Italian Tomato Parmesan Soup & Rosemary Olive Oil Bread

Some days are hard to have kids. As I write this, my two year old is playing in his room after I put him to bed. In fact, I started bedtime at 8, its nearly 10 and he is still fighting. I am blaming this on the missed nap for the third day in a row. All I can say is, my children exhausted me today.

Today I cooked dinner at my parents house. I had to bring my supplies from home, which ended up with me forgetting things! Dinner was totally different from what it should have been. The soup was loosely based off this recipe for slow cooker Tomato Basil Soup. It ended up Italian Tomato Soup with no crock pot required. Let me explain. I forgot the basil, chicken broth, and crock pot! I did however remember the vegetables!

I quickened the recipe by bring the whole pot to a boil. Instead of using chicken broth I substituted for beef bullion and water. I also used whole milk rather than half and half. Otherwise, I followed the process pretty close. What can I say, I am a true Italian cook, I never measure and I work with what I have. On everyday occasions, I rarely use recipes! Remember, no basil... so thats why the name changed!

Even the none tomato eating crew seemed to enjoy the soup. It was very flavorful and I think it would be a really great base for adding all kinds of delicious things.

I followed the recipe for the Rosemary Olive Oil Bread a little more closely. I rarely bake, so I have less experience with substitution. I just didn't use basil. I also used fast acting yeast and normal flour (not whole wheat or anything). The bread is smaller than the above recipe because I am not patient and didn't let it rise long enough. Still, it was delicious! I would most definitely attempt bread again.

I would have loved to have made mozzarella grilled cheese with that bread to go with dinner. Another time, when I am more prepared!

My Outfit

I got a huge amount of compliments today, so I decided to share it with you. I am constantly amazed how many people are liking my hair! I never expected for it to be a fashion statement.

The sweater shirt is from Maurices. I love this shirt so much! I have had it since college, its been a favorite since then. The skirt is a Target design. The shoes also come from Target, many seasons ago. The biggest focus of my compliments was my earring, which I've noted before. They look like something between a feather and a leaf in pinks.

A Day In The Sun

We had lovely, almost summer weather here today. We hit 80, I know. My parents deicided to try to suffer through and not use the air conditioning and the kids were suffering. We decided to have a little fun outside!

My sweet little boy picked me a flower!

 





















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Cajun Chicken Pasta

 I have to admit that I made this light recipe for Cajun chicken pasta, un-skinny. I made a large number of substitutions to cater to the group I was feeding and in order to buy what was on sale. I used mini yellow and orange peppers, rather than large green ones. I used canned diced tomatoes (strained), and jarred mushrooms(strained). I used 2% and full fat cream cheese because I don't like low fat. I also created my own Cajun seasoning using paprika, onion power, garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Truthfully, I have no idea if thats Cajun, it just smelled and looked right. I needed to take away the spice. Lastly, I forgot chicken broth, so I just added extra water. That is one substitution I would NOT recommend. I think it needed it. Otherwise, it was very good and colorful. It is a dish I'd love to play with and try again.

Cooking this meal was a SEVERAL step process. I would recommend cutting all the vegetables and chicken the day before to make it easier.

My Outfit

Outside

Inside

The earrings are my turquoise dangles I got in a small little shop in Port Jefferson, NY. I'm pretty sure they are homemade. I adore them. The top is Target. I love sheer flowy clothing. Somewhere deep down it makes me feel like a princess of a fairy. I paired these with my basic LB jeans and Payless black flats. I need to break out of the rut with these flats. I have a collection, I should wear something new!

A better look at my earrings

Portraits of Me

I have never felt bolder or more powerful than I did when I decided to cut my hair off. I told myself that there is so much more to me than others can see. So, I decided to show off my new due.

I got looks all day! I still have to go get my wig out of storage. Until then, let them stare!

Contest Reminder!

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WE WANT YOU TO ENTER!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

I mentioned a few days ago that I was having some issues with unexplained hair loss. I went to the doctor today and he said it was hormonal and would last about six months. Considering this, I decided to cut my hair. I want my hair to have a chance to all grow out the same when it does come in. So, I didn't just cut it short, I cut it all off. It was a hard thing to do, but I try to take it in stride. At least I will get to give all kinds of styles and hair colors a try since I will be moving to wigs. Although this was a difficult choice, my family was great. They were supportive and understanding.

My Outfit

Earlier today this is what I looked like. I went to lunch with two of my good friends. I had a blast! Thank you Gwynnie Bee for the skirt. The sweater is Old Navy. My scarf and purse were vintage/retro.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Before

First cut

my curls

This would have been a cute cut actually, if I wasn't losing my hair anyway.

 The Process

I wasn't really pleased with my husband's comments....

After

 Contest Reminder!

 Remember the contest ends April 13th at 8pm. See here to find out how to win a box of my favorite things!

Day twelve: A Rainy Day

It was a rainy morning and nothing worked out quite the way I planned. By the time I got my picture taken I was in rough shape. So, if you think the picture is a bit off or my hair is a wreck, you know why! I had fun with my browns today. I mixed and matched several brown pieces to produce a complete ensemble.

My Outfit

From the top: Gold dangle earrings with small stone details, teal camisole, tan cable cardigan, and brown tweed dress slacks. Tan flats with gold cap toe.

 The details in this outfit pull it together, but the picture doesn't do that part justice. I just threw my hair back in a pony tail because of the rain, but I later took it down and enjoyed my curly waves. Unseen in the picture I also had on my gold watch. This outfit is comfortable and work friendly for a rainy spring day.

My Lunch

 Another shameful lunch today. Leftovers are the name of the game when you have kids and little time to prepare. The addition of the sweets comes from my basic lack of self-control. 

