Easy Soup Recipes To Make At Home This Season

When Fall comes around, “comfort food” moves high up on my at-home meal making list. One of my favorite dishes to make during this time is hands down a bowl of soup. Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and taking the time to make your own is a lot healthier (and tastier) than what you’d eat if you were just pouring it from a can. Fall is the time of year that I take out my crockpot and make huge pots of soup that I can nosh on for a few days, especially if I have a busy week ahead and don’t want to worry about cooking. I’m old-school, though, so most people would probably use an Instapot instead of a crockpot to make their soups, lol.

I have a few recipes that I can make from scratch without even thinking about it (mixed veggies with shredded chicken is so yummy and easy), but I still love flipping through recipe books and perusing Pinterest to find new ones to try. If you’re a soup lover like me and can’t wait to whip up a big batch of your own, here’s a roundup of soup recipes that all look delicious and seem relatively easy to make at home this season.

Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

Italian Sausage and Pasta Soup

Basic + Awesome Broccoli Cheese Soup

Basic + Awesome Broccoli Cheese Soup

Instant Pot Vegan Pumpkin Lasagna Soup

Instant Pot Vegan Pumpkin Lasagna Soup

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup Recipe

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Ground Turkey and Rice Soup

Ground Turkey and Rice Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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5 Accessories You Need Right Now

We’re slowly easing into Fall here in Memphis (hello 60 degree temps!), and while we all probably have a closet that’s filled to the brim with clothes, it’s time to add in a few fun accessories to help us transition our style for Fall. It’s not quite cold enough to fully layer with coats and jackets (although some evenings might call for a cute leather or suede moto jacket), but you should definitely have a few kimonos and chunky cardigan sweaters in the mix.

With that being said, you don’t want your outfits to be drab. I’m not a crazy trend follower, but I DO know that accessories are the easiest way to test out different prints, patterns and colors without having to fully commit to it. Unless it’s a statement piece that’s also quite versatile, I wouldn’t invest a ton of money into it. That way, if you try a trend and don’t like it, you won’t feel bad about tossing it the next season.

There are certain accessories that will easily help you transition into the Fall, and here are 5 you need to add to your wardrobe right now.

WYETH Jackson Rancher HatWYETH Jackson Rancher Hat, Madewell $69

Wide Brim Hat
It took me years to get on the hat train (I needed to find styles that fit my head properly), but once I did I was HOOKED. Out of all of the styles that I’ve tried, I’ve found that a wide brim hate (preferable a wool fedora) is the most versatile style for almost everyone. You still have to test out sizing (you never want a hat that’s too big or too small), but as long as it has a stiff brim (this is KEY to ensuring it looks right), you’re fine You’ll be able to switch up the look of so many of your outfits when you wear one. You don’t need a million colors either: a black, grey or a neutral tan color will suffice.

Free People Vegan Going West BootVegan Going West Boot, Free People $88

Ankle booties
It doesn’t matter if you pick them in black, white, tan, leather or suede, you won’t go wrong with adding a cute ankle bootie into the mix. They help to ground those Summery dresses that can still be worn during the Fall (just top with a cardi or jacket), and they will help elevate the look of your basic jeans + tee outfit. Look for a style that has a pointed or slightly square toe (a rounded toe is a little too 90s retro unless that’s your thing) with a slight heel so that you can actually walk around in them.

American Threads Five And Two June NecklaceFive And Two June Necklace, American Threads $52.50

Layering Necklaces
I prefer to wear gold jewelry over silver (it just feels more versatile to me), but I love finding really cool necklaces that I can layer with. You want to look for metals that are similar in color, and try to find chains with varying lengths so that you can wear multiple together. Necklaces designed with coins and small pendants are the most popular right now and the easiest to style with. You can literally wear them with anything.

Leather Circle Buckle BeltLeather Circle Buckle Belt, Banana Republic $68

Gold Buckle Belt
So I typically hate wearing belts with pants, but I always find fun ones to wear with dresses, especially in the Fall. A gold buckle belt is staple right now (I really like the double buckle ones as well). If you have any flowy dresses that could use a little more structure, just add a belt and then layer a cardigan over it to keep the silhouette from being too billowy. You can also layer them over blazers, and they actually look cute with jeans and a graphic tee tucked in if that’s your thing.

Anthropologie Chill ClutchChill Clutch, Anthropologie $78

Large Leather Clutch
I carry a large basic tote daily to hold all of my stuff when I’m working, but I would much rather have some cuter bags to swap it with when I’m going out to new events during my “off-duty” hours. The newer styles are larger and a lot more fashion forward, so even if you’re wearing a simple outfit, a cute leather clutch will make your overall aesthetic more chic.

