Daily Wear: "Winter" Months

Thank goodness it hasn't gotten too cold around here.. yet.. (not compared to what I see S$ wear in NYC, oh boy).. but you still can't be running around in a sundress and a cardigan (I did get yelled at for that one when S$ saw me doing that mess in November. whoops.)

So here's what I got for the few days that I documented in November/early December:
Jacket: JCrew
Skirt: JCrew
Tights: H&M

Dress: Vintage
Belt: Vintage
Shoes: Reaction by Kenneth Cole
(footless tights would've been worn, but the weather was just a cool 50s.)

Poor and Hungry.

This probably describes the majority of my friends at this stage in our lives. We want to eat healthy, we're broke, and we're always starving. Us in a nutshell when it comes to nourishment.

Earlier in the year, when it came to the days when I could barely afford to feed my dog, I'd stick to the basics. (I tend to be a little bourgeois when it comes to Coop -- Iam's organic is the way to go, even though my dad insists the Sam's Club (Costco, same thing) "Old Yeller" food is just fine. This coming from the man who used to buy his jeans at Sam's Club.. err.)

PB&J. Chef Boyardee. Cereal. Those were staples of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The meals of a 10-year-old. Since the habits I get now are the majority of the ones I will keep for the rest of my life, I need to start eating like a grown-up. Even though I'm living off a research tech's paycheck (poor, thanks Duke).

Here's something even the hippies like S$ can try (no microwaving!):

Experiment: Turkey Tacos

These are a snap, and the majority of it you can buy in larger quantities and keep in the fridge. On my way home from work, I swung by Whole Foods and picked up some ground turkey (cheap!). Dark meat is more flavorful, but the white meat is a little leaner. It's all pretty lean to begin with, so I splurged on calories. If you're making a lot to eat as leftovers, try half dark and half white.

Then pick up the avocados and use them the SAME day. Here's my mistake below. I was so stoked for fresh guacamole, and then saw this: Gross. They rot so fast.

And onto the good stuff:
About 10 minutes before you begin, set the oven to warm and put some tortillas between 2 oven safe plates. This way, they'll warm without drying out. If they're stiff (as sometimes the whole foods ones are), add a sprinkle of water.

Brown the turkey, add some taco seasoning from the packet (99 cents -- and you don't have to use it all), and remove any of the grease from it once you're done.

Then, since I found out I love corn (I wasn't much of a veggie eater as a kid), I added a few handfuls of the frozen Trader Joe's roasted corn to the mix. Let that warm up, and then we're all done!

Assemble as you wish -- cheese, salsa, beans? Delicious. Easy. Cheap. Check to all.


And a good wine pairing:


What's the difference between a pink wine and a rose? Pink is a combo of red and white wines. Rose is a result of the process -- they keep the skins on the grapes (done in red wines) for only part of the wine making process, then they remove them in later steps (done in the beginning for white wines typically) producing the pink color. Who knew? (via the lesson I learned at whole foods.)

Back at it.

It appears I may have fallen back from everything for the past few weeks -- this blog, cleaning/organizing my apartment, emails, work -- however, I'm back.

For at least a few days. It's been a whirlwind, and I apologize for the back posting, but I should have finished and queued these up before I left for the holidays.

and since I'm the only one really here at work until Wednesday (slackers) I'll be updating my blog ad nauseum. get pummpppeddd.

Gift Giving!

I love this time of year -- I get to spend some time with my friends and family, drink hot toddies (egg nog just isn't my thing), and have an excuse to do mass amounts of baking.

This year, however, I'm going to be traveling (to Mexico!) with my Dad, Becky, and brother Andy right up until just before Christmas. Last year, I spent the week prior to Christmas baking, wrapping, and doing last minute shopping, but I won't have that luxury this time around.

One great buy/make way ahead of time, and still give a great gift?

Preserves/Jams/Jellies
[via Mirasol Farms]
If you have canning experience (which I do not), this would be the perfect way to put some leftover fruit to great use. Check the farmer's market or local grocers for some preserves made from locally grown fruit. Etsy is also carrying some delicious looking homemade treats as well. The prices are great, and I know I would be thrilled to find these in my stocking. These are made to keep well, and can be made well in advance of when you're giving your gifts.

Wanna try canning for yourself? (I know I do -- but I am a little nervous about it!) The blog Food in Jars is absolutely perfect for canning tips/tricks (make sure to seal it correctly so that your food isn't contaminated by botulism), and some great gift giving ideas as well.