What can I say? Nothing beats cold pizza! I'm looking forward to a more complete and health conscious lunch at some point this week.

Mini Theme: Hair Basics

I had a hard time righting a basics list for all hair types and styles. Truthfully, I cant. My list of basics cover some products and brands I love, as well as some helpful hair styling supplies almost everyone can use. I have curly/wavy hair so MY products typically focus on anti-frizz and curl definition. Choose your battle and supply yourself appropriately.

• Shampoo AND Conditioner- I like using two separate products because it allows me to leave the conditioner in for a period of time before rinsing. I use Garnier Triple Moisture because they no longer make Curl and Shine.
• Hairspray- Again I use Garnier. In fact, unless I state otherwise, almost all my hair products are.
• Leave in Conditioner- This is especially important for curly, wavy, or frizzy hair.
• Hair gel, cream, or serum
• Hair pins- May I recommend basic bobby pins and Goodies simple styles twist pins. If your hair is long enough I also suggest Simple Styles Modern Updo.
• Any kind of no pull, metal free hair ties. I like to use ones in the same color as my hair to avoid distracting from my style.
• Hair claws- I like smaller ones and ones made for think hair.
• A hair brush with covered, protective bristles- If it hurts your head, its killing your hair.
• A large tooth comb- This is for detangling.
• Curling iron and straightening iron- Although I rarely use either, I think they are usually basics for most people.
• A hair dryer- Its bad for your hair, but if you use one be cautious. If you have curly/wavy hair use a diffuser.

Is there anything else you would add? Let me know, leave a comment below.

Attention!
Good news! If I get up to 20 (or more) followers before the end of this month's series, I will do a giveaway. I don't want to spoil the surprise for the winner, but the prize will be "a few of my favorite things"! So, I hope to be preparing a package for someone really soon.

 

Days Eight and Nine: Miss me?

I missed you! I apologize that there is two days in one this evening. Internet issues caused a small bump in my plans for writing last night. I promise to make up for it. I will include Friday's and today's outfit in this post, as well as my lunch from Friday.

So much has happened since Friday it seems like a world of time has passed. It was casual Friday, so I was lucky. I got into my slightly smaller, per-pregnancy jeans!

From the top: turquoise and silver dangle earrings, purple 3/4 sleeve button down, dark wash jeans, silver toe- black flats.

 I really love the dark wash jeans. They are the most formal color of jeans. This makes them perfect for a casual day at work. I tried to class up my look with a button down shirt and a stylish pair of flats. I also tried a new hair style on Friday! Im getting so bored of the same old, same old. Here is a close up. Notice the braid in the front. The rest was pulled back into a basic ponytail.

 As you may remember, Fridays are bento lunch days. I'm saddened to say that my son's lunch turned out way better than mine. The theme Friday was "under the sea".

Another product review! Goldfish bread

I have to admit that the shape of the bread screams "fun," but after tasting it I was disappointed. The bread is very sweet which makes it no good for the meat and cheese type of sandwich. It may be alright for a PB&J or other sweet type sandwich. The bread is also a bit dry and doesn't hold together well when you take the two slices apart. Basically, I don't plan to buy Goldfish bread again. I'll stick to fishy crackers rather than fish bread!

Saturday was a whole new story. I was hoping to bring my son to the park, so my outfit choice was ultra casual. Saturdays are also my no make up or hair washing days, so I already look rough. My hair is usually the most challenge issue. Today I did another altered pony.

I really think the twist distracted from the fact my hair was greasy! Pony tails are always easy to do. I love to try new variations of the style

My outfit mixes the classic t-shirt and jeans look. Jeans and a t-shirt do not need to be boring!

From the bottom: converse style brown and pink herringbone sneakers, dark wash jeans, "Wild about education" t-shirt, brown vest with lace detail, multicolor dangle earrings.

I wish you could see the lace detail in the vest, its the best part of the whole outfit. It makes the vest girly and fun. The shirt comes from my many years working in the education field. Any t-shirt would work with this outfit really, I just pulled the first one out that I could find. I rarely wear t-shirts, so they are hidden in my drawer.

My random acts of kindness went well. Friday's was good. I gave a whole box of jeans to a friend. Today's was a lot smaller. I made something special for my father in law with dinner. Doing something for someone doesn't have to be big, it doesn't even have to cost money. Sometimes words are the best random act of kindness you can give!

Day Two: A little known Secret, The Dollar Store rocks!

I had a great Saturday, I got a nap! As a parent you know its a good day when that happens. I also got a little shopping done, went out to lunch with my mother, and made dinner. I'd say I had a successful day. Getting ready this morning was a bit of a challenge however. Saturdays are my "no wash" hair days, in order to give my hair a break. It is my frail attempt at keeping my curly hair healthy. I read somewhere that you are not supposed to wash your hair everyday. Therefore, I had to come up with a hair style that didn't reveal how terribly greasy my hair truly was. You will have to tell me what you think. I love Saturdays because it is pretty much the only day of the week I can wear jeans, and I take advantage of it.

Starting from the bottom: brown wedge heel boots with buckle details, jeans, large agate ring, and knit cowl neck sweater shirt.

Saturdays are also no make-up days typically, because who really needs to wear mascara to the Dollar Store? Speaking of which, I love the Dollar Store! From fashion to health and food to cleaning supplies, you can always find something useful there. Below are some of my favorite finds.

Fashion forward sunglasses, name brand hair supplies, basic health needs; the Dollar Store is a gold mine! If you are not already an avid fan, I suggest checking one out soon. They carry a lot of fun and useful things. I am a big believer in being thrifty. I work hard for my money, I want it to go as far as possible.

What are your favorite wallet friendly stores for fashion and food?