kdr*S: 2010

Resolution---- Smegasolution!!!

So, this morning as I was walking my dog around the block, I was trying to think of what my New Year resolutions would be for 2011. Every year they are just about the same... so it got me to thinking about all the lies that I have told myself over the years (depressing).

Enough with the "I'm gonna start doing this" and "I'm going to stop doing that" bla bla bla... instead of this big lengthy list of lies I am going to keep it simple... Just 2 resolutions this year. Beat the battle of the bulge and be the best person that I can be... that it!!! Im just keeping it simple. No more of these ideas of grandeur... I just want to be happy with me.

I Goggled the Top Ten New Year's Resolutions and I was not surprised to see getting fit, losing weight or trimming down coming in at #1 or at the very least #2 on everyone's list.

There are currently 308,958,436 living in America and most all of them (us) want to lose weight... well folks I have my secret weapon.

I have watched nothing short of Miracles occur on the Biggest Loser and now its my turn!!!

(singing) Are you ready for a Miracle?-- Ready as I can be!!!

Bob and Jillian will be my personal trainers when I pop in my Biggest Loser Ultimate Fitness workout game for the XBOX. Guys, I am so excited... we can finally put our XBox to some good use.

Well, guys... we hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year. What ever your Resolutions are we wish you all the success in the world. Thank you for your support in 2010... looking forward to an even better 2011.

Cheers!!!

kdr*S | 6 comments

Let's Make Whoopie!!!

German Chocolate Whoopie Pies

So, Its after the Christmas holidays and I dont know if you all are like me but I have a ton of stuff that I rarely use left over. You buy a 5 pound bag of flour for that one recipe that calls for a 1 cup... As you all know I am NOT a baker... but I was chatting with one of my friends at Cool Pink who is a FABULOUS baker and it inspired me to try. Keesha of kdRs says that the reason that I cant bake has a lot to do with the fact that I simply do NOT follow the recipe. Well, I did it... I followed the direction and some that I made up and POooF!!! I made Whoopie!!!

What you will need for the cookie cake

2oz unsweetened chocolate
4oz semi sweet chocolate
1 stick butter
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoons salt

Set your over to 375. Line your cookie sheets with Parchment paper.
In a glass bowl melt your chocolates and butter in the microwave or you can use a double boiler.
Once melted whisk in sugar, eggs and vanilla into chocolate mixture
Sift in your flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
Mix well but do not over mix.
Scoop onto lined cookie sheet... and bake for 6 minutes ONLY!!!

While there baking you can make the filling

1 cup evaporated milk
5 egg YOLKS
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
2 cups coconut flacks
1-2 cups pecans

Over very low heat add your slightly beaten egg yolks, milk, sugar, butter and vanilla. Once butter has melted raise the heat and allow to thicken... stir for about 10 minutes and then take off heat and allow to cool.

Once cool you can add your pecans and coconut. My husband also added some chocolate chips to his for an extra twist.

This little whoopies were gooey and delicious... I am going to enjoy them while I can cause just like Millions of Americans I am going on a serious diet in the New Year!!!

Cheers!

kdr*S | No comment yet

Its Christmas Time!

Merry Christmas from kdr*S!!!!

kdr*S | 11 comments

The Family That Thrifts Together...

Sweater:Thrifted
Skirt:Thrifted
Boots:Thrifted
Snood:Thrifted
Belt:Target

Sweater:Thrifted
Shirt &Bowtie:Thrifted
Jeans:Gap
Boots:Thrifted
Glasses:Thrifted
Hat:Target

So this is my husband...Aint he a cutie? Hes got the same love for thrifting as I do. If we go anywhere outside of our city limits, we plan to hit at least 2 or 3 thrift stores in that area. Our home, ourselves and our children are decked out in second hand jewels. Our first car that we purchased together was even procured from a local thrift store...a 1990 Infiniti Q45.

My husbands true vice now is Craigslist. I suppose its another form of thrifting :)

Do you thrift? What is the strangest or greatest things youve gotten? What do you Refuse to buy at a second hand shop?

kdr*S | 5 comments

Deon's Birthday Bash!!!

Celebrate good times... Come on!!!

So guys I am a year older and I had a blast. I celebrated all weekend long. Here are some highlights from the party. Note: While looking at these pictures PLEASE keep in mind that we don't drink... this is all natural... sad but true.

