Scarf Obsession

Around the month of October, I break out my scarves. There is just something about a warm neck that tricks the rest of your body into thinking it's warm. I've even worn shorts or short-sleeved shirts with a scarf, that's how much I love them. People probably think I'm trying to cover up some hideous scar on my neck, or weird fat rolls like that of Kimora Lee Simmons.

But no, I just love them. They can be tied in so many different ways, and like I've mentioned before, they really help to add some color to the all-black outfits I find myself in.

And it's not just me. One of my favorite style icons, Jennifer Aniston, also seems to be a little scarf obsessed. (Or as my Mom would call her, "horse face.")

But anyways... who cares about celebrities?! This is my blog!

I now present to you... MY COLLECTION.

Top: green pashmina (gift from Jackie)
2nd Row: mustard infinity scarf (strawberry country, etsy); orange & black cashmere scarves (green dragon market); gray fleece scarf (old navy)
3rd Row: black pashmina (macy's); gray fuzzy scarf (made by my mom); gem-tone multicolored scarf (gift from San Francisco); bright multicolored scarf (old navy)

[Wins "most worn" award]

[Wins "best knock-offs" award. Not real cashmere.]

[Wins "favorite colors" award. Thanks, Mom!]

Last night, after I gazed lovingly at my scarf collection for several more minutes, my husband and I scarfed down some food (get it?!) It was a "breakfast for dinner" kinda night. For some reason, snow storms make me want breakfast. It's a weather phenomenon.

[Spinach & Cheese Scramble]

One Sweet Month

Tradition says that newlyweds are supposed to freeze the top of their wedding cake and break it out on their one year anniversary.

Well, no offense to tradition, but Tim and I haven't exactly been listening to you since we met, nor did we listen to you tonight. It's nothing personal.

The thought of eating cake that's been frozen for an entire year grossed us out, so we enjoyed some tonight on our one month anniversary instead!

[Mmm... chocolate raspberry with buttercream icing]

Whoever said marriage is hard is loco, ese. 

Piece of cake, I say. 

Piece. of. cake.

Let's Talk Bachelor: Episode 2

MEOW!

The Bachelor is already cat fight central, but Brad put a swift end to that last night by eliminating the two feuding ladies. I was proud of him. If you're too wrapped up in dissing each other, you're obviously not picturing Brad shirtless like you should be.

The first individual date was given to Ashley H. who I really like. She's cute, fun, and how adorable was that silver & yellow dress? It said I'm futuristic but fancy free. Brad & Ashley (can I call you Ash?) had their very own carnival... all to themselves. Am I the only one who thinks this would be a little awkward? Good thing they had cotton candy & white wine to break the silence. And a ferris wheel to makeout on.

Brad gets real introspective during an interview and states,

"I like this girl. I like this girl a lot."

She gets the rose.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, the 19 gals left behind FREAK OUT when the next date card arrives. The first group date invites 15 girls to film public service accouncements for the American Red Cross. Naturally, each skit requires skanky costumes and a ton of makeout scenes. Including a threesome on a bed with Brad.

Umm... yeah.

During the entire first group date, Michelle (the birthday girl, above), won't stop whining about how it's her 30th birthday (not her 29th, not her 31st, her 30th) and how she should get one-on-one time with Brad simply for that reason. Then she hijacks the camera crew by storming off during Red Cross scene filming, and of course Brad follows her & her gargantuan turquoise necklace.

Later that night, when the 15 ladies and Brad are having a private roof-top pool party (naturally), Michelle takes Brad aside and get's all serious with him. She says deep things like "You have walls" and asks "What's your greatest fear?"

Michelle of course gets the rose. Then stares creepily at everyone while waving the rose around in the pool. What was THAT all about?

Brad chooses Jackie (who I also love) for his second individual date. He gives her the "pretty woman experience" complete with spa treatments, a room of designer gowns to choose from, a hair & makeup artist and Neil Lane diamonds. They take a town car to a live music venue, eat dinner on stage and then whata ya know... they get a live performance from Train.

Are these dates getting predictable or what? I remember Jake & Ali doing the same thing. They kissed. Nothing too memorable about the date. They're both good looking, so of course they're going to have a great time. She gets the rose.

During the cocktail party on elimination night, it's Raichel v. Melissa, round 14, ding ding ding! And neither of them will stop crying. Ladies, when you cry, you look so unattractive & all your eye makeup comes off. Guys don't like hearing about your drama.

