Monday, January 27, 2014

"Mommy am I still Dreaming?"

On Friday, I sat in the front row and watched the 5th-9th graders perform for the talent show. There were thirty performers in three different categories (variety, instrument, and singing).  I arrived with Eldon twin brother and his baby sister a full two hours early because the performers had to be there early to practice and set up. Some were good, some were really good, and some were well... my mom always told me, "Baby if you don't have nothing good to say don't say nothing at all."

My children have been taught to always do your best and if your best isn't good enough, go back and practice some more.  All three of my kiddos have been playing piano for 3 years and have never competed in any type of competition.  Eldon was not nervous at all. His biggest concern was getting the purple package of skittle from the snack bar, that was set up but not selling anything (why tempt the kids).  I was a nervous WRECK!  He just looked at me, “Mommy I'm not nervous, what is wrong with you!"  I took my cue, went, and sat down.  He was number 11 in the competition and did AWESOME!  

I do not often brag or boast when it comes to my children.  I believe in the bible verse from Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven.  

However, on this day I will brag on this young man.  Eldon is a solider for the Lord; he has been called to do something great and powerful for God.  He is sweet and humble.  If you ask Eldon for anything, he will give it to you even if it means that he will go without. His first year at the STEM Academy of Riverside his report card were all A's & B's which is remarkable for that school.  Eldon is well mannered and well spoken.  He can play the piano like no one’s business and takes his lessons very serious.  He loves the LORD!  I will say that again, He loves the Lord.  Even though he was born with a very rare and serious heart defect (Tetralogy of Fallot) he does not let that hinder him.  When he is sick, he begs and pleads to go to school and/or church. When Eldon was being bullied at school, he prayed for the person that was bullying him.  That is something that I as a grown-up can learn from.  He opens the doors for adults and offers his seat to women or elders when there are no other seats available.  He says yes ma'am and sir.  He prays ever morning and night.  He makes sure I buy a gift for his friend’s birthday, as well as the neighbors.  I can go on and on but I will not because if you are ever fortunate enough to meet this sweet, kind spirited young man you will be reminded of Matthew 5:16.


And about that talent show.  No sweetie you are not dreaming you did win 1st Place!

Enjoy!


.

His winning performance!




Saturday, January 25, 2014

Shady Palms

I checked the outside temperature to see what I should wear for the women, "Feel My Cup" event at church this morning.  I was too sick to prepare anything last night.  It was not cold, but there was a slight chill in the air and the sun only peeked out from behind the clouds.  

My spirits were dreary just like the outside looked. Mmmm... Do I feel this way because everyone in my home is sick (with the exception of my husband) or is it because of those shady palm trees in the distance?

I got it... Let's put on that bright and cheery Emily and Fin palm tree dress.  God woke up this morning and started you on your way; there is nothing to be dreary about.  The sun will shine and it will shine bright.  If not today, maybe tomorrow.  Besides, those palm trees need shade from time to time.

Here is my interpretation of those shady palms...

Enjoy!




Outfit Ideas:

Cardigan - Stein Mart
Earrings - ModCloth
Dress - ModCloth (Emily and Fin)
Belt - Pin Up Bootique
Stockings - Wal-Mart
Purse - Vintage Lilly Pulitzer
Shoes - Poetic License
Lipstick - Sephora Cream Lip Stain #06 



















Friday, January 24, 2014

Where My Bronies At?

Who doesn't love MLP (My Little Pony)?  

The bright pretty colors, ponies, and rainbows... What's not to love?  

When I spied this shirt on ModCloth's website, it was love at first site.  It took me back to my childhood and my children's childhood.  

Oh!  And the jeans... Yeah!  Play that funky music white boy....  I put a rainbow on my butt!  A little daring, but I had to call in the Bronies!

Enjoy!


Outfit Ideas:

Earrings - ModCloth
Camisole - Lilly Pulitzer
Blouse - ModCloth (Iron Fist)
Jeans - ModCloth
Belt - Thrifted
Shoes - BCBG Girls
Handbag - Coach















Thursday, January 23, 2014

Hootin' and a Hollerin'

After spending the day cleaning, ironing, paying bills, going to my son's talent show audition, picking up children from two schools on opposite ends of town, picking up ingredients to make bake oatmeal for church, making said bake oatmeal, cooking dinner for my family, helping with homework and piano, getting 3 kids ready for church, and finally getting myself ready for church... I was a Hootin' and a Hollerin'

I was in the mood to put on something comfortable.  I choose one of the three Heel Athens Lab dresses I own.  My Owl in Timing Dress, as it is called on ModCloth, was par for the course.  This dress is the most comfortable dress I own and nice enough to wear to church.

The soft jersey fabric calmed my nerves and my Hootin' and a Hollerin' began to slowly turn into a melodic tune.... Boy howdy, what a rootin', tootin', hootin', hollerin', boot stompin' time that was!  I can't wait til next time! 

Enjoy!


