February '17 Playlist

The perfect playlist to listen to while your driving in your car, studying, writing a paper, meal prepping, writing a blog post, cooking dinner, or just hanging out. 

XOXO

Things People Don't Tell You About Friendships

Friendship is quite a complex word.  To each of us it might mean something a little different.  Each individual friendship has many different components and no two friendships are ever 100% identical. I think the basis of true long lasting friendships would have to be loyalty, communication, and flexibility.  Granted I'm not an expert, but in my almost twenty three years on the planet these things have proven to be the base of my forever friendships. Loyalty is important because nobody wants a friend who they can't trust. I always say with any relationship without trust you have nothing, and friendship definitely is included in this circle of trust. Communication is crucial in any relationship because you need to be able to communicate how you're feeling, advice, etc.  Poor communication can literally destroy a friendship.  Last but not least is flexibility.  Surprise, you are not going to be able to live five minutes away from your friends for the rest of your life.  Cue the flexibility. You're going to have to be flexible about finding times to visit one another, chat on the phone, and even be patient as you go through different hurdles of life. 

I'm sure we've all had those friendships that we thought would last forever, but sadly they fizzled out. It's hard to let go of all the memories you had with some people, but there is always a lesson to be learned from every failed friendship.  Over the years, I've learned a lot about friendships..some of these things are what people don't really tell you about friendship. 

Friendships are like plants. They all require a different type of care.

You're going to have to figure out what your friends' expectations are and how you can meet them so that it works for both of you.  Some friends are needier than others. 

When friendships breakup it hurts, regardless of whether it's a slow fade or a hard break off. Sometimes it can hurt just as bad as when a romance ends. 

Some friends you instantly connect with and things move fast. You claim that the two of you are instant BFFS, but sometimes things happen and the forever in BFF is taken away. It could be drama related, distance, or maybe you just don't have many commonalities anymore. When you're close to someone and then they are gone, it can hurt.

You might outgrow some friends, and in turn some friends might outgrow you.

People come in and out of our lives for many reasons.  As humans we change throughout life, and sometimes we have to drop friendships that just haven't changed with us. 

At some point, you might feel a little left out. 

Your friends might make other friends, but always remember if they are forever friends they won't forget you. 

You're not always going to like the person your friends are dating.  Likewise, they might not always like your significant other either.  

You'll have to find the balance of making the attempt to be nice while also looking out for your friend. It's not worth it to end a friendship because you don't like their significant other. 

Sometimes friendships are one-sided.

Friendships should be a two-way street. One person cannot be the only one to make an effort. At some point, you're going to have to end these one-sided friendships because they are just taxing. 

Long distance friendships aren't easy.

As you grow older, your friends are going to move away. You will go from being a short five minute drive away to maybe a few hours plane ride away.  It won't be easy to have your friends across the country. If the friendship means something to you, then you will find a way to make it work.  

Some friends are basically like family. 

If you're lucky, then throughout your life you will find a friend or two who actually become your family.  These are the people who get you the most. The ones that will come with you to your grandparents house for Christmas when you're significant other can't.  The friends that will stay at your house even when you're not there. 

You need to be friends with yourself. 

This sounds corny, but the truth is that sometimes life can be lonely. You need to be able to like and respect yourself when others might not.  

What are the ingredients you put into a high quality friendship?

XOXO

February Bucket List

February is a fun month for me.  There's lots of "national holiday days" that I adore.. plus it's the month of my birthday.  Until recently, I wasn't a big fan of Valentine's Day. I saw it as just another Hallmark holiday.  Recently, my viewpoint has changed a little bit. I see it as a way to show your love for people you adore (friends, family, and significant others).  I'm a fan of the shade of pink, flowers, and chocolate so it's a great month. Below is a bucket list to guide you through this month!

