Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Girl Talk

Back in late July, I hinted at a possible new series centered on topics and discussions that would be inviting, comfortable, casual and hopefully interesting enough for any and all women to gather around and share each other's experiences. So that is exactly where we will begin, I know it may be early in the day for most people, but for every "Girl Talk," I hope to hear how your day went (on a personal level and about your job), all the accomplishments and positive outcomes of your workday as well as the challenges you faced. 

When I graduated from college back in 2011, I left full of ambition, independence and ready to take on whatever the world had in store for me. I moved to New York and spent my mornings in Bryant Park watching women in suits walking the streets with tunnel vision of success and empowerment. In those moments I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life but I knew I wanted to make a difference and listen to all the greats on how to be career driven and successful. At first I only thought of jobs that offered really high salaries instead of what I was really passionate about until I walked the halls of a library of all places. Now I was extremely fortunate that I had an extensive amount of time to get to know myself out of college and in between jobs. I let my mind wander, I explored and allowed myself to be curious. I learned what I was actually good at and found a passion. With time to myself, encouragement and yes a little treating myself, I learned about the importance of having a relationship with yourself. It may sound strange and even a little selfish. I find it a crucial part of living, something we all need a little more of.

As a part of a generation full of young professional woman, I look around and see friends who are getting married and starting families and I can't help but to feel selfish because my mind is in school, my career, finding balance and the relationship and friendships I have. I've grown up reading history books where women were the underdog and look up to those who fought hard and won their battles. I am not an extreme feminist and I will never try persuade your opinion on anything. I'm here to listen, because your voice is the most powerful gift.  As an advocate for self love, I'm here to encourage you to be the best person you can be through simple and healthy avenues, I am not here to promote arrogance or pride. I'm here to listen to your stories and share them. But I would like to share this link with you :)

(image via her new tribe)

Monday, September 29, 2014

Weekend Wrap Up

 overflow book shelving in closet. 
 getting lost in a corn maze on the perfect fall day. 
 pulled pork sandwiches and apple pie to end the day. 
 enjoying a beautiful day in the mountains. 
 getting my juice on at the new whole foods market.
freshly picked apples and arugula and quinoa salad.

(images via instagram)

Friday, September 26, 2014

this week's favorites...





After a long career in the fashion industry, Linda Rodin founded her skincare line in 2008 and has recently been seen modeling for Mary-Kate and Ashley's clothing line, The Row. A natural beauty and style queen, I'm loving everything about her being in front of the camera. Her style is pure inspiration to revamp the inside of my closet!  

(images via rue daily)

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Fridge Basics

So not in the mood to even go shopping for food or wanting to use my brain after work, my fall  magazines have been helping me out a little by suggesting a few of these as basics to keep around the house. Lemon goes perfect with everything from chicken to salad dressing and in my water (tip: lemon and mint in water adds a little punch of flavor and is a nice refresher during a work break) and an assortment of nuts, pomegranate seeds,trying new kinds of yogurt and my favorite kalamata olives is plenty to keep me satisfied without feeling disgusted from quick and cheap junk food. 

(images via trader joes and whole foods market) 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The Rules of Fall [Part Two]

Although the official first day of fall was yesterday, the leaves are not changing colors and I'm still sporting shorts and the last of my summer dresses. And while my sister talks of dressing in scarves and tights in New York, I'm waiting for the season to settle here in the desert. While I sit here and wait, I'll just start making my list of things I want to do and places I want to see when Autumn finally comes around. 

1. Now that I'm on my own and have full reign of the kitchen, I am more than excited to get to know my pots and pans and try my hand at a few recipes, number one an apple pie. I'm not a big apples for desert kind of girl, but something about apple pie and vanilla bean ice cream just sounds so perfect for this time of year.

2. Ever since I can remember, I've always enjoyed getting ready for the annual marathon of my favorite show once it hits mid August.  A bowl of peppered popcorn, a bag of Peanut Butter M&M's my favorite slippers and cozy robe, I'm all set. Ready to find a new show and share my tradition of tv binging and getting cozy with my guy is something I'm really looking forward too. 

