libraried

A good portion of today will be spent in the ever so wonderful William Madison Randall Library. I wish my trips to the library were as glamorous as these two lovelies make it out to be...

Oh if only my life were a Kate Spade campaign...

Image here.

Feeling a little down?

Whether you have a case of the Mondays, you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or you just need a little something to get your week going...



Obsessed. Obsessed. Obsessed.

This has become the theme song of our apartment, we just change the words a little...

"I love this apartment! I love my roommates! I love this couch!"

I hope you love everything on this beautiful day!

Guilt-free Friday!

Well, it is my last weekend underage. Yep. And considering the fact that after my 21st birthday next Thursday the following weeks will be a belligerent bingefest, I plan on working ahead on some schoolwork. (Kidding about the bingefest, but I will be doing homework all weekend to prepare for a week or two or three... of celebrating.)

In the mean time...

Hey it's ok...

If you go to yoga one day a week only to justify wearing yoga pants the other 6 days.

To still change the channel when you see a commercial for a scary movie... or cover your eyes and sing a little song if the remote is not within reach.

To be that girl. With the feather boa. Or the tiara. Or the obnoxiously loud friends. Or to demand to be in the middle in all pictures. Because it's your birthday, and nothing is stopping you from having your cake and eating it too.

Image here

Glitzerland

Now I ain't sayin you a gold digger you got needs...

-Kanye

So we have talked about my unabashed affection for all things golden here here and here, right? Well, I'm currently swooning over this little gem from OPI's Swiss Collection for Fall 2010.

"Glitzerland"

Obsessed? I sure am. It is the most glamorously gaudy gold (pardon the alliteration) with the perfect amount of sparkle. I plan to wear it all fall, especially when I am rocking this purse. Also, the inner elf in me just adores how much it resembles tinsel, so it will be perfection for the holidays! 

Drink on, coffeeholics, drink on...

All last week I thought my life was being ruined by hormones whoremones (sorry mom and dad) but it turns out there was just one little thing missing...

Yes, I am going to go there. Again. 

I looked like a kid on Christmas morning as I entered Starbucks yesterday morning. The giddy anticipation was written all over my face. I opened the door and the warm, rich aroma enveloped my body like a cashmere blanket. Our eyes met and I could hear angels singing: my favorite barista. He is rugged, manly, and moderately grungy with the most perfectly nappy dreads. I swear at any minute he could break out an acoustic guitar and start singing ballads à la Jason Castro. And hippie hair aside, he makes a darn good latte.

As soon as I took a sip of the caffeinated goodness the world around me began to fade away. The next thing I knew, everyone was chanting my name.

I could have reached an all-time-low when the manager forced me to stop doing a keg stand on the espresso machine. Or when he explained that my Starbucks Gold card did not cover the round of shots I had ordered for everyone in the bar shop. But instead, I purchased a pound of French Roast and left with both a complimentary cup of the daily brew and my dignity still intact. Because after all, restraint is for lightweights. 

Day 9

It has been. 9 days. Since my last latte.

Unlike smokers or alcoholics who see the danger in their addiction and purpose themselves to change for the better--- I do NOT have a problem. The only problem I have is that there isn't an espresso machine in this freaking apartment. Ok look, I've tried drinking coffee. Good, dark coffee. I bought French Roast K-cups at Target, and I purposed myself to make it work. But it just doesn't cut it. And insult to injury is that I'm sharing a coffee maker with 2 barbarians who drink flavored coffee. (Did you just throw up? Because I did.) Flavored coffee is like herpes. There's no getting rid of that junk.

So the plan for today?
1. Go for a long run (on the treadmill of course because it is hotter than a dozen caramel macchiatos outside)

2.Drive to Starbucks and order a venti nonfat latte for now and an iced one for later.

3. Drive to Bank of America and demand that they let me take $500 out of my savings account so I can promptly purchase one of these.

4. Hire a contractor to remodel our kitchen so I can fit this monster in there.

Mom- (I know you're reading this looking for typos and misspellings) this is a cry for help.

Sidenote: My roommates are not really barbarians, they just have questionable taste in coffee. And I am altogether thankful that Jordan bought the Keurig in the first place, but I seem to have outgrown it's steaming 4 oz servings of moderately flavored coffee. Quite unfortunate. 

Guilt-free Friday!

Ready for the weekend? This one is going to be pretty low-key. Looking forward to the farmer's market tomorrow morning and maybe some beach time Sunday afternoon! Here are your weekly indulgences...

Hey it's ok...

If the ratio of calls home per recipe exceeds 10:1

If you're not buying into this whole "fro-yo" thing... I'll take some ice cream. Please and thank you.

If Christmas is the only thing getting you through all this back to school madness.

UNCWet

I got out of class a few minutes early today, and as soon as I stepped outside to make the trek back to my apartment the heavens opened up. I decided that I would try to brave the storm, but then the lightning began to light up the sky like fireworks on the 4th of July. I ditched my lightning rod umbrella and dashed into the closest building. Of course, my knight in shining armor (Jordan) came to my rescue.

