Dream

Sunday nights are for dinner with my mom and dad. Sometimes my grandma joins, usually my brother and sister are off at youth group. Sometimes we watch basketball or the Masters or our dog playing fetch by himself. Whether we gather around the fire on a frigid winter night, or if we're sitting on the back porch on a perfect spring afternoon, Sundays are my time with my mom and dad and it's special. We make jokes about silly things and my parents challenge and encourage me on the serious things. And we almost always eat steak. 

This week, my dad was asking me about my dreams. Personal, professional, everything. Then he said, "Don't waste your youth on safety. Safety is the biggest threat to progress that you will ever face." Thinking about the future can be overwhelming and scary. It's one thing to dream a dream, but to breathe it to life? Risky business.

At the end of the meal, my dad said "Do you know why Walt Disney wanted the castle built first when Disneyland was under construction?" As soon as he said this, I kid you not, "When You Wish Upon A Star" started playing in the background. The Steve Tyrell Pandora station had been playing for the entire evening, but as my dad was telling this very story, the original version of this iconic Disney tune started to play. Maybe I'm making it a bigger deal than it was, but I get goosebumps every time I think about it. It was just one of those magical moments that I don't think I will ever forget. 

So you want to know why Walt did it? He said it was so everyone could see the dream. 

Blueberry Compote

My parents and sister were serving at their new church on Easter Sunday, so my brothers and I headed home after early service to whip up a beautiful brunch. It was fun being in the kitchen with just the two of them. Julian has worked in the kitchen at the restaurant, so it came as no surprise when I gave him the title* of "Culinary Executive." CJ was a big helper too, and I lovingly called him "Logistics Manager," which really means he washed dishes and took the trash out and did all that not so fun work without the slightest complaint. It freaks me out how much he's growing up. 

I was the "Creative Director" for the whole operation, which really means I made pretty arrangements out of fresh blooms, drank mixed mimosas, and made sure all of the dishes/serve-ware matched. #priorities

My main real contribution was this fabulous blueberry compote. There are no appropriate words to describe the wonder that takes place when you let 2 cups of fresh blueberries simmer with a little water and lemon juice. We put it on my grandma's "angel biscuits," and I swear you would think you'd died and gone to heaven (see what I did there?)

*yes, these "titles" were actually used. My brothers seem to tolerate my antics with begrudging fondness. 

p.s. I used this recipe for the compote, but traded the 1/4 cup of sugar for 1/8 cup of Truvia baking blend. 

p.p.s. we also tried grapefruit mimosas... delish. recipe here

Craven

Peplum can be tricky. I was watching an episide of Kourtney & Kim take Miami last night, and in one particularly unfortunate scene both were shown traipsing around in the worst kind of peplum (proof.) The thing about peplum is all too often it draws attention to the widest part of a woman's body. It's like "hiii, as if your hips weren't wide enough, here's an extra ruffle..." hmmnothanks. I love my Texture Cami by CAbi because the peplum is at the natural waist (aka the narrowest part of the torso, helloooo skinny minnie)  so it creates a flattering, feminine silhouette without adding extra bulk. 

I wore this to dinner in New Bern at 247 Craven (delicious, btw) & I topped off the look with my Chic Jacket (cannot get enough of the gauzy, sheer sleeves on this little gem)

[Texture Cami- CAbi Chic Jacket- CAbi Ponte Leggings- CAbi Fall 12 Shoes- Madden Girl Necklaces- J. Crew, gifted Watch- Michael Kors Nail Polish- Essie Turquoise and Caicos]

hair did, nails did, erythang did

My sweet momma and I went for mani/pedis yesterday. Never mind the fact that it's still 50 degrees outside, with Easter being this weekend, it seemed like a necessity. I knew I wanted something springy, not too milky-pastel but not overly bright. More like if a jelly bean and a marshmallow had a baby. Make sense? Good. I picked..

essie "Turquoise and Caicos" for my hands

and OPI "If You Moust You Moust" on my toes.

