Run for the Roses

One of my life goals is to go to the Kentucky Derby. I know it may sound silly to say this is a "life goal," but it is one of those things that I MUST DO before I die. Both of my parents went to college in Lexington (goooo Wildcats!) so I feel like it is in my blood or something. The food, the flowers, the fashion (hello hats!)... goodness I looove it all! 


Maybe in celebration this weekend I can try out this recipe for Kentucky Derby Pie (my favorite. dessert. of all time.) Happy Derby Days!

sidenote: I made an A in Chinese. Miracle of all miracles. 

Coffee and Cinnamon

Coffee and cinnamon. Quite possibly the most holy union. And I'm not being dramatic.

My boyfriend loves chocolate and peanut butter, and I won't deny that the duo is quite delectable. We have made chocolate and peanut butter cookies, Reese’s cookies, brownies with a peanut butter swirl… you name it. Actually for his birthday I made a tower of treats (or terror, if you’re figure conscious). It even included homemade peanut butter cups (a terribly excruciating process). All in the name of love…

But what really lights my fire is coffee and cinnamon. The depth of flavor is just inexplicable. When I drink my coffee in the morning, a light dusting of cinnamon on top is essential. If truly accentuates all the body of a good, dark roast (the ONLY way to drink coffee is extra bold).

So as I sit here sipping my coffee and nibbling on a cinnamon scone, I am reminded of my mom’s Mexican Coffee Crisps. Heaven in the form of a cookie. I’m going to have to get that recipe from her... 

The perfect image for exam week. (Photo cred. Don'stuff)

Reasons to Smile

I'm having an off day. 


I've narrowed it down to several things...
-Final exams start tomorrow... bleh.
-Yesterday was one of my most favorite friends turned 21. It was fabulous, but it reaffirmed the fact that I am 4 months away from this rite of passage.
-Girl drama. Enough said. 
-I have a 20 page paper (literally) due May 5th... that I am yet to start.
-Mt. Vesuvius relocated to my face (Thanks a lot, stress and hormones. You rock.) 


I'm whiny, cranky, blah. 


When I feel like this it helps to think of some reasons to smile (what up, Pollyanna?). Here's my list.


Reasons to Smile:
-Oreo milkshakes (I tried my first one LAST WEEK. I've always been an M&M girl but oh goodness. Addicted.)
-My mom will ALWAYS take my side
-One week from tomorrow exams and papers will all be a thing of the past... at least temporarily 
-My roommate Jordan. We are kind of in love. 
-"Dancing in the Moonlight" I can't hear this song without feeling a little bit happier. 


Having an off day too? Here's the song just in case! 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

“Girls become lovers, who turn into mothers, so mothers be good to your daughters too.” –John Mayer

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and if your mom is half as awesome as my mom she deserves to be treated like a queen. Here are a few gift ideas for the big day!

If your mom is a coffee lover, or entertains a lot, these coffee cups are perfect! They are simple, elegant, and the double-wall keeps the outside of the glass from getting too toasty. Throw in some of her favorite coffee and this gift will give her the caffeine jolt she needs to keep up with the kids!

For the chef, an herb garden is a fabulous gift. Last year, I purchased several different types of basil at my local farmer's market and planted them in one big pot. My mom was able to use it in fresh pesto, on pizzas, and a million other yummy things all summer long. (It’s the gift that keeps on giving!)

This necklace is gorgeous and is a perfect way for mom to remember all of her “sweet peas.” I have 3 siblings, so 4 peas are perfect for my mom!

This classic children’s book is a timeless favorite! And it will remind mom of the days when she used to read it to you. It’s also a great gift for the mom-to-be. 

If your mom is as fashionable as my mom, this sweater from Anthropologie is perfect! (This color of blue makes my mom’s eyes sparkle, and I love the cute tie in the back!) If this sweater isn’t her style, check out the Mom’s Day gift finder on their website!

You can find another awesome gift guide at The Lil Bee (one of my most favorite blogs!). 

Picasso- Girl Before a Mirror

I’ll admit it—I don’t know much about art. Ok, I know very little about art. But when I was a sophomore in high school, my English teacher brought in this picture one day. Most of the class continued passing notes or making paper planes or doing whatever high school kids do, but not me. I was completely captivated. I can’t explain it, but from the moment I first laid eyes on this image I was in love. Looking at it I felt like Picasso himself had seen into my soul (gosh do I sound crazy or what?!) In that moment, I understood what people mean when they say “it speaks to me.” Not only did this picture speak to me, it told me my story. 5 years later, this painting still evokes those strong feelings in me.

Art is funny like that. 

Dumplings

I’m currently enrolled in Chinese. Yes, like the language. With characters and stuff. It has been pretty difficult, but learning about Chinese culture has been very interesting. Well, tomorrow I have my final test so today will be devoted to cramming my brain with as much info as possible. 

With all this talk of Chinese, I can’t shake the thought of Chinese dumplings (or shuǐ jiǎo) from my mind. I found this recipe on Foodgawker and I might have to give it a try! (The simple instructions AND video make the thought of dumplings less intimidating!) It will have to wait until after I finish my test, of course. Back to the books! Zài jiàn!

(Photo by Kirbie's Cravings)

My Uniform

I went to a private school for Kindergarten through 12th grade and had the joy of wearing a uniform every day. Looking back, it really wasn't so bad, but at the time I counted down the days until I got to experience full-fledged fashion freedom. Now that I have been at college for 3 years (ahh!) I have established my own uniform of sorts.

My go-to outfit:

Boyfriend tee (a relaxed v-neck)

Skinny jeans

Metallic sandals

... and finish it off with a long, vintage necklace.

(I usually carry a cardigan with me, because I tend to get cold.)

If you ask any of my friends, they will tell you my #1 wardrobe staple would have to be the boyfriend tee. Even though I already own a full spectrum of colors, I can't stop buying more! (Especially since they are so affordable at places like Target and Forever 21... hello guilt-free shopping!) They are easy, comfortable, and forgiving in all the right places when I skimp on crunches at the gym or hit the chocolate soufflé a little too hard. :) 

I just can't get enough of them.