December 21st is the Winter Solstice!

Friday, February 28, 2020

Foodie Fridays: Sheet Pan Korean Chicken Bowls


I tried another recipe from the Half Baked Harvest website, and this one is a keeper!  Sheet Pan Korean Chicken Bowls with Sweet Potatoes and Yum Yum Sauce takes a little time to prepare, but the extra effort is worth it for the delicious end result.

The original recipe calls for Gochujang, a hot and spicy Korean chili paste, but this condiment is too spicy for me so I substituted sweet chili sauce instead, and left out the honey from the original recipe because of this sweeter substitution.  I used chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts because cutting the former into smaller pieces is so much easier!  I also microwaved the kale to soften it, as I do not care for the rough texture of raw kale.  Cauliflower rice was used instead of regular rice to keep the carb count low, but use whatever rice or rice substitute you prefer.

This recipe is perfect for a lazy Sunday when you have enough time to spend in the kitchen putting together this tasty meal.  The only topping I added to my bowl was toasted sesame seeds because I am lazy and did not want to prepare additional ingredients, but any or all of the suggested toppings would be great if you are more energetic than I am!

Sheet Pan Korean Chicken Bowls

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 T. sesame or olive oil
salt to taste
1/4 C. low sodium soy sauce
4 T. sweet chili sauce
2 tsp. minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 T. toasted sesame seeds
2 lbs. chicken tenderloins, cut into thirds
1/4 C. plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mayonnaise
2-3 C. roughly chopped kale
juice of 1 lime
1/4 C. chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or scallions
2 C. cooked cauliflower rice
kimchi, avocado, shredded carrots, sliced scallions, sliced cucumbers, and/or sliced radishes for serving

Toss the sweet potatoes with 2 T. oil and salt in a large baking pan.  Roast at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

Whisk together the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, ginger, garlic, 1 T. oil, and 2 T. sesame seeds together in a small bowl.  Put the chicken in a large bowl and toss with half of the marinade.

Remove the potatoes from the oven and slide them to one side of the pan.  Add the chicken to the other side and top with any sauce left in the bowl.  Return to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.  During the last 2-3 minutes of roasting, switch the oven to broil and cook until the chicken chars on the edges and the sauce sticks to the chicken.  Watch closely, as the broiler can burn food fast.

Combine 3 T. of the remaining marinade with the yogurt to create a Yum Yum Sauce.  Reserve any remaining marinade for serving.

In a nonmetal bowl, toss the kale with 1 T. oil, lime juice, and a dash of soy sauce.  Microwave on HIGH for two minutes to soften the kale.  Toss in the cilantro and 1 T. sesame seeds.

To serve, divide the rice among four bowls.  Top with chicken, sweet potatoes, kale, and reserved marinade.  Add additional toppings as desired.  Drizzle with the Yum Yum Sauce.  Serves 4.

I forgot to add the Yum Yum Sauce before I took this picture, but the
colors are so lovely that I decided to include it here.
             

Thursday, February 27, 2020

This 'n That Thursdays: Out of this World Events


A couple of cosmic occurrences caught my attention recently, which I thought I would share in today's post.  First, did you know that our planet currently has a new mini-moon?  This newcomer is only temporary, but apparently an asteroid less than 12 feet in diameter, known as 2020 CD3, was pulled into the earth's orbit about three years ago.  Its presence was officially announced by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's Minor Planet Center this week.  The only other time such an event has been verified was in 2006, when another object, probably an asteroid (but just possibly space debris?) was discovered orbiting earth.  2020 CD3 is only expected to stick around until April of this year, so while you will not be able to see this tiny asteroid in the night sky, you may want to look up and give it a wave of acknowledgement before it breaks free and heads off to new adventures!

From CNN

And speaking of the night sky, be sure to look up tonight, especially if it is clear, to see the planet Venus (which will look like a very bright star) adjacent to a thin crescent moon.  I actually noticed this phenomenon last evening at dusk - both objects are so bright that the sky does not need to be completely dark to observe this duo.  I may even try to take a photo this evening, and if it is a decent image I will add it to this post.  Happy viewing, everyone!

