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	<title>The Chic Life</title>
	
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	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 03:12:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Adults at Ruth Chris</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/AEkUpypG6kE/adults-at-ruth-chris.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/adults-at-ruth-chris.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 03:12:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Restaurant]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/adults-at-ruth-chris.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I remember when I was excited about being an &#8220;adult.&#8221; I had just graduated college, and I was waiting tables to pay the bills. But, meanwhile, I was planning to hit it big by scoring my first &#8220;real job.&#8221; I wanted to be a professional and one of those &#8220;ladies who lunch.&#8221; I wanted to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>I remember when I was excited about being an &#8220;adult.&#8221; I had just graduated college, and I was waiting tables to pay the bills. But, meanwhile, I was planning to hit it big by scoring my first &#8220;real job.&#8221; I wanted to be a professional and one of those &#8220;ladies who lunch.&#8221; I wanted to be able to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aRor905cCw" target="_blank">buy nice things and go to fancy dinners</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1609.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1609-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1609.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I found myself there and talking about the realization of the moment with my friend Sarah over one such fancy dinner at Ruth Chris (where all the adults eat) this weekend. It wasn&#8217;t my first moment of adultness, but it was still fun to chat about. (details on the outfit next time)</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1610.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1610-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="RuthChris-1610.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>We had plans to go out of town on a girls&#8217; weekend but ended up staying in town for a couple reasons. We decided a nice dinner out would still be fun while also being cheaper than gas, hotels, and multiple meals out over the course of a weekend getaway.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1619.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1619-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1619.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The weather was too gorgeous to eat inside, so we opted for the patio.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1614.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1614-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1614.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Cheers! Look how adult-y we are!</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1618.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1618-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1618.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I decided to take advantage of the Ruth&#8217;s Spring Classic Menu. With one steak running you between $30-40 (for <i>just</i> the steak), the thought of 3 courses for $42.95 sounded like a steal.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1621.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1621-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1621.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>{bread &amp; butter}</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1624.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1624-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1624.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I chose the arugula salad for my starter.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1626.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1626-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1626.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>And for the entree &#8211; the reason I was there &#8211; a steak on a plate of <u>sizzling butter</u>.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1632.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1632-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1632.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Do you see that bubbling, beautiful butter!? I&#8217;m apparently developing <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/11/dining-at-the-famous-chez-panisse.html" target="_top">a thing for butter</a>. Let&#8217;s hope it doesn&#8217;t get <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Deen" target="_blank">too out of control</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1634.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1634-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1634.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Sarah got one of the spring menu items, too, so we ordered two sides we both wanted to share &#8211; garlic mashed potatoes&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1636.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1636-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1636.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>&#8230;and broccoli au gratin.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1640.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1640-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="RuthChris-1640.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>We enjoyed a duo for dessert &#8211; a chocolate cake and berries with cream.</p>
<p>Everything was wonderful!</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1637.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RuthChris-1637-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="RuthChris-1637.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>And look how pretty the patio looked by the end of the night. We even got to enjoy live music the whole time since there was an event going on across the street. Score!</p>
