Adventures of the Lil' Chef

five fav friday

2011-02-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I had a hard time narrowing down just five favs from this week! Let me just say... I read many amazing blogs and love all the ideas and inspiration here in the blog world. I also love connecting with fellow bloggers from all walks of life with various interests. So here you have it...five picks from this week! Enjoy!

Erin from Sutton Grace has been whipping up some dinner this week and her main ingredient...quinoa!

Sally at Already Pretty talks about using fashion tape to temporarily alter your outfits or keep your belt in place! I actually used one of her tips today!

Leslie at Feathers in My Nest has a fabulous bedroom makeover with green!

DeeAnna at A Little Junk in My Trunk shows us her amazing Goodwill outfits...and let me just say "ah-mazzzing"!

Jill at Made it on Monday has some serious DIY for ruffles on shirts...it's a must see!

cropped trouser pants - hit or miss?

2011-02-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

photo via Google images @ imnotobsessed.com

I have noticed a lot of "trouser" style cropped pants lately. Varying styles...some cuffed...some banded (with elastic), some high waisted, some low wasted. I think Megan Fox looks fab in them. How would you style them? For me, I think they would look best paired with a blazer or a tank and a scarf. I think for my height heals/wedges would be a must. What do you think of this style...hit or miss?

Here are some cropped "trouser style" pants I put together via Polyvore and all $50 or less...

Cropped Pants Spring 2011 by lilchef featuring high waisted harem pants

tba Cropped Trouser
$30 - urbanoutfitters.com
High waisted harem pants »

Cooperative Tie-Front Twill Pant
$20 - urbanoutfitters.com
Loose pants »

ASOS PETITE Belted Peg Leg Pants
$27 - asos.com
Reversible pants »

The Eva Fit Crop Cargo Pant in Cotton Twill
$50 - victoriassecret.com
Cropped pants »

Pleat Front Cropped Pants
$38 - yesstyle.com
Cropped pants »

Drawstring Harem Pant
$15 - delias.com
Cropped pants »

a week's worth of outfits

2011-02-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday and I am linking up with The Pleated Poppy today for WIWW (what I wore Wednesday). Check out my outfits from last week and then pop over and check WIWW out!

Monday...

Happy Valentine's Day!
Red cardigan - Merona via Target $9
White tank - Merona via Target (last summer)
Black dress pants - Limited via Ross $12 (had to have them hemmed but so worth it!)
Black pumps - Merona via Target (last winter)
Heart tag necklace and bracelet - Blue Nile (gift from my husband several years ago)
Black belt - Charlotte Russe $9

Tuesday...

umm...yeah, rough day, but it gets better...I promise! I almost didn't put this pic up but I wore this so here it is!
Black sweater - Express (last winter $9 clearance)
Black/white leopard tank - Express (last winter $9 clearance)
Jeans - AE True boot
Black booties - Payless

Wednesday...

Gray ruffle shirt - JCP clearance (last summer $7)
White LS shirt - Old Navy $5 sale
Jeans - AE Slim boot (this year)
Black booties - Payless
Key necklace - TJ Maxx (Mother's Day gift - last year)
Bracelets - F21

Thursday...

Black ruffle cardigan - Old Navy (clearance $7, this year)
Yellow ruffle blouse - Old Navy (clearance $4, this year)
Trouser jeans - Gap (last year)
Black mary jane flats - Ecco (my fav shoes ever!)
Black bead necklace - Belk (years ago)
Black bracelets - Target, Claires (old)
Black belt - Charlotte Russe

Friday...

Chambray shirt - Converse for Target (this year & full price, gasp! But it's a great shirt and occasionally it's necessary to buy things not on sale $22.99)
White tank - TJ Maxx (last year)
Tan pants - Gap Perfect Khakis Trousers (last year on clearance rack for $4)
Brown flats - Payless
Brown belt - yard sale $.50
Necklace - Belk (old)
Silver bracelet - Gift

Saturday...

Dinner out with my family and in-laws...
Rose burn out shirt - F21 (this year, from my recent haul)
Jeans - AE Slim boot (this year)
Black "buckle" sling back heels - etienne aigner (DSW maybe 4 years ago, my 2nd fav shoes ever)
Red coral necklace - Belk

Dressing was much more fun this week due to some warmer weather we had. I wanted to take some outside pics on Saturday but it was soooo windy! I am hoping soon though! Have a great day!

stylish blogger award

2011-02-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

I was awarded the Stylish Blogger Award by Jenny at Spry On The Wall. Thanks girlie! How awesome!

