Dressed By the Men: Day 5

Jameil
This man... he insists I look like I'm going to church or to teach. LOL  This outfit felt way too conservative for my taste even with the yellow scarf.  I felt better when I opened up my shirt.  He felt like I usurped his authority because I wore a tank underneath. What???  I am so sorry I didn't want to be see-through!  Power gone to his head, y'all!  LOL  In my office.  Accidental pic.  I'm so naturally awesome...

 Plaid shoes

 Unbuttoned

 For Naima... LOL 

Just like yesterday!

Shirt: Martin + Osa (RIP)

Scarf (as belt): Don't remember

Pants: Express

Shoes: Nine West

Stace

Another mishap. HOPEFULLY tomorrow we'll be back on track!

Naima
BL asked me what I was doing today and I told him, "Working from home & picking up my dad." I think the he chose outfit was perfectly suited for just that.

As per usual when my dad visits, we made a Whole Foods run. BL suggested we take advantage of the "good lighting" and get the pictures knocked out. Ummmm, OK. I guess I'll just cop a feel on this pineapple then. (No pineapples were harmed during the taking of these pictures).

Shirt: Old Navy
Jeans: 7 for All Mankind
Necklace: Heliotrope
Purse: Big Buddha (Christmas present from BL)
Shoes: Sam Edelman

Dressed by the Men: Day 4

Stace

I.O.U.

I spilled sweet tea all over myself this morning and hung my clothes to dry on cabinet doors. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to leave school early was my fashion challenge clothes are still hanging in room 128. I sahwee. I usually take my pics after school when my dad is home/awake. Don't worry, I'll give you a double whammy tomorrow :-) But PLEASE enjoy Nima and Jam! They look AWESOME!


Naima

Since today was my last day going into the office this week, I told BL that jeans were no longer off limits. What does he pick? Jeans! Who's surprised? Not me! And here's to day 3 of me being extra tall, thanks to his shoe picks!

I think I must have walked in on him in the closet about 3-4 times trying to pick something out. This is very similar to something I've worn before (no veto needed), so I think my interruptions made him nervous and he just grabbed something familiar. Ooops! And yes, that us a yellow belt that you see. Everyone in yellow!! Hahahahaha!!

Shirt: Old Navy

Tank: Old Navy (super clearance! still had tags on it!)

Necklace: Heliotrope

Belt: The Limited

Jeans: Banana Republic

Shoes: Target

Jameil
Rashan, like 'Cardo, likes me in way dressier clothes than I would ordinarily wear to sit around and do nothing and/or work. J'adore this outfit other than the tightness of the pants. This will def. be my last time wearing these! This shirt is one I bought at the end of the season & it was awesomely cheap! I'm not sure about this belt that came with it, though. It seems a bit much. Unexpected side effect of being dressed by Rah, I feel really pretty seeing my outfits through his eyes! :)

Every time I see that pic, Mary Tyler Moore plays in my head!

Shirt w/belt: BCBG Max Azria

Pants: Express

Earrings: No clue

Shoes: Gap

Dressed By the Men: Day 3

Jameil

Wow! Selecting an outfit was SO dramatic today. Partly because I was going to an adult slip n slide party!  Yes it was as fun as it sounds! He spent literally hours including breaks picking it out last night. That's the first outfit. Once it was on, he didn't like the black tank underneath. I honestly didn't mind it. I didn't love the ribbon on his ancient ankh charm. LOL

So he brought me the cream shirt but he didn't like it again.

Then he didn't like the green shirt.

All of these are things I wouldn't have brought together but really liked once they were on. He settled on yellow. I guess he wanted me to join the club. Naima('s "co-worker") wanted to know if a veto was allowed. I quickly poopooed that idea! But... I wanted to veto this necklace but I also didn't want to hurt his feelings or interfere with his design. But that's why it's tucked in. LOL Sorry love!

