April Roundup: Links I Love

One of the best parts about blogging is getting to know other bloggers. Some are personal friends and others I just enjoy following along on things that they are sharing. Since I consider this a 'lifestyle' blog (aka; I can't commit to one topic consistently) I wanted to share a roundup of a few blog posts that I really enjoyed in April. 

AJ and Her Floral Pants 

AJ, a fashion blogger and real-life friend, had a floral pant crisis that caused a closet mini breakdown. We've all been there - you buy pants, your weight fluctuates and the pants don't fit so you throw them on the floor then proceed to swear off carbs. 

Read her post for some, "AH! That's happened to me," moments.

Ciao! Planning A Trip to Italy 

Ugh. So this is a blog post that makes me jealous! Danielle and her husband are planning a MONTH long trip to Italy in August. It's really too much - but I can't wait to read more about what they are going to plan and what they do when they are there. 

Join me in living vicariously through Danielle. Read about her plans here.

Banana Pudding Crepe Cake 

 

Have you seen anything more beautiful in the form of bananas than this crepe cake? Bananas aren't even one of my favorite foods but this looks delicious. Whitney's post about this 12 Layer Banana Pudding Crepe Cake will keep you busy because all of her food posts are just so gorgeous. 

Check out her posts here and send me a piece of cake when you make it. K. Thanks. Bye. 


A Gold & White Office Makeover 

 

Jessica just gave her office space a dramatic makeover. Trust me when I say that when you see the before and after photos you will be amazed. I LOVE gold and white and everything about this new office is speaking to me. 

Check out her office makeover here. 


Those are links that I loved in April. Did I miss any good posts from other bloggers? Share with me in the comments so I can catch up!

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3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Barbeque Ribs

This recipe isn't for the fancy foodie of the world - this recipe is for the home cook who wants ribs, doesn't have a lot of time and needs to keep everything on a budget. Oh, and who likes to be a home cook foodie. 

Sunday night Game of Thrones started it's 6th season on HBO and the only thing I could think about to eat for dinner while watching was ribs. 

Here is my thought process ... GoT has a lot of fancy feasts... These feasts usually have a lot of meat... I want to 'recreate' a feast at home to watch but on a budget... I can make ribs which would be OK at a feast and it's easy and it's budget friendly and it's delicious. 

So ribs for dinner!  




You will need some ribs. That's the #1 ingredient in this recipe. 

I used one slab of St. Louis-style ribs. These are meatier and a little fattier than if you bought a slab of baby back ribs. This is all the store had so it was fine with me. 




Ingredients #2 and #3 are probably already in your cabinet and fridge. A jar of barbeque sauce and a can of beer. My go-to for barbeque sauce is Sweet Baby Ray's and there was a Bud Light in the fridge. 

Done and done. I like to use a beer with the sauce because it cuts out the sweetness. 



I like to salt and pepper the ribs on each side then broil it for about 5-7 min on each side. Once broiled, I cut the ribs in half to throw in the crock pot. 



Could any picture look any more unappetizing? Once the ribs are broiled on each side, cut in half, and thrown in the slow cooker it's time to do the easiest part...



Add the barbeque sauce, make sure the ribs are coated on each side, then add the beer! 

I like to add the beer last so make sure the ribs are covered in the barbeque sauce first. 




Add the lid and set on high for 4-5 hours. 

The hardest part is to not open the slow cooker to see how the ribs are looking and smelling. 




After 4-5 hours the ribs are going to be REALLY tender. They will try to fall off the bone but don't let them. 



I put them back on the sheet pan with foil, add the extra barbeque sauce that I didn't use in the beginning and broil again! 

This gives them more of the charred look, feel and taste. Leave them under the broiler for as little or as long as you want. I like to make sure the sauce is nice and caramelized. 





Then you're done!




Now it's time to enjoy with easy side dishes like potatoes and roasted vegetables. 

Perfect meal for a night you want something meaty for a show like Game of Thrones or when you just want a good meal with a light budget. 


3-Ingredient Crockpot Ribs Recipe 

Ingredients: 

1. - 1 slab of ribs 
2. - 1 jar of barbeque sauce of your choice 
3. - 1 can of beer 
4. Salt and Pepper 

Directions: 

1. Salt and pepper the ribs on both sides. 
2. Set the broiler to 500. 
3. Broil each side of the ribs for 5-7 minutes. 
4. Cut the ribs in half and put in the crock pot. 
5. Pour the barbeque sauce on the ribs in the slow cooker and make sure the ribs are fully coated.
6. Add one can of beer to the slow cooker. 
7. Put the slow cooker on high and leave for 4-5 hours. 
8. After 4-5 hours, remove the ribs, add any remaining barbeque sauce and broil under the broiler again for 5-7 min. 
9. Serve with your favorite sides! 