There are so many other accessories that can be added to your wardrobe this season, but these are absolute staples. Happy shopping!

All items shown are from Saddle Creek retailers. Due to Covid-19, changes have been made to individual store house for Saddle Creek retailers. Please call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your home.

Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

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4 Ways To Be More Productive

Is there ever enough time in a day? Even before Covid hit, many of us found balancing work, school, family, kids, and maintaining a normal social life difficult, especially if we weren’t super organized. Yes, we have the same number of hours in a day as Beyonce, but we don’t have the same team, so any help that we can get with being more productive is a gift. Luckily, with a few tweaks with how we manage our daily schedules, we can maximize our time and really get ish done. We always ask the universe for more time, but if we aren’t cognizant of how we’re spending it, it’s gonna be pretty hard to make any real strides toward our goals, no matter how much more time we are given.

Balancing it all isn’t easy, but it’s definitely not impossible. If you’ve been having a hard time, here are 4 ways to help improve your time management and be more productive every day.

Plan ahead as much as you can
And by plan, I mean get it out of your head and onto a notebook or plugged into your Google calendar with actionable steps to complete your tasks. Prioritizing your to-do list by the hour/day/week/month will help you hold yourself accountable so that you can realistically scratch items off of your list. You may not be able to get everything done daily, but at least you will have a working guide that you can actually see (vs. trying to remember it all and failing).

be more productive

Batch out daily/weekly tasks
The Pomodoro Technique is pretty popular for people working on their time-management, but I’ve found that personally, I prefer using an alarm on my phone when I’m tasking. I will block out 2-3 hours max to knock out a few projects/tasks at a time. I don’t really like to multi-task in the typical sense-I prefer to just work on things in batches. Turn on music or a podcast (TV can be too distracting), turn off your ringer, and place your phone in another room so that you can completely focus on your project(s) at hand. If you end up completing everything early, take a break for the remaining time before you move on to your next time block activity.

Unplug frequently
Checking social media can be such a time suck. You don’t realize how much time you spend scrolling Instagram and Facebook until you look up and 45 minutes have passed by . Every single app is open on your phone, but NOTHING ELSE DONE. Limiting how many times you check your fave social platforms will ensure you don’t miss out on valuable time you could be using to do some none tech related activities (reading, cleaning, spending time with fam).

calendar

Schedule in time for the simple things
When you find yourself struggling to do all of those small things that you never seem to have time for, it’s probably time for you to schedule them on your calendar. I know that it might seem silly to block out time to wash your hair, read or journal, but treating these tasks like appointments and adding them to your calendar can actually be a game changer. Sometimes, there really isn’t enough time in the day, but most times, we’re losing minutes and hours doing trivial things. Be very specific with how you schedule it (don’t just put “Me time”, lol), and soon it’ll become a lot easier to take care of those tasks that matter the most to you.

vera bradley monthly planner12 Month Large Planner, Vera Bradley $26.95

Don’t force yourself to have a rigid schedule (life happens when we’re busy making plans), but being more cognizant of how you’re spending your time daily will allow you to have a much better work/life balance and get more done in a day.

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Pre-Fall Pieces To Add To Your Wardrobe

I’m so so ready for Fall. It’s still pretty hot in Memphis, but with students now going back to school over the last few weeks, it’s safe to say that Fall IS coming.

Transitional clothing items are a must-have right now. While we will still have a few super hot days here and there through mid-September, we will soon begin to have warm days and cooler nights, so a shift will happen with how we dress day to day. Stores are starting to get in Pre-Fall pieces as well (and have great sales), so it’s the perfect time to begin updating your wardrobe with some transitional pieces. Due to COVID, you won’t have to go overboard and buy a ton of new clothes as the weather begins to change, but it’s still nice to update your wardrobe with a cute pair of mules or kimono. If you’re wondering what you should invest in in the upcoming weeks, here are some pre-Fall pieces to add to your wardrobe.

