Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Only Thing Left...


Well, not quite yet time to polish off the gin... but we are almost finished unpacking.  It has taken six days to get down to the last boxes.  Six days, people!  I don't know if that is good, or bad, or what, but I do know that I need to get polished.  I look like I've been at war with our new house.  I think I have bumped into every single item of furniture we own and tripped over at least half the boxes (plus Mable, who tries to get my attention by standing in front of my legs while I am carrying a box). I am covered in bruises, scratches and mosquito bites.  I'm not even going to describe my feet.  (Moving in flip flops?  Bad idea.  But what if it is 100 degrees?  Still a bad idea.)  Right now my idea of heaven is a place where one can get a manicure, pedicure, haircut and massage for five dollars (tip included).  That, and my friends... plus a little, tiny drop of gin. :)



Wednesday, June 8, 2011

That's That.

Well, to be honest, I don't really know where to begin.  

Maybe with a photo?  That usually sets things off...

Wait, nevermind.  I'm going to rely on my literary skills alone now that I am a graduate with an English degree.  

(!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

When I found out a year and a half ago that I got into UGA, I was in the hospital.  The doctors thought that I might need lapariscopic surgery and wouldn't let me eat a single crumb all day.  So I sat in the hospital bed, a little drugged up, staring at the T.V. listening to my stomach growl.  No fun.  At the time, we didn't have health insurance either, so we were praying really hard that I wouldn't need surgery.  God answered our prayer, and the doctor came in and said I didn't need the surgery - and what's better - I could eat!  So I sent John to an undisclosed location to retrieve my undisclosed craving... (okay, it was Schlotsky's).  When he came back to my hospital room he was carrying a large bag of food and a large envelope.

It was my acceptance envelope.  And my sandwich.  I couldn't have been happier.  Actually I started to cry, and for a few minutes I didn't think I would stop.  I was so scared I wouldn't get in, so scared to have surgery, and then poof! No more fear, only relief.

John has a very awkward photo of me in the hospital gown, crying, holding my acceptance envelope with the hand that has an I.V.  I was so excited.  

Anyway.  Now I feel the same way, that it is all over, and I had so many anxious dreams of failing classes or sleeping in on the morning of an exam.  Then, all the sudden, there weren't any more exams.  And that's the best feeling... no more fear... only relief.

I can't thank you enough for all the support and encouragement you've given me!  You are the best, and that's that.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Little Bee.

Somewhere, behind all the classes, readings, quizzes... Behind Beowulf, creative writing workshops, dinners and dog walks, is a tiny thought, buzzing around in the back of my brain like a little bee.

We've gotta move.


And today I wanna swat that bee with a rolled up newspaper.


{I think I'll embrace the bee once we find a place to live in Augusta...but now we're still looking, and it is still buzzing...}

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Salad Pride.

Ya'll, get excited.  

Fate and fortune has brought me to the ultimate website.  Honestly, I can't think of a greater gift from the internet to humankind than a blog that posts a new, vividly creative salad recipe every day of the year.  That, to me, is the leafy holy grail.  May I excitedly introduce:


Are you so excited?  If your taste buds line up with mine, then here are a few you might like. And I just realized that I've used some form of the word "excite" several times in few sentences.  Sorry for the bad English.  Not sorry for the excitement ;) 


Black Lentils, Artichokes Hearts and Lettuce




Strawberries, Parmesan cheese and Couscous






Tuesday, May 17, 2011

On Your Way.



Man, oh man.  I'm guessing that you guys are as tired of hearing me talk about school as I am with writing about it, so I will spare you!  (For those of you who may be confused, I have a May-mester and then...fin.)

Anyway, I have some news, which, though school related, is pretty exciting: John has been accepted to the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.  He's gonna be a Doctor!  We're going to move (!?) and I'm exceptionally proud of him!  Phew.  That was a big announcement.

In fact, I don't think I can follow it up with anything.  This is all I've got, and it seems inadequate:


and this, though a touch cheesy, which is kind of inspiring...


Well, you get the idea, at least.  Which is, HOORAY JOHN!

:)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Sweet Relief.


