65. Pork Loin and Apple Tacos with Fresh Greens and Smoked Provolone

I'm finally ready to post another taco recipe.  It's been a while, but better late than never, right?  I've gotten a little behind.  My actual job (which I happen to love but which is not writing recipes and blogging) has demanded all of my attention over the past couple of weeks.  The Taco Project has had to take a back seat (for now).  Summer vacation is exactly one week away, though, so I'll be able make up some ground soon!  I'm still planning on posting my 100th original taco recipe on August 2nd, 2016!  :)

I've been wanting to do something with pork and apples for a while now.  You can't go wrong with that combination!  I picked up a pork loin roast at the store and decided to try another braised-in-the-oven concoction.  Braising is my favorite way to cook a lot of different cuts of meat, including short ribs, lamb shanks, and pork shoulder.  It also works for pork loin!

I could have used only half of the pork (which would have been more than enough for a few people), but I just . . . didn't.  I cooked it all.  If you make this recipe as written, it will serve a small crowd.  From start to finish, it takes some time, but it's not very labor intensive.  It would be a great make-ahead dish for a party!

This is the second time I've used pork loin in a taco.  My first attempt resulted in a delicious pork and green chile taco!  I had been a little skeptical about using pork loin in the past (as I'd always found it rather dry), but I have since learned that slow cooking and a delicious sauce will help the situation immensely! 

I decided to make the rest of the recipe fairly simple - a bed of fresh greens, a sprinkle of flavorful cheese, and a little bit of cilantro!  :)

Here's the recipe:

Pork Loin and Apple Tacos with Fresh Greens and Smoked Provolone

Serves . . . 6 to 8?  (It makes quite a bit!)

Ingredients:

One 4 lb. piece of boneless pork loin, cut into four large pieces and seasoned generously on all sides with salt and pepper

3 tbsp. olive oil
4 shallots, chopped (about 1 and 1/3 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 large apples (I used Honeycrisp), peeled and grated
1 bay leaf
1 large sprig rosemary
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. cider vinegar

There's no IPA in this recipe.  I was drinking IPA when I made this.  It showed up in the picture.  Ha ha.

16 to 32 corn tortillas, depending on their size and whether you plan to double them up (I would recommend doubling them up for this recipe, unless they are very thick.)

One clam-shell package of fresh greens of your choice (I would recommend sturdy and flavorful varieties!)

4 to 8 oz. (or more) grated smoked provolone cheese, depending on how much cheese you like!

Cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1.  Start the pork:  Preheat the oven to 290 degrees.  Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy, oven-safe pot, such as a Dutch oven.  Add the pork (in batches, if needed) and brown on all sides. about 10 to 15 minutes total.

Place the browned pork on a plate and set aside.

2.  Lower the heat to medium-low.  Add the shallots, garlic, carrot, celery, apples, bay leaf, and rosemary to the pan.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft and somewhat browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Add the chicken stock, wine, and salt and bring to a simmer.  Add the pork, cover, and place in the oven.

3.  Keep an eye on the pork:  Turn it every 30 minutes or so and check on the tenderness.  The pork should cook for at least two hours, but you can let it go longer if desired.  Mine seemed tough after an hour, but was more tender around the two hour mark.  I think if I had let it go longer, it might have tenderized further.

4.  When the pork is done, remove the pan from the oven.  Place the pork on a plate, cover it, and let it rest for about 15 minutes or so.  Add the vinegar to the sauce left in the pan.  Remove the bay leaf and the rosemary stem.  With a hand blender, blend the sauce until it is fairly smooth.  The consistency is up to you - I don't mind a little bit of texture!

5.  Shred/slice the pork:  Use two forks (or a knife and fork) and pull or slice the pork into small to medium pieces.  Mine looked like this:

Return to the pork to the pan with the sauce, place on the stove over low heat, and allow the mixture to heat through.

6.  While the pork mixture is heating, prepare the tortillas to your liking.  When I am making tacos with soft corn tortillas, I heat a dry cast iron skillet over medium high heat.  I place a large sheet of aluminum foil near the pan.  I heat each tortilla in the skillet for about a minute or so on each side, or until it softens and begins to brown.

After each one is done, I place it on the foil and immediately start the next one.  I stack them on top of one another as I work.  When I'm done with the whole batch, I wrap them completely in the foil and place them in a 250 degree oven until I'm ready to assemble the tacos.  I didn't bother placing them in the oven this time, as this was basically my last step!

