{a formal apology}

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SECURED payday loans

I apologize for my less-than-inspired presence lately. It is the last week of my first semester of my graduate program and it is kicking my ass. No joke. My eyes are permanently at half staff. I always sort of balked at bloggers who would apologizing for taking a few days off, but I must say I now understand. I undertook this blog with no specific goal or intention apart from having a creative outlet to express my crazy thoughts that I was forced to contain during my 9-5.Well now that I have been posting on a consistent basis, not writing seems like somewhat of a let down. Unfortunately in life we sometimes have to prioritize and right now my millions of final papers and tests seem to be high on that priority list and well, sleep is way at the bottom. Please bear with me the next few weeks as I bring my first semester to a close… PLUS I have some exciting new developments I hope to reveal by the first of the year.

{pink perfection}

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Yes, this is yet another post about J.Crew. I mean, seriously? Is there anything they make that I don’t like? I even covet their plaid shirts and I’m not one to typically go for plaid (horrible grade school uniform memories). Luckily (or unfortunately, depending upon how you look at it), there isn’t a J.Crew within a 100 mile radius of me, therefore making it difficult to go broke buying every item in their store. Don’t worry, I do enough damage shopping on their website that I am in danger on a monthly basis of not making rent.  This last weekend I was able to stop by their store when I was in Dallas and my love for all things J.Crew was renewed. Hot pink corduroy pants? Polka dot sequin shirts? And finally, a coat made just for me? Yes please. This coat could not be more perfect. Hot pint+bows makes for a happy girl. Unfortunately they didn’t have the style in the store so I will have to continue to lust after it on my computer and hope that I will have enough  strength to not impulsively hit “purchase”. But I’m not making any promises.

{DIY inspo: polka dotted dreams}

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It is always hard coming back to reality after a long weekend break. I spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Dallas with loved ones and had a great time. Lots of eating and shopping was done. It was so nice to be in a city and I definitely needed it to re-energize for the last few weeks of school. Now that I’m on a student’s budget, I have to be much more mindful of my purchases as well, I don’t have much of a budget. I’m planning a few DIY projects that mimic some of my favorite (but expensive) finds.

First on the list is the most adorable pair of smoking flats I’ve ever seen. Kate Spade can do no wrong in my book, and her polka dot flats are certainly no exception. I’m currently on the lookout for some cheap black smoking flats and cannot wait to make these shoes. Until then, I’m just going to lust after the Kate Spade version.

{goat cheese, spinach and pine nut stuffed chicken}

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I was introduced into this deliciously easy recipe a few years ago at Bucket’s house and have incorporated it into my regular recipe cycle ever since. Whenever I have friends over, I throw this chicken recipe together and it makes them believe I’m much more culinarily skilled than I actually am. It is rich and filling while still being healthy, and you can add almost any ingredient to change up the flavor. I usually add  pine nuts as it gives it a delicious nutty flavor, but it would also be good with cranberries, red pepper flakes, or even bacon. Throw this together and have a meal ready in 40 minutes.

 

Here is the basic recipe, but feel free to add anything that tickles your fancy. I didn’t have pine nuts available, but I just toast about 2 T and mix them in with the goat cheese stuffing.

 

{goat cheese and spinach stuffed chicken}

Ingredients:

4 large chicken breasts

Salt & Pepper- to taste

1 log goat cheese (4 oz. )

4 c. (1 bag) baby spinach

1 t. oil (olive, vegetable… any will do)

2 T. toasted pine nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Put the pine nuts in a sauté pan and toast until brown, approximately 7-10 minutes. Remove and place in a bowl. Add 1 t. of oil to the sauté pan, and sauté spinach until just wilted. Immediately add spinach to the bowl and add the goat cheese. Mix together the pine nuts, spinach and goat cheese until goat cheese is softer consistency. Pound the chicken breast well to tenderize and flatten. Lay out the chicken breasts flat in a pan and salt and pepper each side (note, the tinfoil is not necessary, I just do it to make clean-up easier). Add approximately 2 T. of the stuffing to one side. Fold over the other side and secure with 1-2 toothpicks. Put in the oven for 30-40 minutes (depending on thickness of chicken breast). Take out of the oven and enjoy!

 

{wrapping paper wrap-up}

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It’s no secret that Christmas is upon us. The Christmas music has started playing , lights are starting to be un-tangled and strung on trees, and stores are full of Christmas paraphernalia. Yep, it is full-blow Christmas cheer around this household. Granted, that isn’t saying much as I start listening to Christmas music in July. Either way, one of my favorite parts of Christmas is finding creative ways to wrap gifts. I am a huge wrapping paper nerd and get almost as excited about wrapping presents as I do giving them. Since I will be traveling for the entire holiday season this year, it  may be difficult to go overboard on my wrapping addiction but I’m not giving up. I have found some simple yet whimsical wrapping ideas and I can’t wait to try one out this year. I am thinking that poms may make an appearance on my packages this year as they seem to be making an appearance in every other area of my life. I guess we will see come December 25th which darling decor I choose to adorn my packages with this holiday season.

