook page? Visit and like or follow all three, then e-mail me at BloggerAsh703@gmail.com and I'll send you a little gift to show my thanks.  

    In order to win you must be following on every social media format. Use the links above or the handy dandy buttons on the side. There's even a button to use to e-mail me directly! This only runs for one week - until Friday, February 28.

     EVERYONE who does this gets something! Thank you readers!


    xo,

    Ashley

    Olympic Moments

    To say I'm Olympic-obsessed would be an understatement. I have been glued to it for the last week and a half. Ladies' Figure Skating has always been my favorite winter Olympic event. Today's long programs will determine who makes it on to the podium and who will be crowned the newest Queen of the Ice. While we are waiting for the results to come in, let's take a trip down memory lane with my favorite Olympic figure skating moments.

    Kristi Yamaguchi, Gold Medalist, Albertville 1992
    In 1992 Kristi became the US's first ladies' figure skating gold medalist since 1976. Kristi retired after the '92 games and has since gotten married and become a mother. She started her own lifestyle brand, Ysu.ya, and founded Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation, a charity that supports early childhood literacy. 
    Kristi Yamaguchi, 2014
    Nancy Kerrigan, Silver Medalist, Lillihammer 1994
    Nancy Kerrigan was my favorite figure skating during this time period. She came back to win a silver medal at the 1994 Games just seven weeks after being clubbed at the US Nationals. It was later found that her skate rival's, Tonya Harding, then-husband orchestrated the attack. Nancy retired after the Lillihammer games, married her manager, and they now have three children. She is a an aspiring figure skating commentator and has written two books, Artisy on Ice and In My Own Words.
    Nancy Kerrigan, 2014
    Tara Lipinski, Gold Medalist
    Michelle Kwan, Silver Medalist
    Nagano 1998
    Michelle Kwan is my all time favorite figure skater! The Michelle Kwan/Tara Lipinski Rivalry was the hottest news in figure skating leading up to the 1998 Olympics. Leading up the the Games Michelle and Tara had won almost every major figure skating competition, flipping flopping in the one, two spots.  After the first night of competition, Michelle was in the top spot, but after a stellar long program Tara won the gold. Tara became, and still is, the youngest ladies' figure skating Olympic gold medalist and the youngest gold medalist at a winter Olympics game. Tara retired immediately after her Olympic win. She had toured professionaly since her win and works as a figure skating analyst for NBC Sports Network. Michelle remained Olympic-eligible. She official retired in 2009 with a bronze medal from the 2002 Games, five world championship wins, and nine national titles to her name. Since retiring, Michelle has earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree and worked in goverment as a State Department senior public policy advisor. She is married and her husband is currently running for Govenor of Rhode Island. 
    Tara Lipinski, 2014
    
    Michelle Kwan, 2014


    Sarah Hughes, Gold Medalist, Salt Lake City 2002 
    After finishing fourth in the short program Sarah came back to upset favorites Michelle Kwan and Irina Slutskaya to win the gold medal. With a flawless long program and mistakes from the other skaters, Sarah won the Olympics at the age of 16. Although she competed in the 2002-3003 season, Sarah retired without having won a National or World title. Post figure skating, Sarah attened Yale University and now works in New York City as a business entreprenuer. She is currently working to turn a vacant Bronx armory into the world's largest indoor skating facility, complete with academic tutors and skating instruction.
    Sarah Hughes, 2014


    Sasha Cohen, Silver Medalist, Torino 2006 
    Sasha was never my favorite skater. She was a coach hopper and choked a lot in competition. But when she was on, she was amazing. Sasha deserves a mention because she is the last US lady to win an Olympic figure skating medal. In 2010, after not competing for three years, Sasha attemped to a comeback hoping to make it to the Vancouver Olympics. She finished fourth at Nationals and was named to the 2010 Olympic team as the second alternate. Soon after she officially retired and toured professionally for 10 years. Sasha is now a poli-sci major at Columbia University and persues opportunities in acting and fashion. 
    Sasha Cohen, 2014
    What are you favorite Olympic Moments?

    Blogging the Bachelor: Week 7

    After missing a week I am back on the Blogging the Bach Bandwagon with Aubrey and Kimberly.




    I have just a few comments from last week's episode.
    • Andi's date was so boring and I don't think they said more then three sentences to each other. True love in the making!
    • JP is so obsessed with Clare. It has to be her in the end. 
    • What was with Nikki's hot mess, 90s outfit for the rose ceremony? It was a tight, off the shoulder red dress that she paired with black tights and black heels. Cindy Crawford called and she wants her look back.