Update: Here is the best photo I was able to take of Venus and the crescent moon:

               

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Wish List Wednesdays: Powder Blue Porcelain Sakura Dinnerware Collection from World Market


Like just about everyone else, I am starting to think about spring, which is why the lovely Powder Blue Porcelain Sakura Dinnerware Collection from World Market caught my eye recently.  The delicate design of spring cherry blossoms and the soft blue color epitomize spring for me.  The collection is available as sets of 4, including bowls ($35.96), dinner plates ($39.96), and salad plates ($35.96).  And if blue is not your color, the collection is also available in taupe:


I am definitely starting to feel a touch of spring fever - how about you?
             

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Weekend Wardrobe: 2020 Outfit of the Week #7


For this week's outfit, I chose the clothes I wore to yet another talk (featuring a new sweater shown above and described here), this time presenting the timeline of women's suffrage in New Mexico, which is being highlighted this year because 2020 is the centennial of women getting the right to vote in the state.  The two talks I have attended so far have really ignited my interest in New Mexico history, and I hope to attend more in the future.

Clockwise from top left: ModCloth Cozy for You Embroidered Sweater in Cream Hearts; BFC 22k Gold Plated Copper Chain for Men and Women (similar to mine); Great American Leatherworks Leather East/West Crossbody Bag in Dark Tan (no longer available); Craghoppers Women's Venta Lite Hooded Jacket in Warm Ginger (color out of stock - similar to my much less expensive version); Target Women's A New Day Crew Socks in Cream; Dockers Vargas Boat Shoes in Rust (similar to mine); Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Stretch-Fit Jeans in Roasted Chestnut (no longer available); Pendleton Women's Long-Sleeve Cotton Ribbed Tee in Antique White (similar to mine).

When attending these talks, I get the chance to meet many Santa Fe women who take on active roles in promoting various topics of particular interest to women.  One of the women I met is a member of the Santa Fe National Organization for Women, and is involved in organizing a film series and panel discussion of films by, for, and about women.  The next one that is upcoming in this series will be the movie "Julie & Julia" (2009), one of my favorite movies, which will include a panel discussion with local female chefs - I will most certainly be attending this showing!

In April there will be a showing of a movie that I have never seen, but most definitely should, called "The Woman Who Loves Giraffes" (2018).  In this film, Dr. Anne Innis Dagg describes her study of wild giraffes in South Africa, conducted years before more famous female biologists such as Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey began their field work.  I was unfamiliar with Dr. Dagg and her work, but when I looked up more information about her I was astonished to learn that she was one of the first female field biologists as well as an early feminist pushing for women's rights to university tenure and recognition for their contributions to science.  Since I did my doctoral work studying the behavior and ecology of feral donkeys (inspired by pioneering female scientists such as Goodall, Fossey, and Birute Galdikas), this film and the subsequent panel discussion are of particular interest to me, and I look forward to attending this event.

Plaza Cafe Southside (from OpenTable)

I can't end this post without mentioning yet another eating establishment that my neighbor and I visited for lunch after the talk.  The Plaza Cafe Southside can be a bit difficult to find if you are not familiar with Santa Fe as you must drive through the Lowe's parking lot to get to the shopping area where this diner-style restaurant is located, but the little bit of extra effort required to find it is worthwhile.  My friend and I both got menu specials - she had the posole and I had the tuna melt - and both were excellent.  One of these days I will remember to take photographs of my meals to post, but I do not have an image of my sandwich and could not find one online.  This is a shame because the sandwich was as attractive as it was tasty, served on slices of a lovely green chile cheese bread with a side of red cabbage coleslaw.  I did find a picture of the posole my friend ordered, so here it is:

From Yelp

Should you ever find yourself in Santa Fe, the Plaza Cafe Southside (or the original Plaza Cafe) would be a great place to have a delicious meal in a casual atmosphere.

I don't have any especially interesting plans for this week (except for another visit to the vet to get Madison's wound staple removed) but I will have another outfit of the week to post even if it is just the apparel I wear to run my usual errands.  I have to say I am getting tired of dressing for winter (and you are probably getting tired of seeing my favorite winter coat!) so I am really looking forward to warmer weather and fewer layers!
             

Current Events: Vladimir Putin, Please Go Away!

