-----------The Thought
The plaid housewife meets the boy on the motorbike. Keep it rocking with not-so-traditional plaid skirt. But keep the mary jane and shirt conservatively cool. Need jewelry? Nah. This skirt stands out on it’s own…no need for embellishment.
The Inspiration
The Gear
Walmart: Riders - Women's Melody 3/4 Sleeve Woven Top $15.00
Charlotte Russe: Plaid Pencil Skirt $24.50
Target: Women's Xhilaration® Taki Mary Jane Pumps - Black Patent $19.99
I think if you want to keep the wedding relatively traditional, a great place to interject your childish enthusiasm and personality is the rehearsal dinner. Have a favorite cartoon? a funny joke that makes you both laugh that you want to share with the family? Can
you include that in your dinner theme? Absolutely!
What about eschewing the entire “dinner” completely? I don’t mean not to feed the people, I’m always up for that, but what about a crawfish boil? Or pizza night and a movie? Heck, what about a movie at a draft house?
I think this is the best time to let your hair down. The night before. Everything is ordered and ready. Why not enjoy the laughter and time with friends and family. This is probably even more intimate than the next day’s hustle and bustle. This is the time you can make the speeches about when you got gum stuck in your hair in 4th grade, or how she saw him with hat hair on their first date. This is the time that you can start shedding the tears of laughter and happiness that the next day will bring.
What about holding it in an offbeat location – the grooms grade school? a local park if the weather holds? What about playing bingo during the festivities? Keep people together – sometimes the two families haven’t had a chance to really meld together – this might be a great time for icebreakers, that way the next day has a much more together feel than ever.
Dance down the aisle during? Perhaps dress as the other (bride as groom, groom as bride) – shake it up a bit. Come as your favorite characters – Lucy and Schroeder, Kermit and Miss Piggy. Get everyone motivated to be a big part of your wedding day, get everyone smiling and laughing. Be realistic, weddings can be rather stressful as they approach, it helps to interject humor, it’s the best medicine!
Today’s lesson is about taking time and finding your inner you. Sometimes the best place to start is the outside, I feel like while this may 
I remember shortly after a life changing event I went and found my first pair of “triple digit” shoes. Spending more wasn’t the key. It was “treating” myself to something. Allowing myself to enjoy an object that fed my inner fashionista. I still have those shoes, and every time I put them on, I’m reminded of where I was, and how far I’ve come. When I wore them at first, they felt extravagant, almost a bit “too much” for me to have. But as I wore them, I owned myself a little more. Silly coming from a pair of shoes isn’t it? It makes me feel a little “flaky”. Perhaps it is.
But at the time, I wasn’t ready to change everything, I didn’t want to give up what I had known for so long. Those shoes made me realize, even albeit a small bit, that I deserved something better.
My next changes came at home. Finding my style. Not my mom’s style (which is classy in it’s own right) Not my friend’s style. Not even, gasp, Martha Stewart’s style. (sorry Martha, love you!) I found me. What I enjoy. How to reflect my interests through my home. I consider that the place to really express myself. As I found new objects to replace things, I realized several items had been hidden away, that I loved, but didn’t use because they “didn’t fit”. I’ve found these things now to be my inspiration for the environment I live in. I found color again, and so what if it is a bit loud. I can sit in my den beneath what will be a very mod atmosphere, bury myself in a blanket, snuggle up and watch great movies in a great space. I will look at the objects around me as memories and reminders of places that I’ve been, or as goals I’m going to achieve and enjoy my area more.
My wedding. I always think of that line from Steel Magnolias. “My Reception! My Reception! Ferns, dancing, tons of people! Every
pink flower west of the Mississippi.”….I don’t want pink flowers I’m relatively sure. I’m not engaged to be married, but it’s not like I don’t have the dream of every 12 year old girl. Having been through one, I understand what I would have changed. I know what I want the 2nd time around, I know that it’s still a party, and I’m realistic about not being a Bridezilla. But this I know is true, I want it to be a very special event, with special moments and details and the lack of arguments, and nothing but bliss. I want the type of day that I’ll remember forever. I think that moment is a pretty big stepping off moment, it can be done simply, but well, and can include just about anything you want – not what tradition imposes. I’ve planned them, I’ve thought about it again. I just need to find someone who loves me like that.
