A striped sweater or shirt is a timeless piece for every season. It can be paired with so many different items in your closet. I put a striped shirt as a staple right there with a black or white tee. Today I'll show you three classic ways to style a striped sweater for fall.

Casual

It doesn't get more classic than a striped sweater and dark wash jeans. This is a perfect outfit for running errands or casual Friday. I kept my look simple with just a monogram necklace, but you could easily spice it up with a statement necklace.

Neutral Dressy

For a dressier outfit, I paired my striped sweater with a grey ponte circle skirt and knee high boots. Once again, I kept is simple with all neutrals. When the weather gets cold, a pair of tights can keep you warm.

Pattern Mixing

Probably my favorite way to wear stripes is with pattern mixing. Stripes are the perfect starting point for mixing prints. For this outfit, I paired it with a plaid scarf. But you could also go with florals, polka dots, or other stripes.

Live somewhere warm? There are easy substitutions. For casual, swap out the sweater with a tank top or tee or go with a dark pair of shorts and flats. For neutral dressy, swap the boots out for sandals. For pattern mixing, try with a lightweight scarf or mix prints with a pair of floral shorts.

What is your favorite way to wear stripes?

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I received a bundle of leeks in my organic produce box this week and had no clue what to do with it. I have never cooked a leek in my life. I scoured the internet looking at different recipes and adapted more than a couple to come up with my own (I have issues following recipes to the letter, it just doesn't happen). My goal was to keep it easy and delicious and there's no doubt I succeeded. This soup was a HIT! Enjoy!



Ingredients:

8-10 potatoes
3 leeks
6 cups chicken broth
1/2 pound of bacon
1.5 cups of whole milk
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1.5 cups water (optional)

Directions:

1. Peel and cut potatoes. In a large stockpot, bring potatoes and broth to a boil. Continue to cook until potatoes are tender. 
2. Cup up bacon (I use scissors and cut in 1 inch strips) and place in deep drying pan on medium heat. Cook until evenly brown. Remove bacon but leave grease in pan.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Clean and cut leeks. **leeks are notorious for being full of dirt - watch this video for a how-to for leek-prep**
4. Saute the leeks in the frying pan with the reserved bacon grease (for 8-10 min on medium heat).
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Once potatoes are tender, stir in fried leeks, milk and bacon. Turn off heat and let soup begin to cool. Stir in shredded cheese (I wait until the soup has been cooling for about 15 min, so the cheese doesn't break down).
   
   
   
   
   
6. Decision time: if you like chunky soup, use a potato masher until soup is desired consistency. If you like creamy soup, grab a hand blender and puree away! NOTE: I found the soup SUPER thick at this point so I added 1.5 cups of water while pureeing (this is optional but it didn't impact the flavor in the slightest).
   
   
   
   
   
7. ENJOY!!
   
   if you want to be real fancy-like, you can top with left over chopped leeks (I forgot to save any), shredded cheese, bacon (which I also forgot to save for picture-taking purposes) and a dollop of sour cream. YUM!!
   
   
   
   
   

1. Other than blogging, what do you do for a living (profession)?
My "real" job title is Digital Marketing Specialist. I work with social media all day along with website updates. We are getting close to building a brand new site soon, so that will be a major undertaking (the current site has 6,000+ pages!) and I can't wait to get started!

2. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Bookworm, fashion-lover, puppy snuggler

3. What is something that people might be surprised to know about you?
Growing up, I was extremely active in 4-H, FFA, and the National Junior Angus Association. I showed cattle, sheep and goats. It still feels odd to not be going to cattle shows all summer long. Good thing my nephew and nieces are getting to the age to start showing so I can start going again!

4. What hobbies do you have other than blogging?
I love playing sports. This summer, I was in 3 leagues; coed slowpitch, women's slowpitch, and coed sand volleyball. This winter, I'll probably play on a coed volleyball team and a women's team. While slowpitch is fun, I still miss fastpitch!

5. What inspired you to start blogging?
I had been following blogs for some time and thought it would be fun to do. When I left a job, all my coworkers asked me to post my outfits on Facebook so they could continue to see them (I was considered the fashionista of the company). Instead, I started Puppies & Pretties when I had about a week off between jobs and haven't look back since!

