Wednesday Workout!

I am beating the mid week blah's and getting moving with this quick (15 min) workout!


1 minute of Speed Skaters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpnT1XrdhBU

1 minute of Wall Slides with Stability Ball
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLfdHYJIfoQ

1 minute of crunches on stability ball
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVBddP5oW8Y

1 minute of modified (knee) pushups

1 minute of reverse crunches

-repeat two times in a cycle


That felt good, no I'm gonna stretch for 5 minutes, stand up, breathe deep, shake off the stress, and face the rest of the week feeling refreshed!

Weekly Inspiration

I know.
I'm slacking again.
I got an internship (yay!) & my entire life pretty much consists of work now(not as yay)
But I am making my comeback, one post at a time people! This week my focus is my nails for the holidays. I have something planned, and here is my inspiration, thank you Pinterest

If you couldn't tell, I am super grooving on the mixed media nails. I think they are just so fun! & for me, they are especially awesome because I love painting my nails, but it seems like as soon as they are dry I want to try something else.
You don't want my problems.
Anyway, hopefully I will have a picture or two next week so you can see how they turned out! & Hopefully they turn out more like those photos, and less like my real abilities :]

Happy Monday!

Show a little spirit

Take Two

There was a time when I didn't know how I felt about game day dresses.

There is no more confusion.
i LOVE them.
I learned how to make them & knocked a bunch out- not certain I could pull one off, but oh baby did I feel sexy in my crimson rocking this little number

I'm not one to brag, but... not bad, right?



I'm thinking about putting some up on my etsy shop, what do ya think?
would you rock one for your school?
lemme know!

Yoga pants are evil.

I once had a home health care client who said she found it appalling that young women did not do their hair to get ready for the day. With my ponytail pulled tight I thought, ouch!
But, when you think that she grew up in the era of finger waves and pin curls and beehives, there really was a different standard of dress and preparedness for women. I know what you are thinking right now- shut up, because they also were not expected to get up at 5 to be in class for 4 hours, and run to and fro, and they weren't hitting the gym, and getting ready in ten minutes and they weren't right.
But were they? This quasi feminist movement of ponytails, and sweat pants sure is comfortable, but how practical is it? We expect to be considered an object of desire by our (potential or current ) partners, we want to be taken seriously in class and in work, and by our peers. But what about the second skin of yoga pants really does say sexy, and professional?

So I did my own experiment... for the last month I woke up a little earlier, I played with makeup, I did my hair, I even (gasp) put on shape wear nearly every day and wore only professional or nicer clothes for the entire month.
I found that I listened and payed attention better in class, I was more inspired to actually go to class instead of maybe taking a lunch break. I felt more confident and when people did a double take or when women shot me a sneer I knew it was because I looked GOOD and they weren't thinking "wow, someone dragged herself out of bed this morning" or "I wonder how many times those have been worn between washes". Yeah- take that public!
Then today, I crumbled, I am struggling after one late night, I was exhausted yesterday but I still got mostly ready, then today, I faltered completely and pulled on my old faithfuls.
I feel like crap.
And it turns out, there is a reason- yoga pants are not all they are cracked up to be.

Get this-
1. People are less likely to take you seriously when you are not dressed decently.
2. When we wear stretchy clothing, we are more likely to make unhealthy food decisions, and will eat more- probably because we are volume eaters, and without the pressure of clothing holding your tummy back, you will eat to you heart's content, rather than your stomach's (weird, huh)
3. Sweatpants and yoga pants get less clean each time you wear and wash them. The fibers hold smells more and more with each wear. So you become smellier after every wear. Ew!





The bottom line? Dress well, look good, feel good.


I know I will.

Grey and Yellow

For real. This color combo is GORGEOUS! I am so glad I am not rich enough to have my own home because I would have redesigned the whole thing ten times in the last month. Playing with colors is one of my fave things to do, and I am pretty stuck on grey and yellow right now. Charcoal or cloudy day grey with either mustardy or bright yellow- it doesn't matter which if either you play up, the combo looks timeless and classy no matter what!

thank you LOVE IT!

Why don't you...

Show a little team spirit


so here's the deal-
I am in the middle of trying to find my game day jersey (where did you go old friend??)
& trying to find a suitable, cute, comfy, breezy replacement for said jersey.

In the mean time, I had nothing to wear for crimson and grey Friday.
here's my clever little solution...

*Yeah, I could have a taken a better picture, I could have not wiggled my thumb, but whatevs, this is what I got this try

To achieve this look I sprinkled a little crimson and a little silver glitter together onto an index card. Then I did a sort of "dry brush" technique with some clear nail polish or top coat, let that set a second so you don't big weird clumps of glitter (unless that's what you are going for) and then sprinkle the pre-poured glitter onto your nails. Then cover with another coat or two of clear coat, and enjoy!

Just a fun little project

Have you used freezer paper stencils before?
Well, I just think they are super fun, and you can do SO much with them.

