Wednesday Inspiration: Natalia Alaverdian
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“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” ~Albert Camus
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I’d bought this crochet poncho off of a street vendor in NYC about 7 years ago. I happened to be digging through my closet and stumbled up on it and thought “why not”? :)
Other ponchos you may like:
Be free where you are. ~Thich Nhat Hanh
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I saw this quote this morning and it really resonated with me. I think people tend to think that being "free" or "free-spirited" means being who you are and doing whatever you want to do at all times. In reality, we all have parameters, responsibilities and obligations that we have to adhere too. Just because you work a corporate job or can't jet off to Thailand at a moments notice to "find yourself" does not mean you aren't free. Where ever we are and whatever place in life that we are at, there is always some room for us to be the individual that makes us unique, and learning to find freedom even when still confined within those rules, obligations, responsibilities, etc. is what true maturity is.
Leopard top - Express (bought in the 90's. It's practically vintage!)
Skinny cargo pants - Old Navy
Pumps - Seychelles
Buy the cargos here:
Other styles you may like:
Leopard top - Express (bought in the 90's. It's practically vintage!)
Skinny cargo pants - Old Navy
Pumps - Seychelles
Buy the cargos here:
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Other styles you may like:
In The Kitchen: Chicken & Rice Casserole
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So, I made this casserole for the fam two days ago. It was DELICIOUS. I'm not really a casserole type of of person, but I've been wanting to add more dishes to my arsenal that my family can eat off of for 2-3 days, i.e. giving me less cooking days out of the week. I decided to find a casserole recipe from the queen of comfort food cooking herself, Paula Deen. I searched through Foodnetwork.com, and this is what I found. I have to admit, when I read through the ingredients, I was a little skeptical. Water chesnuts? Pimento? Didn't sound like any comfort food that I'd ever had before. Paula Deen has never let me down before, so I decided to take a leap of faith, and I'm glad I did. The hubs asked that I make this a "regular". Did I mention that this was so delicious?!
Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
* 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
* 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
* 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans green beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
* 1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos
* 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1 (6-ounce) box long-grain wild rice, cooked according to package directions
* 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
* Pinch salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat butter or oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
Add all remaining ingredients to bowl and mix together until thoroughly combined.
Pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Mods
-I used chicken breasts & thighs that I'd baked in the oven prior to making the casserole. Just seasoned them with a little salt and pepper.
-I only used one can of green beans. In my opinion, that was enough. Next time, I will steam fresh green beans prior to making the casserole--better color, and more crunch.
-I doubled the cheese. No explanation needed, I'm sure. haha
-I used cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery. I'd forgotten to buy the cream of celery and happened to have cream of chicken in the cupboard, thank God.
-After putting everything in the casserole dish, I topped it with the remainder of the cheese and crushed Ritz crackers. A "topping" tends to make casseroles look better. It also gives a little bit of crunch.
-As I read through the reviews of this dish, I saw that people were making their own variations (broccoli instead of green beans, different kinds of cheeses, adding mushrooms, etc.) with great results. I definitely think this casserole is a good base to experiment with, and I intend to in the future. I like to try recipes out as-written (for the most part) initially, just to get a better idea of how it was originally intended before I alter it.
Hope you guys enjoy this as much as we did!
Recipe can be found HERE.
Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
* 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil
* 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
* 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
* 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans green beans, drained and rinsed
* 1 (8-ounce) can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
* 1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos
* 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1 (6-ounce) box long-grain wild rice, cooked according to package directions
* 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
* Pinch salt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat butter or oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
Add all remaining ingredients to bowl and mix together until thoroughly combined.
Pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
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| I don't think I've ever cooked with water chestnuts before, aside from pre-made stir fry. |
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| Green beans, water chestnuts, pimento and sauteed onion |
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| Rice & cheese added. |
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| Mayo & cream of chicken soup added. |
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| Last but not least--the chicken! Breast & thigh meat. |
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| Ready for the oven. Topped with extra cheese and crushed Ritz crackers. My own little twist. |
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| Turned out spectacular. Creamy gooey-goodness! |
-I used chicken breasts & thighs that I'd baked in the oven prior to making the casserole. Just seasoned them with a little salt and pepper.
-I only used one can of green beans. In my opinion, that was enough. Next time, I will steam fresh green beans prior to making the casserole--better color, and more crunch.
-I doubled the cheese. No explanation needed, I'm sure. haha
-I used cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery. I'd forgotten to buy the cream of celery and happened to have cream of chicken in the cupboard, thank God.
-After putting everything in the casserole dish, I topped it with the remainder of the cheese and crushed Ritz crackers. A "topping" tends to make casseroles look better. It also gives a little bit of crunch.
