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In late September I came across one of Jennine's posts on Eat, Sleep, Denim about wearing White Denim after Labor Day.  I'm always interested to hear and see what Jennine has to say on a subject and was so relieved to hear that she is down with white denim post the long weekend in September.  Who came up with that rule anyway?

I'd been meaning to do a post on it even prior to hearing her thoughts, but somehow haven't accomplished it yet (imagine that *cough cough*). Then the other day I was chatting with Daniela over at D, Etcetera on the very subject and asked if she wanted to do a joint white denim post...then tonight in the shower (I swear the best ideas come when warm water is beating down on my head or just as I'm nodding off to sleep) I got the idea to offer up a White Denim in Winter Challenge.

So here's what I'm thinking - let me know how many of you would be interested in doing an outfit post in white denim right now in the dead of winter.  Depending on how many people want to throw in we can schedule the posts all on one day or stagger them over a couple or few in order to see how different people are styling their looks.  Girls you know I love a pair of white denim - remember this post from waaaaay back in the day??


Anyway - now it's winter so I have a different pair to pull out and wear an entirely different way.  I think this could be a really cool post/set of posts!! So many of you are standing up to your knees in snow drifts while others of us are in sun or partial frost or even experiencing summer in Australia...white denim in winter can be just gorgeous and I think it would be so fun to see the different ways we can keep them relevant in the off season.

Let me know what you think and if you'd like to join in by leaving a note in the comments.  We could coordinate and do the posts beginning after next week (date tbd early next week depending on response) in order to give people time to get their pictures taken and posts completed.  I would be happy to post the schedule here of who is posting whether it's on one day or over a couple, so that each person's blog gets visited.  In the off chance you think I'm nuts - then Daniela and I will be a party of two in our winter whites, but I do hope you'll consider. 

And now I say to you...it is weekend time.  Let the joyous events of free time commence!  I'm off to a wedding on the beach this weekend and hoping to find something suitable to wear while sporting the remnants of a sore throat.  Dear Christian Louboutin....

I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel, and I don't mean the light leading to the afterlife.  Thanks so much for all of your well wishes - my throat's still a bit on fire, but my head no longer feels like jagged edges are being poked into it.  Isn't that special?  Yesterday I even managed to sit up on the couch for more than an hour and carried on cohesive conversation.  Things are looking up!

While off lying about in couch land I managed to finagle the computer out of the Chef's claws in order to stop watching soap operas keep myself entertained.  One thing I'm looking forward to with the return of 70's style this spring is piling on the bracelets.  True, we could do it before - but now it just feels like my inner gypsy can go wild mixing leather, suede, gold, silver, wood and every color in between.  Here are some of the beauties I have my eye on:

I spent yesterday sicker than sick in a semi-conscious state .  Confession:  I've been on the couch beneath the heaviest faux fur blanket for over 24 hours - only lifting my head to wander down the hall, take a shower, and gather tea and dark chocolate for sustenance.  It is a sad state of affairs this being sick as an adult thing.  It's at times like these - in the sheer, guiltless moments of just being - that I can't believe I've actually grown up and will never return to living beneath my parents' roof under their care.  Reality Bites (and not the movie, but it really was a great one now that we're on the subject).

It was my every intention to bring you an outfit post with the cutest short Minnetonka's in honor of the last day of the giveaway.  Planned was a pair of skinny denim rolled to just above the ankle, the fab fringe-y back zip boot, and up top a simple white pocket-T by AWang beneath a charcoal grey A&F belted sweater from days gone by (last seen here sans belt).  Instead I bring an unconventional inside look at the boots.  Don't mind the hair.

It appears as though cavorting around in summer clothing in January has come 'round to bite me in the rear end.  My throat hurts, the skin on the left side of my face has sharp little pains shooting through it, and I actually quietly cried while driving home from class last night.  It was the last part that sealed the deal...although my cravings for dark chocolate and orange slices should have given it away earlier in the day (happens every time i'm getting sick).  Sigh.  Why did I move so far from home again?


