Happy Weekend everyone. I know I couldn’t be happier that it is here. I am excited to spend time with Kev and meet up with a college friend to talk about her wedding invites that I am making for her (love making wedding invitations for people!!!!)

I feel very grateful for a lot of things this week and I would like to share. I think its always good to focus on those things right?
1. Kev and how proud I am of him as he works on all his goals he made for himself for 2010. He is very inspiring!

2. My church and the friendships that we have and are making there. I am beyond blessed every week by the generosity, love and genuineness that I see in them.

3. Where I am in my life. I am starting to realize just how much I love where I am. I know its always easy to focus on the past and look to the future but what about right now? I love our life and I don’t want to miss out on it because I am focusing on other times. I think 27 has been and is going to be my best year yet!

4. This blog, my readers and other bloggers. I have had daily reminders this week about just how much I love blogging and how much I love you guys. I am so excited to meet a bunch of you coming up in the next couple weeks and I am so thankful for the friendships that I have already made thru this blog.

I hope you all can feel grateful for things in your life as well. Even is they are small- they make you realize that it isn’t all bad out there.

Now if it would just get warm again- I would def. be grateful for that! I couldn’t believe that it was 4 out today. Yikes! I thought I could see the end to this winter tunnel but I guess we have a few more weeks to deal with. All I can think about today is that we leave for Hawaii in 16 days. ahhh I can not wait. I leave you this weekend with some pretty pictures of our old home that we are so excited to return to!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4313818461/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4314554458/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4313818569/

Can you believe that January is almost over? Crazy. I feel like it was just New Years. How is everyone doing with their 2010 goals? Still sticking with them? Things have been going good for us. We are def. trying the hardest on the one about not being overly stressed. Its been helping a lot with keeping our priorities straight but it is def. hard because we are always busy.

So I know a lot of you have this sweater from H&M- if you do, don’t you just love it? It is like the softest most cuddly thing I own. Every time I put it on its like the best feeling. This outfit is a pretty simple one, but I am enjoying wearing it. I have had this skirt from american eagle for about 8 years. haha! I don’t wear it that often but I just can’t bring myself to get rid of it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4311438354/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4310696525/
Sweater: H&M
Leopard Blouse: Forever 21
Skirt: American Eagle
Love Birds Necklace: My Valentines gift last year from Kev. Its from Figs&Ginger.

So I wasn’t sure what kind of outfit I wanted to put together today and then I saw one of my students in the hall and she looked so cute! She was wearing a denim smock sort of shirt with a headband and leggings. Now there were def. things I would change (I would not wear leggings as pants for one. hehe) but she totally inspired me. As I started to put the outfit together all I could think about was wearing this around the house on a relaxed day at home. Maybe a little cleaning, or running errands or cooking dinner while Kev and me at some appetizers, drinking some wine talking about our days. Now, you don’t have to be a housewife to wear it obviously, but that’s just the name that came to mind. I just remember seeing pictures of women wearing a bandana tied in their pulled up hair with a mens shirt on, doing things around the home. Is that a 80’s, 90’s image I don’t remember? I love this outfit and I think I might need to go out to forever 21 and get this shirt! I have leopard flats and skinny black jeans already. Maybe I see an I’d Wear That to real life Style File approaching…

Shirt: Forever 21 $19.90
Jeans: Pac Sun $24.50
Flats: Steven $100
Headband: Forever 21 $1.50
Necklace: Forever 21 $7.80

I have loved this dress from modcloth since the summer time!! I love the lace collar and the polka dot pattern- it’s very girly and cute. It was named after the beautiful Keiko Lynn when she was Modcloth’s Blogger of the Moment. When I got it in the mail I was so so excited and couldn’t wait to style it up. I have seen lots of girls out there rock the socks and shoes thing lately and it is always so adorable. I have been waiting for the right outfit to try it out with and I thought this dress was perfect for it. I really liked how it all came out. Since it is winter (although its been like 50) I wore it with a long navy boyfriend cardigan, which I had forgotten I had and is now totally brought back into my rotations. The dress is so comfy its like you are wearing your pajamas. I added a little maroon belt at the waist to tie in the color of my shoes and also wore a little anchor necklace that my lovely friend gave me for Christmas.

I think my goal is to own as many beautiful dresses as possible. haha! I love wearing dresses more than anything else. I have a wishlist of like 20 dresses right now over at Modcloth!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4307722487/
Keiko Lynn Dress: Courtesy of Modcloth
Cardigan: Gap (Hand me up from my sis)
Socks: Target
Peep Toe Wedges: Plato’s Closet
Necklace: Gift from Laura!

So I have to say, I think this is one of my favorite outfits I have ever worn!! I just think its so darn cute. I love this blouse to death- its the best bubble gum pink color with this awesome bow at the front. It was another goodie in my package I received on Sunday.

Today I am having another teacher come visit to see how I do things at school. It’s always a little nerve racking having someone watch you all day.

