Boots McBlog

In the movie (based on the book by Sophie Kinsella)  Confessions of a Shopaholic,  Rebecca Bloomwood is merrily on her way to a job interview when she spies it in the window -the green scarf.   She just knows it will transform her life.   After a series of mishaps, the Dolce & Gabbana crinkled kelly green scarf is hers.  She soon becomes known as “the girl in the green scarf” and her career & life are never the same.

While a scarf may not completely transform your career & life,  it can add a certain panache to an ordinary outfit.    Over the last couple of years,  I have become a HUGE fan of scarves.   During the cooler months,  I am more-often-than-not ensconced in a pashmina.  I joke, a pashmina is quite possibly  the acceptable “blankie” of adulthood.    Thankfully, as the days warm, I don’t have to completely tuck my favorite accessory away.    I am excited to see  fabulous gauzy scarves are back for another spring season.

This “shadowed vine” scarf from Anthropologie is definitely one of my favorites.  I own two of these -  one in pale pink and one in dusty blue.  This season they offer them in various ombre shades.  For a mere $28, it really is a steal and adds such a unique texture to a t shirt, cardigan, or a simple sweater dress.

www.anthropologie.com

The Catch and Release scarf  from Anthropologie is also a favorite.   I dig the ruffled shape with the tassels that add even more texture.   I can see this paired with a neutral tshirt (thinking tan and white stripe)   and  skinny white jeans for spring.  LOVE that Tiffany’s- esque blue.

www.anthropologie.com

This Gucci scarf in a brighter hue of  lemon is quite luxurious and more versatile option to wear as a scarf or a wrap.  This color is just scrumptious.

Gucci scarf - courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

For more English country charm,  these patterned scarves offer a relaxed yet refined look.

http://www.calypso-celle.com/Floral-Scarf-p-16915.html

www.jcrew.com

The smocking detail on this one from Urban Outfitters gives it a vintage feel that I adore.

www.urbanoutfitters.com

While I love all of these soft sherbet colors for Spring, the one I most want is this one from Burberry in RED.

Burberry scarf image courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

If I was walking down the street,  this one would stop me in my tracks.   Look how that pop of color transforms a simple white tank and jeans.  I can also envision this used as a runner on a table for an easy low country meal or picnic.   See how entrepreneurial I can be as I re-purpose things and prove it really IS an investment piece.    Maybe that Rebecca Bloomwood was onto something with her “investment” know-how.  Maybe THIS scarf could actually transform my career and life …and I’d be known as “the girl in the red scarf”.   At the very least,  I could be fashionable and dream.

Cheers  & Happy Friday, Y’all.

Weekend Playlist = some tunes from the “Confessions of a Shopaholic” Soundtrack

More images from the Workshop with Marta Locklear and more Chrissy.
Chrissy starts a new job next week. Our days of leisurely lunches and on-the-fly photo shoots are over. Thankfully, we had some fun while she was free. And although she looks smashing in this checked coat, I’m crossing my fingers it’s the last of wintry pics for this season.

Best of Luck to You, C! Hope this doesn’t mean your modeling days are over . You are such a pro. I’m not so sure I could get many folks to stand in a muddy ditch for half an hour.

.. especially a muddy ditch under a bridge

My Fave of the day…

A few weeks ago, I posted my fave from Matt & Danielle’s engagement session. I lied.

THIS is my favorite shot from that day.

It’s completely out of focus.   It is not rocking a sun flare.  But something about this image – with the colors meshing together, the softness,  the tender emotion…it.  just. works.   When Heather and I were going through the RAW images, we both gave this one a major sigh.    Then I tucked it back in the “do not blog” folder.

I’m so busy trying to get the rules of photography down.  I’m wanting to be “perfect”. (ugh – there’s that word again!)   I want to be Jose Villa a mere 8 months after taking my first pic (ever) with a DSLR.  I wouldn’t want the world to see this.   It was a mistake .  Then again,   I do want you to see this.  It’s beautiful.  It’s a beautiful mistake.

Isn’t that life?   We try so hard to play by the rules.  We set our focus.  We check every box. We execute with precision.  Then -  it doesn’t turn out like we expected.  We think we failed.   We tuck it  away from the world’s eyes.   What would happen if we chose to embrace our “mistakes” and show them off?

The infamous musician John Mayer said,

“In life, people trip.  Most people fall.  Some people turn that trip into a beautiful, beautiful dance.”

According to “the rules”, this is not a perfect picture.  And my life is not picture perfect.  I’m not on the path I had strategically planned for myself.  Very few of us are.   Life throws some curves.  I’m choosing to be thankful for the “mistakes”,  because they are exactly what is turning this life into a beautiful beautiful dance.

There are certain foods that always remind me of my grandmother.  Cinnamon apples are one of them. She always made them when I came to visit.  Mam-ma had the sweetest, most syrupy, yummiest recipe.  I’m afraid to think how much butter was used.
In college ( especially when I was particularly homesick),  I would prepare sliced apples in a healthier manner -  with lite butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar in the microwave.  It’s a flavor combination I have always enjoyed.   Tonight when struggling with the proverbial “what’s for dinner?”,  inspiration struck.  Cinnamon Apple Ham Paninis.    These turned out delicious!   This recipe would be ideal for a hot lunch next to a cup of not-so-healthy cheese soup or a tasty breakfast treat with a cup of joe.    Tonight I grilled ‘em up and served with very pedestrian baked potato chips and a good dose of memories.  How sweet it is!

Cinnamon Apple Ham Paninis

2 slices of Raisin Cinnamon Swirl Bread  ( testing purposes I used Pepperidge Farms)
1 tsp lite cream cheese
pinch of brown sugar
3-4 thin slices of green apple
2-3 thin slices of deli honey ham

Preheat panini maker to med high heat.  Spread lite cream cheese on one slice of bread.  Sprinkle with brown sugar.  Top with apple slices, ham, and remaining piece of bread.    Place sandwich on grill and cook until bread is well toasted  usually 4-5 minutes.  slice and serve.  yields:  1 serving,  approx  225 calories

Cheers, Y’all!

Redheads have a reputation of having a fiery personality.  If by fiery, you mean full of energy, ideas, and spunk – then Chrissy should be their ultimate spokesperson.   Chrissy and I met when she came to work with me at a local non profit.   I was amazed by her zeal for life which she freely shares with her work, her friends, and her family.  Now that we no longer work together,  I miss getting my daily dose of that!   In October, she had a destination wedding to St. Thomas where she married one of my dearest friend’s brother in laws.  (What a small world!)

Recently Chrissy and I  had the opportunity to team up on another project.  I was enrolled in the talented Marta Locklear‘s workshop.  I called Chrissy and asked if she’d be my model — which resulted in a fun day of bridals.   You’ve just got to love a friend who will grab her gorgeous wedding dress on a moment’s notice and strike a pose.   Thanks Chrissy for being such a beautiful bride and friend.     And a special thanks to Marta for sharing her knowledge and encouragement …and for nudging me to get these up on the blog