14 April 2011

My Man Made Mussels Marinara

Talk about alliteration in that Post Title. Whew. Try to say that fast 10 X in a row. Seriously, try it. I gave up after fumbling the 3rd try.



I love to bake yummy sweets and my husband cooks the most amazing dinners. So why not share the love with my readers and show you some recipes we've attempted (me) or created (husband). Maybe you'll find some food inspiration.





For the fashion lovers, I'm in no way suggesting that this will become a food only blog...I definitely don't have the time and patience for that!


Today I'm sharing a creation my husband recently made last week. He went to the store to buy some ingredients for dinner and saw some fresh mussels there and couldn't resist to get them. I asked my dear husband to write up a recipe for the dish he made and he gladly did so. Please note that I did nothing at all to help with this dish...except to eat it!






1. Make rice, whatever kind you want. [I'm going to assume stove top kind will work pretty well since that's what the husband used.]

A long grain and wild rice combo was used here. Pasta would be good too. At the end of the rice cooking, add a can of diced tomatoes; add salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil to taste. Add some shredded cheese and stire. Manchego cheese was used for this dish.



2. Meanwhile, cook fresh, sliced chorizo in a pan with a little olive oil, about 7 minutes. Add shrimp and cook about 5 minutes. Add a can of crushed tomatoes and a little water. Let it stew for a bit.



3. When you have 10 minutes left on your rice, add the mussels to the pan and cover. Turn the heat to medium-high if it isn't already. The mussels should only take about 5 minutes to open up. After they open, uncover and spoon some of the sauce onto the mussels and mix them up with the rest of it.



4. Serve the proteins and sauce on top of the rice. Spoon remaining sauce over all of it.



Any combination of proteins and rice/pasta would work. You could use chicken instead of chorizo, calamari instea of shrimp or mussels. You could add peppers and onions for a more Spanish style or you could add Italian herbs and use parmesan instead of machego for the cheese.






**Tips for working with mussels: Discard any mussels that are open when you bought them. Before cooking, wash them thoroughly and remove the beards, if not already removed.



Maybe you're like me and didn't know what a beard is on a mussel. It is some furry stuff that grows on it. Most mollusks have beards when they come out of the ocean. They are usually removed before you buy them, but not always if you get them from a specialty store.



Next food post will feature pound cake...stay tuned!



Any food creations you've made recently and want to share?

13 April 2011

Maxi-ed Out

I'm participating in the Every Body Every Wear challenge with my maxi dress today. Technically speaking, I participated yesterday, but I never seem to get my post up on the same day of the challenge. Oh well, I guess I am just too busy with the little things...like work and life! Of course I could always plan ahead and wear the outfits before the day of the challenge, but that's just not how I roll.


I've only worn this maxi dress once before today...on my honeymoon in Costa Rica!


See? Told ya. Hey look! I had a tan at some point!

Aww, we're so adorable. I can't believe our 1 year anniversary is almost here! Still have to think of what I will be giving my husband for an anniversary gift...men are hard to shop for!


Ok, where was I? Right, maxi dress.

So here's how I remixed it a little to make it more work appropriate and less beachwear.




Lucy is stealing the show in all the blog pics this week!





Dress: Macy's. SS sweater: Gap. Cardigan, Belt, Black flats: Target.


Close up of jewelry. Earrings: Target? / Necklace: Charming Charlie


I really like this dress, but it's hard getting past the idea of it being a dress for the beach. Once I styled it and wore it, though, I really liked what came out of it.


And I probably got the most compliments from coworkers in a single day when I wore this outfit. I wasn't even sure about it when I walked out the door, but isn't it funny how a few nice words can make you feel good? So I guess I would call this a pretty successful outfit.


Do you have any pieces that you have forced into a specific drawer of your brain? (haha, get it?) Maybe a skirt or dress or top that you think can only be worn to a specific location or event?


If so, share your piece and maybe we can help each other by styling a new outfit for you!



Check out how others styled their maxi dresses and skirts over here at EBEW!



Maxi Skirt/Dress  Everybody, Everywear

12 April 2011

Inspiration Outfit: Diane Kruger

I decided to join in again for Two Birds Inspiration Monday. I'm just a day behind.


This week, we are basing our looks on Diane Kruger's look below.



Super cute, right?



Definitely not wearing boots in April though! I live in Texas...it was almost 90 degrees this past weekend!


My look below is about as inspired as I could get yesterday morning. I had such little sleep Sunday night with neighbors having a party and VERY loud music until 3:00 am!

I mean, really?? On a Sunday night?!?!





Top: Target. Skirt: Sears. Shoes: Endless. Earrings: White House Black Market. Ring: James Avery.


I'm actually pulling my skirt up in the pic above. Sexy, I know. And thank my dog Lucy for grabbing the spotlight with her butt shot, haha.