So you know what else I just realized!!! LOST starts next tuesday- ONE WEEK!!! I am so so excited I can not wait. Oh man I love that show!!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4304982311/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4305723930/
Pink Blouse: Courtesy of Haberdash Vintage
Denim Vest: Hand-me-up from my sister (silver Jeans)
Leather Skirt: H&M
Tights: H&M
Pointed Flats: Dollhouse

Kev will be popping in and guest blogging about photography over the next little while. Today he starts with talking about equipment…

Photography Q&A Part 1: Intro & Equipment

Hi There! I’m Kev and I’ve been blessed with the task of taking daily photos of Jen in her outfits, the food she cooks, the crafts she makes, and anything else that she may want documented. How lucky am I? Seriously though, I really do love helping her and I hope to be able to help out a few of you while I’m at it.

When Jen originally asked me to write a guest post to field some photography related questions, I immediately started thinking about all of the different topics I would need to cover. The more I thought about it, the more complicated and in-depth these topics became. This led me to conclude that the most efficient way for me to cover everything would be to break it up into a series of articles.

As I reviewed the topics I wanted to cover with Jen, she reminded me to keep it simple and basic. So, in order to make sure I’m being as relevant as possible, I’ll start with the basics. If it’s too basic, I apologize, but I promise that I’ll cover more advanced topics as the series goes on…

Click the CONTINUE READING below to read the rest of the article!

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So I am def. not a football fan, but all the “big game” commercials lately totally influenced my dinner choice last night. I saw a commercial with people eating nachos and decided yep! that’s what we are having for dinner.

I just made some vegetarian chili and then let the layering begin! Mmmm I love nachos!!

Vegetarian Chili
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp Olive oil
1/2 Medium Onion chopped
2 Bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp Cumin
2 tbsp dried Oregano
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp pepper
2 Bell pepper, chopped (I like yellow and orange)
2 Jalapeno Peppers, chopped
3 (15 oz.) cans of whole tomatoes (cut up with kitchen scissors- I like it a little more chunky then diced cans) 1 can needs to be drained of liquid so its not to soupy.
1 Small can of tomato paste
1 tbsp pepper
1/4 cup of chili powder
1 (15oz) can kidney beans
1 (15oz.) can garbanzo beans
1 (15oz.) can black beans
Frozen corn
Cilantro
avocado slices
Corn Chips
Shredded Cheese

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, and season with bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and salt. Cook and stir until onion is tender, then mix in the bell peppers, jalapeno peppers and garlic.

2. Mix the tomatoes and paste into the pot. Season chili with chili powder and pepper. Stir in the kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 25 minutes. Stir in the corn, and continue cooking 5 minutes. Right before serving stir in handful and chopped cilantro.

3. Take a shallow bowl. Lay some chips down. Place a layer of chili on top. Top with some cheese. Repeat. Top with avocado slices.

So over the weekend we went down to NYC with some friends for the day to go see the Tim Burton Exhibit at the MoMA. It was packed and it was hard to see everything (there is a lot a lot of stuff) but it was AMAZING!!! I want to go a hundred more times. Hopefully during the week when its less busy. All the drawings were awesome! You get to see such great character development from all the drawings and then how those translate into his movies. I would have loved to spend many more hours than we did in museum but I hope to be back soon (Ms. Orchid Grey I am talking to you!). It was nice to get to spend so much time hanging out with our friends Mike and Erin. We had a killer session of Space Mad Libs on the train ride home!! I love Mad Libs!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4303607717/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4304352014/

I am excited to announce that Lauren from Failed Muffins is the Roll&Tumble Press Giveaway Winner! Congrats Lauren- enjoy your poster!!! (Lauren was randomly picked using random.org)

Also last week Maria from Layers of Meaning featured me in her weekly I Love your Style feature. It was an honor to be pick! On Thursday, she showcased some of my own style files and then Friday, I shared with her some of my must haves for spring. You can check out both posts HERE!!

Sorry for the late start today. I can usually get posts up pretty early in the morning but today is not a regular school day. Its a professional development day. Blah! They are the worst. We have been in meetings all morning and finally now have a little break.

How do you feel about wearing white in winter? Do you do it a lot? I don’t, but there is something that is so striking to me between the contrast of wearing something bright white and pairing it with black tights. I think I love it a lot! Do you like my new necklace? I sure do!! The amazing punky sent me a little bag of goodies from Haberdash Vintage and this necklace was one of the treats I pulled out!! I based my whole outfit off of it! What do you think?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4302898047/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4302898333/
Structured Blazer: Thrifted
Striped Shirt: Target
White Eyelet Skirt: Hand-me-down
Tights: JC Penny
Necklace: Courtesy of Haberdash Vintage
Flats: Dollhouse

THESE WILL BE THE LAST TUNNEL SCARVES OF THE SEASON!!!

I have put some more tunnel scarfs in my etsy shop. I have gray, magenta and some more oatmeal ones. I have also added custom color ones. So if there is a particular color you want to order- buy one and then in the comment section please specify which color you would like it to come in. I will make it in as close to the color you described as I can find.

These will be the last ones that I make until next winter. Tunnel scarfs are great though all through out the year. Even on cool nights in spring I wear mine. Its so comfy!!

Check out the Shop!

One of my easy default outfits I throw on when I am running late to school is usually a pair of skinny jeans, a white shirt and a blazer. I have collected quite a few awesome blazers over the last year, they are always the first thing I look for when I head into a thrift store. I love wearing them with jeans for a laid back chic kinda look. This one is one of my favorites- it has rolled up sleeves with leopard print cuffs. Its super soft and very light weight.
What is your running late default outfit?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246248042/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246247620/
Blazer: TJ Maxx $20
White Blouse Tunic: H&M
Jeans: TJ Max $20
Flats: Steve Madden $40
Necklace: Charlotte Russe
Studded Bracelet: Charlotte Russe

Hey! So have you check out the etsy site of my sponsor Roll & Tumble Press yet? Well they are amazing and they want to share some of their amazingness with YOU!!!