XOXO

Mala Bracelets

 Meditation is something that I find relaxing. It helps keep me present, and it reminds me to focus on the intentions/goals I've set for the day, week, month, year, etc. I typically do some form of meditation during yoga, before bed, when I wake up in the morning, or when I'm feeling stressed or anxious. 

In the past few months I've found myself being more anxious than ever before. Anxiety can be scary and overwhelming at times. I have been working to cope with my anxiety before it escalates to a point that I can't control.  Some tools I've found to calm myself down include breathing exercises, meditating, and exercising.  

In early January my mom shared a blogpost with me about Mala bracelets. Mala bracelets have been used for years in the prayer and mediation processes.  We decided to head to the craft store and gather the supplies to make our own.  For each of us they symbolize something different. For me, this bracelet is a reminder to breathe more and relax.  Mala bracelets are always made with 108 beads.  You can read more about their significance here. 

Even if you don't meditate, these bracelets are cute and fashionable! If you'd rather make a necklace, then follow this tutorial. 

Here's what you'll need:

your choice of 107 beads

1 larger bead (Mala bead)

Tassel or string to make your own

Elastic thread

Scissors

Begin making your bracelet by laying your beads out.  You'll want to figure out your pattern before you begin stringing any beads.  My mom and I created a template for our bracelets, on paper, before we started.

Once our pattern was created, we cut our string. I cut mine about three feet long. It's easier to work with more string than less. Next, you'll want to knot one end of the string.  String your beads on according to your pattern.  Slide your beads to the middle of the string, and cut off the end with the knot.  Place the two ends of the string together, and thread your larger bead through.  Now you will want to knot the two ends of the thread so that you have a loop of beads.

 The last step is to add your tassel.  If you're going to make your own tassel, then you'll want to follow this tutorial. It's pretty easy to do.  Once your tassel is made, use a piece of extra string to attach it to your bracelet. 

XOXO

Kitchen Adventures: Slider Burgers

This weekend is the last one of professional football for the season.  Many people will get together for the big game day. Some of you might plan to actually watch the game while others will just use it as an excuse to eat some junk food and socialize with friends.  Personally, I could care less who wins this year.  I'm not vested in either team.  At this point, I'm not even sure what my plans for the game are, which shows how insignificant it is to me.  Anyways, most Superbowl viewing parties include food. I thought I would share with you one of my favorite meals from watching Sunday football this fall.  It's easy to make and quite tasty.  

These small burgers are great because they provide you with substance while allowing you room to munch on all of the other delicious snacks at the party. The only downside is that if you make them too far in advance they won't be warm. 

Ingredients:

Cheese (American, Provolone, or Cheddar)

1 lb. Ground Beef

Dinner size potato rolls

Dill Pickles

Mustard

Ketchup

Mayonnaise

Honey Mustard

Frozen French Fries

Salt & Pepper

Directions:

Once your ground beef is defrosted,  you will want to place it into a large mixing bowl.  Add salt, pepper to the meat.  You can also add any other seasonings you'd like. 

Form the ground beef into small patties.  You'll want to make them a little bit smaller than the size of your rolls. 

Spray a skillet with cooking spray.  Once the skillet has heated up, place as many patties as you can on the pan. (I usually use a panini pan because it has a top to it). You'll want to cook the patties for about two minutes on each side (or until they are cooked all the way through). 

While the patties are cooking, you'll want to cook the fries according to the directions on the package. 

Meanwhile, begin prepping the burgers.  Cut each of the buns and place a piece of cheese on each of them.  

Once the fries and patties have cooked, then you will want to prepare the condiments.  Slice the pickles so that they will fit on the small buns. Fill a few small dishes with ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, and mayonnaise. 

Time to serve your burgers and fries! I suggest topping them with mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and a pickle. 

What will you be making for food this Sunday?