(Click to enlarge)

I think we are all just a little tired of Vladimir Putin's Machiavellian machinations when it comes to our nation's presidential elections, so I decided it was time to come up with a slogan to express exactly how we in the United States feel about his actions.  So here it is, Vlad - my belated Presidents' Day gift to you!  I do hope you enjoy the sentiment, because we mean this sincerely.  Pack up your high-tech toys and go home, Mr. Putin, because we don't want you playing around in our nation's politics any more.  Good-bye, and don't let the door bang you in the behind when you leave.
             

Friday, February 21, 2020

Foodie Fridays: Impossible Vegetable Pie


I decided to try an easy recipe from the Betty Crocker website for Impossibly Easy Vegetable Pie because I had a packet of biscuit mix to use up as well as a container of mixed vegetable that needed to be cooked before they went bad.  I modified the original recipe by substituting roasted vegetables for boiled broccoli, and I think that my version is probably tastier than the original!  Check out the Betty Crocker link for other variations on this pie, and if you feel the need you could even add meat for more protein.  If you are looking for a fast and easy meal idea, this dish is a great option.

Impossible Vegetable Pie

3 C. roasted mixed vegetables (see Note)
1 C. (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese (I used a Mexican cheese blend)
1/2 C. biscuit mix
1 C. milk (I used almond milk)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper (optional) 

Stir together the roasted vegetables and cheese.  Pour into a pie plate that has been lightly coated with cooking oil spray.

Stir together the remaining ingredients until blended.  Pour the batter into the pie plate, spreading to completely cover the vegetable mixture.

Bake at 400 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before slicing.  Serves 6.

Note: I buy a 2 1/4 lb. package of sliced mixed fresh vegetables (mushrooms, onions, summer squash, and bell peppers) from our local Alberstons and roast them in 1-2 T. olive oil for about 35 minutes, but you can use any vegetable(s) you prefer prepared any way you like in this recipe.

                

Thursday, February 20, 2020

This 'n That Thursdays: Eating for Brain Health

From The Health Bowl

The benefits of the Mediterranean diet made the news again recently.  According to a new study, eating the Mediterranean diet for just one year changed the gut microbiome of elderly people in ways that led to increased longevity as well as increased brain function.  The evidence seems to be overwhelming that this diet is as close to ideal as one can get.  If you want some tips on how to switch over to this healthy lifestyle change, read this article.  And for recipes ideas, this site has some excellent suggestions.

If you are particularly focused on increasing brain function, AARP recommends five foods that are closely linked to better brain health - leafy greens, berries, fish, nuts, and (hooray!) cocoa (one more food you might want to consider adding to this list - mushrooms!).  Read the article for more information and ways to incorporate these foods into your daily diet.  Who wouldn't want to switch to a diet that encourages the consumption of chocolate?

From HealthWayRI
             

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Wish List Wednesdays: Favorite New Arrivals at Pier 1

From Wikimedia Commons

Imagine my dismay when I found out yesterday that my favorite source for tableware, Pier 1 Imports, just filed for bankruptcy!  They are hoping to sell the business so that it will not disappear completely, and I hope that they are successful as it would be a shame to lose this company.  I thought I would feature some of their online new arrivals in today's blog post, and then maybe head in to town later this week and shop at our local store if it is open.  I really hope we do not lose our store here in Santa Fe!


This Watercolor Birds Salad Plate Set of 4 ($29.99) would be a lovely way to usher in spring.  Each 8.75-inch ironstone plate features a different bird perched on delicate spring twigs. Or, if you are more attracted to all things ocean-related, you may appreciate the Coastal Birds Salad Plate Set of 4 ($29.99) instead.


If you prefer dogs to birds, then you may want to set your spring table with the Posh Pups Salad Plate Set of 4 ($34.99).  Made of dolomite, these plates are 8.5 inches in diameter and feature four different dog designs, with each pup sporting spring colors.  A matching Posh Pups Stackable Mugs Set ($24.99) is also available.


This Umbrella Stand on Wheels ($149.99) is absolutely ingenious!  The solid and well-weighted design allows one to set up a large outdoor umbrella without a table, and the wheels mean that it can be moved wherever it is needed.  Best of all, the wheels can be locked so that once the umbrella is in place it will stay there!