7.  Assemble the tacos:  For each taco, place a tortilla on a plate.  If you have thin corn tortillas, as I did, use two for each taco.  (As there in some sauce in the filling, I would definitely recommend two tortillas.)  Place a small bed of the greens on the tortilla(s).  Using a slotted spoon to avoid excess liquid, spoon some pork down the center.  Sprinkle with the cheese.  Garnish with cilantro (if desired) and enjoy!

The verdict?  Well . . . we thought these were pretty great!  :)  The sauce has a lot of flavor and was nice and tangy, but the apple isn't obvious.  When I told my husband I was making pork and apple tacos, he actually made a face because he thought they would be sweet!  Ha ha.  That's not really what I was going for.  I wanted something savory, but with bright and slightly fruity flavors - these fit the bill perfectly!  

The smoked cheese was perfect!  If you can't find it, another type of cheese would work just fine, but I would highly recommend the smoked provolone.  The rich umami flavor that it added was an interesting contrast to the bright flavor of the sauce.

I wasn't sure if the cilantro would work with the rosemary-roast pork thing I had going on, but it ended up being the perfect garnish.  It provided yet another layer of flavor and a little extra kick of freshness!  Of course, I think cilantro is good on just about everything, so I'm biased!

This made A LOT, but it was delicious, so we didn't mind too much!  The next day, we ate some of the leftover pork with rice and vegetables.  With this 100 taco thing going on, I pretty much turn EVERYTHING into a taco these days, but this pork would be good in many presentations - over rice, with potatoes . . . it's just good!

Well, since I'm behind, I'm just going to leave it there.  I need to think of another taco recipe to make tonight . . . :)  On to the next one!

Feel free to comment on this recipe!  Did you try them?  What did you think?  What should I make next?

Thanks for reading!

Stitch Fix #20 Review - April 2016

Stitch Fix Review - April 2016

Note:  This point contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!  :)

I know.  It's May.  Sigh.  I received this fix about a week ago, but this is crunch time for me!  In the past week, I've hosted a middle school class during their visit to our campus, successfully completed a long dress rehearsal and a major concert, and gone out into the community for a few performances at local high schools.  Fun, but . . . craziness!  Ha ha.

I'm going to get right to it, since I'm already behind the eight ball!  You're probably familiar with Stitch Fix, but if not, read on for a brief description of my history with Stitch Fix (and a couple of other clothing-by-mail services) and a short explanation of how the whole thing works:

I became a member of Stitch Fix in January of 2015, and I am definitely a fan!  My closet has improved 1000% since then.  I've found that fashion can be addicting, though.  In October of 2015, I tried Golden Tote, another clothing-by-mail service!  I may never see the inside of a mall again!  :)

If you've never heard of Golden Tote, you can follow the links below to any of my reviews and get the scoop on this other great service.  It's a little different than Stitch Fix, but I've found it equally fun!  I've gotten five totes so far, along with a couple of mystery totes.  (Those weren't quite as successful, but what can you do?)  It's addicting!  Anyway, here are my Golden Tote reviews if you're interested!  My latest one even has a link up for other bloggers!

Golden Tote Review and Link-Up - April 2016
Golden Tote Review - March 2016
Golden Tote Review - February 2016
Golden Tote Review - January Mystery Totes
Golden Tote Review - December 2015
Golden Tote Review - November 2015
Golden Tote Review - October 2015

Before I get on with Stitch Fix, I have to post one more link.  O.o

This is a little embarrassing, but there is another clothing box service called Trunk Club that I recently tried.  Why?  I don't know.  Because it was there.  That's all I can tell you.  Ha ha.  It was fun, though I ended up sending most of the items back.  Here's my review of that experience (this one also includes a link-up):

Trunk Club #1 Review and Link-Up - April 2016

OK.  Back to Stitch Fix!

To get started, you go to their website and fill out your style profile!  That gives you a chance to show your stylist your measurements, usual sizes, how you like things to fit, and the styles that generally appeal to you.  If you're interested in checking it out, please consider following my link to schedule your first fix!  (I just recently joined Stitch Fix's affiliate program, which means I get a small commission for anyone who signs up using my link.  However, my opinions are always my own and I pay for all of my own fixes!)

