Luxor Living

CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN SOUP WITH KALE

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Creamy Garlic Chicken Soup With Kale

 

     This soup is by far the best thing I’ve ever created in the kitchen!  It’s been a terribly cold winter, and nothing sounded great to eat except for some type of fabulous, hot soup.

    Being a major fan of garlic, I decided it would surely be hard to mess up a creamy, garlic chicken soup with new potatoes.  Too lazy to search for a recipe, I decided to wing it on my own!  What ended up happening, was the birth of the absolute best soup recipe I’ve ever accidentally created!

   Personally, I like hearty soups with at least a wee bit of meat, or I’ll just be hungry again in two hours without protein, so I opted to chock it full of chicken breast pieces.  There’s also the Woolly Mammoth to keep feeding, so I prefer to make a huge and hearty amount of whatever I cook, so that it will last more than one meal, and I won’t find myself in the kitchen quite as often this way.

 Here Is What You’ll Need:

1 Cup Minced Garlic

2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup

2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup

2 cans Chicken broth

4 Cups Chopped Kale

1/2 Cup Green onions

1 Cup Chopped Celery 

8-12 New Potatoes…sliced

3 pounds Chicken breast

1 tablespoon Salt

2 tablespoons black Pepper

2 Cups Water

 

 All You Do Is:

Dump you Cup of Garlic in a heating pan, then place chicken breasts on top, and cook over medium heat until done, adding light salt and pepper to the chicken.

In a soup pot, you will put in all cans of soup and water, over medium heat, adding in new potato wedges first.

When your chicken in done in the skillet, cut up all chicken breasts before adding into soup pot, and use the remaining chicken garlic juice, to add to the soup mixture.  Simmer, adding salt and pepper to taste… for one hour. Add cut green onions to top and BAMM!  You rock a sexy Creamy Garlic Chicken Soup With Kale!

 

   

                            

                         -SDS

-January 25, 2013

    

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TOP 5 COLOGNES for HIM

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The holidays are here and mens fragrance is always a top go-to when purchasing for him.  I’ve learned that some men can be more picky than females, when it comes to the scent choices they prefer to wear, however, there are also men that will squirt on whatever you give them with no added thought.

I think the vast majority of men underestimate the value of  an attractive scent. If you smell like nothing, there’s not a whole lot of impact unless you look fabulous.  If you smell fabulously attractive, but you don’t look great, you still gain tons of points in the arena of attraction because your scent is doing the work for you. And then there is the prick-factor, in which case, if you are completely unlikeable, at the very least you smell great so maybe someone will tolerate your existence. Just sayin.  Although you can’t buy sex appeal, smelling sexy never hurts.

There’s more and more options every year, but these are my Top Cologne Picks for this gift giving season!

1. AVENTUS by House of Creed

Aventus is supremely sexy.  Most any women would adore the scent of Aventus on the man she loves. Although Creed creates quite a few top choice scents for men, this one, has to be the sexiest.  Actually, you might not want your man wearing this to the office because it’s flat out dangerous!   Aventus is a very masculine scent and it’s quite long lasting.

Top notes: blackcurrant, bergamot, apple and pineapple. Heart: rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine and patchouli. Base: oak moss, musk, ambergris, and vanilla.

This scent is amazing, especially for the single guy! It’s a scent that screams of power and success and it’s something special to consider when looking for a specialty gift.

men's cologne

AVENTUS by CREED

 

2. PASHA de CARTIER EDITION NOIRE by Cartier

Pasha Edition Noire is another fabulously sexy scent that I recently fell in love with.  It radiates of wealth and success, which sounds ridiculous, but when you smell it, you will see what I mean.

I’ve read articles on studies of scent and how it can help you to be perceived in a better light by others in the business arena, and this strikes me as a scent of success.

Top notes of  Pasha de Cartier provide freshness in green and citruses, balanced perfectly with the warm aromas of woody amber and cedar.

Pasha_cartier_edition_noire_2

3. TOBACCO VANILLE by Tom Ford

Tom Ford is known for creating modern, sexy, strong scents for men and women.  Tobacco Vanille was launched in 2007, and it smells like the name, Tobacco and a hint of vanilla.  It’s not for everyone, because it’s extremely progressive in nature.  It takes me to a very rich party with fabulous guests, which I’ve never yet been to! This scent is for men as well as women, but again…it’s for a very high end clientele, who appreciates the distinction of it all.

It’s classified as an oriental spicy, and the  top notes are tobacco leaf and spicy notes; middle notes are tonka bean, tobacco blossom, vanilla and cacao; base notes are dried fruits and woody notes. I actually own this one, and it’s very, very sexually charged.  suppose that is the intent of  cologne…an attractant.  I suppose one must decide what they wish to attract when choosing colognes.

TOBACCO VANILLE by Tom Ford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. TIFFANY for Men by Tiffany & Co

I love Tiffany for Men.  I find it to be fresh enough for every day, yet rich and sexy…just not over-the-top.  It’s log lasting as well.

