Seven Things: Little Linley Lou Edition

Kendi tagged me to share seven things about myself during my school years. Although I've already shared seven, four, and an entire About Me page, I'm not going to say no (plus, she threatened with or else). I'm not one to let {another} chance at dishing random facts slip out of my hands.

1. My first concert: New Kids on the Block. I wish I was at home so I could scan the pictures of me at the concert. I was rightfully equipped with a black and neon hat (tilted to the side, of course), an over-sized button the size of my head, and an extra large NKOTB t-shirt that also doubled as a maxi-dress at the time. So hip.

2. Poly Pocket was my go-to toy. I loved PP. I had around eight of them and at least one was with me at all times. Moon shoes were also a favorite.

3. My first CD - Meatloaf. I was so young, I don't even know why I wanted to buy it (or how I was allowed!), but I did. I just couldn't get enough of I Would Do Anything for Love. Other first CDs included Bryan Adams (So Far, So Good) , Ace of Base (Sign), and Mariah Carey (Music Box).

4. Speaking of Mariah Carey, I had quite the obsession with her music growing up. I had all of her CDs and to this day I can sing any song - word for word - and all the "oh Oh oH ohh's" that go along with each song. I even sang Dreamlover for a 5th grade talent competition.

5. I took dancing from age two up through my early teens. My favorite part of dancing: recital consumes. I loved playing dress-up and my costumes were always what I'd go to first. I sometimes would even put the costumes on our dog - and I'm telling you, a boxer in a leotard with a tutu is the cutest thing ever.

6. Before my CD player was the record player. The only record I remember having and playing is a Rainbow Bright soundtrack.

7. I learned the things that a curling iron can do to Barbie's hair the hard way.

Now, Ashley, Kristen, Rochelle, Sarah, Kimmie, Kileen, and Law Mama Liz let's hear about your childhood. Also, if you're in my blogroll (and even if you're not), I tag you too! 

Daily Threads: I Need a Horse

{top: old navy | pants: tj maxx | boots: steve madden | necklace: F21}

 In my efforts to throw together a simple outfit, I walked out of my closet as an equestrian. I just need a cap and a blazer, oh, and a horse. And although this looks like a simple ensemble, it's not so simple to take off while out shopping. Necklace over shirt + socks over pants = annoying in the dressing room. Trying on pants over a pair of pants isn't as easy as it seems - and you leave the store with a pair two sizes too big. 

I have a love hate relationship with shopping - some days everything works out, other days... nothing. We went to a few stores last night and one was the Gap. I love the Gap - their simple, but trendy style appeals to me. The husband walked out with two pair of pants, a shirt, and some man perfume. I walked out with nothing. I tried on two pair of pants - in the same size as these (see how nicely they fit?). One pair was falling off of me and the other I could barely button (the laying down method always pulls through!). It drives me nuts. Does this happen to you? Ever? Please say yes.

Recipe: White Christmas Chili

If you've read my 2011 goals, then you would know I want to cook at least 50 new recipes this year - which equals out to about one per week - and last week I got started on this goal! It was cool outside, so what's better than chili when it's chilly out? (the answer is nothing) I love regular chili, so I decided to give my friend Tyra's White Christmas Chili a go! She and another friend of mine (Rhian) gave me a recipe box full of their favorites as a wedding gift - and I definitely plan on incorporating their recipes into my 50 new ones this year!

Servings: 15

(I split all the following ingredients in half since it's just two of us)

Need:

8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

2 medium onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 (14 oz) cans of chicken broth

4 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15.5) can of cannellini beans, rinsed, drained, and mashed

2 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies, undrained

1 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cumin

3/4 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/8 tsp ground cloves

1/8 tsp ground red pepper

Directions: 

1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

2. Saute chicken, onions, and garlic in hot oil in Dutch oven or chili pot over medium-high heat for 10 minutes or until chicken is done.

3. Stir in broth and next 10 ingredients and bring to a boil. 

4. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. 

