Hump Day Hobbies: Statement Necklace

Who knew you could get such cool baubles at the craft store?  I came across this brilliant yellow crystal last night and couldn't resist it.  (That happens to me a lot - which is why I'm poor!)  Anyway, I think it made a pretty statement necklace.  I'm wearing it today and have already received several compliments.  As Hannibal of the A-Team always says, "I love it when a plan comes together." 

Hope you're all having a great Wednesday!

Daily Style: Cowboys & Aliens

Bill and I went to see the movie "Cowboys & Aliens" on Saturday night.  I've been looking forward to it the past couple of months for two reasons:  (1) I like Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, and (2) this movie boasted not one, not two, but THREE of my favorite "character" actors of all time:

Clancy Brown

David O'Hara

Adam Beach

SPOILER ALERT:  Sadly, not all of these fine fellows survived the alien attacks.  :-(  But it was fun to see them on the big screen again anyway.

So today, I had to try to incorporate a small nod to the movie in my clothing choices.  As you know, any good alien is going to have *some* resemblance to the scariest things on our planet: snakes!  These aliens were no exception.  They had fangs, scales and a healthy disdain for the human race.  That's a snake in my book, all right.  So I chose to wear this snakeskin print tank from Fashion Bug underneath a jacket that reminds me of a rust-colored desert canyon:

Please forgive the "Napoleon" pose in this one.  LOL!  I'm still a new blogger, remember, and I haven't quite learned how to look natural in front of the camera.  I'll get better.  ;-)

Necklace:  Arc Bar by The Altered Chain

Nails:  Revlon Peachy, OPI Silver Shatter

Too bad I don't own a pair of cowboy boots...  Hi-yo, Silver (bangles)! Away!!!

Savory Raspberry Chicken

I came across this recipe in an issue of Everybody Cooks, which is a little recipe booklet put out several times a year in my local Dierbergs grocery store.  It's a delicious, light dish - perfect for summer, and I forget how good it is until I make it again.  It's great for company or just a family meal.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 lb.)
1 t. garlic pepper seasoning
1 T. margarine
1/2 C. prepared raspberry vinaigrette dressing
1 T. soy sauce
1/2 t prepared horseradish
Hot cooked rice
2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced (optional)
Fresh raspberries (optional)

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap.  Using meat mallet gently pound chicken to even thickness.  Remove plastic; rub garlic pepper over chicken.  Heat margarine in large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken; cook for 3-5 minutes.  Turn chicken over.  In small bowl, combine vinaigrette, soy sauce and horseradish.  Add to skillet; cook until chicken id done, about 3 minutes.  Place cooked chicken on bed of hot cooked rice.  Spoon sauce over; top each with kiwi slices and raspberries.  Makes 4 servings.

I always use a light raspberry vinaigrette.  This particular time, I used brown rice.  It turned out great!  I added green beans seasoned with some dried dill and seasoned salt.

Daily Style: It's All in the Details

When I went home recently to visit my mom, we drove to nearby Poplar Bluff, Missouri to visit one of our favorite shops, La Boutique.  I found this beautiful dark purple vest there.  I paired it with a simple white tee and khaki slacks.  I love the lace detail on the back and shoulders.

 I wore a pretty filigree necklace I picked up at JCPenney a few years ago and an even prettier filigree diamond ring which belonged to my Aunt Curley.  It was her engagement ring.

I'm not usually one for a lot of fussy details, but I have to admit I felt quite ladylike in this outfit.  And the best part is it's as comfortable and cool as it is pretty.

Hump Day Hobbies

I'm back to card making this week for my Hump Day Hobbies post.  But first:

Jack wants to say "Hi!" and tell you it's *really* hot in St. Louis!  :-)

Now for the cards:

I used Stampin' Up! cardstock in Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry, along with Designer Series Paper in Razzleberry Lemonade.  The ink is Stampin' Up! Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Old Olive and Stazon in Timber Brown.  The yellow flower is made using the mother of pearl technique on Stampin' Up! Glossy White paper.

Happy Hump Day!



Daily Style: Rawr..er, Hiss! I don't know.

I've been following many style blogs over the past few months.  I love the way those ladies put themselves together and show us their great style nearly everyday.  I want to try to do the same thing.  My friend Nancy at work very kindly took this pic of me with her phone today.  Thanks, Nancy!

I don't quite know what animal print this top actually is.  It looks slightly more snakeskin than safari animal print, but I can't say I've ever seen a snake with this coloring before.  Hmmm...  In any case, I like it!

Did you notice that my coveted new sandals make an appearance here?  If you do, kudos to you! (and thanks for caring!)  They really are cute and comfy -- so much so that I can actually wear them all day at work without getting sore feet.  Yay!

These earrings came from JCPenney a couple of years ago.

I bought my bracelets last night at Burlington Coat Factory and JCPenney.  I love the way they work with this outfit.  I know it's hard to see, but I painted my fingernails with OPI's Mermaid's Tears and Silver Shatter nail polish.

Here's your "Awwww" for the day!

Meet Willie, the miniature Shih Tzu that lives down the street from my mom.  Willie and his big brother Jack the cholocate lab come up every morning for treats and some love from their adopted grandma.  Everytime I see Willie, I want to pick him up, put him in my pocket and take him home with me.  (He only weighs about 3 pounds, so I'm sure he would fit!)

Now come on, who could resist that little face?!  You can't see it in this picture, but he wears a collar with skulls and crossbones on it like he's some big, bad, scary dude.  I bet he is...among miniature Shih Tzus.  ;-)