here to stay

So I know, I have once again been a terrible blogger and am truly sorry for abandoning y'all! To be honest, I think I am going through a blog identity crisis. Don't get me wrong...I love my blog...and I love my loyal followers. However, lately I have felt a transition coming on in my interests for 2012. While I will always write about design and fashion I feel like I am looking to turn my blog into a 'catch all' outlet. Lately I've been wanted to write book reviews and share cooking recipes. I've struggled with the idea of abandoning DapperDwelling and starting from fresh, but am please to announce that after some wise advice DapperDwelling is here to stay. So please join me on this journey as I broaden my subjects and build my up my blogging community!

To start us off I thought I would share the recipe of a delicious meal that I made last night. Although I have always been a relatively healthy eater, this year has me craving new grains, fresh veggies, and innovative meals. So here you have it folks...

1 cup quinoa (red or white)
2 cups water
2 sweet potatoes
½ sweet yellow onion
10 brussel sprouts
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup pine nuts
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Bring water to bowl in medium pan and stir in quinoa. Reduce heat down to low and cover for 10 minutes.

Peel and chop the sweet potatoes (I used white sweet potatoes) into bite size cubes. Clean and quarter the brussel sprouts and finely chop the onion. Add all veggies to a baking dish. Coat with olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper. Place baking dish in preheated over and cooking for 30 minutes.

In a small pan, lightly toast pine nuts until golden brown.

Once all components are done mix the quinoa, veggies, pine nuts, and cranberries together in a large bowl.

ENJOY! You are now one step closer to feeding your body a nutritious meal that will make you feel like a million bucks!

perfect for you

My sweet friend Becca posted this on her blog and I couldn't help but share! Happy Sunday sweet friends!

pony up

Those of you who know me well know that I have a lot of pride for my SMU Mustangs! This year I am once again reminded of how far our football program has come, and am certain that we are going to continue climbing the BCS ladder in the years to come!

So on this Compass Bowl Game day all I have to say is...GO MUSTANGS...PONY UP...MAKE ME PROUD!

run for ruby

This morning I will be attending the first annual Run for Ruby! As many of you remember (from emails, facebook posts, and texts) the Taylor family lost their sweet baby Ruby Jane last August while waiting for her to receive a liver transplant. It was a devastating time and an unbearable loss for everyone, but through lots of prayer and encouragement the Taylor's started The Ruby Jane Foundation in order for Ruby's legacy to live on. The foundation's focus is to bring awareness to organ donation, and as part of that they are hosting a Run for Ruby each year in honor of Ruby's birthday (which was on Thursday)!



This is such an incredible story of strength, grace, and God's divine plan! So today (and every day) we remember you Ruby as we run in your memory! I have been looking forward to this day for months and am excited to be attending with my sweet friend Alex! Please keep the Taylor's in your prayers today as I'm sure this day is bitter sweet for their family.

Side note, for those of you who are not familiar with the Taylor family and Ruby's story you can read about it here!

pick your chevron

Right now I am all about the chevron pattern! I mean it is quite simply the most perfect pattern out there. The chevron is classy, chic, and a little funky all at once. It can fit in an elegant home, a newborn nursery, or even a fresh kitchen. Truly....most versatile pattern on earth.

I know I have a lot of opinions, and I appreciate y'all hanging in there with me as I push my opinions on each of you. With that said, I think everyone needs at least one chevron statement piece in their home. Below I have listed a few of my favorites but by all means don't let me limit you. The chevron is the limit here....think....rugs, plates, chargers, lamps, curtains, and even towels. You name it and I'm sure it exists. Here are a few of my personal favs!

The navy classic chevron accent pillow

The perfect neutral accent wall
The perfect bedroom dresser decor (this is a must replicate ASAP project)!
And of course the ever so chic wooden floors (although consider this as an accent wall treatment...fab)!

little reminders

As I go into the new year, I wanted to post some of my favorite sayings, quotes, and inspirational reminders. Sometimes it's easy to get bogged down with things that don't matter, but this year I am going to try harder to be less stressed and more easy going.....two things that I am constantly working at. These little reminders always make me smile and remind me that life is good and God is great!