123dressme

my favorite overall interior

2009-06-04T08:17:00.003-05:00

I love it all especially the neutral tone walls and colorful art and accents! (the perfect mix of old and new too).

white, rustic and modern

2009-05-05T21:54:00.005-05:00

The following are shared ideas and article-power of white- for a friend. These are for you MS - esp. the white and green bedroom reminds me of yours....

another one

2009-05-04T21:06:00.004-05:00

Here is another great example of old and new from Cookie magazine pasadena house. I love the prints in the kitchen seating area, kids rooms. Love it all. My fav. home mags Domino and Cottage Living - are no longer being published so I don't have my monthly inspiration any more. Also, I cannot share some of those ideas online but have them sitting right in front of me(kept the old mags that I cannot part with) too many good things... Darn.

new and old

2009-05-04T20:43:00.004-05:00

I have always been drawn towards old or antique furniture, objects, etc. It's in my blood and was around it as a child going antiquing with my mother at a small age. Lots of great memories. But when I married an architect things swayed a bit more modern. I was out of my comfort zone for awhile and learned to appreciate it through him and while working for a interior designer - they both taught me lots about clean lines and the simplicity of forms, which I now love more than anything. So at our house I try to blend the two and sometimes things get out of balance - too much of one look. I quite like it to make a more sparse look feel more homey with an older piece whether it's a vintage lamp, artwork, print, basket for books, table, etc. I came across this mixing old and new article that had some great tips. There is not a right or wrong obviously but putting your personal stamp on what you love in your home - a reflection of you (colors, patterns, materials).

curry

2009-05-04T20:21:00.006-05:00

If you like curry at all, you should try this dish cashew curry recipe. I have a fav. food site called 101 cookbooks and have always admired the dishes she posts. I have never taken one on (from this site) quite frankly cause I forget about it but need to remember it big time. But this one is so good and you can use the left over veggies as a side for another meal.

DELISH!

FLIP FLOPS

2009-04-19T09:20:00.004-05:00

If I had to pick a favorite shoe ever, this would be it. As as child I never liked to wear shoes so I guess this is the next best thing between your feet and the ground. I picked a few favorite styles and each come in lots of colors. My ultimate favorite is the Reef pair since they have a bit of arch support and you can buy them in two packs. Bang for your buck if you wear them year round like I do. Also, you can pick these up at any local store - J. Crew size and color permitting, and Nordstrom.

classic wedge flip flop
skinny flip flops
reef flip flops
havaianas
slim peacock

Coming out of the fog...

2009-04-18T21:52:00.003-05:00

I have been lax on my posts due to some shifts in my children’s growing process and not having the time. Growing pains for all at the Sommers’ house. I have had one too many “Two Rivers” days as I call them – which refers to a local mental facility as I feel I am balancing my fragile state of mental health lately. I say this with humor as I am fine but I think we as mothers all have had those days where you are not sure you are getting through to anyone, let alone yourself.

My husband was out of town while some of these shifts have been occurring and upon his return I made a bee line to a bookstore for some “me time” and to locate some form of reference as a voice of reason. I felt like I was losing grip on what used to be a solid ground and sense of confidence as a parent but as your children age, each stage is different and some take you more off guard than others. This phase has thrown me for a loop. I think I have been in the trenches too long which goes to show how important it is to nurture, protect and preserve your self in the midst. A very tough balancing act and for some it is easier and easier at different phases in your life!

After a couple hours break, I felt like a new shiny penny. I found what probably most of you know about and I did know about and even picked it up one day. It wasn’t really what I needed at the time but LET ME JUST SAY IT WAS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ordered for me and my family- Parenting with Love & Logic by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. (updated and expanded edition). I sat down with my beverage of choice, Starbuck’s mocha, and read the first few pages – “You had me at hello”…….is all I have to say. I know most of you may even have a copy but I highly recommend it if you don’t. I believe there is one for teens for those with older children. I read a few pages then scanned some more but came a across a sentence which I felt relieved to come across, basically it was never too late to implement their philosophy, whew!

A must have manual and constant companion for all parents!!! Hallelujah!

