Chambray dots + chunky scarf

 

Today was kind of an awesome day. It started out a little rocky with early rounding at the hospital and my attending asking me do something that required notes that were somewhere at home underneath a pile of papers from my internal medicine rotation 6 months ago...anyways, it got better because after I finished, I got to go home for the rest of the morning to study while my attending had an administrative day. Stephen was off work today, and I came home to an amazing waffle and egg brunch (he cooks the best breakfast). It was a perfect cuddle-at-home kind of day because we are now in the midst of a small blizzard and pretty close to an avalanche of snow.

 

Before it was a full-fledged blizzard outside, Stephen snapped a few shots (he's turning into quite the fashion photographer which I'm sure he's thrilled about). All that I can say about this shirt is that anything that combines chambray and polka dots in any form is perfection. This oatmeal scarf is perfectly cozy for a snowy day, and these boots are my favorite and have held up surprisingly well for being worn in conditions clearly not meant for pleather...

 

Joining up with The Pleated Poppy for WIWW, with create,hope,inspire, and with Shanna.



 

 

 

Circle-print chambray: J. Crew

Chunky cowl: Etsy

Pants: Gap slim crops (seen here and here)

Boots: Famous Footwear

Boot socks: Forever 21

 

Blog saaaale

Linking up today with Fine Linen and Purple for their clothing sale. I realized after we moved last year that I was way overdue for a closet clean out (trying to take Kendi's advice for closet purging). Most of these items are things that don't fit quite right, or that I bought on sale and just never or rarely wore. Everything is in great condition (some have only been worn once or twice) and mostly size small-medium and 6-10....

Items that are priced higher are in new/like new condition and/or were priced higher originally. Shipping is $3-6 depending on the item(s).

Contact me at stethoscopes.style.grace@gmail.com
I'm happy to email more/closer-up pictures of any item :)

Scarves:

1. Leopard thin gauzy material(Kohls) $7

2. Purple ruffles thick cotton material (J. Crew outlet) $12

3. Blue flowers chiffon material (H&M) $5

4. Fuschia thin fluffy material $4

5. Pink plaid soft warm material (Macy's) $5

All size medium and excellent or like new condition
1. Yellow stripes (Target) $8
2. Flowers (Forever 21, as seen on the Bachelorette, Ashley's season. seriously.) $8
3. Pink ruffles (Target) $8
4. Fuschia (Banana Republic) $12

All new or like new
 1. Pencil skirt size 10 (Ann Taylor Loft) $16
2. Pencil skirt size medium/6-8 new (Shabby Apple) $18 SOLD
3. A-line belted skirt size small new, runs big (Old Navy) $14

1. Cable sweater size medium like new (Gap) $12
2. Ribbon sweater size large minimal signs of wear (Gap) $10
3. Pink ruffle neck wool sweater size medium excellent condition (Banana Republic) $18

1. Crochet hoodie size large runs small (Roxy) $15

2. Wine/purple open cardi size small (H&M) $12

3. Vintage brown cord jacket size medium (boutique) $18

4. Lacy open cardi size medium new (Old Navy) $14

All size 7 1/2 and excellent/like new condition except for the red heels (light wear)



1. Leather boots (Target) $18
2. Pleather red zipper boots (Target) $14
3. Black flower heels (White House Black Market) $20
4. Red heels with wood stacked heel some fading on the right toe (Ann Taylor Loft) $12
5. Studded stacked heels $14

1. Legwarmers (Etsy) $14

1. Black wrap dress size 6 (Ann Taylor outlet) $12 SOLD

2. Peach cotton dress size 10 some signs of wear (J. Crew) $12

3. Navy embroidered dress size 10 excellent condition (Ann Taylor outlet) $16

All new/like new condition

1. Taupe silk button blouse size 10/12 (Asos) $20

2. Embroidered white cotton size small (Old Navy) $10

3. Circle print cotton size small (Gap) $10

4. Ruffle white tunic size medium (Macys) $12

 

A love story...

Photo by Jillian J Photography

I can't believe that Stephen and I are coming up on 6 months of marriage...we've had plenty of adventures so far as newlyweds, and yes, life isn't always perfect, but I'm so thankful every day that I married him. I kind of love him. A lot.

Stephanie of Captive the Heart shared our story today on her lovely blog. It was so fun writing it, and reflecting on our crazy/fun/wonderful journey together so far. You can read it here, and be sure to check out Stephanie's classy wedding ideas and super cute style while you are there!
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Pink blazer + stripes

I had to be at the hospital for a bit yesterday morning, but for the most part it's been a relaxing weekend with Stephen. It's pretty wonderful to be home from my rural rotation and sleeping in my own bed instead of at the hospital house. Looking forward to a relaxing afternoon of pilates and a little studying today...and a week of no hospital call!

 

Time for another What I Wore Sunday with fine linen and purple! I'm kind of on a blazer kick and a pink blazer = the perfect way to brighten up a cold winter day. I paired it with black and white stripes and pale grey chinos, but I think it would pair perfectly with dark skinny jeans and black boots (I've always been a no-jeans-to-church kind of girl :) Also linking up with this lovely blog and at lily among thorns...



 

 

 

 

Outfit:

Pink blazer: J. Crew (majorly on sale!)

Stripes: Forever 21 (see it here)

Grey trousers: J. Crew Factory (old)



Friday Quick Takes

I've sadly neglected the blog this last week, but still joining up with Jen for Friday Quick Takes:

1. Today marks the last day of the rural half of my pediatrics rotation. It was a great experience, but I can't say that I'll miss the insane hours that come with working with the only pediatrician for an entire town, a.k.a. long clinic hours + early morning and late night hospital admissions/rounding. Our attending physician also loved to give us lectures at ungodly hours. I'm be looking forward to going home (goodbye hospital house), seeing Stephen every day, and not living in fear of having to go back to the hospital for another admission.

2. If there was any doubt in my mind that pediatrics is not my calling, last night's spinal tap on a newborn sealed the deal for me. I'm hoping that I don't have to relive the sheer terror that I felt when my attending asked me to gown/glove for the procedure.

3. My sleep deprivation reached a new level last night when I microwaved a non-existing Lean Cuisine for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. I was pretty confused when I opened up the microwave and it was empty.

4. The temp was 18 below zero twice this week ("feels like -32" ... no, I'm not exaggerating), and I'm not sure what I would have done without the chunky cowl that I found at Nordstrom's last year. I was wearing it pretty much 24/7 until Stephen started calling it my "catch all" after parts of my dinner one night fell inside.

 

via Pinterest

5. I'm slightly (guiltily) obsessed with the bachelor but don't ask me why I wasted precious time watching it this week when I could have been sleeping. I have no idea what happened this past episode, but between Tierra's fake fall and Kacie's tattle-taling, it was a hot mess. Really, I think Sean deserves better. Although I have to admit that AshLee's story about being adopted at age 6 made me tear up (she is my fav so far).




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6. I love this fun mint + navy look and found pieces to recreate it here.

 

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7. Inspiration for the weekend:

 

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Mint + Navy Polka Dots

navy polka dot top/mint jeans 1/mint jeans 2/grey cardi/nude shoes 1/nude shoes 2

When I saw the image on the left via Pinterest (source), I was smitten. Mint and navy are the perfect pair, and adding polka dots + a gray neutral cardi = perfection. I found the pieces above to recreate the Pinterest look, and will be trying to do something similar with my own wardrobe sometime soon (I found these amazing mint chinos at J. Crew last year...) I'm hoping the colored pant trend lasts for a while because I am definitely a fan.

I haven't had much time to write this week, but I'm hoping to do a more style posts next week! And sidenote that I'm so happy tomorrow's Friday...

Friday Quick Takes

Another Friday = another Quick Takes via Jen! Here's the usual randomness...style, med school moments, and inspiration/thoughts from this week:

1. Fav outfit this week consisting of my three favorite things: pink + polka dots + chambray.


2. J. Crew has some seriously amazing blazers, and I found some Target look-a-likes here.

Also, some great finds here if you are in the market for polka dot tights...

3. I was feeling sort of discouraged one morning this week...not exactly sure why, but maybe partly from pulling looong shifts between clinic hours and hospital rounding (our attending is the only pediatrician in town so he's on call 24/7) + being away from my hubby on this rotation. Anyways, I was having that feeling of why did I go to med school again? It's funny though, because affirmation came that day from three places I least expected it (two patients' parents and my attending)...God knows when we need a little pick-me-up.                                

4. And on a more lighthearted note, most hilarious/awkward pediatrics comment of the week as my attending physician and I left a patient room: "Mommy, are they married?" Seriously, where do kids get this stuff from?

