Banana/Mango Sunrise Smoothie

Contrary to the opinion of many, breakfast is one of the most important and meals of the day. I know many who can't stand this meal... even one of my dearest best friends even says that it makes him nauseous for the rest of the day if he eats it. Anyone else like that?

It is quite the opposite for me. I need breakfast. I can skip any other meal of the day. Not breakfast. If I don't have some kind of breakfast food, even if it's just an apple... I am Miss Cranky Pants all day long. Breakfast kick-starts the metabolism after a night of rest and gives your body "fuel" to begin the day. Breakfast time is also my "me" time. I usually read the news or my book, contemplate the previous night's dreams and gather my morning thoughts. The apartment is normally silent and I often welcome opening the window to listen to whatever is going on outside. After 20 minutes, I feel awake and refreshed- ready to begin my day.

Considering my on-going love-affair with avocados, you can imagine the drool in my mouth when I came across this recipe at Sophie's darling blog, The Littlest Things.

Avocado Toast:

2 T lime juice
2 T extra virgin olive oil
Sea Salt
Ground Pepper
1 avocado peeled and quartered
4 slices of sourdough bread, toasted
Fresh cilantro leaves

In a small bowl, mix the lime juice and evoo together with a fork until well blended. Top the toasted bread with 1 quarter of the avocado and drizzle with lime juice/evoo mixture. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

photo credit: The Littlest Things

The Mango/Banana Sunrise Smoothie compliments this filling, delicious and healthy breakfast perfectly. Seriously. Go the extra step and make this quick treat with your toast.

1/2 banana
1/2 cubed mango
1 cup orange juice
2 T yogurt

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until all chunks are gone.

photo credit: The Littlest Things

I altered the recipes just slightly to accommodate my health needs/preferences... 

*I used whole wheat bread instead of sourdough bread because I didn't have anything else on hand

*I didn't have mango, so I substituted peaches that were canned in 100% juice. I rinsed them before blending and was actually a tasty substitute. Used about 1/2 can of the peaches and refrigerated the rest.

*To cut down on sugar, I always purchase Tropicana's Trop 50 orange juice with extra added calcium. It has no added sugar and more of stuff that's actually good for you.

*I use plain Greek yogurt because that's all I ever buy anymore

*For all the protein enthusiasts out there- you can add 1/2-1 scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra morning boost (or mid-day snack).

Drooling yet? 

Do share if you give this recipe a whirl!

Happy Weekend 

(errrr... royal wedding day?), 

Lovely Readers!

Monday Funday

Monday night provided the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful evening with good friends here in Virginia. After grabbing an early dinner and drinks at my favorite local restaurant, we made a group decision to drive across town for a Central Virginia local favorite- Mr. Goodies Ice Cream. Anyone who is in the area knows how much of a staple this little tent is to the town.

Granted, I may or may not have chosen going to get ice cream over a run and volleyball on Monday night, but the way I look at it... I'm only in town for a few more weeks, so why not soak up every opportunity I get to spend time with these few amazing, loyal friends. I limited myself to a small chocolate cone and left off the sprinkles and gummy bears. I'm pretty sure I balanced out the unhealthiness of the ice cream cone with all the fresh Spring air I made sure to breathe in... or so I'm letting myself believe. ;)

'xcuse the jank hair- I thought I was just going to the gym, not taking pictures ;)

 Sitting outside enjoying a chocolate cone with good company (that I may not see for a while after my move) on a warm-ish Spring evening... there are few things better and I wasn't about to pass it up.

I hope your Monday was just as beautiful, dear readers. 

deleeeeeted

I took the plunge last night, dear readers... 

I deactivated it... 

I don't want to rant and say that I was "concerned about my privacy," "Facebook was too much drama," or anything like that. In fact, I love Facebook. I love being able to connect with people I've met and stay in touch with those I care about from home. I love being able to have instant access to friend's pictures and it has been a great way to stay connected with my college {and even high school} friends since we have all gone our separate ways.

However, since resigning my position from my desk job in VA, I have become shamefully addicted to the social media site in an unhealthy way. I found myself logging in for 20, 30, 45 minutes multiple times a day, mindlessly flipping through pictures and status updates rather than using that time productively.

After I move back to the North later this Spring {more about this later}, I will probably reactivate. I truly do love the site and its sharing/connecting capabilities. I just need a break and need to be more productive... 

Have you ever taken a Facebook/Social Media break? 