Miles doesnt have hair so he borrowed some of mine

Best Cupcakes EVER. Thank you Gigi's for adding on at least 4 good pounds to my waist and hips

My little sister is the best... thank you Sophia!

My partner in crime and her hubby... we have some stories... Wow!

This beautiful lady and her husband just had twin boys and she came out for my bday... youre ultra fab Nat!!!

My husband... Best Friend and Lover. This guys completes me!

Striped Skirt: Forever 21 (it was only $7)
Black turtleneck: Bitten
Sequined top: Forever 21 (it was 7x3... :( )
Black ankle boots and tights

We ate until our eyes popped. Vegetable tempura sushi and Monaco signature nacho... they were great. If you live in the area please check out the Scene Restaurant, they are the best.

Needless to say we lounged forever chatting for hours. It was fabulous!

kdr*S | 3 comments

Turning 29!!!

29 Things Ive Learned About Myself.... Birthday Edition

I love my husband more than anything
I will probably never act my age
This year I have been obsessed with the colors pink and gray
Though I have not matured in personality my relationship with God has
Im still scared of Hummingbirds (maybe next year)
I dont miss eating meat
I still dont wash my makeup off before I go to bed
I am a loyal friend to a fault
I LOVE fashion but I dont like to pay for it. "id rather be thrift shopping" what a great bumper sticker
I fall of everything and believe most everything I hear
I dont like black and white movies
I will only eat fried foods if I am the one frying it #dontjudgeme
I dont miss drinking
Id rather spend a day with my husband than anyone else
I have to think really hard about things that I want... Im really blessed
I hate cheap Q-tips
I hate going to work out but once I am there I am glad that I went
I dont enjoy wearing a bra
I would rather bit my nails then cut them
I think cutting vegetables is relaxing
I am STILL not my hair... though we have a lot in common
You cant change people so be the change you want to see
Once upon a time I spoke French and now its a faint memory
I havent recycled (I dont throw away paper) a magazine since 2007 (there my reference books)
I think its funny when the people on the Biggest Loser fall off the treadmill #shameface
Blonds dont have more fun... that is a myth... final answer
I have a crush on Bravo's Andy Cohen
I am a total optimist... I believe in fairy tales, rainbows and unicorns
And Lastly I think its funny when I pass gas... there I said it!!!

Its 10 minutes till Midnight... the official end of my Birth-date... but not to worry there will be parting this weekend
Stay tuned

kdr*S | 2 comments

Happy Birthday!!!!

On this day, some years ago God, with the help of a carrier known as Mama brought a beautiful, caring, compationate, intelligent, fabulous and all around AWESOME human being into this world. You bring Sunshine where ever you go, and Im not just talking about that super-de-duper hair of yours. I love you and think you are the Bees Knees (and what mighty fine knees they are lol).

I hope your day is filled with stripes and polka dots :)

Happy Birthday Deon!!!!

kdr*S | 3 comments

Thrifty Shopping Spree!!!

So, yesterday was the first day that we were able to actually shop after the 30 for 30 challenge and I made a B-Line to my favorite thrift stores. What I found inside was amazing.

Where do I begin?

Okay, so I am at a thrift store and my idea was to run in and out... well Keesha texted me to see what I was doing and like the great friend and faithful thrifter that she is she came to meet me. When she got there I had about 16 items of clothing in my hands and I was breathing erratically... I realized that I had not shopped in over 30 days... Soooo not like me! Well, this our favorite thrift store because you a grocery bag of clothing for $5. Yeah... so the idea is to get as much stuff in the bag as you can. Well just so you know... 16 items are NOT going to fit in one bag. So we decided to get two bags and split the price... well as my luck would have it I lost my debit card in the store!!! (scary)
I did find it right after Keesha had already paid for my bag. Geez... she is such a swell friend. After we left the first store I did make one more stop and get another bag for only $3. In total I got

3 pairs of pants
2 blazers
7 skirts
3 sweaters
7 shirts/blouses
6 belts
1 pair of shoes
and I got 1 my husband a neck tie (so he would not feel left out)

In TOTAL: I got 30 items for $13 ($10 of which was gifted)

I still have not stopped smiling. I actually had to buy more hangers in order to fit them into the closet. Amazing!!!