Michelle, who I'm starting to think is mentally unstable, pulls Brad aside during the cocktail party to ask him some pressing questions. We learned that he prefers Starbucks over the Coffee Bean and that he keeps his fridge stocked with eggs, turkey & water.

Wowza.

Oh and I almost forgot! Ali & Roberto (my faves!) came back to meet with each of the ladies and dish the dirt to Brad. They seem to really like Emily (has a daughter, sad past) and Brad ends up giving her a rose before the elimination.

[How cute are they?!]

Raichel, Melissa & Keltie get sent home. Keltie (the radio city rockette) is super bummed and proclaims that she's giving up on love. I predict a lot of fan mail headed her way from dudes who like a girl with a mean high kick.

Until next Monday...

Recipe Wednesday: Tomatoes, Shrimp & Feta (Tim's Fave)

An easy & healthy Mediterranean meal that even your carnivorous husband/fiance/boyfriend will love.

Tomatoes, Shrimp & Feta over Cous Cous

Ingredients

1 box of plain or flavored cous cous

Extra virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, diced

1 large red onion, finely chopped

1/2 c. white wine (or stock)

1 (28 oz.) can of whole tomatoes, drained & chopped

2 c. frozen shrimp (cooked, tail-off)

2 c. fresh spinach

Feta cheese

Pine nuts, toasted (optional)

Directions

Follow directions on box to prepare cous cous. Saute garlic & onion in olive oil for 2 minutes in a deep saute pan. Add white wine and simmer for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and simmer for 2 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are warmed through. Add spinach and cook until just wilted (you want it to stay a vibrant green color). Stir and simmer longer with no lid if a lot of liquid remains.

If you use plain cous cous, you can jazz it up with your favorite spices. Transfer to a larger bowl & fluff with a fork. We added in salt, black pepper & lots of curry powder.

Serve in pasta bowls and top with feta cheese & toasted pine nuts. Or don't.

But trust me, you'll be glad if you do!

[Ignore my creepy stare. I'm very protective over my food like a dog.]



 BONUS!

How to Toast Pine Nuts

Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil in a saute pan on medium-high heat. Add the pine nuts so they're spread out and not on top of each other. Stir them around in the pan for a few minutes until they're golden brown. Whatever you do, do not walk away from pine nuts. They burn in 5 seconds so you have to keep an eye on them. As soon as they get some color, pour them out on some paper towels to cool. Store in an airtight container.

7 Things About Me: circa 1990

Kendi over at Kendi Everyday challenged her readers to reveal some embarrassing things about themselves growing up... along with photos. You know I couldn't resist.

1) I was once attacked by a caged parrot in a book store. What book store keeps vicious caged parrots? I ended up with a hole in my shirt and a lifelong fear of birds. My love of reading, thank goodness, has remained in tact.

2) For a whole year in the early 90's, my older brother would tight-roll my jeans for me before he left for high school. Awesome then, embarrassing now. (See top-left photo)

3) We had a swimming pool. I loved swimming in it all summer long. So much so that I would ignore signals to my brain that told me I had to go to the bathroom. One time, I made the mistake of ignoring the signal for #2. Explosive #2. My parents ended up hosing me down.

4) Two words: homemade everything. That's what I wore until I begged my Mom to buy me clothes from Kids R Us. My most memorable piece was a Halloween-themed reversible vest. Candy corn on one side... black cats on the other. Naturally, I rocked it with a black turtleneck, black stirrup pants & keds (with socks rolled up over my pants).

5) My first kiss. So awkward. It went down in a cluster of pine trees in my friend Lauren K's  backyard when I was in 7th grade. The guy & I stood there for literally 10 minutes just staring at the ground. And then went in for the kill. The relationship lasted about a week. And then I moved on to one of his friends. (I got around).

6) BANGS. Lots & lots of bangs. I rocked them through 8th grade. Spent 15 minutes each morning curling & hairspraying them to perfection. However, no one else had bangs. That was probably why I had to downgrade from the popular girls table in middle school.

7) I spent a good portion of my younger years running a successful business. What business you ask? M.T. Private Eye. For all your spying needs. I had state of the art notebooks, magnifying glasses, a fingerprint dusting kit and 4 clients. My brothers & my parents. WHAT.

Happy Monday!

Fact: facials make you break out

Sad, but true you guys. Facials are so delightful when you're getting them, and then two days later... wham bam! Bumps all over your face. I had heard this rumor before, and even made sure to tell the esthetician that I had sensitive/oily/break-out-prone skin.  I figured if she tailored the treatments to my skin type it would all be gravy. Whelp. I was wrong! 

