Fashionable Friday–Cardigans

 

TGIF!

For this installment of Fashionable Friday, I am excited to share my love of cardigans.  Besides scarves, these simple sweaters are one of my favorite clothing items.

 

 

Cardigans are definitely considered multi-purpose in my book and are great for layering.  By purchasing cardigans in bright colors, textures and patterns, they can make any outfit more interesting.

Most of the cardigans I purchase are sale items.  I very rarely buy them at full price, and try to pick up as many different colors/patterns as I can when they are on sale.  I wear one almost every day and am always on the lookout for new pieces to add to my collection!

Great places to shop for cardigans:

• Old Navy
• Target
• Ann Taylor Loft
• Marshalls
• Gap
• Banana Republic
• J.Crew
• Anthropologie

 

Have a great weekend!

Have you ever…

tried this?



One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to eat more (hot) oatmeal for breakfast. It is filled with nutrients and is a great early morning food choice.   I love granola, which is made primarily from oats, but I don’t love fixing hot oatmeal in the morning - just one of my quirks I guess. 

So, as I was perusing the grocery store (which I love to do), looking for new and interesting items, I came across this little gem. 

Frozen oatmeal.

 


Although granola will always be my favorite way to eat oats, this variety is convenient, quick, and thick (runny oatmeal is not my idea of a good time). 

Topped with yummy goodness, this hearty and healthy breakfast is ready in a matter of minutes.  And better yet, the only cleanup is the bowl.  Score!





Yummy oatmeal topping ideas:

• dried or fresh fruit – my  pick:  Dried Bing Cherries.
• nuts – pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds.
• peanut butter, or any desired nut butter – drizzle on top for a bit more protein.
• granola – adds more nutrients from oats and a bit of crunch.
• toasted coconut – you’ll feel like you’re in the islands, mon.
• cereal
• brown sugar – I use the Splenda brown sugar blend to save a few calories, but still get the same effect.
• chocolate chips – these little morsels will make you smile, in moderation.
• honey
• 1/2 t vanilla extract
• cinnamon
• pinch of salt

For more crazy and original combinations, click here.





REMEMBER:  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  The more quick, easy and fun you make it, the more you’ll look forward to eating it.  Even if it is at the...yawn...crack of dawn.

Happy Friday-eve!

The “it” List - January

Here are a few things I am loving right now!  If only there were a money tree in my backyard.  Enjoy!


1.  Minnetonka Moccasins – They would look so cute with a comfy sweater and a cute pair of jeans.





2.  Colorful brooches – pinned on a jacket, these add a little bit of fun to any outfit.





3.  Striped Blazer – Classy and sassy.  Perfect dressed up or down with khakis or jeans.  Love this!

 

4.  Thorlo Running Socks – My dad used to wear these when he was training for marathons (yes, plural…he always ran the NYC Marathon).  They are pricey, but SO COMFY!





5. Garmin Forerunner 205 – this is yet another running “toy”.  It is a pretty heavy duty watch that will tell you how many calories you have burned, best pace, total time and my favorite part – distance.  It has a GPS component that tracks how far you run. 

 



6.  Birkenstock Sparta Sandals – these would be perfect with a pair of crisp white shorts on a spring/summer day (I love the touch of gold), and the best part – they will last forever!




7.  Banana Republic Wild Bloom (found at this link, but also in any BR retail store)– This fragrance is delightful and is one of the few perfumes that doesn’t make me sneeze.  Actually, all of the BR fragrances are winners in my book – they smell great with no headaches! 

Tidbits

 

I love finding little things that make life just a bit easier.  Here are a few tidbits that make me smile.

 

1.  Add some spice.  By adding a little bit of cinnamon to your morning coffee grounds, you’re adding a touch of smooth flavor.  It’s a fun way to spice it up.

 

2.  Separate.  I have two sets of teaspoons that I love (one from Crate and Barrel and the other from Anthropologie), but I used to hate to use just one and have to wash all four since they were all connected.  By separating them and keeping them in a small container in my drawer, I can just grab the one I need.  Love that!

 

 

3.  Wrap it up.  I don’t use celery that much, but I do have to buy it for certain recipes.  One way to extend the life of celery is to wrap it in foil.  By doing this, your stalks will stay fresh three times as long.  It’s amazing!

 

 

4.  Make room.  I love specialty coffee mugs, but seem to run out of room in my cabinet.  Simply by screwing hooks underneath your cabinet near your coffee maker, you have an easy access adorable mug display and more room in your cabinets.

 

 

5.  Fresh fruit.  Keep your fruit (apples, pears, kiwi, grapes, cherries) in the fridge.  We have a designated fruit bowl in our fridge that does the trick.  Our fruit lasts up to twice as long as if it sat at room temperature.  There is nothing like a cold apple!  The only thing we keep out are the bananas.  They don’t like the chilly temps.