Inspiration Monday

Good morning friends!!!  We survived last week's earthquake, tornadoes, flooding and hurricane Irene!  Wow, what a crazy week! We were fortunate that we only lost power for about 8 hours and the hub is still vac-ing up the basement but other than that, we're good!

My dear friend Dawn over at Suitcase Vignettes has been without power since early on Saturday - before the storm even hit!  I hope they turn her back on soon because I know she's itching to be blogging again!

So this week over at two birds they are doing the Inspiration Monday photo and it's of Olivia Wilde who I happen to think is just gorgeous!  She looks so hip and stylish in her black and white stripes...

I have absolutely NOTHING in my wardrobe like that but here was my interpretation!

I actually wore this on Friday when I was running around in search of bottled water and D batteries (NONE to be found!)  I mean if it was the end of the world, I wanted to look a little stylish!

Top and Capris:  Fashion Bug

Shoes: Ann Klein

Bracelet: Vintage (EBay)

Sneak Peek of the Week

Happy Friday!  Even though the weather is crazy, it's still Friday and that's always a good thing!  I realized that I didn't do an outfit post this week so I figured I'd do one for today.  I love to wear black but I've tried to get away from it over the last few years - not completely, but I try to branch out to other colors.  A few years ago, I opened my closet and it was mostly full of black or black & white clothing - just snuck up on me!  When I go clothes shopping, I'm automatically drawn to the black items so if I see something I like in black, I try to find if it comes in other colors.  I mixed it up by adding gray slacks instead of black and sprinkeled in a dash of white accents. 

Top: R.Q.T.

Slacks: Fashion Bug

Jewelry: Vintage Bracelet & White Milkglass necklace (EBay)

Ring: QVC

Shoes: Madden Girl (DSW)

Goofy look on my face: Priceless

Thirsty Thursday!

Good morning friends!  Such an exciting week this week!  We had our earthquake the other day and we are now bracing for Hurricane Irene!  Between the flooding, quakes and now impending hurricane, it has been a CRAZY August.  We even beat all records for rainfall for the month of August.  Let's hope the Fall is a little less exciting!

A coworker was telling me yesterday about her recent trip to New Orleans and how they had this libation called "The Hurricane" which was mighty powerful.  I thought, what better drink to feature for TT!?!  Thing is, there are many variations of the Hurricane but since she was in New Orleans, I'm featuring their recipe. 

HAPPY THIRSTY THURSDAY!

Hurricane - New Orleans Style!

1 oz white rum
1 oz Jamaican dark rum
1 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
3 oz orange juice
3 oz unsweetened pineapple juice
1/2 oz grenadine syrup
crushed ice

Combine all ingredients, mix well (shake or stir). Pour over crushed ice in hurricane glass. Best enjoyed through a small straw. Garnish with fruit wedge if desired.

I have not had one (yet!) but apparently if you need to calm your nerves, this baby will do the trick!

CHEERS!

Tasty Taters!

Good afternoon friends!  We had quite an exciting day yesterday in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area with the residual effects of the earthquake they had in Virginia.  When you're in a high rise in the middle of center city Philadelphia, there really isn't anywhere to run so I'm glad it was just a little shaker here for us!

Today I just HAVE to share an absolute miracle for mashed potato lovers - like me!  I LOVE LOVE LOVE homemade mashed potatoes (LOVE).  I've tried all the others but nothing comes close to homemade.  Until now.  Introducing Idahoan mashies!

These are the ones I tried.  Un.be.lievable!  I didn't even need to add anything to "doctor" it up.  AND...Ready for more good news?  They were only 110 calories, 3 g of fat per 1/2 cup serving!

It gets better.  They are super simple to make.  I had to keep re-reading the instructions because I thought I was missing something.  I did them in the microwave according to the directions (add to 2 cups water, stir and nuke for 3 mins. - that's it!) and they came out smooth and creamy and oh, soooo yummy!!! 

AND...Ready for more good news?  (I know!  MORE good news - it's crazy!)  They now come in single serve pouches.  You betcha these are going to be on my grocery list this week!

AND - if you can stand it - they also come in different flavors!

No one has been able to make easy mashies that I like unless they were homemade.  I don't know how they did it, I'm just happy they did!

Have you tried these yet?  Let me know what you thought.

Rocky Horror Picture Show - LOTS OF PICS!

Well, as previously mentioned, the hub and I went with fellow blogger Dawn of Suitcase Vignettes and her hub to a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show...

The hub and I are HUGE fans of Halloween and decided to jump at the chance to "dress up"  The movie was actually at the tail end of the Monster Mania conference so we knew others were going to be dressed up too.  We took the time before the show to have a couple beverages and goof around...

The hub - handsome devil!

Me and the hub - cute couple!

My friend Fluffy!

Run Fluffy Run!