6. What is your style “uniform”?
My style is a little bit preppy, a little bit feminine, and a whole lot of quirky. I'm not sure I have a specific uniform, but if I had to choose, it would be a fun dress, great jewelry and a good pair of boots (for fall/winter) or sandals.

7. What is the last book you read and would you recommend it?
I'm a big reader, as in 4+ books a month. The last book I read was Dragonlove by Marc Secchia. I LOVE this series. You have to read Dragonfriend first though. But if you like magic, dragons, friendships, and a bit of mystery, you will like this series.

If you are interested in working with us, please email us at theblendedblog@gmail.com
Have a great weekend
-TBBloggers

Somewhat recently I gave birth to my second child and found myself at home with a toddler and a newborn. Life has been crazy ever since. Being a new mom is hard, being a new mom to a second child is a whole different (read: challenging) ball game.

photo credit: Miller Ellis

Thankfully, I do have some pretty awesome friends and family members who helped us out early on. This help was a game-changer.

If you have a friend or family member that is having or has recently had a child (be it their first or their fifth) I'm going to offer you some advice so you can be helpful in a way they'll appreciate the most.

photo credit: Miller Ellis

1. Bring/send/make food. We all like to eat but no one likes to eat more than a mother who has just given birth. Seriously, a nursing mother is insatiable. Honestly though, nursing or not, having quick and easy food readily available is a godsend. For both babies I came home to a fully-stocked fridge and it made all of the difference in the weeks following. There were times I'm confident I wouldn't have eaten at all had I not had meals at the ready.
   When in doubt, bring food.
   **note: the fabulous Deena (a fellow Blended Blog contributor even sent dinner to my house one night even though she's thousands of miles away - how sweet/awesome is that?!)
2. Give them space but don't alienate. How do you do this? ASK to come visit but don't overstay. Trust me when I say the company is welcomed just not for too long. It's awkward to have to try and change and feed baby with a houseful of people during the early days. Your company is very much wanted and valued BUT mom, baby and family need time too.
3. Run errands. Do they need groceries? Toilet paper? Toothpaste? Seriously, ask parents how you can practically help and I'm sure they'll be able to come up with a list of things and be forever in your debt for your help. During the first few weeks it feels daunting, if not impossible, to leave the house (the more children, the more daunting). Having someone grab the necessities can be a real blessing.
4. Occupy older kids. If you know someone who has had a child after their first than you can certainly be helpful by pre-occupying their older child(ren). This is awesome for a number of reasons. You not only give mom a much-needed and deserved break but you make the older child feel special by giving them some one-on-one time.
5. Let her nap. Seriously, make her give you the baby so she can go nap. Tell her it's non-negotiable. If she's not tired, make her have a hot bath. I can pretty much guarantee, if she lays down, she will sleep.
6. Clean or occupy children while she cleans. She's feeling like her house is a mess but she has no time or energy to clean it. The best gift ever would be to clean or have her house cleaned. A solid runner-up would be to take care of the child(ren) so she can clean. Sound silly? I swear my friend came over the other day and as soon as she took the baby I made a mad-dash to the kitchen to put away dishes from the dishwasher.
7. Tell her she looks good. Most new moms are struggling with body image. We just birthed life and are left with a lot of residual damage. Tell her, honestly, that she looks good (you have to be genuine and mean it, or it won't work). Bonus points if you watch the child(ren) long enough for her to actually get a shower in, run a brush through her hair and put on some mascara.
8. Listen. If you listen, she will vent (said in the voice from Field of Deams). Seriously, a new mom has lots to talk/vent about from no sleep to the number of diapers she changes in a day to things totally unrelated to baby. If you give her an ear, she will fill it.
9. Bring wine. Enough said.
10. Take her out. This is HUGE!! Don't try and do it until she's ready, but when she is, get her out of the house without children. Take her out for coffee, for dinner or a drink. She needs the time out of the house, to get dressed up and feel like a person outside of her role as mom. If she has a partner, pre-arrange with him/her to be on baby-duty so you can surprise her with some time away.
    Bonus: offer to babysit while she and her partner go out. Even if it's just for a quick drink or appetizer, they'll both be better for it and you'll get some baby snuggles in - everyone wins!