    What I wouldn't give to be in Miami right now... I'm sick of the snow! Can I get an amen?

    Chelsie in the final six?! What? She's going home tonight for sure. In Week 5 I predicted my final six as: Clare, Renee, Andi, Sharleen, Cassandra, and Nikki - 5 out of 6 isn't bad! Week 3 I predicted the final four to be Andi, Sharleen, Nikki, and Cassandra. Who do I think will be the final four ladies left standing and ready for hometowns after tonight? Andi, Nikki, Clare, and Renee. I removed Sharleen because she too much of a wildcard, and obviously Cassandra is now gone. We shall see!

    • Before their date JP tells his brace face cousin that Sharleen could be the one! Dun, dun, dun...
    • Nikki's eye daggers came out as soon as Sharleen was handed that envelope. Here we go...
    • Blah, blah, blah, kiss, kiss, blah...
    • Wow! They talked about real life and how her job would affect them being together.
    • Did they eat dinner or go straight to the cuddling?
    • Tonight I realized that I really hate watching people kiss. It makes me really uncomfortable.
    • My question after this date is... Is Sharleen really not sure about her feelings or is she afraid of taking a risk?
    • Sharleen goes to House Mom Renee. I know everyone wants Andi as the next Bachelorette, and I wouldn't mind it, but I would LOVE Renee.
    • Is she wearing a bathrobe?
    • "So excited!" translates to "Holy Sh!t!"
    • Bet she wishes she wore a longer pair of shorts.
    • That was more singing then dance, but what do I know I've only been involved in the art for over 20 years. However, Camila's little jazz shoes are sooooo sweet!
    • Nikki's evening dress is gorgeous. Not something I would feel comfortable in, but it looks gorgeous on her.

    • Sharleen finally makes her decision.
    • Why is she whispering?
    • I found Juan Pablo to be very caring and gentle in this situation.
    • I feel sad for him, but I really have no idea what he is saying in his confessional. 

    • I don't see it with Juany and Chelsie. I think she's in the friend zone.
    • I don't like Andi with JP. She becomes needy and annoying.
    • I want to hate how much Clare talks about her dad, but I really can't. I'm super close with my dad and I think I'd want to talk about him a lot if I lost him.
    • Did anyone else notice that Andi's boob nearly came out when they got on that platform at da club?


    So really this whole Nikki vs. Clare thing is because Clare said that Andi needed the reassurance of the rose, meaning that she's insecure and Nikki got pissed she was taking smack on her girl. Then it just got juvenile... "Did you pay for this room?" "No, did you?" With that, on the rose ceremony...

    • Everyone looks really good! I can't pick a favorite outfit between Renee, Clare, and Andi.
    • Loving Chelsie's straight hair!
    • Chelsie is trying so hard to it less awkward. Good for her - taking the high road.
    • Oh, Nikki... shut up!
    • I'm hating Clare less right now.
    • Awkward silence. Love it. At least they aren't bitching at each other.
    • Then no one talks. Most awkward moment a rose ceremony in franchise history? Yup!
    • Chelsie goes home. Chelsie proved herself to be  a mature, classy individual. She deserves someone awesome! #TeamChelsie

    Hometowns AND fantasy suites next week, bitches!



    Monday Madness

    I feel like my life has been nuts the past 6 weeks since I went back to work full time! I am trying to pay the attention to this blog that it deserves, but I think I may be falling below the mark. I think a Monday Madness is in order to get everyone up to speed.



    I've been working full time hours for about 6 weeks now. I was supposed to know at the January if my morning hours were going to be a permanent thing, but unfortunately I was only extended until the end of March. I'm still in a "we'll see" phase at work. This got me super bummed and super stressed. I hate things waving in the balance. It totally knocks me off my game.

    I am now fighting off my second cold this winter. I hardly ever get sick. I feel like I can't keep these colds away! Nothing's sexier than smearing Aquaphor all up in my nostrils.


    The Olympics have started and the Bachelor is half over. It's been an amazing few weeks for TV!

    Nick and I do not celebrate Valentine's Day because our anniversary is coming up super soon! We will be celebrating 6 years on marriage on March 1! The traditional gift for 6 years is iron. Anyone have a cute ideas? I'm drawing blanks on gifts. I usually can come up with something creative, but my brain is jammed too full right now.

    My dog has been nuts since I stared back to work full time. He has major anxiety issues in the morning, is super rammy at night, and it testing the boundaries behavior-wise. Poor dog.