<p><b>Reader question: What&#8217;s the best part of being an &#8220;adult&#8221; for you?</b></p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheChicLife/~4/AEkUpypG6kE" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Gingham Options {Outfit}</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/gvStq05Zm8Q/gingham-options-outfit.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/gingham-options-outfit.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 20:06:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fashion Chic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outfit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/gingham-options-outfit.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve never been a fan of button down shirts. Don&#8217;t get me wrong, I love the way they look, but I&#8217;ve always been too lazy to&#8230;you know&#8230;iron them and stuff. But, I guess now that I&#8217;m 30+, I should grow up, eh? It&#8217;s days like this one that I wish I still took my fashion [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>I&#8217;ve never been a fan of button down shirts. Don&#8217;t get me wrong, I love the way they look, but I&#8217;ve always been too lazy to&#8230;you know&#8230;iron them and stuff. But, I guess now that I&#8217;m 30+, I should grow up, eh?</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1595.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1595-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="GinghamOptions-1595.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>It&#8217;s days like this one that I wish I still took my fashion photos like I used to &#8211; from the neck down. Please disregard my hair and make-up. Reason #4,523 that I will never be a &#8220;real fashion blogger&#8221; &#8211; I&#8217;m not very good with hair or make-up. Oh well.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1597.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1597-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="GinghamOptions-1597.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Anywho, I purchased this gingham shirt with an online coupon code for Gap.com. I thought I&#8217;d try styling it a couple ways &#8211; #1 with a tied front.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1600.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1600-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="GinghamOptions-1600.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>#2 &#8211; with the shirt tucked in and a pop of color via accessories.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1605.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/GinghamOptions-1605-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="GinghamOptions-1605.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Which way do you think works better? #1 or #2?</p>
<p>Side note: it&#8217;s funny how you think something looks good on you and then you see a photo of it and realize it&#8217;s off. I have a couple full skirts like this, but I&#8217;m realizing they&#8217;re all too long. I believe it was What Not to Wear that taught me that skirts at or just above the knee look best on short people. Does this sound right to you? This one is looking a little long. Me-thinks I need to take a couple things to the tailor. Maybe they can fix it? Also, I should probably invest in a full-length mirror.</p>
<p><b>Gingham button-down</b>: Gap<br />
<b>White skirt</b>: Banana Republic<br />
<b>Wedges</b>: TOMS<br />
<b>Belt</b>: J Crew<br />
<b>Purse</b>: Banana Republic&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TheChicLife/~4/gvStq05Zm8Q" height="1" width="1"/>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake Minis {Recipe}</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/Ue5UjXK1_GQ/orange-scented-olive-oil-cake-minis-recipe.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/orange-scented-olive-oil-cake-minis-recipe.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 21:47:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Dessert]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vegan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vegetarian]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/orange-scented-olive-oil-cake-minis-recipe.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I first started really watching Food TV, one of my favorite chefs was Giada. I used to watch Food TV almost everyday, and I&#8217;d always try to be home in time to catch Everyday Italian (we didn&#8217;t have DVR at the time&#8230;did it even exist 8 or 9 years ago?). I tried many of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>When I first started <i>really</i> watching Food TV, one of my favorite chefs was Giada. I used to watch Food TV almost everyday, and I&#8217;d always try to be home in time to catch Everyday Italian (we didn&#8217;t have DVR at the time&#8230;did it even exist 8 or 9 years ago?). I tried many of her recipes back in the day, but one of the most memorable ones, that I never got to try, was her <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/almond-citrus-olive-oil-cake-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Olive Oil Cake</a>. I wasn&#8217;t as familiar with baking back then, and the thought of olive oil going into a cake intrigued me. I really wanted to know how it would taste.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1564.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1564-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1564.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I&#8217;ve tried olive oil cakes a <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2010/05/fond-farewell-eats.html" target="_top">couple</a> <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2009/09/phoenix-az-day-3-part-2-biltmore-true-food.html" target="_top">times</a> since then, but I finally got around to baking my very own just this week.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1518.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1518-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1518.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Since the olive oil flavor seemed light, I decided to pair it with something else. Oranges popped into my mind. Citrus and olive oil are a popular combo, so this seemed like a great idea.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1539.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1539-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1539.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>And it was.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1550.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1550-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1550.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The cake was great &#8211; with a slightly crisp outside (perfect for those edge-piece cake eaters) and moist inside.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1538.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1538-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1538.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I loved the lightly sweet and barely-there-orange flavors. Possibly best of all for this lazy baker &#8211; there&#8217;s no frosting required. Just dust your cake with some powdered sugar and you&#8217;re ready to dig in!</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1534.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1534-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1534.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>This cake turned out so much better than I thought&#8230;I almost ate hubby&#8217;s before he even knew it existed. And since I baked it while he was out playing basketball, I totally could have gotten away with this. Lucky for him, I saved his cake mini without even taking so much as a bite (though I was tempted). I totally could have hidden a small bite with enough powdered sugar.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1572.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1572-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1572.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><font size="5" color="#FF8B42"><b>Orange-Scented Olive Oil Cake Minis</b></font></p>