They would like to give away the You Are Here Hand-Printed Letterpress Poster to one of you lucky readers. It is one of my favorites from their site (although I have like 20). This would be a fabulous valentines gift for someone, don’t you think?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4268803423/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4290917462/
Anyways, all you have to do is go and check out their etsy shop and leave a comment below. You have from now until Sunday evening to enter. The winner will be randomly chosen and announced Monday morning (1/25)!!!

So I will say I am not in love with these pictures. I debated posting them. I mean the pictures are awesome of course. Kev always does a great job but I just dont like myself in them. The sun is making my black tights look brown and I feel like I look stumpy or something. Oh well. I liked the outfit a lot when I was wearing it.

Anyways this is an outfit I wore over the weekend for something. As I have said before I have a huge soft spot in my heart for thrifted ridiculous blouses!!. I love their crazy patterns, their puffy sleeves and their ruffled necklines.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4288907445/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4288906939/
Blouse: Goodwill
Shorts: Forever 21
Belt: NY&Co.
Tights: H&M
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Wedges

Stay tuned for an awesome giveway later today!!!

Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Soup with White Beans and Swiss Chard

Sorry not to get this posted yesterday, but here it is- Better late than never I hope. This will be the last recipe that I post from this months Vegetarian Times Magazine. I can’t wait till next month! I love winter soups. I am always looking for a new recipe. This soup has such a wonderful taste- it warms your heart!

Ingredients:
2 tbsp Olive Oil
3 cloves of garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 medium carrot, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 small zucchini, sliced
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
2 cups Veggie Broth
2 15oz. cans diced tomatoes
1 15oz. can small white beans
1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped, plus 2 Tbsp. oil from jar
1/2 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
1 cup torn fresh basil

1. Heat oil in pan, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 min. Stir in Carrots, onions, celery, zucchini and rosemary. Cook 10 mins.
2. Add broth, 1 can tomatoes and beans. Scoop 1 cup of mixture into a food processor or blender. Add remaining can of tomatoes and sundried tomatoes, plus oil to processor and puree until smooth. Stir mixture back into soup.
3. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Simmer 10 mins.
4. Add Swiss chard and thyme. Simmer 5 more mins. Remove from heat and stir in basil.

Voila!

I just want to say sorry for my bad commenting lately. We have the worst wifi at home. It took me 4 hours yesterday to upload 3 photos. Ugh! I don’t really have the patience to deal with waiting 15 mins for pages to open. Plus the internet at school has been blocking everyones blogs lately, so I havent been able to leave comments during my lunch and down time like I usually do. So I apoligize. Just know that I appreciate everyones comments and I do look forward to checking out everyones blogs. You guys really are the best!

ok now on to other things!! Kev and me have been planning a vacation for Feburary or April during one of my school vacations but couldnt decide where to go. I really wanted to go back to Paris again. I have been forunate enough to go 3 times but Kev has never been to europe and its something I really want to share with him. I love love love it there. Anyways after thinking about it a lot, we decided what we really needed was a vacation that would be just that- relaxing, no stress, time away with each other. So we put Paris on the back burner for now and just booked our tickets for HAWAII!!!! Yippie!! I am so excited. We have not been back together since we moved. We picked going back to Hawaii because we know how to get around, we know what things we like, its warm and beautiful, we have such wonderful memories there together and we get to see our dear dear friends!! Its going to be the perfect vacation! We leave in 4 weeks and I couldn’t be more excited!

So I am thinking I need to cut my bangs. After looking at my pictures from today and yesterday I am noticing that you can hardly see my face. Time to cut them I think (don’t worry kev- just a little little trim), I always cut them myself. I know any hair dresser would cringe at how bad a job I do but you know what- I like them better when I do them myself than any time I have gotten them done.

I love this cardigan I am wearing today. Its the brightest in your face orange color. It also has this great flower detail on the shoulder. I paired it with a light blue oxford button up (complementary colors anyone?) and an animal print belt.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4286483564/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4286483322/
Cardigan: NY&Co.
Blue Oxford: Thrifted (Lands End)
Belt: Thrifted
Denim Skirt: Old Navy
Tights:Walmart
Studded Ankle Boots: Forever 21

Last Nights Dinner will be up around 4pm. I didnt get a chance to upload the picture before I came to school today.

So the very lovely Erica at sheknows.com wrote a wonderful article where she asked 7 bloggers to predict fashion trends for 2010. I was lucky enough to asked to participate and it is such an honor to be among the 6 other fabulous bloggers that are up there. Everyone has such a great predictions! I highly recommend you jump over and check out the article.
You can read it here.

On Saurday night we had a big family dinner at my parents house with kev, me, my sister, her friend, my parents and kev’s parents. It was really nice to all be together. Since Kev and me meet at college there was a good chance that our families would have lived far apart, but we lucked out because they only live like 20 mins away from each other.

