Weekend Wardrobe: Go West Travel Wardrobe

I recently purchased the Wild Spirit Cardigan and a pair of the Pinwhale Stretch Corduroy Pants shown above from Coldwater Creek.  Coldwater Creek is clothing company that was popular years ago but went out of business.  They have recently returned, and while I have been perusing their website for a while, I was hesitant to make a purchase until I saw the cardigan.  Horse lover that I am, I knew that I just had to have it.  I also decided to buy a pair of the corduroy pants in a clearance color because they were almost half price and they were available in my size.  I am happy to report that both purchases are a perfect fit and are well made.  I am so pleased with the pants that I will be buying a pair in the color shown above as well (and I will pay full price!).

Both items inspired me to create a travel wardrobe based on Coldwater Creek clothing.  My husband and I like to visit New Mexico every year if possible, but the past couple of years critically ill animals have prevented me from traveling.  Right now all of our animals seem to be fine, so barring any unforeseen catastrophes we plan to make a trip to our favorite state before the end of the year.  The weather will be much cooler by the time we get there, so I have put together a wardrobe featuring warm clothes, even though it still feels like the middle of summer here in Georgia right now.  How I look forward to the time when warmer clothes will be needed!

For the plane trip, I would wear an outfit like this:

Clockwise from top left: Sunwashed Linen Big Shirt in Flax; Wild Spirit Cardigan; Triple Zip Bagg by Baggallini in Beach; Prairie Wolf Pin; Beyond the Storm Raincoat in Desert Taupe; "Cross" Boots by Born in Taupe; Tailored Denim Trousers; Inner Circle Belt in Brown.

Isn't that wolf and moon pin just lovely?  And I am so glad that high-waisted pants like the denim trousers seem to be back in style, because on a long-waisted person like myself they hit right at the waist, which is where I find waistbands to be most comfortable.

These are the items I would pack for the trip, which will most likely be about four days long:

Clockwise from top left: Stone Ladder Necklace; World Traveler Horses Tapestry Travel Bag; Mixed Rib Open Cardigan in Cocoa Brown; Fieldgrass Print Easy Care Shirt; Pinwhale Stretch Corduroys in Brown; "Legends 2.0" Flats by Me Too in Brown; Gored Tencel Skirt in Medium Blue Wash; Silk/Cotton Mockneck Sweater in Brown; Center top: PrimaKnit Crewneck Tee in Vanilla; PrimaKnit Crewneck Tee in River Blue.

The suitcase is the only item not from Coldwater Creek, but how could I resist when the horse tapestry design mirrors the print on the cardigan?

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With a wardrobe like this one, I would be ready to go west at a moment's notice, and it would be not a moment too soon, as far as I am concerned!
             

Foodie Fridays: Red Bean and Sweet Potato Hash

Low-carb breakfasts are hard to plan, especially when you are, like me, allergic to red meat and cannot include any pork-based breakfast foods.  Even eggs lose their appeal after a while!  I found a recipe for Red Bean and Sweet Potato Hash on the Blue Zones website that would make a great breakfast dish.  It could also be served as lunch or a light dinner.  Even though sweet potatoes are mostly carbohydrates, they much healthier than refined carbs and are full of essential vitamins and minerals.

The original recipe calls for mashing the beans, but I think the texture is more interesting with whole beans, so I left this step out (I mashed about half of them with a spoon while cooking the hash, as you have to press down on the mixture anyway).  You could easily change up the seasonings (I might try my favorite smoked paprika or some chili powder next time) and/or the type of beans used.  Cook the sweet potato any way you like as long as you end up with a soft but firm texture (microwaving instructions are included at the end of the recipe).

Red Bean and Sweet Potato Hash

1 T. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large sweet potato (8 oz.), cooked, peeled, and diced
1/2 tsp. thyme
1/2 tsp. oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 can (15 oz.) red beans (any variety), drained and rinsed

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic and cook for one minute longer.  Stir in the sweet potato, thyme, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

Add the beans to the onion mixture and stir to combine.  Cook, stirring frequently and pressing down on the mixture with a spatula, until the bottom is lightly crisped and browned when turned, about 10 minutes.  Serve hot.  Serves 4.