When you order a fix, you pay $20.00 to have your own personal stylist look at your style profile and preferences (which can include a Pinterest board).  They will choose five clothing and/or accessory items specifically for you.  They are shipped right to your doorstep!  You have three days to try the items with other things in your own wardrobe and decide if you want to keep them.  The $20.00 styling fee is credited toward any items that you decide to purchase, and you receive a prepaid shipping envelope to return anything that you don't want.  If you happen to keep all five items, you receive a 25% discount on the whole box!  You can choose to receive fixes every month, every few weeks, or only once in a while.  Here are some links to my previous reviews, if you'd like to check them out:

March 2016 - #19
February 2016 - #18
February 2016 - #17
January 2016 - #16
December 2015 - #15
November 2015 - #14
November 2015 - #13
October 2015 - #12
September 2015 - #11
Stitch Fix Keepers
September 2015 - #10
August 2015 - #9

It is possible to peek (using Stitch Fix's mobile app) at what you're getting in your fix once it has shipped.  I have to admit - in the past, I usually have.  I think I'm over it, though.  It's more fun when I don't peek!  Here's what I saw when I opened the box:

More shoes!  (I got shoes last time, too.)  Stitch Fix just recently started offering shoes, which gives me yet another reason to keep ordering fixes . . . ha ha.

I was delighted to see that I had been assigned the same stylist that has put together my last few fixes - Lauren!  I think she has done a great job for me - my last fix was probably my best ever!

Well . . . here we go!  Here's what I got:

1. Maggy London Patrisha V-Neck Dress - $108.00

When I saw this dress, I had high hopes for it.  The print is gorgeous!  I love the colors!  I'm not usually a paisley person, but I was digging the blue and the bright colors. 

It doesn't quite work, though.  The fabric is stiff, it's fully lined, and it just feels a bit too dressy.  I'm not sure when I would wear it.  

That's not the main issue, though.  The main issue is that this cute dress does not look cute on me.  Ha ha.

My husband looked at me and said, "That dress makes you look twenty pounds heavier."  

O.O 

You might think those would be fighting words, right?  No.  I thought the exact same thing.  We don't always see eye-to-eye on fashion, but I knew he was right.  This dress was just not happening.  I've got quite a few dresses in my closet (and not enough occasions to wear them), so I definitely don't need to add another unless it's truly flattering.

Oh, well.  Other than being a bit too dressy, it wasn't a bad choice for me.  It just didn't work when I put it on . . . 

Verdict:  RETURN

2. THML Ami Embroidered Top - $54.00

and 

3. Eden Society Chelsie Crochet Short - $58.00

Lauren suggested trying the top and shorts as an outfit (along with the shoes that you'll read about later).

Coral/orange has become my new favorite spring color.  I love the embroidery on this top!  I'm just not crazy about the fit.  I've got several THML tops that fit just fine, but the last few have seemed just a bit small and short.  I could have kept this top, but I knew the length would bug me.

Also, I just received a lovely coral top in my latest Golden Tote shipment, so I wasn't extremely motivated to keep this one unless it was perfect.

The shorts are another matter.  Those definitely aren't perfect.  They're too small.  You can see that I was able to try them on (and they don't look too bad), but they are uncomfortably tight.  They're such great shorts, though!

I love the fact that they have a fitted waistband and zipper.  I love the crochet overlay!  Seriously, though - I'd probably have to lose 15 pounds for these to work.  I could definitely get rid of 5 to 10 sometime soon, but that's about it.

I decided to check in with Stitch Fix's customer service to see if they could send me a large.  Well, they DID!  Interestingly, they don't seem much bigger than the medium.  They're a bit better, I guess, but still on the tight side.  I think I'm going to take a chance, though.  I can wear these on a skinny day, right?  These shorts are so cute and I don't have anything like them!  I'm going to keep them!  :)

I think they will be a great addition to my summer wardrobe!  :)

Verdict (top):  RETURN

Verdict (shorts):  KEEP (with size exchange)

4. Dolce Vita Delila Open Toed Leopard D'Orsay Flat - $90.00

I love that Stitch Fix is now sending shoes!  I received a pair of Dolce Vita polka dot flats in my last fix and I love them!  I was happy to receive another pair to try.  I love the combination of leopard and coral.  The shoes are a perfect match to the shorts and top that I received!

