Hagia Sofia

I'm still in the Caribbean, but thought I'd share more of the photos I took on my day playing tourist in Istanbul.

The Hagia Sofia was dedicated in 360 AD (the current structure was built in the 500s AD) and has been a basilica, a mosque and is now a museum. It is famous for its massive dome and, at least according to wikipedia, it changed the history of architecture. I'm not a history buff, or an even an architecture guru, but I do know it was an amazing place. Just knowing that it's been there for nearly 2000 years was enough to blow me away.

Today's song is one I can't get enough of, Peter Bradley Adams: "The Longer I Run." Pin It

Giveaway: Shabby Apple

I hinted on Monday that I had a surprised planned for you today, it's something I've been excited about all week long - a giveaway with a fantastic prize - this gorgeous, blue women's dress from Shabby Apple!

My summer wardrobe staple is a sundress. I don't love the way I look in capri's or shorts and jeans are too hot, so I spent the summer in dresses. My closet is full of colorful, fun dresses that are easy to dress-up or down depending on the occasion.  Wearing a flirty dress makes me feel girly, a maxi dress makes me feel carefree and the all-purpose little black dress makes me feel elegant.  In fact, a suitcase full of dresses is how I managed to fit over 3 weeks of clothing for a trip to Switzerland in a carry-on bag.  I love this quote from their website:  "A return to what dresses were always meant to be - a one piece outfit.  No need to add anything...no tank tops, no cardigans, nothing (except accessories or course!)"

I've spent a bunch of time browsing Shabby Apple's website in the past few weeks, picking out a dress to giveaway and to find the perfect dress for myself (I have a gift certificate I'm ready to cash in) and the only problem I've had is narrowing my selection down, there are so many beautiful options, here are some of the dresses I'm considering for myself:

Adorable striped, green and navy dress

Amazing yellow dress

Sweet coral dress

Sophisticated navy dress

Perfect turquoise dress

To enter the giveaway, head over to Shabby Apple and look at their dresses, then come back here and comment telling me which your favorite is.  If you are a subscriber/follower of this blog, add a second comment for an extra chance at winning.  Comments will be accepted until end of day Wednesday, July  27, I'll announce the lucky winner next Friday.

Even if you don't win (or if you find a dress you just have to have NOW) Shabby Apple is giving you all 10% off with the coupon code: lyricaljourney10off, which will be good for the next 30 days.  Even better, they also currently running a huge sale, with many of their dresses 20% off, so the time to shop is now (just enter SUMMER20 as the coupon code)!

If you fall in love with Shabby Apple like I have and want to start filling your wardrobe with dresses, be sure to head over to their Facebook page and "like" them so you can get in on special offers and deals. Even for those of you who may not be dress fans, give their website a look, they also sell the most awesome, retro women's swimwear, have some adorable girl's dresses, and gorgeous women's jewelry.

Thanks to Shabby Apple for providing the dress for this giveaway.

Because I'm in a super girly mood after writing this post and I've been listening to the new Peter Bradley Adams album all day, I think his song Katy is the perfect way to end this post:

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Playing Catch Up

Kat Sloma has a great series of lessons and challenges called Exploring with a Camera, I always learn something interesting and I like the way they are paced, with a bit more time to work on the challenge.  I was convinced her Rimmed with Light challenge was beyond my skills - I just couldn't get the technique to make sense in my head - until I visited a local garden one evening.  Quite by accident I started to notice how the setting sun was affecting some of my photos and things clicked.  I got a couple of shots I loved - and even though she's moved on to the next challenge, I was so excited to finally "get it" I just had to share.

Am I the only one who learns this way - you read something over and over and it just doesn't seem to make sense, you walk away from it for a while and then, suddenly it is staring you in the face?

I can't seem to get enough of Peter Bradley Adams - his music is so amazing.  As I drove home from the garden, this song came on and it had me dreaming of a love just like the one described in the lyrics.

Peter Bradley Adams - For You


Then his I Cannot Settle Down came on and I remembered that my restless need to travel and explore doesn't make that dream of finding very easy.  I love it when listening to a couple of good songs results in hours of reflection.
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Happy Birthday T

My nephew turned 2 on Friday.  I'm not completely convinced he understands what a birthday is, despite the fact that his sister loves to play "birthday."  He does, however, understand it is fun to get presents and eat cake.  My sister planned a party at an indoor amusement park.  We were one of the first to arrive so the kids had their choice of rides with no lines and the adults had the task of keeping track of all the cousins and friends who came out to help celebrate.

It was pretty much the perfect way to spend a Saturday.  What did you do this weekend?  I hope it was equally perfect.

I've fallen in love with Peter Bradley Adams over the past few weeks, his voice is beautiful and his songs are amazing, the lyrics to this one are so perfect.
Peter Bradley Adams - Family Name (bonus: this single is a free download on amazon, just click the link.)
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Cooking 101 - White Chili

I've been cooking again - and thanks to the cold weather I'm still gravitating to soups.  This time I found a real keeper that will go in my favorites file - White Chili from the Simply De-Lite-Ful cookbook by Alice Bolen and Janelle Woolley - this is quickly becoming my favorite cookbook.

The original recipe serves 10, so I cut it in half (and still ended up eating it for days) but given how cold it was here last week, it was a very welcome meal.  I'll share the original recipe:

• 1 lb great northern beans, soaked or 4 15-oz cans, drained & rinsed (I didn't have great northern so just used canned white beans.)
• 1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used thawed, pre-cooked chicken breast strips and I didn't measure, just threw in what I thought would work.)
• 1 medium onion, chopped 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 4-oz cans green chiles
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 14 1/2-oz chicken broth
• 1 cup water divided
• 6 Tbsp flour

If using dry beans, put in pan and cover with water.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.  Drain and set aside.  Cut chicken into small pieces, about 1/2 inch or so.  Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper and brown in well-sprayed pan.  Add cooked chicken, beans, inion, garlic, chiles, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, chicken broth, and 1/2 cup water to slow cooker.  Stir and cover.  Cook on low 10-12 hours or 5-6 hours on high.  If using canned beans, reduce cooking time to low 6-7 hours on 3-4 hours on high.  Thirty minutes before end of cooking time combine remaining 1/2 cup water and flour, whisking to remove lumps.  Add to slow cooker and stir.  Cover and cook remaining 1/2 hour allowing chili to thicken.  Adjust for seasoning and serve hot with desired garnish - sour cream, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips.

I just thew everything in the crock-pot on low for 6 hours and since I didn't have sour cream threw in a spoonful of fat free, plain greek yogurt, and sprinkle of fat-free cheese.

I listened to Peter Bradley Adams while I cooked - a great new discovery.

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