Only Fern

I had no idea that it has been MONTHS since I posted last.  There are so many days when a blog idea strikes and the business of life takes over, thus the blog never happens. Maybe I'll add that to my 2016 plan.  Whatever 2015 was--I am determined to make 2016 a bit brighter, a bit lighter and a bit more mine.  I'm a living attempt to rework a lifestyle--to eat better, to plan healthier and to insert some exercise.  I hope to make more time for myself  to spend a bit more time doing what I enjoy whether it be taking pictures or cooking or writing.  I continue to dream of a horizon where I can watch a sunset, but until then, I'll keep on keeping on in the Midwest with an excess of trees, a lack of fine Mexican food and a shortage of good music and drink.

It's Sum..Sum...Summertime and Fern's calendar is no more (or less) out of control than it usually is.  With a full calendar this week, not to mention, she can't find the notebook with little notes of blog inspiration, she'll share with you a few of her favorite summer recipes as the #1 grilling day of the year approaches. Since the #1 Grilling Day of the Year has been mentioned, let's just clear this up right now--get BEEF on that grill, please.  There are 29 lean cuts of beef that won't break a diet, and there are many on that list that won't bust a budget either!  That's the unique thing about the responsibly raised beef in this country, there are options for everyone: conventionally raised and fed beef, grass fed beef, natural and even organically raised beef.  Please find something that fits your kitchen and your lifestyle and fire up that grill!! I mentioned favorite summer recipes, I should mention that I make some of these ALL year long.  D...

It's been a long time friends.  Fern has opened a new chapter, closed an overdue chapter, and gone on many, many adventures--she was even afraid that she'd lost her Fern-ness along the way.  Rest assured that she is not lost, rather she must have been hiding. New chapter--Assistant Professor at a Mid-Western University teaching Animal Science. There, she enriches (or ruins, it's in the eye of the beholder) young lives, teaches the next generation, promotes agriculture and beef, plays with cows, and seldom rests. Overdue chapter--SHE FINISHED HER DISSERTATION LAST SUMMER. SHE DEFENDED IT, AND SHE PASSED.  SHE GRADUATED WITH A PhD IN THE WINTER.  Whew, so glad that is over.  She's thankful that she did it, and she's grateful for everyone's support.  She realizes everyday, even in the smallest of things, the people that the graduate school experience brought her, the lessons that it taught her, and the experiences that it delivered to her are immeasurable....

I really should've been a trophy wife I was serape before serape was cool (circa 2007...BAM!) What is a "typical girl", and how is she different from a "typical Southern girl"?  Do tell. I am a drenching diva--- Stay Tuned...I promise to elaborate

I have a confession... I didn't tune into the super bowl.  Now, had Denver actually gotten their &*^$ together and made it...I may be sitting in my living room right now in a navy sweatshirt with orange paint on my face.  I'd probably still be by myself, but I'd have more of an interest in the game.  I happened to be on the phone with mom when the Budweiser commercial came on and switched the channel in time.  I took a break from lesson planning/developing to check Facebook and it was blowing up.  My newsfeed was overflowing with posts about the Dodge commercial.  I checked it out... I got the chills. I cried. I called home to thank my Dad. I said a prayer and thanked my Granddad's and the generations who have gone before. Those men and women who worked tirelessly to feed their families and their country and leave a legacy. So thankful to be part of something bigger than myself...AGRICULTURE.  Thank A Farmer

In my most recent post I mentioned that I was attempting 30 days of no shopping outside of food and necessities.  There's something about lunch, deodorant, and TP... During this same 30 days, I'm taking a chance...I'm finding 30 outfits in my closet.  My goal is to keep it mixed up and not wear the same pieces/combination of pieces for a month.  So far, so good.  Obviously, I'm combining jeans multiple times over the course of this "project"...and accessories are always a way to freshen up a look.  However, no pant/top/footwear combo may be replicated during this 30 days. I've been at it since Monday of this week and it's been Fern-tastic.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  CHEERS to 2013!! I've been away for awhile.  I've taken on a new chapter in life, and I'm loving it.  I've turned a different direction professionally, taken on home ownership, and moved across the country (although a touch closer to home).  Most everyone that follows this is likely aware of all of this.  I've found a job that challenges me everyday, that allows me to put more of myself into it than my previous post, and that I wake up raring to face each day.  Some days my "fern-ness" is a lot for the Mid-West to handle, but we are both learning.   I've thought a lot about 2013 and what I want from it... I could sit here and tell you that I want life and love and happiness and wealth, but who doesn't. That's a wagon load of B.S.  Be original. Be attainable or at least set resolutions that are semi-attainable. Focus on a healthier lifestyle Be positive Finish what I started in the previous decade Budget better...

