Friday, January 28, 2011
Maxi-ed Out
Considering Chicago had a good four inches of snow yesterday I should not be thinking about my summer wardrobe but with all these adorable dresses how can I not? The Maxi dress trend is making a bigger comeback this Resort season and I have my eye on a few pieces. Hopefully one of them will go on sale soon or else I will just have to wait until I get my tax return.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
In the Closet
Organization in your home is the key to feeling organized in all other aspects of your life. Some may call it OCD, but I prefer to call my obsession with being neat and clean the "catharsis of clutter". There is something to be said for walking into your house after a long day at work and having a nicely made bed, spotless counter and knowing everything is in its rightful place.
Let's start with the closet. Some of my musts include jewelry organization (I hate when all of my necklaces get tangled together!), drawer dividers, color coordination, clear plastic shoe boxes and "slimmy hangers."
Let's start with the closet. Some of my musts include jewelry organization (I hate when all of my necklaces get tangled together!), drawer dividers, color coordination, clear plastic shoe boxes and "slimmy hangers."
The "slimmy" hangers save so much room!
Perfect for organizing jewelry
More jewelry compartments
Just a few pairs of my shoes neatly organized
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday Chili
First, I would like a moment of silence dedicated to the loss of the Chicago Bears. SIGH.
In preparation for the Bears v. Packers game yesterday I decided to put on my chefs hat and make homemade chili. It turned out better than expected and it helped drown my sorrows a bit when the football game came to an end. Check out my creation below!
5. Add 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper, 3 tbsp. Chili Powder, 1 tsp. Cumin to pan and bring to a boil. Now add 2 cans diced tomatoes and two cans kidney beans. Once boiling, bring to a simmer and cover for 1 1/2 hours.
In preparation for the Bears v. Packers game yesterday I decided to put on my chefs hat and make homemade chili. It turned out better than expected and it helped drown my sorrows a bit when the football game came to an end. Check out my creation below!
1. Add one whole diced green pepper, one whole minced jalapeno, and 2 tablespoons minced garlic to a large pan and saute over medium-high heat
2. Dice one whole white onion
3. Add diced onion and 1lb. of ground beef to pan
4. Stir until meat is no longer pink
5. Add 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. pepper, 3 tbsp. Chili Powder, 1 tsp. Cumin to pan and bring to a boil. Now add 2 cans diced tomatoes and two cans kidney beans. Once boiling, bring to a simmer and cover for 1 1/2 hours.
6. Chili without cornbread? While the chili was simmering I began the cornbread with a classic Jiffy mix.
7. Add one egg and 1/3 cup milk and stir.
8. Let mixture sit for 3-4 minutes, stir again and add to buttered cupcake pan.
9. Put in 400 degree oven for 15 minutes.
10. Mmmm, warm cornbread!
11. An hour and a half later, sprinkle some cheese, add a dollop of sour cream and enjoy!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Spotlight on QVC
Now I know what you all may be thinking based on the title of my post..."Is she serious? QVC is for my Grandmother!" Believe it or not there are some great finds on QVC if you have the time and patience to dig around. Who doesn't like a good deal, either? I pulled some of my favorites to give you and idea of the potential this website has in regards to clothing, jewelry, shoes and other accessories. Have you ever bought something from QVC?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A Little Bit of Country
My girlfriends and I enjoyed a relaxing day off work yesterday and decided to ditch the boys to see the movie, "Country Strong." I wasn't sure what to expect although who doesn't love them a little Gwyneth and a scruffy, denim on denim wearing cowboy who can sing? Garrett Hedlund plays Beau, Gwyneth's love (affair) interest in the movie and stole all of our hearts with his piercing baby blues and deep southern twang. He definitely just rose to the top of my, "If I could cheat on my boyfriend/husband/fiance with one celebrity it would be....". Enjoy the view!
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Studying Abroad
The Second Semester of my Junior year of college was spent studying in Valencia, Spain with two of my closest friends. I was very fortunate to spend four months of my life submerged in another culture, speaking and learning the language as well as navigating my way around Europe. Every now and then I look back at my pictures and realize what an incredible experience that was and I wanted to share some of my favorite memories from my travels. There is something to be said for learning outside of a classroom; it forces you to grow up and become responsible for yourself while maturing in a way that no textbook can teach.
Valencia, Spain
A fountain in the City Centre
Bullfighting in Valencia
La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
The Gaudi Apartments in Barcelona, Spain
Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin
Dublin
Las Meninas at El Prado in Madrid
Madrid, Spain
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
The Louvre in Paris
Tour Eiffel
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Winter Fix
For those of you who live in Chicago, New York or anywhere that has a loooong Winter I am sure you need a variety of activities to keep from going insane. I just signed up for Netflix (yes, it has taken me a while) and I can't wait to get my first DVD in the mail! I've heard "The Good Wife" is a well done show so I decided to start with that. Other ways to brighten the gloomy winter months include:
Cross-country skiing is an incredibly hard workout and a great way to get fresh air!
Hot Yoga is a nice way to warm up during the cold months
Netflix! Any suggestions?
Good, old-fashioned sledding brings out the kid in everyone
Bake some homemade cookies (and try not to eat them all!)
A great date-night activity!
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