XOXO

January's iPhone Snapshots

Last night I had trouble falling asleep, so naturally I started brainstorming some future content for the blog. I started scrolling through my iPhone camera roll. I realized how many great pictures I had, and how much inspiration was just sitting in my phone all this time. If I'm being honest, most of my camera roll has been overtaken by pictures of dogs. However, I did find some gems that I've never shared on the blog nor via my Instagram feed.



I snatched these earrings up back in November when I met my mom for some retail therapy. The past few months they have been my go to pair of earrings when I'm not wearing pearls.



Last week I stopped by Whole Foods in the midst of running errands. I picked up some pretty pink flowers to brighten up the house. Whole Foods has my favorite grocery store flowers.



In December, I stopped by my favorite juice bar.  It was a great boost of vitamin C as I was feeling a cold coming on.



A sunny day earlier in January.  The lighting in my room was fabulous.



One of my favorite tops to pair with leggings and riding boots.



Who doesn't love a little natural beauty and a plaid pajama set? One of the weekends in January that I spent a whole day in pajamas.



A snapshot of the Paper White flowers on our mantle.


Take me back to summertime and our family vacation. This is still one of my favorite snapshots from vacay that didn't include all of the mountains.



A great find in J.Crew's sale area. My mom and I found these adorable bows just after Christmas.

Flashback to summer.  A stop at our favorite bakery for cheese danish before heading for a day in the sun and sand.

What are your favorite snapshots on your phone right now?
XOXO

January Favorites

Can you believe that the first month of the year is almost over? I definitely am finding it hard to believe.  January has flown by, but I don't feel like that much has happened in my life.  This past month has been a recharging month for me.  I have been spending time doing things that make me happy, relaxing, taking care of myself, working out, and regaining the energy I had lost. There have been a few places and products that I have been loving this month. Check them out below!

Fitbit Charge 2

The first week in January my fitbit stopped working. I had it for almost two years and wore it just about everyday. After calling the company, I found out that it was out of warranty but I was eligible for a damage discount.  Initially I thought I could go on without purchasing a new fitbit, but several days later I found myself missing it.  After some research and consideration, I chose to purchase the Charge 2.  There hasn't been a day yet that I've regretted this purchase.  

Green Smoothies

New year, new me... Just kidding I actually hate that saying.  I've always loved smoothies, but this month I've started making more green smoothies; filling my morning drink with kale and spinach.

Grapefruit

It's grapefruit season.  I've been eating half a grape fruit with my breakfasts. They're great hot or cold.  When I have some extra time, I broil one in the oven with a little brown sugar and honey. 

SNAP

If you know me, then you know that I love pizza.  My favorite pizza is one that is thin and crispy.  It's hard to find the perfect slice.  My mom and I have always loved Peace A Pizza, but in the past few years they closed down.  This month we discovered a new place called SNAP. It turns out Peace A Pizza shutdown and re branded themselves into this company.  The pizza is custom to your liking so you can make it as healthy or unhealthy as you'd like.  When we went, we split a custom pizza topped with herb butter, goat cheese, olives, spinach, and artichokes. 

Bookending the day

I've been loving ending my day with a little reading rather than watching Netflix. It's helping me sleep better, and it has reminded me how much I actually love to read. This month I read The Friends We Keep and No Baggage.

Moisturizer

My face has been really dry lately. This moisturizer has done miracles for my face! It's definitely pricier, but it's made of all natural ingredients. 

Of the five goals I had for the month, I've managed to complete three of them, which isn't bad at all.  Over the course of the next day I'll be setting my intentions for February.  I'm looking forward to what the month has in store for me. 

What have your favorites been form January?

XOXO

Walk in my Week: First Month of Adulting

Happy Friday! 

Yesterday I shared a little reflection about how my first month after graduating college has been, also known as my first month of adulting.  I've gotten requests for more posts like these, so I thought I'd give you all a glimpse into what my average week has looked like this past month. Below is an outline of what I do on each day every week. Each day more items are added to these core lists depending on what is going on in a given week.  Throughout each day I usually watch at least one episode of Grey's Anatomy, read some of my favorite blogs, read for thirty minutes, draft a blog post, and take care of the dogs.

