FEBRUARY GREETINGS !
Will the groundhog see his shadow or not today?
Not sure I buy into the whole “folklore” of it – but it’s fun to wonder or wander and think about.
It’s become a ritual thing for me and some of those I know on the morning of February 2nd every year. I (we) can’t help but go outside and search the sky to see if it’s cloud cover or full on sunshine in each of our particular neck of the woods. And wonder what does Master Groundhog say?! haha
News regarding why Daymaker didn’t find you on Monday or Wednesday. My computer crashed over the weekend. I wasn’t sure if it was the computer or internet.
After over an hour on the phone with my internet provider – and they doing trouble shooting from their end – it was established that it was this antique computer (6 years old – ha) and it’s just ready to be put out to pasture. A stronger, faster new version must be installed. Geesh — everything is so disposable these days. Think cell phones.
So, I called Adam who is my super-hero, tech-dude/friend who works for the Geek Squad and he’ll be here Monday to swap out the computer.
In the meantime – me being who I am – I gave the computer one more shot. And low and behold – came to life again. Kinda like a Lazarus moment!
So I’ve been working swiftly to get 5 for Friday scheduled to go out for this morning – in the event my computer decides to do a kamikaze dive again. So far, so good!
GREAT LINE-UP TODAY
Beginning with:
STEPHANIE’S CHIC ON THE CHEAP
Yet another great column of classy, coolness to share with us! Steph never disappoints with her innovative, outside-the-box tips + tricks.
I’m digging these velour jogging suits. And the price from Temu? Hello! No guilty shopping! The price is so fair-and-square. Plus (!) Steph confirms that no shrinkage, wrinkling, or fading happens in the washer/dryer.
And I totally love her insider tips of pairing the top or bottom with other favorite pieces we already have in our closets + accessorize! BOOM!
I’m so gonna gift MOI with a velour jogging suit for Valentine’s Day. Pretty sure — I’ll order the dark charcoal as Stephanie did.
Red (back in the day) would have definitely been a hot color outfit. And, as I recall, I had a velour jogging suit that was sky blue. And, yep, big gold zipper. Ahhh, the memories!
I cannot wait to slide into my new charcoal grey jogging suit and prance around in cool, comfy style!
Love it! Thanks, Steph.
QUICK QUESTION
What’s my favorite throwback memory of the 80s?
Farrah Fawcett hair! You?
OMG My girlfriends and I had our curling irons out and did what we could to try and mimic that iconic hairstyle. However, there’s only so much hair skills high school girls armed with curling irons have. Ha
NOAH’S ARK STORY
Is so worth the short read. I’m not sure which is my fav of 1-11. All spot on.
ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE RECIPE
Well, we all know the broccoli, rice, cheddar cheesy casserole that finds its way to holiday tables and potlucks and picnics and, and, and…
Today I introduce ya to Asparagus Casserole which was also on the holiday tables in my family, as well as on the supper table year ’round.
I can’t get enough of it. As a side with beef, chicken, for breakfast in the morning, warmed up, with a cup of coffee + OJ — or a snack attack around midnight. Sooooo good.
This simple recipe is a winner-winner-winner — doubt you’ll be disappointed!
THANKS ONE AND ALL FOR POPPING BY ON THIS GROUNDHOG DAY FRIDAY.
We value your time + thoughts + support.
Here we go!
STEPHANIE’S
CHIC ON THE CHEAP
80s THROWBACK IS BACK!
Let’s take a trip back in time to the early 80s. One of my very favorite, comfy casual outfits was a bright red velour matching track pant and jacket that had a huge gold zipper in the front of the jacket and, yes, of course, shoulder pads.
We called this matching set a jogging suit which we actually never jogged in. Haha
About a year ago I noticed the matching velour pant and jacket or hoodie sets were becoming popular again. My first thought was No-No-No. Throw that one back to the 80s.
After seeing people wearing them around for a while, I changed my mind and decided they were not so horrible after all.
So … I purchased one on Temu. It was only $24.95 for both pieces.
I didn’t go for the bright red one this time. Instead, I opted for the charcoal grey with a pullover hoodie instead of the zip-up jacket.
Temu has several different design options and colors you can choose from and they are all very reasonably priced.
40 years later my new jogging suit is again my favorite, casual comfy outfit!
Velour, light weight, soft, breathable and very comfortable. It also doesn’t wrinkle, fade or shrink when washed!
In the photos below I show some ways to mix + match your velour with other clothing pieces.
PIC #1
I put on the outfit with both matching pieces. I tucked in the front of the hoodie in the middle of the waist line of the pants to create a bit of a waist line and not look too boxy.
PIC #2
I paired the hoodie with skinny jeans and low heeled grey suede shoes. Since the top is snazzy and a being a bit shiny (being velour), I decided dressing the outfit up a bit would be fun.