<p><i>These lightly sweetened, citrusy cake minis would be great after an evening of pasta or dinner al fresco with lots of grilled goodness. Try using a little orange olive oil for an extra orange kick. And I bet an orange-scented quick drizzle frosting would be pretty good, too! Just make <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/07/sugar-cookie-dough-balls-with-quick-drizzle-frosting.html" target="_top">this frosting recipe (click)</a> with fresh-squeezed orange juice instead of water. Oh, and if you&#8217;re feeling really gourmet, I think these cake minis would be wonderful topped with candied orange zest (whether you purchase it or make it at home).</i></p>
<p><i>*Vegetarian, Vegan Options*</i></p>
<p><b>Prep Time</b>: 10 minutes<br />
<b>Bake Time</b>: 16-20 minutes<br />
<b>Total Time</b>: 26-30 minutes</p>
<p><u>Ingredients</u>:</p>
<ul>
<li>3 teaspoons water</li>
<li>1 teaspoon ground flaxseed</li>
<li>6 tablespoons flour (I used unbleached all purpose)</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li>pinch salt</li>
<li>3 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>3 tablespoons sucanat (or sub sugar for a sweeter flavor)</li>
<li>2 tablespoons milk (or vegan milk, like rice milk)</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest</li>
<li>powdered sugar, for garnish</li>
<li>orange peel, optional, for garnish</li>
</ul>
<p><u>Directions</u>:</p>
<ol>
<li>Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare 2 3-inch diameter ramekins with non-stick spray.</li>
<li>In a small bowl, combine water and flaxseed. Stir and set aside.</li>
<li>In a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together (or stir with a fork).</li>
<li>In another medium bowl, add flaxseed mixture, olive oil, sucanat, milk and orange zest. Whisk to evenly combine (or use a fork).</li>
<li>Gently stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined (batter will be slightly lumpy).</li>
<li>Evenly distribute to ramekins and bake for 16-20 minutes, until top is golden brown and tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean.</li>
<li>Allow cake minis to cool. Run a knife along the outside edge of the cake mini to release it from the ramekin. Place each cake mini on a plate and dust with powdered sugar. Garnish with orange peel, if using.</li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1591.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/OrangeOliveCake-1591-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="OrangeOliveCake-1591.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Happy baking!</p>
<p><b>Reader question: What&#8217;s your favorite flavor to pair with olive oil?</b></p>
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		<title>Zara First &amp; Friday Night</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/UDIQFngJYLM/zara-first-friday-night.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/zara-first-friday-night.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 15:19:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outfit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/zara-first-friday-night.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Friday was sort of Christmas-esque for me. I had a special package being delivered, and I couldn&#8217;t wait for it to arrive. From the time I got home from work till the time said package arrived, I walked by the front windows of my house every few minutes looking for my delivery guy. I wanted [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Friday was sort of Christmas-esque for me. I had a special package being delivered, and I couldn&#8217;t wait for it to arrive. From the time I got home from work till the time said package arrived, I walked by the front windows of my house every few minutes looking for my delivery guy. I wanted to be ready when the Fedex truck pulled up. And ready I was. I heard his truck coming down the street (yes, from inside my house) and was waiting for him on my front doorstep as he walked up to the house. He seemed a little surprised to see me, but I&#8217;m sure that happens all the time. Right? Riiiiiiiiiight? Surely.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1335.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1335-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="DateZara-1335.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I happily took my package inside and started opening it &#8211; my first online order from Zara. I&#8217;ve always thought their clothes were nice, but I really fell for the brand back in November when <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/11/fun-at-fishermans-wharf.html" target="_top">I visited the store in San Francisco</a>. Not only are the clothes gorgeous, they fit my awkwardly-shaped body pretty well, and you probably know how hard it can be to find a clothing line that fits.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1337.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1337-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="DateZara-1337.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I ordered a few things, but I&#8217;m still trying them out and seeing how they work with other items in my wardrobe. I haven&#8217;t decided which pieces I want to keep. Well, except for the studded blazer&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1339.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1339-tm.jpg" width="295" height="445" alt="DateZara-1339.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1341.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1341-tm.jpg" width="295" height="445" alt="DateZara-1341.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I had to wear the blazer immediately. I threw a quick &#8220;outfit&#8221; together as I rushed out the door to catch the mall before it closed. I decided to pair my new blazer with the <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/swanky-theaters-date-night.html" target="_top">same top I wore last Friday</a>. I&#8217;m pretty sure the long-ish blazer look is not a good one for me since I&#8217;m a shorty, but&#8230;I love it too much to care. I believe the trick is pairing it with shorter bottoms, like shorts and mini skirts. Does that sound right? Surely there&#8217;s a way I can make it work. Any tips?</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1344.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1344-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="DateZara-1344.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Hubby and I had plans to go shopping for a locket for his mom for Mother&#8217;s Day. We hit up the mall, and I brought a couple items I needed to return while we were there.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1350.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1350-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="DateZara-1350.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>And after shopping, we continued our date at PF Changs for dinner. We love their won ton soup&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1353.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DateZara-1353-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="DateZara-1353.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>&#8230;and their spicy green beans. And we shared mu shu chicken for the main event. Yum!</p>