Morning Routine

Each morning is pretty much the same. If I don't have anywhere to bed, then I'll sleep until eight most days. I wake up and read The Skimm to find out the highlights of what's going on in the world.  I take Brody out and feed him breakfast.  I drink a cup of hot water with lemon as I make breakfast or eat my pre-workout granola bar. I then head upstairs to make my bed and get dressed for my workout. 

Lunchtime

Around noon I usually feed the puppies their lunch.  I make my own lunch and then take the puppies out.  After taking care of the puppies, I sit down to eat my own lunch. As I eat lunch, I usually watch Netflix or read some blogs. 

Afternoons/evenings

These tend to vary depending on the day. Some days I meet my mom at the gym when she's done work, some nights I coach, sometimes I run errands, work on the blog, etc.  Once my parents are home, my mom and/or I cook dinner then we eat together.  Most nights, after dinner, my mom and I watch a silly reality TV show together on Bravo. I'm working on reading for a little while before I go to bed, but most nights I end up falling asleep after reading a few pages. 

I have a feeling this schedule won't be lasting for too much longer. 

XOXO

Adulting: Month One

Happy Thursday everyone! Just one more day until you've survived the fourth week of 2017. For some of you the first few weeks of the month have been fabulous- filled with healthy eating, daily workout routines, and happiness.  For others the first few weeks might have been a roller coaster of a rough start to the new year.  The good news is that next week we start a new month, which brings and opportunity for a fresh start.  I honestly cannot believe that January is just about over.  January has been my first full month out of college, or as the majority of my fellow millennials would refer to it as my first month of "adulting". I thought I would give you all a little update as to how the post grad life is going for me.  

So where do I even begin... 

If you've been following along, then you know that I didn't graduate this past spring. Instead I graduated a semester late (this past December).  I chose to graduate a semester late for several reasons. First, I wanted to be able to do well in my classes rather than overloading credits and overwhelming myself each semester.  Second, after doing some research I found that student teaching in the fall semester is actually the best option for education majors.  Third, I refused to spend every single break taking classes. I think it's important to give yourself a little brain break in between semesters.  Fourth, transferring schools and changing majors altered my original plan.  

Most people graduate college at the conclusion of spring semester.  There's usually lots of pomp and circumstance along with what seems like endless celebrations. Graduating at the end of the fall semester was much different than the experiences I watched most of my friends have roughly six months prior. Graduating in December was rather uneventful.  Graduation was a one day celebration from brunch with my family, the actual graduation ceremony, and then ending the day with a dinner hosted by my parents.  The semester ended, graduation was a whirlwind of a day, a week later the holidays happened, my post grad friends returned back to work a few days after Christmas, and in the past few weeks my undergrad friends returned back to their college campuses for another semester. 

Then there's me and my first month adulting.  Just before graduation, I was feeling pretty burnt out.  My parents and I decided that for my mental health it would be best to give myself a month off before  really beginning the job hunt.  Needless to say, this first month of post grad has been spent focusing on improving my mental and physical health.  I've been working on creating healthy habits, finding hobbies that make me happy, and catching up on the rest that I missed this past semester.  The first two weeks of January my brother was still home on his winter break from college.  It was fun having him home during the days.  We would go to the gym, play games, and binge watch Netflix together.  These were essentially my lazy recovering weeks.  He went back to school, so the past two weeks I have been home alone most days while my parents are working.  These two weeks I have been searching for hobbies, spending time at the gym,  binge watching Grey's Anatomy, snuggling with the puppies, cooking dinners, and beginning to apply to jobs.  

