post #14 - Skinny Lettuce Wraps

Skinny Lettuce Wraps!

When summer rolls around, we are always looking for recipes that are light, cheap, and easy. This recipe is definitely light and cheap, and the hardest part is eating it fast enough. We started making this last year, and it has become a staple in our house. Best of all - it's a low-fat recipe that was apparently featured on The Biggest Loser! (Original recipe found here) You can definitely add other veggies to this recipe, but here are the basics. 

Disclaimer -- this is messy!!

Skinny Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey or ground chicken

2 tablespoons low-fat peanut butter

3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons low sodium teriyaki sauce

1 can water chestnuts, drained

1/2 chopped onion

1 head of lettuce washed & divided into large pieces for wrapping

Instructions:

1. Brown ground meat until fully cooked. Drain any fat.

2. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, teriyaki, onions, and water chestnuts. Mix until combined. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Spoon meat into lettuce and wrap. Take a bite and try not to spill! Enjoy!

On a separate note, have y'all heard of Gretchen Scott Designs? Tuckernuck and Gretchen Scott are doing an exciting giveaway that involves a trip to NYC and a chance to design a clothing item! Sign me up! Register for the giveaway by clicking here! It only takes a second! Plus, when you invite 10 friends to enter the giveaway, you will get a free gift! 

Have a wonderful week...only 3 more days 'til the weekend!

As always, I love reading your comments! Don't forget to like Makeshift Margaritas on Facebook and follow me on Google Blogger!

MBC

Laws in the Lowcountry

Need more convincing that this recipe is legit? Check out this post at Yellow Brick Blog!

post #13 - F5: Family & Friends, Starbucks Refreshers, Erase Paste, Semi-Annual Sale, & Snail Mail!

Another 5 on Friday Link Up! Favs this week!

Happy almost-weekend, y'all! Looking forward to lots of study time this weekend. Talk about feelings you never thought you'd have. Without further ado, my favorites this week!

1. Family and Friends!

I've been so overwhelmed with love from my friends and family this week for my birthday! And, of course, my sweet, sweet husband. Thanks to everyone for the phone calls, text messages, and birthday snail mail! It is all very much appreciated. I can't wait to see what 25 (eek!!) has in store!

2. Starbucks Refreshers

Have y'all tried this little sip of heaven? Best. energy. drink. ever. I've been having them in the afternoons for a much-needed pick me up. They taste delicious (not like an energy drink) and don't make me as jittery as my second love, Red Bull.

3. Benefit Erase Paste

This stuff is a God-send. If you need a good concealer, go to Sephora and get you some. It is a little pricy (for those of us who normally wear drug store makeup), but I purchased mine last summer and use it everyday. I am still not even halfway through the tiny jar. Talk about long-lasting makeup! A friend got me hooked, and I've spread the love to a few of my friends. Now, I'm telling all of you!

4. Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale

Enough said, right? I headed there very early the first day (as in, 7am. It was the only time I could go!)... Although I think they've gone up in price the last few years, it is still a great time to go pick up some essentials.

(and, it obviously makes us all look like this)

5. Snail Mail

There's nothing like checking the mailbox and getting a sweet piece of snail mail. I always forget how much I love handwritten notes, and always vow to send more. Plus, buying cute stationary is the best. I'm in the market for some monogrammed stationary or correspondence cards. How cute are these?!

(steal here)

(steal here)

(splurge here)

(splurge here)

I love reading your comments, so leave some love! Also, follow me on Blogger and Facebook to stay updated with Makeshift Margaritas! Have a fabulous weekend!!

MBC

P.S. Thanks again A. Liz Adventures, The Good Life Blog, Carolina Charm, and Hello Happiness!

post #12 - 116 Wine Bar {Restaurant Review}

116 Wine Bar + Farmers Market

Happy Hump Day everyone! I'm a little late on my first post for the week - I've been a little more stressed about studying this week than I have been recently. I guess that time is coming! 

I took a break on Saturday morning to head to the Soda City Farmers Market and brunch with Jo. We got some great finds at the Farmer's Market this week - cucumbers, trout sausage, "Tuscany" goat cheese, and shrimp + pancetta ravioli. Oh, and a raspberry macaroon, for good measure. 

After walking around, we headed to 116 Wine Bar. (Wanna see the menu? Click here!) I seemed to be out of town or busy every time my girlfriends headed here for brunch over the past few years, so I was very excited to try it. (P.S. - they only serve brunch on Saturday!) This hole in the wall is known for using local ingredients to make delicious drinks and food.

My friends have raved about their Bloody Marys. I was a little worried that the Bloody Mary's Revenge would be too spicy, but it really had the perfect amount of spice!

(absolut peppar vodka, 116's extra hot bloody mary mix, made with spices, fresh horseradish, + a touch of guinness)

Jo got the Steak and Eggs.

(chili rubbed sirloin steak with two eggs and toast)

I went with the 3 Potato Hashbrowns + Eggs. The sweet potatoes were our favorite!

(blend of yukon gold, purple, and sweet potatoes with sauteed jalapenos, bell peppers, onions, and goat cheese, + scrambled eggs)

Later that night, as an early birthday celebration, we grilled steaks and baked potatoes. We topped our bacon wrapped filets with the Tuscany Goat Cheese from the farmers market. We had our baked potatoes with greek yogurt and bleu cheese. Yum!

I think I gained about 100 pounds, but it's safe to say that we ate well on Saturday! We will definitely be heading back to 116 sometime soon for brunch, or maybe for dinner and drinks. 

Here's to looking forward to getting my life back and trying more Columbia brunch spots!

MBC