tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42660545319906389432024-02-07T01:31:28.928-05:00CityInBetweenLVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-22270711812664512682013-03-21T10:11:00.003-04:002013-03-21T10:16:47.875-04:00Take me to the Caribbean!! Old Favorite: Jamaican Beef Patties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so tired of the winter. Like seriously. All I want is warmth, sun, beach, ocean. Sounds like I want to be on vacation, huh? Well then what better way to pretend you're somewhere fabulous in the Caribbean than to eat and drink like it, right?! I found this recipe on - take a guess...Pinterest of course! And per usual, it failed me not. These were so delicious, and so easy to make (much to my surprise). I'm seriously tempted to make a bunch, freeze and stockpile them. Now just have to find a good rum punch recipe, according to the beau lol.<br />
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<b>Jamaican Beef Patties (Adapted from <a href="http://www.balticmaid.com/2012/10/jamaican-beef-patties/">Baltic Maid</a>) </b><br />
<u>Ingredients:</u><br />
<i>Pastry Dough</i><br />
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tbsp curry powder<br />
1/2 cup / 1 stick / 113 g unsalted butter, softened but not melted<br />
3/4 cup ice-cold water<br />
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<i>Meat Filling</i><br />
olive oil<br />
1 lb ground beef<br />
1 onion, finely chopped<br />
3 green onions, chopped (<i>was fresh out of these :-/, worked fine without lol</i>)<br />
1 clove garlic, grated<br />
2 Scotch bonnet chili peppers (any color), seeded and minced <i>(So I couldn't locate these :( , so I ended up using about 2 tbsp of this Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce I found at the grocery store</i>)<br />
1-2 tsp dried thyme<br />
3/4 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp pepper, or to taste<br />
1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups water<br />
2 slices whole grain bread, processed into crumbs in a food processor<br />
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<i>Egg Wash</i><br />
1 egg, beaten with 1 tsp water<br />
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<i><u>Directions:</u></i><br />
In a bowl, combine the flour with the salt, baking powder and the curry. Add the butter and mix it in with your hands until it resembles a very coarse meal. At this point add the water. Squeeze the mixture until it just forms a ball. Knead once or twice to combine fully (the less kneading, the better).<br />
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Divide the dough into two pieces, shaping each into a thick pancake. Wrap the pieces in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The dough will keep in the refrigerator for several days. Take it out 30 minutes before using it.</div>
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For the filling, heat a little olive oil in a large frying pan and add the beef, onion, spring onions, garlic, peppers, and thyme. Fry the meat until it turns brown and the moisture has evaporated. Add the curry, salt, and pepper, and constantly stir. A crust will form on the bottom of the pan.<br />
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Add 1 1/2 cups of water. Stir and scrap the bottom of the pan to incorporate the brown goodness on the bottom of the pan. Add the breadcrumbs and more water if necessary. Cover and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir the mix occasionally.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C. Divide each dough pieces into 4 pieces. Divide the meat in the pan into 8 portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll one of the dough pieces into a rectangular shape with rounded edges. Place one of the meat portions on one side of the rolled-out dough leaving a free border of about 1 cm.<br />
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With your finger, apply a little water around the edge. Fold the one side over the dough over the meat and seal the edge. Lightly press a fork around the edge to make a pattern. Repeat with the remaining dough.<br />
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Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (<i>or foil sprayed with non-stick Pam, whichever you fancy</i>). Brush them with the egg wash and bake them for about 20 minutes or until the pastries turn golden.<br />
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Then Bon Appetit! </div>
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Feel free to top with cheese or your favorite hot sauce, but beware the scotch bonnet peppers/sauce packed the meat filling with its fair share of heat.</div>
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xox</div>
LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-58566018573650094762013-03-20T09:44:00.000-04:002013-03-21T10:16:34.086-04:00LOTD: HipsterGeekChic @ Back in TIME Sessions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Vest: Romeo & Juliet | Shirt: Sanctuary | Pants: Paige</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Glasses: Amazon | Necklace: Cross - F21, Bambi - Vintage</span></div>
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So apparently, Philly's Monday night best kept secret is out. About a year ago, a friend of mine invited me to this whiskey bar over on 13th & Sansom that played live music. And then we became regulars. We'd arrive around 9:30, appropriate our high-top table in the back, have a few glasses of wine, nosh on the awesome fries, sometimes dipping them in the mac & cheese topped with BBQ brisket, until the music started around 10. Then room would fill with the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Maxwell, you name it. Artists from all over the city would come to perform at this semi-open mic night/jam session for an awesome crowd of music lovers.<br />
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I mean you've got to love live music to drag yourself out on a Monday night, but it was always worth it. Sooner rather than later, the word got out, and last week when we went for my fellow regular's last night in Philly, it was literally standing room only. I'd never seen it so packed, but it per usual was an awesome show. <br />
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So I figured, since word's already out, I can divulge my Monday getaway.<br />
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Here's a clip of some of the musicians rocking out:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzj1ogcUPyVM1AYF4c6bghFO3t6pXT9QwBxqUJT4Eio2AS_zIgb90FiAkNNITbZ8GZCDQ40JEabjtdZ8CTPSA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I think the bar itself might be more known for it's whiskey selection, as well as it's dance party scene on Saturday nights upstairs. It's definitely got to be one of my favorite places in Philly, and def worth checking out if you enjoy any of the above.</div>
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TIME, 1315 Sansom St., <a href="http://www.timerestaurant.net/%C2%A0">http://www.timerestaurant.net/ </a></div>
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-54410473905428789592013-03-10T19:49:00.002-04:002013-03-10T19:49:53.154-04:00The Dan Dan ObsessionSo if you live in Philadelphia, or maybe even came to visit for a short time, there's a strong possibility you've heard of a restaurant called Han Dynasty, well known for its fiery dishes, each coming with a spice level choice ranging from 1 - 10 - let's just say that my max is 6, and even then I can barely finish the entire dish. Nonetheless, there is one dish in particular, that littered the Yelp reviews and almost every article I read about Han Dynasty before going, and it's called "Dan Dan Noodles". I'm not even sure I can describe the dish to it's justice, but for you I will try. It is served in a medium sized bowl steaming with a pile of flour noodles topped with bits of succulent fried ground pork, but the key - the key is the sauce, the most amazing sauce, patiently waiting at the bottom of the bowl for you to combine the three components and go into Asian Cuisine heaven. <br />
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So you can imagine my excitement when I heard that PYT was teaming up with Han Dynasty to create a Dan Dan noodle inspired burger served with Sichuan fries, offered for one week only. On the last day of course, the beau and I headed down to our old stomping grounds in NoLibs to experience what everyone on social media was describing as life changing. <br />
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I barely looked at the menu, but clearly I should have looked a little longer, seeing as how when I asked for the Dan Dan burger, the server looked at me a bit confused. "Oh, excuse, I mean the Handy Nasty burger." Which you can find the description for below...<br />
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We shared a pitcher of Golden Monkey to pass the time, clearly accustomed to waiting at PYT. After a while our burgers finally arrived, I waited anxiously as they put the plates down....<br />
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...and in typical PYT style, there was barely a 5 oz patty sitting on a huge "soft white Chinese bun". o_O...Despite being off put by the apparent size of the burger, I dug in and was further disappointed to find a bland - not even spicy, but basic tasting meat patty overpowered by watery cucumbers and soggy sugary bread. Womp! I will say that the Sichuan fries were quite tasty, so much so that the beau tried to order just another batch of fries, but to our dismay they were "no longer selling them separately." At this point, we were pretty much over it.<br />
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Having not quite had my Dan Dan fix that I was expecting, I decided to have a serious go at the Original Han Dynasty Dan Dan Noodle recipe that I'd found online a few months ago, but sadly couldn't pin to Pinterest because there was no picture, devastating, right? Anyway, when I say I really hit the nail on this, it's by far the closest I've ever come to recreating a restaurant dish. So good! Had to share it with you all, with pictures! So you can pin to your heart's desire. Enjoy!<br />
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Dan Dan Noodles (Adapted from <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/restaurants/recipes/169507956.html?c=r">Philly.com</a>)<br />
4 serving(s)<br />
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2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided<br />
2 ounces ground pork (<i>I actually used about 8 oz, left over from dumpling night ;)</i> )<br />
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic<br />
2 tablespoons preserved Chinese vegetables (available at Asian markets)<br />
1/3 cup plus 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce, divided<br />
2 tablespoons sesame paste<br />
2 tablespoons water<br />
2 tablespoons chile oil<br />
1/2 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorn oil (available at Asian markets)<br />
2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar<br />
1 pound flour noodles (<i>I used fresh ones from the refrigerated section, but any pasta will work!)</i><br />
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1. In a wok over high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil. Brown pork and garlic. Add preserved vegetables and 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce. Remove from heat.<br />
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2. In a bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and sesame paste until emulsified. Add remaining 1/3 cup soy sauce, water, chile oil, peppercorn oil, and sugar, and whisk until emulsified.<br />
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3. Cook flour noodles according to package instructions.<br />
4. Pour sauce into an empty serving bowl, add cooked noodles, and top with ground pork. Toss tableside.<br />
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And then dig in!</div>
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LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-29054964943835588422013-02-20T11:33:00.000-05:002013-02-21T09:53:05.310-05:00LOTD: When in Doubt...Belt it Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweater: H&M | Scarf: F21 | Belt: F21 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Skirt: Evelyn | Boots: Lauren by Ralph Lauren</span></div>
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Yikes! It's been almost a month since my last post, and even longer since I did a LOTD. Not sure if I haven't done a LOTD because I wasn't inspired, or I hadn't been inspired to get particularly sassy with my attire because I was off the LOTDs for a while. Chicken or the egg, huh? Either way, here's one!<br />
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I'm really over winter. I know, crazy since I'm a January baby and all, I should love the snow, right? Nope, not one bit. When it's cold like this, I can't fathom doing anything but layering up, wearing chunky sweaters and tights and boots. But I still want to look somewhat feminine and cinching my natural waist always seems to do the trick. I'm not averse to belting anything, sweaters, dresses, coats even! When in doubt, belt it out!<br />