I have had this tweed blazer for a couple years now. I just love it! It is super warm and I love that it has elbow pads. Everyone was calling me professor on Sat. haha I guess it is very educational looking. Fitting though I guess.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4285560316/




http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4284816027/
Blazer: Salvation Army
Short: Old Navy $5.99
Pink Lace Shirt: Forever 21
Brown Tights: Walmart $4
Flats: Hand-me-ups from my sister

We went home to my parents this weekend to visit with my sister and her friend Jordan who were in town from Baltimore. It was a very nice weekend, the weather was absolutely beautiful!! I could so handle winter a lot better if it was like that all winter. Bright blue sky, snow on the ground and around 40 degrees. On Saturday morning we all went for a hike up Wachusett Mt. it was such a nice hike and again the weather was just wonderful. Kev and me hadn’t bought home any boots or anything so we borrowed some stuff from my parents. My mom had these awesome EMS hiking boots, which I think I now need to own a pair of my own. They were so great. Kev on the other hand wore my dads boots which were like 3 sizes to big for him. He had a little harder time climbing up the mt. on snow and ice then the rest of us. haha

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4284781805/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4284780159/
Are you enjoying this warmer winter weather?

Ok, ok, so this was suppose to be posted on Monday and its now Friday. I am guessing I am a little behind but here is the conclusion to the Q&A session. These are all questions asked about the blog and my artwork.

One of my paintings from 2 years ago

1. How do I have time to do everything, are there more hours in my day than others?
haha. I wish there was more hours in my day. I will say I am a very busy person. With working full time, trying to have an etsy shop, blogging (which takes as much time as another full time job), artwork and family, and life, I don’t have a lot of down time. Sometimes it does honestly get too much, but for the most part I wouldn’t want it any other way. On days when I have nothing to do- I get so bored so fast. Like when I stayed home from work last Wednesday, by 2pm I was going crazy. I try to just plan stuff out so it never gets overwhelming.

2. Did my parents always want us (me and my sisters) do things or were they ok with us doing whatever (watching tv, etc…)?
Hmm another good question. We grew up in Canada with a pretty big yard and lots of woods around us. I never remember my mom saying “You cant watch tv” but I think we just always chose to go outside or play, or make things. My parents are both very creative. My mom always had a giant craft room, that she very kindly shared with us (although she might disagree, we ruined so much stuff), but we always felt we could go down there and create really anything. We had drill presses, sanders, band saws, fabric, wood, paints and gadgets glory. It was like a magical craft world in our basement growing up. My dad having 3 girls always had fun activities for us outside to do with him. We all had bows n’ arrows we would play with, we would go for hikes and the old dumping grounds in the woods and dig for treasures. I think we grew up with the mentality that there was so much better stuff out there to fill our time with than tv. At least thats how I remember it. I will have to ask my mom.

Click the “Continue Reading” Below to read rest of questions…

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Hi Friends! My etsy shop is now updated with all the new stuff that I have been making. I hope you will go and check it out!

Here are a few of the things that you will find in there…

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4274064532/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4274067152/
Go see for yourself: HERE

Wow- we are 2 weeks into the new year. That is just crazy! I am already counting down the school days till feburary vacation. haha is that bad? (by the way its 18 school days)

I love this bright turquoise blouse I got at the goodwill. Its got this awesome ruffle collar! Old blouses are seriously the best thing!!!

How is everyones week going? I have not been doing a very good job this week with staying non stressed (goal for 2010) but I am working on it. Its been a good week for the most part though. I have just been getting to bed way later than I have hoped. We started clay this week in one of my classes, which is always a fun part of the class. I just have lots of battles with the kiln during these months. Its always so upsetting when the kiln doesnt fire right and I ruin everyones projects. DOH!

I am the faculty advisor for a lot of clubs at school and this week has been busy with that stuff. Prom meetings have started which are fun but very busy, also I am the Helping Hands advisor so we are coming up with all these raffles to raise money for the red cross to send to Haiti. Although it’s a lot of work, its a lot of fun seeing the kids get involed and wanting to make a difference.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4274206850/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4273464837/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4270167601/

Blouse: Goodwill $1.99
Jumper: Forever 21 (clearance rack)
Tights: Target $6
Over the Knee Socks: Target $6
Boots: Chinese Laundy $70

REMEMBER ETSY SHOP UPDATE TODAY!!! I’ll Let you know what its all set!

So it has been FREEZING OUT!! I have def. been wearing my moto jacket A LOT lately as a double jacket/cardigan as I mentioned last week in a post. My other staple for these colds days are one of my tunnel scarfs. I wake up and put one on and don’t take it off again till I go to bed. They have become a security blanket of sorts. I love the comfort and warmth they supply. I am totally in love. Its like a giant hug all day long- haha ok maybe that is an exaggeration or sorts but it is very cuddly feeling.

I will be having an etsy shop update tomorrow with some new tunnel scarfs for sale!! You could have your own day long hug if you would like! hehe!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4270165449/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4270164049/
This is definitely one of my favorite dresses. Its so cute and comfy and well I really love the color red. I have worn it a few times before http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/3865787196/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/3502190218/ remember?