 

 

 

 

{over my head}

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As the end of the semester quickly approaches, I find myself feeling a bit like I am in over my head. With the recent opening of my Etsy shop, my committment to blog 5 days per week, my crafting, cooking, traveling and…. well, schoolwork, somedays I contemplate if I should give up sleeping to get everything done. How does everyone else make this look so easy? What I liked about this quote is how a simple change in attitude, how looking at being in over my head as a joyful experience might change how I choose to prioritize my time and to-do list. It might make me realize how much better my life is when I am busy, rather than bored. Plus, most of the things that occupy my time are exciting and challenging and new and signify endless possibilities and rather than focusing on the few things I find less than thrilling, I can focus my energy on those which drive my passion.

Going forward the next few weeks I am going to try to remind myself to be joyful, to be grateful for everything that I have going on. While I may not be extatic over filling my time with studying and writing papers, I can be excited about the things that I do to balance that stress. Who knows where this crazy ride is going to take me, but I’m holding on tight.

{chicks+bowties}

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I’ve long been a fan of girls in menswear. Ties, loafers, blazers, boyfriend jeans. There’s something about a confident woman who can pull of men’s attire. I spied an oversize bowtie on Asos a while back and have since cursed myself for not purchasing it. Luckily, I was in Forever 21 a few weeks ago and found black and gold glittered bow hair clips that can double as a bowtie. Plus, at under 2 dollars, how can I go wrong? I decided to rock my bowtie today with a fun sweater and some tall ankle booties. Unfortunately, I don’t have a full-body shot because I have yet to purchase a full-length mirror but I must say, it was a pretty fun outfit. An older gentleman in a dapper suit at Michael’s (third day in a row at the craft store) told me it was “becoming” on me. Hey, I take compliments where I can get them.

I looked to Pinterest for inspiration and found there are lots of women who look darling rocking bowties. I’m thinking this might be my new favorite accessory and am currently on the hunt for a hot pink one. Here’s to chicks in bowties!

Dot Love

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Dot Love

1/2 (sold out)/3/4/5/6/7

I have never been a big fan of socks. I have a strange phobia of my toes being stuck together that dates back to kindergarten when I literally got stuck in a pair of tights. Don’t ask, it was traumatizing. The only time I wear socks is when I’m at the gym or when the weather absolutely necessitates wearing them lest my toes get frostbite. That is, until I noticed a polka dot trend creeping into legwear. I saw a picture of a girl wearing the cutest sheer polka dot socks with colorful heels and I was sold. Polka dot socks add whimsy to any pair of black pants or paired with a flirty dress and heels can be the perfect party look. With temperatures approaching freezing in Texas, I might have to forego my sock ban and give in for these polka dot lovelies.

{double chocolate coconut zucchini bread with chocolate glaze}

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While I was researching breads to make for my November challenge, I came across many tempting and decadent options. That is, until I found this one. The recipe had me at double chocolate. I have always been a fan of zucchini bread however chocolate zucchini bread, that’s a different story. This bread was beyond easy to make and is, quite honestly, one of the best breads I have ever consumed in my life. I use the term “bread” lightly because it is more like a dessert than bread but calling it bread allows me to rationalize consuming a slice with every meal. I mean, you are supposed to have carbs at every meal, right?

I added coconut to one of my loaves and really liked the flavor. If you aren’t a coconut person, fear not, it is just as delicious without. I also added a light chocolate glaze to the top, because everything tastes better topped with frosting.

I urge you to make this bread. It is easy, delicious and is sure to be a hit at holiday parties.

 

{double chocolate coconut zucchini bread with chocolate glaze}

adapted from this recipe

bread

2 medium zucchinis, skinned and shredded

1/2 c. buttermilk

1/2 c. vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 1/4 c. all purpose flour

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. cocoa

1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. fine salt

1/2 c. chocolate chunks or chips

1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

1/2 c. shredded coconut (optional)

chocolate glaze

2 T. butter

3/4 c. chocolate chips

1 c. confectioner’s sugar

1-2 T. boiling water

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×4 inch bread pan or 3 mini loaf pans with cooking spray.

2. Shred the zucchini lengthwise, omitting the seeds. Squeeze out excess moisture with paper towel. You should have over a cup of zucchini after squeezing out extra water.

3. Whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and eggs. Stir in zucchini.

4. Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just incorporated. DO NOT over mix. Fold in 3/4 c. of the nuts, the chocolate chunks, and the coconut.

6. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan(s). Tap the bottom on the work surface to distribute the batter evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It should take approximately 1 hour for the large pan and 35 to 40 minutes for the minis. Let cool for 20- 30 minutes before adding glaze.

for glaze:

1. Melt together butter and chocolate chips in microwave safe container.

2. Stir in the confectioner’s sugar and water, starting with 1 T. boiling water. Add more water until you reach desired consistency. Beat until smooth.

3. Pour glaze over the loafs, allow to sit for about 20 minutes until you serve and slice.*

*It is perfectly okay if you are like me and cannot wait 20 minutes. You can eat it right away. I promise nothing bad will happen.*

{the lineup of ingredients}

 {3 mini loaves}

 

  {molten chocolate glaze}

 

 

 

 

{first sighting}

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I admit it, I am a really nosy person. I guess part of it comes with the territory of being in psychology, and some of it is just nature. My mom’s pretty nosy too, so I blame it on her. I stumbled upon this little gallery of photos and being a nosy person, I was immediately intrigued.

One of the most magical moments at a wedding (I imagine since I have yet to attend my own) is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time. Most often that moment is reserved for just the bride and groom but buzzfeed.com decided to share some with us. Check out the full gallery here.

Try not to tear up…

Here are some of my favorites: