Fashion Friday 9/30

Yay for the first ever Fashion Friday! In these postings, I am not thinking about prices...as is evident in the cost of that cardigan. This is just plain ole fun!

Kissed By A Rose by akahl85 featuring sparkly shoes

Dorothy Perkins striped dress
£25 - dorothyperkins.com

Lucien Pellat Finet long cardigan
$705 - stylebop.com

Monsoon sparkly shoes
£20 - monsoon.co.uk

Red satin handbag
£15 - desireclothing.co.uk

Irene Neuwirth yellow gold earrings
$21,320 - ylang23.com

Hair accessory
$1.97 - tillys.com

''Enchanted Rose'' Beauty and the Beast Necklace by Disney Couture |...
$60 - disneystore.com

I really would love those shoes, that bag, those clips and most of all that necklace! Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite movies. That necklace would make my day!

So what'd you think? Is there anything in this outfit that you'd wear? Is there an item or two you'd actually buy?

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

What's Going On With My Body? Part 2

Before you read this post, you might want to check out Tuesday's post for part 1.

As I left off on Tuesday, I promised to update you on our future plans.

Currently, we're making plans to get physicals and lady/gentlemen exams done.

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I have an appointment for Nov. 1 (the first one available sadly and that's only because of a cancelation) for a physical/OBGYN exam. At least a week prior to that appointment, I have to go in to get some tests ran pertaining to my thyroid, among other things. Hopefully, that will be all it takes to get some answers. Hopefully they'll be able to say that I'm relatively healthy (my weight has always been an issue, but I am currently working on that aspect) and that I have no fallopian tube blockage. I have a sneaky suspicion that I am not ovulating. I'm hoping they might be able to tell me why my cycle isn't regular, why I'm not ovulating, but still getting my period most months (if they determine I'm not ovulating) and why we're not conceiving.

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If something is wrong with my insides, then we'll have to deal with that when it comes. I was telling my mom on Sunday how nervous I am about them finding something wrong with me. She basically told me that worrying about it and getting upset about it before it even happens is a waste of time and energy. We have to pray for patience, for an accepting spirit, and for a positive attitude. I'm not as nervous right now as I am hopeful. I'm hopeful we'll finally get some answers. I'm praying for no more heartache, but if we get bad news, we'll deal with it.

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As for the hubs, we're looking into getting his swimmers tested as well as he getting a physical. If the "problem" lies with him, then I guess we'll have to see where our options lie. I know he's a bit worried about it being his "fault," but I'm trying to talk him out of that mindset. He has a past involving drugs. According to him, if you smoke pot with the seeds in it, you're more likely to have fertility issues later in life. I have no idea about any of that. I've never done drugs. Regardless, I still don't consider it his fault if the issue does lie with him. As I asked him last night, "If the problem doesn't lie with you, then is it MY fault?" He said, "No of course not!" I said, "Then it can't be your fault either. It isn't about fault."

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"Sing, O barren one, who did not bear;

break forth into singing and cry aloud,

you who have not been in labor!

For the children of the desolate one will be more

than the children of her who is married," says the LORD. 

For a brief moment I deserted you,

   but with great compassion I will gather you."

--Isaiah 54:1,7--

Any advice you'd like to bestow? Any personal experiences you'd like to share? Please leave all positive and encouraging words in the comments below!

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

Pinterest Wordless Wednesday 9/28

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If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

What's Going on With My Body? Part 1

For those of you who have been reading Angela's Favorite Things for the last few months, you know that the hubs and I are having issues TTC (trying to conceive.) You can catch up with our journey here.

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Back in July, we thought our wait was over. It turns out, my cycle was just being wonky. It got to be so far into my cycle without getting my period that I was convinced I was pregnant. I even had some of the signs. No I didn't wish so hard that my body felt like it was pregnant. I actually didn't consider that I might be pregnant UNTIL the signs of pregnancy showed up and stuck around. I didn't get my period until day 54 of my cycle. Since September of 2010, my typical cycle was 31-34 days long. After a blood test confirming my worst fear of not being pregnant, there was still a good week or two weeks before I actually bled. It hurt (emotionally), but at least I finally had closure for that cycle. I was optimistic that we got a chance to start over. A brand new cycle. A brand new chance to conceive.