P.S. Did I mention my sweet husband walked in from his trip carrying a bottle of my favorite wine, an orchid, and lovely bar of soap. Sweet man-o-mine!

super roasted chicken

2009-04-06T17:38:00.004-05:00

I had never roasted a chicken before I learned of this recipe-roasted chicken. I guess I was intimidated by the size and time involved but it turned out super and I have made it several times. This dish is perfect for holiday family get togethers or dinner at home during the week - such as tonight for my family. Tip - if you can find a whole chicken with the neck and giblets removed, all the better. You can find locally at 135th Super Target, of all places. One chicken can easily feed a family of four. If you have leftovers, it would be great for one of the recipes also on the site, chicken enchiladas, which I have also made - yum.

best tank top

2009-04-05T09:41:00.002-05:00

for layering of course. Never alone - atleast for me - way too revealing of "my stuff" but I have to refresh ever few years cause I wear them year round under tops as sort of my girdle to smooth things out, if you know what I mean. Kind of my clothing security blanket. But I hadn't bought one in maybe two or three years and just recently bought two and were still "my
favorite tank" hence the name.

One stop shop

2009-04-05T09:37:00.001-05:00

YES TO ALL.....
square neck tee
bubble tank
pique shift
pique v-neck dress
danielle sandals
athena sandals
boyfriend jacket
sparkle necklace
ripstop pants

skirt and top for all times

2009-04-03T19:05:00.003-05:00

I love this seamed circle skirt mainly because you can wear it during the day or at night. Day time with a basic tee and dressier top for evening. I also like this rustled breeze top for the same reason -with jeans as shown on model. May be too flowy to wear the two together but who knows? Busy times around here with spring so my posts my dwindle a bit.

SALE

2009-04-01T12:34:00.002-05:00

FYI - I am on a mailing list for various vendors for sales, etc. The GAP is having a big sale on lots of goodies for the whole family and Boden is having a 25% on EVERYTHING for TODAY ONLY. You can't beat some of these deals lately. I have a $20.00 coupon I may need to use for Boden today and really get a great deal. I will let you know when I do get some of these promotions as they come up, it really can make a difference.

A side note with Boden, if you have never ordered before, the quality of the clothes is great and well outlasts two rounds of hand me downs - for the kids. So it is money well spent especially if you have same sex siblings. The sizes run true to size on most. I think the sizing has gotten better over the last couple years especially the children's clothing. Now on the women's clothing, I always order up on the larger end of my size range since things "just fit". Check out the sizing guide if you are in doubt - the sizes are configured over to US sizes and they are great on returns and exchanges. A favorite of mine for myself and my girls.

For coffee and wine lovers

2009-03-30T13:38:00.002-05:00

We recently bought these new mugs and wine glasses since we either have a few mismatched or have broken them. For me, drinking coffee out of a huge bowl or trough rather is quite a treat. I now look even more forward to coffee in the morning knowing that I'll be using this. Seems to make it taste better.

The wine glasses are fragile and are made of a very thin glass but we could not resist. Yes, unfortunately we need to have our designated drinks labeled for our coffee drinking and wine drinking, I guess we get that tired. We wouldn't want to confuse the two. Ha.

I should also mention that the coffee mugs have a cute cream and sugar to go along, must buy separately. The wine glasses have a carafe too. All great gift ideas for anyone getting married this spring.

Tried, tested, and approved

2009-03-26T22:00:00.002-05:00

Bibimap-I subscribe to this fresh and chock full of goodness magazine, Cookie, and it is geared for parents but has great articles for everyone. This month has a couple really good recipes using eggs. My husband has high cholesterol so I have to use them sparingly but I do think eggs are a great meat and protein alternative. In addition, I am trying to branch out and try ground turkey instead of my go to meat, chicken. So in this recipe, I used ground turkey and I was skeptical at first, but it tasted great and was not at all greasy like beef. This dish comes together quick and although the ingredients sound strange, it some how works and was a home run especially with us grown-ups. I set aside the meat and rice for the girls and did not assemble like ours, as they are extremely picky. If you are a vegetarian you could use tofu or a meat substitute when it calls for turkey, beef, etc. Another tip, I used long grain brown rice and steamed the vegetables. Give it a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

flat sandals

2009-03-26T14:22:00.006-05:00

I think I got you covered on a large selection of flat sandals. I am not into the current trend of the "gladiator" sandal look so I tried for more simple, basic, not overly embellished, and all under $100.00 -tho one is right under.