Red Dress: Banana Republic $40
Moto Jacket: Forever 21
Tights: Target $6
Boots: Chinese Laundry $70
Tunnel Scarf: A jenloveskev Creation (some for sale tomorrow in my etsy shop)

So I received an email from Chelsea last week asking if I could create an I’d Wear That for her. Her email said “I am hosting a baby shower on Feb 6th, very french garden, very tea, very sweet kinda baby shower (light blue, light yellow, gold, with a bird theme). She wanted to wear a dress and wanted to keep it on a budget because of course hosting a baby shower can be quite expensive. It sounds like such a lovely baby shower- I hope she will share some pictures with me when it is over! Anyways, here the outfit I put together for her. I didn’t want the outfit to be to matchy matchy with the color scheme but at least make it obvious that she was the host.

Isn’t this dress just darling? I love it. I think it is so sweet with the one shoulder detail and ruffles. What are your thoughts, do think it is a good outfit for this Garden tea party baby shower?

Dress: Ruche $38.99
Nude Lace Tights: Urban Outfitters $14.00
Shoes: DSW $39.95
Hair Clips: Forever 21 $1.50
Bracelet: Forever 21 $5.80

So with the new year also came sponsors! I am more than excited to welcome the 2 new sponsors of jenloveskev: Roll and Tumble Press and Modcloth. I am extremely proud to be working with both these companies!

Roll and Tumble Press was started by a charming painter turned letterpress printer + Art school dropout turned tattoo artist who bonded over a love of music, quirky collections and dusty junk shops. One, big, drafty house, three rescue dogs, and a chance meeting with a true old time printer…………Roll & Tumble Press was born. They print using traditional letterpress methods…..using all original illustrations, hand cut into wood or linoleum, paired with all hand set antique wood or metal type, hand mixed inks and hand cranked each on a vintage press. Letterpress Printed By Hand!

I have such a soft spot for anything letterpressed or well any kind of printmaking. Kev and me always joke we fell in love in letterpress class. The prints they have over at Roll and Tumble are just awesome. I am pretty sure they are going to be decorating my entire new apartment!! Go and check them out!!

Our next sponsor is Modcloth! If you haven’t been over there yet, what are you waiting for? Its like a girls dress dream over there. I spend hours browsing over all the beautiful things they sell. You can even help pick clothes that they will sell, how cool is that? I have nothing but great things to say about their customer service and selection. Go and check it out for yourself!

If your are interested in sponsoring jenloveskev for February please email at: jenloveskev@gmail.com for all info on perks and my very reasonable ad rates. Thanks!

So today was kind of a plain day I thought. Nothing too exciting about this outfit but I planned it that way. I put together the outfit around my new brooch that I made. I think this is one of my most favorite pins I have made yet. I have been a busy bee all week making stuff for my etsy shop. There will be a shop update this Thursday with new brooches (including this one), headbands, and MORE TUNNEL SCARFS!! This brooch is really cool, I love the color and the center has some extra flare with some goodies I picked up at M&J Trimmings last time I was in NYC. You can’t really tell because it is against my black sweater but there is also a little black tulle coming out from behind it. So Cute!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4267382055/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4268127576/
Sweater: Old Navy
Blouse: Target
Denim Skirt: Old Navy
Flats: Target
Polka Dot Tights: H&M
Brooch: a Jenloveskev Creation (available for sale this Thursday)

Homemade Sweet Potato Fries and Veggie Burgers!

So I love a good veggie burger, but the frozen store kind usually don’t cut it for me. That’s why I am always on the look out for different recipes for homemade ones. This one was good. Different for the others I have made. I liked the sunflower seeds in it a lot. I have never made sweet potato fries before but these were so awesome. MMm I wish I had made more because we ate them all!! I am really making good use of this Vegetarian Times magazine from my friend Laura both of these recipes are from this months issue.

Burgers:
3 cups cooked brown rice
1/2 onion chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrot (don’t grate your finger like I did!)
8 oz. cooked and mashed Chicpeas
4 oz. cooked and mashed red beans
2 eggs lightly beaten
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 cup dried Parsley

Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix. Form into 9 – 1/2 inch patties. Cook on a skillet over medium heat (coated with cooking spray) 4-5 mins each side. Or until golden brown on each side and/or cooked thru.

Sweet Potato Fries
2 medium to large sweet potato, cut into 1/4 inch thick french fries
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cinnamon (optional, but it sure is good!)
1 tbs canola oil
2 tbs potato starch (also optional but helps make them crispy)

Mix fries a with salt, pepper, oil and cinnamon. Then if added starch add and mix to coat. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and line fries in a single layer in baking sheet and cook at 450 for 10 mins. Take out of oven and flip then cook another 12 mins. Or until golden and crispy. For the last few mins. I turned on the broiler to help with their crispyness.

Did you have a good weekend? I hope you all had a very nice weekend! Even though I was still recovering from being sick we had a great weekend.

I got this new dress from modcloth last week and I knew I wanted to wear it this weekend when we went out on Saturday night. Before it got dark though we thought it would be fun to go on a little adventure trying to find a good spot to take a picture. Now I wore the shoes in the picture when we went out, but for our hike I wore some boots and just carried along my shoes. We drove around till we saw this railroad track off in the distance. We parked on the side of the road and hiked over towards it. Now the temperature outside should have been our first indication that this whole thing was a terrible idea. It was freezing. Kev did not have boots on and was walking thru the snow with vans on. Not a good idea. Neither of us brought gloves. Not a good idea!

