Fashion Friday: Something New

Next week, I'm going to be doing a little "Community Nutrition" education. Pretty much, I'll be teaching at various places, around the city. I'll be teaching healthy eating, to a few groups of teens. And diabetic cooking classes, to some families.

 

This generally means "dressing down." I definitely don't have to be as dressed up, as I am for work at the hospital. But still "put together." I mean, I can't go in sweats. But a full suit or dress and blazer....they just don't have a place in these activities.

 

I took to Pinterest. I needed a little help. And I definitely wanted to try a few new ideas. That's what lead me here....

 

 

What do you think? I like this. Really like this! I've got a few cardigans. OK, a ton! But they are a staple in my "work wardrobe." And a cardigan really does dress up, any outfit! I'm thinking I can wear some dark jeans, a similar colored cardigan, and my black and white polka dot blouse. It will give a similar look. Without me having to go shopping. :)

The idea of the belt, makes me smile. It's unexpected. But so fun! My metallic flats, will appreciate being worn out. Am I the only one, that wears their shoes in the house? And only in the house. I know. I am a bit weird!

One outfit down. Four more to go. Outfits like this, will make it easy to run around, still look "pulled together," and allow me to cook. This is going to be a fun week! ~V

Fashion Friday: Feeling Blue

 

It's winter. No doubt about that. And I'm gravitating towards the more "icy" colors. Blues, purples, and greys. I need to stop that! But with the cold temps, that's what I always want to put on. Scott even made a comment about it. That for weeks, he can bet, that I'll be wearing something blue....

It's OK. To be 100% honest, I've been a little "blue." It's the weather. It's some stuff going on at work. It's post-holidays. Not being able to be with our families. All that stuff adds up. So I'm OK, with this palette. Actually, I'm embracing it! And I found the perfect outfit, for a day of shopping with my friends!

I have very similar pieces sitting in my closet. My mom actually bought me a grey scarf, similar sized and shaped tote, and flats. All for Christmas. I'm very lucky! During my Christmas shopping, I picked up a few silver and blue accessories at Charming Charlie. That store gets me every time!

The actual tops, pants and sweater....they are staples in my closet. I mean who doesn't own a white t-shirt? And I've got a ridiculous amount of camis. Thank you Old Navy!! Name the color, and I'll show it to you. :)

Now my navy cardigan isn't as cute. It's just a basic cardigan. But it will do the trick. But that navy nail polish. I'm just not so sure. I don't really paint my nails too dark. But Manders suggested I try it out. With an inexpensive polish from the drugstore. So I'll definitely be stopping by Walgreen's, on my way home today! ~V

Fashion Friday: Denim

On my little journey here, I've been looking for clothes I can wear on the weekend. Or during my "down time." I want to look for outfits, that use the clothes I already have. I don't want to be buying something new, every week. OK, I'd LOVE to buy something new. But my paycheck, and Scott wouldn't be too happy with that!

 

I decided on this look today. Mostly because I have all the pieces. I like how casual and chic this is. And I like the mix of pieces. It's something I wouldn't normally do.

 

 

I like the dark denim, with the lighter colored denim shirt. The dark jeans, make this a little more "dressy." The shirt makes it, oh so comfy! The mix of tan, black, and grey accessories, just makes me smile! I feel like I'm breaking all the rules!!

 

When I was growing up, I remember my grandma telling me, not to mix brown and black accessories. But I like the way it looks. I first seen Lola do this. With her cowboy boots. And it's adorable! And this infinity scarf....I've been wanting to buy one!. OK, so I am buying something this week. :) But really, I can see myself using it until May! ~V

Meatless Monday: Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

Welcome to Meatless Monday! I want to share with you, a new recipe. Meatless. Hold your horses there. If you are anything like Scott, you are about to pass out!! I remember, almost four years ago, when I brought this up to Scott. Meatless Mondays. No meat. Not at dinner. He didn't understand. Thought I was going nuts!!

 

Then in January 2010, we took the plunge. Stopped eating meat on Mondays. Not just at dinner. But all day long!! And my carnivore, learned a new way to living. Was it easy? Not really. Scott lives on meat and potatoes. It's all he ever wants. All day long! But I knew I had to do this, for both of us.

 

It's taken some time, but we've adjusted. We've learned new things. Tried so many recipes! Found new blogs to love. And collected a good stash of recipes. It doesn't mean that I've stopped looking. But it's helped me, to get a start.