Shirt: Express (gift from Stace)

Shorts: MK by Michael Kors (So cheap it was almost free)

Earrings: Forever 21 (Something like $3)

Necklace: Free from sister

Bangle: I really haven't the foggiest but pretty sure it was free, too.

Shoes: Free from Stace

Naima

 I didn't think the length of this dress was work-appropriate (hence the veto question), so I called an audible & added a pair of skinny jeans before I left the house this morning. These pictures are the true representation of "the creator's vision". LoL!! I guess he was inspired by Jameil's dragonfly pin in yesteray's post, because he almost added my owl pin to the mix (very glad he didn't)!

Dress: LuLu's
Necklace: New York & Co.
Shoes: Lela Rose for Payless

Stace

Last night, I told Cardo, "Okay, tomorrow is Tuesday. What's the deal?" "Do you have anything special planned?" "Nope, just a regular day." "Okay, dark skirt, light top." "... I have 4 dark skirts and countless 'light tops', be more specific." He pulled out my 3 knee length black skirts and got amped over the one with ruffles in the back. Then he was torn between a white wrap shirt, a light blue button down or its gray sister. He went with the gray (YES!) button down. I asked what shoes and he said "Nothing too high." Then he looked at my racks and racks and racks of shoes and found the shortest heel that's not a kitten heel.

I liked the outfit! I was sassy smart today. I got a few usual compliments at school but my fave was at Chipo.tle. I was getting a fork to aid in my assault & battery of 3 soft tacos and the guy sitting by the fountain drink/napkin/utensil area said, "Wow, are you a model? You look like one!" Duhhhh, winning!

Shirt: Old Navy

Skirt: gift from sister (Dillard's)

Shoes: Nickels

Jewelry: Macy's

I don't understand what the pictures are doing. My apologies!!!!

Dressed By the Men: Day 2

Today is the official second day, but my (Jameil's) first day participating. For the rest of the week, we'll combine each day into one post. I decided we make it too easy on these men by having such cute clothes! Whose guy wins for best outfit today? Stace's dad, my bf Rashan or Naima's fiancé B?

Naima
"He put me in "real clothes" b/c my manager was visiting the office today." LOL Her coworkers and manager all gave the thumbs up!

Shirt: Target
Pants: theory
Shoes: Dolce Vita for Target
Belt: Target
Necklace: Walmart (yeah, I'm surprised too)

Jameil

I might have picked something similar but I would've left off the pin. He was so cute picking out this outfit! He would stare at my clothes for 10 minutes, get frustrated, take a break, pick out some more. Extremely amusing! BUT once I got everything on, I actually really liked it!  This is the back of my shirt first, then the whole thing, then my dragonfly pin.

Earrings: Forever 21

Shirt: Anthropologie

Pin: I haven't the slightest idea

Pants: Express

Belt: Talbot's

Shoes: Nine West

Stace

He told me YESTERDAY that I was wearing pants today (I personally like to wear dresses on Monday) but when he told me, "Wear the outfit you wore in your class picture. Yellow is so pretty on you!" I was like, "*lol* Okay! More yellow for me! Can I wear a headband today?" "No. You can be all flowery on Friday. Make sure your hair is brushed and shiny." (brrrr? LOL)

Shirt: Bebe

Pants: Express

Shoes: Steve Madden

Jewelry: Macy's

Men Start Your Engines: Naima

Faithful follower of The Record Dish Naima is joining us in a fashion challenge this week and we're all extra excited about it.  Her fiancé will be choosing her outfits all week.  Since I elected not to leave the house Sunday, you'll have to decide which guy picked the best outfit between Adei & Naima for the day!  So here's Naima with Day 1!

I honestly would have been content to sit around in my pajamas all day (no, really), but after reading Adei's blog post this morning, I called BL into action. He disappeared into our closet for about 15 minutes, emerged on 2 different occasions to get some shoes from our spare closet, muttered about how hard this was (already??!! This is only the first day!!) and finally came out with this outfit. I had just worn these shorts on Saturday, but since I RARELY wear shorts (pretty much never ever never), I guess he felt the need to see them again. What can I say, the man wants what he wants! 