5. Another romantic dinner for Stephen and I (while I was home over the weekend): Thai take out. I'm sad to say that this is dinner at least two (ok three...maybe four...) nights/month. Mine has tofu, which makes it probably about as healthy as the burger king veggie burger I had last week...

6. Sadly, my grandpa passed away on Tuesday morning. It was one month before his 95th birthday, and he and my grandmother had been married 66 years. We will miss you, Grandpa Ted. 

7. This week marked the third anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I volunteered with a relief team shortly after, the first of many trips to Haiti, and it forever changed me. This is a little boy we took care of, "David", who was found by relief workers after he lost his parents in the earthquake. Pray for Haiti... 

Have a lovely weekend.

Polka dot tights

source

Ever since I saw this picture on Pinterest, I've been a little obsessed with polka dot tights. These options are from $6-20 and are perfect for adding some fun to a little black dress, denim pencil skirt, or neutral sweater dress.

Polka dot tights by emarieh featuring swiss dot tights

American Eagle Outfitters polka dot tight / Cable knit tight / Swiss dot tight / Nordstrom sheer tight / Apt. 9 black tight / GAP printed tight / Madewell / Forever 21 printed tight

J. Crew Inspired: Target blazers

A great blazer can really make an outfit, and so I was thrilled to see these at Target recently. They definitely seem inspired by the J. Crew versions (top row), for a fraction of the price:



1. The grey tipped blazer (available in Target stores), aka "the professor blazer." The black tipped edges on this blazer make it modern and unique. Wear this blazer with a pale pink tee, white scarf, and jeans for a preppy look or some black slim cropped pants and ballet flats for work (add a fun scarf or brightly colored top to mix it up).

2. The orange-red blazer (available in Target stores). I reviewed the J. Crew version (a major sale find) here. This pairs well with a black and white polka dot top and skinny jeans (a la Kate Middleton) or with a plain white tee, dark denim, and some leopard flats.

3. The striped knit blazer (available online at target.com and in stores). Stripes + a cozy knit = perfection. This blazer is so versatile: wear it with colored skinny jeans, denim cut offs,  layered over a chambray button-up, etc. (the possibilities are endless).

Happy blazer shopping!

Wine + pink

Stephen is working again this Sunday, so my 10-year-old sister graciously agreed to take these photos. We have had quite the heat wave (high 30s, yes) the last few days, hence the lack of snow and ballet flats.

Linking up today with Fine Linen and Purple for another What I Wore Sunday. This skirt is one of my favorites: it's comfy and classy (major points) and I love the color. I was excited when I realized how well bright pink and wine/oxblood/burgundy (whatev you want to call it) can complement each other.

 

 

Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

Sweater: J. Crew

Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft

Tights: Target

I got to come home for part of the weekend, but now it's back to my rural rotation. Wondering what sort of surprises pediatrics will bring this week...Happy Sunday!

Oh, and last Sunday's outfit (mustard + grey) was featured today on the super cute blog watch out for the woestmans :)

Friday Quick Takes

1. I spent a day this week with an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist and most of our day was spent sticking this lovely device down people's noses. I can't say that I didn't like seeing the stellar view of the trachea, epiglottis, and vocal cords, but is it weird that the inside of people's noses gross me out way more than anything about labor and delivery or trauma/ER? I guess that I am not going to be an ENT doc...

                         

2. Stephen drove all the way to the hospital house where I'm staying on my rural rotation and this was our romantic dinner. Sadly, he was waiting a few hours for me because we had a new baby to take care of in the hospital after the clinic was over...and then our attending physician decided to add a lecture...and by the time I got back to the house I barely had time to eat some Burger King (healthy I know, but I did have a veggie burger) and go to bed....ijustlovemedschoolsodarnmuch (poor Stephen).

3. One of my friends posted this on facebook and I almost died laughing: "Delivering a baby is fun; but who knew lifting them towards the OR lamp and singing "Circle of Life" is frowned upon? @MedStudentProbl"

4. I'm not really sure what med students did before dry shampoo, and I'm not sure what I would do without this amazing stuff (especially on weeks like this). I'm infinitely grateful to it for giving me approximately 22 minutes of extra sleep this week.