gigi flats
dolce vita
shore flat
mystique flat
jala flat
cocobelle flats
journal flat
steph flat
greta 2 flat
gratefully sandal
summer patent sandal
jaya sandal
nita sandal
jeff sandal
cofie sandal
amelia slide
calappa thongs
liquid metal sandals
iced coffee sandal

Top for spring

2009-03-25T22:28:00.003-05:00

Tunic - love all the colors - to pair with favorite jeans and sandals. Also, nice earrings in the aquamarine color.

All I have to say is...

2009-03-25T21:47:00.004-05:00

d*** this is a cool concept. Go visit www.hautelook.com, I just read about it in the April 2009 Real Simple issue. I accepted the terms of the site which I am not entirely sure to what extent I agreed to but to be on the safe side, I am not going to say anything more about it but move now and see.

just for now

2009-03-24T15:24:00.004-05:00

We had the priviledge of visiting this beautiful place, rosemary beach, fl

Food inspriration

2009-03-17T15:01:00.002-05:00

I recently met a close friend in Lawrence, KS for lunch with my girls at Milton’s. I ordered the huevos rancheros and it was so good. I took a stab at making something similar at home and it turned out great. Most of the ingredients are items you may have but can easily buy at the store. It’s a meal you can fix anytime of day, filling, and healthy.

Makes 4 tortillas

4 Large eggs -Prepare scrambled eggs according to your liking
4 flour or whole wheat tortillas
1 can of black beans rinsed and drained
1 small can of green chilies drained
½ c. or more bottled salsa
1 ½ c. Monterey jack cheese

My measurements are not exact as I just eyeball what looks enough so add more if you would like more.

Preheat oven to 350. Once you have scrambled the eggs, then I take a spoonful of egg and put on flat tortilla, add a spoonful of black beans, and pour a bit of salsa on top, maybe 1 TBS.

Then I roll up and place fold side down on a greased glass Pyrex cooking pan. Once I have prepared all four tortillas following the steps above, then I sprinkle cheese and spread the green chilies on top. Place pan in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted. I served this for dinner the other night with some fresh fruit. A quick and easy meal.

Unruly hair remedy

2009-03-13T15:18:00.004-05:00

So I wanted to share some great hair secrets for those with wild, untamable manes. My hair has gotten extra curly, wavy, and frizzy since having children. After trying many,and I do mean many, products I think I have found a great mix and concoction to remedy the bozo hair. Keep in mind, these products are not for those who have fine, thin, tend to be oily, or naturally straight haired. Your hair would be plastered to your head if you used this…..only for those with “the wilds” and lots of it. It’s a lot of work some may say, but I am finally at peace with it so it’s worth it. Also, all this will take around ten minutes.

Okay, so the shampoo and conditioner– I wash my hair every other day and sometimes every third- it truly does make a difference. Then I add to wet hair Moroccan oil-the Holy Grail for bozo frizz tendency hair - about a pea size and rub in my hands and go more to the unruly parts in my hair. Then I add about a dime size of hang straight -rub in hands – add to my hair, blow dry, flat iron, (are you worn out yet?), then finish with gloss. I am offering this advice to you all out there who need the advice. My hair stylist totally gets my hair and thankfully cuts and advises me on what to put on it that will suit it. The Moroccan oil was her latest trick. It’s amazing and has a nice subtle smell.

Gear up for warmer weather

2009-03-13T13:56:00.003-05:00

My mom recently gave me this, Velvet Voletta dress, as a gift and when I went to thank her, I told her “I loved the skirt” only to find out that it was a dress- a cover up for the beach or pool or whatever. Since we are going to Florida next week, it was extra thoughtful and rather sassy dress for a mother to give a daughter. I do really like it and it is extremely soft and has deep pockets to carry sunglasses, phone, wallet, etc. She gave me the lilac color although it comes in other colors. She said “I suppose you could wear it as a skirt” but it looks better and was meant to be a dress just in the way it sits on your hips. So here are additions like sunglasses, great cotton bag for everyday or pool bag, leather flip flops, and simple silver hoops or gold hoops .