Rob & Dawn

Dawn and the "Hound from Hell" my baby, Harley!

Then it was off to the show!  If you've never been to a live showing of the movie, you should.  The movie itself is very risque, bawdy and campy - oh my!  The actors do a live version while the movie plays and there are props that the audience uses and a back and forth dialog between the characters and the audience - not for the kiddies!  Here were some pics of the production:

All in all, I thought they did an excellent job and I think the audience (well, most of the audience!) had a good time. 

I was really impressed by some of the girls on the stage who wore very skimpy costumes even though they may have had a few extra pounds and/or dimples or bumps here or there.  Even if I had what the media considers a "perfect" body, I don't know that I could have put myself out there like that.  They were just having fun and being themselves!  It's nice to see plus size gals (and guys!) just being who they are and letting their inner beauty shine!  Afterall - beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and colors!

Casual Sunday...

Good evening friends -  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  I'm so sleepy - the hub and I went to the midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show last night with Dawn from Suitcase Vignettes and her hub and I didn't get to bed until almost 4:00 a.m.!   I'll have to get some pics posted soon...

I had some errands to run today so I figured I'd make an outfit post while I was at it.  My latest obsession has been with vintage jewelry - more specifically, glass bead vintage jewelry like this hand knotted milkglass necklace I bought on EBay.  I love the feel of the glass beads because they are so smooth, they make the neatest little "click click" noises, they have a nice weight to them and they are always cold so they feel nice on a hot day!  I've been collecting quite a few pieces lately and currently have my eye out for a vintage, black, faceted, glass bead, flapper-length necklace!

Top & Jeans:  Fashion Bug

Shoes:  Cole Haan (via Goodwill)

Jewelry:  Vintage milkglass necklace (via EBay), white vintage bracelet (Leru via EBay), turquoise & silver bracelet (Kohl's) and ring (thrifted)

Thirsty Thursday Recipe!

Have you ever been lazing around on a day off, maybe by the pool or on the beach or folding laundry, and somewhere around lunch time you suddenly think - I could go for a drink!  No?  Oh, OK, it's just me then....  Anywhoooo - here's a refreshing way to cool off AND enjoy a nice cocktail (without being too obvious).

Welcome to THIRSTY THURSDAY!

Watermelon Margarita Ice Pops

5 cups chopped seedless watermelon (1 1/4 pounds)

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

3 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup silver tequila

Equipment: 8 (1/3-cup) ice pop molds and 8 wooden sticks

Purée all ingredients in a blender until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup, pressing on and then discarding solids. Skim off any foam, then pour into molds. Freeze 30 minutes. Insert sticks, then freeze until firm, about 24 hours.

If you decide to give this recipe a go, invite me over let me know!

CHEERS!

WIWW (What I Wore Wednesday)

Good morning fellow bloggys and friends!  Today I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.  This week's challenge is to wear something you usually wouldn't - something you have that you haven't figured out how to wear yet...  Or something old just worn in a different way.  This week we need to be extra creative!!! 

I have this necklace...a necklace that I really love.  It's a vintage white and yellow polka dot bead necklace and it's super cute!  Problem:  I have not worn it yet because I can't figure out what to wear it with!  I don't want to wear it with black for fear of looking like a bumble bee so after a few outfit changes, this is what I came up with.  I liked it when I took the pics but now I'm looking at it again and I'm not so sure I like it.

So I'm open to suggestions!!!  Help me out here people! 

How would you wear this necklace??

Creature of Habit?

I was picking out my outfit for work (which always includes accessories) and browsing through my jewelry options when I noticed a trend.  I'm a big fan of brown & turquoise!  I just love these two colors together - drawn to them apparently!  I thought I would share some of my fav brown & turquoise necklaces - some old and some new...

I was looking for a different place in my house to take photos so I took them in my bathroom.  My brown & turquoise bathroom...  I know what I like!

I'm also a big fan of black & white - a color scheme I hope will always remain a classic! 

What are your fav color pairings? 

Inspiration Monday

Good morning friends!  Monday means it's time to get down to the Inspiration Monday photo from the lovely ladies over at two birds boutique.  This week Karolina Kurkova is looking casual in her white skinny jeans and plaid top.  Of course Mz Kurkova could wear a burlap sack and still look fashionable! 

Here was my rendition...

Casual in my capris with a little sprinkle of attitude!

I hope you had an excellent weekend!

Excellent Choice!

Good evening friends.  I hope you are having an excellent weekend thus far and have recovered nicely from Thirsty Thursday!  I just wanted to drop a quickie post.  I picked up the September edition of Glamour magazine today.  The one with Rihanna looking so foxy!  It's their "Mega Issue" and I like to flipped through Glamour just to see what new beauty products or trends are out but I prefer Marie Claire for actual content but I digress... 