Shirt: The Limited
Shorts: Old Navy
Necklace: Forever 21
Shoes: Nine West

Men, Start Your Engines!

I saw this challenge on Yahoo and thought this would be too awesome to do! I actually dared two of my friends to do it but then I was invited by THEM to do it!

For seven days, Jameil, guest blogger and bride-to-be Nima, and I will be letting the men in our lives dress us. Jameil has fellow blogger/BF Rashan dressing her, Nima has her fiance, BL picking her outfits and I have my Dad (furthermore known as Ricardo) dressing me. Jesus, be a Qweer Eye for the Str8 Guy!

When I told Cardo about the challenge, this man was too excited! He said, "Ok! Line up your dresses, skirts, and pants!" Wow, I wasn't expecting such fervor! Then on either Friday or Saturday, he was up and said, "Okay, let me pick your clothes." I definitely burst his bubble when I told him the challenge didn't start till Sunday. LOL

So Sunday is here and this man found himself in my closet before 7am looking for a dress. Since I was kinda up, I asked, "what are you looking for?" "Your yellow dress. The one you wore to Steph's graduation. That's what you're going to wear to church today." "Well, I was kinda hoping you would save that dress for school tomorrow, I have the kindergarten award assem- "No, you're wearing pants tomorrow. Here it is, yeah. You are so pretty in yellow!"

*blushing* Aww, shucks, Daddy.

He leaves for work and I realize he didn't pick out my shoes. I send him a text.
"Pops, what shoe should I wear with the yellow dress? Can I wear a headband?"
"The same shoe you wore to graduation and no. No headband. No."

Damn, lil, hating on my headband. He's not the first person to do that either, Drew can't stand headbands... haters.

So here we are with my pics of my outfit picked by my Poppa Diddy Pop!

Dress: cotton, A-line, Calvin Klein

Shoes: tweed, peep toe d'orsay pump, Steve Madden

2011, Recipes 39-41: Cod with Italian Crumb Topping, Sauteed Kale & Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cod with Italian Crumb Topping
Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.com

• 1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 (3 ounce) fillets cod fillets
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2. In a small shallow bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, cheese, cornmeal, oil, italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper; set aside.
3. Coat the rack of a broiling pan with cooking spray. Place the cod on the rack, folding under any thin edges of the filets. Brush with the egg white, then spoon the crumb mixture evenly on top.
4. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and is opaque all the way through. 

 Results: Yummy!  Rashan called this "restaurant quality."  Yes he did! Extra delicious! I'd add some salt to this, though.  It can use a smidge even with the parmesan.

 

Sauteed Kale

Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay

• 1 1/2 pounds young kale, stems and leaves coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock or water
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until soft, but not colored. Raise heat to high, add the stock and kale and toss to combine. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring until all the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add vinegar.

Results: I don't think the high heat was the right decision even.  It tasted burnt and not delicious.  Everyone else loved it so maybe I need to try it again.  We'll have to see.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Recipe courtesy of Ellie Krieger

• 1 1/4 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 large cloves garlic, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place the potatoes and garlic in a steamer basket fitted over a large pot of boiling water. Cover and steam until the potatoes are knife-tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Warm the chicken broth in a small pot on the stove or in a glass container in the microwave.

Remove the steamer basket and drain the water from the large pot. Transfer the potatoes and garlic to the pot, add the oil, salt, pepper, and broth and mash until smooth.

Results: Yum! I actually have never made mashed potatoes without dairy of any kind. I'm kind of shocked it can taste delicious!  But delighted!  Yay!!

