Pictures of Today

In his rain boots (when it's not raining). This was not a battle worth fighting tonight. 

Eating his chili for supper.  The first 10 minutes was orthodox, but it turned into this.

All in all...a good day. 

WIWW: Week 2

I always start out well w/my outfits, and then they get progressively worse.  I didn't go to the gym all last week, but I'll try to keep it real and snap some workout outfits soon--though I rarely wear that stuff (even to the store) other than to the gym or sometimes cleaning.

Thursday: MOPS day

Top: Ann Taylor Loft (attached necklaces)

Jeans: Ann Taylor Loft (these were both bday presents)

Metallic Shoes: Target

After I got home from MOPs I did change tops b/c it was so beautiful.  I put on a tshirt--no photo.

Fri:

Ran to the store in the morning and went to a girls' night in event.  We played Aggravation (a marble game) and drank cocktails and ate snacks.  It was FUN.

Top: chocolate brown w/tiny polka dots: H&M
Tank: Old Navy
Necklace: made by me
Jeans: GAP (old w/holes, but I love them)
Shoes: boots from Target

I changed jeans (to my Loft jeans) and shoes (to green moccasins) that night and put on a wrap cotton jacket since it was cooler. 

Sat:

Much cooler today, so had to wear a sweater and a jacket when out.  New smudge on the mirror I notice.  We had big plans this day, but it ended up being changed b/c of C's temper.  We took him to look at classic cars and this turned out to be not fun but HELLISH.  We were going to take him out for Mexican but he's a hellian, so we came home and didn't go anywhere else.

Sweater: GAP
long-sleeved white tissue tshirt: Target
Dark blue Jeggings: Kohls
Boots: Target
Necklace:??


Sun:

Eggplant tunic: J.Crew

White w/gray polka dot tank: Old Navy

Black Jeggings: Old Navy

Boots: Target

Scarf: Old Navy

Came home and changed to work in the yard: leaf pick up and stick round up

Top: The North Face

Black t-shirt: Old Navy

Pants: REI

Boots: EMU

It was chilly so I threw on my Nike fleece vest from Whistling Straights (famous golf course on Lake Michigan).  I never wear this vest (even though it's nice) b/c it fits weird (gift from Scott from a Gallo outing)

Here's what C wore

to church: Sweater Vest: Kenneth Cole; button up shirt: Target; chinos: Carter's; Shoes: Target

I wish this was a better picture b/c you'd see how hilarious it is.  His pants are about 3 inches too short, and camouflage.  He's got a cute thermal henley on w/his brown shoes.  He wore a jacet and a fleece skull cap while outside.  He helped by "mowing" leaves, putting sticks in the wheel barrow and being cute.

Mon:

In order to keep it real.  This is what I wore while I did laundry on Monday.  No I did not leave the house like this (sigh of relief).  We went to the gym in the morning (my outfit for that was cuter than this) and then I went to the post office later in the day (again emphasize--not wearing this)

like you care, but

Top: Old Navy (old)

Capris: Walmart (usually in the workout category)

Tues:

Went to gym again this morning and then to Panera for a date w/C and then to an open gym playdate.  I changed from my workout clothes into an outfit suspiciously like my work in the yard outfit on Sunday (just a different undershirt) but it was laundry day Monday, so it's okay. I took C to story time in the evening, so I put on some jeans.

Top: Ann Taylor outlets
Jacket: Target
Jeans: Ann Taylor outlets
Boots: Emu

Wed:
Headed to a disco playdate today and then rigourous cleaning for the next 30 hours or so for my mom's night in jewelry making evening.  I managed to put together an outfit w/o any pieces from Old Navy or Target.  This was seriously hard for me.

Rouched short sleeved mock turtleneck: Kenneth Cole Reaction (from Dillard's)

Blazer: J.Crew

Jeans: White House Black Market

Boots: Kenneth Cole Reaction (Macy's)

Everything in this outfit is 3-5 years or older.  Back when I shopped in places other than Old Navy or Target

from the Pleated Poppy--the Petal Pusher

I cut my head out of the pic, but this headband is on it.  It's from the GAP (love this--wore it for Sarah's wedding)

What this WIWW tells me is I still need to lose 15 lbs.  I swear I'm never going to lose this weight even though I keep trying. 