This scent was created in 1989, but it has a new, modern appeal.  It has complicated structure and composition with the top notes being lavender, green, mandarin orange, bergamot, cardamom and lemon; middle notes of nutmeg, carnation, sandalwood, patchouli, cinnamon, orris root, jasmine, cedar, rose and anise; base notes are tonka bean, amber, oakmoss, vanilla and incense.   I always find that everything I love has vanilla in it as a base note. It is also classified as an oriental spicy.

This is a very appealing scent for a man of any age and everyone knows to appreciate a gift from Tiffany & Co !

Tiffany for Men

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. OBSESSION for Men by Calvin Klein

This is from the heart.  It may not be cool and fashionable for me to discuss to finer points of Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein because it’s not really in. Smelling fabulous is never a bad thing, and Obsession is an old-school go-to that seems to smell great on every man! I’ve purchased this over the years for every male relative because it’s a really good scent for men to wear on a daily basis.

This scent came out in 1986 and yes… it was an 80’s power scent.  So what?  A fresh citrus in the top notes is harmonized with a floral sharp hint of lavender, nut, spiced notes of coriander and warm cinnamon. Carnation and jasmine is toned with warm patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, VANILLA (of course) and amber. Subtle  red berries ad a sensuousness to this scent!

So maybe it’s perfect for dad, and not so much for a 21 year old male… whatever the case, it’s a fabulous scent for men of a certain age for sure!

Obsession-Perfume

These are my top picks for this holiday season.  If you try any of them, drop a line and let me know your opinions in the comments sections!

-SDS

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SIX SHOTS: SEPTEMBER 2013

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SIX SHOTS

September, two thousand and thirteen

Stephanie Sjoberg, Houston bloggers, fashion blog, makeup artist, Luxor Living and Style 

1. BA STAR

     The make up artist in me loves trying out new products, whether it’s one I purchase and test, or if a company sends me their products to try out and review.  This shot was taken for the BA STAR eye shadow review.  Again I say… I am just a random, imperfect person in the cold, cruel world. Flawed. Un-thin. Not terribly young.  So, to take a nice picture which highlights the product as opposed to the person, is an achievement!  (I love getting samples and doing reviews!)

     


 

2.  Jazzy Purse

     Showcasing my heart, my Jazzy.  It’s getting cool enough outside to start letting her tag along places, in her Jazzy purse, so she was with us for the Jazzy, MAC and Stripes blog post. The joy it brings her heart when you get the bag out of the closet and she first bum rushes you to try and hurry to jump in before she gets left behind…that’s what makes me happy.

     While it does freak her out a little bit to be showcased on the Internet, she is supportive of the blog, and willing to contribute her image, but of course, there will have to be arrangements on extra treats.


 

3.  Bird Sanctuary

     My husband shares my love for all of God’s little birds, so we make efforts to create a tiny sanctuary for whatever bird creatures show up.  There’s always water in the bird bath, bird houses ready for occupancy, and food.

    When I noticed a new bird’s next in our tree close to the bird bath, I climbed up on a ladder to inspect and see if there were eggs in it.  I felt terrible, like I was invading a personal space.  There were no eggs. I didn’t disturb it, I adored the construction and architecture briefly before climbing down.

    How one soul under the sun, is able to hear the birds sing, and not know immediately that there is a God and this is his world and his word is true…is beyond my comprehension.  I’ve noticed that when the birds start chirping early in the morning, it makes the morning and the thought of facing another day…more tolerable.


 

4. Vines

     As much as we go to Old Town Spring, I find it shocking that we keep finding new garden spots and various nooks and crannies to photograph at.  I was especially excited about this spot, since I am doing photography and make up for a girl next week, and this spot would be a perfect backdrop.


 

5. Viva La Juicy Noir Giveaway

     I wanted to include this cool shot of the Viva La Juicy Noir  giveaway!  Click the link if you want to enter to win the 3.4 bottle, or read this post to check out my review of the scent!

     For a blog, I feel it’s appropriate to use 95% all your original art, or else what are you really doing, but rehashing and regurgitating other people’s work?   The top blogs, are the ones that create their own sphere.


 

6. Pink & Black

     This website is partially fashion based, after many years in the business of retail marketing and sales. It’s who  am.  

     We were on our way to a special lunch together, and this is me, in my tiny world. For me, the blog posts are something we do together and plan. The funny thing, is that sometimes I can tell that he hates doing it on some days, but he does it anyway and pretends he likes it. This makes me a better person though, because when he wants me to do something for him or with him, I have days like this to refer to. We are here to help each other through life, be supportive and be friends or what purpose do you serve? Just my two cents.

-SDS

-September 30, 2013

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ANIMAL PRINT & A POP

     

     I’ve tried to fight my love for animal print for years now but I give up and give in. My new hope is to modernize the classic staple with pops of colors and textures to help it be the classic it was meant to be and not cheesy as it can be if not done right!