But I didn't let a little adult acne ruin my weekend. No sir-ee! Or snow. 

Because it snowed on Friday morning... and then later that night.

We went to see our friends' band play on Friday night. I had some sassy heels on until Tim reminded me that the sidewalks were solid sheets of ice. Buzz kill. I wore my riding boots instead (and did not fall on my butt). 

Good call, babe.

On Saturday afternoon, we bundled up and frolicked around town in the snow, running errands and whatnot. Snow is so pretty when you don't have to drive in it. 'Cause I white-knuckle it in the snow and fear that death awaits me around every curve. I'm the person driving 10 mph that you hate. 

You're welcome.

We swung by my parents house to wish them a joint "Happy Birthday!" and dropped off some delicious Carlino's cheese cake. One piece was mint-chocolate flavored and literally smothered in chocolate sauce. Drool.

Saturday night was our very first GAME NIGHT! We brought over some new games we got for Christmas to Josh & Ashlee's new apartment (conveniently located 2 blocks behind us) and we ended up playing ALL of them. Hardcore game night. That's how we roll.

[How much do you love their coffee table? The ends are pull-out drawers. Hello, storage!]

And on Sunday, we rested.

NOT.

We got our new bed! Well, new to us. It was a queen-sized Ikea bed frame that my parents weren't using anymore and it looked oh-so lonely in their basement. 

[Husband hard at work taking apart the old bed]

[Money-shot]

[The reason why we needed a new bed. 3 years & 3 moves. I forgive you, bed.]

[Ta-da!]

Click here to revisit the old bed.

 Good riddance!

 

Time Travel

Let's pretend it's Thursday for a second, mm k? Drum roll please... it's another first... it's...

AWKWARD & AWESOME THURSDAY!

Thought up by this cute & clever lil lady, awkward & awesome thursdays produce the most entertaining blog lists ever. And you know how I feel about lists. (Or not, in which case, let me tell you, making lists provides me with the greatest sense of accomplishment in the world, even if nothing has been crossed off of it yet.)




AWKWARD

Going to the bathroom at work at noon and realizing that all morning, your hair has looked like the hair of an escaped mental patient.

Losing the nice, new gloves your husband gave you for Christmas. One week after Christmas. Then re-buying them for yourself because they were your favorite gloves.

Going to a spa treatment (for which you have a gift card) at a posh salon in a posh area of town and pretending like your posh the whole time. And then turning the wrong way to leave after you pay and having to circle back past the counter again.

Correcting a superior during a meeting. You don't want to do it, but if you don't say anything and just let them make a huge mistake, then things get even more awkward.

Realizing you went to high school with the teller on duty at your bank, and saying "Did you go to Henderson?" and her saying "Yeah." and then you saying "Oh, I thought you looked familiar." And then not having anything else to say. And then leaving.

AWESOME

Making a s'more in the microwave for dessert. Or three.

Noticing that other people have the same addiction to Burt's Bees Lip Balm as me. One on your desk at work. One in your purse. One on your nightstand. One in your car (just in case). That's normal, right?

My new high-waisted pencil skirt from Forever 21. The price was awesome. And so was Tim's comment when I tried it on: "It looks like you actually have hips." I could get mad, but he was totally right!

The Bachelor is back! The show AND a previous bachelor, Brad Womack. So pumped!

I got my bonus check. Cha-ching!


Leave some comment love with your own awkward & awesome moments...

Fab 5 Friday!

[The very first edition!]

As if Fridays weren't fabulous enough to begin with, I've gone ahead and decided to do a weekly post about five things I love. It snowed last night, everyone is very angry about the state of the roads, so I'm going to attempt to brighten your day by reminding you about some little things that make life better.

1. Changing Up Decor

I probably do this way too much, but hey, it makes me happy. You don't have to buy anything new. Just by moving decor around, repositioning things & rotating in some seasonal items, it will give you a whole new perspective on a room that's getting boring. I also like to grab my duster and get that chore out of the way at the same time.

2. Snow Covered Trees

My drive to work this morning was pretty terrible, but the view from my office is quite lovely!

3. Black Pencil Skirts

This was one of the best clothing investments I've ever made. And by investment, I mean it cost $40. (That's a lot for me to spend on one piece!) So versatile, fits perfectly and easy to wash. I wear it to work with a button down shirt & flats. Then wear it out to dinner with a flowy tank top & pumps.

