Lentil Soup in 10 Easy Steps

           Because I'm insane, I made lentil soup at 6am, today. What took the most time was the chopping, but while this simmered (step 10) I finished my normal morning routine. Lentil soup is one of those things I'd reccommend you try outside of your house first. The color & consistency is a little gross, but I love the taste. I just started liking lentils & I usually get the soup from Pret A Manger.  I'm a soup kinda girl, but I like filling soups --lentils do the job.  Also, there aren't a lot of soups you can put ham in & I love me some swine, forgive me lol.  

           I got the original recipe off Dominican Cooking --my go-to site if I don't call my mom. They use pumpkin instead of carrots but... I had what I had. Sometimes you've got to create your own dish --something like how my mom told me to throw a pork chop in it. While that sounded good, I didn't quite understand how to put a pork chop in soup. My mother is amazing, though. lol 

        I make lots of soups for lunch, especially when it's cold. If you have a busy schedule like mine, soups are awesome because you can always freeze it and save for later. I save mine in individual Ball Mason Jars - they're amazing cuz you can heat your food up in the jar, and then eat right out of the jar. If I'm running late for work (which I usually am), I just grab a frozen jar and & drop it in my bag. It defrosts till lunch & I throw it in the microwave for two quick minutes :) On days when I have a bit more time, I make a sandwich to go along with my soup. Or buy one *shrugs*

Work

Dress: Milly

Watch: Skagen

Rings: Calvin Klein

Shoes: Aldo

    So, I wore this  dress to work today. I got it from my sister. She was hesitant to wear it becuase someone said she looked like a flight attendant once. Yet, every time I wear it, I get random compliments; from women my age, younger, and maybe 4 times it! Perhaps because it's designer, Michelle Smith aims for a "youthful" look with staying in line with "timeless silhouettes".  

         I think this dress works well on me because of my curves. It falls flat from the waist but hugs in all the right area without being whorish. Still, it's super covered up so I can maintain the professional look I go for from 9am-7pm. While at work, I try to compliment my curves rather than hide or accentuate them. I'm not ashamed of what I've got in the least bit, but if my co-workers want to see something, they can drop by the XXX video store down the block. Other than that, the dress is  super comfortable and pretty heavy. Works well in this (bizarre) summer-ish weather but transitions well to an office like mine where they put the AC onAntarctica. 

      When I wear a dress like this, I keep the accessories plain and professional. The dress already does a lot on its own. Accessories should be used to either liven up an outfit or tone it down. This here is an example of that. A simple watch paired with a ring or two and you're pretty set for the day. I tend to opt for silver jewelry at work just because it looks cleaner and more refined. You don't have to wear bangles up the arm every day --same with the shoes. The Aldo open toed clogs I paired with this don't do too much on their own --which is perfect --but still give me a ladylike air while the leather helps with that look of "youth".