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What's your trick to jazzing up a look? Funky Belt? Fierce Pump? Sexy Red Lip, maybe?<br />
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xox<br />
<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-22441333513954120172013-01-29T17:16:00.000-05:002013-01-29T17:17:53.611-05:00The Official Birthday Dress - Shop Your Closet 1st!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blazer: Not Sure :-/ | Dress: D&G</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Fall 2010 Collection)</span></div>
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I cannot even begin to explain how crazy the past few weeks have been. I told you before 2013 started with a bang and things clearly have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. But, I thought it important to show my blog a little love particularly having just celebrated my quarter century birthday ;)! How does 25 look on the girl??<br />
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Now I used to be one of those girls that would go shopping every time I had an event to go, or a special day, because those are reasons to buy and wear something new, right? Wrong...just wrong. For the sake of your pockets and for the sake of all the beautiful clothes you've acquired on the "just-because" shopping days, we've got to learn to shop the closet first! And I really did realize this when I looked through my closet, and I realized just how many beautiful dresses I had (ok, so I have a thing for dresses, for some people the addiction is shoes, for me it's fabulous dresses), like this D&G number, that I would only wear for very specific or special occasions. I bought this dress in late 2010 for my 23rd birthday dinner party. I took tons of pictures in it, felt beautiful and like the life of the party, as I should have.<br />
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Clearly I've learned a thing or two about makeup since then. But honestly, I have not worn this dress since that dinner in January of 2011, and not without trying. I'll go to grab it for an event, and either don't want to stand out too much if it's a wedding or other demure affair, or feel like it's too awesome for just dinner and drinks. Seriously what is more fun and festive than brightly colored polka dots? And when can and should I be a bright ball of fun and be the center of attention? Why my birthday of course! Since it was a little cold and rainy this time, I paired it with a pair of black tights and suede booties. And I've decided to make this the official birthday dress, for every January 28th thereafter, whether it's a Monday night dinner or a Saturday afternoon for tea, I will put this dress on and feel as fabulous as it makes me feel and celebrate my birth. As long as I can fit it, of course lol. And when I put it on, I'll remember all the memories of celebrating all that is me. Maybe I'll even bust it out on my half birthday in July lol.<br />
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What about you? Got a favorite dress in your closet that only gets worn for very special occasions? Let's figure out how to get it into a better rotation!LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-39563728655972152602013-01-11T15:56:00.000-05:002013-01-11T16:06:08.252-05:00My Favorite BYOBs in Philadelphia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Google image)</span></div>
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At a JL meeting this week, I was jokingly told that I should quit my job and write about all the BYOBs and fun things to do in Philly, to which I said, funny that you should say that, I kind of have a blog to do that, haven't quit my day job though. But it did remind me that one of the things this blog was supposed to do was tell you about some of the awesome gems Philly has to offer.<br />
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And one of my favorite parts about living here is dining on delicious food without breaking the bank because there are just so many wonderful restaurants here, but equally importantly, enjoying a nice bottle of wine with dinner without paying $50-100 for them to pour it for me. So here are my <b><i>top 10(ish) favorite BYOBs</i></b>, broken into categories for a bit more guidance to your foodie adventures:<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;">Fun, Loud, Celebratory:</span></b></i><br />
1) <b>La Viola (Ovest) (Italian)</b><br />
252 S. 16th Street, <i>Rittenhouse </i><br />
La Viola will always have a place in my heart, mostly because the fondest of memories have been created here. It is THE go-to dinner spot to fill up on yummy, but <u>affordable</u> home cooked tasting Italian food, while drinking wine and other libations (they do not judge what type of bottle you put on the table, as some other establishments have...) to your heart's content before hitting the town for a long night of dancing and other shenanigans, especially if you're a Penn student of any kind. It's the only place I know of in the city that will seat a party of 20 at 10pm and won't kick you out even when you're laughing hysterically with friends well after midnight. Nestled comfortably at 16th & Locust, it's just a hop skip and a jump from all the nightlife Rittenhouse Square has to offer. Oh and they have two locations across the street from one another, I prefer Ovest simply because it's the bigger of the two, which to me means higher chance of faster seating, especially on the weekends, beware...<br />
<i><b>Favorite menu items:</b></i> Funghi Trentino, Penne All'Oriolo<br />
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2) <b>La Locanda del Ghittone (Italian)</b><br />
130 N. 3rd Street, <i>Olde City</i><br />
We actually stumbled upon this place when our other neighborhood gem, Il Cantuccio, was booked, and apparently there's a bit of a family rivalry. Nonetheless, Ghittone has become another go-to for a heart-warming, open kitchen serving up piping hot delicious Italian meals, always tempting you with some fabulous special of the evening. It's shaped in an L, and larger parties are normally seated along the longer side of the dining room, making the short side seem like a smaller more intimate restaurant, without the pressure of being quiet. Joe, the maitre'd/server/entertainment for the evening, is a fun-loving guy that does the best he can to seat you, even when it's packed to capacity or their shutting the burners down. Great place to kick off a night on the town in Olde City, and parking is almost always a cinch.<br />
<i><b>Favorite menu items: </b></i>Crepine con Funghi, Gnocchi del Giorno<br />
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3) <b>Lolita (Mexican)</b><br />
106 S. 13th Street, <i>Midtown Village</i><br />
So I'm not sure you can ever go wrong when you're told to BYOT - T is for tequila! With the most delicious carafes of margarita mix flavors like blood orange and strawberry basil, I'm not even sure the food has to be that great. But it is. Pretty sure the short rib was the first thing I'd ever seen the beau eat and not even offer for me to try because it was too good to share. I personally am a big fan of the Carne Asada with plantain crema and fried yucca, delish! Conveniently located near lots of fun places on 13th, another great place to celebrate an event or kick off the festivities of the evening.<br />
<i><b>Favorite menu items:</b> </i>Guacamole, Carne Asada a La Lolita<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;">Intimate & Romantic:</span></b></i><br />
<a name='more'></a>1) <b>Il Cantuccio (Italian)</b><br />
701 N. 3rd Street, <i>Northern Liberties</i><br />
Clearly I'm partial because NoLibs has been my honorary digs for almost 3 years now, and this cute neighborhood spot has been a secret of mine for a while. Every time we go, Guiseppe (Cantuccio's younger version of Joe), makes us feel at home. You literally feel like you're sitting in his mother's kitchen, anxiously watching flames ablaze in the open kitchen as your meal is prepared, but she does have a few house rules - one of which is no cheese on seafood, apparently the salt ruins the freshness. Because everything that has come out of that kitchen has been mouth-wateringly delicious, I follow the rules. Oddly, they only serve (read: sell) bottled water, so you must bring your own beverages and if it's not beer or wine, mixers too ;)<br />
<b><i>Favorite menu items:</i></b> Misto, Pasta Special (whatever it is, usually the way to go)<br />
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2) <b>Koo Zee Doo (Portugese)</b><br />
614 N. 2nd Street, <i>Northern Liberties</i><br />
I've actually only been to this place once. And how could it make the list, you might ask. Because it was a life changing experience. Everything they brought to the table was so good, we might as well have had swords for forks. It was quaint, warm and rustic, dimly lit with wooden tables, I felt very authentic - as if I've ever been to Portugal before lol. But seriously, it's a great place to take a date and seem artsy and cultured. It had a very charming feel, and I left feeling satisfied without being stuffed, because things were so perfectly portioned.<br />
<b style="font-style: italic;">Favorite menu items:</b><i> </i>Camarão com Pri Pri, Alheira, Bife à Portuguesa<br />
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3) <b>Sushi Planet (Asian)</b><br />
624 S. 3rd Street, <i>Queen Village</i><br />
Talk about intimate. I want to say there are no more than 10 tables in this entire place. Tucked away on 3rd street, right off of South, this super cute sushi spot has been a regular date night venue. With cozy red walls and candlelight, you have no choice but to get close and play footsy beneath those tiny tables, or maybe that's because we've got like 8 feet of legs between the two of us, but I digress. With an extensive list of interesting rolls and stellar presentation, the staff is super friendly and service is great.<br />
<b><i>Favorite menu items:</i></b> Mango roll, Fancy Dragon roll<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: magenta;">This is a BYOB??:</span></b></i><br />
1) <b>Melograno (Italian)</b><br />
2012 Sansom Street,<i> Rittenhouse </i><br />
So when you walk into this swanky place, with dark oak floors, crisp white tableclothes flanked by ice buckets and oversized glasses on the table, you think twice about sneaking your bottle from the state store onto the table. But it is indeed a BYO, with the feeling of a refined New York restaurant, bustling with people every Saturday night, and much larger inside than it appears from the front window. Presentation is bar none, and everything tastes as good as it looks. I guess by now you're starting to realize I have a thing for Italian food, huh? :)<br />
<b><i>Favorite menu items</i></b>: Prosciutto di Parma e Rucola, Pappardelle Al Ragu di Cinghiale<br />
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2) <b>Mercato (Italian/American)</b><br />
1216 Spruce Street, <i>Washington Square West</i><br />
Super cute and quaint, located in the heart of the hood of brotherly love, sits a little bistro on the corner that fuses old world Italy with new world American flavors to create most tantalizing creations. Not sure if I love the food or the fun flavored Italian sodas more, either way it's awesome to come here during the warmer months because all the windows are open and the summer breeze mixed with the scents from the open kitchen, and we can't forget the people watching, it all just makes for the most wonderful of evenings.<br />
<i><b>Favorite menu items:</b> </i>Mercato Antipasti, Pyramid Pasta, Short Rib Ragu<br />
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3) <b>Shiao Lan Kung</b><br />
930 Race Street, <i>Chinatown</i><br />
Talk about a diiivveeee. Literally a blip on the radar, walk too fast and you might miss it, maybe 2 notches up from a hole in the wall in the middle of the block on Race, sits a haven of some of the best pork dumplings I've ever had. Again, don't think I've ever been disappointed by anything on the menu, might have wanted something a bit spicier, but there's Han Dynasty for that. Nonetheless, I've seen everything on the tables here from Bud Light to Manischewitz - yes you read that correctly. So if you're craving Chinese, want to go out, but nothing too fancy, Shiao Lan Kung is your place.<br />
<b><i>Favorite menu items: </i></b>Pork dumplings, String Beans in Garlic Sauce (+Shrimp)<br />
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<b><i>Special Mention:</i></b><br />
1) <b>Aqua (Malaysian/Thai)</b> - No longer BYOB exactly, I think there's a corkage fee, wompity, I know...<br />
705 Chestnut Street, Washington Square<br />
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2) <b>Cafe L'Aube (French, Crepes)</b><br />
1631 Wallace Street, Fairmount<br />
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So there you have it. I hope I may have added a new hat to the ring of options for this weekend's dinner and date plans. Clearly I love trying new restaurants, so feel free to comment below or message me new ones to try!<br />
