Sunday, November 30, 2014

Four Years

I seriously cannot believe that four years later, I would still be dedicated to writing and publishing my work on this blog. It has taken tremendous effort, lots of love, dedication, and plenty of late nights catching up on researching and communicating with readers who have written in to ask me questions. Never did I think I would keep this up but here I am plugging away and loving every minute of it. With a busy schedule of a nine to six job and being a student, I have thought many times that the end was drawing near. After working a full day, being a student and then putting in five to six  more hours to the blog each day, it would be easy to say I'm tired of it and want to call it quits. But then someone from the other side of the country or even outside the states contacts me and compliments my work, they like my posts, my writing style and ask how I do it. How do I manage my time between working a day job, committing to a blog and having a life.  It's amazing how in four years, I've met people I would have never come across if it wasn't for this blog. So for now, I will continue to write if you continue to read and send positive feedback. Here's to another four years :)

(image via decor8) 

Friday, November 28, 2014

this week's favorites...





Have you read the book or listened to Allie's interview with Marc Maron on WTF? I recently just stumbled across her blog and love everything about it. Read it, you will love this comical site!!! 

(images via hyperbole and a half)

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

My Favorite Pumpkin Pie

Growing up I was not a fan of most of the dishes served at Thanksgiving. Cranberry Sauce, no thanks. Sweet potatoes, gross. Ham, get it away from me...I only stuck to a few things, turkey, rolls and pumpkin pie. Nothing could touch my Grandma Dorothy's pumpkin pie, I always served myself a few plates of her pumpkin pie. Enjoy a homemade recipe of delicious pumpkin pie today :) 

Ingredients: 

Homemade Pie Crust (full recipe makes 2 crusts: 1 for bottom, 1 for leaf decor)
2 cups (15oz can; 450g) pumpkin puree*
3 large eggs
1 and 1/4 cups (250g) dark brown sugar*
1 Tablespoon (15g) cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger*
1/4 teaspoon ground or freshly grated nutmeg*
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves*
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1/4 cup (60ml) milk (I use 1% - any is fine)
1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon milk

SUGARED CRANBERRIES
1 cup (120g) fresh cranberries*
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) water


Directions:

If decorating your pie with sugared cranberries, start them the night before. You'll also begin the pie crust the night before as well (the dough needs at least 2 hours to chill; overnight is best). The filling can be made the night before as well. In fact, I prefer it that way. It gives the spices, pumpkin, and brown sugar flavors a chance to infuse and blend. It's awesome. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
For the cranberries: Place cranberries in a large bowl; set aside. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of sugar and the water to a boil and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Remove pan from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Pour sugar syrup over the cranberries and stir. Let the cranberries sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight (ideal). You'll notice the sugar syrup is quite thick after this amount of time. Drain the cranberries from the syrup and pour 1 cup of sugar on top. Toss the cranberries, coating them all the way around. Pour the sugared cranberries on a parchment paper or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet and let them dry for at least 2 hours.
Make the pie crust through step 7 according to my directions, explanations, and visuals.
For the filling: Whisk the pumpkin, eggs, and brown sugar together until combined. Add the cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, cream, and milk. Vigorously whisk until everything is combined. Filling will be a little thick.
Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
Make the pie crust leaves: On a floured work surface, roll out one of the balls of chilled dough (keep the other one in the refrigerator). Roll out into any shape you really want (doesn't matter) and 1/8 inch thickness. Using leaf cookie cutters, cut into shapes. Brush each lightly with the beaten egg + milk mixture. Cut leaf veins into leaves using a sharp knife, if desired. Place onto a parchment paper or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and set aside to cool.
Turn oven up to 375F degrees.
Roll out the chilled pie crust: Remove second pie dough from the refrigerator. On the same floured work surface, turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls until you have a circle 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch deep dish pie (one that is 1.5 - 2 inches deep). Tuck it in with your fingers, making sure it is smooth. With a small and sharp knife, trim the extra overhang of crust and discard. Crimp the edges with your fingers, if desired. Brush edges lightly with beaten egg/milk mixture. Pre-bake crust for 10 minutes.
Pour pumpkin pie filling into the pre-baked crust. If you did not use a deep dish pie pan, you will have too much filling. Only fill the crust about 3/4 of the way up. Use extra to make mini pies with leftover pie dough scraps if you'd like. Bake the pie until the center is almost set, about 55-60 minutes give or take. A small part of the center will be wobbly - that's ok. After 25 minutes of baking, be sure to cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or use a piecrust shield to prevent the edges from getting too brown. Check for doneness at minute 50, and then 55, and then 60, etc.
Once done, transfer the pie to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for at least 3 hours. Decorate with sugared cranberries and pie crust leaves. You'll definitely have leftover cranberries - they're tasty for snacking. Serve pie with whipped cream if desired. Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pumpkin pie freezes well, up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

* Light brown sugar is OK but my taste testers and I prefer dark brown sugar.
*I prefer canned pumpkin in this pumpkin pie recipe. 
*3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice may be used instead of these spices.
*Fresh cranberries, not frozen. The sugar syrup doesn't coat evenly on the frozen berries, leaving you with rather ugly and some very plain shriveled cranberries.

