Five Things

Outfit Deets:

Cardigan: Marshall's (can't remember when)

Striped Tee: Forever 21

Belt: Francesca's

Boots: Franco Sarto via Marshall's

Scarf: Handmade by Momma!

This outfit is nothing special, but it was very comfortable for sitting in grad class for two and a half hours. The hard, wooden seats? Not so comfortable for those two and a half hours. 

The lovely Kate tagged me in a Five Things post, which requires me to share five things that you don't already know about me. However, this task is challenging because I air my dirty laundry pretty frequently. Let's see what I can dig up for you all. 

1. I try to tell people how unique my family is, but I can never quite explain how. For some reason, I always forget to share the following tidbit: when I was in college, my family and I went to a strip club together. We were on vacation in Hilton Head, and my big brother was feeling a little down in the dumps. I decided that a strip club would cheer him up (don't even try questioning the logic of my collegiate mind), so I flipped open the phone book and found a nearby establishment. Mom and Dad dropped us off, and my brother's spirits were instantly lifted by my discomfort in such a...umm, raw?...atmosphere. My shifty glances and the women who glued themselves to me amused big brother. I was amused when Mom and Dad joined us. A dancer propositioned my father, a man who never feels embarrassed, and he nervously said, "Ummm...I'm married," to which the dancer responded, "Thats okay, honey, she can watch." Memory made. This little factoid might provoke you remove yourself from my blog, but just remember that no one can question how much this little sister loves her big brother. 

2. Currently, all things organization--baskets, file folders, shelves, etc.--excite me; however, I used to be a complete and utter slob. When I was little, Mom referred to my room as "Joe Baker's Dump." You know how some people are really messy, but they at least have a path to their beds? Oh, not me. I had to fly over a baby doll, fake plastic food, and broken crayons graveyard in order to reach my bed, which was just a mattress on the floor. It wasn't until one of my neighbors came over one day and said, "Let's put things into baskets." She taught me how to sort things and make my room look pretty. That was all she wrote, folks. I still can't stop putting crap into baskets. Those Michael's coupons kill me every time. Buy all the baskets!!!

3. If you know me in real life, you may or may not know that my first name is not actually Danielle; it's Heather. Since my birth, my parents have called me Danielle because I'm named after my Dad, Danny. Mom, however, did not want to name me Danielle Heather; she thought Heather Danielle "flowed better." She actually wanted to name me Samantha Jo so that she could nickname me Sammy Jo, which would have been appropriate since I sported overalls long past their prime, and I live in a county that's affectionally named "Cow County." It's a shame I don't know how to milk a cow because I really would love to learn how. 

4. Speaking of cows, every time I pass farms, I wish I lived on one. I love manual labor, and waking up early would be much more enjoyable if I could spend it outside, around animals (though my students sometimes act like them), and being physically productive. I enjoy painting, building stuff, learning how to make things that "do," anything with my hands, but I just don't have time for those things. Anyone have a farm and want to teach me how to do things on it? I'd be an eager, happy learner. Seriously. 

5. Criminal Minds and Law and Order: SVU are my weaknesses. I cannot stop watching them. It never matters how many times I've seen an episode, I'll watch it again. If I see that a marathon is on, I get all giddy and can't help but keep it on all.day.long. My husband? Not such a fan. Strangely enough, I can watch these shows on repeat, but I can watch only certain movies more than once. Most movies I can stand to watch only one time. The repeaters? Under the Tuscan Sun (FAVORITE), French Kiss, Tommyboy, Liar Liar, and Pitch Perfect.  

Now you know way more about me than you need to know.

I tag the following ladies:

Elizabeth--girlfriend, you need to update! ;)

Christine--she makes awesome stuff and has fun style

Laura--great pictures and classic style

Gingham, Pleats, and Tassels. Oh my!

I can't stop wearing yellow. I think I need spring. When we were driving home today, it was sunny with these weird, mutant flurries. Seriously, weather, get your crap together. 

I know I told you yesterday that I love yellow and black together, but I might love yellow and blue together more. Conveniently, blue and yellow are the school colors for the place at which I teach. I'm school spirited without even trying. 