I was so happy with my choices, but I had to laugh when I realized how perfectly these hues match the CAbi spring collection... I must have really been channeling Thin Mint and Power Pink...

thin mint jegging

power pink blazer

What can I say? It's official, y'all. I'm a CAbi girl through and through (and wouldn't have it any other way...)

p.s. Kendi did a post on hot pink blazers! I love our design team... so on trend! Our version has pretty princess seaming and the sliiightest peplum, so it's insanely flattering and feminine. j'adore. 

p.p.s. remember my first attempt at seafoam green nails?

my office

I've always been a firm believer in having a designated work space (as seen here.) Now, granted, my definition of "work space" is very loose, and I've found a comfy couch or crowded kitchen counter makes a perfectly acceptable "desk," but I will say having an office certainly has its perks. Personal and professional touches that speak directly to what you do are key to making your work area your own. 

1. I'm not working for the social media company anymore, but I've taken on a new role at the restaurant that requires me to spend a lot of time focusing on these things, so the @ figure and the "Tweets and Status Updates" book (hilar, btw) are a nod to that. 

2. Fashion. The CAbi Spring 13 collection was inspired my Paris, so little French things here and there keep me feeling inspired and creative. 

3. Africa. Part of my heart will always be in Tanzania. Photos and other reminders of Africa keep me feeling motivated, blessed, and thankful. 

4. So how do you reconcile Paris and Tanzania? Keep a similar color palette. I stuck with black and white pictures on my pale pink walls. It balances out the girly hue and keeps the room feeling grounded.  

5. Light. I love natural light, and the big window over my desk was one of the things that attracted me to the townhouse in the first place. I also use lamps and candles (rather than overhead lighting) to keep the space warm and inviting. 

6. Books. 
-To honor and remember my educational background, I have my Communication Theory textbook sitting on my desk. It was my absolute favorite class with my absolute favorite professor and I couldn't bring myself to sell it when the semester ended (and I'm so happy I didn't.)
-Planner. Obvs. 
-I have a copy of the childrens book my grandmother wrote, because it reminds me to follow my heart and chase my dreams. 
-My sister made an "inspiration book" for me, full of quotes and notes of encouragement. I find myself turning to it when I'm feeling overwhelmed or bluesy. 
-Blank notebook(s) for brilliant ideas. And doodling during boring phone calls.

7. Personal touches. Two giant trifle dishes of nail polish because a. it's pretty b. I like nail polish. When I look at it I just feel happy. Family photos and sweet cards and notes serve this same purpose. 

Where do you work? How do you make your space your own?

Guilt-free Friday

[pretty aunt dancing to "The Girl from Ipanema" after a delicious dinner at Peak City Grill]

... on a Monday. Because last week was crazy and this week will be even crazier, to be sure. But first, how was your weekend? I spent mine in Raleigh with my sweet "second family." It wasn't all play, I actually had 2 CAbi shows (eek!) and did a private showing too! I'm love, love, loving what I'm doing and I feel so blessed. Getting back today feeling both tired & energized... now how does that work? Anyways, here's to a great week. xoxo

Hey! It's ok...

...to be adamant about your artificial sweetener preferences. Iced tea? Sweet-n-Low, please. Coffee? I'm gonna need some Truvia...

...if you're still burning your Christmas candles (and not pressing skip when "Winter Wonderland" comes into play as your iPod shuffles.)

...to not trust women who say they "can't cook" and to judge people with any form of "lil" or "baby" in their Twitter handle...

i can teach you, but i have to charge

Ok, imma leave the milkshakes to Kelis. Today I'm talking protein shakes. 

I've never been much of a shake girl, in any sense of the word, but after amping up my workouts still not quite seeing the results I want to see (muscles where are youuu?) I'm calling for reinforcements. After my trainer's harsh scolding for not eating enough after working out, I'm trying my hand at recovery beverages. The one I made today truly, honestly rivals the best frap Starbucks can serve up, and it's chocked full of protein. Here's my recipe, and of course I have no exact measurements. 

I start with whey protein. I like it better than soy and there are mixed reviews on how soy can affect women, so whey's the way to go.

Add the typical stuff, ice, skim milk, water... whatever it takes to get it to the consistency you like. Shake it, blend, it's whatever...

Aaaand secret ingredient...

**imagine this in my best Iron Chef Chairman voice**

Chobani Bites coffee with dark chocolate chips. A little extra protein, great flavor, and perfect consistency.

and a shot of espresso. Caffeine is good for muscle recovery and it gives me an energy boost. And let's be real, I'm addicted. I couldn't live without my Nespresso Pixie.

How do you recharge after a workout?