Deep Dish Chicken Pot Pie [Recipe]

It's fall y'all (aka my favorite time of year). And with the cooler temperatures comes comfort food. On Friday night when our desert temps dipped to 60 degrees, I decided to dust off my deep dish chicken pot pie recipe I found several years ago from Kraft. It's simple, looks fancy and I'm pretty positive you'll love it. I always forget how much I enjoy this dish.

I made a few slight variations to the original recipe and here's how.

WHAT YOU NEED

• 1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/4 cup KRAFT Lite Zesty Italian Dressing
• 4 oz. Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1/2 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (optional)
• Salt, pepper & parsley to taste (optional)
• 1 ready-to-use frozen pie crust
• Egg wash (one egg + 2 Tbsp water)

Sautee veges in 2 Tbsp. of butter over medium low heat to soften. In a separate skillet, cook chicken in dressing in large skillet on medium heat 2 min. Add cream cheese; cook and stir until melted. Add flour; mix well. Add broth and vegetables; simmer 5 min. 

After you pour mixture into deep dish 10-inch pie plate, arrange pie crust over filling and flute edges. Cut slits in crust to allow steam to escape. Brush pie with egg wash. Bake 25-30 min. or until crust is golden brown.

The cream cheese is the secret. Enjoy.

Pretending it's FALL

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While it doesn't exactly feel like Fall here in Las Vegas yet, I can pretend it is 70 degrees, the trees are losing their leaves and light jackets and scarves are required, right?

Unfortunately, my reality is that it's going to be in the upper 80s most of the week, the only trees I see are of the palm variety and a light jacket and scarf would have me breaking out in a sweat in a few minutes flat.

Regardless of my reality, I still had chili for dinner last night. See what I mean by pretending?

Kristina whipped this up last night. It was delicious.

I can live in denial all I want, but the truth is that I have been very jealous seeing all of you northerners Instagraming photos of your boots, leggings, sweaters and scarves. While I certainly don't envy your bitter winters, I do envy the fact that you get a legit Fall and its happening already.

Since life isn't fair and I can't actually wear all those sweaters, scarves and boots like some of you, I have done the next best thing and pinned Fall clothes like crazy. These outfits need to get in my closet right now:

All photos via my fashion pin board

I want all of those looks. Fall, please get here quickly so I can stop pretending. I like reality better.

Is it Fall where you are? Do you love this season as much as me? I, for one, live for it.

 

Leggings, boots and sweaters ... oh my!

Goodie Gumdrops! 

I can FINALLLLLYYYYY post about Fall because guess what?  The high in Dallas is 67 today! Sweet music to my ears. Last night was the first night I could actually open my windows and let the cool breeze blow in.  Make no mistake, it was magical.

In honor of Fall finally paying a visit to Texas, I'm bringing you my go-to and absolute favorite Fall fashion ensemble.  I present to you the "legging, boot and sweater/cardi" look.  Perfect for running errands, meeting your girly friends for brunch or whatever tickles your fancy.  You can't go wrong with this look in my book: it's cute and casual.

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I had to throw the bebe leggings in the mix. They were too cute to pass up.

Where do I find my oversized sweaters, long cardis and the like?  I turn to Target, Old Navy and TJ Maxx.  If you have one near you, Gap Outlet is a great place for sweaters as well.

Old Navy - $49.94

I got a pair of leather riding boots from Santa last year and word on the street is he scooped them up from Target.  I love them and they are still selling them if you likey:


$49.99 - BUY

You can find leggings almost anywhere.  Personally I've bought mine at TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack and American Eagle (rando, I know).  I would recommend checking out Target, H&M or Forever 21.  As long as the material is thick enough, you should be good to go.

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Oh and I almost forgot one of my most favorite things about Fall: Infinity Scarves.  The best way to top off this look IMHO. 

Old Navy - $19.94

Hopefully Fall decides to play in Texas a little longer because I cannot wait to bust out all of the above from my wardrobe.  What are you busting out of your closet for Fall?

The last post I'll type at age 26

I couldn't think of a better title because today's post is full of randomness.  Enjoy ...

First of all, I need you to head on over to my girl Zara's blog at Eat, Shop and be Married because I'm guest blogging for her today.  I picked out affordable eye shadow colors to enhance blue, brown, green and grey eye colors!  So take your eyes on over there to read.

Next, let's discuss my birthday outfit.  I got a black sequin dress yesterday that I plan on wearing with my Shoedazzle hot pink heels.  I wanted something fun.  Do y'all approve of my ensemble?

The "mother of the bargain blonde" as she likes to call herself (my Mom) wanted me to tell y'all that Home Goods currently has all their fall scented Yankee candles on sale for $7.99.  Regularly priced $19.99.  Go scoop some up.  Say thanks bargain blonde mom!

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Also, tomorrow not only do I celebrate making it to one more year of life, but Sweet Bef will be touching down in Dallas.  My first face-to-face meeting with a blog friend.  Let's hope she doesn't slice me in my sleep.  Juuuuust kidding.  But if I'm not back here on Monday, you'll know who to point Dateline to.

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We're filming a joint vlog before we head out to my birthday dinner, and we are still accepting questions.  Be sure to ask us questions you want us to answer before tomorrow by clicking here!  We are loving what you have asked us already!

P.S. One final reminder. Don't forget my "giveaway for a good cause" ends tomorrow at midnight.  Be sure to enter ASAP so you don't miss out on an opportunity to win a free necklace and shirt!


That is all!  Was this post random enough for you?

Who knew? Kohl's carries NCAA apparel.

And it's cute.  And cheap.  So of course, I had to share with y'all immed. 

If you don't know already, I'm a Texas Tech University (Guns Up!) alum.  This tank is only $14 and I need it in my life!

BUY

They have a lot of schools to choose from, click here to see if they have yours.  They even have my bestie Beth's South Carolina Gamecocks:

BUY

I love, love, love the VS PINK collegiate collection (I love anything VS PINK), but the Kohl's NCAA collection is definitely a cheaper alternative. 

EEEP!  This is just getting me in the mood for the Fall (my favorite season) when college football returns and the weather is perfecto!  If you're also from the South, you know how seriously we take football.  It's a religion.

Did you girls know Kohl's carried this stuff or have I been living under a rock?

It's Really Fall Y'all

This Bargain Blonde has recently become the Broke Blonde and my bargain adventures have been put on a temporary hiatus ... womp, womp. I obviously need to remember that "just because it's on sale doesn't mean you have to buy it". But do you blame a girl? I just can't resist a good bargain. Although in my defense, I literally work across the street from a shopping center which is a blessing and a curse. Especially now that our weather has changed from the horrible Texas heat to PERFECT 80 degree temps, shopping during my lunch break sounds much more appealing than a dingy break room.

Anyway, this post will be short and sweet, but I wanted to post something since it's been a little while since my last blog. This cooler weather has put me in the mood for all things fall and I wanted to make a fall centerpiece for my dining room table to match my mood.

I put this "masterpiece" together yesterday for only $15. The bulk of the flowers were pre-made from Michael's, but I added the red berry pieces in myself so I could say I "made it". Then, I finished it off with the warm-colored garland around the bottom of the vase (already owned). I know what you're thinking; I am practically the next Martha Stewart. And I really don't blame you.

Flowers + Greenery = $9.99 (regularly $19.99)
Red Berry Accents = .99 cents
Garland = $3.99
Vase = $0 (already owned)
Total = $15