The skirt was so big it fell at my hips and kinda become a midi skirt for the day.




If it were a straighter skirt as it looks in this pic, I think it might work better.



Trying to pull off a messy cute bun...falling down by the end of the day.




This is the skirt I wanted to wear with this striped button down. Isn't it super cute with the belt over it? It would've been my first attempt to rock a belt over the waist of a skirt.




But I couldn't walk around all day like this...I actually pulled this skirt up (also too big), folded over a portion of the waist and put the belt on. It worked fine for a pic, but not so much in the real world.







So now I'm realizing that all my a-line skirts are now hitting me at the hip. I haven't worn some of them in so long that I've lost inches since I last wore them. I'm not complaining that they are too big, I'm super excited about that! I'm just sayin' that I didn't realize I actually had an excuse to go shopping!


But it's a lot harder to shop when you actually need a specific piece...don't you think?




So anyway, how do y'all like my inspired outfit? How would you change it?




I definitely want the skirt to be higher so I could wear a skinny belt with it, but that wasn't gonna happen this morning. And maybe I'd incorporate more color because I definitely think it's lacking my usual bright and cheery colors I like.



What I enjoy about these inspiration outfits is that I think outside the box (or closet!) a little more than usual when I am getting ready. I haven't worn this top with any skirt yet and I rarely wear this skirt.

08 April 2011

FBFF: Spring Trends

FBFF Topic this week is Spring Trends!



What are the top 5 Spring Trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?


Of course I chose clothing & shoes trends to feature!!




Spring Trend #1: Wedge Sandals!!




Well apparently they only show images of the right shoe. All images from DSW.



Does this not make you wanna go shoe shopping? With so many adorable wedges out there, I know I'll be buying some soon. This is sad, but I have some amazing royal blue ruffle wedge sandals sitting in my closet that have never been worn. I'm making a resolution now to wear them in the next month.




Spring Trend #2 is Florals

Spring Trend 2011: Florals





I'm seeing both bright big floral prints and small vintage florals and I'm loving it all! I definitely think some florals can pair together, but you just have to be careful if you don't want to come across as eclectic. By the way, all the picks above are less than $100!




Spring Trend # 3 is Wide Leg Pants




TopShop linen pants, $80 ASOS pleated pants, $81 Adam wide leg pants, $84 Black pants, $180 Akira Black Label high waisted pants, $45 Topshop, $76 ASOS wide leg pants, $54 Stoneware Hearts, ABC Carpet & Home, $50 MERCI GUSTAVE Eiffel Tower, 49 EUR



Pants are really going retro this spring and channeling the 70s. What I like about wide leg pants now is that they have more of a classic look these days. And also, they're SO flattering for almost every body shape!


I don't think I'm really feeling the red floral pants, but all the other ones I would totally buy.


I included the Eiffel Tower because it's wearing wide leg pants too!




Spring Trend # 4 are this season's color trends: Orange & Chartreuse!!



Spring Trend 2011: Color Trends


Spring Trend 2011: Color Trends by lemondrop_linz featuring cotton dresses



I adore these bright colors!! I own some orange in my closet but I'm thinking I need to fill in some of the gaps with a few lovely chartreuse pieces.


And maybe it's just me, but as I'm looking at this Polyvore set, I'm really loving these 2 colors paired together...challenge accepted! I'm going to find some chartreuse to style with the orange I own and feature it on the blog.



Spring Trend #5 is Neutrals






SO maybe this choice threw you off a little. Neutrals...on ME? But seeing them over and over in magazines and online is just making me love them even more.


Layering neutrals is really big for the spring, but just make sure you don't get all matchy matchy with it. You want to stay monochromatic.




What are your favorite spring trends you are seeing and wanting to show off?

Any pieces above you are craving?

Or how bout any ideas for styling some of these trends?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!




Check out other fave spring trends within the FBFF group over at Modly Chic.

05 April 2011

Inspiration Monday Follow-up

So I am finally posting the actual outfit I wore for two birds' inspiration monday this week. Check out my last post to see what I thought I might wear without having my closet right in front of me.


Um, please just scroll down...I think it would look dumb if I linked to my last post.

Here are the changes I made.



Cardigan & Scarf: Target / T-shirt: Old Navy / Coach bag: gift from in-laws / Skirt: too old to remember




Tights: Urban Outfitters / Snakeskin Heels: Steve Madden




James Avery necklace




I think this outfit would work even better if my skirt was a little shorter.



I have to admit...I may like just the tee and skirt together the best.



The screen print tee that I have in a bluer shade of green was just being cut off too much by the skirt and not working. So I went with a plain kelly green tee instead.


The purple cardigan looked decent with the green tee, but the orange just caught my eye more and made me go Hmmmm, that's interesting.


Y'all know I love color (did you think I was gonna channel Paula Deen and say butter??), but I don't think I've ever paired green and orange together. I've just never thought of it.