Check out my newest freezer paper project

I am toying with whether or not this baby should make it's way over to my etsy shop, or stay adorning the desk of the craft room.
Where would you put it?

Welcome Back!

Yesterday marked my last first day of fall semester.

via

That's right- this Chic Chick will FINALLY be graduating from college this year.
This means, a lot of projects, maybe some parties (not the college party you are picturing...but maybe some of that too?), a lot of decisions, and some moving on.

So buckle up and get excited, I'm making a blogging comeback ;]

Lately

Things have been preeeettty hectic around chic chick headquarters.
B&I have vacated our awful, miserable, tiny charming starter apartment
and have moved onto bigger better things- as in a Town house where we can spend time alone and together, and he doesn't have to duck to move around, yay!

Anyway, we are still unpacking, and packing for our little vacay (double yay)
and I am gearing up for recruitment ;]

So until regularly scheduled postings are available, let me melt your heart a little with my handsome sleepy men.

mmmmmmm, delish!

Yummiest chocolate cookies...ever!

Now, I know a lot of people have a family recipe passed down from years and years ago for the perfect chocolate chip cookies. Mine is not that family.
I did not have that standby.
Until I met this little gem.
I happened upon the recipe for these Jacques Torres chocolate chip cookies, which had been posted in The New York Times and decided- forget the diet, where's the kitchenaid, I need these cookies NOW!
Maybe not quite like that, but pretty darn close.

So, what's so different about this recipe you ask?

Well, for starters, you need 2 different types of flour. Cake flour, which is more fine, and helps give a fluffy, airy, moist consistency. You ALSO need Bread flour, which is different in that it has more gluten in it (sorry allergic friends) which, in addition to adding more protein to the dough, is supposed to keep it more elastic.
The only other big difference with this recipe is kind of a bummer- being that it is supposed to be refrigerated for at least 24 hours, and up to 72 (but who can really wait that long?)

So, without further ado... the recipe!

Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies
from The New York Times
Print this recipe

Total Prep and Baking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes, plus 24 hours to chill the dough
Yield: 18-20 large cookies (I used an ice cream scoop, and got about 45 cookies per batch- yeah, I made a double.)

2 cups minus 2 tablespoons cake flour
1 2/3 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/3 pounds bittersweet chocolate disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content

1. Sift together the cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium sized bowl and set aside.

2. In the bowl of your mixer, cream together your butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add in the eggs, one at a time, until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add in the vanilla and mix. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, until just moistened. Fold in your chocolate until evenly added throughout the dough. Press plastic wrap against the dough, making sure it is completely covered, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours, or as long as 72 hours (I left mine for 36 hours).

(Please excuse the hot mess that I am in this photo- I try to look super sexy when I am baking)

3. When you are ready to bake, bring the dough to room temperature so that you can scoop it out, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line and/or grease your baking sheets. Scoop your dough out onto the sheets. I used a #40 ice cream scoop, which is about the size of 2 tablespoons, but you can make them even larger, if you like. Do not press the dough down – let it stay the way it is. Sprinkle the cookies lightly with a bit of fleur de sel or sea salt. Bake 10-12 minutes for smaller cookies (mine took about 11 minutes), or 18-20 minutes for larger cookies.

4. Allow the cookies to cool slightly on your baking sheet, then move them to another surface to cool completely. You can enjoy these warm, room temperature, or cold. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

I would love for you to see what the finished product looked like, but with cookies as good as these, you don't really think to stop and snap a photo.
Guess you'll have to try em' for yourself!

Save save save

Three sites reviewed so far, and I think it's about darn time I put my money (or yours) where my mouth is.

So- for the next two weeks YOU can save big in MY shop! Use code SHOPCHIC

See you there!

Save a lot!

I'll say it, my last post may have been a little harsh- clearly Zappos and I are gonna have to resolve some ish before we can be friends again. Maybe this will help...
Zappos has a not-so-dirty little secret.
Maybe you've heard of it.
But probably not.

My friends, let me introduce you to a semi life changing web site of awesome.
It is the brother site to Zappos.

6pm.com
This site is basically clearance for nearly any brand you can imagine and already love.
There are clothing items, accessories, and (I saved the best for last) SHOES!
Not only are the savings incredible, but they actually tell you list prices, the percentage you are saving and your cost- wow.
BUT- it doesn't stop there my friends: the navigation is a dream. You can narrow your search by price, by brand, by type of item, and even further shoe-flats-sandal (yeah, it's that good), by size, and even by color.

Shipping is a standard 6.95, but if you sign up for sale alerts, they have better shipping deals fairly often I have noticed.

Go ahead friends, give it a whirl.
I dare you not to fall in love.

Save a little...

