Easter Outfit

This is the outfit I wore for Easter. I didn't really do it up this year because I'm on a budget. As I looked through pretty new dresses at the mall, I asked myself, "Tbyrd, is this a want or a need?" and that settled it. 

So I just threw together something weather appropriate (it was too chilly for me) that I already had in my closet. Anyway, a fashion debate arose when I added the pink belt. To clarify, I didn't wear the belt to church, but had I known of its existence, I would have (it's my mom's)! Instead, I wore it around the house for the rest of the day vowing to wear the ensemble one day (with high heels like these), despite the objections of 3 family members who felt it clashed (one family member disagreed with them). I think it makes the outfit pop. What do you think?

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Weekend Music

Sometimes, my musical tastes are all over the place. There's the music that inspires me to write. Then there is the cathartic stuff. And then there's the party music. Here's what my playlist looks like tonight.  Next Friday's playlist might be more...sane. lol

Running Away - Roy Ayers

Locked in a Cage - Brick + Mortar

Make Me Say It Again Girl - Isley Brothers

Out of My League - Fitz and the Tantrums

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Out and About: Food Truck Festival

This past weekend was chock full of activities. In addition to horseback riding, brunch in Georgetown, and an impromptu makeover (more on that in another post), we kicked off the weekend with Truckeroo Friday night. For those who don't know, Truckeroo is a monthly food truck festival held in D.C. April thru October. For me, it was the first chance I've had to partake in the food truck craze owing to the fact that I no longer work in the city. As a foodie, that is one thing I miss most now that I work in the 'burbs - the plethora of dining options. The beauty of Truckeroo is that it provides the opportunity to try a variety of cuisines in one place, once a month, until the Fall.

That being said, I was excited to finally chow down on some tasty street food. Our strategy was to eat a little from several trucks so that we could try different options without filling up too fast. To make a long story short, that plan was an epic fail.

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Motivational Mondays

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When a Dog is Fed Up

I fully planned on posting a cute pet photo today, or even a favorite music video - you know, to get the weekend off to a good start - and then I saw this. This dog made my entire week. Or as the kids say, this gave me life! I could see my dog pulling this stunt. Enjoy the antics (and turn down your sound).

more info

Sidebar: I'm a pet owner who loves animals, so I would never laugh if I thought this dog were in danger. Sometimes we do have to leave our furry friends in the car for a short period of time. Provided that it is neither hot nor freezing and they have proper ventilation, it is safe. Also take note, if it were hot, he would be panting.

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Red Cabbage Recipe

So this deliciousness happened last night - sautéed red cabbage with balsamic vinaigrette. I made it for my family, but I could have devoured the entire pan myself. I enjoy a colorful plate, and what could be more colorful than red cabbage? First it's red, then purple, then blue! Not to mention, it is full of nutrients.

I borrowed this recipe from Epicurious and doctored it up a bit (my changes in orange). I can't speak for the original recipe, but we really enjoyed my version. You be the judge.

Wilted Red Cabbage with Balsamic Vinegar

Ingredients

10 red cabbage leaves (I did not count leaves)
1 small onion
2 tablespoons water
4 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 tablespoon butter
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
a skosh of chicken stock
lemon juice (fresh, if possible)
sausage (optional)*

Directions 

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Tax Season is Upon Us

W2s,1099s, interest earned, income earned
blah blah blah
Yes folks, it's that time of year again - time to file your taxes! *dun dun dunnnnn*

Every year I vow to file my taxes early the next time around so that I will have a little extra money to spend (or at least know whether or not I will have extra money to spend - preferably in enough time to plan a decent vacation), but every single time, I wait until the last minute. Every. single. time.

Actually this year, it wasn't so much that I waited as much as I could not find form 1099g to save my life. W2 - check!  Last year's filing - check!  Mortgage interest info - check! But I searched high and low and the 1099 was nowhere to be found.

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