These are some of the highlights from my shopping spree.

long camel colored cardigan

Long Pencil skirts in Green and Hot Pink
One with red leather belt and other with black Patent leather

These shoes actually did not go into the bag but they were only $1. Oh, How I love thrifting

This is my favorite find of the day. My cell phone camera sucks but its like hyper color. I love it!

It is SO long, but cant you see this being a great cocktail dress?

So I was looking into this skirt to see the size and what do I see? The name Christian Dior! This cranberry red skirt is amazing.

How perfect is a pink flannel shirt? Priceless

I am in Love with this amazing orange blazer. Its wrapped with a silver belt.

Move over TjMaxx and Marshall's... Thrifting is where its at... can I get an AMEN?

kdr*S | 5 comments

Here Chick Chick Chick!!!

Chicken Pot Pie

So, I honestly feel that the quintessential southern comfort food is the Chicken Pot Pie. Its so simple and delicious.
Well, since our city is scared to death of bad weather they are closing early today with the threat of icy rain? (shiver) ... all schools are getting out before lunch, some businesses just didnt open at all... but the one place you know is open and PACKED is the grocery store. I past a store last night and it looked like every parking space was filled... So I bypassed my daily grocery store shopping and just went home.

I was standing in the freezer trying to think of what to make and I saw a big bag of frozen veggies. I started laughing because my grandmother gave me that bag of veggies to make a vegetable soup. I told her that I was making soup for dinner about a month ago and she was like I have the best secret ingredient for you... It makes the best soup... she made me come to her house and get it...It was a Kroger brand frozen mix vegetables.... I was thinking that it was going to be so big surprise that was going to change my culinary life... But NOPE... It was just some frozen vegetables. I actually need to watch what I say about her cause even though she was born in 1922 she is the Google queen... you guys seriously she has a Facebook Page... Dont let the old age fool you... shes probably reading this right now on her iPad. Geez!!!

NEwho... Here is how I made this fabulous Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:
Pre Cooked Chicken (I used diced vegetarian chicken)
Famous frozen bag of mixed veggies
Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
Onion
Butter
Flour
Milk
Salt
Pepper
Crescent Rolls

Using some butter or olive oil add your chopped onion and frozen veggies. Now please, by all means use fresh vegetables, but this is one of those random things you already have in the pantry meals. Saute your vegetables until slightly soften. You dont want them done done because you still have to bake it and nothing is worst then soft vegetables... that is not an opinion that is a fact. Add your chicken and simmer on low just to heat your chicken. In a small sauce pan add a can of cream of mushroom soup and milk. Blend until smooth and hot. Add about a tablespoon of flour to your veggies and meat... stir in the mushroom soup and flour... blend well.
Pour your veggies into a well buttered casserole dish.

Okay, so here is the fun part. When you think of buttery and flaky bread only one type should come to mind. Crescents... They are perfect in so many ways. Well, I have seen people use pie crust to make their pot pies but I prefer the store bought crescent rolls... they are easy, cheap and in my opinion taste the best.

Simply roll out the crescent on a floured surface and with a rolling pin or even a glass and press the pre-cut edges together... also roll it a little thinner and longer so that it will cover your dish. Bake on 375 for 10-15 minutes, depending on how golden and crispy you want it and serve hot.

I hope you all enjoy this quick and easy recipe... its perfect for the holidays

kdr*S | 5 comments

Why Did I Remix?

Outfit 30 of 30!!!!

Im not so sure what I thought I was going to learn from this challenge. I mean other than the obvious realization that I possess entirely too much "stuff", so much in fact that a few duplicates were found in my massive mountain of shame. Maybe I thought I would find some sort of way to get out of the house sooner in the mornings (which I did to my husbands delight).Maybe I didnt think ANYTHING at all. Who knows what I thought!

Thinking back, its seemed to be the latter. There was no thought whatsoever in this madness other than I saw the challenge and I thought "Sure, that sounds cool." Some bloggers talked about carefully choosing their 30 items and even creating a spreadsheet of outfits they would wear over the 30 days. I on the other hand didnt think AT ALL about my selections. I hurriedly yanked clothes that I rarely wore and even some that I questioned fit me anymore. Shame on me.