The honest truth.  As everyone has headed back to school and work, I've been feeling a little lost. The past four and a half years of my life have been centered around succeeding in college in order to be prepared to enter the real world.  This is the first time in awhile that I have no idea what I will be doing a month from now.  As someone who is type A and used to being on the go, this feeling is a little scary and overwhelming.  I'm learning to embrace the uncertainties of life, but sometimes I can't help but feel like I'm standing still while everyone around me is moving forward with their lives.  I know this feeling is pretty irrational, but I think it's part of being in the minority of people who graduate in December.  Those who I've shared these feelings with have gently reminded me that most people graduate and take the summer off (about three months) before they begin working. I am working on not being so hard on myself and finding joy in this oddly calm point in my life, but I would be lying if I told you it has been easy.

Enough of the negativity, let's talk about some of the positive things that have happened my first month of post grad.  I have finally gotten back into working out again.  It has made me happier, and I'm already feeling healthier.  I've also started cooking dinner for my parents.  I'm learning to become a better cook and how to really plan out meals for an extended period of time.  My blog has been thriving.  With my free time, I've become more dedicated to writing.  This month my blog has gotten the most monthly views in its four year history.  Picture me doing a little happy dance. I've been able to spend time with our puppies.  They are full of energy and growing quickly.  They are only puppies once, so it's been fun playing and attempting to train them. I've been living at home, which has helped me become even closer with my parents.  I'm grateful that they are allowing me to stay with them to save money until I'm financially ready to stand on my own two feet. Their constant love an support has been so helpful. 

Looking ahead into month two. I'm not really sure what will happen.  I've started the on boarding process to begin substitute teaching, so I'm thinking in month two I'll begin that journey.  I'll be searching for open teaching positions to apply for, updating my digital portfolio, continuing my fitness journey, celebrating my twenty third birthday, taking a weekend trip, and watching my little brother begin his college lacrosse career. My goal for month two is to spend more time focusing on my positive traits rather than dwelling on the negatives. 

Celebrating month one of post grad like..

Thanks for reading my update. Tomorrow I'll be sharing a glance into my day to day life in my first month of adulting!

XOXO

5 Things To Do Instead Of Checking Your Phone

It's crazy how so many people around us are addicted to their phones.  If you're in a public setting, take a second to look around and count the number of people you see on their phones.  My guess is that it's more than you can count on your own two hands.  We're all guilty of using our phones too much..maybe some of us more than others. There's so much we are missing out on when we are staring at our phones.  This digital connection is preventing many of us from being present and enjoying the moment.  The past few weeks I have been working on finding more productive things to do when I find myself reaching for my phone out of habit and/or boredom. Recently social media has been filled with too much negativity for me, so it's made decreasing the mindless scrolling of the phone much easier. I've created a list of some happier and healthier things to do in your spare time.

Read a book

This is honestly becoming a lost art.  We all convince ourselves we don't have any time to read, but in reality we're just not making time. Rather than coming home from work or school and spending twenty minutes catching up on your social media, why not open a book and read a few pages.  

Head to the Kitchen

Find a new recipe to cook or bake.  This is always a fun adventure, and if you don't like to eat the sweets you make you could always mail them to a friend.  Your other option while you're in the kitchen would be to meal prep.  This requires a little bit of time, but your productivity will pay off when you're having a hectic week.  Remember, there's lots of recipes out there that give you the option to freeze food for later (a great meal prepping alternative). 

Get Crafty

You don't have to be artsy in order to craft. There's tons of simply DIY projects just waiting for you to complete. You could make a bracelet, learn how to knit, make a card, doodle on a piece of scrap paper, paint a canvas, and the list goes on. Another option is to simply color.  Adult coloring books are everywhere, or you could even print a coloring page for free from a website. 

Call a Friend

Yes, believe it or not you're phone can be used to actually call someone.  Pick up the phone and call a family member or friend. If you're lucky, they will be free to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.  

Create a To-Do-List

There is always something that needs to be done (clean your room, make your bed, clean the bathroom, organize a closet, social media clean up, etc.). Creating a to do list is the first step to getting something accomplished. Once you have created your to do list, then you can decide what on the list you want to get done first.  This will give you plenty to do rather than checking your phone. 