     My inspiration board makes me want to go organize my closet and revamp my wardrobe!  Doing the board was fun and it reminded me of the many, many retail windows I’ve designed over the years which was always more fun when you had to make up your own looks because inventory was completely irrelevant from store to store!

 

-March 18, 2013

-SDS

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ALONG CAME BELLA

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pet adoption, tales, chihuahua

 

     It was common knowledge that Jazzy needed  a friend to hang out with.  A non-human friend.  So for years, I played with the idea, however knowing that the odds of adopting two low maintenance, people-like dogs in a row, was not likely, I went for it.

     There was open adoption one day about 2 years ago, right when it was about to be time for me to start working from home.  I knew this would give me more time to attempt and train whatever new beast I’d found.


     The adoption event was at The Galleria Mall in Houston, and there looked to be, a small, low maintenance, three year old Chihuahua named “Bandita.” 

chihuahua

      She had been a caged breeder dog (who would want more of these, I am not sure) and when the breeder was done with her, she took her to the pound to be destroyed, where the rescue group then came to save her. I paid my $26 pet adoption fee to the rescue group, changed her name to Bella ,and took her home to see what would happen, and hope for the best.

     I was told that she was friendly with children and other pets as well as being house broken.  None of which, I soon learned, was true.

pet adoption, chihuahua, dog in diapers

     She soon got along great with Jazzy, but she was not even almost potty trained, and she ran after the UPS delivery man like a wild wolverine.(Actually, he only laughed at her in the beginning, I guess because a wild chihuahua chasing you down, while wearing a pink and white checkered diaper, is actually kind of funny! (Yes, she had to wear doggy diapers for 6 months while I was trying to potty train her.)She tortured anyone who passed by the front of the house if we were outside.  She became very possessive over me, and to this day she feels that it is her job to manage the household. 

dogboudoir

   She’s very jealous of Jazzy, and always wants to be the center of attention.  She has watched our interactions with Jazzy, and learned some vocabulary and is smart. However, just because she knows what you want, doesn’t mean she wants to do it.

     The good part? the good part, is that Jazzy has a friend and they actually do play a lot. Bella is finally out of diapers, and she loves nothing better  than to sit in your lap during movie nights at home on the sofa. She thinks she runs things, so we have to straighten out her attitude at times, but from the life of a caged breeder, she has come a long way and we were able to save a life and give a pet a home! 


     

     It is sad to see her lick on Jazzy’s fur, as if she were one of her babies. Jazzy isn’t sure what to think about it, but lets it go. 

     In addition, she does radiate plenty of love in her own little bossy way and fills our home with another little heart that cares when you come back home and walk through the door. 


     Again I say, it’s a crap shoot, however it is rewarding to know you’ve given a little heart a place to call home.

September 17, 2012

–SDS

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DINING ROOM ReVamp

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animal print curtains

      The terrible thing about the dining room re-vamp, is that I don’t have adequate “before” shots! Ugh!  

     So, I can only say is that before I moved in, the walls were white, the armoire was not there and the curtains were plain black.

     The white blinds are not my first choice, but they were already there so I am using warmer colors to try and help myself forget they are there.  A cherry wood would have been my choice!

     The paint color is “Twilight Jungle” by Valspar, which connects to the black wall stemming from the kitchen area. I’ve decided to make the Twilight jungle the “base” color for the rest of the home, adding in accent wall colors here and there.

     The armoire is important, because it brings some dark wood into the room, which pull in the neighboring living room and because it is actually my home office!

     It opens up and is a wonderful little nook that is hidden when the doors are shut.


     I used the top of it to store expensive  lead crystal and a few decorative pieces that had belonged to my mother, such as some porcelain figurines that my mom purchased 30 years ago.  I never liked them, but now they have a spot and they remind me of her.  The vases used to be gray, so I painted them gold years ago, and now white, so that way, I still have them as heirlooms but they blend in as well. 

      Being high up, the nice pieces are still displayed without any chance of being broken. By everything being white and crystal, it creates an artistic blend that doesn’t take away, but adds class to the room.

     The knobs on the armoire were cheap looking, so I went purchased new glass ones for $24.00 at Lowe’s which adds to the look.


     The animal wall sconces appear gothic and serious along the black wall.

     The curtains needed to match throughout the dining to living area, to help connect the two small rooms and make appear as one large, open area. With that in mind, I’d had these shear animal print curtains left from moving out of my own home, and decided to use them as opposed to purchasing new.

     The vase on the dining table was a wedding gift from a person I love, so I chose to use it as a dramatic centerpiece with a feather accented arrangement to stay with the fun animal mode.

     So, again, while I have no proper “before picture” of the dining area, I do have this one of my babies, and you can see the white, sparse dining area in the background. (Yes, very professional.)  Below it,  is the “new”, warmer, cozier version!

     What’s next? The living room re-vamp coming soon!

September 8, 2012

–SDS

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