There are several things about these shoes that don't work, though.  They're a little big.  (I've since changed my preferred size from 10 to 9.5 in my style profile.)  I don't like the thick criss-cross straps at the front.  I don't know.  They seem a little old to me - like something someone twenty years older would wear.  Hmm . . .  It's probably just me.  

Also, they're quite distinctive.  I don't think they would work with as many outfits as the polka dot flats will.  There are just too many cons for the price.  I can see why Lauren chose them - I love leopard and coral!  I know Stitch Fix is great about size exchanges, but I don't love these shoes enough to ask.

Verdict:  RETURN

5. Mavi Irvington Split Neck Top - $68.00

I love the pattern and the colors of this blouse, but everything else just doesn't work.  Right out of the box, I thought it looked too big.  It kind of fits, but the cut seems very boxy - I hate shirts like that.  Also, it's a bit tight in the arms and shoulders.  That seems odd, especially considering how baggy it is everywhere else!

The fabric is very sheer, flowy, and drapey.  I hate how the little flaps at the neckline won't stay up.  That's a deal breaker for me - it would constantly bug me.  I know that about myself!  Ha ha.  It does look great with the blue pants from my February fix, though!  :)

Again, this wasn't way off.  Lauren really pays attention to what I like.  It was . . . close.

Verdict:  RETURN

So . . . that's that!  I'm pretty happy with the shorts, even though I might need to skip a couple of beers now and then to make them fit better.  Ha ha.

Even though I only kept one item, I'm not disappointed.  I really feel that Lauren gets my style - I can see why she chose each item.  There were some great colors and patterns.  I had fun trying everything on.  Since my last fix was a 5/5, it was probably a good thing to give my credit card a break!  I am definitely requesting Lauren for my next fix and I'm looking forward to next time.

My school semester is about 10 days from being over.  I'm looking forward to super casual clothes that I can wear all summer in blistering hot weather.  Well.  I'm not particularly looking forward to the blistering hot weather, but cute clothes will help!  :)

By the way, if you'd like an easy way to check out items that other people have received, you can check out some other great Stitch Fix reviews by visiting this linkup:

http://crazytogether.com/may-stitch-fix-review-giveaway-and-link-up-36/2/

It's hosted by Maria of Crazy Together and Kinder Craze.  She received some great items this month, including a super-cute elephant blouse.  I should pin that one . . . I love elephants!  Check it out!  :)

Please comment!  Did I make the right calls?  Have you received any of these items?  What did you think?

Thanks again for reading!

64. Buffalo Turkey Tacos with Cabbage, Carrot, and Celery Slaw and Gorgonzola

The blog contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!

So . . . due to the fact that I have been super busy at work (with end-of-the-year travel and performances), I had to take a little hiatus from my taco project.  When school gets out, I'll have some ground to make up.  I'm only a little behind.  I should be all right, but we'll be eating tacos A LOT this summer!  I've come too far to quit - I have to reach my goal of 100 original taco recipes in a year.

I made this recipe about two weeks ago.  Yes.  That's how behind I am.  My husband was attending an art conference down in Tucson.  I decided to go along.  My parents and my younger sister (along with her husband and two boys) live down in Tucson, so I thought it would be a fun weekend for me as well.

If you've read any of my other recipes, you'll notice that the plates in these photos are different!  (Finally, right?)  Well, I made these tacos for a Friday lunch at my parents' house.  It was fun to have my mom, my dad, my sister, and one of my aunts taste test them for me.  I love to make tacos for people that are not already sick of them!  Ha ha.  :)

I decided to keep this one fairly simple, as I was cooking in someone else's kitchen.  I made a quick Trader Joe's run, basically bringing everything with me.

I had originally planned on making Buffalo chicken tacos (with ground chicken), but Trader Joe's didn't have any ground chicken, so I went with turkey.  I'm sure ground chicken would be just as delicious!

