..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]

My New Home!

So, I recently got accepted to Tulane University's School of Medicine for the class of 2014 -- and I could not be more excited!! When I got the email at work, I started screaming, and immediately called everyone I knew. It was less than a week after my interview there -- and now all I can do is daydream about when I return to New Orleans.

Here's some things I'm looking forward to exploring:
Magazine Street -- full of vintage shops, such as LiliVintage

And since it is the birthplace of jazz... wandering the French Quarter (known for many things, including numerous jazz clubs) and finding some great music is something I'm really looking forward to. Below is Cafe Beignet.



The great thing about NoLa is that you can wander the streets with a drink in your hand and find all different kinds of music on every corner. I've never heard much jazz music, but when in Rome, right?

And I'm falling in love with Tulane in general. I found the med students' blog which is hilarious and endearing. Check it.

There's even a top 10 list of "fears" from the first years (named T1s). My favorites:
"10. Let me tell you about a thing called med prom. Remember prom back in high school (this might be reaching way back for some of you)? Now add a cash bar and the faculty. That’s med prom. Maybe a professor removes their wedding ring and terrorizes anything with a heartbeat (heartbeat optional). That could be you…Are you with me?"

"2. We’ve seen some sick things. And let’s be real: we’re at risk every time we get our grind on at the Boot. Imagine waking up the morning after a real rager. You’ve pissed in the bed, the thing lying next to you wants breakfast and a relationship, and you just realized that you left your car in the neighbor’s back yard. Now for the worst part: the same purple lump you saw in lecture on Friday is growing on your forehead on Monday. (What were you doing, you sick bastard) Next thing you know, your whole body? Yeah, it’s a giant purple lump. Are you scared? Because you should be?"

I really could not be more excited to actually start doing what I will be doing for the rest of my life. Dudes.. I'm going to be a doctor. How weird is that?!

DW Why?

On Friday I went to the Why? concert -- and it was really good. Their earlier CDs are better, in my opinion, but all of it is still pretty stellar. Check them out on Myspace if you want.

My personal fav song? "The Vowels Pt. 2".

Daily Wear:
Shirt/Dress(?) - Vintage
Belt - Vintage
Liquid Leggings - H&M
Shoes - Reaction by Kenneth Cole

[..and yes, I know my kitchen is a bit of a mess. I'm getting around to cleaning it one of these days.]