So, here are the rules:

1. Link to the blogger(s) that gave you the award
2. Share 7 facts about yourself.
3. Pass the award on to other bloggers.

Here are 7 random facts about me:

1. I was born and raised on the Outer Banks of NC, have since moved away (about 11 years ago) but will always consider the Outer Banks "home".
2. I took scuba diving lessons in high school and am a Padi certified diver...but haven't been diving in years. I am sure by now it's expired but heck it was fun at the time!
3. I dreamed of leaving NC after high school and becoming a fashion designer.
4. I have a degree in Information Systems Technology with an emphasis on network engineering that I have never used.
5. The best day of my life was the day my son was born...hands down the best!
6. I used to be a "people" person and loved a crowd...now I prefer quiet and relaxed settings.
7. I love to dabble in jewelry making, home renovations, cooking/baking and blogging in my spare time.

So, there you go...7 facts about me. Thanks again Jenny!

I am passing this on to...

The Monogrammed Mrs.
XOXO Trina
Whimsies & Whatnots
Domestic Fashionista
The Branches

chicken penne al fresco

2011-02-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I cook...I really do. Since my husband's accident last summer our lives have been a little crazy. I find that I have so little time for cooking anything other than quick meals. During the weekends though I try to make a nice meal. Sunday, I made this yummy pampered chef recipe. It's really very easy to make and you can use the microwave for most of it! Can you believe that?

I have this recipe in one of my PC cookbooks but here it is from the website.

Grilled Chicken Penne al Fresco
Ingredients:
4 garlic cloves, peeled
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
3 cups uncooked mezze penne pasta
3 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup dry white wine such as Chardonnay

1/2 tsp each salt and coarsely ground black pepper
1 1/4 cups lightly packed fresh basil leaves, divided
1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup packed)
2 cups diced grilled chicken breasts
Additional grated fresh Parmesan cheese and coarsely ground black pepper (optional)
Directions:
1. Spray Deep Covered Baker with olive oil using Kitchen Spritzer. Slice garlic into baker using Garlic Slicer. Add tomatoes. Cover; microwave on HIGH 4-5 minutes or until tomatoes begin to burst, stirring after 2 minutes. Crush tomatoes using Mix ‘N Chop. Add pasta, broth, wine, salt and black pepper.
2. Return baker to microwave; cover and microwave on HIGH 16-18 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring after 10 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop basil with Chef's Knife. Reserve 2 tbsp for garnish. Grate cheese using Rotary Grater.
3. Carefully remove baker from microwave and remove lid, lifting away from you. Add remaining basil, cheese and chicken to baker; mix well. Garnish with reserved 2 tbsp basil, additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.
Yield: 8 servings

Nutrients per serving: Light (about 1 cup): Calories 240, Total Fat 2.5 g, Saturated Fat .5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 35 g, Protein 17 g, Sodium 450 mg, Fiber 2 g

Cook’s Tips: An additional 3/4 cup chicken broth can be substituted for the wine, if desired.

Any tube-shaped pasta requiring 9-11 minutes cook time, such as penne or rigatoni, can be substituted for the mezze penne pasta.

To grill chicken in the Grill Pan, season 2 chicken breasts, about 6 oz each, with salt and black pepper. Heat Grill Pan over medium-high heat 5 minutes. Spray pan with oil. Cook chicken 4-6 minutes or until grill marks appear. Turn chicken over; cook 4-6 minutes or until center of chicken is no longer pink and Digital Pocket Thermometer registers 170°F.

© 2011 The Pampered Chef used under license.

I followed the recipe completely other than grilling the chicken. I cooked mine in a pan with some olive oil. Then I cut it into pieces.

If you don't have all the PC items used to make this dish don't worry...you can use a regular deep baking pan with a lid. To mash up the grape tomatoes I used my utensil for making mashed potatoes...can't remember what that thing is called. Use what you have!

