Ruffles

I’m trying to add some new clothes to my Fall/Winter wear.

While doing a little bargain shopping on the clearance racks at Belks department store, I came across this over sized triple ruffle bell sleeve sweat shirt. Boy that's a mouth full, huh? I tried it on over my tshirt just to see how the sleeves felt. I wasn't real sure about it so I snapped a picture and sent it to my fashion expert (AKAdaughter). She wrote back to tell me that it looked a little bulky but it was ok. So I took her word and put it back on the rack. 

(Sorry for the poor quality photos. I think my iPhone lens was dirty or something. Doooough)

I continued to shop but I could not get that crazy sleeve shirt off my mind and it was less than 10.00 so I figured what the heck. I’m getting it. 

I thought it looked fun and would be great for the cold days in Winter. It’s now hanging in my closet ready to wear if we ever get any cold weather. It’s the middle of October and temperatures are still in the 70's and 80's.

Similar shirt style:  True Bliss Boutique

I walked over to another rack and found another ruffled sleeve shirt on sale. I knew I wanted this one before I even tried it on. I love white shirts and the ruffles and lace added an extra flare to make this shirt fun. I can dress it up with a skirt or wear it with my jeans. 

I had no idea it suppose to tie in the front until I googled the link for it and saw the model wearing it in a knot. 

The next time I wore it, I tried tying it on the front but something about the buttons made it stick out like I was hiding a puppy under there, so I need to work with it and get it figured out. Two ways to wear a shirt is always fun. I also adore the the quarter length sleeves. This makes it comfortable at work while typing and hassle free at the dinner table.

Shop for this shirt: Belks.com

National Gumbo Day

Did you know today is National Gumbo Day? Well according to my National Day Calendar, It says it right there in bold print. So without further adieu, I’m going to share (again) my favorite Gumbo recipe. We plan to make some as soon as the the weather decides to cool down.

This is a recipe giving by my late Mother-in-Law. Its simple and delicious. Best of all, it does not call for any fancy stuff, just basic foods you probably already have nearby.

St. Charles Street Gumbo

1 Tbsp.- Olive Oil

2- small onions (or one large)

1 lbs.- sliced okra (frozen works fine)

1 cup- chopped celery

1 Tbsp.- minced garlic

1 1/2 lbs.- chopped Skinless Sausage

48 oz.- Chicken broth (3 cans)

Dash- of Tabasco sauce ( I like more)

3 pinches- Cajun seasoning 

2 pinches- Parsley flakes

1- large can petite diced tomatoes

1-10 oz. can chuck white chicken (drained)

In a large sauce pan or skillet, heat olive oil over med-high heat. Add onions, okra, celery and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, parsley, and sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add chicken broth, Tabasco and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and add chicken. 

Cook 4-5 minutes or longer until chicken is heated through. 

Serve over rice and add more Tabasco if you desire.

Refrigerate left overs. 

1 cup gumbo with 1 cup rice = approx. 200 calories. (per "myfitnesspal" app)