Gear up for Spring 2017

What should you pull out of the back of your closet or pick up from the store to have the right look this spring?!

Nude shoes

 

There's still no such thing as too much denim!

  

Pleats

 

Acid wash denim (yes, think backstreet boys!)

 

Ribbon accents (on handbags, shoes, and more!)

Bell sleeve blouses

  

A- line Mini skirts

 

So check the back of your closet or hit the stores to be ready for spring 2017.

leave the "eh" behind
hugs,
abi 

I see you Daddy!

I think sometimes the amazing men in our lives get overlooked from dads, husbands, grandpas, uncles, friends and more.  Don't get me wrong there isn't a thing I wouldn't do for women in my life such as grandmas, mom, and sisters but I think sometimes men and all they do, simply get overlooked.

I'm not saying the "providing part" of men.  I know a woman doesn't need a man, but I'm talking about all the other ways because I know what's behind ME and that is my husband, my dad, and my grandpa.  So as I write this letter to my dad, I sit next to my husband that shares so many qualities my dad continues to have and that my grandpa exemplified daily.  I may not live under his roof anymore but I am oh so blessed to have lived there, learned from him, laughed with him, and leaned on him.  I may not be rocking out in your car with you on the way to SMOY basketball practice anymore but I'll always be your little girl.

I often get the question at school when this picture above is the background to my computer, "But why are you crying Mrs. C?  Isn't that your wedding?"  I simply reply, "Yes it was, but I love my daddy."  Some of them smile and look at me like I'm crazy (some not having father figures or because in that stage of their life, high school, they're not the biggest fans of their parents) What the students don't know is that this is what the other side looks like...

I can count the number of times I've seen my dad cry on one hand.  Two of which were wedding induced.  "I love my daddy."  It's that simple.  And sometimes I take it for granted.  He doesn't hear thank you enough.  It's not about the school I went to, the club sports, or the vacations.  It's about his strength, generosity, and wisdom.  Some dads are physically stronger than others.
(Hey, my dad could probably run circles around me)  But it's about how rock solid the inside is.  He's like a silent killer (and no not just his farts) but when I'm broken, lost, or unsure.. before I know it, he'll have option ideas, be there, or walk with me through it.  He gets things done and doesn't expect recognition.  He not only helps us get through the hard times but he bears our troubles and our moods.  With a mom, one sister, and then getting married and having two daughters, he carries a lot of weight inside.

They say moms are like glue to the family.  Well, I think dads are the bricks.  They are at the base, then holding more bricks on top, their weight, and continue to do so even through wind and storms.  It's not just his strength but his generosity.  I hope that I can be as generous as my dad (and mom) one day.  They'd do anything for anyone.  They'd never let a family member or friend fall.  And I'm not just talking monetarily.  That man, my dad, will give you his time, his energy, and gifts when needed.  He volunteers his time even when working and traveling like a dog all week.  Swim teams would go without scoring, teams not coached, eucharist not prepared, or house fixes would be lengthy and expensive.


Lastly, a dad's wisdom is taken for granted. I don't use maps, GPS, or google unknown things.  I just call my dad. He's the smartest person I know.  (I definitely know more about fashion, but luckily he's learned to take my advice on that)  Whether it's Cincinnati history, sports stats, a math equation, or the artist to a random song.. he'll know it.  (Talk about a perfect trivia partner!) And I just think we take men's wisdom for granted; they're just expected to be smart.  (But we all know some don't even come close to their potential)  I'm so lucky to have him because I always learn new things when I'm with him even if sometimes it turns into a competition or he just completely shows me up!  (yes dad, we probably should've had the world map in my room instead of Rachel's)

So long story short (ish), I love the man I call daddy.  And I am thankful for his presence, his strength, his generosity, and his wisdom daily.  I know for a fact I wouldn't be where I am today without you dad, your high expectations, the laughs, and your good genes.  Just don't forget.. I see you!  (the bricks you carry and the love you always give)  You are not unnoticed. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Love your little girl.

hugs,

abi 

Wardrobe Transformation

Are you down a couple pounds with your new workout?  Or is your closet just overflowing with clothes and it's time for some spring cleaning?  Do you have pairs of shoes just collecting dust?  Could you make some extra cash by cleaning out your closet?  (and not in an Eminem type way) 

It's said that the average American only wears 10-20% of their clothes!! 