Outfit Ideas:

Hair Candy - Burlington (Borrowed from my Daughter)
Dress - Modcloth
Shirt - Target
Tights - Modcloth
Shoes - Modcloth
Earrings - BCBG



Daughter's Outfit Ideas:

Hair Candy - Gymboree
Cardigan - Gymboree
Sweater Dress - Gymboree
Earrings - ModCloth
Tights - Gymboree
Shoes - Gymboree


Twins Outfit Ideas:

Sweater - Gap
Shirt - Ralph Lauren
Pants - Ralph Lauren
Shoes - Stacy Adams












Monday, January 20, 2014

Cough, Cough, Sniffle, Sneeze - Mommy's Soup Is All I Need!

Hi Y'all and Happy Martin Luther King's Day.  

Please take a moment today and celebrate the legacy of this great man.  You do not have to attend a parade or anything grand just do something even if it is saying a prayer in his honor.  I will spend the day talking with my children about the many great things he did for the freedoms that they enjoy. 

Unfortunately, my youngest twin is sick again so mommy made soup and I wanted to share the recipe.  It is very simple and my kiddos love it.


It is just what mommy ordered to help his body heal.  So, grab a bowl some crusty bread or crackers (he loves Trader Joe's vegetable crackers) and a good MLK history lesson and enjoy.


Navy Bean Sausage Soup

Ingredients:

1 package Jimmy Dean Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles (I use the turkey sausage)
3 Slices of Fully cooked Bacon
2 Cups Frozen O'Brien potatoes with Onions and Peppers (I prefer Ore Ida Brand)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small chopped onion
1 small chopped green bell pepper
3 medium potatoes cut into 1 inch cubes
3 Cups of Chicken Stock (I prefer Free Range stock from Trader Joe's)

1 Cup of Vegetable Stock (I prefer organic stock or to make my own - recipe later this week)
3 Cans (15 ounces each) Organic Great Northern beans or white beans, 2 cans drained, one can you will not drain

3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
3 cups fresh baby spinach (I prefer organic)
1 cup whole milk (make a richer soup)
shredded parmesan cheese (off the block) for garnish
Trader Joe's Vegetable Crackers
Ground pepper



Directions:

 1.  In heavy large sauce pan heat olive oil and add add fresh onion and bell pepper sautee until tender. 

2.  Add sausage, bacon, frozen potatoes, fresh potatoes, chicken broth, 1 can of drained beans, and one can of un-drained beans, Italian seasoning, and lemon pepper.

3.  Place remaining can of drained beans and vegetable broth in a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth.  Stir into sausage mixture.

4.  Bring soup to a boil over medium-high heat;  reduce heat to low.  Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Stir in milk and bring milk back to a simmer.  Stir in spinach and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until spinach is wilted.

5.  Serve in bowl and garnish with fresh parmesan cheese and ground pepper.

Enjoy!

This is a remake of Jimmy Dean's Quick Sausage Toscana Soup

Sunday, January 19, 2014

70's Revival "All Classy Like"

I eye-balled both the shoes and dress forever... No way could I get that lucite heel out of my head!  I had to have them.  They finally went on sale.  MINE!  MINE!  ALL MINE!  Now to find the perfect dress.  I knew I didn't want to go straight 70's.  I needed to be all "classy like" so I searched near and far.  I did not want to wait years to wear these beauties.  I finally found the perfect dress on a swap board but the two people that had it was playing hardball.  Finally, I was able to wheel and deal... It's mine!  The dress is mine.

Here is my 70's revival "All Classy Like"

Enjoy!


Outfit Ideas:

Hair Candy - Wal-Mart
Earrings - ModCloth
Cardigan - Dress Barn
Dress - ModCloth (Swap Board, Thanks Rachel L.)
Tights - ModCloth
Shoes - ModCloth (Jeffery Campbell)
Handbag - Coach






Twins Outfit Ideas:

Jacket - Hickey Freeman
Shirt - Land Ends
Tie - Trendy Ties
Pants - Lands Ends
Shoes - Stacy Adams



Daughter's Outfit Ideas:

Hair Candy - Gymboree
Dress - Gymboree
Jacket - Gymboree
Purse - Gymboree
Tights - Gymboree
Shoes - Payless




















Sunday, January 12, 2014

Make A Statement Without Saying A Word!

California's Bi-polar weather allowed me to finally don my "Ferry To Remember Dress!"  OMG!  It is so comfortable and well made...  Because my mom is a seamstress I look at store purchased clothing from the inside out and I found one thread out of place... YEAH!  JUST ONE!

Pairing this bad boy or girl with my Floral Lita's (that took me forever to find) was daring, but IMO, Fashion according to Sookie In The Raw is Making a Statement Without Saying A Word.

Enjoy!



Outfit Ideas:

Earrings - ModCloth
Coat - Tulle (Swap Group, Thanks Lillian O.)
Dress - ModCloth
Tights - ModCloth
Handbag - Thrifted
Shoes - Jeffery Campbell
Lipstick - Revlon Colorstay Overtime Non Stop Cherry


Son's Outfit:
Tie - Ralph Lauren
Shirt - Ralph Lauren
Coat - Louis Dell'Olio
Belt - Ralph Lauren
Pants - Lands End
Shoes - Stacy Adams

Daughter's Outfit:
Hair Candy - Gymboree
Cardigan - Gymboree
Dress - Gymboree
Tights - Gymboree
Purse - Gymboree
Shoes - The Children's Place