{Thoughts} The Man in the Uniform

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You often hear it said that women love 'a man in a uniform.' You know, the police officers, soldiers, even the suited federal agents. All the law enforcement types. But I never really fell into that category. In fact, when I was in college I routinely stated that I would never date or marry 'a man in a uniform.' I dated musicians, mostly. What can I say? I was a slightly rebellious young woman. I wanted someone unique, artistic. But despite my young words and lack of wisdom, I married a uniform. And that man is strong, caring, respectful, kind and hilarious. It's amazing how the Lord provides you with things you never even knew that you needed. Like security, protection and the promise of love and provision. I know that my husband will always do what is right, will love and protect me and our family in every way, and will fill all of my days with as much happiness as possible, even in the difficult times.

So you see that uniform doesn't just represent authority and power. It represents protection, security, endless love and support, a man who does what it right, even when it is difficult. It represents strength in the midst of uncertainty, leadership and gentleness.

Thank you, all of you men {and women} in uniforms, for being all of those things. And today especially, thank you to all of you {men and women} who wear the uniform of a soldier.

Happy Independence Day.

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Deconstructed Omelette Salad

My current go-to egg concoction is the deconstructed omelette salad. The original idea centered around a product that is apparently seasonal at Trader Joe's, so we had to adapt our original idea, but the outcome was just a delicious as the original would have been.

Ingredients:

ghee or olive oil for the pan

plenty of organic greens {spinach, kale, spring mix}

grape tomatoes 
sauteed onions and bell pepper 

three slices of organic lunch meat {we use applegate organics}

two eggs {or however many you desire}

crumbled goat cheese {optional}

sliced avocado

Add some ghee to the pan and sautee the greens, tomatoes, and already cooked onion and bell pepper. Toss in the diced deli meat and let all the ingredients wilt and mix together. Crack in your eggs and stir as they cook to your desired consistency. Once the mixture is done, add to a bowl and top with crumbled goat cheese and/or diced avocado.

Once fall comes back around, we will revisit this recipe with a couple seasonal tweaks. I'm thinking shaved turkey, spinach, basil pesto and perhaps some cranberries...

xoxo

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Back to Black & White

Black and white is a combination that I often overlook. I own very little black, a fact that I am slowing changing, and usually pass up what I do have for something more colorful. But lately I've been drawn to the simplicity of black and white outfits, pairing patterns and textures instead of color. I especially love the print of this top and the hi-low hem.

 {Target top, Loft denim, Anthropologie necklace, vintage bracelets, Steve Madden platforms, Michael Kors bag & watch} 

What are your tricks to keeping a black and white ensemble interesting?

xoxo

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{P}inspiration: Outdoor Spaces

After four days in the secret gardens of Boquete, Panama, husband and I are on a mission to transform our backyard this summer. We finally finished laying the flagstone patio {labor. of. love.}, which I promptly adorned with vintage chairs, sweetheart roses and modern white planters, and are turning our attention to taming the jungle that is the backyard landscape. {Side note: we are seriously considering renting some goats to chomp away at the brush in our yard. It's that bad.. And we don't want to use a ton of weed killers and pesticides.} We have carved out a couple flower beds to fill with Queen Anne's Lace {I see a foraging expedition in my near future} and Lantana, and are trying to decide whether or not to sod the giant bank behind our porch. Alas. Instead of boring you with the details of our backyard plans, here are some outdoor spaces/landscapes that I absolutely love.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5  / 6 

themes: unique seating, plenty of greenery, mosquito-repelling plants, a place for entertaining

 

all can be found here as well.

xoxo

 copyright Hiking in Stilettos