Simple Savory Salads

Hello and Happy Wednesday!

I don’t just eat salads to be healthy or lose weight. I actually love them. Many of us are trying to be more healthy when a new year starts. For that simple reason I’m bringing you three simple but delicious salads to meal prep and have at the ready all week long. Honestly, for my life to run as smooth as possible I have to meal prep. Being able to throw a delicious salad in a bowl when I have a minute to eat is ideal.

First up, Green Goddess goodness! This recipe comes together very quickly. The longest part is the dressing but let me tell you it’s worth it. Here’s my version of this delicious salad.

Note: depending on your diet, feel free to add a protein to this salad, too. I recently added avocado and a tuna steak and it was basically one of the best things I’ve eaten in a long time.

This next salad is an absolute staple in my life. I usually always have it made and in the fridge and ready to pull out for a side, snack, or a meal. I don’t have a completed photo of it shockingly but you get the idea. It’s truly a perfect addition to a healthy diet. You also don’t need to stick to these exact measurements. I think mine is different every single time I make it. So keep tasting to ensure you have the perfect bite.

Often times I feel like a roasted salad gets pushed to the side when it should be front and center! This gorgeous salad comes together very quickly once you roast your veggies. What do you roast you ask?…

I hit those with olive oil and roasted everything on 375 for about an hour or so. Keep an eye on it though because the squash will be done first, then Brussels sprouts, and finally the beets. Also everyone likes a different level of roasted so again, keep tasting to make sure it’s to your desired texture.

While those veggies are getting nice and tender grab like a whole big bag of kale, rinse it, drizzle with olive oil and MASSAGE IT TO DEATH. Do not skip the kale massage. Seriously. Can’t stress this enough. It makes the kale so delicious. After the massage, before your veggies add in:

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 nuts like walnuts or pecans

  note: I used a pack of candied pecans, walnuts, and cranberries. There is more sugar in this but I feel it really added to the salad in the end.

  Now, lets make the dressing:

You may have to mess with now much water goes into it to get the consistency you want but always taste it to make sure before you dress the salad.

After those veggies are done, add it to your salad, and dress. This is a salad I’ll have on rotation for a loooooong time. It surly isn’t boring and packs a healthy punch, too.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you try one of these and if you do let me know! If you don’t follow me on Insta I’m @thefastfashionista!

Have a happy, healthy day!

Welcome 2024!

HELLO 2024!!

I’m always so happy to welcome a new year and new start! I’m also thrilled out of my mind that this year starts with a MONDAY!I deeply love Mondays.

Every December, I like to reevaluate The Fast Fashionista. Which has been my little corner of the internet for almost ten years. Blogging has changed, content creation has changed, and I have changed. All (for the most part, minus some silly algorithm things) have been good changes. I’m in an extremely content place in my life and after my usual blogging hiatus (where I amerce myself in my kiddo’s birthdays, the holidays, and this year some travel) I’m back again and ready to welcome a New Year. Not a new me that’s for sure. Same me, even though I am always aiming to be better no matter what time of the year it may be.

Anywho. This space isn’t going to look too different in the coming year. I’m still keeping my three categories of Fashion, Food, and cocktails…fast. I’m not the blogger who is going to tell you a three year long story before I give you a recipe. No need for that. Who has the time for that anyways? Not I. This, and my Fall Fashion post are the longest posts. But that’s why I like to keep it. Short and sweet so you can check out something new but also get on with your life. I’m also not the blogger who will monetize. I’ve frequently gotten that question and it’s a simple answer. I don’t want to. This space is for me to share my passions and creativity not to make money from you reading that.

Last year, I started my “What I Pulled” segment. I didn’t get a chance to do as much with it as I wanted so I’m pulling it into 2024 and I’ll continue sharing with you outfits I pulled for whatever it is I’m doing. I’m also adding the science of fashion in with that. Think “dopamine dressing”. The fashion forward part of The Fast Fashionista has always been the most popular. It’s changed over the years from a year of color palettes and the Dior Dictionary year, two of my favorites. But, fashion is such a major part of my life and I love sharing looks and how and why I put them together. I feel style is a constant evolution and I love that so many of you have been on that ride with me throughout the years.

