Monthly Archives: May 2014

Fashion Friday

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052314dA hi-lo skirt, Ebay purchase, Mother’s Day gift, and AWANA.  What possibly do these four things have in common?  My outfit!

052314cThis hi-lo skirt has been waiting in my closet anticipating to be worn.  I knew that when I received this purse as a Mother’s Day gift (featured on my pintrest “Mother’s Day Gift Ideas” board) this skirt was going to have its moment!

Viento Bucket Bag - anthropologie

Not only did the purse inspire me to wear my skirt, but it also was a perfect match for my Seychelles!  These shoes are where eBay comes into the picture.  Like many people, I was skeptical to purchase a pair of shoes on auction.  But because I knew my size for this particular brand, I felt assured they would fit.  When eBay said I won these puppies…I really did win, at over 75% off!  Don’t shy away from eBay if you are looking for a particular pair of shoes and can’t seem to find them anywhere.  Or think about this, did you ever own a pair of shoes you loved and wished you bought another pair because you were afraid they weren’t around anymore?  Check Ebay.  Surprisingly, people clear out their closet finding shoes they never wore but purchased thinking they would.
052314Now as I put my ensemble together, it was missing an accessory…enter, the owl necklace.  This necklace has an endearing memory associated with it.  My daughter used her hard earned AWANA bucks to buy me something special.  She memorized bible verses, prayed during club, participated, volunteered, etc. to receive these bucks.  I wear this necklace with great joy!  It along with my Mother’s Day purse indeed make me feel “Adorned with Blessings!”

Appropriate: for Church

Affordable & Accessible:
Skirt: Ross
Shoes: Seychelles via eBay
Purse: Anthropologie (gift from my husband and kids)

For more hi-lo skirt inspired outfits: check out my pins on pintrest

Taste Bud Tuesday

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TatorTotSurpriseIngredientsFrom time to time I’ll post a family favorite recipe.  Cooking is definitely not my forte, so I am thankful that my family is gracious to enjoy the simplest of meals.  I prefer to plan our weekly dinner menu in advance, to help with our daily schedule and routines.  Not to mention, a planned menu will assist me in keeping within our grocery budget.  Today’s dish: Tator Tot Surprise

I received this recipe over 9 years ago in a recipe exchange through a moms’ playgroup at our church.  I was eager to try this dish because it consisted of less than 5 ingredients and took less than 20 minutes to prepare.

Tator Tot Surprise

1 lb. Uncooked Ground Beef

1 packet French Onion Soup Mix

1 can Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery Soup

Tator Tots

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Layer each item in the above order in an 8×8 backing dish uncovered.  Bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour.

TatorTotSurprise1

TatorTotSurprise2

TatorTotSurprise4

TatorTotSurprise4

TatorTotSurpriseYou can change this recipe by adding cheese, corn, etc.  Make it your own and get creative.  Serve with a salad and you are all set!

Do you have a simple recipe to share?  I would love to add quick and easy recipes to my rotation!

Here is another Tator Tot recipe:

Taco Tator Tot Bake Recipe – Blog Chef

For more Tator Tot recipes: check out my pins on pintrest

Fashion Friday

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050914

Distressed jeans have surprised me.  I didn’t think I would like them at first.  But I have grown to love this particular pair.  It all started at the Clearance rack at Target.  I spotted these for approximately $5.99.   I believe they were in the 75% off section.  Since the price was right, I figured I’d take them home and give it a try.  These jeans are currently my absolute favorite; not my Joe’s Jeans, not my Citizens…but Mossimo Supply Co. from Target!  What makes this pair number one?  Well, they meet two of my purchase requirements (Accessible & Affordable), they are super comfortable, and they are surprisingly stylish and Appropriate for a mom like me to wear.  They bring the fun and adventure to my otherwise conventional outfit.

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One thing you must know about me, I am a bargain shopper.  It is on a very rare occasion that I will pay full price for an item.  I prefer to shop clearance primarily.

My clearance shopping mentality:

  1. Do not purchase an item just for the discount.
  2. Ask yourself, “Would I pay full price for this item?”
  3.  Or, “Would I be able to get this somewhere else for less?”
  4. Do consider purchasing an item if it is something you have been looking for or have been waiting to go on sale.
  5. Shop 50-75% off.  The 25-30% off are great deals and probably items still in season, but only make the purchase if you can’t wait for the deeper discount or believe it will be gone before then.

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The place where I find the best clearance deals is Target.  Which brings me to my top for this particular outfit; it was a recent purchase for $11.48.  That’s right, my outfit (top & bottom) is less than $20!

Here are some similar outfits

POLKA DOTS, RED LIPS AND DISTRESSED JEANS - a house in the hillsa house in the hills

classic12.jpg_effectedsincerely jules

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So, where do you find the best clearance deals?  And did you ever take a risk on a purchase to later find it was the deal of the “century”?  I would love to know!

Appropriate: for a Mom’s Night Out

Affordable & Accessible:
Top: Target (similar)
Jeans: Target (similar)
Tote: Franco Sarto via TJ Maxx
Sandals: Old Navy
Sunglasses: DKNY (2009)

 For more distressed jean looks: check out my pins on pintrest