American Threads Just Because Ruffle Babydoll Dress

Just Because Ruffle Babydoll Dress, American Threads, $57

Free People We The Free Savannah Tee

We The Free Savannah Tee, Free People $68

J Crew Point Sur Hightower Straight Jean

Point Sur Hightower Straight Jean, J. Crew $99

Free People Retro Classic Metallic Sneakers

Retro Classic Metallic Sneakers, Free People $70

Banana Republic Heritage Safari Romper

Heritage Safari Romper, Banana Republic $119

Soft Surroundings Olenka Tunic

Olenka Tunic, Soft Surroundings $100

Madewell Denim Pieced Waist Midi Dress

Denim Pieced Waist Midi Dress, Madewell $65

White House Black Market Smocked Soft Jacket

Smocked Soft Jacket, White House Black Market $140

Anthropologie Elyn Tunic Dress

Elyn Tunic Dress, Anthropologie $78

Loft Lou & Grey Melange Cocoon CardiganLou & Grey Melange Cocoon Cardigan, Loft $79.50

Due to Covid-19, changes have been made to individual store house for Saddle Creek retailers. Please call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your home.

Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

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Tips For An At-Home Pedicure

COVID has thrown a wrench in so many plans, including simple pleasures as going to get a mani or pedi on the fly. While Memphis is at a point where it’s safe to go and get your nails done again (hey Nail Bar & Co!),not everyone feels comfortable going to the nail bar even with all of the precautions in place. With that being said, your tootsies still need some self-care (especially if you’ve been wearing flip flops and sandals all day)! You can still get a salon worthy pedicure at home: you just have to take your time and follow these simple DIY steps.

At home Pedicure Nail Polish

DIY PEDICURE AT HOME

*What you need:

  • Towel
  • Nail Polish Remover
  • Cotton Pads
  • Cuticle Oil
  • Basin (or bathtub)
  • Epsom Salt or Bath Bomb
  • Foot File or Pumice Stone
  • Foot Scrub
  • Foot Cream
  • Cuticle Remover
  • Nail kit (nail clippers, cuticle pusher, nail file and nail buffer)
  • Toe separators
  • Polish: base coat, fave color polish, top coat

pedicure

Fill foot bath with really warm, soapy water (make it as hot as you can stand); add Epson Salt or your foot soak for a little extra care.

  1. Remove old polish from toes, then soak feet for 15-30 minutes (you’re relaxing, remember?)
  2. Scrub feet to help exfoliate the skin. Don’t forget your ankles and lower legs!
  3. Use circular motions to remove any rough patches with foot file or pumice stone (scrubbing back + forth will remove dead skin but your foot won’t be smooth). Pay close attention to your heels.
  4. Apply cuticle remover, and then use a double sided cuticle pusher to push back cuticles + to remove any old polish/skin off the nail bed that the nail polish remover missed (THIS is the step that nail techs do that help make your nails super smooth. Once I picked up this tool I saw a huge difference in my nails).
  5. Apply cuticle oil and/or foot balm. Rub in for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Clip nails to desired length, then use a nail buffer to smooth and remove any ridges.
  7. Swipe nails with polish remover (to remove oil from nailbed)
  8. Apply base coat + nail polish + topcoat.
  9. Watch an episode of your favorite Netflix show while nails dry.

Voila!

*Nail Bar & Co also sells an At Home Pedicure Kit if you don’t want to go searching for all of the products listed above.

GOOD FOR THE SOLE - AT HOME PEDI KIT

Click here to shop all of their kits, or pop into their Saddle Creek location at 7615 W Farmington Blvd, Suite 31, Germantown, TN 38138.

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Dresses To Help You Get Through Summer

I usually pack up all of my denim and pants at the beginning of the season once the temps stay in the 80s, but to be able to do that, I try to find cute, versatile dresses that will help me stay stylish but cool through the Summer. No matter where I have to go, I can always just throw on a fun dress and simple accessories to look polished and put together, and it just makes life (and getting dressed) so much easier. Wearing dresses in the Summer helps to tremendously cut down on how long it takes me to get ready and out the door, so when I find styles that I love, I live in them, and will even get them in multiple colors if available.

If you’re on the hunt for some new pieces to wear while it’s still blazing hot outside, here’s a little roundup of dresses (and a few handbags) that’ll help get you through the rest of the Summer.

Anthropologie Adrian Sheer Tunic Dress

Anthropologie Adrian Sheer Tunic Dress, $89.95

Free People Date Night Beaded Clutch

Free People Date Night Beaded Clutch, $68

J.Jill Linen Short Sleeve A-Line Dress

J.Jill Linen Short Sleeve A-Line Dress, $79.95

J. Crew Woven Market Tote

J. Crew Woven Market Tote, $79.50

Banana Republic Fishtail Midi Sheath Dress

Banana Republic Fishtail Midi Sheath Dress, $35.99

Banana Republic Leather Saddle Bag

Banana Republic Leather Saddle Bag, $57.99

Free People Once Upon A Sea Midi Dress

Free People Once Upon A Sea Midi Dress, $60

Madewell Anchal Organic Cotton Large Patchwork Pouch

Madewell Anchal Organic Cotton Large Patchwork Pouch, $48

Madewell Denim Pleat-Waist Midi Dress

Madewell Denim Pleat-Waist Midi Dress, $79.99

J. Crew Tiered Maxi Dress

J. Crew Tiered Maxi Dress, $68

Many of the retailers in Saddle Creek have gotten the green light to open back up, so call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your couch.

Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

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Tips For Celebrating the 4th of July at Home

Due to Covid-19, the 4th of July is going to look veeeeery different this year for everyone. While some cities and more businesses have started to open up, there won’t be the normal opportunities for large crowd gatherings or family functions that we are used to. We can all still celebrate the holiday, but now it has to be done on a much, much smaller scale. One positive about celebrating the 4th of July with your household? No face masks! If you’re planning to celebrate at home with your family, here are a few ideas to help you celebrate safely in your backyard.

4th of july

Let the games begin
Not being able to always be “on the go” has made families rethink how they spend their time together and go back to the basics. Board games, water obstacle courses and arts + crafts are easy activities that you can do with the fam all day long. If you’re able to get your hands on some fireworks, be sure to pick up some sparklers to bring a little nostalgia into the evening as well; grab a throw blanket that you can relax on while watching the kids twirl the night away with them.

vera bradley throw blanketRed White & Blossoms Plush Blanket, $55, Vera Bradley

Bring in a little red, white and blue
Some people love to decorate their homes with flags, ribbons and more to celebrate the holiday. If that feels a little too gimmicky to you, you can also pick up paper plates, napkins and a table cloth that have a patriotic theme. Sur la Table has some cute Stars & Stripes appetizer plates that would be perfect for the day (and can used through the end of the Summer!).

STARS & STRIPES MELAMINE APPETIZER PLATESStars & Stripes Melamine Appetizer Plate Set, $24, Sur la Table

Wear something patriotic
If decorating your home isn’t really your jam, another alternative is to have a 4th of July theme with your clothes and wear something red, white or blue (sun dresses, rompers and skirts are always a good choice). Keep a Polaroid camera around to keep it old school and snap some pics as the day goes on for the family album.

Star Gazer Skirt, $59.95, Altar’d State

End on a sweet note
They say nothing is as American as cherry pie, but why not try a cake pop instead? They’re such a quick and easy (and social distancing approved) dessert to make, and depending on the recipe you use (we like this one), they can be a lighter choice than a traditional cake, pie or cookies. Bonus: less mess to clean up when the night is done!

Patriotic Cake PopsPatriotic Cake Pops Recipe

Just because you may stay at home this 4th of July doesn’t mean it has to be a humdrum holiday. You can keep it low-key and still have a great time.

4th of july

 

Need something to wear, or to pick up cooking utensils? Stop by our retailers in Saddle Creek!

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5 Family Friendly Activities To Enjoy Right Now

Are you still bored in the house and you’re in the house bored? Look, the quarantine blues are definitely real, and while we have a long way to go before we return to normal, there are still activities that we can enjoy safely with family and friends now that the city is opening back up in phases. Having to slow down and not have access to all of the businesses and parks that we are used to has been inconvenient, however, we can still find ways to embrace this period of slower, more simplistic living. With a little bit of planning and a fun imagination, you can still get out and about around Memphis without worrying about getting sick or being around too many people.

Here are 5 family friendly activities to enjoy right now in Memphis.

Memphis Botanic Garden
The Memphis Botanic Garden is a 96-acre property includes 28 specialty gardens, which provide an in-depth look into various families of plants, flowers, and trees. Spend the afternoon exploring nature together while also learning something new.

Malco Drive-In
When’s the last time you’ve been to the drive-in? The Malco Summer Quartet Drive-In re-opened in May (and is currently the only movie theater that’s open), so pile the fam up in the car (it’s now a flat $20 rate instead of per person), and head over to catch a flick or two on the big screen one Friday night. You MUST pre-purchase tickets online, and they’re currently only screening movies Thursdays-Sundays.

The Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 different species. This can be a full day experience for both adults and kids, so wear comfy clothes and shoes and spend some time playing with the animals like you did as a kid.

