Fashion Flashback

One of the most important times of my life was when I studied abroad in France during my junior year of college. So hard to believe that I came back over three years ago. Most days, it seems like just yesterday. The style that I picked up in France still influences me to this day, although recently I have had to incorporate more color into my all black wardrobe in order not to die in the Phoenix heat. Lots of things that I wore in France, I still wear but as my style has evolved so has the outfit. Some things, however, only seemed to work in France, sadly.

I know that I wore lots of cool outfits in France, but not all of them were captured. Here are some of my favs though...

Nice, France

London

in my dorm room modeling my new hat

Paris, France

Nice again?? I don't remember. 

London

Sometimes I really miss my style from back then and just the general lifestyle of France, but I am also quite enjoying my current stage of life. It is always fun to look back, but we can never forget to enjoy the moment and also look forward.

Two for One: A Recipe and A Outfit

This is one of my favorite outfits so far. I am seeing a definite trend of mine this summer... thrown up hair with short dress with a belt. Have to have a cardigan for the cold office and some cute shoes. Hasn't failed me yet and I am quite enjoying my style evolution.

One of the things I really wanted to do this summer and is part of my 101 goals in 1001 days is trying new recipes. Thursday, I made twice baked potatoes. Now, I know this isn't hard but I generally stick to recipes with like 4 ingredients. Twice baked potatoes take some time and involve lots of ingredients, but I must say they were quite yummy. 

The recipe I used was something I pinned on Pinterest and was originally from a site called The Girl Who Ate Everything.

Here's the recipe with some of my adaptations. One of the cool things is you really can't go wrong. I didn't really measure any of the amounts of butter, milk, or sour cream and it turned out great, so just relax and have fun.

ingredients: 

4 baking potatoes
8 slices bacon
1 cup sour cream
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper as desired
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
8 green onions

1. Bake potatoes. You can bake them for 1 hr on 350 degrees but I just microwaved them (or rather my sister did). 

2. Cook bacon til crispy and then cut into crumbly pieces.

yummy bacon

3. Once the potatoes are done and cooled for a bit, slice them in half and scoop out their insides into a bowl. Make sure to leave enough of the "insides" to help the skin keep its shaped. 

halved potatoes

4. Chop the green onions and combine with the cheese and crumbly bacon bits. Add half of the mixture to the potato insides along with the sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and milk. Be careful not to add too much milk (you don't want the mixture to be runny).

green onion, cheese, and bacon mixture

5. The original recipe called for mixing with a hand mixer but I did it by hand and it was just fine.

beating the potatoes with sour cream, butter, milk, and the bacon, cheese, green onion mixture

6. Put the potato skins in a baking dish and scoop the potato mixture into the skins. Cover the tops with the remaining cheese, green onion, and bacon mixture. 

all ready to go into the oven

7. Cook for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

8. ENJOY THE YUMMYNESS!

The Final Product

It was so yummy. I just wish my salsa wasn't expired so I could have put some of that on top too! 

Have a great weekend everyone! I am off to have tons of fun and work on Operation Simplify!

Awkward and Awesome: Picture Time

Awesome: Yes, that is Doogie Howser. He apparently grew up and became Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother.

image from here

Awkward: I don't think this really needs any explanation.

image from here

Quotable Wednesday: How True Is This?

image from here

Awkward and Awesome: Revisited

Do you guys remember this Awkward and Awesome where I mentioned the weird faces actor make when you pause. Well, at the time I did not have a good example but while watching Charmed on netflix my computer decided to stop streaming at a pretty awkward moment. I managed to get a quick screen shot of it.. enjoy and hopefully you laugh as hard as I did.

Tip Me Tuesday: Easy Baby Shower Decorations

I have babies on the brain (and weddings too actually)! My litte sister is pregnant and planning for a wedding for next summer so there always seems to be some type of planning going on around my apartment. Her shower isn't for two more months but I wanted to get a jump start on making little touches that will make it an extra special day.

I wanted to make decorations that could also double as nursery decor and I came up with this little craft.

Step One: Buy an inexpensive frame or use an extra one you have around the house. I bought mine for 2 bucks off a Target Clearance Endcap.

Using what ever color scheme you are desiring, cut a piece of 4 by 6 paper for your background.

Using a template, piecing, or drawing, cut out the animal or other image you want to go on the background. I chose an elephant because my sister's shower and nursery are both jungle themed. I chose to use a template from Martha Stewart, but you can also find them on many scrapbooking sites.

Once you have cut out the pieces, adhere it to you 4 by 6 paper background. I chose to outline mine with a black felt tip pin to give it a pop but it all depends on your color choices and your preferences.

And the FINAL PRODUCT. I loved little elephant in the frame, but I thought it needed a little extra something so I got glued a couple buttons on the frame and viola...



Now, I have a cute table decoration for her shower and she can take it home and use it in the nursery! How cool is that?

The best thing about this project is it can be used for any type of party or even for a simple gift for a friend.

Freedom