2009-03-11T17:19:00.002-05:00

This is the finished product curtain wise in our dining room. Still a room that needs lots of attention. This room is a long and wide, actually I think it is sadly the biggest room in our house - which gets the least use. But for anyone that has a room like this and has a lot of wall space to cover, I would recommend either bookshelves or art. My mom brought up the idea of using it also as a living space and not just for family gatherings for the holidays. When we put bookshelves in there, I think it will be a great quiet space to go read. Neil will often set up his laptop and work stuff and use our dining table like a desk. Nothing like multitasking in your home.

What do you get when two nuts collide in a store?

2009-03-09T21:35:00.004-05:00

This story is not to advertise my birthday at all over the weekend but a sweet and funny story. My husband and I, so I thought, had agreed upon no gifts except for a much needed and deserved pedicure as my b-day gift. To my surprise that was not all. He was up to some shenigans. He surprised me with spring sightings cardi and a pair of great earrings. How sweet and thoughtful is that? Well, the story gets funny here. He wasn’t sure what to pick out so referred online to my blog via his blackberry while walking through Anthropologie. So sweet that he is looking at my blog at the posted items that I admire from afar and runs into my friend Nancy. She is looking for a dress I posted on my blog. And supposedly some people that either worked there were all – "what blog?" after hearing these two exclaim in unison – “Susie’s blog." Small world but great advertising, huh?

Salmon Teriyaki

2009-03-09T13:44:00.003-05:00

This is a favorite fish dish. I found the recipe in Canyon Ranch Cooking Bringing the Spa Home by Jeanne Jones. Easy and healthy. The apple concentrate gives a great flavor. I usually make the marinade according to the recipe but only use 2-3 salmon steaks.

Teriyaki marinade
1/2 c. reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 TBS. rice vinegar
3 garlic cloves, halved
1 TBS finely chopped fresh gingerroot
1 1/2 c. frozen unsweetened apple juice concentrate (12oz.), undiluted and thawed
1/2 c. finely chopped scallions
6 salmon steaks (4 oz. each)

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the scallions and salmon, in a blender and blend until smooth. Stir in the scallions.
2. Place the salmon in a glass baking dish and pour the marinade over it. Cover tightly and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours, turning the salmon occasionally so that the marinade is absorbed evenly.
3. Preheat the oven to 350.
4. Bake the salmon, in the marinade, in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily.

A Casual Dress

2009-03-05T21:29:00.002-06:00

Whether you work outside the home or have a night out with a date(husband) or friends, a basic dress is essential. Not too dressy but something easy to personalize with jewelry, shoes, scarves, etc. I know sometimes when I have plans for a night out, it’s nice to change out of your uniform (whatever it may be) and have a go-to-dress.

Here are examples of some versatile dresses:
BCBG Max Azria dress
DonnaMorgandress
DM belted dress
Max & Cleo dress
BCBG Max Azria wrap
ECI border print dress
Two Rivers dress
Afternoon-at-ease dress
Great Divide dress
Center-of-attention dress

close up of pillows

2009-03-03T14:29:00.003-06:00

Pillows and throws

2009-03-03T14:12:00.004-06:00

A quick and easy way to breathe new life into a living space is add some comfy pillows and a cozy throw. I like to mix solid color pillows among patterned or striped. If you have the inserts, you can always change out your current cover with a new one instead of buying new pillows all together. Also, pillow covers with zippers makes washing or dry cleaning very easy. I usually wash mine on cold and gentle then lay flat to dry. I think it does the trick rather than dry cleaning. As far as size, I like to mix sizes of pillows such as 18” with 22” square. I prefer down inserts as they are more comfortable and not so stiff as the poly fill.

I bought this throw from sferra linens about four years ago. It is made of the softest cotton, washes well (normal cycle and low heat dryer), and comes in lots of great colors. I remember having a tough time choosing a color since there were so many appealing ones. These are great for naps, curling up by the fire, and provide the perfect amount of warmth.
Here are some ideas for pillows and throws:

crate and barrel henley pillow

crate and barrel izmar pillow

crate and barrel tango pillow

organic cotton knit throw

chunky hand knit throw

pillow inserts

Check out Pottery Barn , Crate and Barrel, and CB2 for more ideas - too many to list.