Explore Bike Share
Want to get in a little bit of exercise while (safely) exploring different parts of the city? Try out Explore Bike Share. With 60 stations and approximately 600 bikes available 24/7 365, Explore Bike Share provides a network of bicycles that can be rented on-demand from stations located around the city. Rides start at just $1.25, so depending on what you decide to do, you can plan out a full day’s adventure with your friends.

Shelby Farms Park
At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. If you haven’t visited in a while, the Park has been renovated to include places for fishing, walking and hiking trails, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the Water Play Sprayground, horseback riding, treetop adventures, paintball and laser tag. If you just want to get out the house without doing much else, pack up a lunch, chairs and blankets and find a cool spot under a tree by the lake and just enjoy a simple family picnic.

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Warm Weather Pieces To Add To Your Wardrobe

We have a long way to go before we move past Covid-19, but many of us are (luckily) in a place where life is at least semi-normal again. Many of us are starting to go back to work and venturing out beyond getting our essentials (safely, of course), and with temps starting to warm up, switching over your wardrobe for Spring/Summer in the next few weeks is inevitable. If you live in Memphis, you know that you can wear those cute lounge wear sets that everyone is pushing only for so long before the humidity and heat do you in. There’s no need to go out and get a whole new wardrobe, however, I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to get a few new pieces that will allow you to look and feel cute. Even if you’re just going out on a coffee run, you can still get dressed. There are little things that we can do daily to maintain a sense of normalcy, and putting on clothes that we love is one of them.

If you’re in a place where you can update your wardrobe and itching to do a little retail therapy, I’ve rounded up a few warm weather pieces that will be essential this season.

Sandrah Tunic Dress AnthropologieSandrah Tunic Dress, Anthropologie, $88

In A Mood Snakeskin Sneaker American ThreadsIn A Mood Snakeskin Sneaker, American Threads, $39

Jungle Ruffle Pocket Dress LoftJungle Ruffle Pocket Dress, Loft, $64.88

Vintage cotton V-neck T-shirt J. CrewVintage cotton V-neck T-shirt, J. Crew, $29.50

Far Out Round Sunglasses Free PeopleFar Out Round Sunglasses, Free People, $20

Bidelia Midi Dress Altar'd StateBidelia Midi Dress, Altar’d State, $39.19

Large Straw Tote Bag Banana RepublicLarge Straw Tote Bag, Banana Republic, $68

daydreamer david bowie teeIndigoDaydreamer David Bowie Tee, Indigo, $66.50

Avenue Midi Skirt Alter'd StateAvenue Midi Skirt, Altar’d State, $24.49

Beach by Matisse Woven Slide Sandals AnthropologieBeach by Matisse Woven Slide Sandals, Anthropologie, $45

 

Many of the retailers in Saddle Creek have gotten the green light to open back up, so call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your couch.

All items listed are from retailers located in The Shops of Saddle Cree. Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

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Simple Self-Care Ideas You Can Practice Right Now

With everything that’s going on in the world right now, most people’s anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Regularly taking some time out to get your mind, body, and soul right is more important than ever, and while “self-care” has become a buzz term, its necessity shouldn’t be denied. A wise man once said “you can’t pour from an empty cup”, so finding time to take extra care of yourself, even if it’s only for 30 minutes a day, is a must (especially if your day to day schedule has changed dramatically over the last few weeks). Make a conscious decision to carve out more time in your schedule to step away from your work and do the little things that make you happy and feel more balanced. Your mental health will thank you for it.

self care ideas

If you’ve been wanting to step up your self-care game, here are 10 simple (and budget friendly) self-care ideas you can practice right now.

  • Sleep in an extra hour and read the paper instead of scrolling your IG feed when you first get up.
  • Do an at-home mani + pedi with your favorite DVDs or playlist on in the background.
  • Light candles, turn on some soft music, and take a relaxing bubble bath.
  • Whether you pray to Buddha or the Gods of Fashion, take an hour to journal, pray or meditate to help clear your head.
  • Face scrubs and masks can instantly change your mood. DIYs are always fun, but if that’s too much, just grab a few different sheet masks from Walgreens and try a new one every few days.
  • Netflix and Chill all by your lonesome (don’t forget the popcorn).
  • Schedule a virtual coffee date with an old friend or family member.
  • Sit outside in the sun, on your porch or find your favorite place in your home where you can sip your cup of jo and not be disturbed for 20-30 minutes.
  • If it’s warm enough, grab a blanket, pack a lunch, and head to your backyard or patio to lie out and read your favorite book while you relax for a bit.
  • Spend 15 minutes stretching and doing a light yoga flow before you get started on your day or to help you wind down.

self care ideas

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