<p><b>Reader question: have you ever been excited for a package delivery? What did you get (care package from your mom in college, special order, etc.)?</b></p>
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		<title>Breakfast Strawberry Shortcake for One {Recipe}</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/7nuz8OnipfA/breakfast-strawberry-shortcake-for-one-recipe.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/breakfast-strawberry-shortcake-for-one-recipe.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 17:02:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Not So Sweet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Recipe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vegan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vegetarian]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/breakfast-strawberry-shortcake-for-one-recipe.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here&#8217;s a fun project to try this strawberry season&#8230; Does this look familiar? I mean, from the photo, we appear to have something I&#8217;ve blogged about before &#8211; Farm-Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Amaretto-Spiked Whipped Cream (click for recipe). It looks like a rich shortcake with sugar-sweetened strawberries and fluffy, potentially-spiked, whipped cream, right? As it [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Here&#8217;s a fun project to try this strawberry season&#8230;</p>
<p>Does this look <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/05/farm-fresh-strawberry-shortcake-with-amaretto-spiked-whipped-cream.html" target="_top">familiar</a>?</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1475.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1475-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="BreakfastShortcake-1475.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I mean, from the photo, we <i>appear</i> to have something I&#8217;ve blogged about before &#8211; <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/05/farm-fresh-strawberry-shortcake-with-amaretto-spiked-whipped-cream.html" target="_top">Farm-Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Amaretto-Spiked Whipped Cream</a> (<a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/05/farm-fresh-strawberry-shortcake-with-amaretto-spiked-whipped-cream.html" target="_top">click for recipe</a>).</p>
<p>It looks like a rich shortcake with sugar-sweetened strawberries and fluffy, potentially-spiked, whipped cream, right?</p>
<p>As it turns out, looks can definitely be deceiving&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1484.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1484-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="BreakfastShortcake-1484.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>What we actually have here is a strawberry shortcake made-over for breakfast. I added one of my favorite breakfast ingredients &#8211; oats. I also used a whole grain flour (spelt), cut the sugar by not macerating the strawberries in sugar, and found a fabulous, breakfast-worthy substitute for the whipped cream &#8211; yogurt.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m not going to promise you that this is healthy, but it is more breakfast-friendly. Would a chocolate croissant have more butter and sugar? I don&#8217;t really know, and I don&#8217;t really care. But, anywho, you could probably use this version as another <a href="http://thechiclife.com/category/not-so-sweet" target="_top">Not So Sweet</a> dessert with even less sugar than the <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/05/farm-fresh-strawberry-shortcake-with-amaretto-spiked-whipped-cream.html" target="_top">original</a>. Just tell them it&#8217;s good for you because of the probiotics. Yeaaaaaa&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1470.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1470-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="BreakfastShortcake-1470.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><font size="5" color="#D8273C"><b>Breakfast Strawberry Shortcake for One</b></font></p>
<p><i>I took my <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/05/farm-fresh-strawberry-shortcake-with-amaretto-spiked-whipped-cream.html" target="_top">dessert strawberry shortcake recipe</a> and switched up the ingredients to make it more breakfast-friendly. I used a whole grain flour, added oats, skipped macerating the strawberries, and substituted yogurt for the whipped cream. You could probably make this even healthier by substituting a good oil (maybe coconut?) for the butter (and please report back if you do). Oh, and I took almost all of the sugar out of this baby, so if you like your breakfast sweeter, by all means, add your preferred sweetener, to taste.</i></p>
<p>*Vegetarian, Vegan Options Listed*</p>
<p><u>Ingredients</u>:</p>
<ul>
<li>1/4 cup spelt flour (or flour of choice)</li>
<li>2 tablespoons oats</li>
<li>2 teaspoons sugar</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1 tablespoon butter, cold (or sub vegan substitute, like Earth Balance)</li>
<li>3 tablespoons milk (or vegan non-dairy milk)</li>
<li>3-4 strawberries, tops removed, sliced</li>
<li>1 small container vanilla, Greek yogurt (or yogurt of choice or vegan yogurt, like a coconut-milk-based option) &#8211; or sub plain yogurt and add sweetener of choice, to taste</li>
</ul>
<p><u>Directions</u>:</p>
<ol>
<li>Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a small baking sheet with parchment paper.</li>
<li>Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk (or use a fork) to evenly combine.</li>
<li>Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut butter into the dry ingredients until the butter is in small bits (about the size of rice grains or pop rocks&#8230;yea, I said pop rocks).</li>
<li>Gently stir in the milk/non-dairy milk until just combined (careful to not over-mix, but do ensure all flour combined into dough).</li>
<li>Form dough into a ball-shape and place on the prepared baking sheet.</li>
<li>Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown on top and cooked through (if a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).</li>
<li>Allow to cool to room temperature. Cut shortcake in half. Top bottom half of shortcake with strawberries. Stir yogurt to desired texture and spoon as much as you&#8217;d like (I used about half the container) over the strawberries. Top yogurt with top half of shortcake and enjoy.</li>
</ol>
<p><u>You may also like</u>:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/05/farm-fresh-strawberry-shortcake-with-amaretto-spiked-whipped-cream.html" target="_top">Farm-Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Amaretto-Spiked Whipped Cream</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thechiclife.com/2010/07/green-monster-muffins-recipe.html" target="_top">Green Monster Muffins</a> (or <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2010/08/vegan-green-monster-muffins.html" target="_top">click here for the vegan version</a>)</li>