We got to the bridge and it was about 50 feet above a frozen river. We climbed up to it and started to walk across it. It was super scary because it was icy and the railroad ties were spread apart making big holes between each tie that your foot could def. fit thru if you tripped. Not a good idea! Kev was getting ready as I tried to switch from boots to my shoes on a railroad tie hoping not to lose my balance or lose my shoe down one of the wholes. Kev took my coat and we started shooting. IT WAS FREEZING! Why we decided to do this was beyond me. Kev lost feeling in his fingers fast, then almost lost his balance off the edge of the bridge as he bend down to take pictures. It was a disastrous combination of things. hahaha. When we were done we ran back to the car as fast as we could laughing at how stupid that was and thinking that these pictures better look awesome for what we just went thru.

Winter pictures are the worst. hehe
You can see how cold it is by the look on my face. My eyes are watering and my nose and cheeks are red. So funny!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4265073532/
Anyways, picture taking aside. I love this outfit. This is def. one of my new favorite dresses. I love the bright colors in it and the fun pattern. There are so many ways to style it because there are just so many colors to play off of. I went simple with some black tights and black cardigan, but added some fun with this vintage brooch I bought at a antique fund raiser at school. I think it looks like an exploding firework to me. It’s a strapless dress with a real slight sweetheart neckline. I know sometimes it can be nerve racking ordering something online but this dress fits me like a glove. Its the most perfect size. If you are thinking about ordering something from modcloth and have questions about sizes, I would be more than willing to share what sizes I usually wear and what sizes I have ordered from modcloth.
What do you think of this new dress?

Dress: Jack by BB Dakota Courtesy of Modcloth
Cardigan: Banana Republic (Hand me up from my sis)
Belt: Goodwill $2
Bracelets: Forever 21 $4
Brooch: $.50
Peep toe bow Wedges: Thrifted from Platos Closet

So we are half way thru these q&a sessions. Today we have questions asked relating to Fashion and Beauty and then on Monday we will end with questions about the Blog and my Artwork.

1. How you define your personal style?
Hmm good question. My personal style is quite a jumble of things. I really like trendy pieces but I also love thrifted and vintage things. I think I just like mixing everything together to create my own style. The same goes with my decorating style. I love more modern furniture but I love adding details with vintage things I have collected thru the years. I don’t like to have a definite statement of what my style is because I feel like it is always changing and I like that. As I grow as a person so does my style. I don’t want to feel stuck to any one type of thing because I said that’s what my style was. Does that make sense? haha in my head it does.

2. When did I develop a sense of style?
I have always loved clothes and playing dress up. But I feel like for most of my life I was too heavily influenced by things around me to create my own style. In high school I just wanted to wear anything that was related to snowboarding, Volcom, Roxy, Forum, Ride, etc… I worked and lived at the ski mountain that was down the road from my parents. That was my world and so my clothes reflected that.

Then as I moved into the college years I snowboarded less and became much more involved in the music scene that I listened to. Then I just ended up wearing skinny jeans, a studded belt, a Denim or black jacket with a hoodie underneath, converse shoes, and pins of the bands I liked. Sometimes I would wear a jean skirt though with tights, legwarmers and converse. haha. That was my basic attire for about 4 years. Lots of black, Lots of shows, but also lots of fun. I loved college, it was filled with music, tons of art, and lots of friends.

After I graduated though, I started to grow up a lot. I started wanting to dress different, I wanted to stand out. I started reading like every fashion magazine out there for inspiration. I just couldn’t get enough of the pictures. Then slowly over the years I turned into what I am now. haha. I think I still have some of the old me in me. I am still drawn to anything that has volcom written on it and I think music still is a major influence in my life. I like where I’ve come and how its created the style that is mine today.

Click the CONTINUE TO READ below to read rest of answers…

(more…)

Yay so there are only 2 more days of this work week! This week is always one of the worst weeks of the whole school year. It is so so long because we just had so much time off. I am so excited for the weekend. I am on the other hand feeling like 70% better than yesterday so that is great news!!

I love wearing my moto jacket as a cardigan like accessory in the winter. It keeps me double as warm in my freezing class room and it has more of a statement then a plain black sweater. It also keeps me super warm under my winter jacket. DOUBLE JACKETS!! haha. I really don’t like being cold, can you tell?

I found this dress in the clearance rack at target a couple months ago. I really love this little shift dress. Its got great colors in it (purples and orange) and I love that I can pair it with my purple tights.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246246064/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246244366/

Dress: Target $6.98
Moto Jacket: Forever 21 $3o
Tights: TJ Max (HUE) $6
Flats: Steve Madden $40
Necklaces: Forever 21 $12

So all your comments yesterday about your own relationships and things almost brought me to tears. I love hearing that people are so happy. I loved reading every comment left on the first q&a.

Also I know lots of you left questions about Kev and his camera and photography and things so He told me to tell you all he will do some special posts in the next month specifically about photography tips (lighting, composition, his camera, etc…) so get ready for it!!
Lets go on now to round 2! Here are the questions asked pertaining to Teaching:

1. What Grades to you teach?
I teach grade 9 thru grade 12. The classes are generally a mix of the 4 high school grades.

2. What classes do I teach?
I teach a total of 5 different classes during the day with 2 prep periods. I teach:
1. A Painting and Drawing class
2. A Sculpture and Ceramics class
3. A Graphic Design class
4. A Mixed Media class
5. A Senior Art Portfolio class

3. Did I always want to be a teacher?
I don’t know if I wanted to always be a teacher, but I did know I always wanted to do something with art. I just could not get enough art at home or at school growing up. I went to school my first year of college as a Graphic Design major and decided that sitting in front of a computer all day was not for me (kinda funny thought since I sit in front of the computer now to blog all the time).

