The Breton: A Nautical Inspired Style

Ahoy Mates!

Just kidding, I wanted to get you attention by writing a cheesy tag line. With that being said, I am a complete striped tee shirt addict! Long sleeve short sleeve, cotton, jersey,  it doesn't seem to matter. I love all sorts of colors, but my favorite would have to be the classic black and white or navy and white striped.

Do you know why the sailors wore The Breton uniform? No? Then I'll tell you. It was the French navy that was thought to inspire this pattern. This was out of safety and one of good measure: so that if a sailor fell overboard, the distinctive stripe print could easily be spotted in the waves. Pretty cool, huh? The sailor stripe was associated with the coastal region of Brittany, which is why it's called The Breton stripe.

So why blue and white? One reason was because blue is associated with the sea and the sky, and the white either symbolized the point at which the sky and sea meet, or the frothy waves in the ocean.

This is neat fact:  there should be 21 stripes on a true sailor shirt. These signified 21 of Napoleon's victories. So now that you know a little bit about the nautical shirt history, I thought I could tell you were to find some great well crafted Nautical shirts. Have Fun!

The Breton Co.

http://www.bretonshirt.co.uk

J. Crew:

https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/ingoodcompany/saintjames/PRDOVR~26211/26211.jsp

Edith A. Miller:

http://shoptest.edithamiller.com

Saint James:

http://www.saintjamesboutique.com

Fall Soup: Creamy Chicken Tortilla

Happy Sunday!

Today I just wanted to write about the soup I made on Saturday night. I'm  showing my Martha Stewart domestic goddess side ever since I received my lovely wedding presents.  One thing that I do enjoy eating in the Fall is soup!  It's warm, and fills you up with comfort. I decided to make shredded chicken taco salad last night. I made a lot of chicken and thought I could make one meal into two. I always remember I have chicken leftover and decided to just get the ingredients to make Tortilla soup for afterwards.

Great Sunday lunch! I used my Cuisinart Crockpot, added all my ingredients in, and let it cook!  I prefer 2 fresh ears of sweet corn. Slice the cob so the kernels shave right off. Serve with sliced avocado, Tortilla chips, sour cream, cheese. MMMMMMGood! I will most definitely be making more soup this Fall!

Check out her great recipes!

www.cookingclassy.com


Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp canola oil
• 1 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
• 1 Tbsp finely minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (1/4 cup) 
• 1 (32 oz) carton low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp of each chili powder, cumin, and paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts*
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Directions

• Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add onion and jalapeño and saute 3 minutes, adding garlic during last 30 seconds of sauteing. Add chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken breasts and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover pot with lid and gently boil until chicken has cooked through, about 15 minutes.
• Remove chicken and allow to rest 5 minutes. Meanwhile, add diced tomatoes with green chilies to pot. Then, in the 2-cup liquid measuring cup used to measure milk (or a bowl), whisk together milk and masa harina until well blended. Pour mixture into pot and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens slightly (it won't thicken much). Dice chicken and add to pot, then add black beans, pinto beans and corn. Then stir in cream and sour cream and cook until heated through. 
• Serve warm topped with cheese, sour cream, avocados, cilantro, limes and tortilla chips.
• *If chicken breasts are fairly thick, slices them horizontally through the thickness to create two portions. They will cook faster this way and be more tender as they'll cook more evenly.
• **If looking to make this gluten free, be sure the masa harina you're using is labeled as gluten-free, same with the tortilla chips. Masa harina can be found in the Latin section of the grocery store.
• 
  
• Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/03/creamy-chicken-tortilla-soup/

A New Yorker in Paris: What I've Learned From the French

Good Day Friends!

I hope you are enjoying your week!  I have been reading many books in my free time. This is a good thing for my brain, but a bad thing because I'm afraid of becoming a hermit. Sometimes I just like to get away with the so called perfections and "Keeping Up" vibe I get from Facebook, Glossy magazines, and Television.

I feel like there is this sort of feeling of "like " me or "I won't be valued enough" mentality? It's silly and brings me back to elementary school. Anyone else get that?

It very similar to the "Keeping Up with The Jones" mentality of the 1950s. It's the"We need the bigger house honey", or, "the nicer vehicle to be better". There's nothing wrong with being successful, just doing it to "one up" someone else is what irritates me.  Today, the general public wants to aspire to be the Kardashians and their "All About Me" way of life.

I love fashion magazines and posts, but every time I scroll, its always something about them and how millions are fascinated by these people desperately out for attention. I was brought up to believe, if you have money, good! Be modest and don't flaunt it! It's tacky and in bad taste.

Sometimes social media is draining, I literally want to turn it off for awhile and read a good old fashioned book.

That's why today I wanted to summarize my French fascination with you all. You may think they  exude arrogance and are stiff neck, but its actually a very simple, beautiful culture.