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xox<br />
<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-57053641352383140792013-01-09T09:46:00.001-05:002013-01-11T09:42:17.825-05:00Friend Categorizing<br />
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The decision to stay in Philadelphia after college wasn't particularly hard at the time, because despite droves of people heading to NYC and other similar metropolitan areas, I still had a handful of friends opting to stay or still in school here. But as each year passed, one more friend would relocate, and I found myself lacking a core group of girlfriends. Marathons of Sex and the City and Girls reminded me what it was like to have a crew, you know? Where everyone knew each others business, and you didn't have to give the entire back story when you had a new juicy story to tell. Granted, I think I haven't really had a "crew" for a while, even in college, I had very close one-on-one friendships with people, who almost always had their own "crew" that I wasn't necessarily apart of, but they valued our friendship enough to call me one of their "best friends". We'd always have our dinner dates and girls nights full of wine and laughter, but the girl group outings definitely declined after college.<br />
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The coupling up certainly had something to do with it. I look back at my 23rd birthday dinner and while 20 people were at the table, it was comprised of at least 8 couples, but mind you only two of them married. And God forbid anything happen that might make having only couples as friends awkward and/or social life suicide, I remembered the importance of having good girlfriends. So again, I started to make the effort of rekindling girls nights and outings, which were always warmly received and excitedly attended, but the invitations weren't being extended at the same rate. But yet, I'd see these same people on social networks seeming to have the time of their lives with other girlfriends who lived in the city.</div>
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Do they not <i>really</i> like me? Am I lame or boring? Psh couldn't be that, I'm the life of the party lol. I would think to myself. Confused by the fact that I was apparently tolerable in some settings (couples dinners, select group outings, etc.), but not others. "Looked like fun, guess I missed the invite...", I'd jokingly say sometimes, only to get the "Oh I thought you'd be hanging out with your man" or "It was a real last minute thing." And I probably <i>was </i>curled up watching some awesome movie on Netflix with him, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't have liked the opportunity to join or decline the invitation for a raincheck. </div>
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But then I started to realize that some people have different friends for different things. Like Google+ Circles. Some are party friends, some are couple friends, some are shopping friends. I personally am not one of those people. If you're my friend, you're my friend in all situations, and I'll invite you to anything I host and pretty much anywhere I'm going. I'll give you the choice whether or not you'd like to join from your own comfort level. But apparently, that's not how everyone operates. </div>
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I've read lots of articles about how hard it is to make new friends in your 30s, but apparently the mid 20s in a big city aren't a cakewalk either. I've met lots of cool people in the past few years, but taking it from first introduction to the next friend date without seeming like a total creeper is somehow escaping me. Joining the Junior League has helped, having created a core group of like-minded women, seeking to build a social network that all live or work in a 10 block radius. But it's still a category of "Junior League" friends.<br />
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Is the time period where you made non-circumstantial true friends really over? From conversations with friends in living in other major cities, I'm starting to think it might be. How's it been making new good friends for you post-college?<br />
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LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-87796452513221907132013-01-03T16:12:00.002-05:002013-01-03T16:12:29.857-05:00Happy New Year!! Resolution Time...<br />
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While one would think having a week off from work would bode all the time in the world for R&R and blog posts, it did no such thing. The holidays hit me like a tornado, between thinking I was Santa and shopping up a storm to spending loads of tech-free time with the fam in NJ, the end of 2012 hit hard and went out with a bang with a NYE Extravaganza including a party bus to AC to see the amazing Tiesto spin for literally 3 hours. It was cray. In the best of ways.<br />
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Nonetheless, I can finally come up for air and set a few resolutions. In my humble opinion, the key to setting resolutions is setting some that you can keep track of and that you know you can actually keep. No lofty things you'll throw the towel in on a week later. I also allow myself to wait until my birthday (Jan. 28th) because it gives me a month to reflect on the previous year and set goals really specific to my personal growth, after celebrating another year of life. And this year's a big one...<i>twenty five</i>...o_O... and for that I will be celebrating on the shores of Me-Xi-Co!!<br />
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So when I return from Mexico, here are a few things I've thought of so far that I will ensure to kick off 2013 and the year of 25 (gulp lol) correctly by:<br />
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<b><i>1.) Making LV time at least once a week. </i></b><br />
Whether it's a bubble bath, writing in a journal, a dance class, or reading a cheesy novel with a big glass of red, at least one night a week, I will do something that is for my enjoyment and mine alone. Too often, do we spread ourselves too thin and ignore our own needs. Between work and social lives or taking care of family, significant others, etc., how often do you really say to yourself today is a me day? If you do, I commend you. I will start this year.<br />
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<b><i>2.) If it's less than 5 flights, taking the stairs. </i></b><br />
I currently live on the 2nd floor. And at first the rule was to always take the stairs. Then it was if I'm wearing heels, I'll take the elevator. Then it was always down, but only sometimes up. This is ridiculous. I should always take the stairs. It's the easiest mini-workout ever.<br />
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<b><i>3.) Create wind down time before bed.</i></b><br />
Are you one of those people that falls asleep with the TV blaring and virtually every light on in the apartment, fully clothed, face beat and remnants of dinner potentially still on the stove? Oh maybe that's just me... :-/ I'm getting better about the food thing, putting it away as soon as I've made my serving, cuts down on mindless second and third helpings, and easier to clean up when you're already in kitchen groove. But I'm really bad about washing my makeup off, flossing, brushing, putting on cute pajamas, etc, especially since I shower after work everyday (yes, I wash the cubicle off ASAP). I'm going to try to turn the TV off at least 20 mins before bed, maybe save the showering and primping until then and then get in bed and reflect about the day in darkness before drifting off to sleep. I hear it makes for a better slumber.<br />
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<b><i>4.) Wake up earlier and plan my day.</i></b><br />
Do you remember those Folgers commercials where the adults would come down to the kitchen in their robe, yawn, hit the coffeemaker and pick up the newspaper while they waited? Apparently that's how adult mornings look, huh? Yeah mine look nothing like that. It's more like me writhing hiding beneath the comforter until I've left myself no more than 30 mins to get ready and out the door. I want to get up and have time to eat breakfast and watch the Today show (I watch now, but do I really have time for that? not so much) and check my calendar, so I'm not freaking out in the middle of the day just remembering that I have plans after work and I'm inappropriately clad. Maybe coffee's the trick?<br />
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<b><i>5.) Get into meal planning. </i></b><br />
There's nothing that annoys me more than not knowing what I'm going to have for lunch or dinner. And I really can't be mad at anyone else but me, because I don't set aside the brain time to think about it, or the hands on time to pack it the morning the few times I actually have food in the fridge, but it really annoys me. Almost as much as throwing out unused ingredients that have kicked it in my refrigerator past their prime. Since I shop for specific meals, I buy all these random ingredients, and rarely incorporate them into other meals later in the week. Epic. budget. fail. Must. do. better.<br />
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So those are a few I'm going to try and hold myself too this year, nothing too lofty, all measurable, all in my control. What attainable resolutions will you set?<br />
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xox<br />
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-45579727867568783482012-12-11T12:03:00.000-05:002012-12-11T12:03:24.233-05:00LOTD: Office Holiday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweater: J.Crew | Tank: J.Crew | Skirt: J.Crew </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Necklace: Anthropologie | Shoes: Versace</span></div>
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Last week we had our office holiday party, and it started at 5pm, which meant people were leaving straight from work. So despite my apartment's proximity, I would need to go from cube to cocktails, without a full wardrobe change. So I decided to give my new tweed skirt a whirl. While I wished it was a little more fitted in the waist, the hip room kept it work appropriate. And since most of the look was pretty conservative, I decided to jazz it up once I got to the venue, swapping my boots for these little Mary Janes and gave my neck a little sparkle too. Yes, my hot pink soles match my sweater ;) The party was at the Franklin Institute and they gave free tickets to the Titanic Exhibit, which I didn't take advantage of, but I heard was amazing. </div>
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Tis' the season for holiday gatherings, I've got three in the next week. What about you? What festive looks will you be putting together?</div>
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xox </div>
LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-25673920763238880292012-12-05T17:21:00.000-05:002012-12-05T17:21:00.130-05:00Flexi Rods might be a girl's new best friend!<br />
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I think I'll go ahead and call this one a success...</div>
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I have tried many a time with these things some people call flexi rods, bendy rods...whatever you'd like to call them, while incredibly uncomfortable to sleep in, if done correctly, you wake up with a head full of curls without frying your hair or fingers around a curling wand (mine came with a glove and I learned precisely why when I opted not to use it).<br />
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I used two different sized rollers, just because that's what I had. I used 4-5 rollers per side and tried to keep the rollers on the sides of my head, so if I ended up on my back it was somewhat comfortable. Unrolled them this morning and this was the result. While I'm not a YouTube gal, here are a few links that I watched:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sbpEEPrivk" target="_blank"><i>ForeverNatalyn</i> </a> | <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZV_ovFSYUI" target="_blank"><i>Lover4Fashion</i> </a> | <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Jc8ZuLD4s" target="_blank">Fabulasityisme</a></i> | <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCvQW9O6WMQ&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">VanityInsanity119</a></i></div>
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The rods are very affordable and easy to use. I got them from my local beauty supply store (BSS) for I want to say about ~$5/pk of 4-5 rollers depending on the size. By the end of the day, I had a little frizz, as expected, but I didn't use any product when rolling. They also work well on damp hair. Either way, I'll be putting them to good use this season.</div>
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Have you tried them? What do you think of the look? The ease? Would love to know. </div>
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xox</div>
