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!!