<li><a href="http://thechiclife.com/2011/05/peach-blueberry-breakfast-crisp-reids-preview.html" target="_top">Individual Peach Blueberry Breakfast Crisp</a></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1486.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/BreakfastShortcake-1486-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="BreakfastShortcake-1486.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Dessert for breakfast? You betcha.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/feed" target="_blank">Click here to get free updates</a> (even delivered to your email inbox).</p>
<p>And we&#8217;ve been having some great conversation over on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thechiclife" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thechiclife" target="_blank">Click here to take a look and like my page</a>.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading!</p>
<p>***</p>
<p><b>Reader question: What&#8217;s the sweetest thing you ever ate for breakfast?</b></p>
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		<title>Photography &amp; Lightroom Organization Series: My Photography Workflow</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/Hy6XIlcqmx0/photography-lightroom-organization-series-my-photography-workflow.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/photography-lightroom-organization-series-my-photography-workflow.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 02:20:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/photography-lightroom-organization-series-my-photography-workflow.html</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I originally started planning this series on Photography &#38; Lightroom Organization, I expected to write just one post to cover all points. Now, I&#8217;m planning to write multiple, smaller posts that will be easier to digest and organize. I already shared the intro (which explains how this whole series came about), and now I&#8217;m [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>When I originally started planning this series on <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/photography-lightroom-organizing-series-intro.html" target="_top">Photography &amp; Lightroom Organization</a>, I expected to write just one post to cover all points. Now, I&#8217;m planning to write multiple, smaller posts that will be easier to digest and organize. I already shared the <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/photography-lightroom-organizing-series-intro.html" target="_top">intro</a> (which explains how this whole series came about), and now I&#8217;m ready to discuss my photography workflow. At first, my workflow was just going to be a simple sentence at the beginning of the Plan section, but after some thought, I decided that it could use some elaboration and a dedicated post. Plus, I was inspired by the workflow posts linked at the end of this post. Not to mention, I also thought this would be easier for people to share their workflows, since I&#8217;m hoping to get lots of reader feedback on each post of the series. You guys are a wealth of knowledge, and I love it when you share your know-how. Who knows? Maybe you&#8217;ll inspire me to change my workflow?</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/201205142207.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/201205142207-tm.jpg" width="600" height="310" alt="201205142207.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>{I made a diagram for this post. Is my geek-ness showing yet?}</p>
<p><font size="5" color="#3BB7CE"><b>My Photography Workflow</b></font></p>
<ol>
<li><b>Take Pictures</b> &#8211; Duh! You need photos to edit and organize. But, I often will shoot photos for multiple blog posts (or for personal use) in between importing to Lightroom. Some people like to shoot one set of photos and then import right away. 1photoshoot to 1 import. I just shoot whenever I feel like it and import when I have time. I can have photos from many different events on one card at one time. Currently, I have photos from about 10 recipes, 1 themed Zumba class, 1 wedding, and a couple random blog posts. I use Lightroom to keep these straight by organizing them at Import. Once I&#8217;ve imported all the photos from the card, I format the card in my camera to delete all the photos and make space for new ones.</li>
<li><b>Import to Lightroom</b> &#8211; Some people import their photos from their memory card to the computer and then to Lightroom. I choose to import straight to Lightroom. Since Lightroom is so powerful and actually creates your folder(s) on your computer and puts the images in them, I find importing straight to Lightroom saves a step. I add all my metadata and keywords during import.</li>
<li><b>Work with Files</b> &#8211; I do almost all of my photo editing in Lightroom. I go through all my photos, decide which ones to edit, and edit the selected photos.</li>
<li><b>Export .jpgs</b> &#8211; I export the edited photos as smaller-sized .jpgs for use in blog posts, etc.</li>
<li><b>Clean Up</b> &#8211; I usually wait until I&#8217;ve published the blog post for the related photos before I go back to Lightroom and clean-up those I don&#8217;t want to keep. I usually do this so if I change my mind about any photos while I&#8217;m working on the blog post, I can go back and select a different one (or a couple) to edit and export. Usually, once I&#8217;m done with the blog post, I know with more certainty which photos I want to keep and which I want to delete. I used to be lazy and skip this step, which helped my laptop filled up with superfluous photos quite quickly. Not good. Now, I delete extra photos almost immediately, and I find it&#8217;s much easier to do this as you go, rather than returning at a later date and reviewing old folders.</li>
<li><b>Move External</b> &#8211; I don&#8217;t have a good system at the moment for when I move photos to external storage. I just recently moved all my photos through 2011 to an external drive. So far, my computer is still pretty empty, so I&#8217;m in no rush to move the current photos off.</li>
</ol>
<p><i><b>Please note</b>: I went over each of these steps at a pretty high level because we&#8217;ll be discussing these in more detail in the other posts of the series.</i></p>
<p><u>While I was researching tips and tricks for this series, I stumbled upon these great posts on Photography Workflows, which you may also find helpful:</u></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://thomashawk.com/2009/05/my-photography-workflow-2009.html" target="_blank">Thomas Hawk&#8217;s Digital Connection &#8211; My Photography Workflow 2009</a></li>
<li><a href="http://ericscouten.com/2009/09/lightroom-2-technique-how-i-organize-my-catalog-and-why-2009-edition/" target="_blank">Eric Scouten &#8211; Lightroom 2 Technique: How I Organize My Catalog and Why (2009 Edition)</a> &#8211; Note: the post has a lot of great detail, but if you&#8217;re just looking for the workflow portion, it&#8217;s a piece of this whole post.</li>