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Day one of the new cycle was July 15. I'm STILL experiencing that cycle, and I don't know why. I have not had my period since July 15 and the 3-4 days after that. I don't know why. I don't understand it. I've taken two different tests, from two different brands, at two different times. According to those tests, I am not pregnant.

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I've had several times since July that I felt like I was going to start my period. I'd get cramps one day and expect to wake up the next morning and have my "monthly" visitor. No dice. I'm not sure what's causing my "delay." I'm not sure why we aren't conceiving. I'm not sure if anything is wrong with my plumbing...or with the hub's swimmers...but we're going to find out.

Stay tuned and check back Thursday to read about our future plans!

Any advice? Leave it below, please! Oh and as always, your prayers and positive thoughts are so greatly appreciated!

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

Meal Plan Monday Sept 26

There will be no new meal plan this week. Due to circumstances last week, we did not use the meal plan last week, so we will be using it this week. Sorry for the inconvenience! Happy Monday! Have a great week!

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

Friday Freebie--Give Thanks/Coupon

The past several weeks, Friday Freebies have been free Bella Parola prints that I've made. I know some of you have downloaded them. One or two of you actually thanked me and told me you downloaded them. (Thanks for that!) I just don't think it's worth my time to make a BP FF anymore. It takes me time to make it, upload it, write the post, etc. and it seems like no one is really all that into it anyway. Please note that I am not complaining or feeling sorry for myself. If you guys aren't into it, you aren't into it. Anyway, I'm thinking I will probably change Friday Freebie to Fashion Friday for the time being. Each Friday I will post a new Polyvore outfit for funsies. :-) Almost every lady likes drooling over pretty clothes, jewelry, or handbags...even if we can't wear/afford them!

Or maybe I'll change it to Fact: It's Friday as soon over at Becky's blog.

Or maybe I'll do a mixture of both. Who knows??? Guess we'll find out NEXT Friday. I know. I know. The anticipation is KILLING you. Tough cookies. :-P

Here's your last Friday Freebie. It was originally scheduled to be used in November, buuuut...well...you know.

Please click the link below for a high resolution download.

Please click here to access the downloadable freebie!

Leave a comment if you download this image, please! Oh and read over the terms of use below, so you don't get in trouble! ;-)

Copyright Angela Bailey 2011

TERMS OF USE

You May NOT:
1. Redistribute the digital file for sale.
2. Claim this as your own work.
3. Sell creations made with this work including but not limited to framing this print and reselling, matting this print and reselling, using this print in website layouts, etc.
4. Alter the digital file in any way, including removing my digital signature.

You May:
1. Print for your own personal use in decorating.
2. Print and frame as a gift.

Also, as a bonus for this being the last, pre-determined Friday Freebie, feel free to download and use the 25% off coupon for any one item from Bella Parola. (Please?)

Have a spectacular weekend!

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

What Are You Into Right Now? Polyvore Part 2

(Be sure to check out Part 1 of this series from Tuesday!)

As I stated in my post on Tuesday, Polyvore.com is a spectacular site used to create fashion, art, home decor, etc. boards. I have only used it to create some clothing ensembles...that I will probably never buy/wear...but it's SO MUCH FUN! Here is my first Polyvore creation ever!

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For my first creation, I challenged myself to crate an outfit that I would actually wear...from a store that I would actually go to...with prices that I would actually pay. "Autumn Green" was created using only items from Old Navy. If you click on the "Autumn Green" text, it will take you to the style board and show you prices of each item used.

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My second creation had no bounds nor limits. I simply found items that are visually appealing to me as well as theme-related. I wanted an old-school vintage look while also mixing some patterns, glitz, and textures in. "Vintage Teal" has items ranging from $19 to $725. Can you guess which item is $725 without looking?

