Saturday, October 31, 2015

this week's favorites...

 Arnold and Jerry from Hey Arnold.
 Forrest Gump and Lt. Dan.
 Bill Lumbergh from Office Space.
 The Wet Bandits from Home Alone :)
Elliot and ET 

Need help on some last minute costume ideas. Here you go, have a Happy Halloween!!!

(images via brit + co and buzzfeed)

Friday, October 30, 2015

Friday Morning

Happy Friday, TGIF and Happy Halloween!!! I'm so excited yet extremely tired this weekend, so it will  be a short Friday post. I'll definitely be handing out candy and enjoying what the little ones will  be dressing up as, I've been seeing it all week at the library. Whatever your plans whether you'll be at a party, having a scary movie marathon or just handing out goodies to all the trick or treaters have a good one and see you Monday :)




(image via resident's style)

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Top Five





One thing I love about traveling is simply walking around the city. I'm always one for checking out museums and doing the touristy things but one of the best ways to get to know a new place is packing a workout outfit and going for a jog. One of the first things I did when I lived in New York was walk around Central Park. I had nothing planned for my first weekend besides going on a jog and to take in the fresh air and calling New York City home. Walking along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago is a great walk, a new favorite is Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles, that beautiful shot of the Golden Dome at Notre Dame around the lake is one of my favorites and obviously the National Mall. I haven't done the last one in a long time but one of these days when I head back east it will be the first on my list. Do you exercise when you travel?

(1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Monday, October 26, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 a year later, this tres cool sweatshirt is still 
a fall favorite...
even though it was ninety degrees this past weekend, 
this tortellini soup was a must. 
 have you heard the new Adele song?! I've listened 
to at least twenty times over the weekend. I cannot 
wait for the album to drop :)
 weekend notes include my favorite subscription.
walking with the sunrise.

(images via instagram)

Friday, October 23, 2015

Friday Morning

It's been a bit of a crazy couple days at work so I'm pretty beat. I'm looking forward to the weekend even though I won't be home on the couch! What are you up too? Have any plans for the weekend? Can you believe it's almost the end of October? It's taken a little more than two months but I have finally reached my half way point in an attempt to loose weight, so it's been an exciting week for me. I have way too much energy! So much in fact, that I've been waking up consistently every morning at three am. What exactly am I doing in the early hours of the day - well I've been raiding my closest, trying on old leather skirts, slim fitting dresses and adding more sit-ups to my daily workout routine. Anyways, my weekend is packed with a full day tomorrow at work, trying out a new restaurant with my guy and visiting the pumpkin patch. See you all Monday :)

(image via urban outfitters)

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Tips for the Working Girl


Hard work is always important, no matter how successful you are.

Diversify your interests. The more experience you have in different areas of your field, the more attractive you look and the more interesting you'll be to coworkers and friends. 

It's important to remember not to act conceited once you've achieved success.

(image via career girl daily)
 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

The Librarian Suggests

What I'm Reading: I just finished Nora Ephron's I Feel Bad About My Neck for the second time and I love it just as much as I did the first time. I've also been reading A Little History of the World by Ernst Gombrich which is fantastic by the way. First published in the early 20th century in Vienna, it's a great and somewhat quick read for anyone interested in reading about the history of the world. I just got in Diary of a Time Traveler by Nicholas Stevenson and it a beautiful children's picture book about a boy and his teacher traveling back in time and meeting some of history's biggest superstars. What I'm Listening too:  The new City and Colour Album, If I Should Go Before You which in my opinion is better than the album he released earlier this year as well as the Cluesless soundtrack :) What I'm Watching: Have you seen the episode one of the Fargo Season Two?! Do yourself a favor and watch it today!! 

(image)  

Monday, October 19, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 lazy weekends include...
 excellent reads.
 beautiful walks and dream homes.
 a viewing of two weeks notice, chicken and 
broccoli and weekend reads. 
transitioning to a fall glow. 

(images via instagram)

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Early Bird

Id like to say that I'm both a night owl and an early bird. I love the end of the day and winding down but lately I've been hitting the sheets pretty early and waking up before the sun even rises. I've always been an early bird, the earliest memories I have being up before everyone else include waking up to watch Mr. Wizard's World and opening everyone's easter's baskets once when I was six or seven. And even though it takes hitting the snooze button a few times, I'm usually up by 6:15 to start my morning walk. My morning ritual hasn't changed much in the last ten years and I'd like to think I have a fairly productive morning. Here are a few tips to help make the most of your morning! 