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LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-50906881588479329072012-11-30T17:30:00.001-05:002012-12-07T09:58:05.773-05:00Chicken Tikka Masala & Panang Curry RecipesClearly I was feeling Southern/South Eastern Asian inspired by a few Pinterest finds, and the last two kitchen endeavors both came out deliciously! The first was <b>Chicken Tikka Masala</b>, which was my first slow cooker meal and the beau's been raving about it since. And last night I made <b>Panang Curry</b>, which too got the stamp of approval. So I will share recipes and pictures for your kitchen fun and fellow foodie enjoyment!<br />
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<b><i>Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala</i> (Adapted from <a href="http://cookingclassy.blogspot.com/2012/02/slow-cooker-chicken-tikka-masala.html" target="_blank">Cooking Classy</a>)</b><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
~3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast<br />
1/2 large yellow onion, finely diced<br />
4 cloves garlic, minced<br />
2 Tbsp freshly, finely grated ginger<br />
1 jalapeno, stemmed, sliced in half and seeds removed<br />
1 (29 oz) can tomato puree<br />
1 1/2 cups plain non-fat greek yogurt<br />
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil<br />
2 Tbsp lemon juice<br />
2 Tbsp Garam Masala*<br />
1 Tbsp cumin<br />
1/2 Tbsp paprika<br />
2 tsp salt, or to taste<br />
3/4 tsp cinnamon<br />
3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper<br />
1-3 tsp cayenne pepper (to your spice preference)<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
1 can of light coconut milk<br />
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Prepared Long Grain White Rice or Basmati Rice<br />
Chopped cilantro, for serving<br />
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*I couldn't find Garam Masala so I looked up an easy recipe and found this <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-garam-masala/" target="_blank">one</a>. But it called for some other hard to find spices, so I ended up just combining what I had which was cumin, ground black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. And it was sufficient.<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
In a large mixing bowl combine chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced jalapeno, tomato puree, plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Garam Masala, cumin, paprika, salt, cinnamon, pepper and cayenne pepper.<br />
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Stir until combined. It should have a pinkish-hue.<br />
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Pour half of sauce mixture into a large slow cooker then add in diced chicken followed then cover chicken with remaining sauce. Add in 2 bay leaves.<br />
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Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours (or high for 4 hours). <br />
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Pour in full can of coconut milk, and gently stir. Allow mixture to cook 20 minutes while you prepare the rice.<br />
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Remove bay leaves and sliced jalapeno and serve warm over rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.<br />
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I felt I needed some veggies, so I quickly whipped up some Broccoli Fritters which you can see photobombing CTM's shine, another Pinterest find. I think I used a little too much cheese, but here's the link to the <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2012/06/broccoli-parmesan-fritters/#more-8610" target="_blank">recipe</a> anyway. </div>
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You probably are feeling all spoiled with the step by step pictures of the first recipe, I clearly wasn't in a rush like I was last night. So you only get one of this equally delicious meal...</div>
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<b><i>Panang Curry </i>(Adapted from <a href="http://www.recipris.com/2012/05/01/panang/" target="_blank">Recipris</a>)</b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b> (Serves 4-6)<br />
2 tbsp. oil<br />
2 tbsp. chopped garlic<br />
1 tsp. grated ginger<br />
2 tbsp. Panang Curry Paste<br />
2 cans coconut milk (13.5 oz. each)<br />
1 1/2 tbsp. brown sugar<br />
1 tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce<br />
1 tbsp fish sauce<br />
1 1/2 tbsp. lime juice<br />
1 cup chopped white mushrooms<br />
1 cup chopped white/yellow onion<br />
4 Thai basil leaves<br />
~1.5lb boneless chicken breast thinly sliced<br />
5 broccoli florets<br />
1 cup red belpepper<br />
(10 snap peas - I didn't end up having room, overdid it on the broccoli :) )<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
In a large pan or wok, heat oil on medium heat. Add the chicken and blanch until most of the pink is gone (this will cut down cooking time in the sauce later). Remove and set aside. Oil the pan again. Once hot, add ginger and garlic and let cook until light brown. Stir in curry paste. Whisk in coconut milk, brown sugar, soy sauce, and lime juice and turn heat up to medium-high. *Add the lime juice little by little until it’s just how you like it. (I like fresh limes, so I used the juice of about 1/2 a lime). Add veggies, chicken and basil leaves and cook until chicken is cooked completely. Garnish with basil leaves (some like to add crushed cashews as well). And enjoy!<br />
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Happy Friday everyone!<br />
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xox<br />
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-17900583416826647202012-11-28T16:10:00.001-05:002012-11-28T16:15:23.420-05:00LOTD: A Little Blue in J.Crew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF1HfqW8-JEiXesVuAQ8Qh4tX2lCWzcAfSpyIPEEub7ieUGnbVytZQiHfFzzWOBQ9N8b2BgBaznS_J5ZpvNd7S4c0I7PFKAiNCrlK8jn4ViSTYpmIeoED1NhgBPKu0R7laUAC75UqRvrt/s1600/P13633400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF1HfqW8-JEiXesVuAQ8Qh4tX2lCWzcAfSpyIPEEub7ieUGnbVytZQiHfFzzWOBQ9N8b2BgBaznS_J5ZpvNd7S4c0I7PFKAiNCrlK8jn4ViSTYpmIeoED1NhgBPKu0R7laUAC75UqRvrt/s640/P13633400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sweater: J. Crew | Shell: J.Crew | Skirt: J.Crew | Scarf: Burberry</span></div>
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It's been a crazy stressful past few days, but a new J. Crew sweater always seems to make me feel a bit a better. I picked up this bright pink cardigan on sale over the Thanksgiving weekend. And without noticing paired it with pretty much everything else J.Crew too. I really wanted to put on a pair of navy tights with this blue pinstriped pencil skirt, but I don't have any :( So I paired it with a pair of sheers and some Tod's. I also got this super cute multi-color tweed pencil skirt for just $35.<br />
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<img alt="No. 2 pencil skirt in multicolor tweed" height="400" src="http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/94050_WD5982_m?$pdp_fs418$" width="400" /></div>
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(<a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~94050/94050.jsp">J.Crew</a>, originally $148)</div>
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Go me! (Doing happy dance) So the navy tights will come in handy when it arrives any day now.<br />
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As you may have noticed, I've also changed my locks for the winter. I love that hair is an accessory just like everything else, to me at least. And I also love that I've been granted the talent/guts to do it myself. Do we like??<br />
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Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I'll be back soon with lots of recipes for my first slow cooker meal as well as a holiday cookie exchange I have to prepare for. Wish me luck.<br />
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xoxLVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-19289184175143449032012-11-13T09:40:00.002-05:002012-11-14T14:46:23.456-05:00The "Out of Nowhere" Breakup of your 20s<br />
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I've heard from guy and girl friends alike the same "it came out of nowhere" break up story over the past few months, maybe even years. The "it's not you, it's me"s. The "I just need to focus on my career" right now. The "I'm not ready to get married, so why be so serious" conversations. And depending on which side of the table my friend happened to land on, my response varied, but in all honesty I get it. It always sucks to be on the receiving end of the breakup news when you claim to have thought things were going just fine, but the truth of the matter is the "out of nowhere" breakup is never really out of nowhere.<br />
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The signs are always there. Whether it be the lack of presence while doing things that you used to enjoy together, or something as blatant as claiming to be on a "break" when going stag to a wedding, that weird feeling in the pit of your stomach that you can't quite distinguish between hunger and nausea is called [woman's] intuition. And it doesn't mean that the other person is most certainly in the wrong and you should go snooping through things because the Chinese food you had for lunch didn't sit well and you're confusing that for a sign, it simply means something might be off about the situation and worth addressing. But when you address it and you get the "I need to find myself" excuse I empathize, because that might be one of the hardest pills to swallow.<br />
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It's the hardest to swallow because you can't place on the blame on either side, but yet don't know where to direct the angry and confused energy. Because you can't argue with someone about what they perceive as their life journey and what that journey entails, especially because every opinion article or self-help book about the 20s preaches how this is the time to be the "good kind of selfish". What I'd really like to know is when our society became so entitled that the thought of the possibility of other options and opportunities out-valued the tangible things or people currently in ones life. We've become a generation expectant of such immediate gratification, constantly plugged into some device that redirects our attention away from the present into a virtual world of endless possibility and lose sight of the people and things right in front of us. It's like our self-esteem is affirmed by the number of likes a photo gets on Instagram, sexual fantasies can be experienced voyeuristically with a few clicks, and you feel like you know someone because you stalked their social media profiles, but yet you refer to them with their middle name as their last. It's not real, people.<br />
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I understand that the "20s" are a time of limited responsibility to be taken advantage of and dreams chased, but it doesn't call for a complete lack of legitimate emotional engagement. You don't have to sabotage a good thing or hurt and confuse someone else to be successful. Some may call it collateral damage, and that's fine if you'd like that kind of karma in your life. But seriously, how many of the world's most successful men and women met their spouses in their early 20s and their marriages have stood the test of time? But of course, as we all inevitably feel stifled by life at this stage, the easiest way to relieve some pressure is to take the frustration out on the constants in your life. And since you kind of need money to sustain, you don't quit your job, but instead you pour all the bs onto your significant other. When you're the most confused about direction in your life, you take it out on and eventually get rid of the few constants in your life. Real smart.<br />
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Maybe it's a defense tactic, maybe it's a training exercise, go it rogue alone and stuff. I have to imagine that it is a learning experience, and an important one, as there are definitely some things you have to learn in an unbiased manner. But figuring out who you are isn't some ready-made and packaged trip to put in your shopping cart. You don't stumble upon some cave in Santorini and discover a small box labeled "Self". It's the actual journey of experiences that life brings that refine who you are. And it's not like you're only allowed to travel the world between the ages of 18-29. In reality, you probably don't even have the money to do it right now. And having a significant other doesn't stop you from seeing the world, in fact shouldn't it be even more fun to have a companion to share the experience with?<br />