You have seen their commercials.
You have heard tell of their phenomenal customer service.
& Their shipping is rumored to be dream like, and expedited.
But.
Is Zappos all it is cracked up to be?
Here's the deal, in my own, unsponsored opinion, of course:
If there is something specific you are looking for, Zappos is a great place to check. Maybe they have that new mixer you wanted or that specific pair of running shoes that was sold out at your mall. But, they don't necessarily have it for a steal. Zappos is touted as being a hub of savings, but I think it more just a hub. You may be able to find a great deal here or there, and that's what gets people talking- but doing a comparison between their site and others, the savings just don't add up.& Chances are, when they do have a great sale- what you were looking for is a weird color, or the wrong size.Bummer.
The verdict?
Don't rule it out, but Zappo's is not really the savior of the sale.

Love a good sale?

If you are like me, or probably the greater percentage of the population in general, you probably don't LOVE paying full price for your purchases all the time. Well, my friend, this week I have some "best of" solutions for you.
HOORAY!
1. The site does does the shopping for you- Shop it to Me
- Signing up for this service is free (score!) and they do the deal searching for you (double score).
The best part? It isn't just a hodge podge of deals strewn together, you choose your sizes for dresses, shirts, pants, and shoes individually. You also choose brands that you love, I picked like 15- variety is the spice of life after all.
Then... if there is something you really have your eye on - mine is a good blazer, you can highlight what specifically you are looking for currently.

-So what does the service actually do?
It scans those brands for the best deals currently and sends you an email (with pictures!) of those deals, and prices. It will also send an alert if there is a massive sale, i.e. when The Loft had a 40% off of everything blowout.

-My evaluation: This is certainly a worthwhile service if you are bargain hunting. There is never an obligation to buy, but it is kind of like having a personal stylist (who knows your budget... and doesn't scoff at said budget). And, unlike those annoying "sale" alerts I get daily from other companies, you can choose how many times you want to be notified weekly-they even suggest the best sale days.

-My recommendation: Give it a shot, I found the blazer of my dreams- for 65% off, and will continue to peruse the sales until I have grown up clothes for CHEAP!

Excuse my absence...

I've been sick.
Like don't want to move, no appetite for the first time in my life, did I seriously just hack up my lung?, sick.

but this is it.
I'm making my comeback!
starting... tomorrow.
Look out blogging world!

Free your mind

Have you ever tried stumbleupon.com?
It's pretty much my favorite procrastination/discovery tool.
When you have a paper due, facebook only updates every so often, but I can press the stumble button WHENEVER I want, and it brings a new treasure to my screen.
Plus it is based on all sorts of my interests so at any given moment I can find a blog about baking, or pictures of cute animals... I know, HOORAY!

But today, I stumbled on something much cooler, a list of 50 questions to "free your mind" and I want to explore them with you.
Question #1. How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
This is such a difficult question for me. Sometimes I catch myself listening to my little sisters' stories and missing the simplicity of high school. I miss my old job, my sports teams, (easy homework) and quality time at home every night.

Other nights I find myself in deep envy of my other friends who didn't go to college. They are married and some are having their second child. They are living the life that I so look forward to, the sweet moments with their children, the celebrations with their spouses. It all seems carefree, away from the stress of school and the real world looming in the future. I wish I could break free from where I am, I question the decisions I have made along the way.

Sometimes I think even further into the future. I see my parents remodeling, and looking toward building their dream home. Their nest almost empty and nothing but the brightest in sight. I see the love they have been building for 25 years and I envy even that. I want people to take me seriously as an adult, and I want to be building my dream home too, damn it.

Then there are the nights I reminisce on Freshman and sophomore years of college. Pre B., before the puppy, before I was really intently serious and focused on the future. When I cared, but I didn't... really... care, you know? And I miss it, the silly choices you make in some friends, the ridiculous things you do to pass time that seem so fun at the time- but in hind sight, not so much. I miss staying up until three watching Disney movies with 10 sorority sisters piled on one couch. I miss being able to go for half price apps every other night (especially since those 40 pounds finally caught up to me).

I think about all of these ages, nearly every day, I would say. But then I breathe. Because when you really think about it, every age is what you make it. I miss the years in my past because I enjoyed them fiercely. Just as I wouldn't trade one day now, I wouldn't give up my past. As cheesy and cliche as it may be, I love and miss my past because my past shaped me. It taught me that there are some types of boys that will only break your heart. It taught me what real friends are, and how to love, and how to laugh, and how to work hard.

Sometimes being 22 is completely overrated, like when I am at the gym and the newly enlisted men look like 15 year olds, and I catch myself wondering if their mommies even know where they are. And sometimes it is completely underrated, like when I see the stress on my friend's faces as they try to build a future for not just themselves but for their babies and husbands too.
In the end I can recognize that I love who I am, and I love where I am.
22 is just fine with me...
for now.

How old would YOU be?

Hot Summer Trend:

They'reeeee baaaaaaaack.

via
Headbands, the thicker the better, and head wraps are coming in this season, in a MAJOR way.
Is this a trend you are jumping on board with?

The Next Level

I'll be honest, my fitness journey took a little bit of a detour at the beginning of the summer, but... I'm back!