I absolutely have a passion for food! Mostly healthy with some cheat days sprinkled in. I’m pescatarian and dairy free 90% of the time and leave that 10% for special occasions or if I simply must create a certain dish. But I live for seafood so there will for sure be a lot of that.

I really like to focus on a few different things. One being making something that looks complicated and showing you that you can make it too and to not be afraid to try different things. Another being healthy foods made interesting and delicious. Being vegan sometimes can get a bad wrap but I absolutely love being creative in the kitchen, making cooking fun and elevated…usually with a glass of vino in my hand.

Speaking of having a drink in my hand… “My Martini Moment” is a segment that I’ve had around since the beginning. It’s taken on many different shapes and concepts but is now fast, pretty, and delicious cocktail recipes to share or keep for yourself. Since my early employment days of being a bartender (quick random story: I had to fight to be a bartender at a restaurant when I was a brand new 18. After holding a couple different positions there I wanted to bartend. I asked my boss who was, pardon my french, an asshole. He rolled his eyes and said no. After I asked again, thinking I’d never do it, he said he’d give me a daytime bar shift and if I made 50 dollars he would let me be a bartender. Well for my first daytime bar shift I made 150 dollars and I was put on as a bartender. Don’t ever tell me I can’t do something. Ha.) I fell in love with shaking up a good drink and sharing that experience. Experimenting with new cocktails is something (when I have the time) I love doing.

Well that about wraps up my blog breakdown for 2024. I can’t remember where I heard it but I think going into a new year and picking a word for it is really cool. So here’s mine: Elevate. I’m elevating everything baby. Fashion, food, drinks, and every damn part of my life. Down to the tiny details I’m bringing it all up and romanticizing it all.

With all of that said in my longest post of the year, I love that you’re here and that you let me share this part of my life with you. I’m forever grateful I’m able to step outside motherhood and dive into a different part of me that makes me feel alive. It’s a good balance.

I hope this new year brings you nothing but happiness, great outfits, delicious food, and really good cocktails.

When You Book a Boudoir with me…

One part of my business that I truly love is shooting boudoir photos. I do them all year but I’m most busy with them for Christmas and Valentines Day. Having just wrapped some really beautiful boudoir photos, I don’t have any availability before Christmas but if it’s something you’re wanting to do for V-day, it’s smart to book now. That way, I’m able to get you in my schedule. Also, f you want the book I offer you’ll have time to get it in. Now, pop some bubbly and I’ll give you everything you need to know..

What to expect:

• That was a good place to start because I always have champagne! We’ll use it as a prop as well as sip it.

• 1-2 hours of photos in a fun and relaxed environment

• Hair and airbrush makeup if requested (I’m licensed)

• I have no limit on photos. I’ll edit as many as possible (fast) and they are all yours with the print rights.

• If desired, our book options are $159 and $249

What to wear:

• 3 outfits of your choosing plus a bonus outfit that you aren’t sure about but still like (sometimes those end up being the favorites!)

• Include something that HE likes. Some examples that I’ve shot are: a doctor coat and stethoscope, a bow, work boots, jerseys, a fireman hat, and police uniform just to make a few. Get creative!

• Heels! I always say two bring two favorites.

  Some tips:

• HAVE FUN! This is the most important part. Don’t get stressed and just enjoy the shoot.

• If you’re experimenting with a fake tan, make sure that this isn’t the first time using it. Know that you like it and its the color and shade you want.

• Try everything on before the shoot to ensure you want it in your photos.

Having said all of that, keep in mind that the only people seeing these (unless I’ve been given permission) are me, you, and him. So have fun with it! You can email me at emily@michaeldkilgore.com to book your session. For more info go to: Beautiful Boudoirs by: Emily