3. Take a drive down your favorite road, blast the radio (in this case a playlist I specifically made that goes with this season), sip your pumpkin spice latte, enjoy the changing leaves, the crisp Autumn air and be one hundred percent in the moment. 

4. Treat yourself to a fall scented candle like this one from Anthropologie and/or a berry lipstick. 

5. After getting my first work shirt this week (it's very plain, it simply asks what are you reading in very bright colors), I was inspired to start a small reading club called just that, What Are You Reading? There's no one specific book to talk about and do not feel you have to committed, I'm just curious as to what everyone is reading. 

(image via of hearth and home)

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Fall TV



Being someone who finds comfort in dvd collections (specifically one show) of favorite television shows, popcorn and in pajamas is a regular weeknight in my home. With so many choices and endless channels, choosing just seems impossible; give me HGTV and Travel Channel and I'm a happy camper. I've just never been one of those people who have a show for every night of the week. Being the big fan I am of Zooey Deschanel, I couldn't help but watch her show, then I fell hopelessly for Max Greenfield and Jake Johnson. Which of course then led to The Mindy Project (which is currently number one on my list of tv shows right now). Mindy Kaling is simply hysterical, her screen writing is superb and I can't recommend her book enough. And while I love the comedy and romance of these two shows my guy introduce me to the greatness that is The Big Bang Theory, I seriously have been waiting all summer. What's on your list of must see shows to watch this season, what are some of your favorites? (I also can't wait for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Orphan Black to premier in early 2015!!)

(1,2,3)


Saturday, September 20, 2014

Saturday Happy

Over this past weekend I packed up my stuff and moved out of my childhood home and about twenty minutes away to Palm Springs, CA. And having since moved I figured with my OCD I'd have the place in order in about a day or two, that did not happen! A week later and starting a new job, I'm barely getting the place in order and already too exhausted to do anything this weekend. I am definitely excited to share all the details and all the love I'll put into my home over time but for now I'm getting back in bed, enjoying a Gilmore Girl marathon and being lazy for the day off I have this week. What's making you happy this week?

Friday, September 19, 2014

Friday Showings

For all you R.L. Stine fans, I'm beyond excited for the upcoming movie of Goosebumps starring Jack Black as the beloved author himself, I seriously cannot wait!!!! I grew up devouring the hit book series and watched the show whenever I went over to friends house when we were in the mood for scary movies. What was your favorite book? The Haunted Mask was my favorite :)

Thursday, September 18, 2014

The Daily Escape

One of the earliest memories I have concerning my obsession and fascination with history was when I was introduced to a set of children encyclopedias my parents had acquired. As I got older and use to using the internet as the new encyclopedia, Wikipedia would become my friend when I fell into a mood of wanting to nerd out. As a ten year old, my curiosity was fueled by the awesome volume set my parents bought perhaps when my older brother was toddler. Reading each volume cover to cover and being entertained with history themed coloring books and computer games, I was quick to love certain time periods like the revolutionary and civil wars and major cities that held such historical significance. Having never been to Philadelphia, I'm dying to get there. Standing in a place where our founding fathers walked, talked and held meetings with each other to create this nation, is one thing I'd like to check off my bucket list. Have you ever been, what was your favorite thing about the city?

(image via saveur)  

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Sweater Weather





I love the Autumn season for many reasons, one being the fashion. With trench coats and wool being a staple during these months, I wish I could stock my closet with some of my favorite fall trends. Due to living in an area where fall and winter mean 60 degrees outside, I'm stuck with lighter layers, sporting plum hats and thin scarves, what are some of your favorite fashion trends this season? 