Before I started walking in the morning, I couldn't do anything until I ate breakfast. And breakfast in my house does not include cereal or a protein bar. I usually make some sort of veggie open faced omelette, right now it's a combination of  mushroom, tomato and feta cheese.

About two months ago, I woke up one day in the mood to get healthy and start exercising. I mix it up between swimming, walking and a little bit of yoga. Now three months into my routine, my morning doesn't start without hitting the pavement. (I swim on my days off)

With a fresh mind and good attitude (and because I don't know what life is like not being a student), I read. Whether it's for school, an article my mom or dad have emailed me about the resurgence of libraries or a new book that I've picked up from work or the closest B&N, I know whatever I read I can bring up in conversation later in the day. 

A coffee cup (or two) of warm water with lemon and a little bit of mint. It clears my mind, warms my body and makes me feel ready for the day. 

Lastly - and this one is the most important, I make the bed. On the weekends it may get done midday but during the week, it's the last thing I do before leaving the house for work. I cannot leave the house without it getting done. I did this even in college. I'd like to think the reason why so many people liked coming into my dorm room was because my sister and I kept it cleaned and organized all the time. So if you're one who doesn't do this, I promise you'll actually feel better once it's done. 


Saturday, October 17, 2015

The Working Girl: Uniform



When it comes to the office attire, I stick to a very basic wardrobe. I'm all about the simple and chic look, whether a slick black fitted dress, a billowy blouse with my favorite bottoms or a classic black and grey ensemble paired with oxfords, these in particular. What's your work look?!

(1, 2, 3)

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Jack O'Lantern Chips and Dip

Need ideas for a Halloween party I love this pumpkin take on chips and dip. 
I'll definitely be trying this out this year! 

RECIPE-
Guacamole:
3 avocados, halved and pitted
Juice of 1 lime
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp chili powder

Mash avocados with the lime juice. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Queso:
1 Tbsp. butter
1 scallion clove, chopped
2 cups cheddar cheese
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 Tbsp. corn starch
4 oz canned mild green chiles, with juice

In a pot over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp. butter and sauté scallions. Add cheese, milk and cornstarch, and mix until melted and smooth. Add green chiles and mix until combined.

Draw eyes and carve a sad mouth on a small pumpkin. Hollow out the inside and insert a bowl. Pour queso in the bowl and top with chopped tomatoes. Spoon guacamole coming out of the pumpkin’s mouth. Serve with chips!

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

The Daily Escape

Ever since my first Anthropology class in college, I've been wanting to go to Africa. If I would have found the love for Anthropology my freshman year rather than the end of my sophomore year (beginning of my junior year), I would have chosen a different career path. After a few classes and attending the Annual American Anthropological Association Meeting in New Orleans five years ago, my dream was to be immersed in a culture different than mine and to study people and human behavior. The majority of my courses focused on cultures and communities throughout African countries and now I'm just dying to get overseas. My brother and his wife are leaving in a month for South Africa and a small part of me just wants to go with them!!! Where's your dream destination? 

(image via 99 travel tips)

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

My Desk Essentials


My desk essentials include these pieces: 

I love the simplicity of the Josephine desk. 

Honestly any candle from Anthropologie will do but my favorite is volcano :)

Have you seen the Nate Berkus and Threshold office line at Target?

Rifle Paper Co has been a favorite of mine for quite a while now. So obviously I love decorating with all her products from pencils, notepads, phone cases, calendars and computer desktop background prints. 

Whether I'm working on my blog, writing a paper or just browsing Pinterest for inspiration, I always have music on in the background. I love how small and portable this speaker is.  
A few of these acrylic magazine holders, for a sleek look. 

Again any and everything from the Kate Spade office line, oh and this new book!!!

My mom got me hooked on Poppin, I love their pretty and colorful mouse pads. 

Lauren Conrad's shop, The Little Market is one of my favorite shops currently. This little heart brings a soft and earthy touch to any desk.

Not listed or shown: 

I absolutely love my ghost chair :)

And obviously this pillow and this rug! 


Monday, October 12, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 cruisin' down the one...
 and lemonade treats.
 early morning hikes and overlooking downtown L.A.,
 and sushi dates.
sundays spent at the beach.