Jewelry for MOM's group

Ignore this post all others

Ravioli w/Butternut Squash Sauce

I had a butternut squash I'd bought as a backup if I couldn't find a melon for my turkey gobbler last week, so I had it lying around.  I've only tried to use butternut squash once w/zero success.  I made a soup recipe and we hated it.  We forced ourselves to eat a bowl and then threw it out.  I decided I wanted to work it into pasta, so I started looking at some recipes.  I ended up taking an Emeril recipe and a Martha Stewart recipe and combining them. 

Here's what I came up with.

1 butternut squash (mine was about 1lb)-peeled and chopped in 1" cubes
1 apple (used gala)--peeled and chopped
4 cloves garlic-skinned but whole
1 shallot-chopped
olive oil
4T heavy whipping cream or 1/2 and 1/2
chicken stock (about 1-2 c)
nutmeg
salt and pepper
sage (I used dry, but fresh would be great)
4-8 T unsalted butter

1 package frozen cheese ravioli

I roasted my squash, garlic, apple, and shallot in olive oil and s&p at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.  Set aside to cool.

I put all the veggies/fruit in my large food processor and began blitzing.  I added stock and cream.  Then I added sage and nutmeg until I got a "saucy" consistency w/a taste I liked and set aside.

I began my ravioli.

I put my "puree" in a saucepan and started to heat it to dry it a bit.  I added my butter (which you could really cut out if you were looking to cut calories, but it makes it so rich and creamy)

I added in a small handful of good parmesan cheese to my sauce. 

Then I drained my ravioli and combined. 

I served it w/extra cheese and a refrigerated can of french bread (which was so good). 
Very nice fall meal.  C approved as well.

What's For Dinner this week

We didn't do a very good job sticking to our menu last week.  Scott was gone Tues and Wed, so we ate leftovers, and we ended up cancelling our dinner Mon night.  We found a place we liked that does Italian food and subs (like Psghetti's/Pomodoro's for you south St. Louis folks).  We ate this for 3 nights.  We got the family meal: a cold sandwich, 1/2 gallon spaghetti, garlic bread, and an extra loaf of their sweet bread (which we made sandwiches w/one night).  Needless to say, I didn't cook much. 

We're here for the next week and then the holiday travels begin off and on for all three of us

Sun: Turkey chili

Mon: Ravioli w/Roasted Squash puree sauce (delicious--recipe to follow)

Tues: leftovers (Scott gone for dinner)

Wed: leftovers (Scott gone for dinner)

Thurs: pizza (I'm having girls over to make jewelry)

Fri: baked potato soup

Sat: (going out for Mexica maybe) or chicken of some sort

Sun: Italian sausage sandwiches and green beans

Mon: chili for Bunco (considering white chicken chili)

Officer Dankel

Unexpected

An alcohol t-shirt (I know--great parenting)

wearing my red, high-heeled shoes (he picked this pair specifically to play with.  He loves to get in our closets and play, so I told him to just grab a pair and bring them out.  This is what he chose.

 Not as unexpected but studying a magnet of a train w/his name on it.

Admiring the turkey he and I made.  He told Scott this morning to come and look at his turkey.  He said, "Daddy, come and see my turkey I made.  It's beautiful."

Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh MY!

I'm tickled w/the way these turned out.  They'll be in the mail tomorrow.

Giveaway winner and a lot of rambling

B/c I know you've been on the edge of your seat (just kidding).  My sweet friend Deb, you've got your pick.  I'll get it in the mail by Monday. 

I'm going to start a fun nursery project this afternoon or tomorrow (to clarify...it's not for our nursery--thought I should clarify that).  I've got a fun silhouette idea based on a famous line from the Wizard of Oz.  I'll keep you in suspense until I finish.  One of our friends from CoMo recently had their 3rd child, so I'm going to make them some artwork for their nursery. I'm hoping to finish it in one afternoon.  This will necessitate a trip to Hobby Lobby--a craft addict's weekly fix.  Every time C sees Hobby Lobby he says, "I can't go in there...I not go in this place." He says this about everywhere pretty much. 