-As I read through the reviews of this dish, I saw that people were making their own variations (broccoli instead of green beans, different kinds of cheeses, adding mushrooms, etc.) with great results. I definitely think this casserole is a good base to experiment with, and I intend to in the future. I like to try recipes out as-written (for the most part) initially, just to get a better idea of how it was originally intended before I alter it.
Hope you guys enjoy this as much as we did!
Recipe can be found HERE.
Peter Pan & Plaid
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Plaid is one of my favorite prints. I tend to collect plaid shirts. This one is probably my favorite, as it's made of soft flannel and is just oh so comfy. I added black leggings to keep the "comfy" theme going, along with what I like to call my "Peter Pan" suede boots. And easy, comfy, everyday look.
I decided to switch the hair back to curly. I thought that this fall/winter I would wear my hair flat ironed straight the majority of the time--and trust me, on a day to day basis, dealing with hair at this length straightened is much easier for me, but I some how don't feel as beautiful with it straight as I do with "my bush". Plus, I've noticed that the only time I get the urge to cut my hair because I feel it lacks "style" is when it is straight. I suppose I should stop trying to make a decision on how I intend to wear my hair--and just wear it. The roller coaster continues...
Top - Forever 21
Leggings - Target
Boots - Aldo
Shop the look:
I decided to switch the hair back to curly. I thought that this fall/winter I would wear my hair flat ironed straight the majority of the time--and trust me, on a day to day basis, dealing with hair at this length straightened is much easier for me, but I some how don't feel as beautiful with it straight as I do with "my bush". Plus, I've noticed that the only time I get the urge to cut my hair because I feel it lacks "style" is when it is straight. I suppose I should stop trying to make a decision on how I intend to wear my hair--and just wear it. The roller coaster continues...
Top - Forever 21
Leggings - Target
Boots - Aldo
Shop the look:
Ghosts of Halloween's Past...
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So I'm currently in the process of trying to figure out what I plan to "be" for Halloween. Halloween is one of my favorite days of the year, and my friends and I tend to go all out. There is no fun like partying in costumes. Even the most uptight people tend to lose their inhibitions when they are in character. Not that any of us have any issues with being "uptight".
Photo proof:
What do any of you guys plan to do/be for Halloween?
Wide Leg
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I'm always so quick to reach for the skinny jeans. This time I actually dug through my jean pile and put on a pair that I haven't worn in a while. It's nice to step outside of the "usual" at times. :)
Abercrombie & Fitch shirt
Old Navy cardi
Gap wide leg trouser jeans (these are really old)
Vintage brown oxford shoes
Stuck in the Middle...
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Well, it's officially autumn, but this Georgia weather seems to be stuck somewhere in the middle. We're still getting pretty warm in the day (highs in or close to the 80's) and pretty chilly at night. So with that inspiration, I decided to mix some fall stuff with some summer pieces.
Cardigan - Nordstrom
Cut-off shorts - Levis
Boots - Aldo
Tank - F21
In the Kitchen: Indonesian Ginger Chicken, Roasted Carrots, Basmati Rice
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Hey guys, I've decided to start doing posts of my cooking here and there. Since getting married, I've become quite the avid cook. My skills have been getting better and better, which is great seeing that I started from scratch. When I was "single & fabulous", the only "cooking" I did was reheating take-out in the microwave. haha
So, two nights ago I was perusing Food Network online for a new chicken dish to try. The Food Network is one of my favorite channels and I have used lots of recipes from different shows. I tend to use a lot of Paula Deen, Giada de Laurentiis (Everyday Italian), and Down Home With the Neelys recipes. Well this time I chose a recipe by Ina Garton of Barefoot Contessa. I chose it because I'm a lover of all ethnic food, and this chicken recipe was right up my alley. I decided to also make the two side dishes she'd made with this dish. So here are the recipes.
Indonesian Ginger Chicken
Ingredients:
* 1 cup honey
* 3/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup minced garlic (8 to 12 cloves)
* 1/2 cup peeled and grated fresh ginger root
* 2 (3 1/2 pound) chickens, quartered, with backs removed
Directions:
Cook the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger root in a small saucepan over low heat until the honey is melted. Arrange the chicken in 1 layer in a shallow baking pan, skin side down, and pour on the sauce. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the pan, turn the chicken skin side up, and raise the temperature to 375 degrees F. Continue baking for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh and the sauce is a rich, dark brown.