Meet my second day curls. Elizabeth, my fun colleague, knows what I'm sayin'! She was rocking even better second day hair. I chose sleep over shampoo. Sleep usually wins. 

These shoes are really comfortable and set me back a whopping $18 at DSW. I'm awesome. 

This blazer is old. YEARS old. I decided it fit well and deserved to be unearthed. Welcome to the world again, lovely, brown blazer. (I like how the gingham pops out at the cuffs.)

My legs are reflective. Wearing tights or pantyhose would have been a great idea, but here is what I thought:

1. I am too tired and lazy to fight with tights again today.

2. I already have to make sure the shirt stays tucked in. What happens when I need to pee, which is always? Too much effort. As a result, my pasty legs greeted the public today. 

Comfortable shoes with fun little tassels. 

We look so haggard after work, but my happy little starfish is waving hello to you. 

Outfit Deets:

Gingham Shirt: Marshall's (I dig these colors.)

Skirt: Banana Republic (similar for $48)

Starfish Necklace & Earrings: Local boutique 

Shoes: Bandolino via DSW (similar wedges)

Blazer: Ann Taylor 

Sunglasses: NY & Co.

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Shanna, Sarah, and Alisa.

Take a Moment to Laugh

Every time I speak with a new teacher (or an intern), I give them the following advice, which applies to both teaching and life: 

Find a reason to laugh. Every day. 

I tell you what, folks, as soon as I adopted this simple mantra, life felt more fulfilling. 

Allow me to present you with a few things that people posted/sent me that made me laugh this week.

1. Goats screaming like humans

(I've watched this video an obscene number of times.)

If you start imitating them this week, I do not apologize.

2. My sister in law sent this picture to me, and I had a good laugh.

Source Image

3. One of my friends posted this image on Facebook. I was laughing too hard to effectively read it to my husband. 

                                                                           Source: someecards.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

    I hope these images (and the video) gave you a reason to laugh today. If your sense of humor is nothing like mine, I do apologize. 

Bumblebees Got it Right

Black and yellow. They just go if you ask me. I like making sunshine and darkness befriend one another. Granted, I do try avoiding that whole black and yellow stripes combination because I suppose only bumblebees can pull off that look. However, black and white stripes with a pop of yellow makes for a lovely combination, right?

I considered pairing today's dress with a military vest, but I decided that look was too casual for a Tuesday at work. Plus, I keep telling myself to give more love to unloved (yet wonderful) items in my closet. Meet my sleeveless cardigan.

This necklace. OH, this necklace. It's large and in charge like my hair, which means I dig it. Plus, it's an obnoxiously bright yellow, which gives me another reason to dig it. It also cost $13 at Charlotte Russe. Triiiiifecta of awesomeness.

As for these boots, HOLY CRAP ON A STICK. Not only am I wearing sunshine, but I'm walking on clouds. These boots might honestly be the most comfortable shoes I own, and I got them for $50 (down from $140) at DSW. Because of them, I scored a free striped bag. I'm winning like Charlie Sheen over here. But, seriously, these boots are "gushy" as my Momma would say. Since she might read this post, I'll tell you a funny story about the purchase of these boots.

You see, I was in DSW with my Momma because she's my favorite person to shop with, of course. I put on the right boot and thought, "ooo, I like these." I decided to try on the left boot, but it felt funny and made this horrible squishing sound. I said, "I don't think these boots will work. They squish and feel really funny on the left foot." I took off the boots, and what did I find? That weird little plastic shoe horn was still inside of the left boot. Even my mom wonders how I got the boot on while that thing was in there. All I know is that taking it out made the boot much more comfortable, and they came home with me. They go with skirts, dresses, skinny pants, and they'll look good under pants (an important piece of criteria for this purchase.)

 P.S. I was talking to Jeff while he took these photos, which is why it looks like I'm not smiling. I really am happy. I swear.

Outfit Deets:

Dress: Old Navy (similar from Old Navy--only $20)

Belt: NY & Co (similar for $15)

Necklace: Charlotte Russe (similar from Etsy shop)

Boots: b.o.c via DSW (exact for $60)

Cardigan: Old and don't know! (similar for $7.90)

Linking up for the first time with Style Elixir.