This is one of my favorite recipes! Enjoy!

h&m and forever 21 haul

2011-02-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday, my husband asked me if he could take me shopping for Valentine's Day. He said he knew I had been talking about the new H&M in Raleigh and he would like to take me shopping there. So, we loaded up the swag wag and grabbed some lunch and then headed to Raleigh. Little did we know that EVERYONE was celebrating Valentine's Day on Saturday and the mall was CRAZY busy! We couldn't even find a parking spot. We ended up doing valet parking...not because we are too cool to park our own car but because we had driven an hour to that mall and that was the only way we were going to get out of the van and into the mall! It was the best $4 we spent that day I think. So, after the parking nightmare, I headed straight to H&M and my husband headed to the Lego store with our son...I wanted to try on some dresses and skirts but the line for the dressing rooms was probably about an hour wait...no kidding! And I have to try things like that on...I am pear shaped so bottoms and dresses can be a challenge for me. So, I picked up these 2 things and I love both of them!

$24.95

$12.95

After, waiting in line forever to check out...I headed over to Forever 21...I was so overwhelmed...that store is huge! You really have to look around because they have different "sections" with varying styles of clothing and accessories. I found several things but then again long lines and my boys had been so patient and I really didn't want to keep them in the mall very long. I did find these things and the gray and white top I actually wanted to buy online but I found it in the store.

$14.80

$13.80

4 pieces of jewelry @ $1.50 each!

We ended up leaving the mall and heading to Five Guys to eat burgers, hot dogs and fries. We love that place and my son really loves their fries. They also have boxes of peanuts and you can shell and eat at your table...my son nearly ate his weight in peanuts! We ended the day with catching a movie...Gnomeo and Juliet...it was super cute and we all loved it...perfect for celebrating our Valentine's Day!

five fav friday

2011-02-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Oh my, this has been such a crazy week! I was supposed to take a vacation day today but we have a new computer system at work and I really can't be out right now...oh well Monday is a bank holiday. I am extremely grateful though for a wonderful husband that really is a true partner. We take turns doing everything...dinner, cleaning up dishes, homework, bath time, bedtime...It's so nice to know that we are in this together. Through the good and the bad days...we work it out together. That's been my saving grace this week...well that and my son's face...seeing that face after a terrible day fills me with such love and happiness. Then I know how truly blessed I am. All the craziness of the day just doesn't seem so important anymore.

Here are my five picks for the week. Enjoy!

The Monogrammed Mrs. shows us a few offerings from Francesca's Closet

Southern Queen Bee has a new home! Check her out at Made In The South - Simply Living The Southern Life.

Spry on The Wall shows us some great "uniform dressing"...she is also doing a 30/30 challenge. You should check her out...she has great style!

Katie's Nesting Spot is have a "crafty soiree"...check out all the cool crafts!

Finding Fabulous is features a gorgeous laundry room makeover.

Stop by and check them out... and have a great weekend!

fabulous flats

2011-02-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

I really love the simplicity of flats. Something so simple yet so stylish. They work for dress or casual outfits. They are a year round shoe and there are so many options. I love all of these.

Fabulous Flats by lilchef featuring flat heels

Nine West Loredana ballet flat with bow (GREEN)
$21 - ninewest.com
Ballet shoes »

Naughty Monkey 'Captain' Flat
$50 - nordstrom.com
Flat heels »

Mod Buttons Pink Crinkle Ballet Flats
$28 - shopplasticland.com
Pink flats »

BKE Sole Savana Shoe
$25 - buckle.com
Animal print flats »

Women's Bamboo by Journee Floral Accent Patent Ballet Flat : Target
$30 - target.com
Patent leather flats »

Women's Merona® Maudie Flat Shoes - Leopard : Target
$25 - target.com
Leopard flat shoes »

The Bow Down Flat
$25 - modcloth.com
Flat shoes »

Kustom Nina Flat
$24 - swell.com
Kustom shoes »

Faux suede side bow flat
$20 - rue21.com
Bow shoes »

What are your favorite shoes?

a week's worth of outfits

2011-02-16T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am linking up with The Pleated Poppy today! Happy Wednesday and enjoy!

Monday...

Brown Cardigan - JCP (maybe 3 years ago?)
White LS - Target - last year
Tan pants - Gap Outlet Perfect Khakis (maybe 5 years ago?)
Brown flats - Payless
Necklace - Made by me

Tuesday...

Blue Cashmere Sweater - Old Navy (4 or 5 years ago)
Jeans - AE Slim boot
Beige scarf - free from womens gift exchange
Black booties - Payless

Wednesday...

Pink vest - AE (3 years ago?)
Gray sweater - Target last year
Flare trouser jeans - NY&Co. (4 or 5 years ago)
Black shoe boots - Liz via DSW (maybe 4 years ago?)
Scarf - Old Navy (last year)

Thursday...