</ul>
<p><u>Next up in this series, I&#8217;ll go over</u>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Folder and file naming conventions</li>
<li>How to move folders without creating Lightroom errors</li>
<li>How to work with your photos / deciding what to delete and keep</li>
<li>Utilizing external storage (making space on your computer for more photos!)</li>
<li>Advanced organization considerations</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Reader question: What&#8217;s your photography workflow? Do you like it? What do you want to change or why do you use it the way you do?</b></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Photography &amp; Lightroom Organizing Series Intro</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/tVgrmmqQE9U/photography-lightroom-organizing-series-intro.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/photography-lightroom-organizing-series-intro.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 03:02:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Organization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Photography]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/?p=28364</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hey guys! Note: If you&#8217;re a reader of TCL for food or fashion (wait a minute&#8230;you&#8217;re just reading for Bailey photos, aren&#8217;t you?), you may want to skip this one. This post is an introduction to a series I&#8217;m writing on Photography and Lightroom Organization. So, I somewhat recently ran into a major issue related [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Hey guys!</p>
<p><i>Note: If you&#8217;re a reader of TCL for food or fashion (wait a minute&#8230;you&#8217;re just reading for <a href="http://thechiclife.com/category/doggie" target="_top">Bailey</a> photos, aren&#8217;t you?), you may want to skip this one. This post is an introduction to a series I&#8217;m writing on Photography and Lightroom Organization.</i></p>
<p>So, I somewhat recently ran into a major issue related to photography and blogging. I managed to fill up my entire laptop with photos, making it very difficult for me to import new photos or new blog posts. I shoot in RAW, so this didn&#8217;t actually take very long. My problem was that I was being lazy about not only organizing my photos, but also about learning best practices for doing so. I felt like I didn&#8217;t know what I was doing, and I was too busy to research, so I just didn&#8217;t try. I procrastinated. This was a big mistake. I was also afraid of moving all my photos to an external drive because I was worried I&#8217;d do it the wrong way and/or the drive would crash and I&#8217;d lose all my photos. I didn&#8217;t clean my photos up as well as I could, sure. But, the more serious issues was that I didn&#8217;t come up with a good system to follow. So, with a laptop full to the brim with photos, I knew something had to change, and I needed to get it together. I did the best thing I knew &#8211; I consulted the experts.</p>
<p><u>I contacted 4 fellow food bloggers and professional photographers to ask for their tips and feedback. They are</u>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Marc of <a href="http://norecipes.com/" target="_blank">No Recipes</a></li>
<li>Taylor of <a href="http://taylortakesataste.com/" target="_blank">Taylor Takes a Taste</a></li>
<li>Laura of <a href="http://www.thecookingphotographer.com/" target="_blank">The Cooking Photographer</a></li>
<li>Sean of <a href="http://www.seanbusher.com/" target="_blank">Sean Busher Imagery</a></li>
</ul>
<p>(Check out their blogs and web sites &#8211; they&#8217;re amazing!)</p>
<p>They were all wonderful and sent me their tips and strategies. I happily read through them, and when I had the time, I started implementing some of their suggestions. First, I worked on fixing what was broken &#8211; I created a system for how I wanted to organize my photos, and I stuck to it. Afterwards, once I had some free time, I re-organized all of my old photos and moved most of them to external storage. Now, my photos are organized (and stay that way with every import), and my laptop has plenty of space for new photos.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/201205132300.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/201205132300-tm.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="201205132300.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I&#8217;m not an expert in photography, Lightroom, or organization. But, I did think it would be helpful to others if I shared the information I collected from my photo gurus, as well as, my experience with organizing photos. The important thing to note is that there isn&#8217;t <u>one</u> right way to do things. There are many ways, and you&#8217;ll want to tailor your solution so it best fits <u>you</u>. Hopefully, some of the information from these posts or resources I share get you on the right path.</p>
<p><u>In this series, I&#8217;m going to go over</u>:</p>
<ul>
<li>My photography workflow</li>
<li>Folder and file naming conventions</li>
<li>How to move folders without creating Lightroom errors</li>
<li>How to work with your photos / deciding what to delete and keep</li>
<li>Utilizing external storage (making space on your computer for more photos!)</li>
<li>Advanced organization considerations</li>
</ul>
<p>Stay tuned for more follow-up posts to come!</p>
<p>Oh, and if you&#8217;re a professional photographer and/or advanced Lightroom user, please feel free to weigh in at any time with your thoughts. I&#8217;m sure you have great feedback, and I invite you to share your know-how if you want.</p>
<p><b>Do you use Lightroom? Do you have any questions for now one general Photography or Lightroom Organization?</b></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Parisian Wardrobe {Or Parisian Closet}</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/aqXFt5f-cAM/parisian-wardrobe-or-parisian-closet.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/parisian-wardrobe-or-parisian-closet.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 18:41:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fashion Chic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thechiclife.com/?p=28362</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello TCL Readers! Hope you&#8217;re all doing well. I&#8217;ve had so many blog post ideas swimming around in my head lately that I think I may have short-circuited. Or maybe I&#8217;m just suffering from writer&#8217;s block. Either way, I&#8217;ve been meaning to post more, and I&#8217;m going to go ahead and start getting some of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Hello TCL Readers! Hope you&#8217;re all doing well.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve had so many blog post ideas swimming around in my head lately that I think I may have short-circuited. Or maybe I&#8217;m just suffering from writer&#8217;s block. Either way, I&#8217;ve been meaning to post more, and I&#8217;m going to go ahead and start getting some of these ideas published for once!</p>