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Mother's Day Gift Ideas from a Non-Mother

When they say that mothers have the hardest job in the world, I believe it. Though I'm not a mom, a lot of my friends have kiddos so I hear a lot about what their days are like.

Let's just say after hearing about it I become exhausted. So I asked some of my mom friends what they would want for a Mother's Day present and here are some of the things they picked out... 

Stella & Dot Engravable Necklaces 



This is actually a necklace that my friend's husband bought her with the name of their two kids - Ryan and Beau. I love this necklace! They also have the really popular bar necklaces that you engrave. 



Check out all of their engravable options online. 

Spa Day with a Mani & Pedi 

Yes, this might seem a little too easy but it's a time that you get pampered peace. You can read a magazine, enjoy the massage chair, or sit in the quiet as you get pampered. Nothing makes a girl feel better than feeling prettier and pampered at the same time. 

Romantic Dinner for Two

When my mom friends talk to me about what they want for Mother's Day, a lot of times it's as simple as having their person to plan something special for them like hiring a babysitter and making dinner reservations. If this seems to simple, I can guarantee you it will be greatly appreciated. 

Car Wash & Detail 

This one took me by surprise - but it's actually a great idea. Since mom cars get so messy with kids snacks, fingerprints, and toys, getting her car washed and detailed would be a great gift! 

I really love this idea!  

Giving Back to a Mother in Need 

Photo by Heifer International

Looking for a unique gift idea? Honor your mother and all mothers around the world by doing what they do every day: making the world a better place. Give a Heifer International gift and help a mother in need provide for her family. 

If you're a mom - what do you want for Mother's Day this year?

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I Won at the Arkansas Derby!

Derby Day! Saturday was the Arkansas Derby at the Oaklawn Park Race Track. It's one of my favorite spring events because it involves the ponies, pretty dresses and a reason to go out and be social. The weather this year wasn't the best, but we made the best of it. Every time we go to the track I only take a set amount of money that has to cover everything - betting, food and drinks. Once it's gone, I'm done. 

This year's dress wasn't new, it was actually a dress I bought a year ago from Macy's and just decided to wear today. The weather kept saying it would hit 70's so I had high hopes that it would work, but it was pretty chilly at some points outside. 

A little chill didn't interrupt our fun. It rained a little while we were on our way to Hot Springs but once we got there it cleared up. The sun TRIED to come out a little but couldn't make it warmer through all the clouds. 

Nothing was going to ruin this guy's party either. His entire suit looked like a Twister board game. It was pretty fantastic. People really bust out all sorts of outfits for Derby Day. 

I even ran into AJ of www.AJWearsClothes. We're starting a podcast - but that's a completely different story. 

On Derby Day, they open up the infield so you can hang out and watch the races. 

Though we went back inside to watch the last couple of races because it was so chilly! I only bet on three races today... but I bet on the one that really mattered. The Arkansas Derby Race was number 11 and I studied the pony lineup before making my picks. 

I did an exacta box of 3-4-10. That means that if any of those two horses come in first and second I would win. No one in the group bet on #3 because none of their tip sheets mentioned it but I just had a feeling. My gut told me to. 

And I was right! Three WON! Fourth came in second! 

That means I WON my exacta box! The money I won covered my day of bets, food and drink and I even have $17 extra now in my pocket. It was a fun day with fun people. 

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Life || Becoming a Stella & Dot Stylist

There's something to be said about doing things that you really love in life... There's also something to be said that if you're not doing things that scare you then you're not getting out of your comfort zone...  so I've decided to take on a new, fun adventure that is also scary for me ... 
becoming a Stella & Dot Stylist! 

What does this mean? This means that on the side from my full-time job, volunteer positions, and hobbies, I'm adding one more thing that I'm really nervous AND excited to do! 

What is Stella and Dot? If you've never heard of Stella and Dot then I'm so glad you're reading this! It's a company that sells boutique-style jewelry and accessories, bags and clutches, sunglasses and accessories available exclusively through in-home Trunk Shows by Independent Stylists and online.

http://www.stelladot.com/maeganclark

Why am I doing this? Well, I've been thinking about being a stylist for a long time and in the past few weeks, I just felt a strong, magnetic force field pulling me in. Yes, you do get a small discount, and you can earn a small commission, but more than that, I want to help others feel cute, stylish and trendy. Sometimes it just takes a new pair of earrings, or a new clutch and show them how great they can look and feel for under $50. 

When I wear any of my SD accessories I always receive so many compliments and questions - so this is an easy way to help share some really great fashion pieces. 

What's next? Well - now I am reaching out to friends, family members, colleagues, and any acquaintance who would want to host a trunk show (that means they can earn free jewelry) or anyone who just wants to shop online. It's really easy either way. 

If you, or if you know someone who might be interested in Stella and Dot check out my personal site to look at the new summer collection: http://www.stelladot.com/maeganclark 

Let me know if you have any questions! 

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