Etsy is jam-packed (pun intended?) with all kinds of farmers and canners who are selling delicious, and inexpensive treats! I just got my first order in last week from one seller, and I almost don't want to give it away.. err..

Photographer Obsession: Flickr Finds

[*Cinnamon]


[AbbyTrysAgain]

Big Boss.

One thing I'm sure to miss from the Triangle -- local beer. One of my favs is from Big Boss Brewery, Helle's Belles. And they've got a great design team.

I'm going to have to take a couple six packs down with me to NoLa when I move.

Wall Decor I Love

Now that I'm moving in about 6 months (!) I'm starting to think of what I want in a new home. Ideally, I want to pick a place I'm going to live in for the whole 4 years -- which would be the longest place I've ever lived in since I was 15. I'm really looking forward to painting the walls -- something I never did before b/c I didn't want to have to repaint it 11 months later -- and really moving in and making it home.

I wish I could have done that with apartments past, but once I know it's very temporary, I stop decorating and focus on the move. My current apartment is all unpacked, but barely decorated -- I've just lost motivation on getting it together since I'm out the door in a few months.

So, in the effort to living like an adult, and making the big move, I found some cute (and most is diy!) wall decor I would love to utilize in my new place. I love all the possibilities of having a new place!
[Living with Lindsay]
[Apartment Therapy]

[Apartment Therapy]

[Ravenhill]

..what are you thankful for?

Coop.
LS in NoLa
my best girls S$ and RSJ
Hometown best KB

The inevitable question always asked every Thanksgiving.. and while it sometimes seems contrived, I do like the tradition. Here's what I got:

-Wonderful family and friends. I don't know where I'd be without them.

-My blackberry, so I can keep up with everyone even though we're all over the country.

-Getting into med school early in the game -- now I can breathe, and spend my work days dreaming of my new life in NoLa

-my job -- even though I hate it, I got to make money somehow. and my work friends make it so much better, especially when Ping and Peng are obnoxious to deal with.

-a car that works -- it needs to stay with me all the way to NoLa b/c biking in that summer heat is going to be a killer otherwise

-Cooper, my handsome dog. He really has lifted my spirits and is the best dog I could ask for -- even when he's a handful.

-Diet Mountain Dew. for obvious caffeinated reasons.

-My apartment -- even though it's messy at times, it's cozy, and home to me.

-My friends and my ability to travel. Without it, we'd never get to see each other!

Thanksgiving Remix: Sweet Potatoes

I absolutely cannot wait for Thanksgiving -- it is quite possibly one of my favorite holidays. Lots of family, relaxation, and tons of food. Enormous amounts. I've read somewhere that in order to burn off the calories consumed in one all-out thanksgiving meal (seconds included), you would need to run about 20 miles. And I have 2 Thanksgivings to attend.

It is definitely worth it -- and I know it'll be the push I need afterward to hit the gym again.

One of my favorite traditions of Thanksgiving is the sweet potatoes. Different from yams (just learned!), and so delicious. I'm partial to the sweet potato casserole, covered in brown sugar, and practically a dessert as a side dish. But, in looking into recipes this year, I found these recipes that remix the tradition into something that looks incredible. I've got a whole box with my name on when I go home from the Troxler farm (gotta love a farming fam) of sweet potatoes.. and I know I'm going to try a few of these soon.

Baked Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Cranberries, Pears, and Pecans [Bon Appetit]


Sweet Potato and Sage Gratin [The Kitchn]

Hey Pretty Lady with the High Heels On..

I don't care how tall I am -- I am obsessed with wearing heels lately (well.. not to work). Every since I was introduced to truly high heels (Thank you S$).. I can't stop buying them.

And I'm loving these simple yet stunning winter heels below:

[Le Fashion]

[a glamorous little side project]


[Le Fashion]

Photographer Obsession

For the Love of Black and White -- Ren Rox

Southern Girls.

Now, let me preface by saying that while I'm only 23 years old, and that is very young still -- I do feel as if I have grown up a lot and into the adult I will be for the rest of my life. There's nothing that bugs me more than a girl who has graduated college (even worse if she's older than me) and still is a child.

I began thinking about this first when I read the list of 20 Things Every Woman Should Do Before She Gets Married (I'm sure ya'll have stumbled across this at some point, and if not, enjoy.)