Now I am in my apartment, wearing cozy Ugg slippers and craving ANYTHING that steams and is served in a mug. More specifically, this cozy chocolate cake would be perfection. And it is so ridiculously simple. Check it out here!

Can you believe that only 3 ingredients and 60 seconds in the microwave stand between you from this heavenly goodness? My mind is officially blown. I think it is time for me and John Legend to head to the kitchen... before the power goes out!

And we're off...

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly-sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms." 

-Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) in You've Got Mail

I cannot believe it's my last first day of school. If you're starting school today too, well wishes and newly-sharpened pencils to you!

(Photo via here)

Blue Ridge Pig

Every time we go to Wintergreen, we pass a plethora of unassuming barbecue joints. They have always caught my attention, but let's be real, I'm no Guy Fieri. I'm certainly not a food snob, but I just have never been so brave as to venture into a random hole-in-the-wall and order the biggest, manliest, meatiest thing on the menu.

On our most recent trip to the mountains, after too many hours in the car and fatigue and hunger taking over, Kelsey said, "I bet one of these places are really good." Well, we already had dinner reservations for that night, but we agreed that we would try one out for lunch. We selected the Blue Ridge Pig. Mainly because of the giant pig out front. Wouldn't you?

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot we could smell the smoky goodness, so we were excited. Verrry excited. 

I was expecting the barbecue to be good. Very good, in fact. What I was not expecting was the bun to be so delightful too. They even toasted it and everything. See?

So of course I'm going to tell you that it was absolutely heavenly, and if you're ever in the area you should totally try it. But also, be adventurous. Live dangerously. Fearlessly. When it comes to dives and everything else. Because one thing I have learned in my short little life, is that risk pays off. 

Guilt-free Friday!

Happy Friday! Kicking off this weekend with a birthday celebration for the most handsome 12 year old I know! Hope your weekend is tons of fun too- be sure to find something to celebrate!

Hey it's ok...

To be completely dependent on your GPS, even after making the trip 15 times. I mean hey, that's what it's there for.

To still cry every time you say goodbye.

If Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks co-star in 2 of your top 3 favorite movies of all time.

How lucky I am...

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -Annie (The Movie)

Tomorrow is the day. I will be packing up the rest of my belongings and heading to my second home. Isn't it funny that home is still home and school is still my second home, even though I have an apartment with a 12 month lease and I spend 9 months of the year down there? Don't get me wrong, I love school and am so excited to see my friends and my "family" (or roommates) down there, but leaving is always sad.

Here are a few things I will miss...

Gooood coffee. Duhhh... but we've talked about this before.

This place. Yep. Cape Carteret Aquatic and Wellness Center. Marta's spin class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Kick-boxing with Kelli on Wednesdays. And more than anything, my mom's kick butt boot camp on Friday mornings. Not only will I miss the classes, but also all of the truly dedicated women who attend regularly and could kick my butt at ANYTHING. Even though most of them are nearly twice my age and have kids. Talk about inspiring.  

This little pup. And Jack and Scout, too.

These crazy kids. It is such a blessing to get to spend a few months of the year watching these kids grow up! My sister is becoming such a beautiful, mature woman. She is smart and sophisticated and I know she is going to do great things. And CJ is absolutely wide open. He drives me crazy half the time, but he is so determined (slash hardheaded) but also one of the most genuine, kind-hearted people I have ever known. He has been my beach buddy, my gym partner, and also a top-notch DJ in the car. Fortunately, I have Julian down in Wilmington with me, so I can call him whenever I need an emergency sushi date!

These people (i.e. the reason I get a lump in my throat and my eyes start to burn when I even think about leaving). Slow mornings drinking coffee, delicious dinners, and countless hours of talking and laughing. My dad always has the best advice (and he can make the best chocolate chip cookies). My mom is my best friend, and I hope to someday be half the person she is today. 

Because let's face it- I don't even remember HOW to watch regular tv.

My drive to work. Isn't it lovely? My dad always says "Never take your drive to work for granted." (I told you he has good advice!) So all summer, despite the heat, the traffic, and the crazy tourists, I tried to remind myself that I am so fortunate to be able to drive over that bridge every day.

And afternoon naps in this hammock, overlooking the White Oak River. So peaceful.

Of course there's also about a million other things, but this post is getting long enough. Bottom line: I am so blessed. 

Emerald Isle, thanks for another great summer. And you better brace yourself for Labor Day Weekend!

Listening to...

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" -Romans 8:31b

Smith's Rosebud Salve

Have you tried it?

I really enjoy it. It leaves my lips feeling soft, smooth and perfectly moisturized, regardless of how many hours I have spent at the beach. I just started using on on my cuticles too, and it works like a charm. 

Side note: Unfortunately, this does not have spf, so be sure to save this for after a day in the sun. :)

Keira & Natalie

Keira Knightly and Natalie Portman: Talented, brilliant, and stunningly beautiful. Maybe this is why I am constantly mixing them up in my mind? Love both of them, nonetheless. Even when I can't tell them apart. 