5. I rarely go to movies, but over Christmas break I saw "Les Miserables" and it was completely worth it. I love the storyline: Jean Valjean's life of doing good for others was inspired by the kindness and forgiveness a priest showed to him when he felt he least deserved it. And also, my sister and I have been singing "Who am I...I'm Jean Veljean!!" to each other every opportunity we get (here's another hilarious rendition she found). So.inspiring.

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6. I am so proud of my red-beans-and-rice-success (see last weeks Quick Takes) that I shared a close up picture and the recipe here. It's so easy and so good, I promise!

7. I kind of love these polka dot tights.

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I think this my be the most random ever Friday Quick Takes. Yes. Have a lovely weekend! Linking up with Jen.

Cooking Adventures Parte Uno: Red Beans n' Rice

My cooking track record is not very impressive. It started with my infamous attempts to make grilled cheese growing up while baby-sitting my siblings (I buttered the inside instead of outside leading to some very burnt sandwiches) continued with my famous "hockey puck" cookies in college (I finally figured out that I baked them for the "prep time" amount instead of the "cook time"), and is still going strong with my recent failed pot roast attempt (not even Stephen would eat the leftovers) and last week's arm burn while making baked manicotti (it is not pretty, folks).

In Friday's Quick Takes I wrote about my mom's intervention for my unfortunate lack of talent in the kitchen (sidenote: Stephen has the metabolism of a 15-year-old and unfortunately lost 10 pounds after we got married...I'm not saying my cooking wasn't a factor). She gave me her copy of Saving Dinner, this amazing cookbook that gives you a week's worth of recipes and a grocery list to go with it that's categorized by grocery store section (it has cut our grocery store time down to an hour and a half from three hours...ok, I'm exaggerating but not much). It even gives suggestions for easy side dishes to serve with each dinner. I started by making a few recipes from the first week's section, and Stephen and I just loved this red beans and rice recipe. I made a few modifications (seasoned canned tomatoes instead of fresh, instant brown rice, etc.) and it was extremely easy on top of being delicious....

Red Beans n' Rice (adapted from Saving Dinner by Leanne Ely)

Ingredients:
1 pound of kielbasa (use the Jenni O' smoked lean turkey kind for a low fat version)
1 onion, chopped (I used a sweet yellow onion)
2 teaspoons of minced garlic (I used the kind from the jar)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cans red beans, drained
1 can of tomatoes, undrained (I used the Rotel kind with mild green chiles)
1/2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, Stephen can't eat anything remotely spicy so I skipped this)
Salt and pepper to taste (I added a little bit of sea salt and of a pepper blend)
3 cups of instant brown rice, cooked

Slice the sausage and cook in a saucepan over medium-low heat for a few minutes. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper and saute until veggies are tender. Add the beans and tomatoes. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Serve over brown rice.

This recipe was probably the best one we have ever made (I know, that's not saying much with our track record but trust me, it's good) and possibly the easiest. We will 100% be making this again. And again...

Pediatrics day one...and pink + polka dots

Polka dots: J. Crew Factory, Pink: J. Crew

I thought polka dots and pink were appropriate for the first official day (yesterday was orientation) of our pediatrics rotation... Not that I need an excuse to wear pink or polka dots (I've had to place a [sort of] strict ban on adding anything else in either category to my wardrobe)...

Our attending physician is the only pediatrician for the whole town we are working in, so we were warned about the long and late hours on this rotation from the get go. Today was long: we have to round on the pediatric inpatients and newborns in the nursery before and after clinical hours, which start in the morning and didn't end until 7 p.m. today. I have to say though that I had a smile on my face most of the day. Kids say the craziest, most hilarious things. They do have kind of an inherent mistrust of doctors (my favorite was two little brothers that kept warily asking where I was hiding the shots, as much as I assured them that I had no shots for them) but it's amazing how quickly you can make them happy with a couple stickers. The office has a box of carefully categorized stickers in each exam room: boys' options include various superheros and "cars", the very diverse girls' options include "princess", "Rapunzel princess," and "fairy princess" (although I was informed my one spunky little lady that she didn't want any of those stupid girly stickers, give her one of the boys' ones please!) One little guy shyly asked me if he could listen to his heart, and I loved his face when I put my stethoscope in his ears (future doctor, maybe?

My younger sister, who's a dietitian, left me some perfect pediatrics advice: "A few pieces of wisdom I've learned working with my peds clinic patients: 1. Toys in the office are a great way to entertain children. However, children can quickly turn said toys into a missile - be warned. 2. As little ones never run low on boogers, you should likewise never allow yourself to run low on hand sanitizer. 3. Never underestimate the power of giving a kid silly bands and/or stickers ;)" Could not have said it better. 