When I get Buffalo wings, I always opt for blue cheese dressing over ranch.  If you're a blue cheese lover, I would highly recommend the Gorgonzola garnish.  If you hate blue cheese . . . well . . . there's also a layer of white cheddar, so you should be set.  Yes.  Double cheese.  No apologies for that.  :)

These came together pretty easily - they were a great lunch option!  Here's the recipe:

Buffalo Turkey Tacos with Cabbage, Carrot, and Celery Slaw and Gorgonzola

Serves about 4 to 5 (15 to 16 tacos)

Ingredients:

For the cabbage, carrot, and celery slaw:

2 cups shredded cabbage
1 and 1/2 medium carrots, shredded (assorted colors, if you wish)
1 celery stalk, cut lengthwise into strips and then finely chopped
2 scallions, thinly sliced

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp. salt

For the Buffalo turkey filling:

1 tbsp. olive oil
2 to 3 tbsp. butter
2 medium garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic press
1/2 onion, finely chopped

1.5 lb. ground turkey
1/2 tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup Frank's Red Hot sauce (original)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. chili powder of your choice

16 crunchy taco shells

A few ounces of finely shredded white cheddar cheese

A few ounces of  crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

Instructions:

1.  Make the slaw:  Place all of the slaw ingredients into a medium bowl.  Toss well to combine.  Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.  Cover and set aside.

I love the colors from the carrot medley that I bought at TJ's, but orange carrots would be just fine!  

2.  Make the turkey filling:  Heat the olive oil and 2 tbsp. of the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.  Add the onion, lower the heat a bit, and cook until the onion is soft and somewhat browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for about one minute, or until fragrant.   Add the turkey, chili powder, salt, and pepper and increase the heat to medium.  Cook, stirring and breaking apart with a spatula, until the turkey is completely done.  Add the hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce and simmer gently until most of the liquid has been reduced/absorbed, about 10 minutes.  If the mixture seems dry or you want it extra rich, you can add an additional tablespoon of butter.  Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.  Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Yes, I know it looks greasy, but it's really not that bad.  It's just a strange look with the hot sauce!

3.  Prepare the shells:  Preheat an oven (or toaster oven) to 375 degrees.  Place the desired number of shells on a baking sheet.  Toast until hot and just starting to brown - about 1 to 3 minutes.  This could vary depending on your oven, so watch them carefully.  They can go from browned to burned very quickly!

4.  Assemble the tacos:  For each taco, place a shell on a plate.  Fill with some of the turkey mixture.  Top with a sprinkle of the white cheddar cheese.  Finish with some of the slaw and crumbled Gorgonzola to taste.  (The Gorgonzola can be skipped for blue cheese haters!)   Enjoy!

Well, these were pretty much perfect.  Spicy, crunchy, rich . . . We all enjoyed them quite a bit!  Three tacos seemed to be right on as a generous lunch portion.  I will admit - the filling is a little buttery/saucy, but they're supposed to be Buffalo tacos, right?  Just enjoy them and don't worry about it!  :)

I do wish that I had been able to get better pictures.  It was impossible to get these tacos to stand up!  Since I wasn't at home, I didn't have my little taco holders.  With crunchy taco shells, it does help to have them!  These aren't the exact ones that I have, but they're very similar:



It definitely helps make the pictures turn out better!  :)  Oh, well.  They were still delicious, even if the pictures were a bit sloppy!

I will definitely be making these again.  They're one of my quickest taco recipes thus far.  If you ever feel like driving out to Jack in the Box and getting tacos, well . . . don't.  Make these.  You'll be glad you did!

As I type this, I am currently working on recipe number 65.  It smells amazing!  It involves pork, rosemary, apples, and white wine.  Stay tuned . . .

Feel free to comment on this recipe!  Did you try them?  What did you think?

Thanks for reading!

Golden Tote Review and Link-Up - April 2016

Golden Tote Review and Link-Up -  April 2016

Note:  this post contains affiliate links to support my blogging addiction!  

After a lengthy try-on and photo session yesterday, I'm finally ready to reveal my April tote!  Well . . . actually, it's more like a do-over of my March tote.  I sent that one back.

When I logged on to purchase my April tote, I found that the new items I wanted most were already sold out.  (I'm discovering that this is a common occurrence with Golden Tote.  Fortunately, a few of the items I missed out on in March had been restocked so I just went with those.  It worked out well.  I'm pretty happy with this tote!  :)

I've been a member of Golden Tote since October of last year.  Overall, it's been fun, though there have been some misses along the way.  If you'd like to check out my previous totes, here are my reviews:

Golden Tote Review - March 2016
Golden Tote Review - February 2016
Golden Tote Review - January Mystery Totes!
Golden Tote Review - December 2015
Golden Tote Review - November 2015
Golden Tote Review - October 2015