 

From now on, I'm going to share some sort of Meatless Monday recipe with you. Something that I found, and love. Or something that sounds so interesting. That I must try it! I hope you get on board with me. Or that you are at least, encouraged to try something new. And as always, if you have something you want to share, email me at ImAViolet (at) hotmail (dot) com.

 

Our first Meatless Monday recipe, comes from one of my favorite blogs! V.K. Rees Photography. I first found this blog, on Pinterest. I found some yummy looking pins. And started to follow a few links. Before I knew it, I was here!! What a delight.

 

It's still cool around here. Not cold. Like in other parts of the country. I live in Texas. And well, the weather has a mind of it's own here. Not really cold. But it's still winter. And I still crave a good soup. Months ago, I found this recipe. For Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with a Bread Crust. Yum!!

 

 

When I first read over the recipe, it sounded a bit complicated. To be 100% honest, I wasn't going to try it. But then, I had a free weekend. Scott was gone working. And I was a gal, with many hours of free time.

I made a quick dash to the store. And tackled this recipe. All I can say is yum! This is know a regular of ours. And not just on Mondays. It's that good. Scott likes to eat this, with a pork chop. You know, when it's not Monday. It surprises me, how many times he requests this recipe. And it's only been a few months,since I first found it. I can see us eating this yummy soup, for years to come!! That crust, makes the entire soup! It's like a yummy biscuit....that you dunk into the soup.

I'd definitely recommend trying this out. It's super tasty. Not too difficult. And well, something yummy, to warm your belly. Hope you like it too! ~V

Fashion Friday: Chic and Simple

This is my first crack at Fashion Friday. I wanted to start with something really simple. Something not too far out of my comfort zone. If you read my post on Tuesday, you know I like fashion. I just don't know how to make it work for me.

 

When I found this picture on Pinterest, I was drawn in. It's simple. Something I could pull off. Heck, I have most of these pieces in my closet. Or something very similar. White button down....check. Skinny jeans....I have a few pairs. Those shoes. Don't tell anyone, I bought a very similar pair at Payless. Almost 3 years ago. And they're still in the box!

 

For the items that I don't have, I've been looking for them. :) Yes, I've been doing a little shopping. Spending some of my gift cards, from Christmas. I've been looking for a similar jacket. I've seen one, at Target. But it's dusty pink. Similar structure....and color palette. I might have to bite the bullet. I really want it!!

As far as the bag, again, I seen one at Target. I'd love it for work! Something to carry my laptop, and all my work goodies. I'm not a huge fan of the cuff or scarf. I like the idea. But not the ones on this picture. I'm thinking, a copper cuff. Still big. But more streamlined. And an infinity scarf. Same color palette, but different print. Maybe something floral. What do you think?

Let me know what's inspiring you, these days. Or send me a picture, that inspires you. You can email me at ImAViolet (at) hotmail (dot) com. I'd love to see some new ideas! ~V

Happy 2013!!

Happy New Year!! How did you ring in 2013? We enjoyed time with our friends. :) And then slept in. Way in! As in, after 10 this morning!!

While laying in bed, I had an idea. I wanted to actually do something with my blog. I wanted to get inspired. Put myself on a bit of a "writing schedule." I'll never be like Lola. Posting all the time. But if I pick a few topics, I hope to be better.

What will I write about? I'm going to try and document my life more. My life with Scott. The things we enjoy. What we are currently doing. Things like that. Hoping that our families will know more, about what we do. We don't see them as much as we'd like. But we want them to know, what we're up to!

The big things I want to start, is a weekly series. 2 actually! Meatless Monday. And Fashion Friday. On Meatless Monday, I want to introduce you to a new recipe. A meatless, but tasty meal. Something that we will be trying. And something that I hope you try in the future. Something that you will eventually incorporate into your recipe schedule. It's just a part of my dietitian self, that I want to share.

And on Fridays, I want to start Fashion Friday. I'm a big fan of fashion. You'd never know it though. I buy lots of cute clothes. But I don't necessarily wear them. And I don't always know how to wear them. I'm going to turn to Pinterest and Polyvore for some inspiration.

What are some of your goals for 2013? I'd love to hear all about them. Other than blogging, one major goal for us, is getting married. I know! I'd also like to include more time with Scott. Quality time. Just Scott and me. Getting back to the basics. I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us! ~V