<p>First up&#8230;I want to talk to you about closets and clothes. I&#8217;ve been thinking about mine a lot lately, and I think I want to work towards something different. I call it the &#8220;Parisian Closet&#8221;. I&#8217;ll explain the meaning in a minute, but first, let&#8217;s talk about &#8220;Then&#8221; and &#8220;Now&#8221;:</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff4d91; font-size: medium;">Then {Quantity Over Quality}</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff4d91;">Back in the day, I used to be quite the bargain shopper when it came to clothes. I think I could have taken down almost any coupon mom out there in my heyday, except I just knew how to shop the sales racks (they didn&#8217;t seem to have as many coupons for clothing back in the day). Now, don&#8217;t get me wrong, I still love a good sale and a great deal. But, where I think I went wrong was that I was so focused on <span style="text-decoration: underline;">quantity over quality</span>. Was there ever enough clothes in my closet? No. It could have been bulging at the seams with clothes falling out in some grotesque hoarder-esque way and I <em>still</em> wouldn&#8217;t have had enough. I didn&#8217;t really care how nice something was, I just wanted more. Did it look kind of cute? Is it super cheap or greatly discounted? Sold! Luckily, I didn&#8217;t have a lot of money, so the lack of funds kept me from getting too out of control. Oh, and this will sound pretty crazy, but when I was in high school, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHDcD_xhwAo" target="_blank">Cher (not the singer)</a> was my &#8220;idol&#8221;, I used to track my outfits. I&#8217;d write down what I wore to school each day in my planner so I wouldn&#8217;t wear the same thing again for at least a month (preferably never).</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff4d91; font-size: medium;">Now {Quality Over Quantity}</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff4d91;">These days, I&#8217;m starting to focus on <span style="text-decoration: underline;">quality over quantity</span>, and I don&#8217;t mean just expensive things. I don&#8217;t think something has to be pricey for it to be quality. I&#8217;ve just noticed that I have a ridiculous amount of clothes that I&#8217;ve collected over the last several years. Do I wear most of it? Not really. I find myself wearing a lot of the same things over and over. So, what&#8217;s the point of having all those clothes if you aren&#8217;t even going to wear them? I don&#8217;t think there is one&#8230;at least, not for me. And unlike the days of high school, I actually like wearing the same outfit repeatedly. And what I really like is when you get to wear that one special piece of jewelry or unique dress that makes you feel like a million bucks. I don&#8217;t want to have a giant closet full of okay clothes. I want a smaller closet of clothes that make me feel wonderful. I want to find more of those magical pieces and slowly collect them.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #a23ff6; font-size: medium;">The Parisian Wardrobe {Or Parisian Closet}</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #a23ff6;">I could be wrong here, but I&#8217;ve heard that Europeans tend to have less clothes than Americans. Can anyone confirm? It seems like Europeans are generally more concerned about the quality over quantity. With this idea in mind and since I love all things French, I&#8217;m nicknaming my goal the &#8220;Parisian Wardrobe.&#8221; I just think it&#8217;s more catchy than &#8220;European Wardrobe&#8221;.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #00c241; font-size: medium;">Reasons</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #00c241;">I have a few reasons, some mentioned above, why I&#8217;m working towards a &#8220;Parisian Wardrobe&#8221;:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #00c241;">Wearing the same thing: I&#8217;ve noticed I wear the same things from my closet. There&#8217;s no point in cluttering up my space with stuff I don&#8217;t use. I need to purge and be more selective about what makes it in the closet. Which brings me to my next point&#8230;</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #00c241;">Space: We have an older house with un-renovated closets. We&#8217;re hoping to remodel one day, but let&#8217;s get real &#8211; that&#8217;s not going to happen any time soon (unless I win the lottery). I have clothes spread out between 4 tiny closets in the house, which is simply ridiculous.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #00c241;">Easier to Dress: With less so-so clothes cluttering up my closet, I believe I&#8217;ll more easily be able to put outfits together.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #00c241;">Eco-Friendly: It&#8217;s more eco-friendly to have a &#8220;Parisian Wardrobe.&#8221; I&#8217;ll be purchasing less from the stores, which will at minimum save waste from all the packaging tied to shopping.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #00c241;">Magic Items: Instead of having a lot of so-so things in my wardrobe, I want more of those magic items that make you feel special when you wear them.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #fa872e; font-size: medium;">Challenges:</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #fa872e;">I have a couple challenges to face as I work towards my goal:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #fa872e;">Shopaholicism: Okay, I don&#8217;t need a therapist for this or anything, but I have definitely been a bit of a shopaholic in the past. If I&#8217;m going to have a smaller wardrobe one day, I need to slow down on the shopping. Luckily, my mortgage and other bills help keep this in check by stealing all my shopping money!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #fa872e;">Too Much Clothes: Like I mentioned before, I already have too much clothing. I&#8217;ve tried purging in the past. I&#8217;m having a hard time letting go of a lot of my clothes, even if I don&#8217;t wear them. I&#8217;ve tried doing the whole &#8220;if you haven&#8217;t worn this in a year then get rid of it&#8221; thing, but that&#8217;s so much easier said than done.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color: #00c2cf; font-size: medium;">Projects:</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #00c2cf;">To reach my goal, I&#8217;m going to have to tackle a few projects:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #00c2cf;">Closet Pare Down &#8211; I&#8217;m going to have to get serious about purging</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #00c2cf;">Adventures in Re-Sale &#8211; It would be pretty sweet if I could make some money on all those items I purge.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #00c2cf;">Strategic Shopping &#8211; I&#8217;m going to have to work on my shopping style so it&#8217;s more in line with the &#8220;Parisian Wardrobe&#8221; concept. Less is more!</span></li>
</ul>
<p>***</p>
<p>What&#8217;s your wardrobe style?</p>
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.