(images via instagram)

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Fall: Things to Do

There are so many things I love about the Fall Season but I'll spare you the list activities, wardrobe choices and movie marathons I typically talk about around this time of year. Instead, I'd like to suggest having a pumpkin carving party with your family and friends. Since Halloween is my favorite holiday, I love the idea of gathering around your closest friends, listening to classic halloweenish music like, I Put A Spell On You by Nina Simone and That Old Black Magic by Ella Fitzgerald (just a few of my favorite songs), feasting on appetizers, drinking bubbly, getting messy pulling out the seeds and spying on those who have mad carving skills. Each year I dig through the stencils that came with my mom's carving kit; last year it was a cat and the year before it was a haunted house scene. Halloween is just around the corner, time to start carving!!! 

(image via real simple)

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Friday, October 9, 2015

Friday Morning

Good morning and happy Friday readers. I've had a full schedule this past week, I'm getting used to going to bed earlier so I can wake up by five to hit the pavement before work starts. And in between schoolwork and projects at work, I'm looking forward to celebrating American Craft Week at the library this weekend and keeping it low key Sunday looking for new workout gear and pulling out the blankets. Have I mentioned the weather is perfect and we're expecting rain this weekend. What are your plans?! 

Stop googling, let's talk.

It's out now, so go ahead and play Magic Mike XXl over and over this weekend.

America's most beautiful bridges.


(image via the lux pad)

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Ginger Beef, Mushroom and Kale Stir Fry

In the last month I've restricted myself to a diet that includes only protein and legumes. I haven't had any sugar or carbs in that time and I'm happy while also a little surprised to say I haven't missed bread, chips or ice cream at all. This stir fry recipes sounds fantastic for a date night in, right?! If you're craving a little something with flavor this sounds way to good to pass up! 

Ingredients:

MARINADE INGREDIENTS:

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (if making gluten-free, be sure to use GF soy sauce)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken/beef broth, or water)
  • 3 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. corn starch
  • 2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper

STIR-FRY INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb. thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin, cut diagonally across the grain into thin strips
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 8 ounces baby portobello or button mushrooms, halved
  • 4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, halved
  • 3 cups chopped kale
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Directions:


TO MAKE THE MARINADE:

Add all marinade ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. Pour marinade into a large bowl or ziplock bag, then add in the steak and gently toss to combine. Cover/seal and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

TO MAKE THE STIR-FRY:

Once steak has marinated, heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade with a slotted spoon, reserving the marinade, and add to saute pan with garlic. Saute for about 2-3 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove steak with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add mushrooms, kale, and reserved marinade to saute pan, and stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the kale is wilted, the sauce has thickened, and the mushrooms have cooked, stirring regularly so that sauce does not burn. Add in the steak, and toss to combine.
Serve immediately over rice or quinoa, garnished with chopped green onions.
(image and recipe via gimme some oven)

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Life Lessons from Ole Golly



Five Life Lessons in Quotes from the beloved children's literature character: Ole Golly

"You know what? You're an individual, and that makes people nervous. And it's gonna keep making people nervous for the rest of your life."

"Just because you're alone doesn't mean the world stops turning."

"If you’re missing me, I want you to know that I am not missing you. Gone is gone. I never miss anything or anyone because it all becomes a lovely memory. I guard my memories and love them, but I don’t get in them and lie down. You can even make stories from yours but they don’t come back. Just think how awful it would be if they did. You don’t need me now. You’re…old enough to get busy at growing up to be the person you want to be."

"Well, you must realize, Harriet, knowing everything won't do you a bit of good unless you use it to put beauty in this world. True or false?" 

"There are as many ways to live in this world as there are people in this world, and each one deserves a closer look." 

(1, 2, 3)

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Everlane: Take II





I first came across Everlane a few years with the premiere of Verily Magazine and I've been a fan ever since. Their fall line is out and I love so many pieces, these slim fit and slouchy pants, these fitting sweaters and cropped shirts. If you're not aware of this fantastic brand, make sure to check it out immediately. 

(images via everlane)

Monday, October 5, 2015

Weekend Wrap Up...

 cozy looks something like this. 
 so excited for the book club to start soon,
i can't wait to talk about the westing game. 
 the countdown is on. 
 new ways to get kids checking out nonfiction books, 
without it needing it to be a resource for a 
homework assignment. 
dinner ideas.

(images via instagram)

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...