Happy Fall Y'all!!  So excited to be here today sharing some fun fall cocktails with you all.  I enjoy my wine and during the fall, pumpkin ale is my big go-to!  At parties though I like to mix it up and indulge in a few cocktails.

This Thanksgiving,  I'll once again be hosting what we call Friendsgiving. So I thought it'd be fun to have some signature drinks on the menu to offer my  friends!  Two that I am going to share with you today are a pumpkin martini and some fall sangria.  These were both so simple and easy to put together.

So, confession time.... I got a little drunk this weekend! :)  I did lots of taste-testing...

Years ago my family went out for my sister's birthday, and while we waited for our table my mom tried the restaurant's Pumpkin Spice Martini.  Over the course of the evening I think she had three or four.  And by the end of the night, the bartender had written down the recipe on the back of a receipt. He probably wasn't supposed to do that, but he did! My mom still has it to this day.
So yummy!

Pumpkin Martini- makes one glass

2 oz. vanilla vodka (I used stoli)
1.5 oz Godiva White
.5 oz of Creme de Cocoa- white
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer (Both International Delight and Nestle have one this time of year!) The recipe didn't have any measurement on this, so I'd say to taste. (I went with a shot and a half!) It's a pumpkin martini after all!



Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake vigorously!  Strain into martini glass and enjoy!  The recipe called for the glass to be rimmed with brown sugar. That was hard....I made a second one and rimmed with cinnamon sugar!


Last week, a coworker friend of mine told me about a fall sangria she had while camping.  As she was describing it, I knew it'd be perfect for Friendsgiving.  My friends are into Fireball these days.  I have to be honest here...this one was totally trial and error using what my friend told me! There are a number of fall sangrias on sites like Pinterest but when  I couldn't find one exactly as she mentioned, I tried it anyway!  And guess what?!?  I think I nailed it! The longer you leave it the better, too!

Most sangrias have a wine base.  This one is apple cider, no wine! Which for someone like me who's never been good at mixing wine and liquor, works!

Since I didn't have any measurements I went with this shot glass.(the equivalent of 1.5 shots) because unlike the martini, I made a pitcher rather than a glass!

Fall Sangria
FireBall Cinnamon Whiskey
Caramel Vodka
Apple Cider (not juice)
4 or 5 of your favorite apples sliced (depending on the size of your pitcher)

• Cut up the apples and place them in the bottom of the pitcher
• Put the shots of vodka and fireball on top of them, letting it all soak in
• Pour in apple cider
• Stir Well
• Place in the refrigerator overnight

SHOP THE LOOK

Hi!  I am Lisa, and I blog over at Daily Style Finds - an online personal stylist and shopping site.

Today, I am taking over The Blended Blog to share some tips on how to update your fall wardrobe with some simple, budget-friendly pieces.   I know each fall when my style magazines come out - and all the new fall items hit the stores - I want to buy everything, but without an endless budget, I have to limit what I buy.  These four trends - fedora, poncho, scarf, burgundy color - can be added to existing wardrobe staples to make an existing look feel "new" and make you feel great and look super chic.  I know when I add something new - even something as simple as a new shade of lipstick - I feel prettier and more confident.
 

The look above I built from a few basic pieces - black denim, a white top (either turtleneck or tee or even a blouse), and black boots.  I incorporated faux leather jeans to show how to easily they can be styled (for any age) - but they can easily be swapped out for just black denim.  Also, you could switch the over the knee boots with short booties, tall boots (under the knee) or even flats.  And, if you don't like black jeans, you could wear a dark denim.  Also, if skinny jeans are not for you - flares would work great or even bootcut.

So, now, the four trendy "add on" items for fall, which you can add to your existing wardrobe....

A fedora is the hat to buy right now.  Back in my day, it was the baseball cap, and today the on trend option is the fedora. You do not need to spend a lot of money on one.  I have found some options for under $30 - some as low as $12.  If this is your first hat, I would stick to a neutral color - beige/tan, gray or black, because it is most versatile.  Depending on the colors in your wardrobe, you could try a burgundy one.

