Eat This, Not That: Green Spaghetti.

We've been trying to eat a bit healthier around our house, but it's not easy. I'm trying to take one not-so-healthy ingredient from every meal and swapping it with something healthier. I love to swap! :) Last night I tried Spinach Spaghetti instead of the regular old stuff, and it turned out great! Actually the hubs didn't even realize it was spinach--win!

I picked this up from Natural Health Organic Foods here in Cape for $2.39. That's over $1.00 more than the Schnucks brand spaghetti that I usually buy, but I think it's worth it for the organic and spinach factor.

It looks kinda funny cooking, huh? I promise it tastes great though!

See? Once you add the sauce and meatballs it just looks like regular ol' sketti. Tastes just as yummy too!

Have you heard of the book, Eat This, Not That? This book compares different restaurant menu items and chooses healthier options to help you make better decisions. It's also a cookbook and an iPhone App! Once I get the iPhone that'll be one of the first apps I buy.

Do you try to eat "healthier" menu items when you go out to eat? Do you have any healthy ingredient suggestions for me?


also, p.s.....we got a new puppy! Picked her up yesterday from the humane society.




What's different about this puppy is that John is SO proud to be her owner. She's very tiny (only 6 weeks old!) so John has no problem picking her up and carrying her around. He's learning to "be easy" and hold her softly. He held her in his lap in the car yesterday the entire way home--so sweet!

Don't forget! Tonight is the HOW? Jewelry Soiree. I'm in charge of the wine and will be pouring selections from South Africa as well as some local Missouri wines. Come, browse the jewelry, eat some yummy appetizers and try some new wine! Hope to see you there!

Event Spotlight: H.O.W? Jewelry Soiree

Hey! Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday. I'm excited about Friday already (anyone else?)! I'll be pouring wine at "The Soiree" showcasing HOW? Jewelry.

"HOW? Jewelry is handmade by African women striving to break the cycle of poverty. Many of them are widowed and live with HIV/AIDS or are caring for orphaned children. We purchase the jewelry from the women at fair market value and then sell it in North America. A portion of all profits are re-invested into improving the lives of women and children living in poverty." -from the HOW? website.

This is truly a great company with an amazingly passionate mission. The comany president is Raelenna Ferguson, a friend of mine who lives here in Southeast Missouri. Raelenna makes no profit whatsoever for all the work she does organizing the sale of this jewelry. HOW? Jewelry is also a partner with Heart for Africa, another Christ-centered company that I whole-heartedly support.

We will be pouring South African wines Friday with some local wines as well, mostly Montelle Augusta.

The event will be from 6-9pm this Friday, September 30th at the Walden Park Townhouse in Cape Girardeau. There will be over 3,000 pieces of jewelry for sale, as well as the wine tasting and appetizers.

I'll be there pouring wine and wearing some of my pieces of HOW? Jewelry, including this hand-carved wooden cuff bracelet. If you go to the website, they have some pieces for sale, but there will be much more to choose from at the party Friday.



Me and my favorite ceramic pumpkin and mums. Fall is here!

 This piece is perfect for casual plaid shirts and jeans. It makes the entire outfit unique, don't you think? The cuff was only $20 and there will be pieces like mine for sale Friday, come check them out! Also if you can't make the wine tasting, there will be another chance to check the jewelry out Saturday morning from 9-noon.

For the Love of Mustard.

Oh I love all things this color....dontchaknow? It's bright and muted all at the same time, and it's seasonless--which is exactly why I wear it all the time without shame. One of my favorite blogs, Annie Laurie's Antiques, recently featured some styling suggestions for this color--love them all.

Mustard Check Top: Old Navy
Jeans: Big Star via The Buckle
Oxford Booties: JC Penney
Necklace: Made from African Seeds via How? Jewelry

I've become a tad obsessed with Etsy lately. Here are a few pieces I haven't bought, but have been added to my "favorite's" list. Best part about all of these pieces is that they're vintage!

Pure silk mustard blouse $19.99. Add skinny jeans and boots and go!

Yellow and Grey Pencil Skirt $26.00. Very "Mad Men-esque." Can you imagine it paired with a grey top, or maybe even teal?