Sweater - Gap Outlet (last year)
Teal turtleneck - Target (2 years ago)
Skinny jeans - Old Navy (last year-super clearance!)
Gray boots - AE online this year
Necklace - Payless clearance this year

Friday...

Black sweater - Old Navy (this year)
Gray shirt - gift from The Monogrammed Mrs
Jeans - AE True Boot
Pink/Black Scarf - local boutique (last year)
Black Ecco flats - Ecco outlet...my fav shoes ever!

Saturday...

Brown cardigan - Old Navy (this year - clearance)
White shirt - Gap (maybe 10 years old?)
Jeans - Silver jeans via TJ Maxx (last summer)
Belt - Charlotte Russe (this year)
Brown flats - Payless
Brown/Silver necklace - Belk (4 years ago?)

A few thoughts on my outfits...

*Daytime pics look way better! Note Tuesday and Saturday!

*There is a difference between how things look in the mirror and in pictures. Big difference.

*I wear a lot of jeans...and black and gray. In my defense I work in a casual setting where jeans are permitted all week.

flip flops in february

2011-02-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

This past Sunday the temps reached 60 (+) degrees...now here in eastern NC that means it's time to dust off the Sanuks, Rainbows and Reefs!

I am not quite brave enough for shorts (although I did see some) but I love my flip flops! I am a born and raised OBX girl...what can I say? (those not familiar, OBX = Outer Banks,NC)

Blue/White striped shirt - AE via TJ Maxx $9
Brown Tank - Target $5
Jeans - Old Navy (The Flirt) $20
Scarf - Walmart $3
Sanuks - $25

Other than reuniting with my beloved flip flops...I had a somewhat lazy but productive Sunday...I did laundry, cleaned up downstairs and organized my bedroom. I had all my tanks folded and stacked in shallow drawers...I decided to "roll" them and that way I can see all of them when I open the drawer. Since I wear a tank nearly every day under my shirts and sweaters (because I am so cold natured) this is easier to find what I am looking for.

Anyone else wearing flip flops yet?

happy valentine's day

2011-02-14T06:00:00.004-05:00

*I will start posting my "week's worth of outfits" on Wednesdays*

Just some eye candy for valentine's day...enjoy!

The Classic Valentine by lilchef featuring beading bracelets

A Beautiful Mess Dress
$48 - modcloth.com
Rose print dress »

It's My Favorite Color Cardigan
$29 - modcloth.com
Long sleeve tops »

Pink Rosette Handbag
$36 - windsorstore.com
Rosette handbag »

Wrapped With Love Necklace
$8.50 - charlotterusse.com
Chain pendants »

Chic Pearlescent Stretch Bracelet
$5.80 - canada.forever21.com
Beading bracelets »

Classic Faux Pearl Stud Earrings
$8 - 1928.com
Faux pearl jewelry »

JCPenney : handbags + accessories : belts
$18 - jcpenney.com
Belts »

Forever21.com - Beauty - Makeup - 1057213187
$1.50 - canada.forever21.com

Unlisted Women's Natural Beauty Platform Sandal
$30 - endless.com

Precious Pink Tulips , $44.99 , Tulips - FlowerShop.com
flowershop.com

it's a ring thing

2011-02-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

I love big, fun, funky, cool rings...I mean LOVE THEM. Forever 21 has a ton of cool affordable rings. Here are a few that I am loving right now!

it's a ring thing by lilchef featuring vintage clothing jewelry

Pearlized Rose Ring
$6.80 - canada.forever21.com
Diamante jewelry »

Faux Pearl Flower Ring
$6.80 - canada.forever21.com
Faux pearl jewelry »

Dramatic Cocktail Ring
$5.80 - forever21.com
Forever21 rings »

Layered Floral Ring
$5.80 - canada.forever21.com
Flower jewelry »

Bague à perles et faux diamants
$5.80 - canada.forever21.com
Diamante jewelry »

Vintaged Stretchy Stone Ring
$4.80 - canada.forever21.com
Vintage clothing jewelry »

five fav friday

2011-02-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Wow is this week has to have been the longest in history. It's been cold all week. Yesterday, we had more snow. Thankfully only a light dusting and school was only delayed two hours. I am so ready for Spring and so over this winter...but in the meantime here is some great reading to boost your spirits!

