Sweater Dresses + Butternut Squash Soup Mash Up

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 {Written on Inauguration Eve while packing for a quick weekend to Palm Springs}

I have mentioned this before but I am going through blog- revamping issues.  I'm trying to figure exactly what I want to do with GDSL in 2017. As part of that contemplation, I was thinking that every once in a while, I will combine a fashion post with some sort of a practical post. Maybe a fun craft to do with your kids, maybe some make up or skin care tips, or maybe sharing some of my go to recipes (I have like 3!) Tonight it's a soup recipe...read on, brave reader!!

 The Dress

About this dress – – there really is nothing better for the office then a pretty, comfy, air-condition thwarting sweater dress! Pair it with a pretty furry vest and some statement shoes and you are set! 

 Shoes|| Dress || Vest

The Recipe 

I really love soup (who doesn't, right?).  It feels good in your tummy on cold days, it is (mostly) healthy and not too hard to make (which is fortunate because my skills are limited!)  I am making an effort in 2017 to get in the kitchen and MAKE (not order) food for my family (I am by and large a DoorDasher!)  Butternut squash is one of my favorite soups and it's easy, so I thought I'd share! The recipe below is relatively quick, and only has a few ingredients. I think this is a good way to get into cooking- with a simple recipe. I may never graduate to anything more complicated but that is a-ok!! I am going to start sharing my go-to recipes (get ready to pull out your slow cooker!)  Let me know what you think or if you  have any modifications to this recipe that make it even better! (or if you have an easy recipe to share!) GDSL Tip: You will need to play around with the purΓ©ed squash and the chicken stock to get this soup as thick or as thin as you'd like. After you blend, add the stock back in sparingly, little by little.  I like a thicker type consistency, so I use less stock. Experiment and see what you like! Happy souping! Sweetly, Michelle

Butternut Squash Soup

1 (2 to 3 pound) butternut squash, peeled and seeded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cups chicken stock
Nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
 

Directions
Cut squash into 1-inch chunks. In large pot melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 8 minutes. Add squash and stock. Bring to a simmer and cook until squash is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove squash chunks with slotted spoon and place in a blender and puree. Return blended squash to pot. Stir and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve.
(Recipe Courtesy of Food Network Kitchens)

 

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I've Got You Covered

{Written while nibbling at what is hopefully the last box of holiday See's Candy!} Well, if we are talking about resolutions (and I'm not, but if we were), keeping up with this blog right here might be part of mine in 2017.  It has been a rough 4 months, my friends.  In this span of time, I gave birth to my son and lost my father.  The world is minus one amazing, shining soul and my own world gained a bright shining light.  I will never be able to put into words how it felt to watch new life develop and grow while simultaneously watching a life falter and end.  It was excruciating and heartbreaking and painful and I think it is going to take me a while to recover.  Anyone who has been through a tragedy can relate to this.  We lost my younger brother--my only sibling--before my daughter was born and because there was only me to worry about, I was able to come home from work, lay on the couch and grieve.  I think I did this for 6 months-- just existed in a weepy fog.  But now, I am a mother to two, and a managing partner at my law firm and I just don't have the ability to fall apart.  I have had to square my shoulders and create the magical festivities of Christmas (and that dang Elf on the Shelf) for the sake of my children.  I've had to come into the office and function because this is what is required of me.   I am looking forward to the post-Christmas slower pace of life so that I can, at least for a little while, pull the covers up over my head and grieve.   Which brings me to this post, and the title in particular.  While my life was falling apart, my friends and family had me covered.  I am humbled--truly humbled-- by the love and thoughtfulness and support I have received from everyone in my life (and even people who are not regularly in my life.)   Meals were covered, kids were covered, clients were covered and my heart was covered...and it got me thinking.  This connected-ness is contagious- this sort of belief I have that we are all responsible as human beings for each other- to look out and help out anytime we can.  I want my blog in 2017 to focus on ways that we can help each other out and I am not yet sure of what form this will take but at the very least, I want you all to know that no matter what comes your way, I've got you covered.   Thank you for stopping by, dearest hearts. I'm sure you can tell that I am not bothered by sharing my private life, but it is nevertheless not easy. So thank you again- Sweetly- Michelle

PS-The fur wrap that I use to cover up is linked below! Β 

Dress || Shoes || Β Wrap || Bracelets and here || Cat (I wish! Just kidding!)