Back to School?

Isn't it funny how the balmy breezes of July can barely whisper a salty goodbye before August is here in all her back-to-school glory? I still have sand in my hair from days spent at the beach, and now I'm supposed to pick out school supplies?

This weekend was "tax-free weekend" in North Carolina, meaning the 7% was lifted on all back to school essentials (yes, clothing is included in that.) I have no interest in even thinking about notebooks and pens for at least another week and a half, but I did start itching to buy some fall wardrobe essentials.

Last night while my youngest brother stocked up on paper, pencils, and an entire spectrum of folders at Target, I picked up these necessities:

Shawl Sweater- Brown Heather

And of course, a pair of dark skinny jeans that will tuck into boots perfectly (That is, when temperatures finally start dropping in, say, November?) 

There's something about an oxford that makes me feel so ivy league, so as soon as fall is on the horizon I start craving them. Here's a few loves from J. Crew:

And why stop with just an oxford? This blazer would be so cute over top of any of these shirts:

And I love this bag for lugging books around. It has the same classic design as my Longchamp bag, but it isn't so cliche. 

One last thing. I'm taking my senior capstone this semester, and I will be required to wear business casual/professional for certain classes. Wouldn't this be lovely with black trousers and a pretty grey jacket? Or vice versa?

Explore

Jordan and I have a lot in common. That is probably why we make such great roommates. I couldn't help but laugh this morning when I read her post about wanting to go on an adventure. I don't know if it is just the inner gypsy in me or what, but every so often I get the same restless feeling she describes in her post. I don't know what it is, but I start feeling like I just have to go somewhere. Anywhere. I start incessantly looking up flights on Kayak and I gravitate toward to luggage section of every store I enter.

Current cravings? San Francisco for fall break (hint hint... mom, dad, boyfriend... somebody... anybody?) And of course, New York in November (sorry, this one is only with Mamasita... it's tradish)

(blurry airport shot from last year's trip)

Not sure where you want to go? Check out the reFREAKINGdiculous "Explore" feature on Kayak. I am obsessed. You just enter your price range and your departure airport and it gives you a map of the world with potential destinations. The results look something like this:

Guilt-free Friday!

This week just flew by, I can't believe it is Friday already! Here's some guilt-free fun!

Hey it's ok...

If you would rather watch reruns of Barefoot Contessa on Food Network than tune in to Shark Week

If you occasionally skip out on social outings because you have "other plans" ... plans that may or may not include a comfy couch, sweatpants, a latte, and hours of trashy TV on DVR.

If Mambo No. 5 is in your iTunes "Top 25 Most Played" 

Oh Lou Bega...

*One last thing: Hey its ok... if you don't really know how to embed a video into blogger without cutting half of it off...

one frozen entrée away...

Walked into the kitchen this afternoon to find these cute beverage napkins. Did I mention I'm having a crisis? Evidently you're supposed to do something with your life after you graduate from college...

Christian's Pizza

I don't mean to sound like a Ninja Turtle, but I love pizza. Good pizza, that is. After we shopped around downtown Charlottesville for a few hours, our coffee and pastries began to wear off and we needed a little more sustenance. Enter: Christian's Pizza. I know, I know, it sounds crazy that we had a plethora of sidewalk cafes to choose from and we stumbled into a pizzeria, but Christian's did not disappoint.

Christian's is great because they offer so many different options by the slice (not your typical cheese, pepperoni, etc.). Mine had pesto, spinach, marinara, mozzarella, and chicken... yum. Interestingly enough, even the cheese pizza was incredible, bursting with flavor and the crust was the perfect middle ground between crunchy and chewy. It doesn't get much better than this. Unless, of course, you top it off with gelato, which we did!

(First image from here, the rest from this darling photographer I know...)

This is M. Sasek

Downtown Charlottesville has no shortage of books. The wide selection of both new and used titles is enough to make any bibliophile's heart swell. We spent most of Saturday afternoon drinking coffee and perusing the stocked shelves for hidden treasures.

(Kelsey and Taylor... judging a book by its cover)

My favorite find? Children's books by Miroslav Sasek. He was an author/illustrator from Prague who is renowned for his This Is series. The first title in the series was This is Paris, but This is New York and This is London are equally appealing. They are stunningly beautiful and nostalgic, and the perfect addition to any end table. 

My second favorite find?

(Not that I need it, of course!)

doing time

Let me just say... I make a pretty good American citizen. I mean on a scale of 1-10 (10 being Uncle Sam in all his star-spangled glory) I'm at about an 8.5. Well, at least I used to be. This morning I missed jury duty (completely unintentionally) and now I run the risk of spending some quality time (doing hard time) with Lindsay Lohan and that girl from Pretty Wild... Alexis I think? 

Nothing says welcome home/ happy Monday like a warrant for your arrest. 

Did I mention that I had a delightful weekend? Lots of great posts to come... or just watch for my interview on WE TV's Women Behind Bars... whichever comes first. And I always thought that I would make my television debut on Little Miss Perfect...