Just took my last exam!  Wahooooooooooo!

Monday, May 9, 2011

One More...


One more exam and then...


...sleep.

I wish I could say that I'm finished after this exam, but I'm oh-so-close.  Two more classes in May, and then I really will be finished! I can't believe it was only 1 year ago that I wanted to go back.  I can't believe that by the time June is here, I will have my degree.  That's 20 classes, 63 hours, 5 semesters, and lots of sweat and tears. I've worked hard!  

Yet I know there are people out there who have done it under much more difficult circumstances.  Maybe as moms, or single moms... and I must say that is amazing.  I lift my hat to you!  

Nothing feels better than accomplishing a personal goal.  Or at least, that's what I suspect.  I'll know soon enough.


{photos via pinterest}

{Also, hope you gave your mama's a lot of love yesterday!  They deserve it!}

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Weightless.




Oh, Sam Taylor-Wood.  You just get it.  I love your Self Portraits, primarily because I wish this was me in the photo, feeling completely weightless.  Don't you guys wish for a day when you're so carefree you could float?  These portraits, to me, just say aaaaaahhhhhhh, and not in a dentist-chair kind of way, obviously, but in an I'm not stressed about anything at all kind of way.  ;)

{Interesting note: Sam Taylor-Wood battled cancer, twice, and survived.  I think it is a fitting self-portrait.}

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Beautiful You.


We all need a confidence booster from time to time.  Or, if you're needy like me, on a daily basis.  I bought this book today, thinking it would be such a nice, refreshing read.  What can I say?  I'm notoriously hard on myself.  And I still get in 7th grade mode and mentally compare myself to everyone. Anyway, I'm not calling this book a cure-all, but it seems to be filled with little exercises that bring about self-acceptance.  That sounds nice.  I'm sure John would appreciate it if I stopped moaning and groaning about zits, winter flab, split ends, pasty skin and tight jeans.  

Product description here:

In Beautiful You author Rosie Molinary passionately encourages women—whatever their size, shape, or color—to work toward feeling wonderful about themselves despite today’s media-saturated culture. Drawing on self-awareness, creativity, and mind-body connections, Molinary incorporates practical techniques into a 365-day action plan that empowers women to regain a healthy self-image, shore up self-confidence, reframe and break undermining habits of self-criticism, and champion their own emotional and physical well-being. Through accessible, doable daily actions, women and girls learn to manifest a healthy outlook on life—teaching them to live large, and starting them on the path to learning to love themselves and others. Molinary steers clear of the florid affirmations and daily meditations often utilized by books geared toward personal growth, instead delivering a hip, modern guide of inspirational thought and action that keeps pace with the times. A practical, candid, and accessible handbook, Beautiful You strikes a chord with every woman who has ever faltered in her self-confidence or lost her personal brilliance—and it makes sure she never lets it happen again.

Monday, May 2, 2011

I Need A Laundry Angel.


I wish there was a laundry-angel who would fly down and beautify my hideous laundry-room-dungeon (and then maybe fold some fitted sheets, too).  Because, well, I am terrified to go in there right now.  Let's just say that John found a creature that rhymes with "CAT" in our laundry room, nibbling on Mable's dog food in the wee hours of the morning.  So now the clothes are piling up and the exterminator is not answering his phone.  

In the meantime, though I would take anything over the dark and scary "laundry room" I have right now,  here are a few ideas...





Happy Monday.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Happy Day!


Oh my goodness. I have to say I was entirely swept up with the royal wedding!   The ceremony was so moving and lovely... (that choir!) We all need a little pomp from time to time, and I loved seeing the wacky getups in the crowd.  Talk about enthusiasm... Anyway, Kate was literally glowing.  Her dress was perfect (and her sister's, too).  She looked relaxed, calm and oh-so-radiant.   What a fun celebration!  Here's a few of my favorite photos.  (Hopefully you aren't tired of it already!)  Happy Day!





Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Study.






I hope you all had a happy Easter.  I'm taking a mini-hiatus from the blog as I prepare for tests, write research papers and finish some final exams... I'll see you again once I resurface from the work pile!