Note: To quickly cook a sweet potato, pierce it with a fork several times.  Place the potato on a microwaveable plate and microwave on HIGH for five minutes, rotating halfway through cooking time.  You may need to microwave it a minute or two longer, depending upon the size of the potato, until it is tender.
               

This 'n That Thursdays: The Girl on the Train (2015)

From The New York Times.

I have been hearing about the book The Girl on the Train (2015) for over a year now.  It is a best seller that has now been made into a movie, and it seems that everyone who has read it has recommended it.  Finally, this past weekend while awaiting our flight at the Atlanta airport, I decided to buy a copy and read it.

The short blurb describing the novel makes the story sound like a murder mystery along the lines of Agatha Christie's 4:50 from Paddington, but it is quite different.  The book is more of a psychological thriller than a straightforward murder mystery, and character rather than plot driven.  While the story is darker and unhappier than I prefer, the unique narration had me hooked enough to want to read it through to the end.

Instead of just one narrator, this tale is told by three different people, and all three to various extents are what is known as an unreliable narrator.  The narrator, whether unintentionally or by choice, does not always tell the truth.  The reader may or may not be made aware of this fact, and it is often difficult to ascertain just what to believe.  The primary narrator and title character, while not entirely likable, is the most unreliable, but has a certain integrity that eventually earns the reader's respect, if not complete trust, and it is mainly from her point of view that the story unfolds and concludes.  I will not give away the plot, except to say that although a murder does occur, it is not really the main focus of this novel.  Of more importance is the interaction of the characters, and how these interactions ultimately lead to the tragedy.

I cannot guarantee that you will like this book, and I am not even sure that I liked it, but it was worth reading.  I tend to divide books that are worth reading into two categories, those that I will keep and read again and those that are worth passing on to others to read.  The Girl on the Train definitely falls into the latter category for me, and I will be passing my copy on to a good friend to read.
             

Wish List Wednesdays: Maine Sea Bags

I recently saw an ad for Maine Sea Bags which aroused my curiosity, so I just had to check out their website.  This company creates bags of all sorts from recycled boat sails, which is a clever re-use idea and great for the environment.  There are a variety of design options, both in type of bag and print theme.  Since my husband studies crustaceans, I focused on the lobster and crab selections.  Here are just a few that I loved:

1) Lobster Portfolio Case ($95)

2) Red Lobster Print Wristlet ($30)

3) White on Blue Crab Tote ($160-$180)

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In addition to the crustaceans, the bags are available in other marine life and nautical prints, as well as stars, stripes, plaids, and more!  There is even a selection of non-bag items for purchase.  Check out the website and you may find your own perfect sea bag!
             

Weekend Wardrobe: Labor Day Trip to Maine Travel Wardrobe

From Worldromper.

My most recent This 'n That Thursdays post about L.L. Bean travel tours had me thinking about a late summer trip to the great state of Maine.  I put together a fun wardrobe for a casual vacation, featuring a nautical theme and a red, white, and blue color scheme.  First up is the travel wardrobe:

Clockwise from top left: Serengeti Embellished Sailboat Top; L.L. Bean Classic Cable Cardigan in Nautical Red; Serengeti Lobster Stripe Stretch Watch; Vince Camuto Leila Small Tote in Night Sky; Anna Kastle Shoes Comfortable Women's Classic Penny Loafers in Dark Blue; L.L. Bean Relaxed Fit Double L Jeans in Rinsed Wash.

The following items will go into the anchor-print suitcase:

Clockwise from top left: Striped Lobster Scarf; Ever Moda 360 Spinner Nautical Anchor Carry On Luggage;  Serengeti Crystal Lighthouse Top; Serengeti White Denim Pants; L.L. Bean Women's V-Neck Short-Sleeve Pima Cotton Tee in Fiery Red; Gem Lounge Jewelry Lobster Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace; Serengeti Lobster Socks 3-Pack; Maine Isle Flip-Flops in Fiery Red Lobster Print; Marc Jacobs 'Recruit' Crossbody Bag in Dark Blue; Joolz Hayworth Lobster Five Cameo Stretch Bracelet; L.L. Bean Women's V-Neck Short-Sleeve Pima Cotton Tee in Navy; Serengeti Button-Front Dress in Red; Center top to bottom: Serengeti Embellished Lobster Top; Serengeti Button-Accent Knit Capris in Red; L.L.Bean Women's V-Neck Short-Sleeve Pima Cotton Tee in White.

