Author Archives: Farmgirl Hipster
Teachin’
On Tuesday I had a training for our operations group that I had to give. It was my first instructor led training I was conducting at my new job and I was a bit nervous. Well, I wasn’t so nervous until I learned my boss and my boss’s boss would be sitting in on it. I felt like my head was in a fog all morning and I knew I’d have to think on my feet for the training. I haven’t drank caffeine in about 10 years, but for some reason I decided it was imperative. I don’t drink much soda and don’t like coffee, so the only option was green tea. I tried to force a couple swallows down and when that wouldn’t work I opted for some Laffy Taffy and an instant sugar high. Shortly before we started my boss told me I could lay off the sugar. Apparently I’m more tolerable decaffeinated and sedated. Fortunately the training went really well. I’m guessing it’s because I chose to dress up like a teacher for it. And everyone listens to teachers.
My inspiration.
Top: New York and Company; Necklace: Banana Republic Factory; Belt: J.Crew Factory; Pants: Tommy Hilfiger Factory; Shoes: Lands End Canvas
Indian Kaleidoscope
Green sweater, yellow top, burgundy pants, green shoes: Mansi’s fashion sense.
This is my work friend, Mansi. Mansi’s from India and inherently knows how to dress herself in the most colorful of outfits. Me, not so much; I’ve mastered the art of neutrals. I think it’s time to step it up a bit. Granted, I don’t care to look like a kaleidoscope, but my challenge to myself is to wear color on color. I think I may start with a scarf that’s a different color than my pants or shirt. Whoa…! I know.
I hope to get more inspiration when I got to India this fall. “What?!” you say. Yep, that’s right. Mansi and her husband have a 3 day, Hindu family wedding that they’re returning to India for and have invited my Knight In Shining Armor and I to attend. It took way more begging of my KISA than I’d anticipated, but I somehow convinced him of why this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and he should just give in. I suppose this means we won’t be going on a safari this summer like I wanted, but I guess I have the leopard print down already.
Work? Meh.
Like most people, I had to work on Monday. And like most people, I wasn’t looking forward to it. See, it was friend from Louisiana’s last day in town and she was going to have to explore our beautiful city all by herself. Thankfully my boss had mercy on me and let me leave after lunch.
We proceeded to see the city in the only way we knew how – shopping at H&M. Now, we’ve traveled a lot of places together and explored a lot of countries. But, there was never a city we didn’t explore without stopping at the H&M, regardless of if we’d just been there the day before in another city.
<Any guys reading, please continue to the picture. Do not keep reading, especially if you’re family or you’ll be sorry. I appreciate your support in this whole blogging business and commend you on reading about fashion, but you really don’t want to read this. Trust me.>
Girl talk! Now, one thing I forget is how incredible it is to get a new bra. Like, seriously. I may have gone a bit overboard as I purchased five new ones, but they’re so great! And, they’re only $15 at H&M and fit perfectly. If you haven’t treated yourself lately – please do so. Your new-found perky boobs will thank you. And so will the man in your life (or woman – I don’t discriminate).
My shopping attire inspiration.
Jacket: Lands End Canvas; Top: Gap Factory; Necklace: Forever 21; Belt: H&M (this season); Jeans: Levi’s (this season); Shoes: Lands End Canvas
30 Things I’ve Learned at (Almost) 30
- When you’ve had more than two failed serious relationships, don’t blame the people you’ve dated – take a hard look at yourself.
- Family really is everything. They’re the ones that understand you the most and will always put you before them. It’s unconditional love.
- Find a man that loves you even when you’re unlovable. And delights in you.
My shattered wrist from snowboarding.
- If you ever get a chance to move overseas, take it. You’ll do the most growing and learn the most about yourself when you’re outside your comfort zone.
- Don’t be catty with other women, talk down to them, or talk about them. It’s tough being a woman and we’re all facing struggles. And, it’s not going to make you feel better about yourself by putting someone else down.
- Have confidence, even if you have to fake it. Confidence will make you a better presenter and a better sales person (and you’re always selling, even if it’s just an idea). And, make eye contact with people.
- Max out your company’s 401k match – it’s free money. And, the earlier you do it the earlier you can retire. Plus, if you had that money you’d probably spend it on something not as important.
- Junk in, junk out. If you want to feel better, you have to eat better. Your body’s a machine and it needs to be fueled if you want maximum performance.
- Always be trying to learn more. Sign up for classes that interest you. Read up on new things in your industry or competitors.
- Use your network. Ask for favors. Ask for information. People can be afraid of this, but really you’re flattering the other person by seeing them as enough of an expert to want their help or opinion.
- Love the crap out of your nieces and nephews. Cherish every moment you have with them because they grow up so quickly. And, every child needs a role model outside of their parents, so aspire to be that person.
- If you don’t like your life, change it. Do something interesting. Push yourself.
- Surround yourself with people courageous enough to tell you the truth, even if it sometimes stings. They can see things about you that you cannot.
- If you fall off the snowboard and break your wrist, don’t be afraid to get back on it again. Literally and figuratively.
- Push your body and challenge your endurance. You’d be surprised at what you can do.
- Traveling for work is different than traveling for fun. And way less fun.
- Don’t ever let your drink be unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
- A guy does not want to date the hottest girl in the bar – he wants to date the most interesting. So, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and put yourself out there.
