unKreative Kirsten: 01.12

1.08.2012

Playoffs Weekend complete with a light version of Franks Buffalo Chicken dip

Welp, it's half time of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game between my Steelers and the Denver Broncos. I am experiencing a small fit of anxiety as the Broncos are up 20-6. I am pretty passionate about Steeler's football and I am not conditioned to seeing a score like this, ESPECIALLY against the Denver Broncos... I could rant for about a day. But we will just have to wait and see what the second half has in store for us.

On a better note - It's been an absolutely perfect weekend! Nick and I are taking advantage of the Playoffs and this amazing January weather (70s & Sunny) by spending our afternoons outside BBQing. I feel spoiled -- yesterday we made cheese filled hamburgers (completely worth cheating and having one) and today some amazing chicken legs. I am continually impressed with Nick's novice but delicious grilling skills. <3 I love my man!

In the spirit of football and barbeques, I made a light and scrumptious version of Franks Redhot Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Light Version of Franks Redhot Buffalo Chicken Dip (by: Kirsten)

8 oz package of neufchatel cheese, softened
1/2 cup Ranch Dip (1 McCormick seasoning packet made w/ 16 oz non fat greek yogurt)
1/2 cup Franks Redhot Original Pepper Sauce
1/3 cup low-far mozzarella cheese
2 chicken breasts, shredded
Cracked Black Pepper, to taste

Directions:

Place neufchatel cheese in baking dish (I use a 1 1/4 quart round ) and stir until smooth
Mix in ranch dip, Franks Redhot & mozz cheese to creamed cheese
Stir in shredded chicken until will mixed
Top with Cracked Pepper to your desire & add some extra mozz if needed (Nick insisted on it for us)

Bake at 350 or until bubbly and heated through.

Serve with an array of fresh Veggies (celery and orange & yellow peppers are my fav) & Baked Chips for those who want a little something different.

This dip is addictive! Enjoy~

Our Set-Up: Can't forget the Terrible Towel for some MUCH NEEDED luck!

1.03.2012

Where in the world did 2011 go?!

Welcome 2012

I am so happy for a new and exciting year. Almost a little embarrassed to be blogging on here again..its been almost 6 months without a peep...but I am back!! Happy Twenty12 to everyone who happens to stop by and have a read. 2011 was pretty amazing, actually my favorite year to date but I am excited and anxious for this new year. I have a number of things I want to focus on in 2012 to better myself, my relationship and the way I view life. Here's a list of some of my more reasonable resolutions...perhaps blogging these things will make me feel more accountable to stick to them.

2012 Goals

*Start planning weekly menus to save time, $$ & calories.

*Fall back in love with Bikram Yoga (1x per week minimum).

* Take advantage of where we live, unwind from work with a daily beach walk w/ my handsome man.

*More Tea, Less Coffee

* Photo a Day for the entire Year. (trendy...but I know I would love the end result)

*Stop making excuses and start making progress... this pertains to EVERYTHING

*Random Acts of Kindness

*Read More

*Explore the world of D.I.Y.

I've been off of work for the past 10 days. (&& it has been absolute Heaven!) I am sadly back at work today. With the big gray cloud of responsibility and late nights looming over my head, I had a "Come to Jesus" moment last night. Although work can be extremely draining and the addition of school to that busy 50+ hour work week, it has become all too easy to make excuses for myself. I am far too young with too many opportunities to not take advantage of every one that I can. I am ready to start 2012 off with a BANG!!

My favorite memories of 2011 in photo-form.