Taylor from Things on Hangers tagged me to list seven things about myself.  Here goes:

1. I'm all kinds of obsessed with Teen Mom.  In Caitlyn and Tyler's first season I seriously contemplated contacting MTV and extending an offer for the pair to live with me while attending a local college.  Thankfully the Chef pulled me off the ledge, but it was a close one.  
2. This isn't exactly about me, but it is related.  One of my cats has been living in a bowl in the kitchen cupboard for over a week.  I've tried to discourage it, but she's learned how to open the door with her paw and sits in a massive bowl for hours on end. I'm hoping it's a temporary thing.
3. My former upstairs neighbor was a VA nurse with a drinking problem.  She used to drive the government car around looped, smash into the garage door, do hit and runs in the Trader Joe's parking lot, and hide the car in the garage while sitting upstairs drinking Two Buck Chuck's and watching soap operas all day long.  How do I know?  She would call and leave play-by-play voicemails - the next day not remembering having told me anything.  This went on for 3 years - during which time she also wanted me to call her every morning at 5:30AM to make sure she was still alive.  Uh, no?
4. While attending University my friend and I were waved down in traffic by a guy who asked us to follow him back to his parking garage so he could do a strip tease for us in order to make it into a fraternity.  We went into the underground garage and he proceeded to rip his clothing of...as a security guard apprehended him and we sped off.  I remain scarred for life.  
5. I have Bieber fever.  It's a new thing, but a true thing.  I hope it passes with this flu. Ba-by, ba-by, BAY-BEEE OOOOHHHHH.  Help me Lord.
6. I fear never finding my purpose in life and want to live a more intentional and thoughtful life.  Time is going by so fast.
7. Nancy Grace is my hero.  No joke.  I wish I could have her job and rip holes in criminals and weak lawyers for a few hours every day.  

I'm supposed to tag someone but I'm too delirious to even post more pictures let alone think.   If you wanna jump in and do this let me know.  I always get a kick out of reading the responses.

Late post today, friends.  Yesterday was mayhem on the work and throbbing ankle front, so last night involved maximum amounts of doing nothing - something that is highly underrated.  I hope to do copious amounts of the same this weekend.  How about you?

Cut to this afternoon and you'll find me sitting in my office wearing one purple velvet Dany shoe:

Yesterday I walked into the bathroom, washed my face, turned around, walked out and mid-stride lost feeling in my left foot and eventually up my leg.  Yes dear friends - somehow in the comfort and safety of my own home, AND in bare feet, I twisted my ankle standing in the bathroom.  *shakes head as face turns red*

Of course this led to me taking an Advil (two and I'm down for the count aka lightweight), and then having to put my foot up as the Chef made dinner and shook his head.  I don't even blame him.  All I have to say is everything my dad told me about getting older is coming true and I don't like it one bit.  Creaky bones, twisted ankles, fine lines around the eyes, and lamenting the past.  Did your past include shades of pink?  Mine sure did.  At one point in high school I think pink was the predominant shade lining my closet in it's various hues.  It is, coincidentally, the color of my ankle right now, too. Sigh.

While I was laid up on the couch I decided to torture myself yet again and peruse Isabel Marant's spring line.  It appears as though I'll be renewing two past relationships - one with the color pink and the other with slouch boots.  Bonjour mes amis.  Il est bon de vous voir de nouveau. (hello my friends.  it is good to see you again)

My head is spinning with hilarious possibilities on how to word this post.  For some reason when we took the pictures I kept seeing myself flying off on a broom like Harry Potter (don't ask me why - I think it's the hat).  Then I spotted a neighbor's house with a castle type peaked roof and tried to get the pictures to turn out like I was sitting on the roof.  No dice. Shucks.

