Day Four: Bumper Sticker Conflict

Which bumper sticker do you agree with? In some way I agree with both... What about you??

Day Three: Word Play

I see this sign practically everyday and in my opinion it reminds me of 1) my neighborhood and how we see things around these parts, and 2) reinvention...

When you garbage pick, you must know what is worth your time trying to bring back to life, and what's not. And sometimes, just sometimes you find things that can be turned from trash to treasure!! So the next time you drive past that old chair or something in your alley, imagine for a moment how a coat of paint and some refreshing fabric could do wonders for that old chair, and for yourself!!

When we as humans create things (especially when it's for our home and we see it everyday) we get a sense of accomplishment, and a bit of self-confidence knowing we can create beautiful things, and perhaps that's the push some of us need to venture out and create even more beautiful things!!

So go out! Inspire. Love. Create.

Today's Look: The Urban Safari

Jacket, Sweater & Belt: J. Crew * Jeans: Banana Republic * Boots:Palladium * Sunglasses: Forever 21 * Hat: Bought in Tucson, Arizona at a store called the Hippie Gypsy * Scarf: Inherited

Day Two: Lazy Sun-filled afternoons...

I must say, Day Two of being smoke free is not so bad! Yesterday was interesting to say the least, however, it's about taking it day by day, one at a time... So today ended up being a nice lazy day for me after all! Sometimes I like to take a page out of my cat Missy's book, and just lay around all day and soak up the sun, BUT unfortunately I live in the real world, and that's not so much of an option for me everyday, but I'll take it when I can!!

So here's a photo of Missy this afternoon soaking up some sun in her spot on the window sill... NOW I wish I could fit there and tan!! That would be oh so convenient and wonderfully nice!! Oh well, thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your week! Peace!

Day One: My New Bootiful Booties!!!

I snagged these gorgeous suede booties by Enzo Angelini for a whopping $10 on sale at Buffalo Exchange yesterday and I thought they'd be a great first post for my project! I feel like I've traded my last pack of cigarettes for some awesome footwear (and for the same price as a pack of squares, can't beat that with a stick!) Wardrobe pics in these awesome babies to follow soon, here's just a teaser for ya! Peace! =-)

Giving Up and Moving Forward....

Sometimes in life, we as people begin to create certain habits, that are either unhealthy in the beginning, or become unhealthy after too much use... In my case at this moment, it's cigarettes... Yes I know, many of you will say, "Well you shouldn't have started smoking in the first place", and I do agree, however I did become addicted to the dreaded cancer sticks, and now it is time to give them up and move the hell on...

The road to my decision to FINALLY once and for all quit cigs has been very long and difficult for me, especially since every time I decide to quit, many of the people in my life who smoke, really made it hard for me to keep my commitment because what I was trying to keep away from was around ALL the time... But something has definitely got to give... I've smoked for probably almost 7 years, that's damn near a decade, and since I'm still young and my health is still intact as of now, I might as well give it up so I can begin enjoying my life even more fully without that old ball and chain holding me back from the things that I want to do...

For some reason, a part of me feels like I am losing a friend, but in a different way, I have to look at it as losing a friend that has held me down and held me back for far too long, and now it's time for me to take back control of myself and my life, and move toward a much healthier, much more positive way of thinking and way of life...

Now, through all my reading on quitting, everyone at some point says that you have to start creating new positive habits to replace the cigs... So in honor of my commitment of being smoke free, I am going to commit myself to picking up my old friend (my Nikon camera) and force myself to go out and find something interesting or inspiring or wacky (you get the point) to photograph and share with all of YOU!! Basically in an attempt to get this blog really going and in an attempt to keep on the path of creating new and healthy habits, I am going to post probably REALLY random stuff, so bear with me, as I am sure this will be a long journey for me!! However, one post per day for the next 10 days, tomorrow, March 1st being Day 1!!!

Be on the look out!! March 1st thru March 10th!! 10 days of seeking inspiration, seeking health, seeking peace of mind and self...

The Great Chicago Snowstorm of 2011

For those of you that weren't in Chicago about a month ago, I'm sure you heard of the snowstorm that took place here. We accumulated over 20 inches in one day!! It was crazy and enchanting all at the same time!

