Hobby

Tonight we are going out with friends and it is way overdue.  Evenings with good friends over food and drink is one of my favorite past times.  I don't have a ton of crazy hobbies, but food and friends count, right?  I feel so lucky to have a husband and friends who love and encourage me at all times in my life.  Sometimes I just get so gushy and happy and thankful I can't stop smiling or stop that tear from coming out uninvited.  I feel a few coming on...

{pants, Gap; tank, H&M; Blazer, Gap; Wedges, lulus.com; sunnies, windsorstore.com}

So I am back

So I am back.  My celebration last week resulted in comfy clothes and lots of things other than computer screens.  And besides, you would have probably started ignoring me forever if I continually reminded you of my nurse-hood every single day.  I was too excited to sit still.  

See you all tomorrow! xo

{Skirt, Billabong; Sweater, lulus.com; Cami, F21; Bracelet, lulus.com; Belt, thrifted; Sunnies, windsor.com}

All you need is...

A black maxi, sunnies, hot lipstick, a top knot and flip-flops.  Seriously.  I didn't even want to take it off.  Sometimes less is more.  

Today is Friday and that means my test is a mere 3 days away.  Yikes.  3 days.  I need to go study.  

Toodles! xo

{Dress, Tulle; FlipFlops, Havaianas; Sunnies, Target; Lipstick, Schiap by NARS}

Girls rule

{Top, Zara; Skirt, F21; Tights, Target; Belt, Anthropologie; Shoes, Jeffery Campbell}

Girls rule.  Pink, lace and polka dots.  And giant wonderful wedges.  

I was also able to have a girl's night this weekend which was incredibly needed.  Life lately has been stressful as nursing school has come to a close, my boards are ever impending (6 more days, ah!) and the self-inflicting rush to find the right job for me.  So again, a night out with the girls and a cocktail was ever so lovely and relaxing.  We walked ourselves to the greatest Latin restaurant and indulged in several servings of chips and salsa and a margarita or two (I think you have maybe realized that I am in deep love with margaritas).  

And now as for me...I am going back to study...wish me luck!

It was 60 degrees so I went shopping.

Leap day was a blessed day.  It was nearly 60 degrees...in Chicago...in February.  Thank you, Lord, for that.  And so I wore this...a blazer and chiffon shirt...shopping...in an outdoor mall...Are all these ellipsis making this sound more exciting and amazing?  Because it was. 

And of course I threw on hot pink lipstick in celebration of this fake spring day.

{Jeans, F21; Blouse, F21; Blazer, UrbanOutfitters; Lipstick, NARS Schiap}

Cantaloupe and Leopard

Cantaloupe and leopard.  2 things I have never really loved.  Still dislike cantaloupe (in edible form), but having a love affair with leopard these days.  Aw, swoon.

We are enjoying these spring-like winter days over in our parts and our places.  Our cheeriness may be from the weather, but I am thinking it has something to do with my graduation ceremony that is happening this friday.  Yep, you heard me...sayonara nursing school!

Wowza that's an open back.  

 {Blouse, UrbanOutfitters; Skirt, Pieces by Kensie; Shoes, lulus.com; Bracelets, F21}

The weekender

Weekends are for comfort, but I mean, not lifeless comfort.  Hence the leggings, tunic, bracelets and lipstick.  Comfort is of upmost importance during my weekend hours and so this is what I chose.  Also, sorry for the bit of wrinkles on that shirt of mine...I should use an iron, but, ugh, I hate ironing.

{Tunic, Urban Outfitters; Leggings, American Apparel; Belt, Anthropologie; Bracelets, Forever21}

Last night I discovered polyvore.

Last night I discovered polyvore.  I mean, how much fun am I going to have during an evening on the couch watching our favorites shows and making pretty combinations and telling all you people about these lovely things?  Tons of fun.  Tons.

Expect some more of these things and also expect regular-girl prices on my polyvores in the future.  Today, we can just admire.

