DWW 9.30.09

Becky and I in our new H&M outfits -- and cute Bogart.
Plus, Becky rockin' her new boots. Love it.
Shirt: H&M
Skirt: Express
Tights: Target
Necklace: JCrew
Shirt: JCrew
Skirt: H&M
Jacket: JCrew
Shirt: JCrew
Jeans: UO
Shoes: Michael by Michael Kors
[I miss Cooper!]

I love bicycles.

{Three Buttons}

{The Sartorialist}

{Let's Go Ride a Bike}

They're never out of style -- and while sometimes I'm a (little) sweaty at the start of work, it actually is a lot of fun and it destresses me in the best way. I love the classic looks of these cyclists.

In a whirlwind, lately.

I feel as if I've been running nonstop lately -- and now, I crashed. Finally catching up on sleep has never felt so good.

Here's an update on what I've been getting into:

Went to ATL to visit my Dad and Becky -- overall just relaxing and fun. Went to El Taco (best tacos in Atlanta, for sure), too many margaritas, etc etc. Took a cooking class, and learned to make ravioli, tried lobster (finally haha), and got some new culinary skills to boot.

Love Dad's smirk at Becky's overuse of the camera (other pictures of us stirring onions not shown).
Dad and Becky rolling out pasta dough -- they turned out to be pretty dope.
Went to NYC to visit my bestie S$ -- had a blast. It rained a little, so I really got the whole NYC experience. Great shopping, practiced my haggling skills on Canal Street, and met S$'s grad school friends (kinda weird to say "grad school" haha -- so grown!) who were really fun. Top weekend, and miss her already. Can't wait to do it again.
As of today, some recent drama with Cooper. Makes me cry to think about it, but he'll be fine. I won't see him for 10 days, and miss him tons. At least it will give me time to reorganize my entire apartment. All this traveling has really left it in shambles.



This weekend I'm finally able to relax at home -- I'm hoping to make it to the farmer's market and catch up on all the errands I've neglected. Whatchya'll got going on lately?!

Currently Reading.. and such.

I feel like I've been living out of a suitcase lately -- my apartment is a mess, I have no groceries b/c by the time I buy them, they rot in my absence, and I'm constantly tired. This is my last weekend away (at least for a week or two), and it is by far the best one yet -- I'm going to NYC to see S$!! Words cannot explain how excited I am to visit her!

During my travels, especially in the airport, I usually always stop by the second hand bookstores -- I feel the books have a little more character there, and the owners are always around to give you advice on your next read. There's one in the airport, and I'm a huge fan of supporting local businesses.. and their latest recommendation is:


So far I love it -- and I know it's been out for a while, but it's time to start reading all the contemporary fiction I can, before medical school takes over my life (my interview at Case went well, btw).

Deep Breath.

Tomorrow I have my first interview of the year to medical school. Case Western -- which is one of my dream schools. I can't even believe I have been given this opportunity, and am so excited to show them exactly why I want to be a physician.. etc etc.

Then, today, I received an invitation to Tulane. That interview is exactly one month and a day from my Case interview. Great program as well -- and living in New Orleans wouldn't be so bad either.

In preparation for my interview tomorrow, I need a little playlist to chill me out, then pump me up.

Here's what I've got so far:
chill out mix
Don't Panic -- Coldplay
Grow Up and Blow Away -- Metric
Blue Ridge Mountains -- Fleet Foxes
In Our Talons -- Bowerbirds
Shoot Me Down -- Lil' Wayne
Successful -- Drake
For Emma -- Bon Iver
Walking -- The Dodos

get hype
The Cool -- Lupe Fiasco
A Millie -- Lil' Wayne
Everyday I'm Hustlin' -- Rick Ross
Creator -- Santogold
So Ambitious -- Jay Z ft. Pharell


..and the list is still in the works. Suggestions? Wish me luck!!

NY Fashion Week -- Styles I Love.

I adore these looks from the designers featured in the NY Fashion Week for Spring 2010. They're all so feminine and fun!

{Naeem Khan}

{Isaac Mizrahi}

{Proenza Schouler}
{Marchesa}


{Milly}

{Oscar de la Renta}

{Nanette Lepore}
{Tibi}

{Marc by Marc Jacobs

The Easiest Cobbler You Will Ever Make

PROMISE. I did it while drinking wine, and you know how hazardous that is for me. This is simple as well, cobbler (yes. dork.).. After visiting my Granddad Hall and Grandma Ginny for lunch (always a treat -- bbq!), they sent me off in style with a big bag of apples and peaches. It seems every time they go to the farmer's market, they come back with buckets of fresh finds. Love it. Since peaches have a fairly quick expiration date, I decided to go ahead and make this cobbler before it was too late.

Materials:
Peaches -- I used 5, but it coulda been better with about double that.
1.5 cups of flour (all purpose)
1.5 cups of sugar
1.5 sticks of butter
that's it!

Method:
Preheat the oven to 35o
Combine the flour, sugar, and (softened! not melted) butter in a big bowl. Stir it until it gets to wear if you grab it with your hand, it sticks together. It'll still be kinda crumbly.. no bigs.
With the butter wrapper, grease the inside of the pan (9x9 works best).
Cut up the peaches into medium sized pieces and put it in the pan.
Take handfuls of your "cobbler dough" and put it on top of the peaches.
Put it in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown.