(image and text via sally's baking addiction)

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

It's That Time of Year



With holidays and birthdays coming up in the next few months, I am already hauling out the wrapping station. I came across this Etsy shop the other day and wanted to order everything. My favorite, the map wrapping paper :) 

(images via Norman's Printery)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Weekend Wrap Up

weekend wear. 
early evening walks and loving the view.
90s girl to the max.
birthdays at the ritz, mood music please. 
fresh pink and purple flowers from my mom.
complete lazy bum sunday evening.

(images via instagram)

Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday Mornings

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week and then December is just around the corner? I can't! I'm getting into bed as we speak just thinking about all that needs to be done before this year ends. This week has certainly been a busy one, I couldn't have asked for a better birthday this year but I am definitely ready for the weekend. I'll be sharing the evening with my coworkers tonight (because we can't get enough of the each other at the library) to see Mockingjay, I am ecstatic to say the least! What are your plans for the weekend?

(image via anthropologie)

Thursday, November 20, 2014

The Librarian Suggests

What are you reading this month? I'm reading a whole mess of things these days, everything from books and articles to focus in on my thesis for my senior portfolio and lots of poetry (which is making me really excited and anxious that grad school is wrapping up). I recently came across an adorable children's book that was illustrated by Barbara Cooney about Emily Dickinson (and the Stickman Odyssey graphic novel series, hilarious!!!) . So I've been settling in early these past few weeks to read a little of Emily Dickinson, Anne Sexton and Sylvia Path. I'm also reading The World is Round by Gertrude Stein, we just got it in the children's room at the library, so I made sure to grab it before anyone else did. Realizing it was Thursday while packing up the car this morning, I quickly tuned in for the latest episode of Serial. By the end of the episode I was screaming at the radio, I'm pretty sure the guy waiting at the light right next to me assumed I was crazy. And if you haven't seen the film, Snowpiercer, then you need to see it :) 

(image via)

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Browned Butter Butternut Squash Pasta

This time of year, I crave comfort food. All I want is a second serving of turkey and muffins for breakfast, my aunt's cranberry sauce, my mom's excellent mashed potatoes and my personal favorite my grandmother's pumpkin pie. This year, I'm open to trying a few new recipes I've come across lately, this Butternut Squash Pasta looks fantastic!! 


Ingredients:

1 stick of butter

Fresh sage leaves

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 large butternut squash, cubed

1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan 

Pepper

1 lb pasta 

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add squash. Cook 15 minutes, remove and put in a food processor. Add noodles to boiling water.

2. Meanwhile, brown butter over medium heat until amber in color and it has a nutty scent. Add sage leaves, garlic and walnuts. Remove from heat in 30 seconds.

3. Remove sage leaves and place on paper towels to dry.

4. In food processor, puree squash. Add to butter mixture and stir well. Add fresh cracked pepper.

5. Toss with pasta, top with fresh parmesan and sage leaves :)

(image and text via coordinately yours)

Monday, November 17, 2014

Weekend Wrap Up

 autumn basics :)
 day trips and pinkberry pomegranate 
blueberry goodness.
 pretty and colorful :)
 my kitchen basics...
desert sunrise :)

(images via instagram)

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Sunday Movie

All those old made for tv movies on the Disney Channel while growing up that I secretly loved. These are just a few of my favorites growing up...

Motocrossed
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
A Ring of Endless Light
The Paper Brigade
Wish Upon A Star
My Date with the President's Daughter
Luck of the Irish
Model Behavior 
Suzy Q


Saturday, November 15, 2014

Saturday Happy

I will make this short and sweet because I know you've heard everything you possibly need to know on the newest podcast in town, Serial. While most listeners think the world of (the This American Life spinoff) Serial and the team that makes up the show, I have actually read articles completely dissing and criticizing the journalist, Sarah Koenig and her story. I admit, I'm hooked and a reddit addict trying to figure out if Adnan (I want to know more about Jay, he is so very suspicious to me) is really guilty, I can't help to think of all of this resurfacing in Woodlawn, Maryland. To all the families of Hae Min Lee and Adnan Syed, this has to be so frustrating having to relive the past all for entertainment. Sarah Koenig is captivating and a born storyteller, there is no doubt that I'm obsessed with knowing the truth but I try to remember this is very real and it is affecting all the people who were involved in the case fifteen years ago. What is making you happy this week? 