The new “go to” cover-up is a poncho.  Ponchos from the seventies are definitely back.  You can spend as much or little as you want.  I got this plaid poncho for $38 - and I love it!  You definitely do not need to spend a lot of money.

I thought this trend might fade - but it is still going strong and does not seem to be fading anytime soon.  These big blanket scarves you can wear loosely around your neck, or you can even belt them and wear them more like a poncho.  Scarves are a great layering piece for the fluctuating fall temps, and are a great budget friendly way to update an existing outfit.

I think burgundy is a rich beautiful color - that just says “fall”.  You can easily incorporate some burgundy into your existing wardrobe - through a new bag, shoes, boots, or even something as simple as lipstick.

Here are some other looks for fall and ways to incorporate wardrobe basics of black denim and boots.

#1: Black denim, neutral tunic sweater, black booties - here.
#2: Today's look.
#3: Cozy long cardigan, jeans,  and boots - here.
#4: Plaid shirt, quilted vest (or shaggy sweater), black denim, boots - here

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a great day!

1. Do you have any children? 
What parenting advice would you give to a someone having a new baby?
I have two beautiful and busy children whom I love with all my heart. Having recently had a baby (July 2015), my best advice is to talk to other moms. There is nothing else that will make you feel more normal and less crazy! It's invaluable!

2. Are you married? What marriage advice would you give to a couple getting married? What have you learned?
Yes, I'm married to a wonderful and very patient man (lucky for me). My best advice to a couple getting married: always remember why you fell in love and make time for you as a couple.  Once children enter the mix things can get 'tense' (for lack of a better word). Life gets busy and it's easy to get lost in the daily routine and the long lists of to-dos. The times when you have little time are the times it's most important to make 'couple time' even if that means just a few minutes of intentional conversation, a few stolen hugs or kisses, or some kind words for no reason other than to just be kind. Small things and time will make a huge difference in what can be a very challenging time in a relationship.

3. What inspired you to start blogging?
I started blogging because, after a year home with my daughter, I felt like I needed to spend some time on myself. I had come to rely on workout clothes as my entire wardrobe and I wasn't feeling my best. I wanted a place to document what I was feeling and how I attempted to get some sense of style back in my life.

4. What has been the biggest challenge with blogging? What has been the most rewarding outcome of blogging?
The biggest challenge with blogging is finding the time. I really do find it fun creating new posts and reading and commenting on other people's blogs; however, life usually gets in the way of me feeling on top of my ever-growing blog to-do list. The most rewarding outcome of blogging, without a doubt, it the friendships I have made. The Blended Blog is a great example of what I've gained from blogging. All of us ladies 'met' because we are all bloggers and somehow found each other. I've formed some very real and treasured friendships that I am so grateful for.

5. What is your favorite style season (fall, spring, summer, winter) and why?
FALL! I love fall in general and the fashion is no exception. To me fall means layering, cute boots, sweaters/jackets and scarves! So many options and ways to mix and match!! Now I'm excited for some shopping!

6. Do you like to dine-out or stay-in and cook dinner? And, what is your favorite meal or restaurant?
I really love dining out and cooking. There's nothing like a delicious meal created by someone else and no clean-up. Having said that, when I'm able to actually find the time to really cook a meal (not just whip something up quick) it's such a feeling a pride when you sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor (which are then usually thrown on the floor by your toddler lol).

7. What is your ideal date night?
ANYthing that involves a babysitter home with the children!!! Yes, my answers are biased by the fact that I'm currently home with my newborn and toddler. I love them both dearly but a date night, any date night, needs to be in my not so distant future!

If you are interested in working with us, please email us at theblendedblog@gmail.com
Have a great weekend
-TBBloggers

There is nothing that makes me happier than a cool fall day, a cozy sweater, football on TV...and the crockpot cooking up some deliciousness while I sip wine :) Can I get an "Amen?!"