It was refreshing to read how my no painted nails and very little makeup routine was in good taste with their elegant take on classiness. They are sexy and imperfect, showing their disheveled hair and stylish casual street style. . They actually prefer the "less is more look". Tres Bien!

They are confident in themselves and are passionate about what they do. No Botox,No Cosmetic Surgeries, No B.S. They actually love aging and strive to gain maturity and class. They welcome their wise years with open arms.

These books made me feel so much better about myself. I don't need the million dollar lifestyle to feel beautiful on the outside. After reading these books, I walked around the city a little bit taller, and felt more comfortable in my own skin. Find out what your style is. No need to try to be anyone else. Self-Knowledge is KEY, Ladies!

 I'm confident in my own skin and know that my work is benefiting society in some way. All You need is some well kept hygiene, one of your favorite perfume/good face cream/ lotion, a smile from ear to ear, and matching under garments. Poof! Cinderella!  Oui! Oui!

Here are the books:

Oh, La La: French Women Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Everyday. By Jamie Cat Callan

http://www.jamiecatcallan.com

All You Need to Be Impossibly French: A Witty Investigation into the Lives Lusts, and Little Secrets of French Women By Helena Frith Powell

Knowing Your Value and Then Getting Some More

Hello Readers!

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about the word success. Success is defined as:

 1. the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of ones goals.

2. the attainment of wealth, position honors or the like.

How do you define the word success? Many people have different ideas of how they measure their success. I am happy to say that New York Public Schools are doing away with the standard letter grade A-F. Why? You ask? Because students as learners for one see the world differently.

I remember growing up in the one minded school setting that treated each homework assignment as a one-size-fits all classroom setting. It was like they were putting us through a production line and stamping us with a sign of approval that we all learn the same thing and think the same way. While I understand that there is some truth to this, this is not how society and educators should think.

Teachers need to grade on a holistic grading scale for the most part, and grade accordingly to what mission the school sets for the students. Look at the student as a whole. Observe their learning on a day to day basis. Another point I wanted to bring up is, not everyone was made to go to college! College is a privilege and luxury, but don't criticize someone who's success is to aspire to be something else. If they are working, they have value in society. Be humble wherever you stand. Not boastful.

Another area on success is on women's wages, I recently read a book called "Knowing Your Value" By Mika Brazinski. Success isn't just based on monetary value, but if you work hard, I believe you should be compensated.  This book opened my eyes and took into account a women's responsibility to know her value in the workplace and ask for it. Yes, if we work really hard and just sit there, nothing will happen. You need to ask and know your value.

Those were just two subjects I wanted to bring up about the value of success. We each have personal goals and aspirations. It's up to you to make your world a living success of your very own. Don't let anyone stomp on your dreams and aspirations. They are yours and what make you your very own success. How do you measure your value?

Characteristics of Successful People:

~Have a sense of gratitude
~Compliment Others
~Read Everyday
~Share information and data
~Exude Joy
~Embrace Change
~Keep a To-Do List
~Forgive Others
~Continuously Learn
~Want Others To Succeed
~Keep a Journal
~Accept Responsibility For Their Failures
~Operate From a Transformational Perspective

Fall Advice and Style: Keep it Simple

Hello Readers!

Happy Sunday to you all! I hope your morning is everything you dreamed it would be! I'm sipping on my Pumpkin Spice coffee and thinking about cool nights! Today I just wanted to pop in and talk about simplicity. Whether it be getting ready for work, working, being at school or anything you have on your plate, start simple.

That seems so easy, right? I think as humans we want to complicate such simple steps, which overwhelms us and makes minute things seem overwhelming. At least that's how I feel sometimes. When you feel overwhelmed, just remember write down the problem and take it in steps. You won't believe how simple your problems will become.

The other day I had a problem trying to dress myself. What was that about? I thought about my problem and came up with an idea to spread some closet essentials out and plan out my wardrobe for the week. As simple as it may seem, things like this can be frustrating, but if it helps you and saves you a few minutes each morning, it's well worth it.

Keep some closet Fall essentials for everyday:

1. Black Turtleneck/Black Sweater
2. Khaki Trench
3. White, Gray, Black Long sleeved tees
4.Skinny Jeans
5. Gray Sweater
6. White Blouse
7.Classic Watch
8. Classic Black business suit
9. Black Heels
10. Nautical black and whited striped tee
11. Ray ban sunglasses
12. Field Jacket
13.LBD
14. Ballet Flats/Loafers/Smoking Slippers
15. Sneakers
16. Pencil Skirt
17. Riding boots
18. Scarf
19. Grey Hoodie
20. Cross-body bag

You can turn these essentials into many different outfits during the season. I hope this article helps for the mornings! I wish I had Cher's closet- minus the 90s clothes. Have fun!

United Nations Green Initiative 2014

Hello Readers!

