Fashion, Life

More than a Birthday: My Adoption Story

32 years old, young TODAY. Traditionally on my birthday I like to share some fun facts accompanied by a quintessential quirky outfit! This article is sort of like that, but perhaps a bit more heartfelt. Last November I had the pleasure of sharing my adoption story during a television segment on Univision. It was very special. Not only did my mom accompany me on TV, but I had the unique opportunity to recite my story in my native language, Spanish. 32 January 4ths ago, my 16-year-old biological mother gave birth to me. She named me Marina and very courageously gave me up for adoption. I was cared for for the first five months of my life at Los Pisingos orphanage in Bogota, Colombia – my city of birth. My mom tells me each baby received incredible one-on-one around the clock care. We were even fed home made (Spanish-style) baby food. I practically came out of the womb with a plantain addiction! Mom & Dad My adoptive parents (this is the only time I am going to refer to them as that because they were put on this earth to be my parents – we might as well share blood) are […]

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Cooking with Kelsey, Food, Recipes

Foodie Friday: Not Your Grandma’s Meatloaf

No disrespect to your Bubbie, Abuela, Mawmaw or Noni, but this is the BEST. MEATLOAF. EVER. It excludes a traditional ketchup sauce, and is very easy to make! I certainly cannot take credit for it either. A friend shared this recipe with me after preparing her Hello Fresh order and gushing over how well it turned out. Today I am sharing with you a simplified kosher version that will feed two. Now let’s get our hands wet…   Mmmm…meatloaf   Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef 1 slice white bread 3 teaspoons thyme salt & pepper 2 cloves garlic 1 shallot 3-4 tablespoons water 1/2 cup beef broth 32 oz chicken broth 1 tablespoon cornstarch package of green beans 4 teaspoons olive oil 4 Yukon gold potatoes (quantity may vary depending on size) 2 tablespoons non-dairy butter or margarine – this one is my fav   The Directions: Preheat oven to 425. Place bread in medium-sized bowl and cover with 3-4 teaspoons of water. Allow liquid to absorb approximately 2-3 minutes. Next prep your veggies. Finely dice shallot, peel and quarter potatoes, trim green bean ends, and mince garlic. Add potatoes and 1 minced garlic clove to saucepan and cover with […]

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Lifestyle blogger Kelsey Kaplan of Kelsey Kaplan Fashion shares faux sausage egg frittata recipe
Cooking with Kelsey, Food, Recipes

Foodie Friday: Faux Sausage Egg Frittata

Entertaining at night is easier than entertaining in the morning. You have all day to prep your dishes without an audience…aka “too many cooks in the kitchen!” If you are looking for a crowd pleaser that is easy to prepare, then this dish is for you! If you are a meat lover, simply substitute the soy chorizo with the real stuff. This faux sausage egg frittata takes only 10 minutes to whip up and is a delicious breakfast item to serve along with your favorite savory pastry or with a side of warm corn tortillas.   Faux Sausage Egg Frittata   Ingredients: 6-8 large eggs 8 oz Mexican style shredded cheese 1 small onion 1 package soy chorizo links or preferred faux sausage 1/3 cup diced sweet peppers 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes olive oil spray 1/2 cup milk   The Directions: Preheat oven to 350 and dice enough vegetables to generously cover bottom of 9 inch oven-safe skillet. Crack eggs into bowl and pour in 1/2 cup of milk. Whisk well and season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate mixture. Cover bottom of skillet with olive oil spray and cook onion on medium heat until translucent. Add peppers, tomatoes, and […]

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Fashion, Outfit of the Day, Style Watch

Winter White: Three Looks, Three Personalities

Out with the old, in with the NEW. I am here to reassure you that you are NOT committing a sin wearing white after Labor Day. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! There is nothing more radiant than a crisp winter white ensemble. Below are three sample looks, each with very different personalities. How would you identify yourself…Classic chill, Chic Snow Kitty, Winter Spice, or something in between?!   Classic Chill The sweater dress is a wardrobe staple, and can be dressed several different ways. This look is what I refer to as, “classic with a twist.” Featuring a traditional turtleneck silhouette, the pearl frills add a modern day flair. Consider pairing this item with metallic accents like a clear and gold purse or even a pair of sequin boots! More is more especially when you’re working with a monochromatic (solid white) color scheme.     Snow Kitty Chic Who doesn’t love a reliable onesie?! I’ve said it once and I am saying it again, rompers/jumpsuits are AWESOME because they do the thinking for you. You are off the hook coordinating an entire ensemble – simply slip it on and go! Can I get a hallelujah?! This snow leopard print […]

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Cooking with Kelsey, Food, Recipes

Foodie Friday: Air Fried Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Thank you for watching my Instagram stories and signing up to receive my recipes via email! Let me preface by saying I am not a cooking professional. Rather, I grew up watching my mom prepare delicious home cooked meals and learned a thing or two along the way. I have a Kosher kitchen (that is a blog post in itself, but in a nutshell, I don’t cook with pork or mix milk and meat products at mealtime), and I’m just an every day girl with people to see and places to be! So, I cook simple but hearty weeknight meals (like these chicken quinoa bowls!) and my kitchen is often closed on the weekends. Sometimes I wonder if I missed my calling in food blogging…the “Fashionable Foodie” seems fitting! Or maybe this is just the beginning!   Chicken Quinoa Bowls   Ingredients: l lb boneless skinless chicken breast 1 package panko bread crumbs 8 oz Brussels sprouts 1 large sweet potato or butternut squash cubes from Trader Joe’s 1 package mixed greens 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup quinoa 1/4 sliced almonds 1 egg 1 teaspoon mayonnaise Salt & Pepper Oregano, Parsley, or other dried savory herbs Olive Oil Spray […]

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