Have a lovely day!
xo

The polka

Today I wore polka dots because they are awesome and girly and well, it's just good to feel that way sometimes.  But now it is American Idol time and I plan on doing wall sits with plenty of long breaks on our cozy couch.

xoxo

Here comes summer

Or is it actually coming?  The 89 degree weather counteracted by the 53 degree weather has confused me.  BUT, nonetheless, I will be in sundresses and flippy floppys everyday...soon.  What sundresses will I be wearing you ask?  Anything silky and bright.   I hibernate in grays and blacks all winter long and it is time to bust out the neons and the airy whites.  Join me?

Here are some of my favorites.  

(My birthday is Saturday hint hint;)

(Click on image for the link)

Dreamin'

Can we just talk about summer?  I know it is technically still winter for approximately 19 days, but it is March now and that means spring is oh so soon!  I'm completely smitten.  I'm also mad about maxi dresses.  I am obsessing really.  Even in winter they are lovely, but with tan shoulders and sandals and an iced tea in hand they are even lovelier.  This is the one I just bought for the boyfriend and I's upcoming trip to the sweet ole desert in April (Vegas baby!  And Cali too:).  

And since it isn't quite summer yet, I'll just take today to remember last year's good times in the sun in anticipation for this year.

Love this photo.  You so cute;)

Just peachy

Woah, has it really been 3 days since I have been on this thing? Yikes I must be busy! Not that you guys are checking everyday (which I hope you are:) but sorry!  I like this whole bloggin' thang.
Well finals are over and I can breathe easy until Monday!  And I also get to go with the boyfriend to visit his family in Michigan (Who's looking forward to a roadtrip and weekend together? Me! Me me me!).

Things are basically just peachy.

I don't care that peach was the color of choice for the early 90's bedroom sets and bathroom shell soap dishes...In pants and tops and head bands and bows, peach is delightful.

 And do yourself a favor and make this:

Cornmeal Crepes with Peaches and Caramel

My mouth is watering.  This is my next to do.

INGREDIENTS

CRÊPES

1. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, 5 tablespoons melted
2. 1 1/4 cups whole milk
3. 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornmeal
5. 1 teaspoon kosher salt
6. 2 large eggs, at room temperature

CARAMEL

1. 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 1/4 cup honey
3. 1/4 cup light brown sugar
4. 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
5. Pinch of kosher salt
6. 3 tablespoons heavy cream
7. 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
8. 3 ripe peaches—halved, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch dice

DIRECTIONS

1. MAKE THE CRêPES: In a small skillet, cook the 3 tablespoons of unmelted butter over moderate heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
2. In a blender, combine the milk with half of the flour and blend. Add the cornmeal, salt and the remaining flour and blend until smooth. With the machine on, add the eggs one at a time, then add the browned butter in a thin stream. Transfer the batter to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. MEANWHILE, MAKE THE CARAMEL: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the honey, sugars and salt, whisking to dissolve the sugars. Bring to a boil and cook without whisking for about 30 seconds, until the caramel bubbles vigorously. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the cream and vinegar. Strain the caramel and keep warm.
4. Line a plate with wax paper. Heat an 8-inch nonstick crêpe pan or skillet. Lightly brush the pan with some of the 5 tablespoons of melted butter. Add 3 tablespoons of the batter and immediately swirl the pan to coat the bottom. Cook the crêpe over moderate heat until the edges are golden and the batter is set, about 30 seconds. Flip the crêpe over and cook until the bottom is lightly browned in spots, about 20 seconds. Transfer the crêpe to the prepared plate. Repeat with the remaining batter to make 12 crêpes, adding more melted butter as needed.
5. Shortly before serving, preheat the oven to 400°. Arrange the crêpes on a work surface. Lightly brush both sides with the remaining melted butter. Fold the crêpes into quarters and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake the crêpes until sizzling and lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
6. Spoon the peaches into shallow bowls and cover them with 2 crêpes each. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce on top and serve right away.