Mexi Maui: the recipe!

If you love ethnic food and avocados as much as I do, I guarantee you will LOVE this recipe. This is a delicious, "fresh" tasting meal, I love it best in the summer months. I meant snap a shot of the meal last night, but forgot as I was too hungry {and excited} to think of much else other than eating dinner. Sorry for those cooks who need a picture!

One summer during college, I lived with one of my best friends Tarrah at her parent's house in Northern VA. We spent the lazy days of that summer at the lakehouse and enjoyed Mama B's cooking!

T and I enjoying the lake

the beautiful Lake Land'Or

Tarrah, her sister's and I at the beach that summer -2007-

 

 

 

 

This is one of the recipes Mama B sent me back to college with. It's a great "clean eating" recipe that is both filling and nutritious! Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it perfect for leftovers throughout the week! 

Mexi Maui

1 16 oz can Black Beans
1/2 c. salsa {for "clean eating," choose a salsa that doesn't have added sugar; I used fresh pico de gallo found at my grocer's deli}
2 tbs minced onion
1 clove pressed garlic
2 tbs chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp oregano
2 c. cubed avocados

I gently toss everything except the avocados in a bowl together. After thoroughly mixed, I toss in the avocados. Last night, I also diced an extra tomato that was about to go bad and tossed that in, too. Chill for 1+ hour before serving {although not necessary}. Serve next to/over steaming hot jasmine rice- or for a healthy alternative to the jasmine rice- brown rice or cooked quinoa. 

*Note- I don't measure spices... normally just throw in what I think is best. Adjust seasonings to taste, keeping in mind that the flavors will all become more "bold" after sitting together for 1+ hour in the fridge. 

As always, comment or email me if you try this recipe!

pour me a glass...

I'm going to enjoy my first glass of wine in 3 weeks tonight!!

I finished my two week detox last Monday. Red wine was the hardest for me to give up, but the last thing I ran to when I was allowed to start incorporating it into my diet again. I wanted to be able to sit down and truly enjoy it. Between gym time, meetings at night, work and homework, I haven't really had time for it this past week.

One thing is for sure, I'm definitely going to enjoy a glass tonight.

Cheers to health and fitness, readers!

Happy Weekend!

Princess Presents

One of my favorite pastimes with my roommate/bff Julia is having what we call a "social morning."

They usually happen on the weekends because of our schedules. We set out alarms for about 9:30/10am. One of us gets up and makes coffee. We grab a bite to eat for breakfast and then head back to bed to read or talk for the rest of the morning. 

I love sharing coffee with Julia. We always have the best conversations over coffee, no matter where we are or what we are doing. Since she recently moved for her job, we have changed it slightly so that we are drinking coffee and either talking on the phone or tweeting each other. :)

I spotted these monogrammed coffee mugs at Anthropologie at Christmastime when I was shopping with my mom. Since then, I haven't been able to get them off my mind! I think I'm in the middle of an obsession with everything being monogrammed with an "E."

I decided to get a mug for me and a mug for Julia as the perfect compliment to our social mornings! I am IN LOVE with them!!

Then again... who doesn't love anything from Anthropologie?! 

Happy Sunday, dear readers!

St. Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is my most favorite holiday of all... I get so giddy around this time of year. I don't even have a boyfriend (well, you know... an exclusive one at least) and I still love this day.

A few reasons why I absolutely love this day and month:

1. It's a celebration of love. I love love.

2. It's pink and sparkly! It's a whole day where it's 100% ok to be in pink sparkles and be a giddy girl all day long.

3. It's a reminder that SPRING is coming! 

(ummm, it's supposedly 62 and sunny here in Central VA!)

Instead of focusing on loving specifically (or lack of) significant other or ignoring this day completely (which tends to be the 2011 trend... come on, we all know it's unavoidable), pour love out to your family and closest friends today! I guarantee that if you stop to consider loving a broad range of others instead of your lack of significant other... it will boost your whole thinking process about the whole day. 

 Happy Loving!

 

starbucks mugs

As anyone else who loves design would agree-Starbucks does a darn good job of designing classic pieces for their mug collection... especially their annual Valentine's Day collection. Every year, I cannot WAIT to see their new designs...

 

{kiss me} Italian

 

 The first two mugs, I used to own... my favorite mugs I have ever owned. Somehow they got lost... probably sometime that one year that I moved 5 times.

