Sheer Plaidness

Blouse (Dress Barn); Black tank (Target); Skirt (Travel by Tribal, Pretty Woman - see it styled differently here); Necklace (Marigold); Boots (JustFab.com) 

It's a plaid, plaid world.  Plaid pajamas, plaid blazers, plaid blouses, plaid purses, and plaid shoes - I have a life-long fondness for all things plaid and, for me, plaid never goes out of style.  If you saw my last post, you know I was snowed in at the beginning of the year and was pretty much a plaid PJ clad couch potato (say that five times fast) when I wasn't experimenting in the kitchen.  I also made a batch of "Caramel Crispix Crack," which is probably the best cereal mix that my taste buds have ever experienced.  It's one of those things that is so good you can't walk past the bowl without grabbing another handful.  Consequently, I do not make it often because it's not very healthy (okay, it's really not healthy at all save for the nuts, but I don't like nuts so I pick around them).

I got the recipe from a friend and neighbor who served it at a holiday gathering a few years ago, and making it reminded me of that great party, and the sheer plaid blouse I wore to it.  That blouse.  Where on Earth was that blouse?  I'd forgotten all about it.  Had I even worn it since?  I'm pretty good about keeping my closet organized, and I couldn't remember seeing it in ages.  A quick inventory did not uncover it, so I was compelled to take a break from enjoying the gooey, caramel Crispix goodness and a Dr. Who Netflix marathon to find it.

Operation Find Plaid Blouse was a success - it had slipped off its hanger and was "hiding" against the wall behind a few shoe boxes (okay, several shoe boxes).  In the process, I also created a pile of other garments to donate to Dress for Success and Goodwill.  Boom.  Cooking, cleaning, and organizing accomplished, I felt completely justified in returning to my cozy spot by the fire to watch another of the Doctor's escapades in the Tardis (and polish off the Crispix mix)!

If you're interested, here is the  recipe (don't say I didn't warn you):

• 12 oz. box of Crispix cereal
• Small pretzel twists
• Mixed Nuts
• 1/2 cup light Karo syrup
• 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

• Mix cereal, pretzel and nuts into a large bowl.You can add as many nuts and pretzels as you want.  I usually add about 10 oz of pretzels and go light on the nuts because I love pretzels and don't like nuts, but that's just me)
• Melt butter (in a saucepan or the microwave - either works).  
• Add brown sugar and corn syrup to melted butter and bring to a boil (again, you can do this in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave).
• Stir in vanilla and baking soda and pour over cereal mixture.
• Spread cereal mixture onto baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes (or microwave mixture in bowl on high for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute).  
• Spread on waxed paper to cool; break into pieces and store in airtight container.

...and here's a flashback to the missing plaid blouse from the 2009 party where I first tasted the salty, caramel deliciousness.

Diamond and Tahitian Pearl Earrings (Marc Aronstam custom design); Necklace (Silpada)

Fashion is what you buy; Style is what you do with it!