Roasted Carrots
Ingredients:
* 12 carrots
* 3 tablespoons good olive oil
* 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
* 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill or parsley
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
If the carrots are thick, cut them in half lengthwise; if not, leave whole. Slice the carrots diagonally in 1 1/2-inch-thick slices. (The carrots will shrink while cooking so make the slices big.) Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a sheet pan in 1 layer and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until browned and tender.
Toss the carrots with minced dill or parsley, season to taste, and serve.
Basmati Rice
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
* 1 yellow onion, chopped
* 1 cup long grain basmati rice
* 1 3/4 cups water
* 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/4 cup sliced scallions
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Directions:
Cook the butter and onions over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and toss until all of the grains are coated with the butter. Add the water and salt, cover and cook until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the scallions and parsley, fluff with a fork, and serve.
Mods & Tips:
- Instead of chicken quarters, I used wings and thighs (skin on). In the future, other than the wings, any other chicken parts that I use, I will make sure they are SKINLESS. Even marinating as long as it did, the skin seemed to get all the flavor. Because I don't usually eat the skin on chicken (except on wings), I'd rather the meat get all the good flavors. Also, I added some red pepper flakes to the marinade to give it a little kick.
-As you can see, instead of going through all of the trouble of peeling and slicing carrots, I used baby carrots.
-The rice I used wasn't basmati. I used what I'd already had in the cupboard, which was instant rice. It still came out PERFECT, and was actually a surprise highlight of the meal!
-Put your fresh ginger in the freezer--it makes it easier to grate later!
-Lastly, where she uses kosher salt--I'd used sea salt, again, what I'd already had in the cupboard.
This will definitely be added to the repertoire!
So, two nights ago I was perusing Food Network online for a new chicken dish to try. The Food Network is one of my favorite channels and I have used lots of recipes from different shows. I tend to use a lot of Paula Deen, Giada de Laurentiis (Everyday Italian), and Down Home With the Neelys recipes. Well this time I chose a recipe by Ina Garton of Barefoot Contessa. I chose it because I'm a lover of all ethnic food, and this chicken recipe was right up my alley. I decided to also make the two side dishes she'd made with this dish. So here are the recipes.
Indonesian Ginger Chicken
Ingredients:
* 1 cup honey
* 3/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup minced garlic (8 to 12 cloves)
* 1/2 cup peeled and grated fresh ginger root
* 2 (3 1/2 pound) chickens, quartered, with backs removed
Directions:
Cook the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger root in a small saucepan over low heat until the honey is melted. Arrange the chicken in 1 layer in a shallow baking pan, skin side down, and pour on the sauce. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the pan, turn the chicken skin side up, and raise the temperature to 375 degrees F. Continue baking for 30 minutes or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh and the sauce is a rich, dark brown.
Roasted Carrots
Ingredients:
* 12 carrots
* 3 tablespoons good olive oil
* 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
* 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill or parsley
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
If the carrots are thick, cut them in half lengthwise; if not, leave whole. Slice the carrots diagonally in 1 1/2-inch-thick slices. (The carrots will shrink while cooking so make the slices big.) Toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a sheet pan in 1 layer and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until browned and tender.
Toss the carrots with minced dill or parsley, season to taste, and serve.
Basmati Rice
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
* 1 yellow onion, chopped
* 1 cup long grain basmati rice
* 1 3/4 cups water
* 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/4 cup sliced scallions
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Directions:
Cook the butter and onions over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and toss until all of the grains are coated with the butter. Add the water and salt, cover and cook until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to sit covered for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the scallions and parsley, fluff with a fork, and serve.
Mods & Tips:
- Instead of chicken quarters, I used wings and thighs (skin on). In the future, other than the wings, any other chicken parts that I use, I will make sure they are SKINLESS. Even marinating as long as it did, the skin seemed to get all the flavor. Because I don't usually eat the skin on chicken (except on wings), I'd rather the meat get all the good flavors. Also, I added some red pepper flakes to the marinade to give it a little kick.
-As you can see, instead of going through all of the trouble of peeling and slicing carrots, I used baby carrots.
-The rice I used wasn't basmati. I used what I'd already had in the cupboard, which was instant rice. It still came out PERFECT, and was actually a surprise highlight of the meal!
-Put your fresh ginger in the freezer--it makes it easier to grate later!
-Lastly, where she uses kosher salt--I'd used sea salt, again, what I'd already had in the cupboard.
This will definitely be added to the repertoire!
Fab Shoe Fab Price
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I'd decided to throw something on with a recently purchased pair of of shoes I'd gotten from DSW. I am all about wedges, by the way. These are leather wedge peep-toe booties by MIA and were $59. I'd happened to have a 10 dollar off coupon from DSW, so I nabbed them for $49. They're fairly "Jeffrey Campbell-ish" and with JC being twice the price of these, usually--couldn't pass them up!