I guess I'll just have to settle for what it is - me trying to rescue my near dead plants while the Chef snaps away.  Hmmpf.  Not nearly as exciting.  Read on though...because there IS an exciting giveaway for a fabulous pair of Minnetonka Moccasins (boots or shoes of your choice) at the end of this post - courtesy of the wonderful people at Langston's Western Wear.  (And lemme tell ya - they have some pretty fantastic cowboy boots too if you're in the market.  I grew up on a farm and am a total expert on the matter...I own 3 pairs).

But first let us examine appropriate plant saving attire for mid-January.  Look for me wandering the streets in spring adorned in the same outfit - and all of its various pieces mixed in with other faves in upcoming posts.  As you know I'm a fool for anything with fringe and these boots are no exception...and we haven't even gotten to the top or the hat!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS
*This giveaway is for one pair of Minnetonka boots or shoes of your choice (men's or women's) from the selection offered on Langston's Western Wear.  The giveaway is open to all U.S. and Canadian readers (Overseas readers I'm sorry - they don't ship to you, but I will have another giveaway to include you soon).  The entry period will run through 11:59pm PST Wednesday, January 26, 2011 and the winner (selected via random drawing) will be announced on Thursday, January 27, 2011.

HOW TO ENTER
*For one entry just make sure you're a follower of this free bird via Google Reader.

*For additional entries: Like Langston's on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter.  You can blog or tweet about the giveaway too, if you'd like, including links back in the comments. 

*From today through Thursday the 27th (the day after the giveaway ends) Langston's is offering free shipping to readers of this free bird (within the US).  So if you decide to place an order simply use coupon code:  freebird - at checkout.  Thanks for a fab giveaway Langston's - and good luck everyone!

Congratulations to Donnette who guessed juvenile lark bunting. That's what this bird is, though, without a look at the massive bill and boldly marked face/head, it did look suspiciously like a lark sparrow. Another solid clue—one that was in the original photo—is the large pale patch (actually pale feather edges) on the wing coverts.


And just in case you don't believe me, here's a photo of a happy couple (of lark buntings) on the same road, just feet away from our Mystery Bird.

I think he's bringing her flowers, but it's far too late in the season for courting. By now these birds are probably somewhere in Mexico, whiling away the winter, waiting for spring to bloom once more on the prairie.

Congrats to Donnette for the winning answer. Please contact me (editor AT birdwatchersdigest DOT com) or call our office (740-373-5285) to claim your prize. Kudos, too to our old pal Anonymous, the only other person to get the correct answer.

Thanks to all who played.

Last week I was waxing on over twitter regarding my search for the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans to add to the closet for summer's upcoming return-to-70's style extravaganza.  Coming in for the rescue was Nikki pronouncing her love for Gap's new trouser jeans...and mentioning the high-waist alternative.  Cut to Thursday and there I was, mid-afternoon, dancing with glee in the fitting room of my neighborhood Gap store - adorned in their Pintucked Wide Leg Trouser Jeans.  Truth be told two of the employees were jumping up and down with me.  One had been a little skeptical, but I came prepared with my arsenal of shoes aka platform clogs - and once I strolled out with those pants skimming the floor it was game over for all three of us.

Were you fans of Three's Company?  Remember Janet and Chrissy wearing those ridic-fantastic high-waisted denim trousers??  Well all I have to say is 'Come and Knock On Our Door' (the theme song - for all you young people) because there's been a rebirth.  Up next - conquering Mrs. Roper's vibe...it's gonna be one amazing 70's-chic summer, ladies!

It's been 80 degrees for 3 days and I can only say Mother Nature must be feeling very, very sorry for that deep freeze of a summer last year.  I swear we didn't see more than 4 or 5 truly nice days (as evidenced here, here and here).  As a result I do believe I may have lost me mind just a tad bit- getting up prior to 10am two days in a row, out of the house from sun up 'til sundown, and not even so much as washing my hair much less combing it (hipsters are actually smiling at me as we cross paths...i've crossed into the hipster acceptability zone!!).  Here are just some of the wonderfully warm things we've seen this weekend.

