Archive for September 2013

September 30, 2013

My Weekend + Links


This past weekend I went to Jacksonville to celebrate a wonderful friend of mine's upcoming wedding day. The wonderful couple are the two in the photo below.



To say that I loved every minute of the trip would be an understatement. I got to spend time with some of my favorite people and just have good quality friend time. This also means I didn't get around to taking snaps of my outfits, so instead of a fashion post I leave you with some inspiring links, a few must watch shows/movies and other random links found on the web.

Inspiration for Twenty-Somethings

...because i'm a twentysomething - a great reminder to not compare yourself to other twentysomethings and to live your life the way you want to, not the way society says you should
To Change the World, Fear Means Go - basically a great post about really living up to the statement that if it scares you, you should do it.

UGA Happiness

Mark Rich gets emotional after Georgia's win over LSU - the interview shows why my alma mater has stuck beside this amazing coach and man...he has a true emotional investment in his players

Recently Watched

Veronica Mars - one of my all time favorite shows that was cancelled in 2007; it's now being made into a movie thanks to fans who gave money via Kickstart to get the project funded
42 - The Jackie Robinson story, I vote a must see and one of my favorite current movies out
Beautiful Creatures - I walked in expecting one thing and ended up with something completely different...not my favorite movie but worth the Redbox rental
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September 24, 2013

Print Love


Ever have a week where your Tuesday feels like a Friday? I am having one of those weeks. Work is crazy busy, which is a good thing, but limits my ability to work on the blog. So since it was dark when I got home last night and no outfit pictures were taken I leave you with some prints that I am wanting to grab in order to make a gallery wall.

 
 



 
 
 
First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth | Sixth
 
Which one is your favorite? Do you have another place to find fun prints, if so please share.
 
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September 20, 2013

{{{ Stripes, Florals & Leopards, Oh My }}}



Jenna Lyons hit the nail on head when she declared leopard as a neutral, I agree completely. 



My idea for the outfit came from this post by the lovely Hallie. She went with different color palletes but for my first time out I decided to stick with a common color. I will get her guts one day! 


I searched high and low for these leopard flats and when I found them at Marshalls, of all places, I was elated. I snatched them up and they have been my absolute favorite flats to pair when I need a quick pick.


The ring was a college graduation gift from my parents, it matches my necklace they got me for my high school graduation. I love it because it is a great addition to my ever growing desire to mix gold and silver. 


 Blazer: J. Crew (Factory Version) Blouse: Gap Factory (similar) Pants: Loft (similar)  Shoes: Bandalino Bag: Dooney & Bourke (similar) Shades: Ray-Ban
Necklace: Gift, Forever 21 (worn as bracelet, similar) Rings: Gifts Watch: Michael Kors 

I am a big fan of Bloglovin' and thought I needed to add that as a source for you all to follow along. So to the right you will find the button to follow along there! Thanks for stopping by. 
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September 19, 2013

TRY IT FIRST: Pumpkin Ravioli Review + New Recipe


I am going to be 100% honest here since I feel that is the best policy. I ran to TJMaxx to purchase some pretty bowls before I started making this ravioli. I wanted camera ready bowls, thankfully I already had pretty gorgeous measure cups. 


I knew this would be a process but I wasn't aware that it would be messy. As evident in the picture below, I created quite a mess! I was lucky enough to score a pasta machine from my friend Thomas which helped flatten out the ravioli. I also used a glass for small pieces (maybe a little much but I call it resourceful). 


The filling was the easiest part since the pumpkin came from a can. Deciding the quantity to go in the middle of each ravioli proved to be a task but once you got the hand out if things start to run a little smoother.


The finished product drizzled with browned butter, rosemary and thyme add the finishing touches to this meal and created a delicious aroma in the apartment. 


Overall I had such a fun time making this and learned quite a bit along the way. I thoroughly  enjoyed the process but I am going with some a little less complicated for next week's post. 

FRENCH TOAST, the mecca of my childhood. My grandpa and great-grandma made it like no one else can. After asking a friend for a new recipe she handed me this one from Annie Eats. So next week I will review the process and my final thoughts on if Anni's measurs up to my family's french toast. 
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September 18, 2013

{{{ Navy Is My New Black }}}

 
 
I have a new long standing love for the color navy. The fact that is a becoming the new neutral to wear with everything, well that just makes my love for navy grow. Be prepared to see navy pants, skirts, dress and anything else I can get my hands on.


I just got this jacket a few weeks ago but it is already my go to when I need to add a pop of color or layer for my artic like office temperatures. I am sure it will make a few more appearances here.  

 
Jacket: Gap (On Sale) Dress: Asos (On Sale) Belt: Banana Republic (similar) 
Shoes: Jessica Simpson (old)  Necklaces: Family Gift (old) Town  & Reese (Similar) 
Shades: Ray-Ban
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September 16, 2013

Target + Phillip Lim

 
I had a regular outfit post scheduled today but decided instead that I wanted to discuss the beauty that is the new Phillip Lim collection at Target. Can we just take a minute to pause and thank Target for getting another amazing designer to create a collection at a price all fashionistas can afford?
 
When I heard Phillip Lim was the next collaboration Target had in mind I had a mild panic attack and then swore I would be online as soon as it came online. Well that didn't happen, I chose sleep instead but below are some of the pieces I am going to try to pick up while they are still around.
 