In the last couple of days I have tried to be very conscious of my caloric intake, skipping unnecessary additions like salad dressing, working out with my handsome to make it more fun, and... wait for... going to the gym!
Shocking, I know.

Today- I mixed things up.
B. headed back to Pullman and won't be here for a couple of weeks, in the meantime my goal is to lose 10 pounds.
Yeah, it is gonna be rough.
So I downloaded the totally free NTC (Nike Training Club) app for my ipod.
The app provides a plethora of workouts based on what your goal is, and your fitness level.
The coolest part is that it motivates you via rewards like "badges" and more workouts for the time you spend working out.
Pretty cool huh?
Today was my first attempt, and it was not so pretty. I had asked B. to help me with timing and technique the other day but we didn't get around to it, and now I am glad we didn't because I would have been SO EMBARRASSED. My baby sister and I did the workout together, and we concur that if you want to be completely worn out and feel like you will not be able to move for a month, try the Quickstart Full Action workout first.

What steps are you taking?

He Said - Family Dinners

First I would like to say that if it were up to me, we would be having BBQ everyday (yes, even when it rains outside).




But, we already know that when it comes to being in a relationship, you get to do what the other person wants to so every once awhile.

I'll break down how the story goes from my perspective and see what you guys think.

It usually starts with me initiating the idea that we should cook together. We did this together when C. and I started dating and we both enjoyed it enough to make it a thing.

Second usually goes with the decision. This can be comparable to congress decoding the 2011 budget or whether or not Andy Dick wants to like women that day. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this isn't the easiest thing I've ever done.

Third follows getting supplies and the severity of this depends on where we are cooking. If it is at my place, we need everything all the way down to needing something every house should have like salt and pepper. Her place, we usually need one or two things. (we still consistently eat at my place)

Fourth would be the preparation. Now like any man that gets into the woman's domain known as the kitchen, we want to be alpha male and hit the ground running. This tactic usually works for about 10 minutes when the sense comes back to me and I realize I'm not where I belong and I take my plastic in the living room or act occupied until just about the finish.

There are other techniques that I use to "scam" out of finishing making dinner, but I know C. Ia reading this so you'll have to trust me.

Lastly is eating the meal. This, by no comparison is what I low best because I get to enjoy it with my wonderful girlfriend.

Until next Friday folks.

B.

Friday Feature: He Said/ She Said- Family Dinner

Long boring title, I know. But there is big news for this Chic Chick, well, the blog at least... B. has decided it would be fun to start chiming in. You know how we all talk about how there are two sides to every story? Well, we thought it would be fun to start sharing both side... hence: he said she said. FUN!
He won't get to read my posts before they go up, and visa versa- and because I can't sleep tonight, mine is going up first.


We are starting off fairly neutral- with family dinners. My family is huge, as you heard, and we are huge on having dinner together, this becomes more challenging when with me coming and going, and my brother coming and going, and cheer practice, and selling tickets, and working late and blah blah, you know.

But we try, and it is especially nice for B. to join in when we are home, so that we all bond more. {insert corny stuff here} . But I also feel a little guilty when this happens because we eat a lot, my mom always has to double check to see if B. is eating with us because that means doubling the recipe because, let me tell you, that man can EAT (not that you would know it with such a chiseled physique ;] ). The point is, then the family dinner starts t look more like Thanksgiving dinner, and we know it is stressful for my parents, and expensive and whatever...you get the point.

So, we try to give back sometimes, by buying everything and making dinner for them. This is where my fun begins.I enjoy cooking, and I enjoy giving back to my family for everything they do for me, and for us. But, sometimes these dinners are made more frustrating than not. B. often waits until the last minute to decide that we are going to do this, and when he gets off work he is ready to shop- for what, we have no idea & at 4:00, I am in full on relaxation mode, I know my honey is getting off... now I have to get in the mindset for the commissary? (yeah, it takes a mindset- don't act like you don't know).

- Next comes the inevitable 30-a million minute discussion about what we are going to make, because B.'s and my cravings are never really in sync, (unless someone mentions taco bell).

- When we finally decide, it is time to shop, this is the most dangerous part of the dinner. Why? Because he has been at work all day and I have been home alone all day, we are both hungry and we have an empty cart. This is sure to end in eventual Swiss roll, gusher, queso dip, ice cream disasters. Every.Time.

-Cooking should be the most fun part, but it is just as easily turned around. I sometimes forget that he wasn't necessarily taught how to cook in the same way, and that he doesn't know where everything is in the kitchen, and that some of his jokes, when I am already frustrated- are less funny, and more frustrating. But we make it through, and in the end it is always a great experience.

- Eating is clearly the most enjoyable part. I love the pride you have in making a meal for others. I love giving back to my family. & I especially love how we all inevitably end up at the table for an hour or so after the meal has ended laughing and sharing stories and jokes.
I love my family, and I love B.
& I especially love the quality time we get in family dinners.

- & That's what she said.


