Rachel McCarthy, Author at A Blonde's Moment

women’s bean project

February 24, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Happy Tuesday! Today I want to share with you a very special organization that supports a truly wonderful cause. The Women’s Bean Project, based in Denver, Colorado, employs unemployed and impoverished women in a transitional job to help them earn the job readiness, interpersonal and life skills needed to move into a career. More information and the history of the Women’s Bean Project can be found here.

I was first introduced to this project by my mom, who gave Richard and I a box of the chili and cornbread for Christmas. I have been looking forward to making the chili for two months now and with the terribly cold temperatures of last week, I thought this past weekend was the perfect time for a cold weather comfort food. The package my mom purchased for us had two different chili mixes and one cornbread mix. I chose the “old fashion” mix for the dinner, but I am very much looking forward to the spicy mix next time! Richard is not a huge fan of cornbread, but I thought I would ask to see if he would try a slice. To my surprise, he said yes. {I didn’t want to be stuck with a whole loaf of cornbread for myself because I would eat the entire thing!} When the cornbread came out of the oven, it looked and smelled absolutely delicious! And you won’t believe this…Richard had three slices! I thought he didn’t like cornbread?! 😉

And the chili did not disappoint. I usually use canned beans when making my own chili, so this was my first time using real beans. It does take some time with the soaking and simmering, but totally worth it in the end…the beans were so much more tender than the kind you buy in the canned food section. Overall, this was a fabulous meal that was the perfect choice for a chilly weekend that supports an even more fabulous cause. I know that I will be ordering more products from the Women’s Bean Project as soon as we finish the next chili packet up! And it’s not just chili either! Oatmeal cookies, chocolate brownies and even dog cookies are also for sale — I think Ella would definitely enjoy those!

If you are interested, you can browse and purchase the products here.

I also have included a few photos of the cooking process below 🙂

Have a wonderful day and thanks for dropping by!

pink & chambray

February 23, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Chambray top | CAbi Jeans c/o | Nude pumps {under $100 here} | Gold clutch {similar here, under $150 here} | Sunglasses | Necklace | Earrings | Bracelets: similar here, here, here & here | Watch | Ring | Lipstick, Gloss | Nail Polish {Fiji}

Happy Monday! As you can see, we got some snow this weekend. As if the snowstorm we had earlier last week wasn’t enough, another 9 inches fell Saturday! There was a quick spike in the temperature yesterday {nearly 50!} so needless to say, there is water EVERYWHERE!!

While being snowed in on Saturday, I was more inspired than ever to start styling my spring wardrobe. I am definitely in transition mode now that it is the end of February, and these nectar CAbi jeans are the perfect early spring transition piece! As much as I wanted to break out the bright colors to wear with these comfy jeans {check back in a few weeks for that look 😉 } I opted for something more conservative and perfect for 50 degrees we experienced yesterday!

These nectar jeans are some of the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn. Not only are they super soft, but I haven’t noticed the typical “jean stretch” that all jeans seem to do. I don’t know about you, but with most jeans, I find myself constantly pulling up my jeans — is it not the most annoying thing?! I have yet to notice that with these perfect for spring jeans, which makes me love them even more!

I am very much looking forward to incorporating more spring colors into my wardrobe, and styling these jeans again once the temperatures increase.

You can see how I styled another one of my favorite CAbi pieces from the Spring 2015 Collection here by mixing fall pieces with a new spring top 🙂

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Here is an outtake from today’s post. As I mentioned, the snow was melting and there was water everywhere! My UGG boots were the only way to go 😉

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pink & bows

February 19, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Jacket: CAbi, Fall 2014 Collection {similar splurge here, save here & here} Turtleneck: J.Crew | Jeans: J.Crew | Shoes: Joan & David | Bag: Modalu {great alternative & I love the colors!} | Necklace: J.Crew, sold out {love this one} | Watch: Kate Spade {on sale!} | Earrings: Nordstrom | Gloves: Cornelia James, similar here | Sunglasses: Prada | Lipstick: MAC {Creme Cup}