I'm trying to go back and label all my posts, but there are so many it will take a while.  I think it will be helpful to have the labels in case I'm (or anyone else) looking for something like an old recipe or picture.

We have a boring weekend ahead of us and another one until we get to go visit our families for Thanksgiving and an early Christmas visit. 

I've got to get to work on some projects (like finish 2 aprons I've had prepped FOREVER and hot wheel rolls). 

Haven't been to the gym all week since C's been a bit crabby, but maybe this weekend?

What I Wore Wednesday

So I read a blog where a mom does this weekly reflection of her outfits in order to keep herself accountable and out of sweat pants and pajamas--most days.  I've decided to participate (at least for a while b/c it's a lot of work).  Don't laugh at my pictures.  Most of the time I'm wearing a stupid look on my face, but it's hard to take a picture of yourself in the mirror w/my kind of camera. We also don't have any big mirrors in our house, so this is even more of a challenge. 

Tuesday

We went to do some grocery shopping this morning and then I did some sewing and crafting in the afternoon. 

Top: Izod outlet

Cardigan: Old Navy (Sarah has one just like it in white--you will notice this often)

Dark blue jeans: Ann Taylor outlet

Boots: Target (new--loving them b/c they're flat)

Scarf: Lord & Taylor ages ago

Earrings: Maui artist

Wed

This is an awesome outfit, I know!  This was a hang around the house outfit.  We went to the gym in the morning--I'll spare you those outfits.

Long-sleeved top: Target

Striped top: Old Navy ($2.50)

Jeans: Ann Taylor outlet

Boots: Emu (these are making a reappearance w/the cold weather)

Thurs
I had MOPS today, so I make an effort to dress up a bit.

Top: Target

Tank: Target

Black Jeggings: Old Navy

Booties: Aldo

Necklace and earrings: Maui artist

Peeking dog: Kona

I love these booties--you can fold them over or wear them up like this. They are dark gray.

close up of my top and necklace

I tried a different mirror.  By the end I'll probably be standing on my bed to get pictures

Pay no attention to my book strewn night stand.  I've got to get rid of some books.

Fri

We didn't do much Friday.  Workout at gym and then hang out at home.  C wasn't feeling real well by the time we got  home.  It was a theme for the weekend. 
Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft
Jeans: super old from Limited
Tshirt: H&M
Moccasins: Lands End--love them--they're green suede


Sat

Today was about the same as every day-gym then hang out at home. 
Top: Old Navy-$3
Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft
Jeans: the Limited
Shoes: Lands' End
Necklace: ??
I'm tired of the cardigans all ready, but I love them



Sun

I went to church by myself today b/c the boys both felt pretty bad.

Navy, chalk-striped Trousers: H&M

tank: Old Navy

top: Old Navy (silk for like $6 about 5 years ago)--you can't really see in this photo, it's olive green w/bronze buttons

jacket: Ann Taylor outlets

Necklace: Macys?

Changed into a cardigan and jeans for the rest of the day
Cardi: Ann Taylor outlets
Tank: Old Navy (same from morning)
Jeans: White House Black Market
Shoes: Aldo
Mon
Too busy to photograph. Today I cleaned.  I wore jeans (white house black market again) and a yellow cotton top--nothing thrilling, but at least it wasn't sweats.  I went to the store and a donut shop to get ready for my playdate--wore my boots w/it. I baked 2 loaves pumpkin bread, prepped my turkey gobbler, made the acorns, made a vanilla tart for our dinner w/the pastor (which we cancelled b/c all the kids were sick) and cleaned like a madwoman plus did all our laundry.  I was exhausted by the end of the day, but stayed up til 12 reading. 

Tues.
too busy to photograph.  Jeans: Ann Taylor outlets, 3/4 sleeve Navy top (no cardigan) from Ann Taylor loft.  Busy day w/playdate. 

Playdate part 2

I had a couple less people today, and the kids were a bit younger, so the craft was a bit harder, but it was still fun. 

Here's some closeups of the crafts we made.

Fall paper pinwheels--so cute.  We had 4 different paper choices.