You already know I went outside to play in the snow plenty of times, which is probably why posting in February was non-existent, sorry about that... However, I did enjoy walking around my neighborhood and helping out my friends and neighbors who I haven't seen in months, considering everyone is in hibernation during the winters here!! Also it was great to see how well people were acting towards one another for a little while, everybody helped, because no one could tackle that amount of snow alone...

I also saw many different household items that people drug out from their homes to dig their cars out... I think it was really funny because most people here underestimated the storm and figured it would be bad, but not THAT bad, like so bad that Lake Shore Drive was a parking lot!! Fun time fun times!!!!

So in honor of the Great Chicago Snowstorm of 2011 (which I keep calling it), I created a poll to see what all of you think!!!

I want to know which do you think is the #1 dumbest household item to use to dig your car out the snow?

According to those that voted, the #1 dumbest household item to use to dig your car out the snow is a tie between a dustpan and a kool-aid pitcher! Thanks for voting!

Oh, and for your viewing pleasure, a glimpse outside my front window during the storm looking at the street! As you can see, Chicago was a still city that night!! And that was just during the snow, more snow accumulated!!!

Some say I am a...

...well if the shoe fits, I might as well wear it!

My god-sister found this door plaque for me on her travels and I just swooned when I saw it! The colors, the texture, the message! I mean, I myself am not a huge fan of labels, (especially in a world where everyone wants to label people) but when I am called a "hippie" that's one label I embrace rather than despise!

I don't know why I began thinking about this term so literally all of a sudden, but I had an urge to look up the word hippie and learn the actual definition, rather than continue to allow people to place a label upon me that I have a vague knowledge of...

Here it is, according to Dictionary.com the term hippie is:

a person, esp. of the late 1960s, who rejected established institutions and values and sought spontaneity, direct personal relations expressing love, and expanded consciousness, often expressed externally in the wearing of casual, folksy clothing and of beads, headbands, used garments, etc. (also see flower child)

Also according to Merriam-Webster.com the definition of hippie is:

a usually young person who rejects the mores of established society (as by dressing unconventionally or favoring communal living) and advocates a nonviolent ethic: a long-haired unconventionally dressed young person

WOWZERS!! Well apparently hippie is a good word to describe me in a nutshell! After reading the definitions and taking a look at myself and a look at my belongings, it seems as though I am more of a hippie than I ever realized!! And to add on to that I am a huge fan of the 60s! Like almost everything 60s! I love the 60s so much that I used to believe I was supposed to be born in 1965 as opposed to 1985, but hey, everybody has to deal with the hand their dealt! =-)

Anywho, I snapped a few photos of some stuff in my bedroom to share with you, and you can decide if you think I'm a hippie or not! =-) Until next time! Peace.

Superbowl XLV!!!!

Sorry for no post in a while Friends!! After that defeat by the Packers this past Sunday I was a little, needless to say, discontented... It also didn't help very much that half of the city was tormenting our quarter-back Cutler for "losing" the game for us, when in actuality he had a terrible knee injury that could have potentially been career ending!! Give the Bears a break Chicago!! Yeah the game was iffy and there were questionable calls and decisions made, but at the end of the day, they are still our team!! We have GOT to make sure we support our home teams better!!! Bears!! Congratulations for an awesome season! I'm still behind you guys, we got this next year!!!

As for the mean time, with the Superbowl coming up, I will actually be rooting for the Packers... Go figure right!?! You're telling me!! But with all the hype surrounding this Superbowl XLV game, I must say that I am absolutely sick and tired of hearing "Black & Yellow" by Wiz Khalifa. You would think we lived in Pittsburgh with all the damn Steelers fans I've been seeing...

I mean I know the Packers are our 'archenemies' and all, however, we are all Midwesterners (the Bears and the Packers) and we need to root in this Superbowl accordingly!!! So my way of getting you geeked for the Packers is that I want you to listen to J. Byrd's "Green & Yellow" song! If you are a Packers fan I'm sure you'll love it because it's totally awesome!!! Let's go Packers!!!!!

Green and cheese... Sounds like lunch fit for a BEAR!