I cannot get enough pink this week on A Blonde’s Moment! Tuesday I shared a black and white look {with hot pink lipstick} and yesterday in Wednesday Wishes, I named my picks in the “think pink” trend for spring. This CAbi Collection coat is one of my favorite pieces from the Fall 2014 Collection {last seen here} and I love finding different ways to style it. The only thing that can make a pink coat better in my book is a pink coat with a bow! And since it has been super cold here recently, I had to pair this coat with my side bow gloves on this chilly day!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

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think pink

February 18, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

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Happy Wednesday! It’s no secret that I am completely obsessed with pink. I always try to incorporate my favorite color into my wardrobe, no matter what season. But, with spring on the horizon, I am absolutely loving all the pink I have been seeing in the stores! I normally gravitate towards hot pink, but I am really starting to love the pale, blush pink more and more. I am especially obsessed with this Ted Baker handbag — this nude/pale pink/blush color would work perfectly with so many pieces in my closet, I think it would be the perfect accessory for spring and summer!

I went a little crazy on this week’s Wednesday Wishes, but there are SO many great pink pieces I just can’t get enough of! So, I have included some more of my favorites below that you can browse through 🙂

Thanks for stopping by!

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black + white

February 17, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Jacket: CAbi, old {similar here} | Turtleneck: J.Crew | Jeans: J.Crew | Scarf: J.Crew, sold out {under $30 here} | Boots: Unisa {similar here} | Bag: Chanel {under $200 here} | Watch: Burberry | Bracelets: Sabika {similar here}, David Yurman: here, here, here | Ring: David Yurman | Earrings: Nordstrom | Sunglasses: Prada | Lipstick: MAC {Candy Yum-Yum} | Nail polish: Essie {Mademoiselle}

Happy Tuesday everyone! It was absolutely FREEZING here this weekend! And as you can see, we had snow on the ground from a crazy blizzard Saturday night. But these pictures were taken before the Monday snowstorm which has left us with even more snow. And with the cold temperatures forecasted for the rest of the week, it looks like this snow is sticking around for a while.

Today I am breaking all the rules with wearing white. Usually, I keep my white jeans in the summer section of my closet, but I decided to be adventurous and break them out {maybe this is just me hoping spring is near!} Regardless, I have to admit, I am loving this winter white trend! I think pairing the white jeans with all black really gives you a chic look that is totally acceptable for winter, even in the freezing temperatures and snow 🙂

How do you feel about the traditional wearing white rule? Have you tried the winter white trend? Let me know in the comments section below. Hope you have a wonderful day and thanks for dropping by!

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nordstrom sale

February 13, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

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Happy Friday! Just a quick post today to share some of my favorite items in the Nordstrom Clearance Sale! It’s a sale you don’t want to miss — up to 40% off select styles! Sale ends February 22nd!

Have a fabulous long weekend everyone! As always, thanks for stopping by!

P.S. I have included some more favorites from the sale that you can click through below 🙂

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happy valentine’s day

February 12, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Shirt: J.Crew | Skirt: Chic Wish {similar here} | Clutch: Mark & Graham | Pumps: Joan & David {love these too!} | Sunglasses: Prada | Watch: Kate Spade | Bracelets: David Yurman: here, here, here, Nordstrom {similar here} | Ring: David Yurman | Earrings: Nordstrom | Lips: Lipliner: MAC {cherry} Lipstick: YSL {#13} | Nails: Essie {Allure}

Happy Thursday! Here is one last outfit inspiration for Valentine’s Day! I bought this Chic Wish skirt to wear around Christmas {you may also remember it from this Wednesday Wishes!} and I am so happy that I keep finding new ways to style it! As I mentioned earlier this week, the temperatures were quite mild this past weekend, and I was beyond excited to break out my J.Crew chambray shirt. I love that this shirt can make this look casual but dressy at the same time; and it’s the perfect way to transition this skirt into spring! And isn’t leopard and red always a fabulous combination?! 🙂 Since the temperatures will be dropping this weekend in the DC area, I will be most likely styling this skirt with a warm sweater for Saturday!! But for those living in a warmer climate, this is the perfect way to dress Valentine’s Day festive!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend and Happy Valentine’s Day! Thanks for dropping by!