It tastes like a sugar cookie with peaches -- so delicious.. and simple as anything. Gourmet-ish made easy.

DWW 9.16.09

I feel like I'm finally coming into my style -- somewhat between classy/modern classic.. and vintage chic. As I become more of an adult (ah!) I feel like my style more exudes my personality. This post may be a little "JCrew'd" out -- but I went to Charlotte for the weekend and racked up with Grandma Anne. I love their style, especially because they have pieces that can mix and match with practically anything. I adore it.
Dress: Michael by Michael Kors
Belt: Vintage
Cardigan: Express
Dress: JCrew
Belt: Vintage
Cardigan: JCrew
Necklace: JCrew
Shoes: Michael by Michael Kors
Shirt: JCrew
Skirt: H&M
Belt: JCrew

Homemade Pizza!

I adore fresh pizza -- esp that of Brixx and all those fire pizza ovens. I attempted to make my own pizza the other night, and it turned out quite well. The only problem that I had was that I preheated the pizza stone (that's what you're supposed to do, right?) but then I made my pizza on one of my thin cutting boards.. transferring the pizza to the hot stone became quite a task. I ended up folding it in on itself.. then relaying it as best as I could without burning myself (if you know me, you know I did not succeed).

But anyways.. here's how it went:

Materials:
Trader Joes Pesto Pizza Dough (real cheap -- like $1.99)
Pizza sauce (also TJ's)
Fresh basil -- from my "garden"
Diced tomatoes (from the can)
Mozzerella cheese

Method:
Baked at 450 degrees C for about 8 minutes until the crust was nice and done.

It was delicious -- and super easy once I got it on the stone (no final picture, as it looked less than artistic, however it tasted divine).

Igot + Andre: Danny Roberts

I absolutely adore this artist -- so absolutely talented. Check him out:

Etsy Envy.

Rosebud Headband {heartoflight}


Vintage 80s Red Petal/Waves Disco Dress {Erstwhilestyle}

Grey Party Skirt {WhitneyDeal}

Old Hollywood Skeleton Key Necklace {BeadinBabe}

DW.. Weekend.

Night out in Asheville:
On Me -- Dress: tibi
On Rach -- Dress: From Fabrique

Roadtrip to Asheville
Shirt: H&M
Shorts: Cutoffs made from Antik Denim
Shoes: UO
Necklace: Ecuador
Wolfpack Football (first game of the year):
Dress: Vintage
Belt: Vintage
And Moms says she doesn't look good in red (lie haha), she was still representing with a "Chuck It" (vintage at this point) red coozie.
Day in the lab:
Shirt: JCrew
Jeans: Earnest Sewn
Shoes: Rainbows

Healthy snacks at work?

Constantly at work, I find myself fighting off hunger pangs. Usually I don't give in.. until enough is enough, and I raid the lab in the other wing's candy drawer. It's a complete covert operation, and usually it's only semi-sweet Korean candies left over from last holiday season (shameful, I know).. so it's finally time for me to have legit snacks on hand that will give me an energy boost with being healthier than a candybar (we've all been there). Here's some delicious treats I've found so far.. yum.

Hot Peppered Candied Walnuts {Eat Make Read}


Caramel Popcorn {The Kitchn}



Milk and Honey Peanut Butter Balls {The Kitchn}

As you can tell.. I have a bit of a sweet tooth. But if savory is your thing, then here are a few ideas:

Homemade Potato Chips with Rosemary {The Kitchn}


Crunchy Granola Bars {The Kitchn}


Spicy Oven-Roasted Chickpeas {The Kitchn}

Currently reading..

Oxygen -- Carol Cassella

Dinner Party?!

I love a good dinner party... and wish my apartment was a little bigger to host a get together (or rather, my kitchen.) but I've always enjoyed throwing and attending them when I go home. At my mom's house, she keeps things simple and delicious -- perfect for entertaining. At my dad's, I am always more ambitious than I should be.. and sometimes get a (little, ha.) stressed out.. but it all turns up amazing.

Here's some ideas I've stumbled upon that I can't wait to use (one day).

Blinded Beer Tasting {Apple Cyder}

I am by no means a connoisseur.. but this will really put everyone's skills to the test. I wonder if I can even taste the difference between Bud Light and Miller Light? I know.. shameful. I'll branch out one of these days. But I do love the Triangle Brewing Company and Big Boss -- love supporting local businesses.

Pizza-on-a-Stick {Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day}

How great do these appetizers look? Definitely want to try these soon..

Lavender Lemonade {Design*Sponge}

Not only is this drink beautiful -- it looks delicious. Recipe is listed in the link.. the lavender is a great new twist.

Love love these ideas.

DWW: 9.2.09

Dress: Vintage
Belt: Vintage
Shoes: Corso Como
Cardigan: JCrew
Tank: H&M
Skirt: UO


Dress: Kristen Davis Collection
Belt: Vintage


Dress: Vintage
Belt: Vintage
Rain boots: Burberry