2011, Recipe 38: Pumpkin Bars

Recipe courtesy of Italian Dessert Recipes

• 1 cup of white sugar
•  2/3 cup of brown sugar
•  1 can of pumpkin
•  1/2 cup of oil
•  1/2 cup of butter
•  3 eggs
•  2 cups of flour
•  1 teaspoon baking soda
•  2 teaspoons baking powder
•  1/4 teaspoon anise (powdered)
•  1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
•  1/4 teaspoon allspice 

Frosting Ingredients:

•  1 stick of butter
•  8 ounces of ricotta (see substitution ideas below)
•  2 tsp vanilla
•  2 cups of powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Combine sugars, oil, pumpkin.
Add eggs one at a time and beat.
Make a well in the middle of the mixture.
Sift the dry ingredients into the well.
Blend all ingredients.
Spread into a greased 9x11 pan.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Let the pumpkin bars cool and then frost with the ricotta cheese frosting.
For frosting mix all ingredients together.

Results: Ya'll... these bars right here? MOIST! DELICIOUS!!!  I had to give them away to keep me and Rashan from devouring the entire pan.  LOL  I halved the amount of frosting and there was enough to leave some unfrosted.  The unfrosted bars were just as delicious.  Rashan actually liked those better so if you don't feel like buying the ingredients you don't have, just skip the frosting.  Oh yeah, I had self-rising flour so I skipped the baking powder.  I also added 1/8 tsp. of ground ginger.  I'd add nutmeg to these in a minute, too.

2011, Bonus Recipe 3: Salsa Verde Mexican Lasagna

    •    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    •    1 pound ground turkey
    •    2 tablespoons chili powder
    •    2 teaspoons ground cumin
    •    1/2 red onion, chopped
    •    1 1/2 cups tomatillo salsa
    •    1 cup frozen corn kernels
    •    Salt
    •    4 (8 inch) spinach flour tortillas
    •    2 cups shredded cheddar or shredded pepper jack
    •    2 scallions, finely chopped

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - twice around the pan. Add turkey and season with chili powder, cumin, and red onion. Brown the meat, 5 minutes. Add salsa verde. Add corn. Heat the mixture through, 2 to 3 minutes then season with salt, to your taste.
Coat a shallow baking dish with remaining extra-virgin olive oil, about 1 tablespoon oil. Cut the tortillas in half or quarters to make them easy to layer with. Build lasagna in layers of meat and corn, then tortillas, then cheese. Repeat: meat, tortilla, cheese again. Bake lasagna 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is brown and bubbly. Top with the scallions and serve.


Results: DELICIOUS!!  I've made this several times over the last 7 years and it's always great.  I just switched some of the ingredients this time with all the changes listed above.  The original recipe is courtesy of Rachael Ray.

Fashion Challenge

I can't seem to get myself motivated to do really interesting things with my wardrobe unless there's some sort of group challenge/outing/activity.  I know that's ridiculous but I yam what I yam.  It's kind of bad that I'm doing this in the summer when I leave the house rather infrequently but we'll make it work. 

I found a 50 Theme Fashion Challenge on polyvore.com.  Now I know that's way too much for me so I think I'll take it down to 30.  Much more tangible, yes?  Si.  I've narrowed it down but I need your help getting rid of the rest.  Which ones shouldn't I do?  The idea is that these are vague enough that we'll all have some very different takes on the theme and that some of these are out of our comfort zones and will require us to stretch.  I'll post my outfits every Wednesday.

1. Stripes
2. Polka Dots
3. Hot
4. Runway
5. Centered around a hat
6. Stereotypical
7. Funky
8. Futuristic
9. Glittery
10. Preppy
11. Sportswear
12. Ruffles
13. Light
14. Dark
15. Animal
16. Natural
17. Go Green!
18. Royal
19. Eyes
20. Winter in the summer
21. Military Inspired
22. Plaid
23. Travel
24. Tribal
25. Cowboy
26. Monochrome
27. Trench coat
28. Sunshine
29. Nail polish
30. Lose yourself
31. Vest
32. Children's outfit
33. Grunge
34. Killer heels

Who else is down for the challenge????