I'm also a member of Stitch Fix, which is another clothing-by-mail service that is equally fun.  My history with Stitch Fix is a bit longer - I've been a member for over a year.  If you'd like to check out those reviews, here are some links:

March 2016 - #19
February 2016 - #18
January 2016 - #17
January 2016 - #16
December 2015 - #15
November 2015 - #14
November 2015 - #13
October 2015 - #12
September 2015 - #11
Stitch Fix Keepers
September 2015 - #10
August 2015 - #9

If you're interested in checking it out, please consider following my link to schedule your first fix!  (I just recently joined Stitch Fix's affiliate program, which means I get a small commission for anyone who signs up using my link.  However, my opinions are always my own and I pay for all of my own fixes!)

Finally, I have to post one more link.  There is another clothing box service called Trunk Club that I recently tried.  Why?  I don't know.  Because it was there.  That's all I can tell you.  Ha ha.  It was fun, though I ended up sending most of the items back.  Here's my review of that experience:

Trunk Club #1 Review - April 2016

By the way, I also hosted a link-up (with my review) for other Trunk Club reviews.  If any of you ladies out there are fellow bloggers with a recent Trunk Club review, click on the link above and check it out!  :)

All right - back to Golden Tote!

When you sign up for Golden Tote, you fill out an online style profile.  It's pretty short - you answer some questions about your measurements, typical sizes, and how you like your clothes to fit.  Here are a couple of pages from my profile:

As you can see, they show you a few different style types.  You can check/uncheck as you wish - it's easy to update if you want to try something different for the next tote.

You are also able to specify certain colors and prints that you would like to avoid, which is helpful if you are not a fan of something that is "in".  For example, I'm not crazy about most florals, and they are everywhere this spring!

You can also attach an image to further depict your own personal style.  From what I understand, most people create collages (as I did).  I just made a new one for this last tote (different than the one pictured above).  Here it is:

As you can see, I took advantage of the whole collage format to highlight more of my preferences by including text!

Note:  Golden Tote is implementing some policy changes next month.  The description below reflects what is true now - be aware that there will be some changes in the near future.  :)

You can order a tote at any time.  A lot of people buy multiple totes per month!  It's tempting, but I try to stick to one tote if I like the chosen items.  Sometimes I'll add on an item or two.  You can choose a small or large tote.  The small tote is $49 (this price is going up next month) and includes 1 item that you choose and another "surprise" item.  The large tote is $149 and includes 2 items that you choose and 3 to 4 surprise items (will only include 2-3 as of next month).  There is also an option to add on additional pieces from their online boutique for a reduced price.

The one drawback is that, if you want the bargain prices (around $25 per item right now), you have to keep it all.  You can send the whole thing back for a full refund (though you do have to pay for return shipping).  Basically, you just box it all back up, include the packing slip, and ship it back to them using the service of your choice.  If you just can't part with an item, you can keep it and send back the rest, but you will be charged the full boutique price, which is often quite a bit higher than the $25 average.

I ordered a large tote this month.  That's what I've always done in the past.  I love getting surprises!  My tote was styled by KB, who is one of the more popular stylists!  This is my first KB tote.

When I opened it, my first thought was. "Well, at least I didn't get any basics!"  All of my surprises were colorful prints!  I liked what I saw right away!

Here's what I got!

1. THML Senorita Top (chosen item)

This top was only available in purple when I ordered my March tote.  I gave it a try, but I really didn't love the purple.  When I saw the coral had been restocked, I had to do it!  I'm so glad I did!

It fits perfectly, and it's the cutest top.  It's a spot-on match to the coral earrings that I got in my February Stitch Fix box.  I think coral is going to be my thing this summer!

I was thinking about being creative and pulling out my white distressed skinnies, but in the end, I decided to style it simply - denim shorts and sandals.  That's probably how I would wear it, anyway!

I'm so happy with this top and so glad I didn't settle for the purple!  Love it!  :)

2.  Puella Swing into Spring Dress - Ikat Print (chosen item)

My second chosen item was also a restock from the March collection.  It seems like everyone goes nuts over these swing dresses by Puella.  I've never been a fan of the swing style.  I've never thought I could pull it off.  I was afraid of looking pregnant.  Well, since I'm 40, that ship has just about sailed, so maybe people won't automatically assume that.  Ha ha.  These swing dresses just look so cute on other people that I had to give one a try!