Tasty Tuesday: Blackbean Spaghetti, Chicken, & Broccoli Puree

So, I am hoping to make Tasty Tuesday a weekly installment. My husband makes a meeeean meal, which is why I call him Jeff Boyardee. 

We've started getting into what's called the anti-inflammatory diet because it will possibly help with my Sjogrens. I first read about the diet in a Dr. Weil magazine. I bought three books on it this past weekend. I've got some reading to do! 

Anyway, I'll share more on that at a later date, but let's move on to the recipe. 

Today's Recipe: Blackbean Spaghetti, Applewood Chicken, & Broccoli Purre

I took a picture after I took a bite. It was sooo delicious.

I'll be honest: this pasta worried me. I thought "black beans? Uh oh, I don't need any help staying regular" but I figured that it was on sale. How bad could it be? NOT BAD AT ALL. 

Scrumptious, in fact.

Here's what the bag looks like:

Source Image

Buy Here

(I found it at a local natural market.)

I asked my darling husband to write up the recipe so that I could share it with blogland, and he happily did :) I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did. I'm excited to eat it for lunch tomorrow!

For the record, it is of his creation!

Jeff’s Black Bean Spaghetti with Applewood Chicken and Broccoli Sauce

-Black bean spaghetti (Explore Asian Authentic Cuisine)

-Broccoli (2 heads about the size of your hand)

-Boneless chicken breasts (1 per person)

-Olive oil

-butter

-Applewood dry rub (Grill Mates)

-Fresh garlic

-Grated Parmesan Cheese

-Basil

-Tarragon

-Salt

Preparation and Cooking (Start with getting the chicken going, as it takes the longest, and then once that is on the heat work on the broccoli.  The pasta can be last minute as it takes no time at all.)

Chicken

              1)    Start by butterflying the chicken breasts and slashing them with horizontal cuts to help cook faster.

2)    Put some olive oil in a searing pan along with some coarsely chopped garlic

              3)    Set the heat to medium to allow the oils in the garlic to heat up and blend with the olive oil

           4)    Spread some of the applewood rub on both sides of the chicken breast along with some tarragon (unique scent while cooking, but smooth taste)

               5)    Once you can see some bubbles in the oil or after about 3-4 pops of the oil, GENTLY lay the chicken breast down on the pan

               6)    I put a lid on it to help cook faster, so it takes about 8-10 minutes each side (first rotation)      
                and then I let it go for another 3-4 minutes each side to brown the meat and ensure the inside is white.

7)    Remove from heat

8)    Slice into bite-size portions and set aside

Broccoli

     1)    Cut broccoli heads into bite-size pieces

     2)    Put about 1” of water at the bottom of the pot to keep things steaming and not burning

           3)    Put the broccoli in the water at high heat and a lid on the pot.  Every 2-3 minutes shake the  
      pot around with the lid on to move the broccoli around a bit.  The darker green it gets, the more it is      
          getting steamed.  Usually about 10 minutes on high heat with constant movement and sealed lid will be enough.

        4)    Place all steamed broccoli into a blender along with whatever little water is left (adds flavor), 2
         Tbsp. of butter, about ½ cup of olive oil (if the mixture is really thick, add a little more olive oil
           until it has the consistency of tomato sauce), about 3-4 tbsp of chopped basil and salt to your liking.

5)    Blend it all and ensure it’s all thoroughly mixed.

Pasta

1)    Boil water with salt in it

2)    Place spaghetti in it and cook for about 6-8 minutes…..stir every now and again

3)    Strain water out, rinse with cold water, strain again and place in a bowl

Service

1)    Place pasta in serving bowl (whatever your serving amount is….mine is normally a lot J )

2)    Place a chicken breast equivalent of sliced chicken on top of the pasta

     3)    Pour in broccoli sauce to coat the pasta and chicken like you would with spaghetti sauce.  It looks off putting because of the color, but the taste makes up for it.

4)    Cover the dish with grated Parmesan to your liking and serve.

Total prep/cook time: ~30 minutes

Serves about 4 people with the amount of sauce you make with the 2 heads of broccoli. 