 
 
I am in love with the faux black leather and navy dress for two reasons, one it contains leather which adds a slight edge to an otherwise classic dress and two it is my current favorite color combo of navy and black. Which leads to why I love the black peplum top and those navy cropped pants, you put those two together and you get instant chic.
 
Did anyone of you already hit Target and score some pieces from the collection? If so let me know what you all picked up.
 

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September 13, 2013

{{{ Black Blue & Neon }}}


Those mornings when my sleep means more to me than my outfit and I have zero time to think about what I am going to wear I immediately reach to one of my go-to outfits.
 
 
Shirt: Calvin Klein Pants: Loft Belt: J.Crew (Similar) Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar)
Bag: Michael Kors (Different Color) Earrings: Forever 21 Necklace: Jewelmint (similar) 
Watch: Michael Kors Bracelets:  J.Crew, Forever 21 (necklace worn as bracelet) (similar)
 
 

This outfit is a no brainer for me. I love the black/blue combo you are seeing a lot right now. These shoes are actually comfortable and the belt and heel add a fun pop of neon.

 
 
 The gold band was my great-grandmother's first wedding band and after my grandmother gave it to me I rarely let it leave my finger.

 

 
 
Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
 

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September 12, 2013

TRY IT FIRST: PUMPKIN RAVIOLI


If you know me then you know for most of my life I have been quite the picky eater. I mean REALLY picky, like three dots of ketchup on a hotdog, food can't touch on my plate, plain ham sandwich kind of picky.
 

{Photo: L.A. Times}
 
This hotdog would never have made it to my plate! It has way too many toppings for me!
 
 
Since graduating college I have made myself go outside the box and try new things and learn to appreciate food for its nutrients and not just for it's taste. So I decided to start a regular Thursday blog post titled "Try It First" as in before I completely write off the dish to make it, try it and THEN decide my feelings toward it.
 
 
{Photo: Gojee}
 
After much debate I gave spaghetti squash a try and to my amazement I really liked it.
 
Which leads to why I am writing this post. Each week I will post a new recipe I will make between the Thursday I post it and the following Wednesday and then on the next  Thursday I will review the dish I made and put up another one to try for the following week.
 
The first official "Try It First" recipe is:
Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter, Rosemary & Thyme
 
 
Dough Recipe:
- 5 eggs
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
In a small bowl, beat the eggs, salt & olive oil. In a large bowl, place the flour and create a well in the middle with your hands. Pour the egg mixture into the well. Stir with a fork or your hands to fold it all together until the egg mixture is absorbed and the dough forms into a sticky ball. Flour your hands and divide dough into 3 separate chunks. Knead each dough a bit to form it into a smooth ball. Cover each in cellophane and refrigerate for a few hours.
 
Roll out the ball of dough as flat as you can get it. I cut mine into squares with a knife, but you could use a cookie cutter for a different shape or to get it more exact.
 
 
Pumpkin Filling Recipe:
- 1 can of pumpkin
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino
- 2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- dash of salt
 
Instructions:
After you've cut the dough into squares, it helps to roll each square a bit more before scooping on the pumpkin mixture. Place another square on top, and using a fork, press the two pieces of dough together at the edges, which creates a pretty border.
 
Once you've finished putting together the raviolis, place them in a pot of well sea-salted boiling water until they rise to the top. About 3-4 minutes. Carefully scoop them out into a colander to drain.
 
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Just before it starts to brown, add fresh rosemary and thyme leaves stirring until the butter slightly browns. Pour over raviolis and enjoy!
  
 
{Photos & Recipe: Marshalls Abroad}
 
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September 11, 2013

Never Forget


Today marks the twelfth anniversary of September 11th and the falling of the World Trade Centers. I thought it only appropriate to post about those that I know who are currently serving and have served this country.

I am not one to always get sappy but I think today is a day to remember those who have lost loved ones, those currently serving and those who have served.
 
Below are some of these courageous men who fight and the awe inspiring women who stand firmly beside them.
 
 
Meet Mark Garrison and his wife and one of my best friends Christine Garrison. They were married back in December and in less than two months Mark set off to Afghanistan. These two have a love I can't describe and a bond that nine months and thousand of miles have only made stronger. If I get to enjoy half the love the two of these have for each other I would be extremely lucky.
 
 
Dani Lyn and Shawn McDuffie are two peas in a pod if I have ever seen two. He currently serves in the Navy and is stationed in Jacksonville, FL. These two have more in common and have a love for each that radiates between the two. They make each laugh more than any couple I have met and they have an underlying friendship that I believe every marriage should have.
 
 
My Uncle John. The strongest and sweetest uncle I have. He served in the Army and with that he learned, loved and lost more than most people ever have to endure. My Uncle supports his country to this day and has pride in those fighting for us and those who have fought for us. He is an example of what one should be like post military life.
 
I could list plenty more that I know on here that have served or are serving. I will never be able to write enough to say thank you to those who courageous put their lives on the line for me and everyone else here in the USA everyday. To imagine someone fighting for people they have and will never meet is a humbling thought. So for all those who are and have served THANK YOU for the bottom of my heart for you service. For those who laid their lives down and the families of those lost I nor this country will ever be able to thank you for this. You are all stronger and more patriotic than most people give you credit for and I pray for a safe return for all those currently overseas and those heading over there in the future. 
 
May we NEVER forget the sacrifices being made for our freedom everyday!
 
 
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