I picked this one up last year for my bff from home Erica, after I had promised she would be my 2010 Valentine. I packed it in with packs of Starbucks Via and a bag of coffee.

 

This one is part of the 2011 Valentine's Day collection that I picked up today with a gift card from Christmas. The back has "love" written in cursive. My newest favorite mug that brings warm, fuzzy, sparkly feelings to my heart. 

My mom gave me this mug for Christmas this year. It's currently the one I use at work- it's ceramic, so it keeps my beverage of choice warm for a while. I love the damask!

I would give anything to get my hands on the white one with pink letters (or the first one again that says "kiss me"... I'd love to have that one back). I absolutely love love love this one though... it's so pretty!

I don't know what it is about Starbucks' mugs... but man alive, they are one of my favorite things ever. It's the little things. :)

my $10 argyle sweater

I have always loved the classic look of argyle, but have never been able to find a piece that flatters my figure. While bustling around Target finishing {actually, *starting} Christmas shopping last week, I saw a cute sweater and decided to try it on, thinking it would look nice with a white button-up underneath.

I felt classic, simple and pretty at work on Tuesday and am determined to find more argyle that flatters. It was comfortable for a day around my office and as a bonus, I scored it for only $10. I wore it with my classic pearl necklace and my new gold KS bag that I got for my birthday.

{I also felt like I should have been on my way to prep school}

{have courage}

I've stated many times before, but Kate Spade is my all-time favorite designer. I love her for her whimsical and playful, yet classic and functional pieces.

I also love her for her quotes that she tucks away in secret places throughout her products. On the inside of my cell phone case, you can find the simple words "have courage" imprinted inside, only noticeable if you take the entire case off. I love that because it's like a message for me, a reminder to "have courage" to face life's daily trails.

This year, my brother treated me to 2 KS bags {what a lucky sister I am!} Here is the one I got for Christmas. When I saw this bag in the store, I immediately fell in love. I love the classic look of this bag.

Kate's message on this one is "have a point of view." I love this reminder, as one of my hardest struggles is to have a backbone or my own point of view... and if I have developed my own point of view, I am usually too passive to state it. Thank you, Kate for the reminder! I always keep your little message cards in the bag they came in!

Things that I would enjoy...

"I should unsubscribe from Kate Spade's daily email to my inbox."

-tis a common thought that crosses my mind every morning when I open my email.

I can at least drool though, right?

Dear Kate,

I love your new "34th Street Printed Treesh". You blended the leopard trend with a classic flawlessly.

I also need to replace my classic black bag and would love to add this to my collection.

Black patent leather. Classy. Chic. Modern.

I also found your new books to be quite adorable. I would love to add these to my bookshelf. I also am in love that you incorporated "she is quick and curious and playful and strong" somewhere in each of these books. I look forward to adding these to my collection.

Oh Kate, you never fail to impress me. You are classy and modern, yet vintage and playful. You bring out the best in me and no matter how many times the fateful thought to unsubscribe from your emails crosses my mind, I will always be faithful to your daily correspondence.

Love always,

Kate Spade + Office Supplies = LOVE

Does anyone else out there have an obsession with office supplies?

Probably one of my all-time favorite movie quotes is: "Don't you just love New York in the Fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address..."

Anyone know what movie that quote is from?

In my daily email from katespade.com, they featured their new 2011 calendar.

What isn't to love about this gem?

Kate Spade + office supplies = love

This WILL be going on my Christmas/birthday list.

Hello, Blog

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve written; I’ve missed writing my thoughts, sharing my life and have thoroughly enjoyed the comments and emails I have received from you- my lovely

readers asking where I’ve been.

I don’t really have an excuse for where I’ve been. I avoided my blog for a while because I was redesigning it {still not completely done, work with me people!}, redesigned a blog for my mom, and am now currently lining up some design work for my dad, as well as a few people who have asked me to design the stationary for their wedding {SO excited!}. Somewhere in here, I’m also working to launch a new blog soley devoted to the design work that I’ll be offering soon as I get better at learning the ins and outs of web design.

I also moved to another state, started a new job, traveled all up and down the East Coast during the weekends and have been pretty busy occupying my thoughts as to what my next step in life is going to be. Looking back, it’s been a pretty exciting, yet highly intimidating few weeks.

I have so many things that I want to write about, and I think I’m going to- which means you’re {hopefully} going to get 2 post in one night, as long as I can gather my thoughts and make logical sense of them.