But I think it's a pairing I like...almost as much as a fudgey brownie & a glass of milk!


Because of this challenge, I also found how versatile this polka dot skirt can be! I wore it higher today to make it skim the knee and look more empire waist. I'm thinking it will be an easy piece to remix.



How do you like the outfit I ended up with?


What changes would you make? Hey, I'm all for constructive criticism!

04 April 2011

Inspiration Monday with Two Birds


So I was going to participate in Two Birds' Inspiration Monday that they did today. They share an inspiration picture of a certain look and then whomever wants to shares their take on that inspiration with clothes from their own closet.


Here's this week's look.




But this morning, I actually dried my hair and fixed it (only because I just got it cut on Saturday), so I lacked the motivation and the time to find a cute outfit within the parameter of the Monday challenge.


Here's what I wanna do instead. Now that I'm obsessed with Polyvore (and maybe have 5 more sets I have yet to share with you all...you are so excited now, aren't you?!!), then why not take a few minutes here and there at work today to recreate an outfit there?! I tried to use similar pieces to what I have in my closet so it would sort of be the same idea. And maybe...I said maybe...I will also go home and recreate the look with real live clothing! Then we'll see how my clothing compares to my Polyvore set, which compares to the Two Birds Inspiration Monday look.


Whew...are you even still with me?


If so, check out my Polyvore inspired look below.



2 Birds Inspiration Monday Polka Dot Skirt




So let me explain this set. What I'm centering this look around is a black polka dot skirt, green tee, and ruffle belt that I own.


I couldn't just show you similar things from my closet that I'd pair with it. Obviously, I had to give myself...er, you...more options to choose from. Everything on the left, from those adorable yellow oxford heels and Kate Spade purse to the retro glasses and striped blazer...and even a blue blazer thrown in there for a slightly more casual look. This is what I'd want to own and wear with the outfit.


But my runner-up outfit, AKA items similar to ones I actually own, is on the right. I'd go with the snakeskin heels, my (still new) Coach bag, some bright yellow accessories, and then either a gray striped or purple cardi. I'd have to see the cardigan on to decide what I liked best.


Stay tuned this week to find out how I really wore my inspired look.

Notice I didn't say tomorrow...who knows which day this week I'll actually wear it. You'll just have to come back to find out!


So which are your favorite pieces?

01 April 2011

FBFF: Rules of Engagement

FBFF topic this week is the Rules of Engagement.


Wait, isn't that a movie title or something?



Thank you, IMDB. It's also a sitcom we occasionally watch. Apparently people have told my husband that he looks like Patrick Warburton. I slightly see it. But it's more his sarcastic personality on the Rules of Engagement show that makes them so similar.


what do you think?




I think there's a little bit resemblance. But my man is definitely hotter. :)


Before moving on to our FBFF topic, here's a fun outfit I wanted to share.

Most of these pieces came pretty cheap at the outlet near me. Score!


shoes: naturalizer outlet /jeans; banana outlet / cardigan: old navy outlet /white tank: GAP outlet / scarf: LOFT / purple tee: Target




Well I'm not sure how qualified I am to answer the FBFF questions this week, but I'll do my best.


1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?

Well since I haven't actually secured a guest spot on another blog or even tried, um...I'm not sure. That's the answer you wanted to hear, wasn't it? Even though I haven't done it, I think the best way would be to approach a fellow blogger that either comments frequently on your blog or is a follower. To me, that would indicate that they already like you (*fingers crossed*) and will be more open to having you on their blog. I think that would be how I would approach it. And I'm sure there are other (better) ideas out there that I can try once I've done this a few times. Ooh, just had another idea...maybe it would be good to offer to have that blogger do a guest post on your blog as well, kind of like a blog swap.


2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’?

Whenever I leave comments, I don't do so with the intention of gaining a follower. Maybe my partial intention is that the blogger will check out my blog as well, but even that isn't a given. I just like putting nice comments out there in the blogosphere and I know that keeping mine positive is also putting good karma out there for me. If that comes back and gains me a follower, then that's awesome. But if it doesn't, I am not going to start leaving malicious or catty comments instead.



3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?

Um, yeah...about that...I've never sent out a mass e-mail requesting blog exposure. I am still kind of new to blogging and I guess I just haven't done that because I didn't wanna come across as needy or whatever. But hey, if it's not considered needy, maybe I'll start doing it, haha!


4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure?

I can't really speak to this at this time because I haven't experienced this.


5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that?

Not trying to be conceited here, but I don't think I have made one yet. I love to have new followers on my blog, but blogging is just a fun outlet for me. I don't have an inherent need to gain tons of exposure at this time. Maybe this will change in the future, but for now, that's the kind of blogger I am.


Check out answers from other FBFFers on modlychic!