...yeah, I thought you would like that

My secret weapon

We ALL have those days.
You know them.
The days that you throw on the simplest thing because getting dolled up is SO out of the picture.
The days where you are so tired that no amount of concealer is gonna keep your dark circles a secret.
Where you feel dull and don't really want to make the effort to be dewy and glamorous.
Yeah- I'm there 60% of the time lately.
Which is how I found this product- looking for something to give me a boost.
& why I love love love this product.
Without further ado- I present you:
Stila One Step Correct

via

This baby is touted for correcting redness, reducing fine lines or wrinkles, and giving your skin much needed moisture.
It does this by swirling the white, green and peach elements together in one defying pump of product.
Sounds too good to be true, huh?
I personally don't have too much redness, and I certainly don't see many wrinkles at 22 (thank goodness) but, the reviews I read were just raving so- I had to try, and boy am I glad that I did!
Here is horrifyingly close up shot of my face pre- one step correct.

please excuse the brows in BAD need of a wax.
& also note this is prior to any other makeup application.
There is some slight pink in my cheeks at this point, and my biggest problem is that I think my skin lacks luster or "sparkle" if you will.

enter: one step correct-

O.k, the lighting here is terrible and makes my face look red, which it is not.
I noticed that the product really does tone down the pink in my skin somewhat, there is not a dramatic difference in that area, however, it is toned down a bit.
I also noticed that some of the little lines starting to emerge under my eyes were less noticeable.

Most importantly, and my FAVORITE part of using this product is that it gives my face a dewy glow. It can be used as a nice moisturizing primer prior to adding the rest of your makeup. Or, for those days we already talked about/ my everyday look- leave your face bare after application, add a little mascara, and enjoy the fresh glow it gives you.

It is a little pricey at around $40, but my bottle is really lasting, especially since it only takes one pump. This is a product I will buy again and again...and again...and... well, you get the picture- but will you get the product?

Dream Big!

Sometimes I lose a little motivation to get things done, to branch out, to take risks.
Today I found this:

And it was a good kick-in-the-pants reminder to get back on track.
Focus.
Try.
Achieve.
What new paths are you gonna travel?

Congratulations!

The winner, as determined by random.org...

...is AbbyLynn, who said: I have a black dress and a new pair of wedges that would go great with this jewelry I believe...and I havent gotten to wear the wedges yet! Great for a summer wedding I have in June...
Email me within 24 hours to claim your prize!

Thank you all for entering the giveaway, there will be others!

Last Day to Enter!

BY 1. Following this blog publicly
2. Tagging Chic Chick LTCin your facebook status.
and
3. Leaving a comment about where/how you would wear your new goods.
You COULD be the winner of a whole chic starter kit.
Today is the last day to enter...
What are you waiting for?

Dear Mom,

Remember how many times we have laughed until we cried?
Remember all the conversations in our heads?
Remember my highschool graduation?
Remember our road trip to Pullman for Alive?
Remember how I resisted leaving for school?
Remember when I called you crying Freshman year because everything was going wrong- and "someone stole the ink right out of my printer"
Remember that same year when you had to come rescue me early because my mono was so bad- and how miserable but fun that trip was?
Remember when I joined the sorority and when I got confirmed and you made the drive an extra time for that too?
Remember Elton John?
Remember our drive to pick up Thor- "I thought you were shooting at me"?
Remember all of our moms weekends together?
Remember wine tasting and hoarding extra tickets, just for fun?
Remember when we ran out of gas?

Because I do.
I love you mom.
Thanks for laughing with me, thanks for wiping my tears.
Thanks for teaching me to cook, for teaching me to be independent, for teaching me to love, for loving me.
I love you.

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm not being lazy, I swear!

But finals are over, and I'm FINALLY with the fam again.
and well, you know how that goes-
We are watching ghost shows and playing kinect and posting is just so hard to do when you are in the middle of dance battles.
I hope you don't take it personally.
I DO have a ton to tell you.
But for now, thank you for those who have entered the giveaway.
If you haven't done it yet, you should!
It is super easy and your odds... well, they are looking pretty darn good!

Pssssst.

Did you enter the giveaway?

-You should!
only 6 days left...

GIVEAWAY!

Wanna win free stuff?
Yeah, I thought you might.
The winner of this giveaway will receive a bib necklace, earrings, a ring, and hair ties from Chic Chick LTC.
{not exactly what you will win but... pretty close!}

-along with all of the other goodies!
Pretty cool right

and all you have to do is:
1. Publicly follow this blog.
2. Make a status about and tagging "Chic Chick LTC" on facebook
3. Leave a comment on this post telling me what outfit of yours the necklace or earrings/ring would go with- or where you would wear them.
That's it!
You have a week to enter- good luck!

- Don't worry should you not win, or want to pick out accessories for yourself, just visit my etsy shop

Amen.