Speaking of being loved, enter Ralph. I have a puppy dog that is relatively fabulous. A little over a year ago, I was “mama” to a wonderful Oliver. Unfortunately we found him passed away when he’d runaway and gotten hit by a car. My heart still sinks to think about it. I cannot imagine the loss of a child. Ralph came into my life soon after and I’ve been in love since. He’s bouncy, he’s fun, he takes good road trips. He snuggles when he knows I’m sad. He eats wasabi peas. I can’t complain. I think pets help us hone our parenting skills. Dogs can’t talk, but they do communicate, and understanding that is important. I don’t contend that I”m the best pet owner, but I love my dog, and do what I can to keep him happy.
Finally, my last passion, and the first blog that I had created to start this site….food. I’m happy to report that I’ve lost 80 lbs over the last three years. That doesn’t mean I don’t like to cook. I believe strongly that you invite people to your table, feed them, break bread (literally) and find a type of peace much like making family. I feel like this is a bonding place for people, a place to share new ideas, to find a bit of who you are. Indulge in a good cheesecake. Find happiness in a good salad. Practice restraint, immerse a bit in luxury.
I’m my grandmother’s girl. My mother was a one pot lady. I’ve grown up on them and additionally cooks on TV, magazines, old cookbooks that my mom had around. I remember reading about 1950s table manners and how to fold a napkin when I was a kid. I want to make everyone feel special, thought of, regarded even, as they enter my “zone”. I’d feed the world if I could. I often think I want to open my own cafe. Pipedreams, I’m sure.
But these pipedreams, all of them, have taught me to listen to myself. Indulge a bit in life. Take the plunge. It’s silly to think that clothes and a new lamp or even a fabulous wedding cocktail will do that. But why can’t they? Isn’t not about the “stuff” that they are, it’s about creating a feeling, an environment around you, that allows you to enjoy life a little more. My friend Jeffrey Ross says “the tools for life’s enjoyment”….amen.
Enjoy the day, find something to smile at!
LA of LAA
The Thought
Keep your ladylike wits about you, and your foot on the gas pedal. Keep it sweet, lacey, light, and add in the rebel accessories to make sure that this season you mean business. If it’s still warmer where you are, the studded cut out heels or even a scruched bootie in black leather will work fine. I considered doing hosiery here, but think the lace of the dress is too thin a line to walk between no-no and go-go!
The Inspiration
The Gear
Forever 21: Vintage Charm Dress $27.80
High Fashion Boots $38.80
Charlotte Russe: Cropped Bomber Jacket $36.50
Snake Print Wallet Clutch $10.50
Lobster Mac & Four Cheeses
Salt
8 ounces dried elbow macaroni
2 medium garlic cloves
2 medium shallots
1 pound cooked lobster meat
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided use)
1 cup freshly grated Gruyere cheese
4 ounces low-fat (but not nonfat) cream cheese
2 cups low-fat milk (or substitute heavy cream)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup panko (Japanese-style) bread crumbs (may substitute fine plain dried bread crumbs)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Lightly grease a shallow, 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions. Drain; reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Mince garlic and shallots; they can be combined and should total about 1⁄3 cup. Coarsely chop lobster meat.
Meanwhile, fill a large saucepan with about 2 inches water; heat over medium-high heat.
Combine Cheddar, 1 cup Parmesan, Gruyere and cream cheese in a stainless-steel (or heatproof) mixing bowl that will just fit over the top of the saucepan (so that water will not touch bottom of bowl). Once cheeses start to melt, add milk or cream and stir gently; this process will take about 10 minutes total. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.
Pour heated water out of saucepan, then add butter and melt it over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots; cook 2 minutes, until softened, then add lobster meat and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until just heated through.
Pour reserved pasta cooking water over macaroni to loosen it (still in the colander); drain, then add macaroni to saucepan and stir to coat with butter. Add cheese mixture and stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and bread crumbs. Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until topping is golden brown. (If topping does not brown, run casserole under broiler for a few minutes; watch closely to see it does not burn.)