Best Chocolate Cake

2009-03-02T21:22:00.004-06:00

This is a family recipe and it is my all time favorite cake,not healthy, but perfect for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. I usually serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Use a 13x9 pan

Preheat oven to 350

For the cake
1 c. water
2 sticks butter
4 Tbs. cocoa powder
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. buttermilk

Add water, butter, and cocoa to a small pan and heat to a boil. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat. Mix flour through buttermilk together and then add the liquid (water, butter, cocoa) to it. Mix until smooth. Bake for 45-50 minutes. I check mine before then due to our oven baking quick. Remove and cool before icing.

Icing
5Tbs buttermilk
1 stick butter
2 Tbs cocoa powder
1 pound powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Add buttermilk, butter, and cocoa to a pan and heat until butter melted - stir. Add sugar and vanilla to heated mixture and stir until smooth. Ice cake and serve.

Last post for Feb

2009-02-28T22:41:00.014-06:00

I think I was over zealous on posting an outfit everyday -ha, ha, it will be more like twice a week. It's actually harder than you think trying to convey an idea via internet. So for this week I have the idea to invest in a big ticket item that will last beyond five years and will get alot of wear. For example, j. crew jacket (Nolita denim jacket if you are having trouble with the link). I think it has a timeless style and I like the denim.

Something that you can cut corners on are tees and pants/capris. These are things that need to be replaced as the bottoms start to fray and holes and stains appear within a couple years(I may be speaking for myself). But here is an example and super affordable - old navy capris.

I found a company a few years ago that makes simple, well made clothing, in fact I still have a top from a couple years ago in great condition - LA Made - check it out - LA Made cuff tee. The link has other nice items from LA Made.

For some basic accessories such as belts - ae belt - bags -kc tote -earrings - Spartan hoops and sandals - kcsandals. Wouldn't a virtual mannequin be much easier.....

HOLY SMOKES COOL

2009-02-26T18:55:00.006-06:00

I love this print and saw it in my fav. mag of all times that is sadly not going to be published much longer, Domino page 83 in March 2009 issue. Strangely, I also saw it on Shabby Chic site which is almost $300.00 framed if you can believe it. This one unframed is a mere $25.00 16 x 23 size and comes in array of colors - love it. I am trying to think of a place in our home for one - maybe our bedroom. I think I also love it for the message - it says it all doesn't it? Short and sweet. Sorry to be keeping with the wall theme again but there are a few wall spots still to be filled in our home. Coming soon for home- some pillow and throw ideas to liven up any living space!

sfgirlbybay

Easy Stir Fry

2009-02-25T14:36:00.007-06:00

This is a regular dish I make weekly cause it's healthy, easy and yummy. I usually make it with just veggies but you could add chicken, tofu, or shrimp - whatever you like. Here's a list of ingredients:

Serves roughly 3-4

Brown rice - cooked according to directions and how much you want

Rough chop desired veggies:
Carrots - 4 large or 10-15 small ones
Celery 2 stalks
Eggplant 1/2 if large or one small
Fresh green beans 20 green beans
3TBS extra vir. olive oil - more if needed
1 garlic clove - finely minced
optional:
frozen edamame or sliced potatoes roughly 10 small ones

Quick peanut sauce from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone by Deborah Madison

3 TBS unsweetened peanut butter
2TBS rice wine vinegar - same as rice vinegar - did some research to make sure
1TBS chopped cilantro - great with or without
1 plump garlic clove, minced or put through a press
2tsp soy sauce or to taste
1tsp light brown sugar
1/2 tsp chile oil
salt
Combine all the ingredients except the salt, adding 2-4 TBS warm water to make it the consistency you wish. Add 1/4 tsp salt and then taste.

(I never add the salt but wanted to site the recipe accurately)

I gave a rough count on the veggies cause I generally just eyeball what looks enough and adds a good balance and variety. You can buy already chopped veggies at the store. I bought a variety one time that had the potatoes and it was really great -not too starchy.