Wool Vest $30.00. I'd attach a faux fur collar to add a bit more pizzazz. 

Oh and I just had to add this last one, although I don't know if I'd ever be brave enough to actually wear it!!

Mustard and Leopard Print Tunic $24.00

What do you guys think of this hue? Too retro for your taste? Or has it become a new wardrobe staple?

For the love of retail....

I used to turn my nose at the thought of my local JC Penney store. Snobby, I know.

"Ugh, it's all the way on the other end of the mall!"

"Ugh, all the clothes are so drab!"

Then, when I stopped whining and actually paid attention to the quality and prices of the clothes, I had a change of heart. Not only is JCP an American founded company, but they opened their first store over 100 years ago and Cape Girardeau actually had a JCP store downtown on Main Street. The building is listed in the National Register for Historic Places.

The JC Penney we all know today is located inside West Park Mall. Some of my favorite brands include ANA, MNG by MANGO, St. John's Bay, and Worthington. I recently scored this pair of ANA jeans on the clearance rack for $4. The top is also ANA and it was $18.

I'm loving chunky knit sweaters for fall. Not just for grandma, a chunky sweater looks modern with cropped trousers and flats. I love these by St. John's Bay because they are perfect worn alone, no layering necessary (I'm not a layering fan, by the way! Too much trouble!) I'd like one in a size small for a more fitted look, and in a medium to be more relaxed and wear with skinny jeans. Look at all the colors they have to choose from! Right now, all the V-Neck Cable Sweaters are $20.00.

All of the brands I've mentioned are marketed for young adult to middle aged women. JCP is making an effort to appeal to style-conscious women by their new partnership with People Style Watch magazine. The editors handpick styles straight from fashion runways and season appropriate trends that JCP has to offer.  I love all the tie-front blouses out for fall, but I'll check my favorite vintage stores first before I buy new from JCP. This top looks straight out of the 70's, wouldn't you agree?

What do you think of JC Penney? Do you think their clothes are affordable and trendy, or would you prefer to shop somewhere else?

Art Student Wannabe

Am I the only one who swoons over the life of an art student? They have an excuse as to why their head is constantly in the clouds and can wear black from head to toe and not be expected to attend a wake. I like to pretend that I'm an art student sometimes and wear glasses and all black and sip espresso from tiny cups.

What? You don't?

On a side note, who else is excited about fall weather? Time to bust out the tights. This dress is a perfect compliment to tights/leggings because it's a bit on the shorter side. I'm going to try to be more daring this fall and wear colored tights--I'm thinking this dress would pair nicely with cranberry, don't you?

Silk Dress: Coldwater Creek (on the sale rack, present from my Nana)
Black Tights: Target clearance
Cognac Boots: 80%20% via Endless.com (Christmas present)
Watch: Timex via Macy's (birthday present)

Have a great Thursday, everyone! Keep your head in the clouds, whether you're an art student or not.

Handmade Spotlight: Leighana Paige Boutique

I've shared with you before my appreciation for Jesus-loving designers, so today I want to bring your attention to another local lady who makes high quality, handmade designs.

Leighana Paige Boutique features handmade garments for girls and boys, but I can't help buy be partial to her unique boy designs. Laura is one of the most genuine, lovable ladies I know so I love ordering pieces from her. Purchasing something from a designer that loves what they do, and works with a love for Christ in their hearts is a win/win way to shop! My little man looked adorable on July 4th in his patriotic tee.

I also don't know where I'd be without my unique (and handy!) wipes clutch.

You can check out Leighana Paige Boutique on Etsy or Facebook.

Do you know of any local, Christian designers? Please share!

Ketchup Monday.

You know, normally I would feel guilty for my lack of writing inspiration and blog posts....but hey, all you other bloggers out there that I follow are slacking in the post department too. So, let us declare today KETCHUP (catch-up) MONDAY where we all sit down and plan out posts. Posts with substance, dignity, and poise. Posts that have nothing to do with how it's only 9am and I'm craving ketchup. I think my body is majorly lacking in the veggie department so while I run to Schnucks and get a V8, enjoy this pic of my little monster. Like his mother, he wears what he wants and doesn't look back.