Ask yourself.. is it time to say goodbye?  Trust me, I know better than anyone how hard it is to get rid of clothes but following these steps will make it easier!

First.. I'd empty your drawers, closets, everything.  You need to literally go through every piece of clothing for this to be a true wardrobe transformation.  You can go through one area at a time if you don't have hours on hours to devote to this.  Have 3 areas for clothes to go to after they have been evaluated.  Piles should be DONATE, SELL, and KEEP.


1. Ask yourself (about every piece in drawers, closets, wrinkled under your bed, all of it!)
Will I ever wear this again?
Does it represent my current style?
If it's damaged... will I actually make the effort for it to be repaired?
Do I feel confident when I wear this?

2. So you said "NO" to a couple things (then it's either a donate or sell piece) 
Is it two sizes too small or too big?
Does it have intrinsic value?
Would you buy it today?
Does it have sentimental value?

If it's two sizes too big or small.. it needs to go!
If you wouldn't buy it today.. it needs to go!
If it has intrinsic value.. wait.
If it has sentimental value.. invest in an underbed box or some sort of storage for pieces like this.

3.  So you want to make some cash 
You can sell an item if..
-it is in good condition
-it is not stained
-a friend would want to borrow it
(and you know you won't miss it, if it hasn't been worn in over a year!)

Now it's time to get organized! 

• Tops and dress shirts- should be hung.
• Sweaters- FOLD THEM!  So they don't loose their shape on a hanger or get little lumps at the shoulders from a hanger
• Jeans- hang them by the hem
• Dresses- should be hung and organize them by color, length, or day/night
• Scarves/bags/belts- Should be out and visible
• Shoes-visible/displayed or invest in shoe racks or over the door shoe organizer

Tips and Tricks

• Separate clothing by color within their type.. and then organize within the color.  It'll be easy to see what duplicates you have
• Hang all your clothes/hangers in the same direction
• If your budget allows for it, it will look more organized if only one hanger type is used

Yes, I do practice what I preach!  Other than the same hanger type (my budget isn't there yet for me to invest in that many hangers of the same type).  My closet is below. And I try to do a full closet transformation at least once a year!  

  

 

Remember- if things are visible you're more likely to wear your entire wardrobe.  Including accessories such as shoes, belts, scarves, bags, etc. 

It will also make you very aware of what types of clothes/color/fabrics you lean towards and realize items you wish you had.  

Don't forget for every new item, try to come up with an item to sell or donate! 

leave the "eh" behind
hugs,
abi

Sushi Bazooka!

This thing is an absolute yes!  What is it? A sushi bazooka. And it's absolutely amazing. 

Do you need to have a high level of cooking skill?  Or be a sushi feen?  Absolutely not! Dave asked for it for Christmas and it was ordered off amazon.  (I'd check out Amazon, ebay, or Walmart)

You can really put anything in it you want.. below are the toppings we used for our first time using it.  You can get yum yum sauce at your local store if you don't want to make it! 

First cook your rice. Once done, you place it into both sides of the bazooka.  (we clearly cooked way too much rice!..see left picture) Once your rice is covering both sides you take the rod and smush the rice onto the mold.  

Then start putting your ingredients on each bed of rice.  And then close it up!  (there are three latches that will actually lock closed.  

Then you will place it over your plate, insert the rod and push out your sushi roll!

We topped ours with some yum yum sauce, soy sauce, and crunchy onions.  Mine is below (remember, I said I'm a picky eater)  

But if you're a lover of all food or a lover of sushi like my husband then the one below could be yours!