Sara @ whimsies & whatnots shares this amazing chicken tortilla soup recipe! I can't wait to try it!

Bake at 350 made this delish *Conversation Heart* chocolate bark! Such a fun and cute idea!

Do you follow Better After? If not, you should. Fabulous before and afters! Check out all the cool stuff featured this week.

Ashley @ Domestic Fashionista hosts a Valentine's themed party! Ashley is the cutest thing and she always has the coolest holiday decor!

Jill @ Good Life For Less shows us how to style "hunter" boots...and in this weather it's a must see! Check her out!

Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!

dream

2011-02-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Just a little inspiration outfit for a cold blah Thursday!

dream by lilchef featuring old navy cardigans

Old Navy Womens Mohair Blend Cardigans
$13 - oldnavy.gap.com
Old navy cardigans »

Glamour Kills Live Forever Tomorrow Scoop-Neck Tee : PDP
$23 - zumiez.com
Scoopneck tee »

Volcom - Frochickie Straight Leg Pant (Black) - Apparel
$42 - zappos.com
Cotton pants »

Faux-Leather Shoulder Bag
$45 - yesstyle.com
Faux leather handbags »

Silver Bangle Set
$17 - windsorstore.com
Rhinestone bracelets »

Paved Rhinestone Fireball Stud Earrings
$19 - ardenb.com
Arden B earrings »

Honeycomb Snood
$90 - allsaints.com
Knit shawls »

ASOS Square Buckle Skinny Boyfriend Belt
$14 - asos.com
Metal belts »

easy updo

2011-02-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

I have been trying new things with my hair over the last year. I have had different variations of "the bob" for about 4 years now...I loved it but it was time for a change. Blowing out my thick wavy hair everyday and then flat ironing it was a lot of work. So, I am currently growing out my hair and have also starting coloring it (just to and some shine and cover up the few grays I have coming in). Since I get bored with things easily, I started looking online for some cute updo's. I stumbled across Becki @ whippy cake...and this post that led me to an updo that I love!

There is actually a video on Becky Higgins' blog, titled the "8th video of christmas"...and yes they are both Becky/Becki...Becki at Whippy Cake and Becky Higgins (Project life - scrapbooking) is the "model"...they are both so stinkin' cute and I love this style! I watched the video a few times, as well as a few of the other videos on whippy cake and I finally got it right! All you need is about 5-10 bobby pins, a little hairspray or spray wax (not a lot) and a headband (or not, your choice). I have worn the style 3 times...

Today...because I didn't feel like washing my hair. I actually made this headband...it's just a cheap pink one and a flower pin attached.

New Years Eve dinner with my sweetie! I have a black headband with a flower and feathers in it!

My best friend Tracey's birthday dinner...same headband as above.

I really love this look. I am really looking forward to what I can do with it this summer!

chicken bruschetta

2011-02-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Doesn't this look delicious??? I can't wait to try it! I just had to share it when I saw it in my inbox today. I get recipes from Pillsbury all the time but this one just makes my mouth water! It also makes me think of summer and I could use a dose of that right about now!

You can get this recipe and many other recipes and offers at Pillsbury.

a week's worth of outfits

2011-02-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Yeah...so it's Monday...again. We had a great weekend. Oddly enough we didn't even leave the house! I grocery shopped Friday night. We had family visiting on Saturday. Sunday I made a huge breakfast (which I NEVER do)...we ate lots of junk food and snacks (in honor of the super bowl that we do not watch)...and I did tons of laundry and hubster worked on a website...all.day.long. It was a good weekend though. I actually feel rejuvenated. It's nice to just stay home once in a while!

Here we have another weeks worth of outfits...

Monday...

Sweater - AE
Tank - Target
Jeans - Old Navy
Shoes - brown flats from payless
Necklace - Target

Tuesday...

Brown cardigan - Merona via Target
Turquoise shirt - Old Navy
White tank - TJ Maxx
Trouser jeans - Gap
Shoes - brown flats from payless
Scarf - Walmart

Wednesday...

Purple cardigan - Old Navy
Black and gray animal print top - A.N.A via JCP
Jeans - AE (slim boot)
Black booties - Payless
Black skinny belt - Charlotte Russe
Silver key necklace - TJ Maxx
Silver link bracelet - gift

Thursday...

Gray sweater - Steinmart
Pink top - Lands End
Jeans - Old Navy (flirt/skinny)
Gray boots - AE (online)
Scarf - Old Navy

Friday...