So cook the brown rice according to package and while that is cooking add the veggies to a non-stick pan with the olive oil and garlic. I cook until they look tender and start to get a little brown especially the eggplant. You can assemble whatever other veggies sound good too. I add the edamame to the pan with other veggies frozen as they will cook fast.

So the recipe and assembling for the sauce is above - easy. So once the rice is done(takes a bit to cook 20 minutes or so) serve on a plate and put a few spoonfuls of veggies on top of rice, then drizzle the peanut sauce. Voila.

If you wanted to add meat or fish I would cook those separately in another pan then add at the end. Tofu can be cooked with the veggies.

two more step 3s

2009-02-24T13:46:00.006-06:00

My mom gave one of these nashelle charm necklace to me for Christmas this year and I got it in gold with my daughters' initials on each - "O" and "S". You could get your own initial, or your child(ren) and it is available in silver and gold. Check out her other jewelry - beautiful and I love her earrings. Ideas for Mother's Day this year - hint, hint?

Also, this, owl bag, is just because one can never have enough all purpose reusable bags - use as a purse, grocery bag, library book bag, toys, etc.....endless possibilites. And you can wash it.

Step 3

2009-02-24T13:39:00.004-06:00

These are just a simple sandal that will work with anything. I like it in the bronze/brown but other colors are available.

benardo miami woven

Variety of tops

2009-02-23T22:18:00.005-06:00

The first one, forefront scoopneck, is a twist on the basic grey t-shirt - I think it is in blue too - but I like the details and the neckline and check out the back - CUTE. The sgraffito squareneck is a flattering fit to all and has a bohemian flare. The later is a great example of unique while cloud bank tee is a great basic. I am a big fan of the banded waist line as it does not accentuate "stuff" you're trying to hide. It comes in a variety of nice colors that will suit anyone's skin type. Yet another twist on a basic grey, salute tee, that you could wear now and into spring - cute with especially the jeans below or white as I have mentioned before. My final fav. , spring sightings cardi, is something one could also wear now on warmer days and well through the summer. I have something similar and I wear it all the time. Kind of like a dressed up sweatshirt. I would say you could wear really anything underneath it - short sleeved or tank top - white, brown, grey - basic.

Basic jeans with variety of tops

2009-02-23T22:02:00.004-06:00

These are just basic capri jeans, gap skinny jean capris - and you could also go with regular length jeans while it's still cool out. Isn't everyone done with winter? Bring it spring , will ya! So part of why I have spring fever especially this year is because we are going to Florida in a few weeks. I know, I have it rough but it's a good five years since I have been somewhere warm -aside from our sweltering hot summers here in Kansas.

So here are some of my favorite tops right now featuring yet again some items from Anthropologie. Yes, it is a favorite of mine. I think I love it for the mere reason they have a range of basic to more unique. See above for tops.

Collage wall of art

2009-02-19T15:06:00.002-06:00

I love this.

domino mag - actress amanda peet home

2009-02-19T14:45:00.000-06:00

west elm frames and inserts

Decorate your walls

2009-02-19T14:19:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I noticed now that in the photo below the photos aren't exactly straight - oh well. You get the idea.

We moved to our new house about a year and half ago. The process to pack up and move (nearly three blocks) with two kids seemed impossible. But we did it and are loving it. One of the main rules my husband and I made was that we were not moving anything we didn't love or was in bad shape. Let's just say we had a HUGE PURGE. We had so many things collectively from our single days, to our now married days, to inherited from family days. It was just way too much stuff and was great therapy for a fresh start figuratively and literally. We decided that all of the things we ditched or donated, we would replace over time (key words cause it does get $$$) especially the art and hand me down furniture. Almost done on the furniture but the art is sometimes forgotten. Those poor bare walls.

So I know it gets so $$$ when you think of custom framing, etc. I found a great way and rather cost effective if you compare the two. Find a fav. print or photo and buy a ready-made frame with mat at your local craft store i.e. Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or Tuesday Morning. The frames I posted below are all from Michaels and I bought the prints from either Etsy or from a local antique print dealer. The craft stores have tons of shapes and sizes and a variety of basic frame designs. I would either stick with a black theme or white but make sure you don't mix the two in a room. For example, I framed all the art work and photos in our hallway to our bedrooms in black and the girls' rooms have all white. I think it gives a more uniform and clean look.