Let us know if you try it and like it!

Here it is again...

Obviously, the black stuff in the middle is pasta. 

Octopus Hairs

Do you ever fight with your hair for fifteen minutes and still look in the mirror to find the tentacles of octopus hairs staring you in the face? No? Just me? Well then, you're lucky. I guess my hair wanted to actually wave hello to blogland. Please say hello in return so that it stops waving.

The day that I wore this outfit, these pants were not in the plan. In fact, I planned to wear these really cute polka dot pants from NY & Co (cannot find them online at all), but I had a serious wardrobe malfunction. Right as I was about to leave the house, I bent down to pick up my laptop bag. I heard an unpleasant sound, which I was sure couldn't be gas coming from my pants. Yep, I split the crotch of 'em, and I had bought them only three days prior. Quickly, I ran upstairs and threw on these pants. Allow me to publicly proclaim my love for these pants. Oh, pants, you're so comfortable that you feel like pajamas, which means you were the perfect pants to wear on pajama day at school. Oh, pants, you are so comfortable that it should be a sin to wear you.

I should have washed this shirt before wearing it (oh, whatever, you do it, too) because it sort of dyed the pits of the white jacket. Dangit.

These shoes are ooooold school (momma got rid of them, so I happily took them), but they're comfortable greatness. Comfortable seems to be the word of the day, folks.

That little patch of hair on the left is practicing its princess wave.

In case you wanted a view of the shirt, I took a picture for you. 

In this picture, I am trying on some clothes to replace the polka dot pants that I ended up keeping.

I'm just going to sew those bad boys.

I love everything at Gap right now, but I bought nothing. As a result, I decided that I at least needed a picture of these cute outfits. In fact, I have clothes similar to a lot of these, so I can use this picture for outfit inspiration! (You can't tell, but the pants in the middle have white polka dots on them. So stinking cute.)

My Outfit Deets:

Coat: Guess via Wilson's Leather (got it for $50 down from $280)

Pants & Shirt: Marshall's

Shoes: Naturalizer (so old that I don't know how you'd find them)--these are zebra print, which makes them fun

Blazer: White House Black Market (several years old)

Anyone else experience some wardrobe malfunctions recently?

I think I should keep a spare outfit in my classroom just in case that sort of thing happens at work. 

Doctor Doctor & A Collage

So, my motivation to post outfits has dwindled to something resembling the number zero. I think this blog might be taking a turn in a different direction. Maybe. Maybe not. I also say that I'll stop buying clothes, and my colleagues know how far that statement has gotten me. Be sad that I was not up to having a picture snapped of my "blueberry" outfit today. Granted, the student who called me a blueberry also sports a mohawk and wears pajama pants to school nearly every day. I consider the source.

Anyway, I've been pondering about how I should word this post. I have a lot to say on the matter, so it might just exit my brain as a stream of consciousness. As an English teacher, I should feel more compelled to organize my thoughts, but I'll call it a free write and feel better about the haphazardness that will soon ensue.

If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you probably already know that it's a miracle Darwin's theory hasn't snuffed out my existence. I'm allergic to a whole host of things (including cocoa...yes, that means chocolate, ladies.) I think my body is confused. I look 21 (or younger...depending on whom you ask), I'm actually 28, and my insides are geriatric. I guess I'm okay with this odd situation because it's character building, right? Right. 

At this point in my life, I've accrued a team of doctors. I have a gastroenterologist, an allergist, a rheumatologist, more than one dermatologist, a primary care physician (ya know, the normal doctor), a nutritionist, and the list continues to grow. I think I missed my calling in the medical profession. In 2007, I visited my primary care doctor, and he ran a bunch of bloodwork. Typical day at the doctor for Danielle. The results indicated that I tested positive for several markers of a rheumatic disease called Sjogrens Syndrome. He relayed the results but left it at that. 