Glamour asks its readers each year to nominate beauty products then compiles a list of winners and publishes it.  I think I participated once and I remember it being quite a task but I love to read the results and here they were...

I admit I haven't read through the whole thing (I mostly just flip through when I get a free minute in the "library") but one winner caught my eye(lash) and I wanted to share it with you!

"With all the mascaras out there, how does a new one stand out?  The special 'spoon' brush covers in 'a single sweep' and the flake-free formula delivers 'bold, voluminous' results, you told us.  It's like 'actual false lashes' only 'so much easier!'  It's a definite keeper in my arsenal of beauty products." ~Glamour

Mine too!  If you missed my previous post about this new mascara - check it out here!

THIRSTY THURSDAY!!!

Good afternoon friends!!!!  I do love Thursdays mostly because I don't work on Fridays (or Saturdays or Sundays) so essentially Thursday is my Friday!  TGIT!!!  What better reason to celebrate???  I can't think of one single reason! 

I will be posting a delish cocktail each Thursday in honor of Thirsty Thursday.  You are not required to try said cocktail, but I'm looking for those lushes brave ladies, like myself, who indulge in a little drinky poo now and again.

Welcome to the first installment of THIRSTY THURSDAY!

Strawberry Ice Recipe

1 1/2 oz strawberry vodka
1 1/2 oz strawberry schnapps
1 1/2 oz cranberry juice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a strawberry, and serve.

If you try this recipe out please share pics of the aftermath how you liked it. 

CHEERS!

A Belt? Me? NEVER!

What's that saying?  Never Say Never???  I haven't worn a belt in probably 20 years although I did buy one a couple years ago - it was probably a good sale and I couldn't resist...but I never wore it out of my house.

I noticed a week or so ago that some of my bloggy friends were wearing their belts UNDER other items.  Why didn't I think of that?!?!?!  So I tried it, and I really liked it.  I can't wait to try out the belts this Fall!

I'm linking up this week for the first time (a virgin!) with the Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday AND That Kind of Mom for That Kind of Beautiful.  I like these weekly challenges - forces me to be creative, and even learn a few things along the way! 

Join in if you can and meet some new friends!

Top, Slacks & Belt:  Fashion Bug

Sweater: Macy's

Shoes: Impo

Interchangeable Ring: QVC

Bracelet: Boscov's

Diamond Earrings:  A gift from the hub!

Delish-A-Dish!

This is a SUPER easy recipe my hub and I make on occasion.  We had it at some restaurant but neither of us can remember where but we remembered how delish it was. 

This time of year I'm usually up to my armpits in home grown tomatoes but July was SO hot and SO dry and I SO was not going out and watering every night, my crops have seriously suffered.  I did manage to pluck a couple plum tomatoes though to make the recipe and here's how easy it is!

Plum tomatoes are preferred because they tend to be meatier and hold up better on the grill.  So, step one - light grill (that's where hub comes in).  Then simply cut the top and bottoms off (so they don't fall over), cut them in half (unless they're small then use them whole), a little salt & pepper and I spray them with olive oil and then add blue cheese crumbles on top.

Then grill until they look like this...

I like them served with a little sliced red onion and a piece of filet mignon off the grill.  If you don't care for blue cheese, you could just grill the tomatoes without it - YUM!! 

OK, now I'm hungry...

Out of the Closet!

Happy Monday to all!  Is it the weekend yet?  Anyway...  I made a reference to my bathtub/closet on a previous post so I thought I would clarify what that means.  It means I made a closet out of the shower/tub in our gues bathroom.  The hub and I have a bathroom in our bedroom so we never shower in the guest bathroom and the space is just wasted.  The closet space is very limited in our home so I decided to just put a shower curtain rod inside the tub area, and TA-Dah!  More closet space!  Plus the room inside the tub also doubles as storage.

Innocent looking bathroom...

Then you pull back the curtain! 

Instant closet space!

Do you have any creative space saving ideas?

Inspiration Monday...sort of...

Good morning friends!  I'm trying to sound all cheery and awake but I'm actually typing this with one eye still sleeping...  I almost didn't take this week's challenge from two birds because I didn't have anything similar to any of these pieces except the cowboy boots but I went into my bathtub/closet and started thinking...

I thought since I didn't have a dress or denim shirt, I could work with the colors instead and I wanted to feel like I was wearing an outfit that I could stroll around in NYC in and still feel stylish.

I used the blue in her top, the brown boots and since she had a burgundy color in the dress, I used it as my purse color.

Top & Leggings:  Fashion Bug

Scarf:  CeCe Boutique

Purse:  Stone Mountain

Boots:  Steve Madden (EBay)

Weekend Fun!