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transition time

February 11, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

winter-to-spring-transition-outfit-inspiration

Splurge: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. //// Save: 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8.

Happy Wednesday! After the warm temperatures we experienced last weekend here in DC, I am already starting to think about transitioning my closet to spring. Although the high this Sunday is only suppose to be 18 degrees, {how is that even possible with 60’s last weekend?!} I’m definitely in the mood for some spring colors, prints and textures! For me, I find the best way to begin this winter to spring transition is by incorporating spring pieces into my winter wardrobe. Both of these floral blouses scream spring and work well no matter your budget! The pop of blue in this coat also brightens the outfit, while still providing warmth in the colder months. Lastly, I love soft pink or neutral nail polish and lipstick to complete the outfit. I have been stuck on this soft Essie color lately, it helps me believe that spring is really just around the corner!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

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BBQ chicken pizza

February 10, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Today I am sharing a very outside the box kind of pizza for me. It’s very rare to have meat on a pizza that I make. Not only do all vegetable pizzas seem easier, they also seem to take a lot less time to prepare. But last Friday, I decided to mix things up and I am so glad that I did! Richard said this is one of his favorite pizzas yet, so I will definitely be incorporating it into the rotation! The only thing that could have made this better was the green onions. I could have sworn I bought them at the grocery store a few days earlier, and after spending 10 minutes searching the refrigerator for them, I gave up. So, if you remember to buy green onions at the store, they would be a great addition to this delicious pizza!

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts {about 1 lb.} {I used the tenderloin version, but both work}

Store-bought pizza dough

About 1.5 cups barbecue sauce {I used Sweet Baby Ray’s}

4-6 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Olive oil

Non-stick cooking spray

Optional: 2 green onions, diced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees {or follow the directions for your store-bought dough}. In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken on each side until golden brown and the juices run clear. For my chicken tenderloins, it was about 4 minutes on each side. {I like to use the tenderloin version because it cooks a lot quicker!} Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice into small cubes. Transfer cubed chicken to a large bowl and pour about 1 cup of the barbecue sauce over the chicken, mixing well to combine. Add more barbecue sauce if needed; you just want enough to coat the chicken. To assemble the pizza, spread about 1/2 cup of the barbecue sauce over the pizza dough, creating the “sauce” layer. You can use as much barbecue sauce as you would like, but I used just enough for a base. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the sauce, followed my the cubed chicken. Top with cilantro {and the green onions if you have them!} Bake according to dough package directions, or until cheese has just started to melt and the crust is golden brown. Serve and enjoy!

half marathon training

February 9, 2015 by Rachel McCarthy

Shirt: Lululemon, last season {similar here} | Jacket: CAbi, similar here | Running tights: Lululemon | Shoes: Nike {new version here} | Earrings: Nordstrom | Lipgloss: NARS {Turkish Delight}

Ella’s harness: Puppia

Happy Monday! Today I am sharing my half marathon training plan. Training has been taking up such a huge part of my life recently {I just finished my 19 mile week!} that I thought I would give you a glimpse of the daily schedule! I only have time for three runs per week, while cross training is recommended for Tuesdays and Thursdays. In my past two years running in this race, I have found this plan to work perfectly with the rest of my life! This will be my third time running the half and I’m hoping for my best time yet. Someday, I would love to run a full marathon, but I will need a lot more time to make that happen!

The weather took an amazing turn this weekend and we took full advantage of it! With the high close to 60 degrees yesterday, it was such a nice change from the 14 degree weather we were experiencing last weekend. And you can see the snow has finally melted!

Ella wanted to get in on the training action this weekend…she makes a pretty good sprint partner! She may not be able to do the long distance, but those little legs love to spring {just one or two of them though 😉 }

Here is the training schedule I have adapted to fit my life. Everyone is different so I can’t say this will work for anyone else, but it’s important to find a plan that works for you since you will be the one doing it!