Paired them with "boyfriend jeans" from Old Navy, UO tank, and F21 puff sleeved cardigan.
Sade Announces 2011 Tour Dates + recent pics
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Oh, and this past week, Sade was photographed at Alicia Keys' 7th Annual Keep A Child Alive black ball. She is aging oh so well. Definitely an inspiration.
Click to enlarge:
Movie night.
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Since it is now officially autumn, I decided to take my new over-the-knee boots for a test drive. Monday night, me and the hubby went to see a late night movie, and this just happens to be what I'd threw on. F21 top, Urban Outfitters bleached out skinnies, and Steve Madden boots. Nothing special. :)
Thrift Store Find of the Day
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Went thrifting today and nabbed these adorable Zara flats for only 5 bucks! Even with all the the 6 inch platform heels being all the rage these days, there is nothing like a cute little pair of flats paired with skinny jeans for an chic understated look.
I found a pair of H&M black platform pumps, as well (not pictured). I definitely have to keep the second-hand stores in rotation. I forget that there are little "gems" to be found there!
Another great night at Sunday School...
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This past Sunday, I attended one of my favorite monthly events "Sunday School" at Social Resto, with DJ Salah Ananse. It was my boy Salah's birthday, so I HAD to make it out despite the typhoon-like rain (hence, the frizzy hair. If you are in Atlanta, every 4th Sunday, come check Sunday School out. Great music, fun people and Social is such a cute little venue.
Info on Social at www.socialintown.com
Visit DJ Salah Ananse's fan page HERE.
Buddha Babe
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I have a love affair with Buddhist statues & paraphanelia. I have them all over my house, to my very devout Christian mother's chagrin. (I'm rebellious to the core.) Here is a vintage one that my grandmother gave me a long time ago, it's one of my favorites. Just as I'm writing this, it just struck me--my grandmom has a few Buddha statues in her home as well. It must be her influence. I guess if an apple does fall far from the tree, it probably ends up closer to another tree. :)
Oh, and the hair is still straight--washing it this weekend though. I have to admit, this is one of the first times I've actually REALLY enjoyed the straight hair. Could I be getting over the whole "big hair" thing? Things that make you go hmmmmm....
P.S. I think I'm going to take a more "photo blog"-ish approach with this blog, with some fashion stuff thrown in. I've always had a love affair with photography, and fairly recently upped the ante and bought myself a DSLR & a couple of lenses and am taking photography classes. So be prepared to see lots of gratuitous pictures of mine here. Hope you guys enjoy.
Oh, and the hair is still straight--washing it this weekend though. I have to admit, this is one of the first times I've actually REALLY enjoyed the straight hair. Could I be getting over the whole "big hair" thing? Things that make you go hmmmmm....
P.S. I think I'm going to take a more "photo blog"-ish approach with this blog, with some fashion stuff thrown in. I've always had a love affair with photography, and fairly recently upped the ante and bought myself a DSLR & a couple of lenses and am taking photography classes. So be prepared to see lots of gratuitous pictures of mine here. Hope you guys enjoy.
Luv Her Look: Sarah Jessica Parker--Memorial at a Memorial
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I'm just going to assume that she's wearing McQueen from head to toe.
Click to enlarge:
On My List: Lace-up Boots
/So as autumn slowly makes it's way upon us and I'm planning my fall/winter wardrobe, I've found that I am totally obsessed with one of the big trends for the season--lace-up boots. They come in all forms--knee-hi, booties, wedge, stiletto, etc. Because I'm a mother and also partial to really chic CASUAL style, I find that I'm drawn to the booties the most, preferably in a wedge. Oh, and I also love the Victorian style lace-ups as well. This Fall/Winter, every girl should have at least one pair in her closet!
Lace-up booties
Just saying "hey"...
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Well, I don't really have anything to post about really. So I guess I will just humor you guys with a pic of my hair that I just flat ironed in preparation for a wedding that I am in this weekend in my hometown. I'm the Matron (as in old and married) of honor, and I think the bridal party are all going for updos. So, flat ironing was very necessary.
Anyway, the wedding is at a nice hotel, and me and a couple of other girls of the bridal party (including the bride) will be staying at the hotel the night before the big day. Kinda' like a big slumber party. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get back if I snap anything "post worthy". haha Have a good weekend!
Anyway, the wedding is at a nice hotel, and me and a couple of other girls of the bridal party (including the bride) will be staying at the hotel the night before the big day. Kinda' like a big slumber party. I'll be sure to post pictures when I get back if I snap anything "post worthy". haha Have a good weekend!