{photos via pinterest}

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

That Hat.


pascale bibi


weeping willow hat


cinema sunhat


rosario fedora



I still believe in hats.  I am pulling for them to make a return.  In fact, I went to TJMaxx the other day to look around and the selection was picked over, which is a positive sign. I am not brave enough to wear one for Easter, but I do think I'll try for summer vacation.  They really do come in handy on the beach... Here are some inspiring beauties from Anthropologie.  (The most affordable being the weeping willow hat.)

What do you think?  Do you like them?  Would you wear one?  

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Help, Friends, Help!


Yesterday I was talking to a friend of mine about school (and how lackluster I've felt lately concerning assignments) and she looked at me and said, "Uh-oh, you've got Senior-itis."

But spelled, Senior-itis looks really weird.  Senioritis?  Is that better?  

Anyway,  she was so right.  I've got a major outbreak... you remember what it was like to be in school, so close to graduating but the weather so unbelievable you thought... papers?  What papers???  

If you can offer up some words of encouragement, wisdom, advice or tips on how to push through the burn and get that diploma I would be so grateful.  (You can even yell at me through the comments section.  I deserve it.  I've been playing Texas Hold'em on John's phone when I have novels to read.)

 Please share your secret tips!

I'd be so grateful.  Thank you :)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

New Best Friend.

I've never minded cauliflower.  I thought it was okay and would munch the florets dunked in ranch at baby showers.  I'd cut it up and sneak it into salads.  But I've never thought it was anything special.  At best it has a nice crunch.

Until one day...



Ina Garten told me to slow roast it with garlic cloves & olive oil, then add salt and pepper and a little bit of parsley and pine nuts, plus a splash of lemon...

And I am going to buy cauliflower every single time I go to the grocery store now.  The depth of flavor in this dish transcends anything you would ever believe cauliflower to be capable of.  This dish has dimensions!  My eyes have been opened.  I'm a believer in cauliflower.  I'm cauliflower's new best friend.

You will be too if you make this recipe.  I promise.

P.S.  It is SUPER easy.  :)


Garlic-Roasted Cauliflower

This recipe is surprising in so many ways. First, who thinks of cauliflower as flavorful? Second, roasting all that garlic in olive oil makes it delicious. And third, it's so easy! Roast the cauliflower with the garlic and then toss it with toasted pine nuts, parsley, and fresh lemon juice. You'll never think cauliflower is boring again.
Ingredients
1 head garlic, cloves separated but not peeled
1 large head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into large florets
4 1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
3 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Directions
1. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the garlic cloves. Boil for 15 seconds; drain and peel. Cut the largest cloves in half lengthwise.
2. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower with the garlic, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Spread into a single layer and roast, stirring twice, until the cauliflower is tender and the garlic is lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl with the garlic and pan juices. Add the remaining 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, parsley, pine nuts, and lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt, toss well and serve hot or warm. Serves 6.


{photo & recipe via Ladies Home Journal}

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Fast Metabolism.


























You probably already know this, but I like the chart! :)

{photo via pinterest}

Monday, April 11, 2011

Home Accent.

Vintage glass bottles are so pretty, don't you think?  They look lovely on windowsills and can be displayed in so many creative ways.  Here are a few of my favorites - love it when they catch the light!





Hats ON!

Lately I've been wishing that women wore hats more often.  Why does it seem like they'll never come back in style?  Are women afraid of hats?  Where did they go?  They're still in England, that is for sure, and I think Kate Middleton's gonna bring them back.  That or there will be so many in attendance at the Royal Wedding, hopefully people will start to think about it.  Not to beat it over the head or anything but  a woman who wears a hat in today's society is automatically a Bad-A: confident, striking, poised and interesting.  Let's bring them back.  Who's with me?



  






{photos via the sartorialist and pinterest}

Friday, April 8, 2011

'50s Beach Glam

Grace, Audrey, Marilyn, Liz... I have to say that they all were looking fab on the beach.  What do you think of the return of 1950's beach swimwear?  I think it is genius!  (My take below!)





'50s Beach Glam

'50s Beach Glam by anniekelley featuring beach handbags
Blog Widget by LinkWithin