Makes 4 to 6 generous servings, each (based on 6 servings, using low-fat milk): 665 calories, 50 grams protein, 41 grams carbohydrates, 33 grams fat (19 grams saturated), 158 milligrams cholesterol, 1,094 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber.
This is the next subject of my very next dinner at home with my special someone. I highly recommend a nap afterwards, it’s heavy, it’s rich, and if there’s just two of you, I suggest perhaps just making half. Enjoy this with a light white wine or bubbly and a salad. If you’re looking to up the fabulous value further….think truffle salad or caviar appetizer. It would send this goodness over the edge – just get your fur and tiara out!
I have a sickness (yes...it's an illness!) for good dishes. Funky prints. Unusually purposed ones (mustard jar? doesn't it come in a bottle?) and as I find new ones, I thought this might be the best place to give you a glimpse into my cabinets!
Pinzon Tomato 11-Inch Assorted Dinner Plates, Set of 4 - Amazon.com
I adore tomatoes, I adore them. My entire kitchen is done up in them. I used to grow them in the garden as a child with my Dad.
This dish set is discontinued, you can find pieces on ebay from time to time. But that said, I do own a few coveted pieces.
I love that the tomato is very real, not kitschy as you often times see it. It's a white plate, easy design, and can make the smaller appetizer bites look decadent!
Lisbon Dinnerware Sets of 4 - Cost Plus World Market 
$23.96 to $31.96
Adore, Adore, Adore. It goes with tapas. It goes with your Italian. It goes with your peanut butter sandwich on a day that you need to feel extra special. You can dress this up or down or even sideways. It works outdoors (minus that it's breakable).
Love the warm color scheme that invites both fall and summer and I'm always a sucker for a good sized bowl and a "bigger than a teacup" mug.
Who needs the large bridal cake when you’re a couple of many tastes? Not I! 
I thought it would be great to celebrate a wedding with not one, but MANY, cakes. Depending on your guest list length, you may need to double up (or just get extra creative)…think 8-10 people per type, unless you’re thinking sheet cakes or larger sizes. If you can, this is a great way to get extra hands involved.
What was your first shared dessert? His Mom’s best pie? The first sweet you handmade for your sweetie? What about grandma’s recipe for her super moist chocolate? Or your favorite restaurant’s recipe? What means the most to you?
If time permits, perhaps give guests a run down on why that cake made the list with little cards before each cake….even if something made the list because you fought over it, perhaps it’s good to laugh about the silly tiff now, as a sign of the strength of your relationship that you’re celebrating.
Make it good. Make it sweet. Enjoy all the goodness life offers!
Howdy! I’m Ralph Thomas, the first dog of Living Aloud Allowed. I’m here to review pet products as I find new and good ways of keeping me fabulously healthy, happy and stylish! This column isn’t just for the dogs, as I find things for my finned and feathered friends, I’ll make sure to send them your way. Enjoy!
I’m enjoying my new mesh dog harness from ebay. Just search on “Mesh dog harness” you’ll find one in my size from $10-15 dollars. Being a conservative fashion kinda guy, I went with basic black, I have lots of coats and things and clashing isn’t going to be my bag. That said, if you’re a nudist, I’d roll with a brighter color and make a statement!
Through these blogs I hope to share my thoughts on being a retro girl in a modern way in a world that moves too fast!
What is on my Table!
I’m a cook. I’m a slow cooker, I’m a fast cooker, one pot meal, multiple pot feast. You name it, I’ll try it. I find new ways to make things diet. Make attempts at making old recipes new again. Take your ordinary homestyle favorites and break them down into doable parts. I love all types of cooking from all sorts of sources. I know how to do two things – cook and love. I’ll show you how here!
The Aisle Mile!
Since the days of Martha Stewart, Sylvia Weinstock and Vera Wang, I have loved weddings. I’ve been through my own, understood where to skimp, where to save, where to get help and where to do it yourself. Most importantly, I learned to keep yourself and your love in the details and share with the world the magic you two share! Read my ideas here on how to make those wishes and dreams happen!