I really wish this Murrey Wooden 4-Door Cabinet ($899.99) came with a matching hutch, because I already have a buffet but am in the market for a reasonably priced and well-made tall china cabinet.  I like the simple but unique design of this 54 inch-wide mango wood cabinet, and it looks solid enough to store a lot of tableware, which is what I need.


Last but not least, our love of all things crustacean means that I will probably be ordering this 72" Blue Crab Table Runner, even though we are as far from a coastal climate as we could possibly be here in the high mountain desert environment of Santa Fe!

Santa Fe Pier 1 store (from Google)

These are just a few of the 1142 new arrivals on the Pier 1 website that caught my eye, and I am sure that you will be able to find a few items that appeal to you as well.  We have certainly done our fair share to support our local store in the past few months since moving to Santa Fe, and I am really hoping that the company can move on from this setback and continue to be my favorite tableware source.
             

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Weekend Wardrobe: 2020 Outfit of the Week #6

From Hitchhiker

I wasn't sure I was even going to get a post up this weekend, but here it is at last.  It is taking me a lot longer to reorganize my photo files than I thought it would (after my files reset themselves, as I mentioned in this post).  I decided to do another outfit of the week post instead, and may be doing so for the foreseeable future until I finally finish resorting all my images.  And then yesterday morning one of my dogs (Madison) got bitten under the tail by a coyote and I had to get her to the vet for a wound staple and some antibiotics.  I have to watch her like a hawk to make sure she does not pull out the staple because she is very adamant that she will not wear a cone.  So far so good, but it limits the amount of time I can spend on anything else.  Otherwise she is doing fine and does not seem to be in pain - she should be completely healed in about two weeks.  Anyway, here is the outfit I wore for a day in town this past week:

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew Women's Puff-Sleeve Fuzzy Crewneck Sweater in Ivory (similar to my fuzzy angora sweater, bought years ago and no longer available); Dreminova Boho Wooden Bead Necklace in Persistence and Effort Fish (somewhat similar to mine in color);  Craghoppers Women's Venta Lite Hooded Jacket in Warm Ginger (color out of stock - similar to my much less expensive version); Great American Leatherworks Leather East/West Crossbody Bag in Dark Tan (no longer available); Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Stretch-Fit Jeans in Coffee Roast; Pendleton Women's Long-Sleeve Cotton Ribbed Tee in Antique White (similar to mine); Center top: Target Women's A New Day Crew Socks in Cream; Center bottom: Propet Women's Madison Mid Zip Boots in Espresso.

I really wanted to get this outfit posted so that I could discuss the day I spent wearing it!  I wore this ensemble to the talk described at the top of the page that I attended with a neighbor and new friend who lives just down the road from me.  She is a history teacher and knows a lot about New Mexico history, which I really want to learn more about.  The speaker was quite good and the topic was fascinating, so we both enjoyed the presentation immensely.  We then went out to lunch at Mampuku Ramen, a relatively new noodle shop in Santa Fe, which is excellent and highly recommended - here is an image of their menu:

From Yelp

I had the Tanmen Ramen, which was a rich chicken broth full of tasty vegetables and a hard-boiled egg half, and it was delicious.

From Yelp

I got a side of Kimchi to add to the ramen because I love kimchi in ramen.  Straight kimchi is too spicy for me, but the ramen broth dilutes the spiciness of the cabbage while incorporating the spicy heat into the bowl of noodles and enhancing its flavor.  My neighbor and I shared an appetizer of Takoyaki (octopus dumplings), little fried dumpling balls which were also delicious.

From Yelp

I had such a great time listening to the history talk that my neighbor and I will be attending another one this week:

From Hitchhiker


The year 2020 is the centennial of women's suffrage in New Mexico.  This event is such a great reminder to vote in the upcoming presidential election, in a year where issues especially important to women seem to be facing great challenges.

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Next week I will probably post another outfit of the week, but I promise that as soon as I can I will start putting together some more comprehensive wardrobe posts!

Be careful, Madison - watch your back!
             