I learned that this dress runs a little big (based on comments from other reviews/reveals).  I'm tall and a larger medium, so I decided not to size down.  I think that was a good call.   It is roomy, but it's clearly supposed to be that way, so I think it works. 

I love that it's really comfortable and casual.  That's me during the summer!  :)

I styled it with the Brimming With Style Hat that I added onto my November tote and some crazy big Jules Smith earrings that I bought in the Golden Tote trading group on Facebook.  I think it's a fun look!

I don't know if I'm going to go crazy with swing dresses from here on out, but I do like this one!  :)

3. Collective Concepts Ruffle Print Top (surprise)

Collective Concepts usually works out pretty well for me.  I liked this top right away.  The print is beautiful - I like the combination of deep burgundy and grey.  I've got a lot of tops, but none quite like this.  It has a little tiny tassel detail around the neckline - it might be tough to see in the photo.  I styled it with my Liverpool Reagan Skinny Pants that I received in my January Stitch Fix box.  Here's a closer view of the print from the back:

I think this top will be very versatile.  I can wear it to work with nice pants, but I can also see it looking cute with shorts or jeans.  I will definitely be keeping this one!

4. Gilli Lace Back Tank (surprise)

As I was perusing the Facebook trading group, I noticed that a lot of other ladies are in search of this lace back top.  Well, I'm not going to be able to help any of them out.  I like this a lot and I'll be keeping it!

I'm not usually crazy about florals, but this is just bold and not-girly enough to work for me.  I love the colors.  The fit is great!  I think it will work with a lot of things in my closet.  This time around, I styled it with the Liverpool Harper Bootcut Pants that I got in my February Stitch Fix box.

Like the ikat dress, this top also has a bit of a swing to it, but it's not too much.  I don't feel like I'm wearing a maternity shirt and I feel great in it!  :)

5. Renee C Abstract Print Dress (surprise)

I think this dress is cute and I was really hoping it would work, but it just doesn't.  :(  The fabric has no stretch to it and it's too tight in the hips.  The waist also sits higher than I would like.  It just doesn't work on my body.

This is seriously the best photo I got:

It looks worse than that in real life.  Ha ha.  (On me, anyway!)

I love the colors and print, though.  What a great summer dress!

Fortunately, I've already been able to sell it.  In addition to the Golden Tote trading group, I belong to another Facebook group that focuses on Stitch Fix brand items.  Since Stitch Fix also sells Renee C, I was able to post it in that group and someone snapped it up right away!

6. Skies Are Blue Printed Palazzo Pants (surprise)

When I saw these, I thought, "Oh, no.  Palazzo pants!"  :(  I immediately went to my style profile and saw that I had NOT asked the stylists to avoid sending me wide leg pants.  I usually don't like them.  I updated my style profile so that I can avoid them in the future.  Then I took a closer look at the print:

It looks like little UFOs!  Ha ha.  How cute.  I figured I would try them on and see if they worked.

Well.  I couldn't get them past my hips, so . . . that's why I only have a hanger pic.  Hmmm.  Oh, well.  I have lots of Skies Are Blue items and they never seem to run small.  It kind of surprised me that I couldn't even get these on my body.

Oh, well.  I'm going to try and sell or trade these.  Someone will love them!

Well . . . I guess that covers it!  I had a great time trying on these items and taking pictures.  I definitely want to keep four of the items, and I've already sold one, so that leaves me with just one more to re-home.  :)  In my experience, 4/6 for Golden Tote isn't bad.  I liked this tote A LOT more than my March tote, which I ended up sending back.

If my blog post has inspired you to try Golden Tote, please use this referral link to sign up.  If you do, I'll get a small credit.  (In case you're wondering, I was not compensated by Golden Tote in any way for this post.  My only relationship with them is as a customer and I have paid for all of my own items.)

Golden Tote Review Link-Up - April 2016

If you're a blogger and you've posted a recent Golden Tote review/reveal within the last 30 days, please feel free to share it here!  All I ask is that you include my link-up image (below) and a link back to this page in your post.  (Blog posts that do not include the link-up image and a backlink will be removed.)  I'm excited - this is my first Golden Tote link-up!  Please consider participating and let me know if there are any issues linking up!

An InLinkz Link-up

Please comment?  What do you think about the items I received?  Did I make the right calls?  :)

Thanks again for reading!