I’m cooking in the kitchen, I need it to look good too. And that thought extends to the rest of my house! I love changing looks, and I hate spending the dollars unless the trade up is worth it! Here I post my new findings as I shop out there. It’s important, much like your wedding, to inflect the inhabitants personalities. This blog will keep you abreast of the latest ways to do that!
The Style Mile
If you dress your house, you need to dress you too! I’m a clothes horse. One to levels that are almost scary! I enjoy the outlandish shoe, the classic black dress, the edgy new skirt cut. All here will tell you how I’m putting it together – whether it’s following the latest fashion trends or letting my personality show through. I’m reaching out to show you when to spend, when to bargain and where to get it!
And last but not least, Ralph Thomas. He’s my puppy dog. He loves the best looks and the most comfy blankets. After years of having pets I’ve figured out some good products and not-usually-for-pet-use items that have my life simpler for Ralph and myself. Plus, when puppy has to be the top dog, this is the place to come to find the latest and greatest!
Enjoy this new site, it’s been awhile in the making, and I’m happy to share my passions with the readers I’ll receive!
The Thought
It’s time to don your best look for the winter. It’s hard to let yourself and your expertly put together outfit hide underneath a coat that’s not standing up to the fashion edge. I love a good bright color, a fantastic texture, an edgy rebel motorcycle jacket help to add the exclamation point to my look. Plus paired with boots, it’s a good overall look in itself. I’m still hoping for my floor length mink, but one day…one day. Now, we all need that classic black coat, here I show a nice take on it – the puff sleeve, bit of military inspiration, but classic. You still have to live day to day too girlies!
The Inspiration
The Gear
Forever 21: Tweed Swing Coat $34.80
Old Navy: Women's Long Button-Front Trench Coats $44.50
Ebay: Puff Sleeve Coat High End Classy Style-Korean/Japan (M) $59.98
Charlotte Russe: Cropped Bomber jacket $36.50
Chadwicks.com: Tweed Cape $69.99
shopnbc.com: Pamela McCoy Rouched Stand Collar Full Length Fur Replica Coat – A18165 $116.00 + shipping $6.99
Shrimp Risotto
5 cups canned low-salt chicken broth 
3/4 cup dry white wine
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled, deveined
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice* or medium-grain white rice
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
*Arborio, an Italian short-grain rice, is available at Italian markets and many supermarkets.
Bring broth and 1/4 cup wine to simmer in medium saucepan. Reduce heat; keep hot.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon garlic and crushed red pepper, then shrimp. Sauté until shrimp begin to turn pink, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/2 cup wine. Simmer until shrimp are just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Drain shrimp, reserving cooking liquid.
Melt remaining 4 tablespoons butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and remaining 1 teaspoon garlic; sauté until onion is pale golden, about 4 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat, about 2 minutes. Add 2 cups broth mixture. Simmer until liquid is absorbed, stirring often. Continue adding broth mixture 1 cup at a time, stirring often and simmering until liquid is absorbed before adding more, about 20 minutes. Stir in reserved shrimp cooking liquid. Cook until rice is just tender and mixture is creamy, about 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
Stir shrimp and 2 tablespoons parsley into risotto. Season risotto to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowls. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons parsley.
This dish is a winner. I made it for my boyfriend’s mom’s birthday dinner. If you pair this with some roasted veggies and previously blogged Poor Man’s Cobbler, you have an impressively presented and easily timed dinner. The “worst” part of this dish, if there is one, is having to watch the rice soak up the liquid, but it makes you look like you’re tending to every detail, so you can’t complain!!
The Thought
Take that summer dress and update it for fall with a cool cardigan and a fantastic scarf! There’s no rule for the shoes, if you’re in a warmer climate like me, you’ll still find use in those peep toes, but otherwise, a smart pair of boots will work here too…think good neutral tights too as an option. Enjoy yourself, even challenge yourself, to find the textures and good mixes of print when it comes to updating that “just worn once” dress into a fall staple!
The Inspiration
The Gear
Forever 21: Abstract Tiered Chiffon Dress $24.80
Mandy Platform Pumps $29.80
Charlotte Russe: Ruffle Trim Cover-Up $22.50
Old Navy: Women's Lightweight Ruched Scarves $12.50