Yes, we all know that the normal diet of a Bear consists of fish mostly, but here in Chicago, we all have a taste for CHEESE this afternoon, more specifically CHEESE HEADS!!!

Photo Source

After 181 games played between the Bears and the Packers beginning in 1921, many of us finally get a chance in our LIFETIME to see these 2 great teams meet in the POST-season (the 1st time was in 1941)!!

I feel like I have a special connection to the Bears and Packers rivalry considering that on the day I was born, it was during the Bears vs. Packers game (10/21/85). My Dad and the Doctor were so into the game they were going back and forth to and from the t.v. throughout the delivery (this is before d.v.r.) because the game was just that good! Well in case you don't know, the Bears won at home in a 23-7 victory over the Packers, and eventually as everyone knows, won their one and only Superbowl against the Patriots...

Now I don't know if you are thinking what I'm thinking, but with all the upcoming talk back and forth in the media, it seems as though the Packers are more favored to win this game this afternoon... All I'm saying is that this is an anniversary year, and the Bears are at home... You put 2 and 2 together and we'll talk after the game!! =-)

In the meanwhile, if you have a little time try out this recipe for Cheddar Broccoli soup (even if you are a Packers fan =-). It's perfect for a cold afternoon while watching the Bears vs. Packers game, and why not get your cheese intake for the day to send some good luck to the BEARS!!!

• 2 Servings
• Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1-1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chopped fresh or frozen broccoli
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

• In a small saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended; gradually add milk and broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
• Add broccoli. Cook and stir until heated through. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Yield: 2 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 494 calories, 37 g fat (24 g saturated fat), 116 mg cholesterol, 1,145 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 16 g protein.

I chose this recipe from Taste of Home magazine because it's quick, simple, and I had all the ingredients on hand, and it just seemed so appropriate for today! lol Anywho, I added my own touches to it by first doubling the recipe, then I added some fresh garlic (I sauteed it with the onion), I also added carrots with the broccoli and I added half evaporated milk and half regular milk. (Make sure it is evaporated milk and NOT condensed milk!!) I must say, for my first time EVER making homemade soup of any kind, this soup turned out absolutely DIVINE! I will definitely be making this again. Also just a tip, if you try using the additions to the recipe that I suggested, make sure when you add the evaporated milk you keep stirring to avoid burning of the saucepan, and make sure you use a non-stick pot if possible!!

Enjoy your lunch! Enjoy the game! I will see you on the other side!! =-) GGGGOOOOO BBBEEEAAARRRRSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today's Look: GOLD... Possibly the new BFF??

I must say that I LOVE my new black and gold Christian Siriano for Payless boots!!! They are so gorgeous and FAB!! However, the number one problem I've had since purchasing them is, "What the hell do I wear with these??" Now that may not seem like such a dilemma for most of you, but an ALL silver girl living in a sometimes gold world, at times I find myself lost. I mean, I've just never been a huge fan of yellow gold, UNTIL I made the jump and purchased these very dramatic boots and forced myself to try something new and different in my wardrobe for once in life!

After much thought and many outfit changes, I think this outfit worked out great to parlay with friends last night!! Black jeans, black t-shirt, and black blazer coupled with gold accesories and one of my late Aunt Tia's beautiful scarves (more of which I'll have to show later)...

THEN I walked outside to grab something from the car and noticed that it was a nice freezing rain/snow type of precipitation trickling out of the sky, and I decided that I like these boots (and my life for that matter) too much to attempt walking in these down treacherously slippery streets!!

Sooooo, I opted for my over the knee boots worn here and just kept everything else on. I figured since I need to start building a relationship with yellow gold, why not start ASAP! =-)

While trying to find some type of reasonable parking I found this super cool yellow garage door and I thought it be a great backdrop for this particular project! Check out some of the pics and tell me what you think! What are YOUR ideas on styling these boots? I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts! Until next time friends! Peace.

Blazer: H&M * T-Shirt, Belt: Forever 21 * Jeans: Shio (can be purchased at Nordstroms or Macy's) * Scarf: Inherited * Boots: Payless Shoe Source

Nail Candy: Dream On...

...is the name of my absolutely FAV nail polish by Sinful Colors! I discovered it about 2 years ago, and since finding it I've had about 5 bottles! =-) I didn't even realize how much I wore this color until I kept seeing it popping up in my photos (a few below)!

