как-то последние пару дней меня преследуют (и я сейчас не о визите свекрови) взрослые дамы, то статьюлюбимой А.Ф. прочитала и думала об этом аспекте жизни, теперь набрела на прекрасную lady
как-то о старости думается не как о склоне лет, а как о времени отдохновения, каким бы пафосным это слово не было. хотя, конечно, немного обидно тратить молодость на достижение. сейчас бы самое то наслаждаться жизнью, путешествовать, но нет, суета, суета, сеем. плоды будут значительно позже...
![<denim daze>it’s thursday and the living is easy thanks to the shining sun, and cooler temps. it’s the kind of day that’s great to bum around town in a cozy cable sweater and go-to jean jacket, and maybe slip into a local pub for a steaming mug of irish coffee. plaid and fall go together like milk and cookies so it was a no brainer to reach for a red plaid shirt to give this ootd a little zing. if your outfit is in the neutral zone like mine is todfay don’t be afraid to bring in bit color. a red buffalo plaid scarf would have been another option if the temps had been cooler. this time of year, i love to tuck my jeans inside my boots so that’s just what i did. a leather tote, a few of my favorite pins on my jacket, and i’m ready to hit the streets of san francisco looking pulled together but understated.labels: denim Ann Taylor; sweater Old Navy (similar here & here); shirt JCrew (similar here & here); denim jacket Old Navy (similar here & here); boots Ralph Lauren (similar here & here); tote Banana Republic (similar here & here);]()
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![<bundled in black>if you recall monday’s post was all about daytime chic. simple, casual - the style americans are known for, and i love. but today is another day, and another blog post. we’re taking the same jersey dress that was office appropriate in yesterday’s post, and dress it up it up with a few key accessories. the flats have been exchanged with a pair of stilettos, the handbag has turned into a glittery clutch. a three-quarter duster, a glitzy necklace and bracelet, and voila! this ootd is ready to whisk me to the ballet, theater, or simply a dinner date with my main squeeze of 32 years.labels: dress Ralph Lauren (similar here and here); duster Chicos (similar here and here); shoes Vince Camuto (similar here and here); necklace Chicos; bracelet Chicos; earrings Banana Republic; handbag c/o Talbots]()
![<hostess with the mostess>for years growing up, i watched my mother chop, slice, and dice her way to her annual christmas brunch. she was definitely the hostess with the mostess when she opened the door to greet her guests that included family and friends (i grew up sitting at the children’s table). and one of her tried-and-true tricks for hosting a flawless bash was the timeless casserole. it is truly the perfect brunch dish as it can be made ahead of time, typically the night before, then popped into the oven an hour before brunch is served. this tactic freed my mother to enjoy her guests, freshen their drinks, and savor the festive atmosphere she worked hard to create. i’ve held on tight to a few recipes that i thought i would share today. one of our family traditions i’ve kept through the years is a christmas morning brunch in lieu of a lavish christmas dinner. it’s sooooo easy to prepare several casseroles that can easily feed a dozen, or more if your guest list suddenly expands at the last-minute. and if by chance you happen to be invited to brunch instead of hosting one don’t knock at the door empty-handed. let your hostess know she’s appreciated by showing up with a lovely gift. sometime it’s a bit challenging to select the perfect present so i’ve shared a few of my favorites.most of these recipes have been handed down to me through the years on recipe cards, but if i know where the recipe originated from the credit is given.Breakfast Sausage and Egg casseroleIngredients:1 pound bulk pork sausage, 8 eggs, 2 ½ cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 6 slices white bread, cut into ½-inch cubesDirections:Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in sausage. Cook and stir until sausage is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease.Beat eggs in a large bowl; stir in milk, salt, and mustard. Fold bread cubes, Cheddar cheese, and sausage into egg mixture. Pour into a lightly greased 7×11-inch baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before bakingBake in preheated oven until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.Skiers French ToastIngredients:2 tablespoons light corn syrup, ½ cup butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1 (1 pound) loaf unsliced white bread, with crust trimmed, 5 eggs, 1 ½ cups milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon saltDirections:Combine light corn syrup, butter and sugar in saucepan; simmer until syrup-like. Pour mixture over the bottom of a 9″x 13″ pan.Slice bread into 12-16 slices; place over the syrup. Layer as needed.Beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt. Pour over bread. Cover with saran wrap. Refrigerate overnight.Bake in a preheated oven 350 degree F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake – courtesy of Southern LivingIngredients:½ cup butter, softened, 1 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, ½ cup white sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamonDirections:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and soda. Set aside.In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1 cup of sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla. Mix well.Add the flour mixture and combine. Batter will be thick.In a separate bowl, combine chocolate chips, ½ cup sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.Spread half of the cake batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the chocolate chip mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter, and then the remaining chocolate chip mixture.Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack.Ham, Cheese, and Broccoli CasseroleIngredients:4 potatoes, peeled and cubed, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 head broccoli, cut into florets, 1 onion, chopped, 1 ½ cups cooked ham, cubed, 8 eggs, beaten, ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, salt and pepper to tasteDirections:Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium high heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 10 minutes, until lightly brown. Layer in bottom of prepared pan.Add butter to skillet and saute broccoli and onions until soft; spoon over potatoes. Spread ham on top of broccoli and onions.In a large bowl, beat together eggs and cheese. Season with salt and pepper and pour over vegetables.Bake in preheated oven until eggs are set and lightly brown on top, about 20 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.Tri-Berry Muffins – courtesy of Barefoot ContessaIngredients:3 cups flour, 1 tbsp. baking powder, ½ tsp. baking soda, ½ tsp. salt, 1 ½ tbsp. ground cinnamon, 1 ¼ cups milk, 2 eggs, lightly beaten, 1 cup butter, melted, 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries, ½ cup fresh or frozen diced strawberries, 1 ½ cups sugarDirections:Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together in large bowl. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs and melted butter. Make a well in middle of dry ingredients; pour wet mixture into well and stir until just combined. There will be some lumps, but don’t overmix the batter!Add the blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and sugar and stir gently to combine.Spoon the batter into paper-lined muffin cups; fill to almost the top. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops are nicely browned.]()
![neutrals can’t be beat especially this time of year. so when a dress comes my way with one of my favorite color combinations – black and brown – i jump on it. it’s been suggested that over-the-knee boots should be worn in lieu of tights so i’m taking the liberty of doing just that for today’s ootd. this particular pair of boots have a kitten heel which is perfect for a daytime look. accessories are kept to a minimum today to let this dropped-waist dress take the spotlight. sometimes, simplicity is oh so sweet.labels: dress Ralph Lauren (similar here and here); boots Nine West (similar here and here); handbag c/o Talbots; bangles Chloe & Isabel]()
![if there is any style tip i can impart to you dear reader it’s this: figure out what looks good, and feels good on you and stick to it. in other words – get a uniform. for me, i like to keep it classic, and simple. tailored blazer, sweater, jeans for winter. tailored blazer, tee, jeans for summer. ballet flats, sleek pumps, or ankle boots complete the look. add a few key accessories like today’s fringe purse and my uniform stays on trend. i’m also a big fan of belts, and you’ll typically find me wearing one or two of my favorites time-and-again. it’s the small details like handbags, shoes, and belts that will elevate your outfit, but gives your personality a chance to shine. for super simple style stick to a few key pieces that you can mix and match, and wear with confidence.labels: denim Ann Taylor; sweater JCrew (similar here and here); shirt JCrew (similar here and here); blazer Banana Republic (similar here and here); booties Banana Republic (similar here and here); belt vintage (similar here and here) handbag Prada (similar here and here)]()
![<ebony and ivory>shoes can take an elevate an ordinary outfit to extraordinary. the devil is in the detail. remember this. this particular pair of shoes is from the adam lippes collection for target. affordable and stylish. so next time you’re out and about shopping for your daily essentials, meander over to the accessories department. you never know what you will find! my favorite mid-priced stores are kohls and target. i love their collaborations with up and coming designers, and always seem to come away with some sort of spectacular ‘find’. fashion can be super affordable if you always have one eye on the look out. happy shopping!labels: blazer Banana Republic (similar here); sweater Banana Republic; pants Zara (similar here); shoes Target; handbag Chanel]()
![<de young at heart>on monday we wear pink and go to the office. so let’s do it in style, i couldn’t resist a little tongue-in-cheek with today’s post title as front and center in golden gate park is the de young fine arts museum. isn’t it the perfect backdrop for today’s post as i’m sporting Talbots heart sweater that’s part of their exclusive collection, created to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation. october is the month to think pink, ladies, and don’t forget to get your mammogram. early detection is important to fight this disease.labels: skirt JCrew; shirt tailor-made; sweater Talbots; shoes Zara]()