Black cardigan - Merona via Target
Black and white stripe top - Walmart
Jeans - AE (true boot)
Black booties - Payless
Red coral necklace - Belk
White flower pin - from a discarded maternity top! ha!

Unless I find that I am showing duplicates...I will try and keep this up! Also, I linked up with The Pleated Poppy last week for "what i wore wednesday" and hope to keep doing that...great way to get ideas for outfits!

l.l. bean signature...wow!

2011-02-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

I received a catalog in the mail the other day for l.l. bean signature. Immediately I knew that this was not the same bean catalog. I would say their new line is geared towards a more urban younger audience but at the same time their pieces are very classic. They seem to be comparable to J Crew, Anthropologie, Banana Republic...

We have been bean customers for years and love their quality. I really love the new look but they are pricey. My husband loved the new men's stuff. Check it out!

Here are some of my picks! ...when they go on sale of course!

www.llbeansignature.com

weekend wear

2011-02-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad it's the weekend. We don't have any fabulous plans except for staying warm and eating lots of party food that is probably not good for us...but you have to do that on Super Bowl weekend right? If I were going somewhere this weekend, I would love to have these in my suitcase. Three outfits that can take you from a fun day to dinner and drinks. I love those boots and they work with so many outfits!

Weekend Trip by lilchef featuring ruffled skirts

Women's Fashion Dressy Tops - Vanity
$30 - evanity.com
Dressy tops »

Long Sleeve Striped Slub Scoop-Neck T - Aeropostale
$30 - aeropostale.com
Striped tops »

First Point
$40 - hollisterco.com
Vintage tops »

H&M Shop Online
hm.com
H&m jackets »

Gap Stretch Denim Jacket
$33 - gap.com
Pocket jacket »

AE Women's Jegging Ankle (Vintage Super Wash)
$50 - ae.com
Slimming jeans »

Alloy > Cargo Stretch Twill Skinny > clothing > pants > casual
$37 - alloy.com
Skinny pants »

Classic Floral Lace Tights
$7.50 - charlotterusse.com
Lace floral tights »

all in a day's work plaid skirt
$28 - shopruche.com
Ruffled skirts »

Wanted Shoes Women's Regal Riding Boot
$43 - endless.com
Tall boots »

Nine West Washed Out, Shopper Washed Shopper (TANMM)
$70 - ninewest.com
Slouchy handbags »

Twist And Stone Bangles
$6.80 - canada.forever21.com
Stone jewelry »

Womens Champagne Champagne Crystal Earring by White House Black Market
$24 - whitehouseblackmarket.com
Champagne earrings »

Grandma's Key Pendant Necklace - ROCK 'N ROSE
18 GBP - rocknrose.co.uk
Rock jewelry »

Amazon.com: YELLOW & WHITE RAJA PLAID FRINGE NECK SCARF: Clothing
$7.99 - amazon.com
Yellow shawl »

H&M Shop Online
hm.com
H&M belts »

five fav friday

2011-02-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! Again, I am sharing five blogs that inspired me this week! Check them out.

Bake at 350 whips up these amazing looking cupcakes!

The Shabby Nest shows us how to make easy kids silhouettes!

Whimsies & Whatnots shares her thoughts on thrifting!

do.think.wear.see.love.dream has a great video and some photos with scarves and how to tie and wear them!

The Pleated Poppy has a link up called "What I Wore Wednesday"...you should really check it out. I found a lot of great links and outfit ideas here!

Enjoy and have a fabulous weekend!

handbag love

2011-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love a good handbag. Don't you? My favorite style is a "hobo" style bag. I like this style because it really stays on your shoulder well. There are a few different styles shown here. I found these on Polyvore. All $50 or less!

Handbag Love by lilchef featuring a brown shoulder bag

ASOS Perspex Handle Frame Bag
$38 - asos.com
Plastic handbags »

Ladies Who Lunch Bag - $49.99 : Spotted Moth, Chic and sweet clothing...
$50 - spottedmoth.com
Handbags »

Nine West Washed Up, Shopper Washed Shopper (BLACK)
$50 - ninewest.com
Black tote »

blooms and branches purse
$49 - shopruche.com
Ruffle handbags »

Chain Strap-Detail Woven Satchel
$48 - yesstyle.com
Woven totes »

Big Buddha 'Chain Rocker' Faux Leather Hobo
$45 - nordstrom.com
Hobo shoulder bags »

Chic White & Brown Cut Out Hand Bag
$44 - unique-vintage.com
Brown shoulder bag »

into the night zipper hobo purse
$43 - shopruche.com
Hobo handbags »

my top 5 favs for kitchen and home

2011-02-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Here are 5 of my favorite things that I use all the time in the kitchen:

1 - Tervis tumbers: these are fab-u-lous! I LOVE mine! You can use it for hot or cold beverages. I think all the girls in my family and my BFF got one for Christmas this year. If you get Bed Bath and Beyond coupons, then you can really get a good deal on them.