What I love most about this color is that it is super versatile, it's a fun way to add a punch of color to any outfit, and for some reason it seems to change colors in different lighting, and that makes me smile! Also I think the name is just perfect because I feel it captures how I feel when I wear it, just like I'm dreaming...

I usually grab a bottle from my local Walgreens in case you were wondering, but beware, they usually run out fast so you may have to really look! Happy Monday! Until next time! Peace. And don't forget to keep Dreaming On!!!

A Green Fruit Smoothie to Keep the Doc away...

...but please don't quote me on that! It's the beginning of the New Year and it is easy to want to workout and start eating healthier, especially after the holidays when all you do is "Eat, Drink and Be Merry," so probably like most of you, I am again trying new ideas to add to my diet and workout routine to keep me feeling fresh and upbeat!

For about the past week I have decided to begin my day with a Morning Green Fruit Smoothie! I know, you may be looking at the screen like "This girl is crazy!" but actually it tastes great and it's great for you! SO why not give it a try!

I usually shop for most of my grocerices at ALDI and I must say I just love it! I sometimes have to go to other stores but I just love ALDI because it's cheap, close, and has most everything I need. =-) But wherever you shop you should be able to get essential things, if not, you have a huge problem on your hands!

Anywho, I use fresh and frozen fruit, yogurt, ice, fruit juice, and don't forget to eat your greens! Grab a handful or two of spinach (which I like the most right now), or kale, or parsley, whatever your preference. Try out different things and see what you like best! I'm just a spinach head, so that's what I've used so far.

I'm old school when it comes to cooking and preparing things, so you won't really find a lot of measurements around these parts! That's just how I roll! However, the smoothies that I have been making are super easy and VERY tasty and take about 5 to 10 minutes out of your day and you are ready to go. It's light on your stomach yet filling. So for you "I don't have time for breakfast" people, you don't have an excuse anymore! Unless you don't own a blender... Then, um, I don't know.... But those of you who DO have a blender, you have no more excuses! So here is my breakfast shake I had this morning!

Spinach, Banana, Frozen strawberries, Frozen blueberries, NonFat Vanilla Yogurt, Ice, Orange Juice. Blend.

Enjoy!

Try mine! Try your own! Tell me what you used differently! I love trying out new things and I'd love to hear about yours! Until next time! Peace.

Today's Look: Black & White (Leopard vs. Plaid)

It's cold. It's dark. It's winter. However, I love my new over the knee boots, so I figured, let's experiment with shorts! =-) I love the look of shorts with tights, high socks, boots, etc., so to pair some shorts with these boots seemed perfectly perfect! It's sexy without being too revealing and I just love it!

As you can tell the looks are similar, the only difference; the leopard and the plaid. I like the leopard because it's more of a feminine sexy look. I like the plaid because it's the same outfit, just more masculine style. I love taking pieces from our male counterparts to incorporate into my wardrobe because you begin to find different ways of wearing things, and in my opinion, I began looking at women's clothing in a different light. I also think it's super fun to mix things up a bit!

What do you think? Which is your favorite? Leopard or Plaid? I would love to hear you opinions! Until next time! Peace!

Boots: Dexter for Payless * Leather Jacket: Knoles & Carter * Leopard Scarf: H & M * Arm Warmers: Urban Outfitters * Glasses: Forever 21 * Shorts, Tank & Plaid shirt: Thrifted

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Yes yes I know, I am five days late, but hey it's still 2011 so I'm not that late!! Anywho welcome to 2011 friends, and thank you for taking a little time out to check in and see what's new! Be on the look out for more posts, now that the holidays are over, I am ready to dive in and see where the blogosphere takes me!!

Sorry about the crappy photo, but I was having such a great time on NYE that I only took this one wardrobe shot to send to my sister. Please note I'm not a fan of the bathroom mirror shots, but hey, what's a girl to do!! =-)

All and all, Happy New Year! I hope you have a peaceful, creative, and love-filled year!!! xxKrissy

Skirt: Banana Republic * Sweater: J. Crew * Shirt: Express * Boots: Franco Sarto