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I guess it's all about perspective. And you can't tell anyone how they should receive anything. But I do honestly feel like hyper-exposure to extravagant lifestyles through the media is giving our generation a bad case of "The Grass is Always Greener" syndrome, and dysfunctional relationships on center stage reality TV perpetuates "Have my cake and eat it too" syndromes. Not that these people should be anyone's role models, but such reckless behavior implies that lack of responsibility for personal behavior and subsequently other people's feelings is ok and acceptable. Which is where I think the "it's not you, it's me" thing gets its wealth. It's a cop out, a facade of caring not to hurt the other person's feelings by admitting something is wrong with yourself, but not being forced to explain much further than that. Idk I'm kind of ranting here. But ultimately time waits for no one. And pontificating about what your life should be isn't half as fun as actually living it. Mistakes and all.LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-83809365453929934842012-11-09T14:47:00.002-05:002012-11-14T14:40:16.177-05:00Pinterest Dish Wins!So there are a number of websites like <a href="http://pinterestfail.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest Fail</a> or even worse <a href="http://epicpinterestfail.com/" target="_blank">Epic Pinterest Fail</a>, that display DIY arts & crafts, food dishes, costumes, etc. found on Pinterest that just went very very wrong when tried at home. Like these:<br />
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<img height="320" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/58617232620559019_vOMsK6Ro_c.jpg" width="206" /> <img height="239" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/7881368068581343_TjKBsNCk_c.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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(via Pinterest Fail)</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Bahahaha! </span>They seriously make me feel so much better about my successes.<br />
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Earlier this week, the beau & I hosted some friends over to watch the Election results, so I decided to try a few apps I'd pinned recently, and all three were a hit! And I've got before and after pictures to prove it! :)<br />
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I'd call this nibbler spread of Spicy Sriracha Chicken Cheeseballs, Crab Rangoon and Bruschetta a win!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlR67fHciOxTKiS8WXuGrLyxxkhAbXP_zsXA3umZvu9Lv3H48T4DoV9adxSQol84b2AexPUB2MS5On2wmxUXnPVzv_W39MfzNzV8Es09b_RN97jGNiuZRy1WeeUwbHFEwf-suLkjx6nXU-/s1600/P47897602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlR67fHciOxTKiS8WXuGrLyxxkhAbXP_zsXA3umZvu9Lv3H48T4DoV9adxSQol84b2AexPUB2MS5On2wmxUXnPVzv_W39MfzNzV8Es09b_RN97jGNiuZRy1WeeUwbHFEwf-suLkjx6nXU-/s640/P47897602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See Recipes after the jump!<br />
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<b>Sriracha Chicken Cheeseballs</b> (Adapted from <a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/spicy-sriracha-chicken-cheeseballs-recipe/1/" target="_blank">Tablespoon</a>)<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
3 cups of Original Bisquick Mix<br />
1 pound of ground chicken<br />
2-3 tablespoons sriracha sauce<br />
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (<i>I used a little over 3 b/c that's all I had, worked just fine</i>)<br />
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese<br />
1/2 cup milk (<i>I used whole</i>)<br />
1/2 teaspoon oregano<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper (<i>I used foil ;)</i>..) In a large bowl, combine all ingredients using your hands or spatula. (<i>Note/Warning - this mixture is incredibly sticky. Actually pretty much every time I use Bisquick things get incredibly sticky, but according to the beau, it's always worth it in the end lol</i>.) Form mixture into 1.5 - 2" balls and place them onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20-15 minutes or until nice and golden brown on the outside. Then enjoy!<br />
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<b>Crab Rangoon</b> (Adapted from <a href="http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2011/10/better-than-takeout-crab-rangoons.html" target="_blank">I Breathe, I'm Hungry</a>)<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
8 ounces cream cheese, softened<br />
4 oz imitation crab meat<br />
1 medium sized onion, chopped<br />
~50 wonton wrappers<br />
Oil for frying<br />
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Combine the cream cheese, "crab", and onion in food processor (<i>I used a blender, which made for a little extra work..read: Blend, Spoon Mix, Repeat...lol</i>) and pulse into combined, keeping a bit of texture, but not big chunks. Place the wonton wrappers on a flat surface 8-10 at a time, and put about a teaspoon of the filling in the center of each. Using a small cup of water, dip your finger in the water and wet the edges, and fold into a triangle. Care to make sure there are no air bubbles because they will cause the rangoon to burst. (<i>Wet filling in hot oil = bad combo</i>). Fry in about 2 inches of hot oil (<i>test the oil by throwing a dash of water for the sizzle) </i>for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and wait a few minutes so that the filling doesn't burn your mouth! :) Serve plain (<i>or with a side of sweet chili sauce, like I did).</i><br />
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<b>Simple Bruschetta</b><br />
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Ingredients:</div>
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3 plum tomatoes, chopped</div>
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10 leaves of fresh basil</div>
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4 cloves of garlic, chopped</div>
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil</div>
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Balsamic Vinegar</div>
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Salt & Pepper</div>
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Sautee garlic in olive oil about 3-5 minutes until garlic has browned. Combine the tomatoes in a bowl with the garlic. Roll the basil leaves and slice into strips, then add to the bowl. Add the balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste and mix. Then serve with bruschetta crackers, as I did, or toasted bread, whichever you prefer.</div>
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-39371221204899834192012-11-08T12:19:00.000-05:002012-11-14T14:45:21.999-05:00LOTD: Pinspired - Black&Yellow<div style="text-align: center;">
So a while back I stumbled upon this photo on Pinterest and I loved everything about the look.</div>
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<img alt="Big bun, bright top, collar necklace, pleated skirt and platform. Head to toe, love it all!" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/844493650172554_Qbv3T40y_c.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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(via Pinterest)</div>
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From the huge bun to the splash of yellow to the otherwise all black ensemble, I simply couldn't wait for Fall to rock the color combo. And then a few weeks ago, I stumbled upon this look over at Pink Peonies...</div>
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<img alt="so making this bow on my shirt this color!" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/281052832966963311_8owm0o0p_c.jpg" width="266" /></div>
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(via <a href="http://thepinkpeonies.com/" target="_blank">Pink Peonies</a>)</div>
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And got super excited because I had just nabbed a neon yellow blouse just like this from Mommy's closet with the tag still on it ;). And I thought, I have some black satin ribbon...(gears churned)...</div>
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And voila!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GHbgQKmgV1OEujGpowIdkVxNotS4VypPBEHvdFiVsbdpV_vHs3vnv5ADbeVK-Cyi2DY7z9nzzrtdIM5rqU3JcZw0j7dBjQq9BdprL8iZVG2RcVI-Yscgd0sohqNkQF55f7OdCBZxgbfC/s1600/P39228301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GHbgQKmgV1OEujGpowIdkVxNotS4VypPBEHvdFiVsbdpV_vHs3vnv5ADbeVK-Cyi2DY7z9nzzrtdIM5rqU3JcZw0j7dBjQq9BdprL8iZVG2RcVI-Yscgd0sohqNkQF55f7OdCBZxgbfC/s640/P39228301.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blouse: J. Crew | Bow: Black Satin Ribbon | Skirt: Tahari</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Arm Candy: Michele, David Yurman, Tiffany & Co.</span></div>
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I promised I'm not wrinkled...although silk does do that easily. I think I merged the looks pretty well. Loosened the bow and made it a little more Janelle Monae-esque. Maybe I'll rock a pompadour next time. And yes, this is a very bright color to wear on a gloomy Nor'easter looming day, but you know how I feel about bright colors on grey days, keeps the cloudy blues away! </div>
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xox</div>
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LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-58117811007701415812012-11-06T15:47:00.000-05:002012-11-14T14:45:34.620-05:00LOTD: Patriotic Pennsylvanian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12i2B4515maYwInufRW-yjBErN9O7gD1cofMU5RXNxycStyObMsomG3oqK3IHq12QJ7NfCIfdXRayZirfi9FY-2MQHlKK6kSWtQONZw_DfRm0BeFAHHAsXb8nmmu5V26QTeqYhmzjhCtb/s1600/P23389102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12i2B4515maYwInufRW-yjBErN9O7gD1cofMU5RXNxycStyObMsomG3oqK3IHq12QJ7NfCIfdXRayZirfi9FY-2MQHlKK6kSWtQONZw_DfRm0BeFAHHAsXb8nmmu5V26QTeqYhmzjhCtb/s640/P23389102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shirt: Cambridge | Dress: Anne Klein </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Necklace: Long Strand of Pearls (wrapped thrice)</span></div>
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So it normally takes some sorts of patriotic day you know like 4th of July or Election Day for me to realize that I have very little red clothing in my closet. Blues & whites galore, red - one pair of red skinnies recently acquired and clearly not Tuesday cubicle appropriate. Even though the red lip could have been enough of a statement, my red and blue striped scarf from last year's Homecoming at Penn felt like the perfect addition. After speaking on a panel last night for prospective English majors, I was feeling a bit nostalgic. My plaid cape completed the look and was the perfect background for this pretty little sticker I got.</div>
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Did you vote today? Because I did. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNf-a9logZGVUBlYm3V2annzRqBHuluJiiibqh6MxYh1mwlU0gKHYlLMPV7KECRQf3Hsf_Dy87Q0ki_LgI_lbT5ez4Nozu82WwYLg93a4M0_Ae9CcsUFUIyyuRQAZbzlN0dMX6TkwEvos/s1600/P23264701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNf-a9logZGVUBlYm3V2annzRqBHuluJiiibqh6MxYh1mwlU0gKHYlLMPV7KECRQf3Hsf_Dy87Q0ki_LgI_lbT5ez4Nozu82WwYLg93a4M0_Ae9CcsUFUIyyuRQAZbzlN0dMX6TkwEvos/s400/P23264701.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Just a few hours left before the polls close...Exercise your right to vote, because someone probably fought for it. And even if something shady happens to you while you're there, like having your registration card in hand and them saying they don't see your name in the binder which means you have to cast a "Provisional Ballot" which may count or be rejected if your voter eligibility isn't verified (SIDE EYE!!!)...Recklessness all over the country with stuff like this...see this list by the Washington Post of <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/11/06/roundup-voter-irregularities-2/" target="_blank">"Voter Irregularities"</a>. My vote will count. I'm speaking it into fruition...hmmph!<br />
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And thank God for an end to these awful ads, tonight the real work begins...and fun for those having Election Night shindigs! A Pinterest Success or Fail post to come after tonight's try at a few tasty appetizers.<br />
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xox<br />
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-35763807706449925282012-11-01T11:02:00.002-04:002012-11-14T14:48:20.448-05:00First Impression: Bella Rocket Blender vs. Magic BulletSo part of the whole clean(er) eating thing included incorporating multiples of fruits & veggies the easiest way ever - juices & smoothies. So getting a juicer/blender/food processor of sorts has been on my to-do list for some time now. But ever since some fancy friends got a Vitamix as a wedding present, I've been turning my nose up at the standard blenders. I'm a one extreme or the other kind of gal. All in or not at all. Top notch or super chill, no big deal. So when I stumbled upon the Bella Rocket Blender 12-piece set on sale for $19.99 at Macy's, it kind of piqued my super chill, no big deal interest...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygATSGQXuLp9oq1-pzsOKMgEJlhuKAYpFSdJEIGTUeaBOGGp1iDim-aftqv920ks9S2tGZhvrMST70IV0B-dRFQvU1djE4AdDRYQlOXHV-FY3XCsP8iflkk9Qy8eu-6SidG6n49BJeQk2/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygATSGQXuLp9oq1-pzsOKMgEJlhuKAYpFSdJEIGTUeaBOGGp1iDim-aftqv920ks9S2tGZhvrMST70IV0B-dRFQvU1djE4AdDRYQlOXHV-FY3XCsP8iflkk9Qy8eu-6SidG6n49BJeQk2/s320/IMG_2038.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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For those of you who use or own the "Magic Bullet", you know that it retails for anywhere between $50-$80, depending on if you get the 17-piece express or the Deluxe with like 80 some odd pieces. I personally don't really see the need for a bajillion pieces that I have to hand wash if I want them to last, cluttering up my limited cabinet space, so the 12 pieces the Bella offered were just enough for me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe4rznOSdbaKbOhEBFbV5sk4uEIVlAj4PWnhxAZKFFWAQVyOnMP0WWTbtd8rAWtRVr5Tq-hgeYxhgJiWayu5HfW61GJJsCDLkD2Y8ad4tAGqoyBEDvUPy8xCzxymKlV9mdufBhudw1jRe/s1600/IMG_2054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe4rznOSdbaKbOhEBFbV5sk4uEIVlAj4PWnhxAZKFFWAQVyOnMP0WWTbtd8rAWtRVr5Tq-hgeYxhgJiWayu5HfW61GJJsCDLkD2Y8ad4tAGqoyBEDvUPy8xCzxymKlV9mdufBhudw1jRe/s320/IMG_2054.JPG" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H0uvuzIlGji6N_F_1uYA69PCiztrZBi4P3cW_BXTShj3TLKB5ci1St1jEflleurb6eJTdlfY6NCvETCC-j5fjjMK-rU47CYVdNt8nYGF4DKesFVV8rtcEjaw0eJU2OtnGTfZt6URFtpk/s1600/IMG_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6H0uvuzIlGji6N_F_1uYA69PCiztrZBi4P3cW_BXTShj3TLKB5ci1St1jEflleurb6eJTdlfY6NCvETCC-j5fjjMK-rU47CYVdNt8nYGF4DKesFVV8rtcEjaw0eJU2OtnGTfZt6URFtpk/s320/IMG_2057.JPG" width="251" /></a></div>