<p>***</p>
<p>Now, is it just me, or does anyone else feel like watching Clueless?</p>
<p>***</p>
<p><strong>Reader question: I&#8217;d love to hear your thoughts on this. How do you keep your wardrobe/closet in check? Do you think you have too much clothes, the right amount, or too little?</strong></p>
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		<title>Swanky Theaters {Date Night}</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/bOgS_V_i3QE/swanky-theaters-date-night.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/swanky-theaters-date-night.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 18:27:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Life]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Did you guys have a good weekend? Mine was jam-packed but with fun stuff. The laundry will just have to wait. {Wth is wrong with my hair in this photo!? lol} On Friday night, hubby and I went on a date. We visited the swanky theaters at the Epicentre. I love these theaters because you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Did you guys have a good weekend? Mine was jam-packed but with fun stuff. The laundry will just have to wait.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1225.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1225-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="EpicentreDate-1225.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>{Wth is wrong with my hair in this photo!? lol}</p>
<p>On Friday night, hubby and I went on a date.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1237.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1237-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1237.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>We visited the swanky theaters at the Epicentre. I love these theaters because you can reserve your seat in advance and choose exactly where you want to sit in the theater. Oh, and the seats are super plush, oversized, and comfy, by the way.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1236.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1236-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1236.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>You can even order food (not just popcorn, yo) and drinks (cocktails, etc.), which you can enjoy inside the theater. We had pizza, popcorn, and sodas and watched The Avengers. I thought the movie was really good, but I wish I&#8217;d seen all the related movies before since they hinted at them throughout the flick. Also, did anyone else think that &#8220;Jake&#8221; has come a long way since &#8220;<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU0W5dD2mc8" target="_blank">Not Another Teen Movie</a>?&#8221; Just me? Okay&#8230;</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1263.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1263-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1263.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>We weren&#8217;t quite ready to call it a night after the movie&#8230;plus, my sweet tooth was calling. So, we headed next door to the Ritz&#8217;s Bar Cocoa for dessert.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1259.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1259-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="EpicentreDate-1259.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1240.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1240-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1240.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The prices are surprisingly reasonable on the sweets &#8211; about $1.25 for a truffle up to $22 for a whole cake.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1241.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1241-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1241.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>We did not buy a whole cake. We did get two macarons and a cupcake for under $6.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1242.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1242-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1242.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>We found a cozy seat next to the dessert bar and enjoyed some live music. The place was pretty packed!</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1244.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1244-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="EpicentreDate-1244.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>{pistachio macaron}</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1251.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1251-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="EpicentreDate-1251.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>{chocolate cupcake to share}</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1253.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1253-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1253.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>{red wine to go with the chocolate}</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1266.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/EpicentreDate-1266-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="EpicentreDate-1266.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Date night was so fun. I think we&#8217;re going to have to repeat this one again soon!</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>By the way, thanks for the suggestions on my <a href="http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/dots-stripes-outfit.html" target="_top">last outfit</a>. I&#8217;m going to try those out&#8230;as soon as I get that laundry done. <img src='http://thechiclife.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>***</p>
<p><b>Reader question: What did you do this past weekend? Do you have any affordable date night ideas?</b></p>
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		<title>Dots + Stripes {Outfit}</title>
		<link>http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheChicLife/~3/rrOKk5dYDeQ/dots-stripes-outfit.html</link>
		<comments>http://thechiclife.com/2012/05/dots-stripes-outfit.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 21:10:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Diana</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fashion Chic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outfit]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I was just thinking the other day how I was getting tired of seeing the polka dot + stripes look pop up in my google reader. Have you guys noticed that, too? Of course, it wasn&#8217;t but a few hours later that I was organizing my clothes when I noticed a polka dot dress (one [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>I was just thinking the other day how I was getting tired of seeing the polka dot + stripes look pop up in my google reader. Have you guys noticed that, too? Of course, it wasn&#8217;t but a few hours later that I was organizing my clothes when I noticed a polka dot dress (one I&#8217;ve been considering donating since I haven&#8217;t worn it in forever, mind you) hanging in my closet. I found myself staring at the dress when an uncontrollable thought entered my mind &#8211; <i>heeeeeeey</i>&#8230;how would that black and white striped shirt look with that? Yup, it&#8217;s fashion blogging brainwashing, people, and it&#8217;s working. Is this what happens when you read too many fashion blogs?</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1207.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1207-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="DotsStripes-1207.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Anywho, I did the next most logical thing. I <strike>burned the dress</strike> decided to try the dress on with said stripey shirt. The result&#8230;well, you can see.</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1202.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1202-tm.jpg" width="600" height="397" alt="DotsStripes-1202.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I don&#8217;t hate it. Dare I say, I even like it?</p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1222.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1222-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="DotsStripes-1222.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The moral of the story? Don&#8217;t read too many fashion blogs! No! Wait&#8230;it&#8217;s &#8211; don&#8217;t be afraid to play with your clothes. Or was it never throw your clothes away EVER! Who am I kidding, there&#8217;s no moral here. But, I do think you shouldn&#8217;t be afraid to play with your clothes and try out combinations you may not normally be inclined to try.</p>
<p>Sometimes the combinations will suck. Sometimes, you&#8217;ll publish said bad-combination publicly online and your readers will tell you your look sucks. And sometimes, it just matters if <i>you&#8217;re</i> happy with the look you put together. <img src='http://thechiclife.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a href="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1213.jpg"><img src="http://thechiclife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/DotsStripes-1213-tm.jpg" width="600" height="906" alt="DotsStripes-1213.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>{Bailey photo bombing}</p>
<p><b>Polka Dot Dress</b>: Lotus (local boutique)<br />
<b>Striped shirt</b>: Gap<br />
<b>Wedges</b>: J Crew<br />
<b>Purse</b>: MARC by Marc Jacobs<br />
<b>Sunglasses</b>: Vogue<br />
<b>Trench coat</b>: Banana Republic<br />
<b>Lip Stick</b>: MAC&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Reader question: Polka dots worn with stripes &#8211; yay or nay?</b></p>
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