Tomorrow morning I might just get up and go to the beach when the Chef goes surfing.  And you might just hear shrieks of terror akin to a bat seeing the sun...those will be coming from my white legs.

Happy Monday everyone!

As promised, here are a few more details on the Mystery Bird Quiz #8 bird. This image was taken in early August in Pawnee Grasslands in Colorado.

So I believe we can rule out male northern cardinal as a potential answer. It's also probably not an eastern wood warbler. Or an anhinga.

Here is shot of the habitat where I took the image. What a day that was. Out in the great wide open, nothing but land, sky, clouds, birds, a few pronghorn antelope, some distant cattle, and a windmill here and there. What a lark!

Staring at this scene, I found myself singing that Jackson Browne song:



Maybe it's being an Iowa-born native that allows me to feel so relaxed and happy in the big-sky places...

Good luck with your guessing, birdheads!

Earlier this week when I woke up with a burning sore throat all I could think of was "can't swallow" and "want my mom".  Pathetic?  Yes - but also true.  When I was a kid and started to get those dreaded achy bones my mom always kept me home from school, bundled me up in a sleeping bag blanket (blankets folded in half so you feel like it's a sleeping bag - oh childhood) on the couch, and brought all kinds of warm things to drink while I snoozed the day away.  Now that I'm an adult pretty much the only thing that's remained consistent in the under-the-weather scenario is me snoozing the day away - deliriously hoping a cup of tea appears by my bedside. 

Thankfully the Chef came to the rescue this time and showed up in my doorway with a cup of tea.  Before I knew it there was rattling in the kitchen and, shortly thereafter, a wonderful smell wafted down the hallway and into my room.  Somewhere in my delusion I had croaked the words "noodle soup" when he asked if there was anything I wanted.  Something tells me I likely whined out "my mom", too.  Normally I would have expected chicken noodle, but in this case a spicy Asian-style soup appeared.  It did the trick, too - probably the combo of the spices and the new noodle bowls my mom got me for Christmas. 

And so I share the recipe with you - it's a total fave because it's gluten-free, super healthy, low-cal and easy to make.  You don't have to add the peppers if you prefer a milder version. 

Spicy Noodle Bowl
*Broth Ingredients

1/2 onion sliced
1   carrot sliced
1   stalk celery sliced
1   stalk lemongrass sliced
2oz. ginger sliced
6   clove garlic crushed
1   bunch cilantro stems only
3T Soy or Tamari (I use Tamari because it is gluten-free)
2t  Siracha (or more if you want spicy)
Water - to cover

Place all items in pot and cover with water. Bring to boil and simmer for 30 min.  Strain and hold warm.


*Garnish Ingredients
1/2C bay shrimp defrosted
1/4C ea sliced fine: carrot, celery, scallion, radish
1ea  Serrano or 3 Thai bird chili sliced
1/4  bunch cilantro leaves
1/4C broccoli florets
1/2 C rice noodles (pre-cook to package directions)


To Finish: 
Variations:
*Sub tofu, beef, or chicken for shrimp.
*Add basil, mint, napa cabbage, mushrooms, daikon, Bok-choy, soba noodles, or any other similar item you like.


All I have to say is yum-my!  I'm feeling much better and we ate this for lunch again today - you know, for safe measure - ha!  Let us know if you try it - it's always great to get your thoughts. And now everyone, the weekend is upon us (yahoo!!) - before I go I just want to remind you that:

• The Melinda Maria 30% off promo ends on January 15 - so just a day left....and
• If you haven't already entered, be sure to check out the CSN Giveaway for an $85 Gift Code.

Oh - and have a great weekend, too!!  Any plans? I'm hoping to take in The King's Speech - has anyone seen it?