I wore the hoodie top down and loose because I like the contrast of a loose top with a tight pair of jeans or pant.
I also jazzed it up a bit more by adding a statement piece – a long silver necklace.
PIC #3
I paired the pants with a loose off the shoulder white top and chunky silver flip flops. These flip flops are made by Vionic shoes. I highly recommend them, especially if you have high arches. They are expensive – but worth it!
I then gathered the top on the side at the waist with a hair band and covered the hair band with a stretchy silver bracelet. Again, to create a bit of a waist line.
If you want to check out these sets (( where I bought mine )) go to Temu.com and search velour lounge wear.
Think of the purchase as a nice little Valentine gift to yourself. Me-Me-Me – Mine-Mine-Mine!
Happy Shopping.
~ Stephanie’s Chic on the Cheap
is exclusive to Daymaker Readable Art
Questions or Comments for Stephanie can be
posted in this episode’s Comment
QUICK QUESTION
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THROWBACK MEMORY FROM THE 80s?
NOAH’S ARK
EVERYTHING I NEED
TO KNOW, I LEARNED
FROM NOAH’S ARK
ONE:
Don’t miss the boat.
TWO:
Remember we’re all in the same boat!
THREE:
Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR:
Stay fit. When you’re 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE:
Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX:
Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN:
For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT:
Speed isn’t always the advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE:
When you’re stressed, float awhile.
TEN:
Remember the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN:
No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.
~ from a cool email thread I saved from 2016
message from the astute collector of these pieces
of wisdom still resonates true today in 2024
ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE
This is without a doubt one of my favorite childhood food memories. It’s super-duper-easy to make and memorable!
HERE’S HOW WE MAKE IT:
PREHEAT OVEN TO 350*
- 2 – 16 ounce cans of cut asparagus, drained
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 stick of butter, melted (I do the butter melt in the microwave – quick and done)
- 3/4 sleeve of saltine crackers, crushed
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
IN THE BOWL WITH BEATEN EGGS
Gently fold in remaining ingredients:
Melted butter, drained asparagus, crushed saltines, salt and pepper and shredded cheddar cheese.
POUR ALL FROM BOWL TO A CASSEROLE DISH
COVER WITH FOIL
BAKE AT 350* FOR ABOUT 40 MINUTES
REMOVE FOIL AFTER 30 MINUTES AND CONTINUE TO BAKE AN ADDITIONAL 10-15 MINUTES
GENTLY TEST THE MIDDLE OF ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE WITH A FINGER ON TOP AT AROUND 40 MINUTES. IT SHOULD BE FIRM AND NOT BE JIGGLY
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Thank ya kindly Stacy! Appreciate ya much.
Happy Weekend. See ya Monday!
So glad to see you back in the lineup! Missed you!!!
Velour jogging suits! Oh, yes! I recall the suits and other cozy, fun tops and pants to wear for dressier times. My favorite was mauve colored and it got lots of wear. Also had emerald green pants. Memory Lane!!! Love Stephanie’s pairing suggestions and – as always – they are spot on!
I might have my decades confused but I was thinking besides Farrah Fawcett’s “wings” a lot of the 80s hairstyles were soft and curly – very feminine to balance the big shoulders that were also popular. Whatever decade they were, I really liked the curls.
Hope the computer installation goes smoothly. See you Monday!
Thanks, Carol! Missed building the episodes and feeling the love.
Mauve and emerald green – 2 fab colors for sure – and definitely worthy of a visit down memory lane. Greatness that Steph’s column sparked a few fond memories for us.
Thanks for being here and have a beautiful day! See ya Monday.
Of course I enjoy Stephanie’s fun column each week. Keep it up, Stephanie. As I continued to read, my eyes stopped on the question, “WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THROWBACK MEMORY FROM THE 80S?” Oh boy, I loved that decade. No cell phone disturbances. It was a simple TV with a couple of channels, sit down nighty dinners with family conversation and who cares what your neighbors car make or model was. Do you know that in the 80’s we were never afraid to let our kids go play with neighborhood kids? Oh yes, they had their boundaries set but go have fun, “Just be home before dark.” Thanks Daymaker, I will be thinking of blessings all day.
Hi Marty –
Indeed, Stephanie’s column is a look-forward-to for me too!
Totally agree with your throwback memories from the 80s. Yep, No cell phones, TV with only a couple channels (which were fine and dandy – didn’t know otherwise, ha) and suppertime when everyone came to the table and chattered about the day or excitement about tomorrow. And best of all was going out to play with friends in the neighborhood and knew all we needed to know – be home by dark.
Thanks for reminding me of those “golden oldies” – LOL
Appreciate ya!