Click the CONTINUE READING to read the rest of the Q&A…

(more…)

So I called out of work today because I feel pretty terrible. I think I have a sinus infection. Whenever I get a cold it goes instantly into my sinus’ and oh its just so painful. I hope you are all staying heathly and well this first week of the new year!

Anyways, we pushed sicknesses aside last night to get a little dressed up for a date night. We went out for a wonderful dinner together and then a little bookstore browsing, which for some reason we both really love doing. We always have good discussions when we go to the bookstore, maybe because we always end up looking at art and design books/magazines.

I wore my new Jeffrey Campbell Potion wedges. A little while ago I won a gift card to ebay from Lucky Style Spotter and as soon as I got it in the mail I new I wanted to find these shoes. Now I wish I had a budget for the Chloe Sevigny ones for Opening Ceremony but these Jeffrey Campbell ones work for me as well. I think I was a little inspired by her outfit in the ads as well. I went with a leather skirt though instead of shorts and this thrifted blouse that I got at the goodwill. I love how it ties into a bow at the top. I think its cute!

What do you think?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246247402/



http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246246204/

Blouse: Goodwill $4
Leather Skirt: H&M $30
Nylons: Walmart
Wedges: Ebay (GC) $120
Bracelets: Gift and Forever 21

Wow- You guys wrote a lot of good questions and I have really enjoyed thinking and writing about them all. So lets get started! I have written a lot and I hope if you have time you will read…

Here are the first set of questions you asked all pertaining to Kev and Me:
1. How did we meet?
We both went to Framingham State College. He started there and I came in half way thru Sophomore year. Our first class together was Art History. I didn’t know anyone and I sat next to him because I thought we could be friends because he had a patch on his coat of a band that I really liked. A few classes later he asked if I wanted a ride to a show that we found out we were both going to. I freaked out because I didnt know him and told him no. haha! Its a real long story and if you are dying to know details you can write me and I will fill you in but to keep the story short after a few classes together we become really good friends. One day after our bookmaking and letterpress class he told me he had to tell me something. We went back to my room and told me he really liked me and knew we were meant to be together and that he didn’t know what to do because we each had a boyfriend and a girlfriend at the time. Crazy huh? I said I didn’t know what he wanted me to do because I had a boyfriend. Even though secretly I totally loved him. My boyfriend at the time sucked and I had been with him for 5 years. I guess I was just scared to leave. Anyways, then he told me he couldn’t see me anymore than because it was to hard for him. Ouch! I was crushed. Well fast forward 7 months and we had to hang out for a friends birthday and I finally knew I had to break up with my boyfriend. The day I broke up with him was Kev and me’s first date. haha whoops. We went to see out favorite band Silent Drive’s Cd Release show. Their new cd was called “Love is Worth it.” and we both agreed love was worth it. That cd will always be one of our favorites.

2. What made me fall in love with him? and how did I know he was the one?
I fell in love with him because he is the most caring and sweet person I have ever know. He has a huge heart and is so so passionate about things. He makes me laugh and he has the funniest sense of humor. He treats me like a princess. He makes me amazingly awesome things which sweep me off my feet. He is beyond talented in what he does and we share so many goals for life. He loves art, music and adventures. And of course being a gal from Canada, the icing on the cake was he was a hockey player. I knew he was the one because know matter what happened in my life good or bad it was something I wanted to go thru with him. There was no doubt. I loved my friends but I loved him more. When something exciting was going to happen I just wanted him there to experience it with and the same goes with something bad or sad. He truly is my bestest friend. (sappy i know- sorry just being honest)

Click the “CONTINUE READING” to read the rest of this post!!!

(more…)

So it always makes me nervous going back to school after a long vacation. So I wanted to wear something that I felt comfortable in and also warm. My classroom has been getting increasingly cold everyday and I just freeze all day long. I got this poncho thing at forever 21 for like $8 when they were on sale one day. I never thought I would want to wear a poncho, but when I think of it-its really a blanket that is acceptable to wear in public, so honestly it sounds amazing to me!!

I have also gotten sick (thanks kev) and I am not dealing very well. hehe. During the day its tolerable but at night I can not sleep because I am so congested and my throat is so sore. Blah! Even more reason to want to wear a blanket right? Hope you guys are having a better start to the week than me! I however have a date nigth planned with Kev tonight. We are going to dress up a little and go out for dinner!! I can not wait!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246248696/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4245475321/
Poncho: Forever 21 $8
White Tunic Blouse: H&M $8
Black Skinnies: BDG Urban Outfitters $40
Studded Ankle Boots: Forever 21 $36
Necklaces: My Grandma and Gift from friend

First round of questions you asked will be posted later this afternoon!!