- Take chances and don’t be afraid to fail, especially if you learn from your own mistakes. It beats never trying.
- If you’re going to give someone feedback, make sure it’s constructive and not just critical. Give them specific examples and give suggestions on how they can fix it or become better.
- Don’t complain about your sig other to people that are judgmental or only ever hear the bad things. The people close to you want what’s best for you, so if you vent about your sig other a lot, they’re going to question why you’re with them.
- Make small talk with the bus or taxi driver and make sure to get their name; you never know when those little things you know will help you track down your forgotten sunglasses or wallet.
- If you need accountability, tell everyone you know what you’re going to do. Then do it. You don’t want to be a liar, right?
- Carry snacks with you at all times. You never know when a food-mood is going to hit, for you or someone you’re with.
- Give up something every year for Lent, even if you’re not religious. It makes you appreciate what you have, how to resist temptation, and overcome a bad habit.
- Take “me” time away from everyone else, even if it’s only for 15 minutes a day. We sometimes forget how to be with ourselves and rest our minds.
- Fulfillment doesn’t come from chasing after something – it comes in the passing moments when you truly realize what you have. But, embrace it because it quickly becomes lost again.
- Be proud of where you came from, how far you’ve come, and what you’ve learned. It really is quite an accomplishment.
- Smile and be friendly, especially to strangers. It spreads a pretty good feeling and hopefully they pay it forward.
- Be humble enough to apologize when you were in the wrong. And sometimes even when you weren’t.
Sausalito
I should explain that I’ve had two friends in town this week visiting from grad school. After we drank our way through Napa, my friend Sarah (love the name) joined me in San Francisco. Yesterday I decided that it was imperative for her to see this quaint little city across the bay, called Sausalito, and give our livers a break. I have some friends that live over there and have an AMAZING view of the bay that has become a personal tourist destination. Naturally, the girl’s name is Sarah. And, Sarah didn’t care if our livers needed a break because she hadn’t been in Napa. So we drank a few bottles of wine and then did some more sightseeing on the Sausalito side of the bay.
Here is my Pinterest inspiration.
Jacket: Charlotte Russe (this season); Shirt: J.Crew Factory (this season); Purse: Cole Haan (this season); Jeans: Mango; Belt: Express; Shoes: Lands End Canvas
Last Morning in Napa
On our last morning we went to this really eclectic restaurant for brunch. You ate breakfast on picnic tables while chickens ran around on the ground. It seemed cute at the time until you got your food and realized that it was kind of gross to watch them while you ate. I’m not sure if the health department has made a lot of visits.
In knowing we were going back to the city I dressed in layers and boy was I glad I did. While it was in the 80’s and 90’s in Napa, it was in the 60’s in SF.
Jacket: The Limited; Dress: Charlotte Russe; Necklace: Forever 21; Sunglasses: Ray Ban; Purse: Mango; Sandal: Aldo
Outlet Malls
I’ve finally started adding a line at the bottom of clothing posting, listing where I purchased each of the items. Most of my things are at least a season old (many 3+ years), but for the new ones I’ll let you know it was this season if you want to check it out.
In adding my listings I realized that a lot of my things are from outlet/factory stores because I hate paying full price. And, there’s an outlet mall in Napa. AND, J.Crew had everything in the store 40%. So, you might be seeing some new items mixed into my closet in the coming weeks.
This was my shopping attire and later more wine tasting.
Jacket: The Limited; Necklace: Forever 21; Tank: Express (layer over another from Old Navy); Shorts: Loft; Belt: H&M (this season); Sandals: Aldo
Hats II
Time for some summer clothes! This is what I wore to Napa to hang out with a couple of crazy friends that were in town visiting and to do some wine tasting. Between some networking and some flirting, we didn’t pay for a wine tasting all day or the next.
Hat: Banana Republic Factory; Shirt: Old Navy; Necklace: Forever 21; Belt: H&M (this season); Short: Banana Republic Factory; Sandals: Aldo
Chicken, Sweet Potato & Apple Skillet
I’m not really sure what the difference is between a skillet and a stir fry, but I seem to like them both. This recipe has become my new favorite and I’ve actually made it a couple of times now. I’m not a huge fan of the prep work, but I am a fan of the taste! Essentially you’re cooking some chicken, then some bacon, and then frying everything in that bacon and grease. What’s not to love? Plus, I have a soft spot for sweets, so sweet potatoes and apples are right up my alley.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2″ cubes
- 4 tsp olive oil
- 3 slices 30% less fat center cut bacon (we used Oscar Mayer), chopped
- 1½ c Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
- 1 med sweet potato (8 oz), peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes
- 1 med onion, chopped
- 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 3/4″ cubes
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or 1/4 tsp dried
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 c reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/8 tsp salt
1. SEASON chicken lightly with salt. Heat 2 teaspoons of the oil in large nonstick frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate.
2. RETURN pan to heat and add remaining 2 teaspoons oil. Stir in bacon and cook until starting to brown, about 2 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in apples, garlic, thyme, and cinnamon. Cook 3 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup of the broth, bring to a boil, and cook until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add reserved chicken and remaining 1/2 cup broth. Season with the salt and black pepper as needed. Cook until hot, about 2 minutes.
FarmGirlHipster 