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Buddy Editions





Katie Armour is back with a new little treat for us called, Buddy Editions. It's an affordable art gallery that features artists from around the globe who sell their work at reasonable prices. Fresh out of college, I simply cannot afford the artwork I want to collect, inevitably I resort to searching the web but even then I find very little of what I actually want and like. The co-founder of Matchbook Magazine, Katie has curated a space that features exclusive photographs and paintings as well as new and upcoming artists. In short, I am more than excited to announce the launching of Buddy Editions :)



(images via buddy editions)

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Passport to Europe


When it comes to traveling, whether its a road trip or going abroad, comfort (and storage) is always key. Walking around town for hours in cute shoes with little support is always cause for argument between you and your partner. These ballet flats were designed by tennis pro Maria Sharapova and have serious comfort, so no more aching feet. When packing clothes, I always stick to basic outfits, lots of black, white and neutrals with a change of jewelry, shoes and outerwear. Traveling includes lots of reading material so a good book and magazines are perfect for those long plane rides. Being prepared with maps and booklets to help you navigate a city are crucial. I tend to look for locals or ex-pats who have written travelogues/guides on major cities. I prefer markets, museums and mom and pop restaurants/bars that locals suggest over travel agency pamphlets. What are some of your traveling essentials?

(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13)

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The Working Girl

Come Monday morning as soon as you set your purse down and turn on the computer you are hit with a wave of emails and projects are piling up behind you. It's barely nine a.m. and you are already stressing before the day starts. Before I let myself think about all I have going on, I slow down, take a deep breath and remind myself of these helpful tips: 

Organization
Organization is key for me, without it I cannot get my day started. Keeping my work space clean and orderly is my number one priority. If my space starts to get messy and piles are stacking up, I deal with it right away. When tasks or projects are assigned to me, I am able to focus 100% on what is in front of me instead of thinking about everything that needs to be cleaned up and put away.

Inspiration 
This is essential to me!!! I need inspiration on a weekly basis, whether it comes from books, daily observations, magazines, pinterest, instagram, quotes, support and encouragement that comes from family and friends. Everyone needs a little motivation to have a productive day at work. Inspiration and creativity is an important part of my job, I work with kids everyday and finding the right book to spark a child's interest in reading is huge! If a kid walks into the library and tells me they hate reading, I am always able to find a little inspiration to turn those kiddos into readers.    

Take Breaks
Stepping away from the desk is one of the hardest things for me. I am always working on a project or really close to being done and will not stop until it is completed. Coworkers have to tell me to take lunch! Learning to take breaks in between projects and going outside, breathing in fresh air and changing scenery is necessary at work. Being cooped up inside and glued to a computer is not healthy! So in an effort to step away from my work space more often, I encourage you to actually leave the office when you have short breaks.

Be the Yes Girl!
Now, I'm not saying it's ok for your boss to abuse you by making you do so much at your job, but if your boss asks you to do something or to take an opportunity, do it! Anytime my boss or coworkers ask me to fill in for another coworker, take on outreach programs, or clean the fridge, I do it. I do not want the people at work to get the impression that they cannot confront me and ask me to do something for them that might be a big favor. Remember saying yes means better relationships and moving up at work. You don't want to say yes to absolutely everything, finding the balance between saying yes and no is an important part of the workday.

(image via lauren conrad)

Monday, November 10, 2014

Weekend Wrap Up

 burgundy and forest green, fall fashion musts.
 first time trying pitaya bowl, it will be a regular. 
 working the family fall festival. 
 free books and story times at the farmers market.
 currently eating and reading.
sunday evening and home sweet home. 

(images via instagram)

Sunday, November 9, 2014

K.slademade





In my house, Sunday evenings are meant for winding down early and spending quiet time in my comfy chair listening to music and getting inspired for the week ahead. That usually means getting in pajamas by six p.m, sipping on my second glass of lemon and mint infused water and reading magazines, catching up with blogs and scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram feeds. A little over a month ago, I stumbled across K.slademade and spent the evening learning all about the designer Kelsea Slade and her success with her American made handbags. A brand dedicated to creating fine leather bags, the Indiana native has me bookmarking every style, especially this crossbody. The holidays are just around, what is on your wishlist?

(images via k.slademade) 

Saturday, November 8, 2014

All Grown Up

Dexter

Doug


Magic School Bus 
Rocket Power

The Wild Thornberry's 

While working on a small project at work earlier in the week, I needed to find book characters to add to the graphic I was designing and came across this gallery. I had to check out the artist and his site and couldn't help but look through all the "grown up" tv characters I remember from my childhood.   

(images via deviant art)

Friday, November 7, 2014

this week's favorites...





It's currently ninety degrees outside and all I'm thinking about is cold weather, layering up, getting cozy and hot beverages :( Have a fantastic weekend!!!

(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...