Lets kick this off!

    Welcome to my first of many blogs about crafts, fashion, and anything closely related! I'm a mommy to a 19 month old little boy but when i get a chance to do something for myself, i love to create and be artistic. The first thing i usually do when i go somewhere is look around and decorate it in my head, haha. I love to mix modern with vintage so you might notice that in the future. There is really no right or wrong about fashion. Its kind of like music, most people have their own preference. Its just another way to express yourself!
    Everything does seem to go out of style but the good thing is, a lot of it will have a new and improved comeback in the future. Ive seen some pretty outrageous outfits and decor but that's just my opinion. It might be a genius idea to another! A important tip id like to share is DO NOT spend a lot of money on a current trend! When it goes out of style in the near future you will have an expensive clothing item collecting dust in a closet. Don't do it, haha! Go to a thrift store that sells gently used current trends for less such as Plato's Closet or find a sale. Where i spend more money on clothes is on outfits that i know i can reuse over and over on various styles such as jeans, coats, certain shoes, or tops that are timeless. Take a look at the picture below:

 
   All the way to the right is a shot of the entire outfit. Those are floral leggings from Aeropostale. They are cheap to begin with but this is an example of an item i wouldn't recommend spending too much on. The reasoning is simple, a few years ago these were not in style and I'm sure in a few years they will be in back of the closet so its not worth it to spend too much for something that's a fad. However, the locket and blue button up top with matching blue tank top is something i would pay full price for if i had to because i can mix and match those items with a ton of other clothes in my closet. Ive paired those tops and that piece of jewelry with many other outfits and made it worth my buck.
    I hope you liked my into to my new blog! Feel free to leave me comments =)

*The complete outfit above was sold at Aeropostale in the summer of 2012. This includes the necklace. Some items might not be sold anymore... i waited until the necklace went on sale. They wanted $20 and i paid $5... score! =)

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup=YUM.

I have been craving soup for the past week or so. I figured what better day to make a yummy dinner than Sunday so I gave it a whirl today. I have made Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup in the past but this recipe is phenomenal. I don't know what it is about this mixture of ingredients but it sure hits the spot. Here is the recipe:

Makes about 2 quarts (about 8 servings)

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
½ bay leaf
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup butter
2 cups half and half, warmed (or skim milk if you’re trying to cut some calories)
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

1.  Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.
2.  Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.
3.  About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper.  Add additional basil and oregano if needed (the slow cooker does a number on spices and they get bland over time, so don’t be afraid to always season to taste at the end).
4.  Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

This soup is really good leftover but tastes amazing right out of the crock pot. This time I didn't add as much Parmesan cheese and rather added more tomatoes, since I still have so many from my garden. Enjoy :)

How Giuliana and Bill Prepared for Pregnancy | Surrogate Style

Giuliana and Bill Rancic have finally got their baby boy they have been wanting. After battling infertility issues and countless doctor office visits later Giuliana finally found out that she had Breast Cancer, which was the cause of her infertility. Without the help of Bill, Giuliana would not have gotten through her tough life battles. After getting a full mastectomy Giuliana is back at it and enjoying motherhood. 

I always wonder how couples that are expecting a child through a surrogate mother help her prepare for pregnancy. Do they go with to all doctor's visits, visit each other often or plan out the pregnancy process together? Unlike having the child themselves surrogate mothers depend on the help of the family they are giving birth for. They rely on them for support and it would be interesting to see first hand how it all works.