i'm learning to read...

let me clarify...i'm learning to enjoy reading

i'm the type who needs to be hooked within the first chapter,
or else it goes back on the shelf
...the shelf that doesn't really exist
because i've always thought: i don't like reading
i blame this on summer reading
summer after summer being required to read
strange, boring, and sometimes disturbing books
scarred me.

that's a legit excuse, right?


luckily--there have been some redeeming books out there
that have given me hope again

and I think I'm ready to give these a try

let's see what all the hype is about...

oh the joy of carbs...

i think spaghetti was the first thing my mom taught me to make.
and if i ever had to cook a meal for friends in college, this was my go-to.
pretty boring, right?
it was time to step it up a notch.

Here's a new "twist" on spaghetti
still super easy...but way more fun!
(and more impressive for your guests)

• 1 Pillsbury Pizza Crust (next time I would try a thicker dough)
  
• 6 oz spaghetti, cooked
• 1 cup thick spaghetti sauce
• optional: italian sausage or ground beef
  
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 –inch cubes
• 1 egg white
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic salt
  

1. Spread dough out on parchment paper
2. Cook pasta
3. Cook meat
4. Cut cheese into cubes

5. Mix spaghetti and sauce. Place spaghetti lengthwise in a 4-inch strip down the center of dough.
6. Top with meat and cheese cubes
7. Make cuts 1 ½-inches apart on long sides of dough.
8. Braid strips left over right, right over left. Finish by pulling last strip over and tucking under braid.

9. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and Garlic salt
10. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown

good things come to those who wait

i love shopping
shocker--i know...
but not just any shopping, bargain shopping!
I've always prided myself in the fact that my dad says I'm a smart shopper.
yes, i do indulge in an occasional splurge
but i thrive off of a good steal

here's a classic example:

Dolce Vita Hayword Pumps

These were at the top of my wish list for months
i finally decided it would be worth it to save up the $$ to splurge,
but of course, they were sold out.
i searched and searched

a year-ish later...
in a sea of vintage bags, shoes, and clothes
i spotted them
...
you should have seen my face
it was like i had found buried treasure
in a way, i did!

Knock-Offs

it paid (big time) to wait!

My favorite O.C. thrift store: Crossroads Trading Co.
"Whether you call it recycled, resale, vintage or thrift,
we call it Fashion."
they've got everything from Marc Jacobs and DVF, to Urban Outfitters and Gap

Like most thrift stores, you've got to be willing to hunt
but the hunt is half the fun!

Happy Hunting!!

TGIF

not because the week is over....
because every Friday I have a 3 hour long meeting with my team at work.
and i love every minute of it.
not because i love meetings (which i weirdly do)...
because the men and women i work with have huge, gracious,
caring, generous, and compassionate hearts.
i have the freedom to cry (which i did)
mess up (which i have)
and need help (which i do)

as a 23 year old young woman,
i'm smack in the middle of the biggest transitional/developmental time of life.
it's incredibly exciting, but beyond terrifying.
there's both freedom to make mistakes
and pressure to be "mature"
i feel both freedom in the seemingly endless options
and pressure to pick the "right one"

with my head and my heart spinning in confusion
for a split second, i'm reminded of
God's amazing grace...when i mess up
His sovereign control...when i need help
His boundless and unconditional love...when i'm brokenhearted

and He uses my co-workers to be that reminder.
Thank God for my team, and Thank God it's Friday!!!

move over nutella...

There are many reasons why I'm crazy about this recipe:
1. I loooove snack food (I would rather snack all day than eat 3 meals)
2. it's SO simple...only 5 steps!
3. granola is healthy...right? just say yes.
4. not only is it yummy, it makes your house smell yummy
5. it's made with SPECULOOS!!!!

"what's that?" you ask with a funny look on your face.....
prepare for your world to be rocked.
seriously.

Speculoos is originally a Belgian cookie made from
cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cardamom, and white pepper.
It's like a cinnamon teddy graham or ginger snap.
but WAY better.
My roommates and I discovered this addicting little jar of goodness
while living in Paris last year. I became so addicted that I packed 6 jars of it with me when I moved home. yep....

Fortunately, I no longer have to ration out my jars...
Move over nutella, Speculoos is here!
Actually, it's probably called "Biscoff" in your local grocery store,
but it's the same thing
(which you may have had in cookie form on a Delta flight).

I decided that instead of just eating spoonfulls of it, I should try baking with it

• 1 C sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted)
• 1 C cashew pieces (raw, unsalted)
• 1 C oatmeal (uncooked)
• 1/2 C unsweetened coconut chunks (shredded would work too)
• 4 tbsp cacao nibs (found them at Whole Foods)
  
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbps Speculoos/Biscoff spread (I know it is sold at Publix and Wal-Mart)
  
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp of syrup or agave
  

1. Preheat oven to 325F.

2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, mixing to combine.

3. Add wet ingredients and stir until well-blended.

4. Press mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. Bake for 30-35 mins.

Let cool completely before breaking apart. Store in air-tight container.

Happy snacking!!

Look for the positive

sometimes i just need a slap in the face...
(luckily this usually happens figuratively)

this morning, it was via my necklace...

I seriously can't believe I forget this, but I do...all the time.

the negatives just seem to jump in front of me...
and as a sinner in a very fallen world...i literally have to remind myself
with a note on my bedside table to:

Look for the positive

You'll find that it's actually not too difficult
because, although we live in a tainted world with things that break, disappoint,
and bring us limited satisfaction...
we also live under a God who pours out His grace abundantly,
has overcome the world,
whose love is unfailing,
and who cares for us.
--wow--


as I've been adjusting to lots of change in the last 2 years,
my relationships with family and friends have been incredibly important
but have also changed
the most obvious change being the distance
which often makes me sad
but
I AM BLESSED
to have friends and family
who care for me so well
from across the world!

Forever Young

Remember the story of these two??

Well, on November 26th 2011 they made it official!!

I was SO happy to be a part of my friend's big day

So joyful for you two--
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Young


--with all my love and support