4. Farmhouse-Style Dining Tables

[See Apartment Therapy for more of this beautiful home]

I love the roominess of the benches and the vintage-feel of the wood. It really makes a great focal point for the room, especially with the top painted red.

5. Layering Tanks



[Old Navy - $10.50]



Oh man, do I love these! I don't know when it started, but I have this thing where I have to wear a built-in bra cami under everything. They're perfect for work because I can wear low-cut tops without feeling like a hussy, and also great for thin button-downs in light colors. I don't need my co-workers seeing my bra straps. I have almost every color, but my black & white camis get the most wear. I have a black & white obsession. I hope my colored camis understand!

Have a FANTASTIC weekend, everyone!

If all goes to plan, Tim and I will have our new bed set up, lots of pictures from Longwood Gardens and our sad, dead Christmas tree out back by the dumpster. So long, friend. You were so pretty over the holidays. But you're dropping needles everywhere and getting on my nerves.

Johnny Cash Would Envy My Closet

My wardrobe is mostly black. I'm not an angry, dark person. I just really like wearing black. Even my husband pointed out that I've been wearing a lot of black lately. And he is the KING of dark colors. He even wore all black on Christmas. Gutsy, dude.

However, when I saw an infinity scarf in this daringly bright mustard color, I had to have it. It keeps my neck cozy and makes me look like I'm not going to a funeral. They're not in the pictures because I had to do a self-timer shoot this morning, but I'm also wearing burgundy flats. Color explosion. Watch out.



Warning: crappy photo alert. My digital camera is ancient.



[Scarf: strawberry country/Shirt: forever21/Pants: victoria's secret/Bag: forever21]



I love my new bag (my last bag purchase for a while, or so I promised Tim).

Here it is in all it's pleather glory.



[Roomy enough for a small kitten, not that I have one in there...]

Recipe Wednesday: Tortellini Soup

Tim and I just had this for dinner & you would love it! It's a quick soup to make and perfect for busy nights when you get home late. I was late tonight because of my spa appointment. My life is so hard!

[My husband, tired & hungry after a long day of work]

Ingredients

4 c. chicken broth

1 (9 oz.) package of tortellini, any flavor

1 (15 oz.) can cannellini beans

1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes

Basil to taste

2 T. balsamic vinegar

Grated parmesan cheese

Black pepper

Directions

Bring broth to boil in a soup pot. Add tortellini and cook for 4 minutes. Stir in beans & tomatoes. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in basil & balsamic vinegar. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese & pepper to taste.

[I doubled the recipe because we <3 leftovers]

[Recipe credit goes to my lovely mother, Marcia Taylor]

[This centerpiece doubles as a reminder to eat fruit. Thanks, centerpiece!]

Now it's time to post-up in the corner of our Ikea couch & enjoy some prime time TV with Timmy. He's cuddling with a bottle of Yuengling Black & Tan right now. I think I'm a way better cuddler, but whatever.

big girl bed

When I got my first apartment after college, I decided I wanted a fun & funky duvet cover for my new queen-sized bed. I wasn't thinking long term (when do 20-something's ever?) and got one that was all kinds of crazy colors that was impossible to match anything to. Hence the weird, green pillow. There is actually green somewhere in the duvet cover, I swear.



Red, purple, green, orange... buh bye.



Now that I'm a Mrs., it's time to upgrade. Not price-wise, but color-wise! We picked out a soft white duvet cover with matching shams from Overstock and can't wait to get it washed and on the bed. I feel like it could be life changing. Additionally, we're getting rid of this bed frame. Not that we don't like it & it's clever park-bench feel, but it's cracking right down the side. I'm actually scared to flop down on it because the crack in the particleboard keeps getting bigger. But, it lasted through 3 years and 3 moves, so I can't really complain.

Instead of buying a new one, we're going shopping in my parents basement to replace it. They have a lovely iron headboard & footboard from Ikea just hanging out down there which I think will nicely accent our new mature color-scheme.

Oh, and it's FREE.

That's the best kind of shopping!

Our new bed, minus the prison-esque mattress & linens

Before & After pictures will hopefully be up this weekend. Anyone want to donate me some quarters so I can do my laundry? This whole coin-operated laundry room dealio is really starting to get on my nerves.

Let's Talk Bachelor: Episode 1

First, I don't want to spoil it for anyone, so here are the links to the full episode on Hulu.