Serve with desired toppings: Monterey jack cheese, jalapeño peppers, salsa, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

This recipe calls for a lot of ingredients, but you pretty much just measure everything out, do some chopping, and dump it all in - easy! And for such a simple recipe, it packs a whole lot of deliciousness! I highly recommend anyone looking for an easy soup/dinner to give this a try - and it's just as good the day after, if you're into leftovers. You will not be disappointed! 

If you are vegetation, you could probably just substitute tofu for the chicken or just double up on beans (or add in a couple different beans).

Happy Eating! 

J Crew Gingham + Friend Friday

  {shirt: j crew | cardigan & belt: target | skinnies: tj maxx | booties: steve madden}

Two things are going on today: 1.  I {along with a hand-full of others with this shirt} are all sharing a way we would style it (hope you like it!) and 2. I'm participating in my first Friend Friday hosted by Modly Chic (hope you like this too!). Check it out and shoot Katy an email if you want to participate next Friday!


1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up? 


I try not to do this. It's easy to lose sight of your own blog if you're constantly comparing it to others'. Will my blog measure up to what... amazing photos? the most expensive clothes? the most followers? the most sponsors? If I (or anyone) become so focused on those things my blog wouldn't get anywhere. It would lose itself. I think the most successful bloggers are those true to themselves. I personally prefer blogs that are original and inspiring - and that's what I want to be.


2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers? 


Yes and no. Everyone has a different style. I definitely have an eclectic one -  I can be super girly today and tomorrow's look can be masculine inspired - and that's just how I roll; so many different styles appeal to me. I want to stay true to myself. If someone decides to follow my blog it's because they like what I've already done and interested in what I will do - so I'm just gonna keep-on-keepin'-on.  I prefer to ignore any standards that may be out there. I just want to be happy with what I'm doing.


3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging? 


D&T actually started out as a blog to share my new life as a wife. I wanted to share the things I love doing... like DIYs, crafts, and recipes. Fashion has always been a passion of mine and participating in the 30x30 was {somewhat} my segue into the fashion blogging community {which I had admired from a far and wanted to be a part ever since stumbling onto my first fashion blog}. In its few months of existence, D&T has somewhat evolved into a catch-all kind of blog - but still a place for me to share whatever I want and love - whether it's fashion, food, DIY, or my life in general. 

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours? 


Since this blog is still somewhat new, I'm still working of what I really want it to be - a fashion blog with some married life stuff, married life stuff with some fashion, or an equal balance of it all - I'm still working on it. While I'm in the middle of this great discovery I'm so thankful for those who read my blog and show interest. This blog is for me, but now that I have people who actually read it, I want to keep them entertained as well!

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?


As far as fashion goes - you never know what you're going to get. I enjoy a variety of styles: casual, dressy, girly, and edgy. I love mixing it up - whether it's day-to-day or within one outfit. I love trying new looks. I've been a lover of fashion for years, but that doesn't mean I only love one thing. I'm somewhat of  a free-spirit when it comes to fashion - if I love it and it's flattering, I'll wear it.

Daily Threads: T-Strap Debut

{shirt, pants, & belt: j crew | cardigan: liz claiborne | shoes: isaac mizrahi for target}

I almost re-took these photos. After uploading them onto my 'puter I realized that the camera was focused elsewhere and the quality (once zoomed in) is horrible. Then I did a bit of editing and decided I could live with them - hope you can too!

Today's look is most definitely J Crew inspired. I love how J Crew has transformed over the past couple years. They sometimes go for a hipster-chic (but still classic) kind of theme and it speaks to me. I just love it. And these shoes... probably my favorite pair. T-straps are classic, but sassy.

It's rainy and gloomy here. Makes me want to change back into husband's sweats and fall asleep on the couch. But I won't. I have some cleaning to do and if I get things done, I may even take a trip to the stores and shop some sales. Happy Wednesday!

edit// I've had a few people ask about the shoes. They are not a recent buy - I purchased these in November of 2008 at Target. Since they are Isaac Mizrahi for target try a Google or Ebay search? (here's a 7.5 and another)