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My latest creation (as of Monday around 4pm, since I'm pre-dating this post) is 100% an outfit that I would wear if I had the body for it. Currently...and throughout most of my life...I am sporting belly pudge that does not allow me to wear form-fitting sweaters without creating a tire or muffin top affect. I refuse to be that girl who doesn't dress for her body type...oh and THAT sweater is $430...so all that being said, I have to pass on this outfit in reality. The best part about Polyvore is that a girl can dream! ;-) '"Bow"dacious Glam' combines my love of purple with my current love affair...gray. Oh and I love patterned/colored tights! The funny thing about this outfit is that the shoes are the cheapest item in on this board! Hmmm...I'm thinking I may need to visit Wet Seal and scoop them up!


So what'd you think of my outfits? Are we style buddies or are we completely different? Have you given Polyvore a go yet? Care to follow me on Polyvore? Let me know, and I'll follow you back! I love seeing what people come up with!

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

Pinterest Wordless Wednesday 9/21

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If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

What Are You Into Right Now? Polyvore

Anyone who pins, has probably seen several people post/repost images of nicely organized, colorful, clothing collages. I noticed a lot of outfits being reposted over and over and over again. At first, I was a bit confused, though. How does one find such beautiful design boards already laid out for them? Did someone originally pay a designer to make them a board for their fashionista needs? Did that someone decide to share their specific design board with the Pinterest world? Why in the world would someone pay someone else to do this for them??

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It was then that I put my curiosity to rest. I clicked on the back link associated with all of those nifty boards. The link took me to Polyvore.com. Polyvore is an amazing tool used to create fashion, home decor, art, etc. style boards. Best of all? It's free! You just have to sign up and you can start creating! I was actually amazed at how easy it is to use. You can search by item, store, color, etc. You can be specific or vague. You can undo, redo, adjust size, add words, graphics, frames, etc., use a template, rotate the image, remove backgrounds, and on and on and on.

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I'm still working on some of my creations, so the images I'm sharing with you today are other peoples' brain children. Check in on Thursday and you can see some of the creations I've made!

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Have you ever used Polyvore? What did you think? Care to share the link to your creations?

What are YOU into right now?

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!

Meal Plan Monday 9/19

It's Monday again! Back to the beginning of the work week! Did you have a great weekend? 


Here's the meal plan for the week! It's a Google Document Spreadsheet. You can download it/save it to your computer and edit it to your heart's content! (Please do not post this on your blog, website, etc. without giving me credit, though. It takes time and effort planning/making these!) I'm super excited about two of these meals that I've never made before!

Recipes To Share

1. Momma Mia Stuffed Shells (AFT Original!)

2. Corn and Chicken Chowder

3. Crock Pot Italian Chicken

4. Crock Pot Hearty Potato Soup

New Recipe Reviews From Last Week

1. One Pot, Stove Top, Creamy Mac and Cheese

Please excuse the cell phone pic.

Hub's Rating

My Rating

Review: I felt like it was lacking flavor. I added some cayenne paper to it, but it still didn't make it overly interesting. It was easy to make, though kind of high maintenance since I couldn't really walk away from the stove. (Didn't want it to burn, clump, or the milk to curdle.) The end result just wasn't worth all of the work in my opinion. I also wouldn't recommend this as a meal. The hubs and I decided it would be a pretty good side dish though. It just wasn't as satisfying as an entree should be. If we added bacon crumbles and/or toasted breadcrumbs, it might have been a bit more satisfying.

2. Crock Pot Creamy Southwest Chicken Soup: 

Please excuse the cell pic...again.

Hub's Rating

My Rating

Review: We LOVED this soup! Not only was it SUPER easy to make (it took me less than 10 minutes to put it all in the crockpot, turn it on and go) but it was super delicious! The only thing I would recommend is that if you want some for the next day or to freeze OR you have more than 2-3 people in your house, double the recipe. It made enough for us for dinner and then a little left for me to have the next day, but this recipe did not make an over abundance of soup. The taste, though, was to die for, and it was hearty, satisfying, and filling! This is sure to be a Bailey Family Favorite!

Did you try any of the recipes from last week? What did you think? How did the meal plan work out for you, if you used it? I hope you have a yummy week! 

If you could take 2 seconds and give this a click, it would mean so much to me! Thank you!!