Friday, February 14, 2020

Foodie Fridays: Artichoke and White Bean Soup


This Artichoke and White Bean Soup recipe is fast, easy, and delicious.  It would make the perfect starter for a Valentine's Day meal at home.  Served with a sandwich or salad, it would also be great for lunch or a light dinner any day of the year.  I hope you all have a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Artichoke and White Bean Soup

1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained, and chopped fine
1 can (15 oz.) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 can (14 oz.) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 C. grated Parmesan
salt and pepper to taste
minced fresh dill plus additional grated Parmesan for garnish

Mash or purée the artichokes and beans.  Set aside.

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the artichoke/bean mixture and broth, and heat through.

Remove the pan from the heat and purée the soup with an immersion blender.  Return to the heat, stir in the cheese, and warm through to melt the cheese.  Season with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with dill and additional cheese.  Serves 4.

Notes: The original recipe calls for puréeing the artichokes and beans in a food processor, but I just used a potato masher.  I topped this soup with minced dill and more Parmesan cheese, but use whatever toppings you like (different fresh herbs, croutons, crumbled bacon, etc.).

A beautiful orchid bouquet for Valentine's Day sent to me by
my sweet husband.
                

Thursday, February 13, 2020

This 'n That Thursdays: Black Teas I Have Been Enjoying This Winter

From The Healthy

I love a nice hot cup of tea on a cold day, and now that I live in New Mexico I am experiencing a lot more cold days than I did in Georgia!  This winter I have been drinking a lot of different teas, several of them new to me, so I thought I would mention a few of these new ones in today's blog post.

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Currently I am drinking this Two Leaves and a Bud Organic Assam Breakfast Tea every morning.  I love its hearty, slightly smoky flavor - it pairs well with light cream (I use an almond milk creamer).  I first had this tea at Cerrillos Station, a delightful artists' cooperative and mercantile store in the nearby town of, you guessed it, Cerrillos.  If you are ever in Santa Fe I highly recommend a side trip to this little town just to check out Cerrillos Station, which is full of unique and lovely original creations, a separate room full of second-hand treasures, a few shelves devoted to health and beauty products, and a small grocery section where the free coffee and tea station offers this wonderful tea as one of the options.

Cerrillos Station, exterior view
Cerrillos Station, interior view

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I bought a tin of Mrs. Patmore's Pudding Tea just before Christmas to enjoy over the holiday season.  The flavor is delicious and was perfect for Christmas, with a touch of sweetness despite no added sugar.  This tea is also enhanced by the addition of light cream, which makes it taste like a guilt-free dessert in a cup!

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I am not a fan of Earl Grey tea as I do not like bergamot, so I was not expecting to like Twinings Lady Grey Tea.  However, my husband bought a box of Twinings Black Tea Variety Pack which included their Lady Grey tea, and when I read the ingredients the flavorings were listed as mainly orange and lemon peel rather than the dreaded bergamot.  I decided to give it a try, and I was pleasantly surprised.  (There may be a bit of bergamot flavor in this tea, but it is not overwhelming for me as it is in Earl Grey tea.)  While I did not care for this tea in the morning, it is a great afternoon choice.  I prefer this one plain, without the addition of cream.

☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕☕

If you are an avid tea drinker like me, you might want to give these options a try, especially on a cold winter day!
               

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Wish List Wednesdays: Cozy for You Embroidered Sweater from ModCloth


If you are looking for a casual and comfortable sweater for Valentine's Day, look no further than the Cozy for You Embroidered Sweater in Cream Hearts ($69) from ModCloth.  The long-sleeved v-neck sweater is embroidered with chenille hearts in various colors.  I realized recently, to my great surprise, that I have no apparel with a heart design, so I have already placed my order for this sweater.  I don't know if it will arrive in time for Valentine's Day 2020, but at least I will have it for next year!
             

Friday, February 7, 2020

Foodie Fridays: Lemon Chicken with Orzo and Baby Greens


I have been wanting to make the One Skillet Lemon Butter Chicken and Orzo from Half Baked Harvest for a while now, and finally had the time recently to do so.  The only modifications I made were to eliminate the cooked lemon slices and to substitute a container of mixed baby greens for the kale called for in the original recipe.  I also added Parmesan cheese as a topping instead of the fresh dill because I had the former on hand but not the latter.  This was a very easy dish to prepare and made for a tasty and satisfying dinner.  I will be giving more recipes from this website a try in the near future, and I highly recommend taking a look at this site for delicious and easy meal ideas.