2 - Pampered Chef Kitchen Spritzer: I use this ALL THE TIME. I love it. I keep mine full of olive oil. It's perfect for spraying pans for baking or cooking.

3 - Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Slow Cooker: My husband bought this for me about 3 years ago. I use it a lot. I make everything from BBQ, baked beans, roasts, soups, cider, and a whole lot more. It comes with a spoon and a insulated zipper pouch.

4 - Soho Living Candles by Yankee Candle: Mojito Lime
I buy my candles at TJ Maxx. They are about 60% less than what you will pay online or at a Yankee Candle store. Definitely my favorite candle ever. My husband even likes it. I snagged this image from Amazon. It's currently unavailable but they have other scents available.

5 - OxiClean laundry spray: If you have boys...and if you have boys that play hard...you REALLY need this. It also works GREAT on grease/cooking stains and spots. I swear by this. Don't waste your money on Spray n Wash or Shout. Nothing works like this stuff does. I promise.

What are some of your favorites?

15 bean soup

2011-01-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend I decided to try my luck at making bean soup. Over the holidays we ate at a swanky restaurant and my husband had tried their bean soup. I never thought I would like it but I tried some and actually did. So for the last few weeks I have been looking at the bean soups in the grocery store. I chose this one:

I cooked the beans in the crock pot all day with about a quart of water, so I did not soak the beans. That is ALL the water you need cooking them this way. About 4 hours into cooking I put the ham in. Around 2 hours before I served it, I put the remaining ingredients in. A co-worker said she makes them like this all the time so I tried it her way. Also, I used ham bits or chips and not a ham hock.

Verdict: It was quite delish! My husband and I both liked it. My son would not touch it so we made him chicken noodle soup. I served corn muffins with the soup. It made a lot and I am not sure what to do with it all. My husband does not eat leftovers...I know ridiculous. I would definitely make it again. They also had a cajun one I would like to try next!

a week's worth of outfits

2011-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

I decided to take photos of my outfits this week. I am not a photographer by any means...I do have a nice camera and a tripod though. I really need to spend more time learning out to use it because some of these are really dark.

Monday...

Sweater - TJ Maxx clearance $10
Gray shirt - Rue 21 clearance $3
Jeans - NY&Co (about 4 years old)
Scarf - Old Navy $12
Black booties - Liz via DSW (about 4 years old)

Tuesday...

Sweater - Old Navy clearance $10
White shirt - Target $7
Skinny Jeans - Old Navy clearance $6
Scarf - free from gift exchange at a friends church
Boots - American Eagle $50

Wednesday...

Sweater - Old Navy clearance $14
Striped shirt - Old Navy (no clue how long I've had it)
Jeans - American Eagle slim boot (bought with coupons) $24
Scarf - JC Penney (2 years old maybe)
Booties - Payless $20

Thursday...

Sweater - Old Navy clearance $6
Sweater (white) - Gap Outlet (can't remember $, maybe 5 years old)
Brown Pants - Old Navy clearance $5 (4 years ago maybe)
Brown wedges - Shoe Carnival last year

Friday...

White/Gray Sweater - American Eagle (bought with coupons) $20
Pink ruffle tank - Old Navy clearance $4
Jeans - American Eagle (4 years old) True boot fit
Gray Scarf - Rue 21 $7 last year
Booties - Payless

I wear a lot of scarves don't I? I do actually wear one almost every day. They keep me warm because I am always freezing.

Have a great weekend!

Five Fav Friday

2011-01-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

Maybe I will make this a routine. It's kinda fun!

Jolie made this amazing looking soup!

Tara shows us how to De-clutter and organize.

Susie made the most adorable little birds!

Jamie shows us a classic look with a bit of whimsy!

Jill rocks Breton stripes!

What are your favorites of the week?