Sweet Potato Shepherds Pie

In the winter I crave warm and hearty meals. I want to eat them for lunch and dinner!! The thought of eating a cold sandwhich just doesn’t cut it. That’s why I like to make things for dinner that I can then have for lunch the rest of the week! This Shepherds Pie did just that! It was so delicious last night for dinner and I am excited to eat it again for lunch. I got this recipe from my new Vegetarian Magazine subscription that my wodnerful friend got me for christmas. I love this magazine and its recipes!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246869070/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4246868844/
Sweet Potote Topping
1 Large Sweet Potato Peeled and diced
1/4 cup fat-free milk or soymilk
1 Tbs. Earth Balance Butter (I challenge any of you butter fans to make the switch to this vegan alternative. It taste way better!!)
1/4 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground Nutmeg

Filling:
2 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion Chopped (about 1 cup)
3 Purple topped little turnips, cubed
2 Carrots, chopped
1 small sweet potato, cubed
4 Celery Sticks, chopped
3 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme
1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary, chopped
1 15oz. Cannellini Beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup low-sodium Veggie Broth
Shredded Parm. Cheese to sprinkle on top (optional is you don’t need to keep it vegan)

Preheat over to 375

1. To make topping, boil cubed sweet potato from large potato until tender. Drain and return to pot. Mash with soymilk, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Set aside.
2. To make filling: Heat oil in large skillet. Add Onion, sweet potatos, turnip, carrots and celery. Sautee. Add thyme and rosemary cook until things begin to soften- not to soft because you don’t want it to become mushy.
3. Add beans and broth. Simmer a few more mins. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Remove Thyme Sprigs
5. Pour Filling into a 2-3qt casserole dish. Sread to fill all areas.
6. Spread sweet potato topping over filling. Sprinkle with parm. cheese, if using.
7. Place dish in oven and bake 30 mins, or until filling bubbles and top is golden.
8. Let stand 5 mins before serving.

So first off I have to say I have loved every single comment that has been left in the “A new Years coming” post! It has been great getting to know all your names and learn a little about each of you. I am gathering up all the great questions and will be answering them all thru the week. I will group them into sections of Fashion and Beauty, The Blog+photography, Kev and Me, and work.

Kev and me have some really big and exciting things happening in 2010!! We are dreaming big, so I want to share some of my Goals with you for the new year. I don’t really like calling them resolutions because I feel like those are so fleeting. No one sticks to “resolutions” well at least I don’t. I more have themes that I want to carry thru my life this year…

1. My NUMBER ONE goal this year is to de-stress my life. I do not want stress to play a major role in my day to day. This came about because of the last few month. I have been so overly stressed and I have really seen the toll it takes on my life. This means I need to:
-say no
-organize my weeks
-let the little stuff go
-realize what is most important

Stress is such a negative factor in peoples lives. I do think there is good stress but I am talking unnecessary stress. I just want to really live my life to the fullest and enjoy every moment and I don’t want it filled with negativity.

2. Enjoy more time with Kev. We are both very very busy people and this year we really really want to make time for each other. We have always made time but this year I want that to be a major priority. This again means both of us need to learn to say “No” to stuff. It also goes along with de-stressing. Its hard when months out we have things booked for every weekend and can’t see a free weekend for just us in sight. So we are trying to not have it like that this year.

3. I want to stick to a good budget.

4. I want to stop comparing myself which in turn I know will leave me more stress free. If you are a blogger you know that it is very hard putting yourself out there each day. Now it is something I love doing but it is hard not to get caught up in the whole numbers game of it. I want to stop focusing so much on how many readers, and how many comments and why this person’s better or why more people like her. This is not fair to myself or those other people. I love jenloveskev and I want it to continue to be bigger and better every day but I want my reason behind it to stay pure and for enjoyment. I don’t want it to make me doubt myself or give me stress over it. I started this blog because I love fashion and I love people. Hearing from you guys about how you can relate and hearing all your personal stories is why I love this blog. It really has nothing to do with the exact number that follow. If I still love doing it then that’s why I will continue.

5. I want to make more art. I had 2 art shows last year, one with all new art and one with some older pieces. I would like to have 2 new shows again this year but both with new art. I have tons of ideas that I am really excited about.

6. I want to focus on eating as healthy as possible. I do think I am already a pretty healthy eater but I want to do better. I def. think becoming a vegetarian has changed me over the last couple years but I really want to be conscious of everything that I put in my body.

7. I want to spend more time getting involved in my church and the things that I believe. I want to volunteer more in ways that will benefit others. I don’t know what those things are yet but I want to help people more.

8. I want to run another marathon (hopefully 2)

What are your goals for 2010?

Happy New Year everyone!! I hope you all had an excellent evening. We on the other had had the most miserable New Years Eve ever!!! I will keep the story short but we were suppose fly home at 2pm and we didnt end up flying out until almost 11pm. We sat at the stupid small airport for like 11 hours. Then we were on a smaller plane than we were suppose to be on and no one had their right seats and everyone was mad and grumpy. The pilot randomly came on the intercom and counted down from 5 and then the stewartess threw like 5 pieces of ripped paper while we were in the air. It was super super lame. Oh well. Kev and me were together so I guess thats all the matters.

Anyways, here are my last style files from florida! It was a beautiful night the night before we left. Kev and me went for a nice sunset walk together along one of the causeways. I hope we can go back and visit real soon(next time hopefully the weather will be warmer!)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4242706131/




http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4243473926/
Button Up Oxford: Thrifted
Flower Skirt: Delias (hand-me down)
Necklaces: Forever 21
Belt: Thrifted
Sandals: Sears