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There are 3 jars, two different sized blades, then a few lids, strainers and rims to convert the blending jars to cups. Just enough pieces for me to feel like there's variety, but not an overwhelming amount tumbling on my head when I open the cabinet. </div>
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I took it for it's first whirl last night. Feeling hungry with a plethora of random fruits & veggies in my refrigerator I decided to make a simple green machine with about 1 cup spinach, one granny smith apple sliced and a whole banana sliced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE12hpjml2Qy1BljTDtekbGIObG0SSmSVPr50HsLvDdPcyvZTc8T4DwYZgnVAruzI4rUkYxhl_HGBX_dgr5LyXKc9eqmQIectiybq8dPT4mhdVGzPj7_8lKgf70J6m4LwjpbE7qvQhgnxy/s1600/IMG_2071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE12hpjml2Qy1BljTDtekbGIObG0SSmSVPr50HsLvDdPcyvZTc8T4DwYZgnVAruzI4rUkYxhl_HGBX_dgr5LyXKc9eqmQIectiybq8dPT4mhdVGzPj7_8lKgf70J6m4LwjpbE7qvQhgnxy/s320/IMG_2071.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkcuq54f-ehmtyPcyHU8zp3CR9PYlDdA0A_RX9XKsEGTnLmueItLmLKwIACHzjW-TgqcMqMSI6oJflMMM0Nl8yOxdyD4j9ZW7J235eFCpU2b_iArwoFXlkEzerXDqaZLwVrM8s7eBiN_j/s1600/IMG_2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMkcuq54f-ehmtyPcyHU8zp3CR9PYlDdA0A_RX9XKsEGTnLmueItLmLKwIACHzjW-TgqcMqMSI6oJflMMM0Nl8yOxdyD4j9ZW7J235eFCpU2b_iArwoFXlkEzerXDqaZLwVrM8s7eBiN_j/s320/IMG_2072.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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At this point, I realized the jar might actually be a little smaller/narrower than those of the Magic Bullet, because I really didn't anticipate getting to the top so quickly. So I blended a little before adding some ice and splash of water. Then blended again and voila! A yummy simple healthy Green Machine smoothie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdRatYJXDl6praWlQko-XIzQLoPHnjHsPq1iHEYzw1WG3g5FAs-1ukThVDoO_CmeF18zHkp2-WqniQuaZpxrjsJ6zn46WevqvbAk-dPGJGBUmNOMDUfKlg3p9jRH6kp5cSDXtAJ259BqD/s1600/IMG_2074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdRatYJXDl6praWlQko-XIzQLoPHnjHsPq1iHEYzw1WG3g5FAs-1ukThVDoO_CmeF18zHkp2-WqniQuaZpxrjsJ6zn46WevqvbAk-dPGJGBUmNOMDUfKlg3p9jRH6kp5cSDXtAJ259BqD/s320/IMG_2074.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Yum! Now that I've broken the seal, I'll see what other concoctions of smoothies, sauces and salsas I can make with this thing since clean up is such a cinch! </div>
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But seriously for $19.99, this was quite the steal, and definitely gives the Magic Bullet a run for it's money. I think it was much quieter, and I personally think it's much prettier too :)<br />
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Oh I also used my new Martha Stewart knives, but cutting fruit doesn't give an accurate evaluation of sharpness. I'll wait until I'm cutting up some meat to give the run down.<br />
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xox<br />
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-69857248309850576032012-10-31T11:48:00.001-04:002012-11-14T14:50:26.739-05:00It's Halloween! Terror Behind the Walls...to go or no??So in the wake of Super Storm/Hurricane/Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy, not too many people are thinking about celebrating Halloween. You're probably more likely to be wondering when your power is coming back on, or when you can possibly get to and from if your public transportation system is down. Luckily, we weren't hit too badly here in Philadelphia, and I had the bright idea of maybe, just maybe going to Eastern State Penitentiary for their annual Terror Behind the Walls haunted tour. Yep, the girl who doesn't even watch scary movies is thinking of spending Halloween night in a prison being scared by crazy actors in gory ghoulish makeup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FlXdUm4XP8a9k3i_4APi7azf7YbE0D4SwyyMtcdCCcRXkZyCKD1_HFRLt7x0kvLrqtleM1t9t69pQSOHraXJMRWzxSjZepprz_xtdFA1WbVXnaOobkdKKIxW89VQqv8HT05iPxWeWUqN/s1600/terror_behind_the_walls-spooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FlXdUm4XP8a9k3i_4APi7azf7YbE0D4SwyyMtcdCCcRXkZyCKD1_HFRLt7x0kvLrqtleM1t9t69pQSOHraXJMRWzxSjZepprz_xtdFA1WbVXnaOobkdKKIxW89VQqv8HT05iPxWeWUqN/s400/terror_behind_the_walls-spooks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Google Image)</span></div>
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The Yelp reviews are mixed. I'm nervous the line will be atrocious since it's actually Halloween and it's the best way to spend a Wednesday night of course. Any one ever been? Is it worth the $30 ticket?<br />
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Maybe I'll just do a daytime tour...for $12...lol<br />
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Happy Halloween!<br />
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xoxLVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-81203223805454281432012-10-30T11:22:00.000-04:002012-11-14T14:48:28.823-05:00My Kitchenware Goodies have arrived!!So, I was quite the excited little camper when I got home for lunch last week and this big box from Macy's with my name on it was waiting in the lobby!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uuPegaLyAsy_EQRdgNUMtfsZMG1vdUnZQD2-n4me31Dyg6kZuDSPs9PGK5x4rMLpSLLv-LVRuapLRwAq7rGCdMvu26hwlbS6jdqokd4cL0ALgC3ZmCqU4aKONjyqvvHvhrN9fWJsbjyg/s1600/macybox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uuPegaLyAsy_EQRdgNUMtfsZMG1vdUnZQD2-n4me31Dyg6kZuDSPs9PGK5x4rMLpSLLv-LVRuapLRwAq7rGCdMvu26hwlbS6jdqokd4cL0ALgC3ZmCqU4aKONjyqvvHvhrN9fWJsbjyg/s320/macybox.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Yes, I had a little trouble getting it into the elevator and down the hall, but I mustered the strength some way some how because 3 of the 4 things I've been pining for were inside...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMXCHJ-nxzmhFR3fM1W9YgznWb0JtlnjiT5TwJ1sNS_IrztzcJ2McMwZbbKeUmXyEFxPgMCotpN0yKB_ghBhBZZ9GzRlUoS65QyWTFcdQ2jFPTy5ramnKkTIW0Q3vyxHY9E0PuXK1kp43/s1600/kitchenware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMXCHJ-nxzmhFR3fM1W9YgznWb0JtlnjiT5TwJ1sNS_IrztzcJ2McMwZbbKeUmXyEFxPgMCotpN0yKB_ghBhBZZ9GzRlUoS65QyWTFcdQ2jFPTy5ramnKkTIW0Q3vyxHY9E0PuXK1kp43/s640/kitchenware.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Slow Cooker/Crock Pot..a set of decent knives...and a multi-faceted, but compact blender..!!<br />
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I'm still waiting on this super cute Martha Stewart Collection mixing bowl set to arrive.<br />
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<img src="http://assets.macys.com/navapp/web20/assets/script/scene7/core/images/spacer.gif" /><img height="200" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=31053258" width="200" /></div>
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(macys.com, Reg $29.99, Sale $24.99 (plus the 10% off that day!))</div>
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I'm slightly nervous it will soon make me want a hand mixer...the stand one can wait until I've got a real home/gourmet kitchen lol.<br />
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I'm so excited to make my first slow cooker meal! I've been pinning them since Fall tried to sneak up on us. I think today is the last day we'll see the 70 degree mark for the rest of the year. Any recommendations? I've got one for Chicken Tikka Masala...<br />
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<img alt="Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala by cookingclassy #Chicken #Slow_Cooker #Chicken_Tikka_Masala" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/2814818487053898_dpK8zA2G_c.jpg" /></div>
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or maybe a Lamb Tagine...<br />
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<img alt="Lamb tagine with garlic, honey and raisins. (Great party dish!)" height="310" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/19562579602785149_ODNNjxNI_c.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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or a hearty Texas Chili!<br />
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There's just so many options! Very glad I recently learned about the Reynolds slow cooker liners that make cleaning up a cinch. Especially because I'm not sure how well the pot would have fit in my baby kitchen sink.<br />
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I'm even prouder of the fact that I got all four of these items for less than $130! Between sale items and free shipping. And because I had a few gift cards, I came out of pocket a mere $40 for these life changing gadgets.<br />
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Had I been a little more prepared, I would have given everything a whirl during Super Storm Sandy's showdown, but I quickly packed a few things and got a little further out of the city to the beau's bigger apartment, since we'd be stuck inside for a few days.<br />
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Can't wait to try them out this week though! Recipes to come.LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-75412808394038090102012-10-22T17:04:00.000-04:002012-11-14T14:45:08.307-05:00LOTD: Shades of Grey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXiKginnbn-dpJbND4zvMoWS0DJ9I4rwLrplD2HcsY8fZ87wPeSjZOyM4zUWN_TvC79ryspPG9opE_cIU3HSrsAuSlttPYBwjJuv92QE2pXe4Ec4s7H_pU6lXLgyKvhp-O7dphNfH4i5T/s1600/P93321100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXiKginnbn-dpJbND4zvMoWS0DJ9I4rwLrplD2HcsY8fZ87wPeSjZOyM4zUWN_TvC79ryspPG9opE_cIU3HSrsAuSlttPYBwjJuv92QE2pXe4Ec4s7H_pU6lXLgyKvhp-O7dphNfH4i5T/s640/P93321100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sweater: J.Crew | Skirt: Banana Republic Shoes: Me Too | Necklace: Henri Bendel</div>
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A boring (read: bad) hair day doesn't have to rain on the chic parade. But the morning overcast did inspire my shades of grey. Whenever I wear my hair in a bun during the fall, I tend to reach for turtlenecks like this classic one from J.Crew. Comfy, warm, and with just the right bit of stretch, paired with a fitted wool pencil skirt (another fall staple) and some grey patent pumps. This monochromatic look is a go-to, add a little bling and the look is complete.</div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
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xox</div>
<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-58308428833934976522012-10-17T09:46:00.000-04:002012-11-14T14:46:11.425-05:00Princess Syndrome: How Disney Sets Us Up for Disappointment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSQQjiGYxAp-wVyK4dkyooCGDNcxw-ut67omwMht4dYvuZHEdkWLZQqgFFFHNnTTH6yD4fCKPLIJL3hCfN1CeodrbMRMBEA6xZRxPRnAh-6BxVlGwlwImTlPLa-qd0ZLUSHBs1xV4zhKQ/s1600/disney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSQQjiGYxAp-wVyK4dkyooCGDNcxw-ut67omwMht4dYvuZHEdkWLZQqgFFFHNnTTH6yD4fCKPLIJL3hCfN1CeodrbMRMBEA6xZRxPRnAh-6BxVlGwlwImTlPLa-qd0ZLUSHBs1xV4zhKQ/s1600/disney.jpg" /></a></div>
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"Post-Happily Ever After"</div>
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I stumbled upon this picture on Pinterest yesterday. I aptly pinned it to my "Reality Check" board, and then remembered an idea for a post I had months ago when I first revived the blog. Having a younger sister who is obsessed with all things "Princess" has really revealed to me how much of an impact these movies have on our psyche at such a crucial age in development. Through these images and story lines, she is learning perceptions of beauty, of good and evil, expectations of others, and most prevalent in all of these films is the emphasis on gender roles. I could literally probably write a dissertation on this, but for the sake of this post, I will focus on the three biggest problems these films create as it pertains to male and female relationships later down the road:</div>