If you are going for more of a collage look like on a large wall, that may be the only way to mix the variety of frame colors, textures, designs. I love this idea from West Elm(see in above photo.)

Framed Art

2009-02-19T14:16:00.004-06:00

My standard side salad

2009-02-18T13:50:00.000-06:00

This is my standard salad. I use red leaf lettuce, chopped pecans, dried cranberries or cherries and shaved fresh parmesan cheese (optional). You can use however much you want or little and omit the things you dislike and add other nuts or dried fruit. In the summer, I add fresh chopped tomatoes. So here is the dressing recipe.

1 package of Good Seasons Italian salad dressing mix
(I follow the instructions on back)
1/4 c. vinegar - I use balsamic or red wine
3 Tbsp. of water
1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
a few dashes of dill weed - dried dill weed in the spice and seasoning section of grocery store

Then I shake and let it chill awhile (if making in advance.) I've been known to make it a few moments before making the salad and it is still fine. It will keep for a few weeks. To make the dressing, I reuse glass containers from pasta sauce or you can purchase the Cruet that comes with the mix. Whatever works for you. Then I just add how ever much dressing to the lettuce, etc. and then toss, serve.

Shredded potatoes with sausage and apples

2009-02-18T13:39:00.000-06:00

This is my husband's "last meal" as he calls it. It is a favorite at our house and the combo sounds strange but until you try it, it's awesome. A great hearty, comfort food, and some what healthy. I use smoked turkey sausage which has more reduced fat. It is good even without the thyme. I also use Smart Balance instead of butter. I highly recommend it with a side salad (which i will post next).

see link:
sausage potatoes and apples

Finding out about YOU

2009-02-16T14:28:00.000-06:00

I am by no means an expert on determining someone's body type or a color specialist. I have some links for those seeking advice on defining your style, your hair, your body type, skin color, etc. I hope you have fun maybe discovering new things about yourself and learning how to update or give yourself a fresh new you.

http://www.shopyourshape.com/
http://www.dailymakeover.com/
makeovers.ivillage.com
http://www.ehow.com/how_2185239_colors-that-suit.html

Finishing Touch

2009-02-16T00:27:00.001-06:00

PLEASE note the links in the text below.
Jackets are important especially on those brisk spring days. So here
Twisted cotton trench is an option from J. Crew. I love this Whisperings cardigan from Anthropologie as it is such a great basic to wear with anything. The Graphite Garden Scarf comes in a variety of bright, fresh colors to complete any outfit whether it is with a jacket, sweater, or top. I have my eye on these
Clarks leather ankle strap sandal as the height is not too bad to chase kids but versatile enough to wear with pants, jeans, or casual dress/skirt. So here are some of my favorite accessories highlighted here that may bring some inspiration for thoughts on spring.

!iTJeans

2009-02-15T22:57:00.001-06:00

the "hottie" jeans

This is one of the jeans I mentioned earlier. Visit the link to see more. Like I said, you can find locally at Nordstrom or Frankly Basic.

Shirred Flutter Sleeve tee - GAP

2009-02-15T22:35:00.000-06:00

gap top

I have two of these tops. Black and the slate. I like how it is not too tight fitting and not too loose. One of those that you must stock up on.

Seleno earrings

2009-02-15T21:18:00.000-06:00

AntiGenre earrings

I am a big fan of Etsy jewelry. It's easy to get lost in all the cool stuff. This Etsy Shop has other great jewelry to spice up any outfit.

2009-02-12T13:58:00.000-06:00

let's talk jeans

I wanted to back up a minute and talk about trying to find the perfect pair of jeans/pants. I am always on the hunt at least once a year to replenish or replace the ones I wore out the prior year. Never easy. So I have a couple slam dunks that I think are tried and true. For everyone and every shape and size. The Gap offers a large range of styles, denim colors, lengths, etc. And the best part, they are not going to break the bank. I have found some of my favs. there over the years. But....the thing is you may want to stock up and buy a few cause the next season they may have changed that style a bit.

I found the "perfect" pair (and bought 3) right after the birth of my second daughter. I felt so happy to be actually wearing "normal" not maternity clothing that I wanted to kiss the woman ringing me up at the register. I went on and on how she had made my day and was thrilled beyond belief. So it came time the next year to replace those suckers that I wore into the ground. Sad news they weren't the same style/fit but -there is a good but - I found some replacements nonetheless.