    It's been cold and snowy since before Thanksgiving. OVER. IT.

    I got into a car accident last Monday. Ugh, so scary.

    I'm so excited to get my first Ipsy Glam Bag this month! You can join in the Ipsy fun too - just click here.

    This summer I will be celebrating my 30th birthday! My sister and I are going to Nashville in July and a friend and I are going on a Bahama's cruise in August (she turns 30 a day before me). Vacation can't come soon enough!
    
    
    City and sand this summer!

    I hope everyone else has felt a little bit more control of their life than I have!


    Have a great week!
    xo, Ashley

    What A Week

    Hey everyone! I promise I didn't fall off the face of the earth.

    I was sick with a cold all weekend and then on my way to work on Monday I got into a car accident!

    It's been a really terrible winter in Michigan and on my way to work on Monday I hit some ice. My car became out of control I ended up in the opposite lane facing the opposite direction, hit a snow bank, and flipped the car onto the passengers side. I was dangling in my seatbelt for a bit, but was able to get my window down, unhook my seat belt, and climb out. Praise God for the calmness that came over me immediately after it happened. I was able to stay calm in order to reach for my phone, call 911, and then climb out of my car. The waterworks started as soon as I got out of the car. I am so thankful for the two people who stopped to help, especially a man named Rick, who tried to calm me down and keep me focused by asking me questions about my life. The fire department, police, and ambulance showed up and I had to talk to each of them. I talked to a fireman first and he was the nicest! Everyone was so nice to me. I was bawling and trying to tell everyone that physically I was fine. I walked away from that accident without any soreness, bruises, or scratches.

    I feel blessed abundantly. Many reading this may not understand what I mean by that. How can I be blessed when I got in this horrible accident and wrecked my car? Well, first of all - God isn't God just to fix my problems. Life is still life and bad things are still going to happen. However, what we learn in the book of Job is that God isn't going to give us more than we can handle. I am thankful to God that I was not injured and that I didn't hurt anyone else. I am thankful that even though I did $3000 worth a damage, my car is fixable and I don't have to go into debt to get a new one. I am so lucky that I hit a snow bank and not the trees I thought I was going to. I'm fortunate that I hit on the passengers and not the driver's side and had no one else riding with me. Blessings, blessings, blessings.

    Being faithful to and obeying God is not the easiest choice, but it is ALWAYS the right one.

    Thanks for reading guys.

    On a more fun note - tomorrow is Galentine's Day and Friday is Valentine's Day!
    Is you had a choose a TV or movie character to be your Valentine who would you pick?
    I'd pick...
    Tom Branson, Downton Abbey
    Who would you pick? Remember, it has the be the character, not the actor.

    Galentine's Day Brunch - Gifts




    Less than a week until Galentine's Day! It's time to finish up our brunch preperation with the purchasing of gifts! There is still time for you to pull together a brunch. Take this weekend and helpful tips from Parts I (Invites and Favors), II (Decor), and III (The Menu) to do so!



    

    1. Gilligan and O'Malley pajama sets from Target. Not only does Gilligan and O'Malley offer affordable and comfy pajamas, they sell bras, panties, and lounge wear.

    2. Weekender duffle bags for girls getaways! These are easy to find at any department store, Etsy, or Thirty One!

    3. Diamond Candles... burn it down for a special suprise. Each candle includes a ring valued between $10 and $5,000.

    4. Create your own glam bag. Glam bags are majorly popular right now! Pick out a makeup bag for each friend and stuff if full of their favorite products or share your favorite products.

    5. Handmade jewelery. Handmade heart jewelery can commemorate your Galentine's Brunch. Esty has large array of affordable pieces to suit each of your friends.

    I hope you have a very happy Galentine's Day and don't forget...

    Blogger 'n' Books Swap


    I participated in the best swap ever thanks to Chaotic Goddess Swaps!

    The rules of this swap were to send your partner THREE books: A book you lovea book you haven’t read but are interested in, and a book from your partner’s wish list.

    I was paired with Chrissy from Every Free Chance Book Reviews. I had a great time getting to know Chrissy! We have a lot in common and share very similar tastes in books. Over our e-mail exchanges I was able to tell that she is such a warm person and a loving mama.

    It was like Christmas when I received my package from Chrissy!

    Austentatious

    Divergent

    Kate: The Future Queen


    Chrissy also sent me a Starbucks gift cards and some bookmarks that promote her blog. I always seem to lose my bookmarks so I was thankful she sent me some!