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<i><b>#1) "I'm a princess and should be treated as such."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>#2) "I'm waiting for my Prince Charming to come and save me."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>#3) "And we will live happily ever after."</b></i></div>
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<i><b>"I'm a princess and should be treated as such."</b></i></div>
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This mentality is ingrained so early in a young girl's mind, and while some have trouble believing it and self-esteem issues also created by Disney imagery and the like can overshadow it, many others wear this proclamation across their chest in "Daddy's Little Princess" labeled t-shirts and when they outgrow those, they wear it across their forehead as they enter adulthood, especially if Daddy is still paying their rent. </div>
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My sister sometimes affectionately calls my dad "Prince Naveen" (re: Princess & The Frog). There is much truth to the idea that a father is a little girl's first love. He is the first man she sees in real life. He is the first man to tell her that he loves her, that provides for her, that protects and comforts her, that reminds her that she is his little princess, deserving of all there is to have in this world - money, jewels, unconditional love. And if it's not her father telling her this, it's often her mother doing so, and overcompensating for his lack of presence, his lack of love, with material things. So the Princess mentality becomes even more compounded. It becomes, "If I find my Prince Charming, I will have found happiness. But having lots of pretty things can also make me happy. So until I've found him, I'll make myself happy with things." Retail therapy, anyone?</div>
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And when she's acquired many things, it affirms her status as not only an indulgent Princess, but an independent one, if she's bought them for herself. So Prince Charming's role evolves to taking care of her in a way that she cannot herself, while still maintaining her sense of royalty. </div>
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<i><b>"I'm waiting for my Prince Charming to come and save me."</b></i></div>
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The bar is set high for Prince Charming. He must be tall and attractive, strong but gentle, sweet and compassionate but witty and wealthy enough to save you from whatever your situation may be and make all your dreams come true. He must also humble himself in the wake of your holier than thou "I am a Princess and shall be treated as such" attitude, prove himself worthy to you, and request your hand in marriage with bated breath. </div>
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Hmmm, so you've already significantly reduced the pool of eligible candidates with your physical and financial requirements. Now let's see, does anyone remember Cinderella's story? How many Princess-wannabes were there clamoring for the Prince's attention? The ratio is looking kind of familiar, right? And why did he fall in love with Danielle de Barbarac (yes I'm channeling Drew Barrymore in Ever After circa '98)? Because she was fiery and witty, but most importantly without illusions of grandeur for self-perceived importance, un-tainted by wealth and kind.</div>
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Which creates quite the confusing dichotomy for suitors, if you're so important and independent without them, why do you need or want them? What exactly are they saving you from? Or do they just fit in the picture you've created for your life to hang above the mantel in the castle? And if you do need them to save you from some great peril, don't you think you might want to show a little kindness and less entitlement in your interaction? As the old saying goes, you attract more flies with honey than vinegar. Not so sure I want to attract flies per se, but the buzz has to be created someway. </div>
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<i><b>"And we will live happily ever after."</b></i></div>
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I think this is the one that bothers me the most, and it's why the image above moved me so much. I understand that these are children's films. They need to be kept light and airy, sold as fairy tales, but that's ignoring the fact that these are inappropriately held onto by young girls instead as parables. Yes, it is the parents' responsibility to teach them the difference between fairy tales and reality, but it's a lot harder to undo the damage done by tantalizing fantasies and then teach them about devastating "unrealistic" possibilities in their innocent eyes.<br />
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Snow White & Belle are the most jarring pictures of the fairy tale gone oh so wrong. For sake of screen time, the courtship between them and their princes is blown through, but add a little sparkle and fairy dust and poof! Everything is magical and perfect. PSA little ladies: THAT'S NOT THE WAY IT WORKS!<br />
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I'm not sure if I want Disney to include a little disclaimer with each of their DVDs, princess dresses that they sell for $75 a pop or place it on the back of the ticket to Disneyworld, idk. Maybe that's too young to jade them, it's kind of nice to hold onto that innocence for as long as possible. But when the innocence becomes arrogance and the fairy tale becomes expectation is where I have a teensy little problem.<br />
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I guess I'm yearning for more stories about friendship and fun that grows into love, instead of wars and witchcraft that result in need of saving. I guess it's naive of me to think that would make for a good story, huh? I guess it's up to us to tell my sister that she's beautiful without Tangled Rapunzel's flowing locks, that there's no evil woman named Ursula cooking up a spell to steal her charms, and that when she meets a boy that makes her laugh and treats her with respect that he's her Prince Charming, even if he's got glasses and freckles like Chucky from the Rugrats.<br />
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That's my two cents for the day.<br />
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xox<br />
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-24924932210018339082012-10-05T15:00:00.005-04:002012-11-14T14:50:39.665-05:00Fitness, Fun & Fall Festivals in the illadelphHappppyyyy Frrriiiiddaaayyyy!!! Can you tell I'm excited for the weekend? In all seriousness, the week kind of flew by, but every Friday I'm ready to sing "Cheers to the freakin' weekend!" (Cue RihRih). I think the week flew by in part because I finally made my way over to The Sporting Club at the Bellevue, for which I purchased a LivingSocial deal for $30 for a month pass, which includes all access to the 93,000 sq ft facility as well as unlimited classes, and my gosh is the list extensive. Apparently, a monthly membership would normally cost ~$100/mo + a hefty initiation fee of $450. o_O...Insert happy dance here for getting quite the steal!<br />
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On Monday, I was hyped and posted this picture of my new running shoes and post-workout healthy meal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnZF2qrn8-5dLTCRRSbsNlvii4SFC-5hE0PhipKImtuU3GjSMdkEm_VpTWkgLM4tTup9wq4Z3yDJrqtuK3FlqbI0RdYsuh9YWKtQTQybJY6_Xt2w1qvyGp8SyDmf6SK3NyDW25s0BrXIn/s1600/P46055604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnZF2qrn8-5dLTCRRSbsNlvii4SFC-5hE0PhipKImtuU3GjSMdkEm_VpTWkgLM4tTup9wq4Z3yDJrqtuK3FlqbI0RdYsuh9YWKtQTQybJY6_Xt2w1qvyGp8SyDmf6SK3NyDW25s0BrXIn/s320/P46055604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After "The Boxer's Workout" with Clif, I was feeling good and wanted to keep it going with healthy eats, so I made a nice spinach salad with a corn/red pepper/tomato/red onion/goat cheese salad I'd made over the weekend. Because I was still hungry and kind of craving something sweet, I decided to have a brown rice cake with peanut butter for dessert. Go me!<br />
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I made it to the gym twice more this week for Vinyasa Yoga on Tuesday & Thursday. I'm excited to try all the new classes. It keeps my routine changing, so my muscles don't get used to anything, which is what I used to love about dance. There's a Zumba class tonight, but might not make it because my social life is just jumping these days. I kid I kid lol, but for real there's been a lot going on lately.<br />
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Last Saturday, we participated in the Octoberfest festivities down on South Street at Brauhaus Schmidt's, which was a madhouse, but fun. On Wednesday, we watched the debate with some friends out in Manayunk, made even more entertaining by the little game someone stumbled upon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKQS3_prcaT4zWTqtbrfvXLBpXoSz-uJqngt_NvxLXAwuuLpZNmhguLokIMnW46Kfqhmh-NQvcpDn1b-kSZFSnEEIbzZ-5o05XQQHGOK8GPpojJV4TnI6XgrNU29BO7dA6ArkkOCU8p-L/s1600/Debate+Drinking+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKQS3_prcaT4zWTqtbrfvXLBpXoSz-uJqngt_NvxLXAwuuLpZNmhguLokIMnW46Kfqhmh-NQvcpDn1b-kSZFSnEEIbzZ-5o05XQQHGOK8GPpojJV4TnI6XgrNU29BO7dA6ArkkOCU8p-L/s320/Debate+Drinking+Game.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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Let's just say, we couldn't keep up with the 3rd person references, else having to carry each other home, and Romney's "small business" references were the 2nd runner up to that. If you're planning on having a debate shindig for any of the others, this might liven things up a bit.<br />
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Last night, the beau and I finally made it to the <a href="http://nightmarketphilly.org/" target="_blank">Night Market</a>, the last one of the season at that. It was in Chinatown this time and was packed! I snapped just a few pictures without looking too touristy.<br />
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Got this yummy Chicken, Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya from the <a href="http://www.khyberpasspub.com/" target="_blank">Khyber Pass Pub'</a>s stand, which was delish. I think we'll have to check it out the next time we're on Old City. There were tons of food trucks, as expected. I had some fried chicken with a spicy peanut honey BBQ sauce from <a href="http://www.squarepegrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Square Peg</a>'s stand, pretty standard for a fried chicken drumstick, but the sauce was quite unique. After checking out some of the entertainment (large dance circles in the middle of the street while people Dougie'd and belted Karaoke songs projected onto a huge brick wall from <a href="http://www.yakitoriboy.com/" target="_blank">Yakitori Boy</a>'s stand), I ended the night with some frozen yogurt from the <a href="http://www.gozenyogurt.com/" target="_blank">Gozen Yogurt</a> truck, self serve with a topping bar on the side of the truck. So cool.<br />
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It was such a great night, I wish that I'd be in town for the <a href="http://midtownvillage.org/" target="_blank">Midtown Village Fall Festival</a> tomorrow, since the sun has finally decided to grace us with it's presence. Some of my favorite restaurants are on 13th Street; there will be a beer garden, a dunk tank and apparently there's even Sumo wrestling in store!! What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon?? It's from 12noon - 8pm, so I definitely recommend checking it out, if you're around.<br />
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Got to love Fall in Philly! Tonight, we're heading back to the Yunk for dinner & dancing to send off a crew member correctly as he leaves all this fun behind to head out West and be a woodsman in Colorado. Oh and it's also Restaurant Week! So I definitely plan to hit up a few new eateries and will report back :)<br />
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Have a great weekend!!<br />
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xox<br />
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LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-55094825646368099072012-09-28T09:15:00.000-04:002012-11-14T14:46:56.775-05:00Clean Eating - A Daily StruggleIf you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, it's probably quite apparent that I love food. Always have and always will. But I also realize the importance of eating well for the sake of feeling well.<br />
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Last Sunday, I made what <i>looked like</i> a huge greasy Southern meal of fried fish, collard greens, mac & cheese and sweet potato cornbread and called it "The Last Supper" before embarking upon a "veggie-centric" lifestyle. In all honesty, the only thing that wasn't the "healthiest" was the fish. I used no oil or butter in the collards, the mac & cheese wasn't baked with eggs & butter, but a stovetop version made with a simple roux of grueyere and fontina cheeses, and the sweet potato cornbread was without the egg & half the milk, using the potato puree for moistness. All of that is to say, that if I had actually measured the calories of that meal, it'd be a FRACTION of what it had been if I'd followed the recipe exactly, or dared order it at a restaurant.<br />