Fast forward to December of 2012.  I returned to the doctor with these same nagging symptoms (such as ridiculous dry mouth that induced wicked stomach aches, eyes so dry that I wanted to scoop them out with a melon baller, and a chest so tight that I was sure a heavy, yet invisible elephant was standing on my lungs.) The good ol' doc didn't know what to do with me, but he knew I never came in unless something really was wrong. He sent me packing with some more bloodwork paperwork and chest x-ray forms. Everything came back pretty clear, so my doctor called me after hours one night. He said that he decided to scour my years of paperwork for answers and came upon those positive blood tests from 2007. He determined that it was time for me to see a rheumatologist to confirm or refute a diagnosis. 


In the mean time, I visited my gastroenterologist who performed another endoscopy (a worse case of acid reflux could be to blame for the chest pain) and a colonoscopy. An endoscopy is really no big deal. A colonoscopy, however, is the pits. My doctor prescribed the worst "make ya poo" drug on the planet. That stuff tasted like regurgitation and made me want to regurgitate. Horrific. Both of these tests came back relatively clear, so the baton passed to the rheumatologist. (Side note: my gastroenterologist is the bomb dot com. He gave his business card to me and said to hand it to the rheumatologist who then needed to keep him in the loop. He said, "if he doesn't find anything, I want to help you. We'll get to the bottom of this." What a great doctor.) 


The rheumatologist asked a battery of questions and ran more bloodwork. And, of course, I had to pee in another cup. I really need to refine that skill or bring a funnel with me to the doctor. Boys sure are lucky. The doctor then explained that the "golden test" for this syndrome involved a lip biopsy. I'll just tell you now that I was wholly unprepared for that visit. I thought biopsy meant scrape scrape, and we're done. I did not know it meant slice slice, stitch stitch, HOLY MOTHER OF CRAP THAT HURTS. Don't even get me started on the stitches removal. 


Last week, the doctor confirmed the diagnosis: I have Sjogrens Syndrome. What does this diagnosis mean? Well, I'm not entirely sure, but here's what I do know:

• It's better to have an answer (even a not-so-wonderful one) than to be left feeling crazy, as if the symptoms are "all in my head." 

• I'll live with it for the rest of my life, but I've lived with it this long. I can overcome it.

• There are means of managing it (which I have not yet mastered, obviously.)

• I'm attending my first support group meeting this weekend (my husband and parents in tow) where I hope to learn a lot from people who know much more about this condition than I do.

• I have the most supportive family, friends, and colleagues. My dad has spent hours (okay DAYS) researching Sjogrens. He wants to have a family meeting to discuss everything. My mom has crocheted me yet another scarf, and she got all of my groceries for me yesterday when my back hurt so badly that crawling to my car on the cold asphalt seemed like a viable option. My husband has been fixing up the most delicious meals and generally just being so understanding and loving. I'm beyond blown away by his kindness. He really took that "in sickness and in health" thing seriously. My in laws so willingly fix meals that I can eat and warm my heart with their support. Long story short? The people I love bless me every day with their kindness, generosity, compassion, and love. 

• I might be unlucky in health, but I am lucky in love. 

If you've made it this far, I'm going to reward you with some pictures. It's the cyber version of a gold star ;) 

Meet Eliot, my elephant friend who humidifies my room. I'm hoping that Eliot helps the nosebleeds stop. Thanks in advance, El. By the way, your name is the same as a character from SVU (who's no longer on...WAH!), so you must be awesome.

I paired my button up from Target's boys' department with a navy sweater. Not rocket science, but it's warm.

I had no idea what to do with this pretty sweater because the neckline was too low. I decided that yellow and teal complement one another, so this pairing works. No?

I feel like Easter in this ensemble, and I rather like it.

 If only I had a warm beach to travel to in this outfit. I think you'll be seeing this one again in the spring :)

In case I'm too lazy to shave my legs, I have this shirt paired with pants, too. 

These are the things I have to think about, folks.

Last, but certainly not least, is one of my new door handles. You see, the previous owners thought it'd be great to put silver knobs on one side of doors and gold knobs on the other side. How does that even happen?! Anyway, the basement door (not pictured) was impossible to open. It heard several expletives fly from my mouth because I fought with it every day. The knob refused to turn. In other words, it refused to do its only job. As a result, my husband pitied me and replaced several knobs today.

He sure is a keeper, but I'm glad those doorknobs weren't!