Today I thought I would let you into my thoughts while living in the city of New York. It has been hampering on my mind and I can't seem to shake it off. This city is dirty! Each day when I come to and from work, I noticed overflowing city garbage cans, restaurants dumping their food on the streets, empty plastic bottles and newspaper pages scattered all along the subway tracks. I can't stand it!

I have become morphed into a recycling queen.  Everything that I throw away gets categorized into three garbage cans. You would think, with 8 million people living here, it should be a law to recycle. I still don't know how today, we as human beings can even fathom of throwing an empty paper coffee cup on the ground. Who does that? Please don't do that. There was a March last Sunday in NYC with thousands supporting the way to go green. De Blasio wants to reduce greenhouse gases by 80%  by the year 2050. It's 2014, we need to start now!

With all the garbage bags being thrown on the pavement for pickup; it's literally disturbing. Bags upon bags as tall as me get placed outside for the trucks to scoop to landfills. I have since come to the conclusion that I have to do something, even if its just little ol' me.

I have made a promise to myself to stick to a glass water bottle when traveling to and from work, a coffee mug, using reusable bags when shopping, recycling at least 85% of the products I use (the rest is disposable food or things that cannot be recycled), I wish I could compost here. If I am in desperate need of a bag, I will reuse it as much as possible.

When you live in such an overpopulated city, it really makes you think about how you can really affect the enviornment. And it's just me. If I was Mayor of this city, one of the first things I would do would be to clean up the garbage problem. Scott toilet paper had a campaign in the city and said that each year we throw away as many toilet paper rolls enough to fill The Empire State Building. 17 billion rolls! Another fact I reads each year we throw enough plastic water bottles away to circle the Earth 3 times. Thats disturbing.

This should be a wake up call to not only New York, but to the planet! This has nothing to do with politics, but keeping the planet a better place for the next generation. Here are some pictures of artists reusing trash around the city. Where is all this garbage going? What can you do differently? How much smaller can you make your carbon footprint?


Glass Water Bottle:

http://www.shopbymonika.com/products/bkr-water-bottle


GreenNYC Initiative:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/greenyc/html/about/about.shtml

United Nations Climate Summit:

http://mashable.com/2014/09/24/united-nations-climate-summit-takeaways/?utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-All-Partial

 NYC Climate March:

http://www.amny.com/news/environmental-activists-paint-city-green-with-people-s-climate-march-1.9370557

http://www.nyc.gov/html/greenyc/html/about/about.shtml

Good Apple: Love a Teacher!

Hello Readers!

I hope you are all doing well. I have recently been off on my teaching career lately. I feel a tug to keep writing my posts that I used to write so frequently! I miss this!  I feel like my writing has really become a part of me. Its also really special that I get to share it with people all over the world. I love expressing my voice through writing. its also a fun creative outlet!

As you know, Fall is here!  There's nothing better than slipping into a brand new cozy sweater, or sipping a hot cup of coffee while taking a stroll in the park. Boot weather is so my thing. If I could pick weather to stay in all year long, it would most defineatly would be Fall.  After the sweltering summer in the city, I can't wait. There is nothing worse than briskly walking down to the subway and feeling like your in a sweaty sauna room.

My first unit for my Pre-K students is Apples. It's so fun to teach them about healthy eating habits and how apples are harvested in the Fall. We talked about everything from Apple Pie to applesauce. I've never eaten so many juicy and crunchy apples!  I think they are appled out.

It's fun to see the meaning behind the true Teachers Apple. I always wondered why students gave teachers an apple. I also didn't realize how much work a teacher really has to do! Teachers have a lot on their plate. So reflecting from when I was a student, to now teacher, its really an eye opener to see the roles reversed! If your a student, teacher or parent, just know if we all work together, and want to work toward the same goals, things are bound to work out for the best.  Happy school year!  Don't forget to eat your apples!

Since I'm talking about apples, I wanted to share a great recipe for a fall apple salad. It's so good!

http://jessicainthekitchen.com/apple-pecan-feta-salad-honey-apple-dressing/#_a5y_p=2391716

 APPLE PECAN AND FETA SALAD WITH HONEY APPLE DRESSING

 

PREP TIME

15 mins

TOTAL TIME

15 mins

Apple Pecan and Feta Salad with Honey Apple Dressing is loaded with fall flavours and is sweet, crunchy and good for you! You can customise the portions in this salad to your liking.

Serves: 1 big salad

INGREDIENTS

Salad

• 3 cups kale, de-stemmed, washed and torn
• 1 apple, sliced thinly
• 2 tablespoons cranberries
• 2 tablespoons pecans
• 
  
• 
  
• 3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled

Honey-Apple Vinaigrette Dressing

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Salad

1. In a bowl, place the kale. Add the apples, cranberries, pecans and feta cheese on top - if you'd like, toss them in a bowl first them sprinkle on top.

Honey-Apple Vinaigrette Dressing

1. Whisk the ingredients together and pour over the salad.
2. Enjoy!