In the past, crockpot meals have tended to involve dumping cans of soup and powdered mixtures in the pot, along with a protein and calling it a day. I think that can be the misconception with crockpot food--it's unhealthy. I recently hosted a 5 Day Clean Eating Crockpot Challenge on Facebook and showed 170 of my closest friends :) just how HEALTHY crockpot meals can be!

Today I am sharing with you the Top 3 faves from from the group! All of these recipes are healthy, "clean" (very few, if any processed ingredients) and most of all, DELISH!!!

Recipe 1: Fall Chili ~ This recipe was the highest rated recipe of the week. Everyone raved over the EASE of making it and a secret ingredient! (can you guess what it is??!) This chili turned many non-chili eaters into chili believers :) It's PACKED with veggies, protein and everything you need to get your comfort food fix!

3 cloves minced garlic

1 green pepper, diced

1 15 oz. can diced fire roasted tomatoes, low sodium

1 28oz can of low sodium crushed tomatoes

1 15 oz. can chili beans

1 15 oz. can kidney beans

1 15 oz. can black beans

1 cup frozen corn

1 15 oz. can puréed pumpkin (not pie filling)

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 tablespoon cumin

Salt to taste (don’t add salt until the very end...you may not even need any!)

Shredded cheese and scallions (optional)

1. In a large pan, brown ground turkey, breaking up meat as it cooks.
2. When the meat is cooked, place everything in crockpot and stir to combine.
3. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hrs.
4. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and scallions (optional).

Recipe 2: Crockpot Meat Sauce ~ Again another hit and SO EASY! This is my go-to dinner when I have company...there is never a drop left!! I buy Rao's or Gina Rispoli marinara sauce for this. Yes, it's a bit pricey but SO WORTH IT. I have also just used crushed tomatoes and that works well too.

1. In a large skillet, brown meat in 2 teaspoons olive oil. Transfer to crockpot.
2. Add in carrot, onion, garlic, celery tomatoes/marinara sauce to crockpot and stir to combine.
3. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 5-6 hours. Season with salt at the END of cooking, only if needed.
4. Serve over whole wheat pasta with mixed greens drizzled with a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Recipe 3: Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki ~ Do you know how EASY it is to make your own teriyaki sauce?? After this recipe you will!! Just make your sauce, throw it in with some chicken and 4 hours later you have a meal your whole family will love!

1. Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the garlic, onion, honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ginger, and black pepper until combined. Pour the mixture on top of the chicken breasts.
3. Cover slow cooker, and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork (do not overcook, the chicken will dry out)
4. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon to a separate bowl and shred it using two forks. Transfer the remaining teriyaki sauce from the slow cooker to a medium saucepan.
5. Meanwhile in a separate bowl, whisk together the cold water and cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved and no longer lumpy. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the teriyaki sauce mixture, and whisk to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, and let it boil for about 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat, and pour the sauce on top of the shredded chicken. Toss to combine.
6. Top with scallions and serve over brown rice.

I truly hope you will look at your crockpot as a vital tool in your kitchen for cooking up easy, healthy meals for your family! Bon Appétit! ~ XO

We have reached the final week of the Transition to Fall Blog Hop!
We hope you have enjoyed hopping from blog to blog getting great ideas on things to wear during this transition time and stretching your closet in the process!
 The first of our final three bloggers is Deena of Shoes to Shiraz. She will be showing us how to wear vests from summer to fall.  From there be sure to hop on over to Lana of Two Teens and Their Mama to see how she continues wearing her tanks and tees into the fall. And finally, to wrap us up, Casey from A Little Bit of Cheer will be talking about plaid dresses!

 If you missed any of the previous weeks you can catch them here:
  Week 1 Sheila - white jeans Shauncey - maxi dresses Katie - striped dress  
  Week 2 Alison - sleeveless dresses Leslie - lace top Sarah -booties  
  Week 3 Joy - typical autumn outfit Nicole - grey tee Christy- white dress  
  Week 4 Lisa - boots Karen- lace tank Carrie - shorts  
  Week 5 Deena - vests Lana - tanks/tees Casey - plaid dress  

 Be sure to pin this page so you can find it again! Thanks for following along!