Thriftanista in the City

Since the sun has been shining bright in Chicago, I've been relying on fresh easy, quick meals. It's a true sign that spring weather is approaching when we can go outside and bask in Mother Earth's sun! Of course, that leaves less time to cook but we do have to eat. Our outdoor everyday Earth Day celebration has prompted me to bring home several freshly prepared meals and opt for easy, organic snacks that we can have on the go. One of my favorite snacks is a smoothie made from organic bananas (more ripe, more sweet), peanut butter, and vanilla almond milk. It's a filling, sweet treat that V and I have been sharing lately. We sometimes have it for breakfast with oatmeal thrown in the mix or as an afternoon snack with chocolate chips! It's also easy to transport when we're on the go. Another meal I've discovered is calzone pie. It's already cooked and it can be popped in the oven for 10 -15 minutes. Saute some broccoli at the same ti...

Welcome to the second sequin post in a week! You know how your vision for a look doesn't quite turn out? This is that outfit. It's not so much the sequins and african wax print combo. I just wasn't feeling it for a girl's night out. It felt too prim and proper with the diamonds, boxy jacket, and a pencil skirt. It's more tea time than turn up -- as the young kids would say! I'm wearing pieces that have been seem before. The  amazingly warm sequin cardigan , my  self made pencil skirt , and the  sparkly booties .  When I thrifted this cardigan, I had no idea about its warming properties. It's wool plus the sequins are tightly packed on it. No wind comes through. Y'all know I'm obsessed with  keeping warm in  winter  spring! I mention the weather a lot! I made the skirt last year and hoped it would kick off a sewing frenzy. It did not. I have yet to make any more garments. I haven't made time for it. When I do get g...

A few weeks ago Violet and I attended a blogger sneak peak of the new BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft. While noshing and chatting with fellow bloggers, I learned a little bit about the BabyBjorn bouncer.  Mingling before breakfast The original version first came on the scene in 1961. This version is softer and modern giving baby the feeling of being in a cozy little nest. The star -- BabyBjorn's Bouncer It's perfect for resting or for play. Baby learns quickly that they can rock themselves. No batteries required. Naturally all of that rocking can lead to an unexpected snooze. The bouncer easily and quietly adjusts to a lower position without disturbing the wee one. It's also portable and can be taken from room to room with ease or use when traveling. the different bouncer positions You know what I found most exciting about the bouncer? It turns into a toddler chair and can be used up to 29 pounds! Violet likes sitting in chairs and has taken some tumbles climbing in and out ...

I absolutely adore my vintage sequin tops but I never really wear them. This purple one from an estate sale is my favorite. The cowboy boots are new in my closet and I wasn't sure how they would work either. Naturally, I paired them together! Yes. I did that. Since this is a daytime look, I put a cardigan over the sparkly top to tone it down a bit so I don't look like a disco waiting to happen (not always a bad idea). I also picked the perfect day to wear it. The sunshine bouncing off of the sequins created the most beautiful and colorful patterns on the walls and all over my car while I was driving. I normally stick to one piece of flare but I was really excited to wear my new cowboy boots. Demand Shoes  sent them to me for review. I chose them because I've never owned cowboy boots and these had a little bit more punch with the bright green color. The boot is listed as turquoise / brown but it looks emerald green to me.  Random: Should I call them cowgirl boot...

I had a bit of thrift binge last week and went shopping 2 days last week! One of my finds is this blue jewel tone  wrinkled dress. It definitely caught my eye with it's vibrant hue. Elastic waist and ruffles? Yes and yes.  It's a dropped waist too. I like dropped waists because they actually hit me at my natural waist whereas most elastic waistlines hit just under my bustline. Found it on a 50% off day so it was $3.50! I threw it in the cart even though I wasn't sure of how it was going to look on me. It's a junior's line and it's 2 sizes bigger than my normal size. It's also sleeveless and I have a fat arm issue .  When it comes to thrift shopping though, grab what you like and sort it out later . You may choose to leave it behind before checkout but at least it's safe in your cart. Someone else may have their eye on it too.  For example, I was looking through the wallets and saw a Gucci one that matched the thrifted bag . ...

Here I am wearing a complete outfit for $25. I tell you it is good to have friends. A friend visited Ethiopia and brought back this comfy cape for me. So much better than a keychain, right? I swapped Joe's jeans with another friend. I've thrifted several pairs that do not fit me so I gave her a pair and she gave me a pair of hers. I love the cape. Red, gold, and green is one of my favorite color combinations. It's the color of the Ethiopian flag and adopted by Rastafarian and dreadlock culture. While not Rastafarian, I agree with certain aspects of the culture like....equality of all people. What did you think I meant? My "Snoop Lion" days are behind me. If this randomness makes no sense at all to you, message me and I will explain. :) Now back to the program. It's a lightweight jersey and I can't wait to wear it while having lunch al fresco....I think spring fever is setting in! I'm so anxious for the warm weather. The days are longer and whe...

I went to my favorite  Ethiopian restaurant  and wore a black and white pinstriped 80's dress I thrifted about a month ago. I don't always dress up when I go. I'm just running low on clothes again. All that's left are the dresses. Laundry is a beast! This is my first time wearing it. I liked the elastic waist, ruffles, and vertical stripes. It has a stain on the back though. There's a reddish mark right in the center back. I thought it would come out in the wash but nope! It's stained. I can't understand. How does one get a reddish stain in the center of your back? It's very odd. Wearing it anyway. Luckily, I have this yummy green cardigan to hide the damn spot stain. I find it hard to just wear all black and white anyway. It's one trend I don't think I'll be able to do. I like a splash of color somewhere. I bought the booties in January and this is my first time wearing them outside. You know how I talk about bein...

I like brussels sprouts and usually prepare them roasted with a sprinkle of salt. Violet and E are not fans so I thought I'd try a bacon like version to peak their interest. Who doesn't love meat candy? Since I was trying to keep it simple and veggie, I added a sprinkle of liquid smoke and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Oven Roasted Smoky Maple Brussels Sprouts Ingredients: 1/2 lb brussels sprouts maple syrup (to taste) liquid smoke (to taste) salt and pepper (to taste) 1 tsp. olive oil Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat brussels sprouts with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake in oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with liquid smoke and a tablespoon of maple syrup. Toss and serve or put back in the oven to broil for about 30 seconds. I like a lot of crispy charred leaves on mine. It's not uncommon for me to forget key ingredients and remember it once I've started cooking. Well on this day, I had all my ingredients f...

My favorite network, Social Fabric, is having a conference May 3rd - 5th in Betonville/Rogers, AR for bloggers inside of and outside of the #cbias community -- SoFabCon . They are also giving away 12 full conference scholarships and I'd like to receive one! Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why I Want to Attend #SoFabCon : 10. The weather will probably be nicer in Bentonville (Chicago may or may not have warm weather) and I want to go frolicking outside. 9. I want to display the cute little "I'm attending SoFabCon" badge on my blog. First conference for Social Fabric and first conference for me! 8. I #LuvSoFab for the opportunities I've had and for all of the support. The traffic on my truffles has been insane. In part due to all the retweet love I receive from the community. The money I've made from campaigns this year is more than enough to cover the first installment of my very necessary and very expensive orthodontia work. (see vi...