Work Wear

I am still easing back into my pre-pregnancy wardrobe, and becoming more ok with not all of it fitting again. I'm pretty sure I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight but my hips man, they don't lie. I definitely had a baby. I don't know how much I weigh, because I don't own a scale--seeing those numbers is a mind game I just don't need to play. I know I'm better off putting my energy to a balanced diet and regular exercise. 

I started taking a quick snap of what I wear to work every morning mostly so I can remember what I wore to work the day before. Amazing the things that get blocked from your memory when life gets full. I didn't plan on blasting these to the internet so please excuse my "no smiling, need one more cup of coffee" face! 

If you think I have style, THANKS :) Here's how I just tricked you into that thinking that was true:

-Start with a neutral, basic top & pants or skirt

-Add something (or two)

My "add something" tends to revolve around chunky sweaters (office buildings are always cold!) and neckwear (scarf or bling). I've amassed a pretty decent collection of sweaters, jackets, scarves, ballet flats and bling. And a lot of it was thrifted, clearanced or clothes swapped. I've learned that a cheap t-shirt looks so much better in a neutral, and to announce my love for turquoise through a necklace instead. Often times I pick my featured accessory first and then I choose what to wear behind it. Think of that piece as art, how would it be featured in a gallery? Choose the background (the rest of your clothes) to enhance it not distract from it. 

And everyday is one day closer to the next clothes swap! 12 more days...!

Making a Quilt (Part 1)

I've finally taken the plunge and started my first quilt! I've been a long time collector/hoarder of fabrics. Most of my stash is cloth napkins and sheets from thrift shops. I knew one day I would get a sewing machine and make good use of them! My parents surprised me with one for Christmas, so no more excuses now!! For this quilt I started off with a set of 12 gingham napkins. I wanted a simple design (aka big, straight lines) and to keep the whole project black and white. So far, I've made my rows (following a loose square in a square design) and attached them to each other. I only get around to working on it about once a week so its a slow process of learning as I go! 

I think its turning out to be too long for a twin size, but not wide enough for full size either. I'll be figuring that out as I decide the size of the border. Instead of coming up with a set plan with measurements, I've just been holding fabric out 'to there' and deciding on the size as I go along! I'm a 'look at the picture, figure it out' type so if you're looking for a tutorial, head to Pinterest. Next up, is the border, backing & quilt sandwiching/binding. I thought I would feel less nervous as I went along, but now that I'm trying to make it look like a somewhat legit finished product I am totally nail biting!

Update: Quilt is complete! Read Part 2 here!

Overnight Breakfast Souffle

A couple of weeks ago, Cody and I hosted brunch for his brothers birthday. Cody's grandma suggested this recipe since its insanely easy to make and most of the work is the night before the gathering. Which means I had time to curl my hair and put on eyeliner day of the party! 

Gather:

5 slices of buttered bread

5 Eggs

1/2 tsp Dry mustard 

1/2 tsp salt

2 cups Milk

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 lb ground breakfast sausage or bacon

(or 1 can of mushroom soup if you'd like to go meatless)

9x13 baking dish

Cube your bread (I used sourdough) and spread evenly in the greased baking dish. Whisk eggs, mustard, salt and milk together. Pour evenly over the bread and sprinkle the cheese on top. Cover tightly and let it sit overnight in your fridge.

In the morning brown the sausage (or bacon) on your stovetop, I used ground chorizo, it smelled & tasted amazing! Especially fitting since I used shredded mexican style cheese instead of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the ground sausage or chopped bacon on top. If you're going with the meatless option, pour the mushroom soup over the pan just before baking. Bake at 350' for 40 minutes and enjoy! One recipe should feed 10-12, but since our 10-12 includes 8 men over six feet tall and two hundred pounds each, I made 2 batches.