All I have to say today is Amen.
Church today was all about believing.
Do not doubt like Thomas, rather believe without seeing.
Believe without fear.
Believe.
Sure this was more related to religion, but what I love about Church is that it is a good reminder about everyday life as well.
Believe that you can achieve what you want, believe that the stress will subside, believe in each other, believe in yourself, believe.
Well, I heard you Father Kevin, I heard that is natural to doubt at times, that what cannot be seen with your eyes can be seen with your heart, and that we are forgiven our doubts.
and I say:
Amen.

Looking for the perfect accent?

I just made this for our room.

{wide view}

Word Clouds are super fun.
You can decorate any sort of frame for them, any sort of way- any color. You can also customize your word cloud for font and font color, to suit the room you are decorating.
& They are fairly inexpensive which is important- because not only can you use it to accent any room in your own home, but it also makes the perfect gift!
I made some as graduation gifts for my friends.
By using things like our University names, our sorority tenants and jokes or phrases from over the years, it is a personal way to say happy birthday, happy graduation, happy...whatever.
But, my favorite is still the cloud hanging above our bed, it is a nice reminder every day of what B. and I have, and what we are working to build on every day.
What would you want your cloud to say?

This dinner taught me...

That eating healthily does not equate to boring food all the time.
That Rocco Dispirito is a God-send for his low cal high flavor dishes.
& that unfortunately....
I am not a balsamic vinaigrette fan.
All the fancy chefs use it, and I wanted to like it SO BAD!
But alas, the sweet but vinegary taste was too much for me.
Still a SUPER yummy dinner though.
I give you..
Beef Tenderloin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes& Brussel Sprouts in Balsamic Jus.

(also excuse the photography skills, I don't typically take pics. of food, but you get the basic idea)
The best part? I have yet to try a recipe that takes more than half an hour to make, tops, so cool!

Ok...

I know it is annoying to brag, but i just got my ETSY shop officially set up and added new stuff.
check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/caitiegee

Feathers :]

So I mentioned already that I got feather hair extensions in, or rather that I figured them out...
I spent a couple of hours today dying them all sorts of fun shades.
I have White Grizzly(striped) feathers
Pink
Turquoise
Red
Purple
Brown
and lots of funky little ones

& they are super easy to put in/take care of.
It is a lot harder to put them in yourself, so I suggest you find a partner, or have me do it :]
You need the feathers and crimp beads, pliers, and a wire.
Use the wire and lay a small section of hair inside a v type shape, feed the "loose" top parts of the wire through the bead, and pull until the section of hair is completely through the bead.
Take the feather and feed the top part into the bead, then take the pliers and close the bead by crimping so that the bead lays flat on your head.
Here is how mine look...

The feathers are taken care of just like your natural hair, washing and drying, and even styling- the most impojavascript:void(0)rtant consideration is to not heat them too much or too long. try to stay away from 400 degrees but if your hair needs that high of a temperature, do not stay on it for too long.
The extensions will eventually come out on their own, but if you just need to be free again- crimp the bead in the opposite direction it was closed, and slide the hair out.
Questions?

Chic Chick Accessories

Check out the spread from Mom's weekend.

Rings, Hairties, Headbands, Earrings, Necklaces, Bracelets,Hair clips and Bobby Pins.

Soooo I'm thinking of doing a giveaway, what would you like to win??

Glitter Makes The World Go Round.

It is SATURDAY.
biiiiiig sigh of relief!
This Saturday I am feeling happy happy happy.
& what says happy better than glitter.
So expect a few different glitter inspired projects coming soon.
I am all about glitter in unexpected places like.. riiiing riiiiiiing
oh- did I forget to put it on silent?
( ok, that was cheesy, I know.)

there is NO silencing this baby.
& yes, this is a very unhappy post bathtime puppy as my "wallpaper"

I get tons of questions about where I found this little gem, and it feels good to be able to say "oh, I made it"
you can too.

Hooray!

O.k this week was nuts.
Between working pretty much every day, trying to work on the business, and the end of the semester, things were wild and still are a little bit. Yesterday I had not one but TWO final exams and for those of you that checked in yesterday... a research paper to write in less than an hour and a half (which I did accomplish, thank you very much)
Anyway I am cooling down and trying to start the weekend off right by remembering what is important and what really needs to get done so I am starting a little segment "my friday"- here are my top 5 lemme know what ya think :]
1. My puppy is sleeping right now, which I am VERY thankful for because it means I can write today's research paper without having to play fetch in between.
-his sleepy breathing reminds me that all is well, and that we are all loved
2. My faith is important to me, and I feel guilty for being stressed and maybe, just a little teeny tiny bit impatient this past week.
-I am trying to be at peace today and will try to find time to reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for me on this, Good Friday.
3. My living room is looking a little too much like a war zone.
-Once I am set into this paper, my next study break will be dedicated to B.'s laundry on the ottoman, Thor's toys all over the floor, and finally, finally vacuuming the floor.
4. My exams are over for the week, and I only have ONE more two weeks from now, during finals week.
- However, Is till have 3 research papers to write in the next two weeks, not including today's, HOORAY!
5. I have been working out diligently well, I skipped Thursday.
-I am very sore and I was just a little too sleepy yesterday for the wake up call at 4:30. But, B. and I both have massages scheduled (at the student price WOOHOO) and we stuck to our diet all week- except for Thursday when I caved and ate my chocolate frozen yogurt.
what made your list?