Self-Care

Take some time to take care of yourself. Spend a few minutes meditating, take a nap, paint your nails, give yourself a pedicure,  create a face mask and apply it, take a bath, do a hair mask, etc.  It's important to take care of yourself and give your eyes a break from staring at that tiny bright screen. 

Good luck!

XOXO

Kitchen Adventures: Kale Salad

Kale is one of my favorite winter greens to eat.  There are so many different ways to can cook it, which makes it one of my staples.  I love adding it to soup, baking it into kale chips, or using it as my salad base.  Recently, I used it to make a fresh salad, perfect for snacking on or for lunch. It required very few ingredients, took minutes to make, and throughout the week I added to it. 

Ingredients:

 5 chopped Kale leaves

2 tbsp. Parsley

2 tbsp. Olive Oil

1 pinch Salt

1 pinch Pepper

1 pinch Garlic

1 can White Beans

2 tbsp. Lemon Juice

Directions:

Rinse and drain the white beans

In a bowl, combine the white beans, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. 

Chop the parsley until it is in finely chopped pieces. Add it to the larger bowl. 

Chop the kale into smaller pieces, and add it to the larger bowl. 

Mix the combination and add salt/pepper for taste. 

Throughout the week I added chicken, faro, and zucchini to the salad. It's a great dish to meal prep, and then add leftovers to it throughout the week for your lunches. 

Mother-Daughter Date: Brunch

The bond between a mother and her daughter is one that is different for everyone.  For me, I'm lucky to have a great relationship with my mom. Sure we bump heads every once in awhile, but the majority of the time we get along and enjoy spending time together. The older I get the more I appreciate her. She's my go to person for advice, is always willing to binge watch reality television shows with me, shares my shopping addiction, loves good food, and is always willing to open a bottle of wine with me.  Last week she had a day off from work, so we decided to go to brunch together.  We headed out to one of the best brunch spots in our area, Terrain. 

For those of you who aren't familiar with Terrain. It's part of the URBN brand (Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Vetri restaurants, BHLDN weddings).  Terrain is a combination of an upscale home store, garden center, and garden cafe.  I actually work part time in their home store (talk about loving your part-time job!).  It's a fun place to both work and shop at.  They have two stores, one in Pennsylvania and the other in Connecticut.  If you live too far away to check it out, then you can follow along from a distance through their Instagram or online store. 

We enjoyed people watching, chatting, and raving about how great each part of our meal was. When we go out to eat together we usually split everything. One, there's usually more than one item on the menu we want to try.  Two, neither one of us can eat a ton in one sitting.  Three, we always want dessert.  Four, it's all about moderation! So just like every other time we go out, we decided to split our meal.  

We started out with the bread the restaurant gives you when you sit down. It was sweet, light, and fluffy served with a sea salt honey butter. The decadent combination just melted in your mouth. I think we would have been satisfied just eating more bread as our meal.  We then opted to split a breakfast board and order of truffle fries.  We are both loves are fries, especially truffle fries with parmesan cheese! The breakfast board was delicious. It was complete with two fried eggs, brioche toast, bacon, sausage, and a small pile of home fries.  After finishing our meal and browsing the dessert menu, we opted to finish our brunch with a little ice cream. We split two scoops of the richest chocolate ice cream and orange curd ice cream. These two flavors together was just the perfect way to end a meal.  As the check came, I quickly took it and let my mom know that it was my treat.  It's nice to treat the woman who is always treating you! 

After brunch, we headed to the coffee shop for a hot coffee and tea to sip on as we walked around the store. The store has tons of inspiration for DIY projects, home decor, and health/beauty tips & tricks.  We managed to get through without purchasing anything, but we did snap a few pictures along the way.

Who do you love to brunch with?
XOXO