camping at home...kinda

I just stumbled upon this website and sort of am in love. Truth be told I am not the hugest fan of camping (read dislike) but that does not mean I cannot enjoy every item from this store right? I seriously would wear this shirt

with a pair of black leggings every single day that I "camp out" at home. In case you have never enjoyed the experience of deciding from the moment you roll out of bed that it is a stay home day, let me explain the term "camping out" for you. This definition comes from the Abby Dictionary.....in case you were planning on citing it in your next paper, you might not want to.

Camping out: to stay in comfortable clothing that feels like pajamas but are close enough to real attire that you are not embarrassed if someone decides to stop by unexpectedly

Aren't these clothes perfect for just that? And truth be told, items that fall under the "camping out" category in my closet get far more wear. I probably would add these tops to my "camp out" rotation as well.

How about you...what "camp out" clothing do you just adore? I am all ears for this subject believe me!

French Onion Soup

Recipe taken from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook (I add my notes in the parenthesis)

4 TBS unsalted butter (I always use salted-what can I say I love salt)
2 pounds yellow onions, sliced
1 tsp. sugar
1 TBS all purpose flour
1/2 dry sherry ( I used sherry cooking wine...not sure if it is as good but it works!)
1 1/2 quarts Beef Stock
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or 3/4 tsp. dried (I did not have this when I made it...rest assured life goes on even without it)
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small baguette, sliced crosswise into 1/2 inch pieces ( I used an Italian loaf sliced in half...any bread really works for this part I would say)
8 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated on the large holes of a box grater (3 cups)

1. Melt butter in Dutch oven,  add onions, sprinkle with sugar and cook, stirring just as needed to keep them from sticking, until the onions are soft, golden brown and beginning to caramelize, about 1 hour.

2. Sprinkle the flour over the onions; stir to coat. Add the sherry, beef stock, and thyme, and bring to a simmer. Cook, partly covered, for about 30 minutes, to let the flavors combine. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Preheat the broiler.  Lightly toast the bread under the boiler, set aside. Ladle the hot soup into six ovenproof bowls. ( I did four bowls not six) Arrange the bowls on a baking pan. Place 1-2 slices of the toasted bread over each of the bowls of soup. Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated cheese over the bread in each bowl, and place under the boiler until the cheese is melted and turning brown around the edges. Serve hot.

 

 

Hope you enjoy!!

Saturday

 A few snapshots of our Saturday....

sweetest ballerina ever

beautiful sunshine at the park

 

someone needs a little nap

some got it:)

sitting with sleeping Vera and sipping my drink while Nate played at the park with the kiddos

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I know the shot is upside down...but you get the idea-a delicious evening treat with my love!

Saturdays are always such a treat....anything lovely you did?

Free People daydream

Lately I have been daydreaming about wearing Free People clothing. It just looks so feminine without coming across as up tight. I am drawn to clothing layered upon clothing with bits of fun color and texture peeking out. Layering can be tricky when you get hot easily, but on this blog I can daydream right? Below are a few items I am appreciating, even if those items would not translate so well on my body type they sure are beautiful.

 

 

 

all images taken from here

 

What clothing items are making you drool?

Christmas Cookies with Mimi

My sweet mom decided to have some of the grandchildren over to make up a few batches of Christmas cookies....she is a brave woman that is for sure! It was a super special time and I know each of them loved every moment of it.

The end(s)

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Happy Birthday Vera Josephine....I have loved every moment with you....you are a delight!