Did you know....

Texting and driving really is very dangerous- so is talking on the phone even if it hands free while you are driving.

(*this photo is not mine, it is from The Economist)

How do I know?
I am frantically trying to finish my final research project written about just that. I have 40 minutes to go. I am on page one.
But I still found time to blog :]
Wanna read more about it?
I will share my pride and joy with you as soon as I am done!
In the mean time I recommend this little piece- you might recognize the picture
http://www.economist.com/node/18561075?fsrc=scn/fb/wl/ar/thinkbeforeyouspeak
Happy almost Friday!

Tutorial!

So a while ago I started admiring the simple beauty of ruffles. They don't sound like much, but they add just that little something extra.
& so I decided I must figure them out.
I read a billion different source, including my big how-to book.
But the result was miserable, and I could not figure them out.
Naturally once I did get it I figured I cannot be the only one having ruffle trouble- so here is my how to-

First gather your supplies...obviously.
I suggest- because of the last step, that you go with a little bit of a heavier thread, especially if you are using a thicker fabric.
Because I want to eventually use this as maybe a trim or embellishment, I wanted a nicer look to it so I pinned and sewed three edges. Ia m not sure if you can go all the way around, or what that would do to the ruffle, but I played it safe- if you do it my way, just remember to sew that unfinished edge at the very end!

Ok- from here is where I had trouble personally. People are on both side of the sewing machine settings. Some say high tension some say low- I say low. I also just used a straight stitch and sewed two lines straight down the center- make sure they do not touch, but remember the ruffle will hide it somewhat so the stitch does not have to be perfectly one hundred percent straight. Also, I recommend idling th machine a little until you get used to ruffles so that the thread doesn't yank right out. At the end of each of those, trim the thread, leaving a couple of inches of tugging room.

The last step to complete the ruffle is to pull on the thread.
This took me like oh.... 5billion frustrating attempts, so don't worry if your thread pulls all the way through or breaks don't sweat it. Everyone else made ruffles seem so easy that it was somewhat discouraging to me that mine were anything but. So do not panic if it doesn't come out right the first time!

If you were like me and left that raw edge, finish that edge off, and then enjoy your hard work!

Bleh.

This week is very long and it is trying me already...
I work a TON this week, and I am trying to get orders in before the end of the school year and just get my business off the ground in general. And study for finals.
AND write my final papers. AND make time for my boyfriend and pup, AND eat healthy.
Ughhhhhh
All I want is a BIG fatty frozen yogurt- chocolate of course. With mini gummy bears.
oh
&
a bubble bath.
That will have to wait until summer though (maybe not the froyo- froyo waits for no woman)
Also, I made the Pho today and let me tell you it was EASY!
It took less than 30 minutes to make, I didn't have agave nectar, and I subbed stew meat in for the beef tenderloin because I forgot to defrost it, annnnnd I bought the wrong type of noodles. However it was still yummy. While I did not clear my bowl because I didn't much care for the amount of fresh lime juice I over zealously added, Is till very much enjoyed the dinner. I especially loved the speed.
This recipe was also from the Now Eat This Diet cookbook. I am grooving on this new book. The food is so flavorful it doesn't taste like diet food, but this meal was under 200 calories- woohoo!

Weigh In Day!

Today marked my first check up on my weight loss challenge.
while I have not actually lost weight yet, I check all of my measurements and there is nothing but good news there.

Thankfully my booty saw the greatest reduction in inches overall- down an inch there, my pants are thankful for the extra breathing room.

Also, I just bought a new cookbook- Rocco Dispirito's "The Now Eat This Diet"
It caught my eye because the menu is all planned out for me, complete with shopping lists.
Tonight we had Pepper Onion and Goat Cheese Frittata ( I substituted feta for the goat cheese because I am a culinary chicken) and it was suuuper yummy, took mere minutes to make and was only 182 calories a serving. Good call? I think so.

Guess Who

Just figured out how to make feather hair extensions and is adding them to her business line???
Yeah, this girl!
As soon as my stuff comes in I will teach you how to make them too :]

Tutorial!