It's Steer Sale Weekend! by onlyfern featuring coach sneakers

Coming Soon to a Fern near you by onlyfern featuring bangles jewelry

(From somewhere on Pinterest). I found the above "poster" on Pinterest awhile back.  This morning, I don't know if it was the cool morning or the prospect of a good weekend that put pep in my step and a fullness, yet lightness, in my heart, but as the dog licked my had I realized that I have more than plenty to be thankful for, to be grateful for, to treasure.  I am blessed. Not only do I have food in my fridge, clothes on my back, and a warm bed to sleep in at night...my cup over flows with family and friends (although not near) and experiences that I wouldn't trade.  I may never see the castles in Ireland, but I've seen... the St. Louis Arch (even went to the top in the tiny elevator) the Golden Gate bridge (been across it in a 15 passenger rental van, can you say that??) the "Faces" a.k.a. Mt. Rushmore the Alamo both the Atlantic and the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico (and the North Platte River, but who's counting?)...I've dippe...

I apologize for my absence, but we'll cover that later. On a recent road trip (day trip), for work, I made a little list in my head, let's see if I can recall the jist of it all. I worked up a list of things that we should all have in our memory books, and on my list, thanks to my iPod, I have the '80s ladies. No, not the great friends from the dorm and I that re-worked the K.T. Oslin's hit from the '80s. That is definitely another story for another time. As I was cruising across the Lone Star State in my Gold Lincoln Town Car on Friday of last week, I spent a lot of time being thankful that it was a solo mission---I did a lot of singing and dancing in that car that day. Some of the favorite stops made by my iPod were on the Ladies of the 80s. Let me just share with you right now that my musical stylings were utterly amazing and a force to be reckoned with, not to mention the moves that accompanied them. Tell me, who doesn't know their way through ...

I wish this was today's ensamble in real life... by onlyfern featuring brown boots

Monday by onlyfern featuring yves saint laurent handbags

TGIF by onlyfern featuring rubber shoes

Ranch Rodeo Weekend by onlyfern featuring slouchy handbags

Untitled by onlyfern featuring distressing jeans Ralph Lauren Childrenswear vest $100 - lordandtaylor.com Current/Elliott distressing jeans $229 - saksfifthavenue.com Old Gringo mid heels $490 - infinityshoes.com Michael Kors sports jewelry $225 - net-a-porter.com rings - Dos Piedras Ring $260 - crowsnesttrading.com Womens Western Shirts, Jackets, Jeans and Hats $159 - crowsnesttrading.com

Fern's Feelin' Fancy by onlyfern featuring a 18k gold ring Long sleeve t shirt $235 - barneys.com Alice by Temperley faux fur jacket $487 - my-wardrobe.com Denim jeans £14 - peacocks.co.uk Frye boots $348 - zappos.com Roberto Cavalli leather tote $1,060 - net-a-porter.com Yves Saint Laurent snap bracelet $895 - net-a-porter.com Dannijo 18k gold ring $183 - my-wardrobe.com ASOS turquoise necklace $31 - asos.com

Awhile back, a friend of mine was traveling in the Midwest and ended up at the Ghyslain Chocolatier .  She was so sweet to bring me back a sampling of their goodies. Now, I've never been one of those "I need chocolate" or "Chocolate fixes everything people".  Personally, I'd rather have a plate of cheese fries on a bad day, but that's me, and I do march to my own drum.  However, the small blue box she brought me contained six little pieces of beauty.  Each was a different flavor and shape, and the remarkable thing to me is that each was HAND PAINTED.  They were little tiny works of art.  I have to be honest, they sat untouched in the box for a couple of days before I could bring myself to eat one.  The were so pretty!  Were being the operative word...they were also tasty!! To find the image this morning, I found their website .  Their story is interesting, the things that they can do with chocolate are amazing, and there are pastries.... ...

http://emerson.tamu.edu/ephemera/success.html Favorite Quote (day 5).

Day 4: (I know I'm a few days behind. I'll post this weekend as to why I've been so out of pocket, so to speak) This should be no surprise. Favorite book: Lonesome Dove. If you have NEVER seen the movie, stop what you are doing and devote 6 hours to watching it. If you have NEVER read the book (even if you have seen the movie), STOP RIGHT NOW, go to amazon.com, and buy the book!!! As soon as UPS drops it off, STOP, tear into that box and get to reading. It will consume you, wear comfy sweats, make a pot of great coffee, curl up. DO IT.