Second, a quick note to people who mock Bachelor & Bachelorette fans.

We know it's not 100% real. Nothing on TV is. It's drama. It's hilarious. It's shocking. It's like living in a cheesy romance novel at times. We love it. Get over it.

Recap & Commentary

Brad Womack: changed man, king of soul-searching, 3 years of therapy, his actual therapist confirms, daddy issues, envious of his brother's happy lives, self-proclaimed "luckiest guy on the planet" for getting a second chance at love, really really really buff, kind of has ape arms

DeAnna & Jenny (first surprise!): talk about holding a grudge! both are now engaged/married, say they are supportive of Brad but are skeptical that he really is a changed man

The 30 Ladies: lots of ashley's & sarah's, a few divorced women, a few single mom's, a manscaper, a funeral director & embalmer, a model who likes to wear fangs (or are they her actual teeth?), a lot of fake boobs, bleached hair & southern accents

Second Surprise: the ladies supposedly don't know the bachelor is Brad! However, most of them just happen to know catchy things to say to him as soon as they step out of the limo. Hmmm...

Quotes of the Night

"Wow! This is gonna be an interesting season!" - Tim

"Finding a boyfriend is like finding a great pair of shoes" - One of the 30 hopefuls

Weirdest Outfit: short black dress with crazy pink platforms (she's in fashion, I get it, still weird considering most of the attire was evening gowns)

Cutest Outfit: the girl from Kansas who wore sparkly, red pumps (ruby slippers, get it?)

My first tears of the season: when we met the girl who's former husband, Ricky, died in a plane crash. Shortly after, she found out she was pregnant. Named her daughter after her husband. (I'd also like to thank her for not telling Brad this depressing story on night 1)

He sent 10 home last night. They all cried. Either because they wanted to fall in love with Brad, or because they have to go back to their regular jobs. Or both.

Leave me a comment with your thoughts about the season premier!

Let's Talk Bachelor: Preseason

A few seasons ago, Brad Womack captured my heart. And then he ripped it out of my chest when he didn't pick either of the two remaining women.

Last season, Jake Pavelka found love. We thought. He accused her of cheating on him. They broke up. And then he verbally assaulted her on live television and they trashed one another in the tabloids.

Who is worse?

It's a rhetorical question. Clearly, Jake! And that's why I'm not opposed to seeing Brad come back for another chance at love. I even set a reminder in my iPhone calendar that the season premier is TONIGHT @ 8 PM ON ABC! That's how pumped I am!

I actually hate the first show of the season though. I can't keep track of all the women. They all look the same and they do stupid things to make a first impression. But after a bunch of them are eliminated right away, it gets goooood.

Let the cat fights begin. Meow!

P.S. I can absolutely guarantee you that Tim will be watching with me. He always puts up a fight at first, and then ends up picking a favorite and gossiping about the show with me! Hehehe.

P.P.S. I will of course be recapping the show & my thoughts every week!

weekend wrap-up: NYE

Quick note: If you let your cats wander around town & they start hanging out in my yard, I WILL feed them. I can't help it. It's just in my nature to assume that random cats are homeless and I feel compelled to take care of them.





My "adopted" kitties after they enjoyed their tuna.

SO ANYWAYS... about New Year's Eve! We ate dinner at Spice Indian-Thai Bistro and it blew our minds. We both ordered an Indian dish (Tim had lamb, I had chicken) and it was as if we suddenly became judges on Iron Chef. We used a lot of descriptive words while eating and said "mmmm!" about 20 times each. Then we laughed at ourselves and were glad no one was listening because we sounded like idiots.

We walked back to our apartment with a half-empty bottle of wine, changed into comfy clothes, and Tim went out back to get the fire pit going. (He is a professional fire starter). I rigged up the iPod speakers so we could enjoy some tunes outside and got the s'mores accoutrement ready. Then we relaaaaaaaaaxed. Well, I relaxed & drank some more wine. Tim mainly poked around in the fire with a stick. So it could reach it's full heat-producing, log-burning potential. Obviously.

 

Our friends, Josh & Ashlee, who were actually moving all day (like we were the year before), walked a whopping 1 block to our place and enjoyed our fire for a little bit. At around 11:30 pm, we decided to crash a party! Well, not really. I think they were invited. And we kinda just showed up. It's all good. We're cool people, right?









 

Make some nooooooise!

Hope everyone had a safe & happy New Year!

Our resolution is to make 2011 our b*tch.