Dear Bebe in my Belly,

Mommy wears bibs too… just a different kind… the more expensive kind… the better kind!

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Lauren

On the Ave Necklace,  House of Harlow Necklace,  Orange Lucite Necklace,  Teardrop Necklace,

Dear Credit Card company,

You may be seeing some new purchases on my card… no need to worry.  Just a slight obsession with the company Death & Texas and their yummy leather goods!  In fact, if you would like to extend my credit line that would fab! K… thanks!

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Lauren

striped weekender tote,  orange waxed clutch,  handbag with detachable strap,  braided belt,

Dear Tummy,

Now that the leaves are starting to turn and the nights are becoming crisp, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather fill you with except for homemade Corn Chowder.  Even though, I can’t remember where the recipe came from since it has been at least 10 years… more then likely Ina or Martha (my besties), I must share with everyone so their tummies can be filled with yummy goodness too!

Ingredients:
- 6 cups of fresh corn kernels (approximately 10 ears)
- 2 medium yellow onions (diced)
- 1.5 quarts of chicken stock
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 8 oz of white chedder cheese shredded
- 1 cup of half and half
- 1.5 pounds of potatoes (cut into 1″ cubes)
- 4 tbs. unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
- 2 tsp kosher salt

Get Cooking:
1.  Blanch the corn kernels in boiling water for 3 minutes… drain and set aside
2.  Melt butter in stock pot and saute onions until translucent… about 10 minutes
3.  Add flour, turmeric, pepper and salt to onions and cook 3 minutes
4.  Add chicken stock and potatoes, bring to a boil and simmer till potatoes are tender
5.  Add reserved corn, half and half and chedder cheese… cook 3 minutes
6.  Serve!

p.s.  this recipe freezes well!

corn photo credits

Dear Organizational Skills,

What do you think?  I’m open to open shelving but not sure I can do it.  Could I be completely neat in the kitchen cabinets… stack perfectly and line everything up just right 100% of the time?!  More importantly, could the hubby be relied upon to empty the dishwasher without a stacking discussion each and every night… hmmm… this will take some thought.

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Lauren

Figure 1,  Figure 2, Figure 3,  Figure 4,  Figure 5

Dear Slow as a Turtle,

When you want something “right away”… don’t you think you should respond “right away” as well?!  All this pressure on me and now you are being all tortoise like and slow as molasses.  Speed it up there, turtle… speed it up!

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Lauren

Ring,  Bangle Set,  Havana Glasses,  Necklace,  Earrings,

Dear Fall,

Hey… it’s me again… and you are proving to be a real inspirational as of late.  Now that you are here, I’m feeling the need for tweed… and now that I fell in love with this fab collarless jacket… I’m feeling the need for a new outfit.  Funny how that works?!

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Lauren

Collarless Tweed Jacket,  Kelly Wearstler Brass Ring,  Michael Kors Clutch,  Cashmere Turtleneck,  Jeans, Wedge Booties

Dear Fall,

Since you are officially here… I can “officially” wear my riding boots with out feeling ashamed.  Sure… I started wearing them September 1st with everything from skirts to jeans, but was feeling a little bashful about my “ready for Fall” statement.  So get ready… ’cause these boots are about ready to get some major mileage.

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Lauren

Girl in skirt and boots,  Boots with socks and tights,  Dress with scarf and boots,  Striped shirt and boots,  Boots in grass,  Black dress and boots

Dear Fashion World,

Thanks for throwing this pregnant girl a bone and making CAPES super chic this fall!  Not only do I not have to buy a pregnancy jacket for the cool weather, but I can practice get everything done at the speed of light.

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Lauren

Toggle Suede Cape,  Bird Cape,  Cherry Ruffled Sleeve Cape, Sweatshirt Cape,  Green Cape,  Leather Trimmed Cape,

Dear TMJ,

You really are unfair.  Because of you, I will never be able to indulge in a sweet juicy gumball without suffering from lock jaw.  Now, besides you, I have also been diagnosed with a severe case of gumball envy… and their is no prescription for that.

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Lauren

scarf,   ring,  bib necklace,  dotted graphic,  dotted wall,  tote bag 

Dear Ikea,

I don’t know where I’ve been, but if it wasn’t for Will over at Bright.Bazaar, I wouldn’t have known about your inspiration site IKEA lives.  Seems you have been posting these fabulous rooms inspired by your furnishings and goods and I have been missing out.  Now, if only you could not leave the one screw out of the box that I need… you might just be perfect.

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Lauren