So the good ol' Gap has saved me in the jeans dept. over the years. I recommend the darker the better as far as denim color. No black cause it fades to gray in a heart beat. I like the boot cut or flared styles and are flattering to most. I think the low rise actually do make your rear look smaller but you have to be careful with the bending over thing....word to the wise.

And yes -the white jeans you can wear with ANYTHING. So if you have a few white jeans/capris you can virtually have endless possibilities. Same with blue denim. I just get a base of pants and then switch the tops around and keep it easy and straight forward. I told some friends once that I try to have things that work well together so if you had to close your eyes and reach in your closet to pick out an outfit you'd end up with something that worked together.

I'll post some ideas in the weeks to come on necklines and basic forms of clothing for body types, colors for skin types/hair color for those who are inquiring.

Another newly discovered jean to me in the last year - is !iT Jeans. You can find them locally at Frankly Basic in Crestwood- I believe they still carry them - or at Nordstroms and of course online. The styles I like are - now I didn't come up with the names or by no means buy them for the names - Diva and Hottie - both of which I am not. But funny names to say the least.

2009-02-11T21:30:00.001-06:00

linen curtains

These are from West Elm and I like the grommets on the top. They come in a variety of colors. We ordered some in the flax color.

yummy recipe

2009-02-10T16:57:00.000-06:00

skillet gnocchi

I used spinach instead of the chard. Yum.

Healthy Eating

2009-02-10T15:28:00.000-06:00

I had a request to add some recipes and maybe ideas for the home as I was once upon a time a interior decorator. So I will also post some ideas for those categories as well.

I feel like I have some background on healthy eating as well-although I am no angel. I had gestational diabetes with my second daughter and although I wasn't eating poorly, it just taught me how to eat a better balanced diet. In addition to that, my husband this past summer learned he had off the charts high cholesterol. So with that, I've really had to watch what I buy and prepare meal wise at home. I will share some of our family favorites that are easy, healthy, and delicious. So you could say 123dress me is not only top to bottom but around you(home) and inside you(what you eat).

The 123dressme formula

2009-02-09T23:57:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I have a dear friend, who will remain nameless, that thinks I have a knack for putting outfits or a "look" together. I take it as a huge compliment as I have enjoyed fashion and putting a casual look together.

I have worked in retail at various companies and stores over the course of my life. Every time I go back to it, I find it rewarding to help people achieve their needs and find the perfect look for whatever the occasion may be.

But this is where the fun really begins for me because I can hand pick items that are basic, easy to care for, and geared for a practical lifestyle. As a mother, I have recently regained a sense of personal style that some how got lost by the wayside during my pregnancies. I gave myself a makeover and it has done wonders for how I feel and I want to pass that along. Especially to us mothers who so deserve to feel great about how we look. So this is to you or anybody who wants a little help for a fashion rebirth and ditch the sweats and baggy tees.

So the look basically has a 1,2,3 formula which goes back to the name of the blog. 1=top, 2=pant/skirt, 3=accessories/shoes. My goal is to post either daily or a few times a week an outfit and the link where you can find your size and purchase. Now I won't go into any detail on the fit of clothes because that will be something you will need to do in person yourself. Some things fit people differently but you could find a similar style and size if the ones I post don't suit you.

So here goes my stab at recommending some of my favorite looks right now. I kick it off with inspirations for spring.....hints of spring are in the air already. Hint - Best time to buy for spring and summer is now.

Michael Stars top

2009-02-09T22:44:00.000-06:00

Michael Stars top

I like this top in the smoulder or white color.

Women's Clothes: Women's Blouson Jersey Tops: Short-Sleeve Tees & Polos | Old Navy

2009-02-09T21:33:00.000-06:00

blouson jersey top

A more affordable version

White Jeans

2009-02-09T20:02:00.000-06:00

gap white jeans

A fresh approach to jeans and use a stain stick for any spills.

Leather Sandals-AR392-Sandals at Boden

2009-02-09T17:17:00.000-06:00

Boden sandals

These are great in silver.