Over the month I realized I made a smart decision in not deciding too carefully what I was going to wear. Once I made the commitment to wear only those items, I noticed I only chose ONE pair of flat shoes. My husband started to notice I was more confident in my choices and I wasnt asking him what he thought of my remixes. It was nice to wear dresses on a Wednesday or heels while grocery shopping with my toddler.

Dress:TJMaxx

Top:Old Navy

Socks:Target

Shoes:Payless

Scarf:Thrifted

Hat:Forever 21

So Why Did I Remix: Because it allowed me to celebrate being a girl. I allowed myself to remember the gal I was before I had a husband and children. Before I thought constantly about stains on my clothes. Putting thought into what I am wearing while not being concerned with what others may think has given me the chance to Remember the Old Confident Me.

kdr*S | No comment yet

The Grand Finale!!!

Dont Let the Sunshine Fool You... I'm Freezing!

So, I cant believe that its over. This is our last day of the 30 for 30 challenge. I have admit that I am glad that its over!!! I learned so much about my closet as well as how I LIKE to shop but that I don't NEED anything. I actually have things in my 30 that I only wore once or didn't wear at all. Amazing!!! Thank you Kendi for this challenge... I totally cant wait for the spring challenge. I want to say THANK YOU to all my friends who would check to make sure that what I was wearing was in my 30... This has really been a blast... But let me tell you about the thrift shopping that will be going DOWN tomorrow!!! I can not wait...

Baby, its COLD outside. Its after 1pm and its still 20 degrees outside. Okay, so for some of you this might be the norm but this chick from Florida will NEVER be used to it!!!

Jeans: Bitten
Turtle Neck: Gap
Blazer: Target
Scarf: Gap (circa 1998)
Hat: Hubby's (H&M)

So, this scarf is so random. I have tried to get rid of it for years. My sister and I brought them in the 90s. I have tried to donate it, give it to a friend and for some reason it just would not go away. Well I have just decided to embrace it... besides I have noticed that the chunky scarf is totally in... glad I kept it. Let this be a lesson to you... throw/give away NOTHING. I am about 5'2 and this scarf is taller than me. I named it "the big dog"... its honestly cold enough to pull out the "bigdogs".

On our 30th day of this challenge we made it to 30 followers. We started this challenge with 18 faithful followers and now we have 30... Wowzer!!! Thank you guys. Please keep following!

kdr*S | 1 comment

Sunny Day!!! Day 27 of 30

Oh What a Beautiful Day!

So, today has been most random... actually this week has been a little off and today after lunch I realized that I have had a pretty crummy week. I just couldn't get anything to go my way!!! I must admit that this picture did make me smile... something about nature and how easy it is makes me happy.

So grateful that tomorrow is FRIDAY. I am just so excited!!! I always plan this restful weekend in my mind and unfortunately it does not ever turn out that way but at least I don't have to work or be bothered unless I want to be.

Sweatpants and tee shirts here I come!!!

I can not believe that our 30 for 30 challenge is almost over... it seems just like yesterday that we were pulling out random clothing and snapping shots of them... Time really does fly when youre having fun. Yesterday Keesha mentioned how much her other clothing missed her... I seriously know the feeling. I tried on somethings today... kinda excited about putting on my "old" clothing. I want to already lay out my wardrobe in my mind for Monday and Tuesday of next week ... since I have not had much to choose from each day I have this fear that Monday will be horrible trying to find something to wear. Just trying to be 'proactive'

Well, guys I do want to ask you all a question. Before we did the 30 for 30 challenge we were just starting out and really blogged about randomness... Since the challenge we went from 11 followers to 29!!! That is fabulous. Thank you to all our faithful followers... you guys are fabulous!!! I want to truly thank TWITCH VINTAGE for all the advice today. Your ultra fabulous... You guys have to check out her blog and store.
Well, I wanted to know that since the challenge is almost over what would you like us to still blog about. If you scroll back in some of out older post we rarely took pictures of ourselves... and I have noticed that there are TONS of blogs out there that are just about fashion... so what do you all want to see? We have had a number of comments and the thing that most people ask Deon (me) is about my hair... A few people want Keesha to do a house tour (she has the most fabulous house)... So we were thinking about doing more post on hair, makeup and skin care and home deco stuff... of course we would still do some fashion and food but we would love to know what you guys thought.