Mustard + grey

This Sunday is bittersweet...I leave for the rural section of my pediatrics rotation today so Stephen and I went to mass last night. Afterward, we went out to dinner at my favorite restaurant (which is not Stephen's favorite). Stephen was starving so we ordered the 'artisan cheese plate' for an appetizer and he was not impressed: 'do people really like to eat plain cheese crumbles'...'does this cheese look moldy to you?' (it was blue cheese). So next dinner date is his choice...

This was my weekend project:

Yes, that is a Christmas card and it is two weeks late (but it does say "Happy New Year" too...). It was kind of a spur of the moment decision to send Christmas cards (maybe slightly encouraged by the fact that they were 40% off post-Christmas) and I don't love the ornament design (it was the only card that send Merry Christmas and Happy New Year). I also (finally) finished my wedding thank yous...please don't judge me that I mailed some of them with the Christmas cards....

Sunday's outfit: This mustard skirt along with this mauve blush one were two 'investment pieces' (at 50% off) for my 'work' wardrobe. Yes, grey and black would have probably been more versatile, but aren't mauve and mustard more fun? I love mustard and grey or ivory, but I'm also finding that it works well with pale pink/peach, burgundy, and mint...

Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple for What I Wore Sunday!

Clothesline in the background....oops

Still trying to master the 'looking down' photo...not quite succeeding

I couldn't make it too long without my new North Pole coat...

Grey cowl and mustard pencil (similar skirt here): J. Crew

Boots: Famous Footwear (I waterproofed them...but still not so practical for winter)

Coat: Lands End (Christmas gift from my parents...temp rated to 40 degrees below zero!)

7 Quick Takes Friday

1. This was my last week of break and I had all sorts of plans to do some soul-searching and decide what I want to do with the rest of my life (a.k.a. what specialty I should choose). Instead I spent it doing really productive things like teaching my sisters how to make the perfect sock bun (which my mom thinks look straight out of Little House on the Prairie...I'm still trying to convince her that they're in style):

Sister 1

Sister 2

2. And when I wasn't make sock buns, I was thrifting with my mom (found some great things from Ann Taylor, Fossil, and White House Black Market) or shopping at Target. I found some serious amazing-ness at Target, like this J. Crew look-a-like polka dot shirt (here are the rest of my Target finds).

3. I forgot how cold the winters get up here but driving home from my parents' house on New Year's Day was a vivid reminder. Yes that says 2 degrees. And trust me, it felt much colder with the wind chill (can we go back to Costa Rica?)

4. The crowning moment of my week was when I found the exact kitchenaid mixer I wanted (but didn't get) for our wedding for $150 off!! I think that God wanted me to have this mixer because I initially found it on sale at Target but only the display model was left (which I tried to buy but found out it had no cord or mixing capability). The next day, I got a Groupon in my email for the same mixer and I was ecstatic...I guess this is what happens after you get married, a Kitchenaid can completely make your week (or month)... Anyways, I love its almond cream color, and maybe it'll motivate me (or Stephen) to bake more often?

5. Inspired by my lack of success in the kitchen (understatement) my mom gave us a cookbook called "Saving Dinner." I made two recipes this week and they were both delicious and easy enough for me to successfully make them without messing up the ingredients or setting off the smoke detectors again (although I did burn my arm...ouch). I'll share the recipes soon!

Baked Rigatoni:

Red Beans and Rice with sausage:

6. I had many, many things on my to-do list over Christmas break (namely, doing every activity that I never have time for now that I'm in medical school) and most of the things are still on the list. I did get to go ice skating though. My sister and I figure skated for years and every time I go, I realize how much I miss it.

7. On Sunday I'll be going to a clinical site about an hour and a half away for three weeks of my pediatrics rotation (we stay in a house owned by the hospital). I'm doing a Rural Medicine Program through my medical school which has been great because I've been able to live near my family for the first time in a long time. It's also neat to do my clinical rotations in the small city where I grew up, and we have a lot of opportunities since there are only a few medical students here. However, I have to admit I have been dreading the rural away rotations since I'll be apart from Stephen. Hoping that the three weeks goes by quickly and I learn lots...

Linking up with 7 Quick Takes Friday here.