Good afternoon friends!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  We had a fairly lazy one (what are weekends for?!?) but did manage to get dressed and out of the house on Friday to go out to dinner with two other couples.  I had never been to Benihana's although the hibachi style restaurant has been within 15 minutes from me for at least the last 20 years - if not more.  I've seen it many times on various TV movies and it always looked like it would be fun so off we went!

Bobby, Bonnie, Me (Sake is kicking in!) and the Hub

Rob and (fellow Blogger) Dawn at Suitcase Vignettes - Check her out! 

First things first - BEVERAGES!  I tried Sake for the first time.  We all shared a small bottle.  I thought we were suppose to do it like a shot so I downed mine and when I looked around, everyone else was sipping theirs!  Ooops!

We started with some appetizers - Calamari Tempura was delish!

Our Chef for the evening was Leonardo!

He even did the onion volcano for us...

And since Bonnie's birthday was earlier in the week, they brought her out a little treat and sang to her in Japanese...

I'm so glad I finally got to go to Benihana's and with a fun group of friends!  I can cross it off my bucket list!

Have you ever been to Benihana's or a place similar?  What did you think?

 

Falsies - Not THAT kind!

At work the other day I noticed the eyelashes of a girl I work with (what? you don't notice eyelashes?).  The more I looked, the more I was convinced they were fake - so I asked!  She said they weren't but she was trying a new mascara she bought from the drugstore.  Always one to run out and try the latest (affordable!) beauty product, I had to try it for myself.

This is what she used.

the Falsies Volum' Express Flared by Maybelline.

I'm fortunate in the respect that I have always had pretty long eyelashes and was fairly satisfied with my current mascara that I've been using for years (L'Oreal Voluminous Original) but, like I told my co-worker, I want lashes so long that people can feel the breeze when I bat them!

It took a week or so of using (me getting use to the applicator and/or proper applicator coating needed to occur as tends to be the case with a brand new mascara) but I noticed yesterday I was having a really good eyelash day (mind you, I apply my makeup on a moving train)!

It takes a little time to perfect application and proper coatage (is that a word?!) of the lashes but I'm liking this new stuff!  I continued to apply more coats after this pic (just for fun!) and wound up looking like a Vegas showgirl so you have to experiment to get the look you want.  The only "dislikes" I found were that it does have a strong odor for a minute or two until it dries and it takes a little longer to remove than my previous mascara - nothing major. 

All in all though, I'm pretty happy with this product!  If you decide to try (or already have) let me know what you thought! 

Can you feel the breeze?

Arm Party!!

This is my first attempt to participate in a Bloggers Do It Better Challenge over at Pretty Shiny Sparkly.  I actually got the idea yesterday from Patti at Not Dead Yet Style.  I loved how she mixed her bracelets/bangles so I wore my own creation to work today and took a picture and was going to do a post about it when I stumbled upon the Arm Party!

I tried to mix a little bit of everything!  The gold bangle on top belonged to my grandmother, the wood & bead bracelet was from my recent trip to Charming Charlie's, the brass bangle I bought for $2 at an antique store that was going out of business and the brass/silver chain bangle is Liz Claiborne.

Typically I would not have combined... well, any of these with each other but I really love how they look together and who doesn't love a party?!?!?!! 

Can't wait to link up with everyone tomorrow and see all their creations!

Sneak Peek - Tequila Sunrise

I love to wear turquoise, especially in the Summer.  I think it's such a flattering color for everyone!  I found this dress/top in Kohl's and fell in love right away.  The colors are so pretty, the material is cool and slinky (almost like a slip) and it has little jewels at the neckline - perfect for Summer!  Plus, it makes the "twins" look so lovely!  It was WAY too short for me to wear as a dress, so I paired it with some black leggings.

I was brave and posted a pic from the back view because I wanted to show the elastic gather at the back which gives this a more fitted (and flattering!) fit.  Another great thing about this is that I can dress it up or down - throw some flats on and off to the mall or slip into these pink kitten heels and I'm ready for a night of dinner on the town.  The bracelet was an EBay find that just looks like turquoise stones but when you get a closer look, it actually has skulls and bones - J'Adore this little twist on what otherwise might seem like a simple bracelet!

Top:  Apt. 9 (Kohl's)
Leggings:  Fashion Bug
Shoes: Moda Spana
Bracelet: EBay

Inspiration Monday - Mixing it Up!

Good morning!  Here we are at Monday again and here's the Inspiration from two birds for this week.  Alexa Chung (I have no idea who she is, sorry Alexa!) looking fresh in her yellow romper.  I do not own a romper.  I think the last time I did, I was 12 but I tried to do my best to replicate the feel of this outfit.

I found it interesting that she mixed her yellow/green outfit with black shoes/purse.  I would have gone with brown because that's just how I roll but I do like it with the black - I'm trying to mix things up a bit myself.  Last week I wore brown slacks with black heels, and I made it look good!