Spicy Ginger Lettuce Wraps

With our Maryland weather finally starting to warm-up, I got a craving for something light and healthy for dinner. I intended to make chicken lettuce wraps but once I began adding all my veggies, I realized that this concoction definitely did not need the meat. This is a delicious and low calorie summertime recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of lettuce (I used Iceberg because it was on sale. Bibb lettuce works best.)
• 1/2 bunch of green spring onions
• 1/4 sweet onion
• 1 cup chopped colored peppers
• 2 serrano chiles
• 1 cup fresh green beans
• 1/2 cup celery
• 1/4 cup of carrots
• 1 package of shiitake mushrooms
• 1 can of sliced water chestnuts 
• 2 tbsp of ginger garlic paste
• 1 tbsp of garlic salt
• 1 tbsp of ginger powder
• 1 tsp of chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp of peanut or canola oil
• 1/4 cup of Trader Joes "Soyaki" sauce (this is a MUST!)
• 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Begin by washing all your veggies (except mushrooms and onions) under cold water. 

Once rinsed, cut all veggies in equal sizing. In my wraps, I sliced the peppers, diced the water chesnuts, carrots, celery and onions. I left the shiitake mushrooms as they came. 

Take the iceberg lettuce and cut it into quarters. This will make perfect lettuce hammocks for your filling.

Over medium heat, take a large frying pan and drizzle in 2 tbsp of peanut oil and 2 tbsp of ginger garlic past

Once your pan is warm, add the veggies that will take the longest to cook. I started with the celery, carrots, onions, and green beans. As they begin to soften, add in the remainder of the veggies. 

After all of your veggies have been added, season using garlic salt, pepper, ginger powder, red pepper flakes and Trader Joes Soyaki. 

Once your mix is cook through and well seasoned, spoon into lettuce wrappers. 

Enjoy!

Thrift Haul

Thrift Haul

It's been a few months since I have posted a thrift haul, so this could get lengthy because I have been on my A game of thrifting lately!

The peak of thrift season is just beginning; this is an extremely exciting time of year for us thriftanistas of the world. In celebration of my Mom's birthday, we decided to take a day and thrift all through the DMV. On a rainy May morning, my best friend, my mom and I all set out to scavenger for thrifty finds. Despite the less than fabulous weather, we came home with loads of goodies! Even better, we took our trip on a Tuesday, which is Goodwill customer appreciation day; that means we got 25% all donated clothes that we purchased.

I've prepped a review of some of things we found on that trip but I have also thrown in some things I found both on eBay and in my own neck of the woods. 

The Loot

Authentic Coach Bag in perfect condition: $25.00.

I got this from the SOMD Fashion Flea Market. 

Christian Dior Chemise Blouse: $20.00

This was my first Dior score! 

It came from the Junior League of Washington's "Tossed and Found" Sale

Those were my two expensive items of the haul. I can promise true thrift prices for the rest.

Adolfo Dominquez Silk Blouse: $7.00

Prevention of the Blindness Look Again Store in Old Town Alexandria, VA

This is a beautiful silk blouse which is piped with a striking black contrast.

Elie Tahari Silk Tank: $1.49 (Can't beat that!)

Goodwill on Richmond Highway in Alexandria, VA

I have a weakness for Tahari!

Basic Concepts Sheer Tunic: $3.74

This was a brand I haven't heard of but my friend found it and we had to have it!

It is a blend of navy, nude and lilac; really unique!

Goodwill Falls Church, VA

Banana Republic Short Sleeve Sheer Blouse: $3.74

This shirt has beautiful pleats across the chest and through the sleeves. 

It is a "tall" so I plan on wearing it as a tunic. 

Goodwill on Richmond Highway in Alexandria, VA

Banana Republic Linen Blouse: $3.98

This is my favorite find! It fits like a glove and linen is so fab for summer. 

Not to mention, finding a perfect item in white is nearly impossible in the thrift store, so I was really jazzed about this top!

Thrift Store Center in Alexandria, VA

Kirna Zabete Fitted Chiffon Dress: $3.50 (was $7.00 but got it 1/2 off!)

This line was recently sold at Target in their "high end" section. The bodice is perfectly fitted so it is really flattering. 

Thrift Store Center in Alexandria, VA

Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve Jacket: $5.98

This jacket is fitted and adorable! Love the burgundy. 

Thrift Store Center in Alexandria, VA

Seven for All Mankind Bootcut Jeans: $5.24

 My first pair of true Seven for All Mankind Jeans!

American Eagle Cut Off Denim Shorts: $4.00

Perfect for summer and they look like they've barely been worn. 

Thrift Store Center in Alexandria, VA

Dolce Vita Sandals: $8.00

These are literally brand new! They did even have a single mark on the soles. 

Vintage Values in Lexington Park, MD

True Religion Jeans: $4.98

Another awesome find. These roll up to make cute capris too!

Thrift Store Center in Alexandria, VA

Mossimo Maxi Dress: $11.00

This dress is still on the shelves at Target! It has a tulip hem which I am in love with. 

Goodwill in Annapolis, MD

Salvatore Ferragamo Dress Shoes: $4.50

So, if you know shoes, you know Ferragamo. These are so vintage and the price was unbeatable. 

Thrift Store Center in Alexandria, VA

Crown Vintage Penny Loafters: $7.99

Perfectly preppy and made of super soft leather. 

Goodwill on Columbia Pike in Arlington, VA

BCBG Girls Patent Heels: $8.00

These were brand new when I purchased them. I loved the unique color. 

Vintage Values in Lexington Park, MD

Steve Madden Haircalf Leopard Heels: $9.00

SM is one of my favorite shoe designers. These are a true personality punch. 

Vintage Values in Lexington Park, MD 

Kate Spade Slingbacks: $20.00

These are a classic must have for any woman's wardrobe.

Junior League's "Tossed and Found" Sale in Crystal City 

KORS by Michael Kors Leather Heeled Sandals: $16.00

I actually found these on Ebay for such a stellar price (that included shipping!)

Sam Edelman Python Printed Heels: $17.00

Another stellar ebay find! 

 Armani Exchange Dress: $8.98

I LOVE this dress so much- I bought it knowing that it wasn't my size but I knew my sister would love it. It looks awesome on her!

Goodwill on Richmond Highway in Alexandria, VA

Here is my favorite find of the day:

Kate Spade!

Authentic Kate Spade wristlet for $4.98! 

Precisely why I thrift. 

Love. 

That's all folks!