Ugly Bra
For some reason, it's difficult for me to get myself dressed on my days off. My usual work attire includes one or more of the following:
Scarf (infinity or otherwise)
Boots
Jeans that fit my butt (that I seem to always need to pull up due to tightness)
Oversized yet seemingly-boho blanket sweater
Top with a print (I'm partial to stripes, but I have been known to sport a polka dot)
Blazer
Tights
Fit and Flare dress
Statement necklace
Earrings bigger than a basic stud
Bracelets
One of my "Good" bras
That last one needs some explanation... A "good bra" is any bra in my drawer that puts my boobs back up where they're supposed to be (and probably doesn't have a small hole in it somewhere). I don't buy braziers often, but when I do I wear the crap out of them.
In stark contrast to my Work Attire, my Day Off outfit can, but is not limited to, include:
Jeans that fit a little looser, complete with holes and random paint from display accidents at work
Graphic tees (one of which is my brother's)
Tank Top too low for work but just right for cleaning the house in
XL Hoodies with small mystery stains
Flip Flops or Aqua Chucks (Converse Sneakers)
Olive Green Canvas Ball Cap (it was Cori's but I stole it)
Little-to-no makeup (unless I am venturing out of my hovel to go to the grocery store or Target)
My "Ugly" Bra
Let me again explain the latter. Once upon a time I needed a nude bra that didn't push my boobs up to my chin. Enter: The Ugly Bra. This bra, while ugly, pilling, complete with one tiny hole, is the best thing under t-shirts, white tops, and big baggy sweatshirts. It's the kind of thing you see in the back of Smart Source coupon inserts next to orthopedic "high fashion" sandals and think, "Who on this Earth would buy this ugly thing???" There is no wire, no padding, and very little support. I love it because it helps when I don't want to emphasize my boobi-ness and I just want to relax and not worry about... well, anything. That bra will be in my drawer until it disintegrates, it's so great.
I look totally different on my days off than I do when I'm at work. I think if I didn't have such a presence about my personality (see: exuberance), people wouldn't recognize me when I would visit my store. When I leave from work and stop by a grocery or place of business, people always ask what party or event I'm headed for. It's kind of a fun conversation piece, and no one dresses like Anthro ladies. But when I'm at the store on my day off? Hardly a peep from anyone about my Rubik's Cube t-shirt or my paint-stained jeans. I wonder why...
I've always enjoyed dressing up, bringing out a different side of my personality with my clothes, hair, and the magic of makeup. Whether I'm wearing a boldly striped dress with sparkly cardigan and wedge heels, or I'm in my favorite jeans full of holes and a black tank and hoodie, I try to always feel like myself. Partly fancy, partly scrub. The things that I like may be odd, boring, or pretty, but at the end of the day they're all me. Faux fur/leather vest and all.
Honey-roasted Sriracha Cashews
4 cups whole raw cashews
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (it's fairly mellow, but you can reduce the amount based on your preferences)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
sea salt for sprinkling
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare two cookie sheets by lining with foil (otherwise you'll have a gross, sticky mess later to clean). Put the cashews in a large bowl and set aside.
In a medium bowl combine the honey, Sriracha sauce, olive oil, ginger, and sesame seeds. Whisk together until combined. Pour over the cashews and fold to combine.
Distribute the cashews evenly between the two prepared cookie sheets and spread into an even layer to ensure crispness later. Sprinkle with sea salt and roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. The cashews will quickly become a deep, cinnamon-like color between the 15 and 20 minute mark, so watch them closely. Just as they get to that dark and beautiful color, remove them from the oven and let cool completely before snacking. If you're anything like me, you'll eat them as they cool. Store in an air tight container for up to one week.
Other additions for variety: lime juice, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, brown sugar, black pepper, or more ginger. You really just can't go wrong.