![<hi ho>hi ho, it’s off to work i go since the calendar clearly states it’s monday once again. black and white is always office appropriate, but let’s bend the conservative rules a bit and play with pattern. a houndstooth jacket pairs nicely with a striped tissue turtleneck. i’m not certain if the photos pick up the jacquard pattern of the black skirt, but it’s there. and what about these snazzy black and white pumps? they’re from the adam lippes collection from target! it’s time to grab my cup of joe and get my motor revved for the week. happy monday!labels: skirt Loft (similar here); turtleneck Old Navy (similar here); jacket Talbots (similar here); shoes Target; handbag Banana Republic (similar here)]()
![<fridays with oscar>one of my favorite aspects of living in a city is the ability to walk to my favorite destinations. and a morning coffee run gets us up and running, plus gives oscar his first walk of the day. we usually run into a few familiar faces along the way, and this morning was no different. what a blessing it is to have our neighbors ask about oscar or chat with us about my blog! i’m loving this longer cardigan sweater. i paired it with a simple grey tee with a few sequins scattered across the front. i have on a pair of my favorite shoes that are as comfortable as they are stylish. it’s fall so you’ll be seeing me in more hats. today’s fedora is a blush color that will go with just about everything!oscar and i wish each of you a lovely weekend.labels: denim Ann Taylor; tee JCrew; cardigan Cabi; hat JCrew; shoes Cole Haan]()
![every monday there’s a surge in gym attendance. maybe due to a little over indulgence over the weekend. I used to regularly hit the gym, but unfortunately since moving to san francisco i’ve let my gym membership gather dust. i have to admit i miss spin class (or rather the way i feel after spin class) pilates, and an occasional yoga class - my favorite ways to stay fit. all three exercise regimes are definitely on my to-do list to get back into the swing of fitness. in the meantime, the hills of san francisco and regular walks around town do a pretty good job of keeping my blood circulating and my legs moving. i’m loving my latest togs by T for Talbots that help me look stylish and comfy as i traverse up and down our city streets.labels: pants c/o Talbots; top c/o Talbots; vest c/o Talbots; scarf JCrew Factory]()
![<greystoke>the end of august always signals that fall is just around the corner. the long summer days are shortening little-by-little as evidenced just last night on my walk with oscar when the sky was dark at a little past eight. but i do love fall, and while the air isn’t half as crisp here in california (not like the midwest anyway) nor will i be scrunching any leaves beneath my feet, i’m going to embrace the fall fashion with open arms. today’s ootd is just flirting with fall. only the color scheme is a reflection of the season to come. but it was fun to pull out my grey skinnies and suede pumps and pair them with a simple silk blouse. can you believe it? no sweater. no blazer. i’m flying solo with the simplest of outfits, but one that can take me just about anywhere, looking put together. let’s just say i’m easing into fall.labels: blouse Banana Republic; denim Ann Taylor; belt Ralph Lauren; shoes Zara]()
![<fridays with oscar>oscar has been a bit under the weather this week. he’s been battling skin allergies (german shepherd’s are prone to them) and we’ve been working with our vet to get just the right dosage with his medication. he’s now on a grain free dog food, and we’re looking into a raw diet as well. i’m pretty familiar with the allergy routine as my middle son suffered for years (he still does) with itchy eyes, and respiratory problems. oh the joys of motherhood! we’re slowly getting to the bottom of what’s causing his itches, rashes, and ear infections. but, we made it. it’s friday! oscar and i wish each of you a lovely weekend.labels: pants c/o stella carakasi; shirt target; sweater c/o stella carakasi; shoes banana republic (similar here); tote prada]()
![<fridays with oscar>it’s friday, and oscar is ready to show you a few of his tricks. he is nine months old, weighs 78 lbs., and can sit, go down, shake, and stay. he even smiles for the camera. notice the second from the last photo where he is clearly mugging it up behind my back. oscar loves to tag along with us to the coffee shop, local market, post office, or just about anywhere we go. sometimes, when we near one of his favorite hangouts he gets a bit excited and pulls on his leash or cries. we got a lot of looks from passer-bys…german shepherds are quite expressive, and love to talk. they are also very affectionate, and like to please. we’re so thankful oscar has joined our family. did you know that owning a dog helps relieve stress? keeps us active, and social? combats loneliness, especially as we age? i’ve always had a dog in my life, even as a child growing up in nebraska. i’m a big fan of the species, and never tire of their unconditional love complete with licks on the face. so it is with great pleasure that oscar and i wish each of you a very happy weekend, indeed!labels: shorts Mango (similar here); tee Target; jacket Talbots; scarf Banana Republic (similar here); sandals Talbots (similar here)]()
как-то о старости думается не как о склоне лет, а как о времени отдохновения, каким бы пафосным это слово не было. хотя, конечно, немного обидно тратить молодость на достижение. сейчас бы самое то наслаждаться жизнью, путешествовать, но нет, суета, суета, сеем. плоды будут значительно позже...