I have a dirty secret.
And I know what you are thinking- geez louise woman, enough with the secrets!
But this is much worse than all of the others.
You see, I love things when they are nice and neat. I love to craft, to create, to beautify.
But my apartment is U.G.L.Y- it aint got no alibi.It's ugly, formt he front entrance in, out of shape old, and intimidating to any who want to remain healthy and alive as it looks like it could crack and fall to the ground at any time.
{here is my sad looking front door}

{and the part of the walkway directly to the left of the door}

Clearly, this is the area I am focusing on...
first:

* I forgot to mention you also need a helpful mom.
-The shepherds hook could go straight into the ground, unless you have ground like mine that is rocky and gross, plus I like the look of the pot planter WAY better
Step 1: Add bricks to the bottom of the planter for drainage.
Step 2: Place the hook inside the pot, you may need help (this is where mom comes in) :]

Step 3: Pour potting soil in to the pot, being sure to pack it in around the hook for added stability.
Step 4: Grab you plants, loosed the roots at the bottom, and plant them.
Step 5: Add your hanging plant or other to the hook.
Step 6: Admire the difference

I used lavender, and white alyssum.
Hopefully they will both come back and I will have a nice back drop of white with pretty and fragrant purple lavender.
Also the hanging flowers are pansies, in case you couldn't tell- just because they were cheapest, but I like them. I am working on a hanging welcome sign to add to the second hook.

What beautification project are you working on?

Oops (again)

Sooo I skipped yesterday.
and I have yet to upload my pictures from this weekend so I can't post those either.
BUT I do have progress with my personal challenge. I am still struggling trying to recover from being up too late Monday night (ughh). Yet, we woke up for the gym at 4:30 am today (not so yay) but I got my workout in. Also, I have nothing but healthy. Yesterday I was going to give in to temptation and buy myself a frozen yogurt for getting so much accomplished but resisted (partially due to the lack of chocolate fro-yo, but whatever.
I hope the progress for your own challenge is going well!

Final secret, first challenge, and more!

O.k. I know there were no posts this weekend. My momma came for mom's weekend on campus and having her, and B.'s mom here, and the stress of the end of the semester and blah blah blah, it didn't happen, alright?
And I know I have said things along this line kind of often lately, but I have a lot in the works for you, including my very first tutorial(HOORAY).
But today I am starting something special, something my momma and I talked about this weekend. And mom, since I know you are reading this- time for you to jump on board missy.

First, me last secret- which should sot of explain why this is gonna be so very hard. Growing up in base housing the friends you have are sacred for as long as they are yours before one of the two of you transfers. I had this super cool friend way back (like k-1st grade) and she had an even cooler older sister, who had just had a baby. Their house was quiet, her parents listened to the king of Pop often, and the even got to eat dinner in the living room. Looking back, my family is obviously cooler, but I thought they were awesome, and they quite possibly were. Anyway0 my friend's sister had just had the baby and she was using this neat little trick she had learned from her own friend to lose the baby weight. she was forcing herself to vomit this was working so well and she was so pretty, and we wanted to be just like her, and so we tried it. We clearly had nothing to lose, we didn't need to be anything but little girls. But we picked up a nasty habit that we had no idea was bad. To my parent's credit- as soon as they figured out this unspeakable game we just started, they sought help, and I became much healthier. But the seed was already planted. The pain of feeling fat, of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin but not wanting to sink back into the disorder is very difficult. And I have let myself slip- not into the disorder, but into letting this self pity get the best of me.
This is me at the end of my freshman year in college- at 120 pounds.

( never mind my messy roommates stuff in the background)
I am now 170 lbs.
and five feet tall.
you read that right.

this is me now.
cropped for an illusion of thinness.
But today starts my change, and this time for real, feel free to leave suggestions, update me on your own progress, or just follow along silently.

OH & Happy Monday!

Dear World,

Neon pink tights, a zebra print trench coat and knee high boots are not necessarily a good look.

Most especially not when worn together.
I am not the most stylish person, but come on...even I know better than that.

The other man.

I have sooo many things I am dying to share with you. All of which are awesome but I have saved for you the grand finale to my family. My sweet little man. He has been with me only since June of this past year, but the impact he has made is incredible. He is not a baby, though he is most certainly my baby.
I introduce to you now, the sweetest, best puppy ever- Thor.

(rocking the infinity scarf I made him :])

Thor puppy is a man of many names, with a personality much larger than our teeny tiny apartment. One day I will give you a 360 and you will understand what I mean by that. Anyway, this little guy brightens me up every single second I am with him. It starts early early early in the morning when I am still grumbling about having to wake up to go to the gym, (or in the micro second I take to debate whether or not I am waking up to go to the gym) . B. gets up first, takes him out to potty and gives him his treat, which is apparently code for “time to get Caitlin” because without fail I can hear his mini paws clippy clapping across the kitchen floor, pummeling across the living room floor to the bedroom where he jumps (and I swear he has a strange hovering type ability) and pounces square on my chest, where he stays until I have decided to get up, in which case he gives me my good morning puppy kisses, or stay home, in which case he curls right up and commits to another hour of sleep with me.

Thor came into our lives suddenly- like within days of deciding I wanted a dog, and within hours of finding out that little guy existed in the first place. He is undoubtedly the best split second decision I have ever made. Though he caused living arrangement “problems” initially, and there has been a great learning curve, and he STILL does not understand “sit", he ultimately has made every situation better, and his goofy little mannerisms get him out of all sorts of trouble.

(and he is a coug :])

Puppy love is the best therapy.