Additional apparel would also be packed if the Lighthouse and Lobster Bike Tour is on the agenda:

Clockwise from top left: L.L. Bean Women's Circuit Running Tank in Granite; L.L. Bean Women's  Comfort Cycling Capris; L.L. Bean Women's Pearl Izumi All-Road III Cycling Shoes; L.L. Bean Women's SmartWool PhD Ultralight Micro Socks in Capri; Center: L.L. Bean Women's Long-Sleeve Comfort Cycling Jersey in Aqua Splash.

And finally, in case rainy weather is in the forecast, water-resistant outerwear, such as this Serengeti Poplin Car Coat in Navy, would be a good addition to the wardrobe:

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Have a great Labor Day holiday, everyone!
             

Foodie Fridays: Pancake and Sausage Muffins

Since September is National Breakfast Month, I thought it might be fun to feature breakfast recipes all month long for Foodie Fridays.  This week I wanted to try a recipe that was really fast and super easy as I am busy getting ready for a Labor Day weekend trip.  Pancake and Sausage Muffins fit the bill perfectly.  The three ingredients mix up quickly and bake in no time (I reduced the original recipe by half for just the two of us).  These muffins may not be the healthiest or lowest-carbohydrate food you will ever eat, but they are great as a fast heat-and-eat breakfast for those mornings when you are really pressed for time.

Pancake and Sausage Muffins

1 C. pancake mix (any brand)
3/4 C. water
4-6 precooked sausage links*, cut into 1/2-inch slices
maple syrup for dipping

Combine the pancake mix and water in a large bowl and stir just to combine (batter will be lumpy).  Stir in the sausage slices.

Spoon the batter into a greased or lined 6-cup muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  When done, the muffins will not look very browned on top, but they will spring back to the touch.

Serve with warmed maple syrup.  Makes 6 muffins.

Notes: To freeze, place the muffins in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour.  Place the frozen muffins in a ziplock bag, squeezing out all of the air when sealing, and place the bag in the freezer.  To reheat, place one frozen muffin on a microwave-safe plate and heat on HIGH for 30-45 seconds.

*I used Al Fresco Country Style Chicken Breakfast Sausage Links.  Six links seemed to be a bit too much.  The muffins barely held together because they were too full of sausage, so next time I will only use four links.
             

This 'n That Thursdays: L.L. Bean Outdoor Adventure Tours

From L.L. Bean.

Did you know that L.L. Bean offers an impressive selection of outdoor adventure tours?  I only discovered them a few months ago, but a few in particular really have me considering a trip to Maine!  All of the tours are led by experienced guides who will teach you all of the basics you need to know to enjoy your adventure, whether it is fly-fishing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, camping, birdwatching, or any of the many options offered.

I think my favorite tour is the Lighthouse and Lobster Bike Tour.  Starting off in South Portland, this day trip will soon have you cycling the rocky coast of southern Maine for a visit to two lighthouses, with a food truck stop for a lobster roll lunch.  The tour description even lets you know what to wear, and since this is a real outdoor adventure, inclement weather does not necessarily mean your tour will be cancelled!  If you are up for a moderately active day in the great outdoors, this trip may be the one for you.

The tour selections include a variety of skills and trip lengths, from an easy bird-watching trip on the Harraseeket River Kayak Tour with Maine Audubon to the strenuous eight-day Western Maine Hut Hike, and prices vary accordingly.  Tours and courses are available in many states and not just in Maine, so there may be one located conveniently close to where you live.  Browse through the choices and you may just find the outdoor trip and/or course you have always wanted to take, but did not now how to start!