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I don't believe that you have to eat like a rabbit to eat, look or feel "well". I do believe that you should know exactly what you're putting into your body and exert as much control over the sourcing of your products and minimizing the unknown and hidden ones in sauces and seasonings especially as you can. Thus, I try to buy organic fresh produce, farm raised & grass fed meats, and season with lots of fresh herbs. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with flash frozen foods or dried herbs. I just have a tendency to want to use ingredients before they go bad, so it keeps me on my toes to eat the fresh stuff I have, as opposed to boxed and preserved.<br />
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Two days after posting my last supper, I posted a picture of this great sandwich I made for lunch, an avocado BLT.<br />
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I touted that I didn't use any cheese or condiments, thinking it was a healthy & delicious choice. But, I was challenged about my "veggie-centric lifestyle" comment on the last supper. To which I will clarify that I could never be a vegetarian, or maybe I could with everything except giving up bacon. I cannot live without it. And my beloved bacon was precisely the victim of the next criticism, "Would have been great without the fatty bacon..." she said. And I thought to myself, did you notice that I subbed out "lettuce" for for a healthier, greener pile of spinach? That it's on two small slices of multi-grain bread instead of a big fluffy white or sourdough roll? Oh..ok... Let it be clear that I will never go on a diet, because I don't believe in them. Everyone I've ever known to try one was back to their old ways and weight in just a matter of time. What I do believe in is daily lifestyle choices.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Everyday this food lover is faced with the scent of Insomnia Cookies wafting into my lobby. The scent of bacon, egg & cheese sandwiches being fried up on every corner on the way to and savory halal street meat on the way from my office. It is for every solitary food choice that my body thanks me for. Not for putting it into shock by going cold turkey on all meats and carbs, but cutting back where I have the will power to do so, until I eventually forget what those bacon cheese fries taste like and no longer crave them every time I come home at 3am after a ridiculous night out with the crew.<br />
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And because I love food so much and love my body equally, I will continue to find ways to make my favorite foods healthier (greek yogurt subbing for any dairy required is priceless!). And I will drink H2O as I always have, incessantly. If you even start there, you'll be cutting back on so much un-needed sugar, your skin will be clearer, and your food cravings will subside. I try to drink roughly half my body weight in water a day, before I leave my desk at the end of the day. The real goal is a gallon, but sometimes that's harder than others. And guess what? It's free!<br />
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So that's my challenge to you. If it's too boring, add a slice of lime or lemon, which have great health benefits as well. But I promise you'll see the difference. Every small choice counts. Don't beat yourself up for indulging from time to time, we're human. Just make a different choice somewhere else in the day.<br />
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xox<br />
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<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-62873267652617331902012-09-26T12:23:00.000-04:002012-11-14T14:47:18.344-05:009to5 ChicI had a moment yesterday in the mirror checking out how my body was changing, you know with 25 fast approaching, and I turned around and thought "oOot! I am indeed my mother's child." She's got an effortlessly great physique and a few enviable <i>assets</i> in particular, I just didn't see it coming, but I digress. As I was examining, I noticed that my cute little black dress purchased from F21 a few months ago was legit falling apart, like on my body. o_O... I thought to myself "Did I bust my dress open??" But then decided, no, it's just was just poorly made. Keep any thoughts to the contrary to yourself.<br />
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Nonetheless, I again appreciated the time my personal-Mommy-stylist helped me to find a few work appropriate, grown up sized/fabrics and budget friendly pieces. So I thought I'd share a few of my finds, and a few tips for business casual work environments for the stylish gal.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">LtoR - Dress: London Times | Top: Vince Camuto, Skirt: H&M (old) | Dress: Anne Klein | Sweater: Monteau, Dress: Vintage</span></div>
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1.) <i><b>You can be trendy without looking inappropriate for work</b></i> - I love the peplum trend and am elated that it's sticking around for another season. I think it does wonders creating a feminine shape, especially for us athletic builds. I normally don't like investing substantially in trendy pieces and try to find them at affordable places, but would typically leave me in need of about 5 more inches of fabric above the knee. Marshall's/TJ Maxx are great places to find on trend pieces in real women sizes at friendly prices. I ushered Autumn in with this rich blue dress for just $39.99</div>
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2.) <i><b>Keep separates simple</b></i> - If you can tell, the arms of the polka dot blouse are a tad sheer, and the overall shape is quite flowy. Thus, the top alone made enough of a statement, so I paired it with a plain black pencil skirt and clean leather pumps. I could have accessorized a bit more, but instead went with a fun red lip color. Just me and my cube anyway lol. I nabbed this super cute blouse for $29.99.</div>
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3.) <b><i>Fit is key</i></b> - Even though you might be trying to catch a man walking to and from, maybe even in the office, form fitting clothing is just not appropriate. Save the freakum dress, skirts, and pants for the club, on the real. You want to be noticed for your merit, not for being ill clad. As you can tell with both dresses, but particularly the navy one, I could possibly have gone a size smaller, as there's room in both the waist and hip areas. But it fits properly for work, and I could wear a sexier or higher heel to accentuate my legs, because nothing else was being highlighted. This Anne Klein shift dress was $49.99</div>
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4.) <b><i>Cardigans are an office girl's best friend</i></b> - I tend to take my sweaters off for pictures, but I am never in the office without a sweater. I know people have mixed feelings about exposing armpits in certain environments, but it's mostly just because I'm usually cold and it provides structure to any simple attire. I almost squealed in excitement when I found this Chanel-esque tweed looking but super soft stretchy cardigan for just $19.99. </div>
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So those are just a few tips I thought to share, after seeing a few too many divas on my morning commute and wondering just where they thought they were going/what kind of office they worked in. </div>
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Stay fly, but more importantly stay classy.</div>
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xox</div>
<br />LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4266054531990638943.post-13388985570776810182012-09-20T10:03:00.000-04:002012-11-14T14:47:34.127-05:00Please Stop Lying About "The 20s"...Wait - is this a quarter-life crisis?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm getting a little tired of all these articles about not wasting your 20s, about throwing caution to the wind and doing all the things you always wished because with age comes responsibilities, blah blah..bills now anyone? I'm tired of everyone asking me about my job, my graduate school plans, my relationship, my future. I'm tired of going into trendy stores, grabbing what I think is my size and needing Crisco to get the ill-fitting garment off of my no longer pre-pubescent body. I'm tired of probing rhetorical questions that send me off into an abyss of my own mind as if I don't do that on my own enough.<br />
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It's in few sobering moments that your 30+ friends will really admit to you that the early 20s actually kind of sucked. That what they thought was the time of their lives galavanting from bar to bar, hooking up with randos secretly wishing that each new toad would be their frog prince, sitting in jobs they hated because student loans and credit card bills from those same bars and boozy brunches in the City wouldn't pay themselves was really just a rite of passage. Don't get me wrong, those bar crawls and eye-canoodling with a new sexy stranger each weekend have their places in your life and the 20s are it. But let's quit not acknowledging that each of us is really searching and wishing to find all the answers about ourselves, to truly know what makes us happy and what we want out of life so we can stop falling on our faces chasing what we've been conditioned to want. Wait, I think...Is this a quarter-life crisis happening?<br />
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I've been conditioned, some way some how, to go to an ivy-league college, go to a top 5 professional graduate school, pursue a career as an executive of some sort, meet and marry a peer along the way, climb the corporate ladder until I decide to take maternity leave, which may or may not be 3 months or 6 years until "the kids" are in school, then to pursue my true passion of writing, with the cushion that my stint in the professional world or my equally/more successful husband's wealth will provide, since they don't call them starving artists for no reason... Oh and all of this is to be done by 35. o_O...That ish cray.<br />
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The reality is that there's no room along that type of path for the stumbles that will inevitably occur to teach you the life's lessons that you are unable to teach yourself for lack of experience. I'm not really sure if I want to be a professional, not even positive I want to have kids I just think as a woman I should experience the miracle of carrying life inside me even though that's a really creepy thought, and marriage - when I sit down and really think about it...it scares the crap out of me. Weddings and marriage are NOT the same thing, every girl wants the bling and to plan the party of a lifetime where she's the belle of the ball, but realize that after it, you've joined your eat, sleep, breathe, poop, every single day moments with another human being. HUGE DEAL...HUGE!!!<br />
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I'm really tempted to create a new board on my Pinterest account called "Reality" and pin pictures of screaming children throwing tantrums in Target while mothers are shopping for all their DIY doohickys, of the house looking an absolute wreck while "hubby" is sitting on the sofa watching football and drinking a beer, family meetings where husband and wives are sitting at the kitchen table staring at a stack of mortgage, property tax, tuition, ballet, tennis, gym membership and country club bills to keep up with suburban life. You know, just as a reminder to slow the freak down.<br />
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So yes, I will enjoy my 20s as a time with a different type of responsibility, with a different type of freedom. The freedom to say "I don't know what I want to do with my life" or "I don't give a rat's patootie what you think" or "Yes, I will take another slice of chocolate cake, thank you" because I'm tired of depriving myself of life's moments both good and bad chasing an ideal and avoiding "mistakes". You only live once, nothing is a waste of time, everything happens for a reason and every experience is a lesson learned. If people would take a moment to stop judging under the guise of guidance, say a few more kind words instead of negative ones, they might realize that everyone out here is just trying to make it. Reality is that grad school apps and entry to mid level jobs blow. Real relationships #1-5 are struggle city because no one has a clue what they're doing. Debt comes and goes and it's ok. Life is not the classroom. If there was an Over-Analyzers Anonymous group somewhere, I might just sign myself up. Because I really want to be able to quiet my mind and just live. As I yearn for peace of mind, I begin to realize what's really missing. A stronger relationship with God. Maybe I'll start there.LVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16861612470696051889noreply@blogger.com0