(1,2,3,4)

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Wit and Delight for Target



I've been a long time fan of Kate Arends, founder of the fantastic blog Wit and Delight. Her style and blog is a constant inspiration to help me find my own voice and style. I'm more than excited to buy the entire line she created in collaboration with Target. By the way, I'm totally into the other bloggers who have worked with Target like Oh Joy! and Poppytalk. Go and check out what Kate has come up with at your local target :)

(images via wit & delight)

Monday, September 15, 2014

Weekend Wrap Up

 a quick break from moving all weekend.
 bits and pieces of the new space.
sweet little presents from my guy for my new job :)

(images taken for sit and stay awhle)

Friday, September 12, 2014

Friday Mornings

Hello and Happy Friday everyone, who is ready for the weekend? While my emotions have been all over the place this week; leaving one job and starting another, saying see you later to some coworkers and hello to a whole new group of people, it's exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. All I can say is that I am really looking forward to settling in, calming the mind and wrapping myself in covers to catch up on some sleep. Have a terrific weekend and we will see each other on Monday :)

(image via divanni)

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Homemade Waffles and Fresh Strawberry Syrup



In an effort to get more hands on in the kitchen and acquainted with the stove more than the microwave, cooking and baking needs to become more a staple in my household. A little less of take out and eating out and more cooking at home. Since I have had a craving for something a little sweat and something tasty for breakfast, these homemade waffles are looking pretty good to me :) What is your favorite breakfast dish? 

Ingredients for the waffles:
3 large eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk, divided
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Syrup
3 cups hulled, diced strawberries
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions to make the waffles:
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with 1 cup of buttermilk.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the eggs, stirring just until combined.
Add the remaining 1 cup buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla extract to the bowl, stirring just until combined. (The batter will be lumpy.)
Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the egg whites at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter then cover the batter and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. While the batter rests, make the strawberry syrup. (Recipe follows.)
When ready to serve, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directionsand lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour a portion of the batter into the heated waffle iron and cook the waffle to your desired doneness. Top the waffles with strawberry syrup and serve immediately.
Make the syrup:
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce it to a simmer and continuecooking, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are soft and the liquids have thickened slightly, about 15 minutes.
Transfer the syrup to a serving bowl and set it aside to cool slightly. The syrup will thicken as it cools. (Optional: If you prefer a thinner syrup, strain the cooked mixture through a mesh sieve to remove larger pieces of strawberry.)
(images and instructions via just a taste)

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

White Spaces





This extremely cool white space is giving me serious motivation and inspiration to change the look of my current living situation. I love the all white concept of this home, the style and home decor screams modern, minimalist but with charm and I dig it. It's time for a little bit of out with the old and in with the new. I simply love this space and can't wait to add a little of this style in my home. Who's in a decorating rut besides me?! 
  
(images via apartment therapy)

Monday, September 8, 2014

Weekend Wrap Up

 night out with friends and new dos.
 ready for fall with domino magazine.
 last summer swim in the rain.
 cloudy and stormy evenings.
 fall transitions with a new bag. 
midday snacking with skinny pop and berries.

(images via instagram)

Sunday, September 7, 2014

The City





Last week I took to Pinterest in a mad search for inspiration on diorama building. With the ocean floor I created for the Summer Reading Program (and it being a hit), my mood for do-it-yourself projects and creativity is in full force, I'm anxious to make something new for the kids to look at. I figured  'Back to School' scenes would be appropriate and fun to  scatter around the Children's Room at the library. During my pursuit, I came across one of these amazingly intricate designs by the artist, Lori Nix. I was completely transfixed by the detail and precision of the models and had to find out more about her. The Kansas native has a love for climatic disaster which inspired Accidentally Kansas and a small obsession with the Apocalypse led to The City. These photos above are a few of my favorites from her city designs. With a degree in Ceramics and Photography, Nix explains her desire was to construct the image rather than find an existing image. Go to her page and be amazed at this incredible talent!     

(images via lori nix)

Friday, September 5, 2014

this week's favorites...





Yes I have a soft spot for The Hills and The City. 
Going to school at an all girls college, you know when it's time to ditch the library, stock up at the convenience store and grab some alcohol for a girls night in with Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port. When it came time to watch these shows, let me tell you the campus was dead. Girls were bundled up with booze and pizza watching these shows and marveling at the city life and sucked into the drama-fest that filled these MTV shows. Were you a Hills or City fan?

(1,2,3,4,5)

Leading Ladies

Five Things to Know About Bernadette Marie: 1. Trained and completed two degrees, an AAS in Communication Design and BFA in Textile S...