I think it's a great list, and I know I have a few more to go (turn 25, get my finances in order, in particular).. but lately, I've noticed that some of my hometown friends could barely get through one item with a checkmark.

My hometown bff (doubt she reads this blog, but if she does, I guess tough love is what is about to happen), KB just had a her 23rd birthday. She's a teacher, and a server, and an absolute fireball. I love her to death, and we have been through a lot together, especially in the high school years.

But. She has a roommate. Who is younger than my brother (He's turns 21 in April. She turns 21 in July). KB has 2 jobs, and lives in Columbia. Rent is cheap. That girl asked to use my ID to get into the bar. Really, KB? This girl is a naive child (a story for another day), and should be living in the dorms.. or at home with her parents. I cannot understand having roommates after college, unless it's a sig other, or you're living in a part of the world where you'd have to live in a closet-sized apartment if you were solo (a la S$). Maybe I'm a little more independent than some girls, or am more comfortable being on my own than some.

Want more examples of what irks me about these kind of girls? My pleasure.

My other friend AQ would have rather lived with someone she barely likes than live alone. I can't help but think that's pathetic in a way, because she is older than me and can't be OK with being alone sometimes.

Then there was this girl at the bar this weekend gave her card to the bartender, then turns to us with such enthusiasm to say "This the first time I've opened a bar tab by myself." Her age? 24. That is unbelievable to me. And I guess I'd understand if she wasn't a drinker, and this was maybe her 21st bday. But it's not. She's a lush. She described it as being a "Southern Girl".

I guess she's right. B/c a Southern Woman, wouldn't have gone that long letting guys do everything for her. I get the whole "southern gentility" thing, and do enjoy our culture down here for the most part. But since when did being a woman in the south mean we can't do anything on our own? I think especially in the last year, I have grown a lot and am really coming into my own. I'm also watching as a lot of my core college friends are off on their own and doing the same. Strong, independent, southern women. And I'm proud they're my girls.

Long Hair, Don't Care

After having short hair for about 2 years, I'm thinking it's time to grow my hair out again.. and these images really make me want to immediately.

After graduation, I needed a change, and the short little bob was perfect. No fuss, quick dry. But now, I'm missing ponytails, and changing my style up -- long hair is so versatile. I think it's time.

And most likely, when I get knee deep into med school and my free time will be almost nonexistant.. I'll prob go back to what's been easiest for me.
[Igor + Andre]
[The Cut]
[src783]
[Le Blog de Betty]

[Because I'm Addicted]
[The Cut]

Appropriate "Winter" Gear

Now since I'm moving to much warmer temperatures soon, it's got me thinking a little about what is still appropriate to wear for everyday in the winter season. Being from the Carolinas, there are some days when we'll have a fluke beautiful 65 degree day smack dab in the middle of the coldest month of the year. If you didn't prepare for it, you're sweating by lunch if you have any outside walking to do. Layering is perfect for these kind of days.

Then there are the people that forget that its still January and take this opportunity to sport their summerwear, with no regard to the season. Flip flops and shorts have no place in the winter season, I don't care who you are. (Unless you're vacationing in the tropics, there's no excuse.)

So what are we supposed to do in the Deep South? I do absolutely love the fall b/c it's the time when it's cool enough to wear tights, but not so cold that you have to wear your long johns under your jeans (50 is too chilly for me, keep in mind).

I'm going to take the following inspiration with me down to NoLa. It's cool in the winter, but not cold. Tights, layers -- all season long. And even if there are really hot days, closed toes shoes are a necessity (at least for the price of a pedicure alone. Getting them year around? Please. I can barely feed myself.)

Any other ideas for these warm winter days?
[Le Blog de Betty]
[Darling Dexter on Flickr]
[Love It A Lot]
[Jen Loves Kev]

Photographer Obsession

Christopher Kuehl I adore his latest series: Life Americana.

Last Winter for a while..

The weather today was rainy and I was chilled to my bones. I know it's only about half of what S$ is dealing with up in the Big Apple.. but cold days have never been my thing.

I looked at the weather in New Orleans? 70 and sunny. In November. That is unreal to me. And that means all of my winter gear will have to go into storage for a while..

But in the meantime, here are some winter looks I love. I'm hoping to utilize some of this inspiration in this farewell season.

[Le Blog de Betty]

Haider Ackermann [f&art]

[The Cut]

[The Sartorialist]


[A CUP OF JO]