Lemon Chicken with Orzo and Baby Greens

2 T. olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I cut them in half)
salt and pepper to taste
2 T. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 C. orzo
1/3 C. white wine
2 1/2 C. chicken stock
1 package (5 oz.) mixed baby greens*
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 C. shredded Parmesan

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat.  Season the chicken well with salt.  Add to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side.  Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Melt the butter in the skillet.  Add the garlic and orzo.  Cook until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo is toasted, about 2-3 minutes.  Add the wine to the skillet to deglaze the pan.  Add the chicken broth, baby greens, and lemon zest and juice.  Bring to a boil over high heat and stir.  Return the chicken to the skillet.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.  Remove from the oven and serve, topping each portion generously with the shredded Parmesan.  Serves 4.

*I used Alberston's Organic Super Greens
             

Thursday, February 6, 2020

This 'n That Thursdays: Visit a Haunted House for Valentine's Day!


I'll bet you didn't see this one coming!  There are an impressive number of reputedly haunted houses opening their creaky old doors just for Valentine's Day - you can check out the list by state here.  While there are no options available in New Mexico, if I were going to be back in Georgia for the holiday we would have three locations to consider, including the Folklore Haunted House,


Lake Joy Trails of Terror,


and Netherworld Haunted House.


While this is not the sort of Valentine's Day activity I would be inclined to select when celebrating with my husband (he would so not be interested!), since I will be separated from my sweetie for the holiday this year, I might be inclined to get to know a ghost or two as an alternative way to spend the day.  Unfortunately, the haunted house closest to me is probably the 13th Floor Haunted House in Denver, CO, and that is a little too far to travel just to make the acquaintance of an apparition!


I guess I will have to find some other way to have a "spooktacular" Valentine's Day on my own!

From Pinterest

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Wish List Wednesdays: Norman Love Confections for Valentine's Day


If you are looking for the perfect chocolates for Valentine's Day, one of my favorite sources is the appropriately named Norman Love Confections.  Their delicious chocolates come in ten different heart-shaped flavors for Valentine's Day (Caramel Passionfruit and Raspberry Marzipan are just two of the delectable options), and the 24 Piece Heart Gift Box ($58.00) shown above also includes 14 additional pieces from their signature collection.  Norman Love Confections will ship anywhere in the United States, so if you will be separated from your sweetie this Valentine's Day, just place your order and have a box of these delectable treats delivered to remind your loved one of how special he/she is to you!

             

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Weekend Wardrobe: 2020 Outfit of the Week #5

Arctex David Klein Moose Thermal Long-Sleeve Shirt

Well, you know what they say about the best-laid plans... I had intended to put together a 4x5 winter wardrobe for today, but a couple of days ago my photo file decided that it had been corrupted, so it reset and reloaded itself.  All of my images are still saved, but they are no longer in the order I had put them in, and it is not easy to find all of the pictures I intended to use.  I also lost all of my links to the photo sources, and it will take a while to relocate everything.  For this reason, I decided to just go ahead and post another outfit of the week, which I had intended to do next week anyway.  Since there are fewer images, it was quicker and easier to find the links for all of these items.

Anyway, this outfit is one I wore into town recently that featured a unique thermal waffle knit top I "inherited" from my husband.  I have a fondness for tops that feature animal themes, and the moose design on this shirt is delightful!  I also have a preference for the warm autumnal colors featured in this outfit, as these hues are more complementary to my complexion.

Clockwise from top left: Arctex David Klein Moose Thermal Long-Sleeve ShirtCraghoppers Women's Venta Lite Hooded Jacket in Warm Ginger (color out of stock - similar to my much less expensive version which is still available in the Spiced Cider color in limited sizes); Great American Leatherworks Leather East/West Crossbody Bag in Dark Tan (no longer available); Target Women's A New Day Crew Socks in Brown; Dockers Vargas Boat Shoes in Rust (similar to mine); Target A New Day Women's Crew Socks in Brown; Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Stretch-Fit Jeans in Coffee Roast; Brooks Brothers Women's Suede Whip-Stitched Waist Belt in Copper (similar to mine).

Hopefully by next weekend I will have reorganized my photo file well enough to put together the winter wardrobe I intended to post today.  Have a great weekend!