I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA. I’ve missed you. And I’m making a commitment to start writing/posting/reading again. So here’s your invitation back to my blog- and a sneak peak to several posts:

The Friend Connection:

I’ve known this girl for HOW LONG?!? And wait... now she’s my BOSS??
Just how thankful I am for this girl...

We had a mother/daughter photo sesh.

Here’s a sneak peak at the 2 women I adore and absolutely could not live without. More from that morning coming soon!


Trust: no one can fix your issues but yourself.

Another chapter in my story.
Looooong over-due.

You can guarantee those topics will be discussed. In the mean time, I stumbled across this. For
the record, I would probably give my Sister’s right arm for a closet like this... (squiggles and hearts, Sister)



Love you all,

IWF {I Want Friday}

Today's post is all about a few things that I'm just dying to add to my wardrobe for spring/summer.

I should really get my life together and post more often... I miss it...

On the list for I Want Friday:

BCBGMAXAZRIA drapefront dress found here
perfect for a spring/summer night on the town

I've also been wanting to add some basic nude pumps to my collection.
I think these would do the trick. Hmm?

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Patent Leather Pumps found at saks.com

I've also had my eye on several new bags for spring, including this beautiful blue
marc by marc jacobs bag.
The blue just makes me squeal in excitement for springtime!!

And my favorite part about spring? Adorable new flats that let your feet BREATHE after being cooped up in boots all winter!! I'm loving Tory's sandals...
and would LOVE to have a pair in
every single color!!

And last, but not least... I misplaced my favorite black flats. Since it's such a staple to any girl's wardrobe, and my go-to shoe when I need something comfortable, I think it's about time I replace them.

Tory Burch's black patent reva ballet flat
would do the trick just perfectly.

What are some things that you're eyeing for this spring?
Share with me some links!!
What are you most excited to be able to wear again??

of this I am determined...

Without uttering a single word, my sister reminded me of something that my parents taught me growing up. They used to always tell her and I to “choose a man who would swim through shark infested waters to bring you a lemonade.”

Think about this for a moment- there’s more to this than what you read. What they meant, and what took me a while to grasp is that I should choose a man who is willing to lay down his own life for me and our future family. A man who is willing to do everything in his power to provide for my needs and for our family’s needs. A man who would do anything for me, without thinking about himself first. Granted, hopefully I’m not selfish enough to nonchalantly ask him to risk his life in an effort to quench my thirst, but you get what I’m saying...

So guess what I decided tonight? I’m done making excuses for the men that I choose in life. I want a man who will willingly swim through shark infested waters to get me a lemonade. Why? Because that’s what I deserve. I am a passionate woman, and when I love someone- I love them without holding anything back. I am faithful and loyal and will do back-flips trying to make the one that I love happy. I cherish them, care for them and support them. I deserve that kind of treatment back.

...not somebody who wants to move on to “bigger and better” things because they think they are called to a “bigger and better life”. And definitely not anyone who is willing to leave me trampled on in the dust as they run on to chase what they think they are called to do. I want a team, a selfless, balanced team. I will have that. And this man will love me for who I am and will appreciate the unconditional, loyal love that I offer. This man will swim across an ocean of shark infested waters to bring me a lemonade.... Of this... I am sure. I will not settle or make excuses for the rest any longer.

In other news:

Confession:

I love love love coffee mugs, usually cute ones from Starbucks...
but check out these adorable ones I found from
Paula Kathlyn’s Etsy shop.

I bought the lips mug for me...


...and the mustache one for my dear friend, Erica.


Are you just as obsessed with these as I am?

Dreams do come true...

Ok, so I'm probably being dramatic with the title of this post- but dolls... 2010 couldn't have started off better.

Finally, after years of wishing, my wait is over. The iPhone is officially mine to have and to hold for for as long as we both shall live... errr.. for the next 2 years at least.

I have been dying to get my little fingers on one of these classy and fabulous little devices since the first mention of them. And oooh, my loves... the wait was SO worth it! Mine arrived Tuesday afternoon and I honestly haven't been off of it since. I text, I tweet, I facebook, I check blogs, I play Would You Rather with friends for hours on end... and when I get bored with all that, I just hold her. I am obsessed!!!

Now it's time for some bloggy love from one to another to tell me the best apps to purchase/download. I have some pretty basic ones, but please DO TELL which are your favorites!!

And a very special thanks to Dreaming in Pink and Green for another special award! Thanks guys for the blog love! I absolutely LOVE getting things like that!!

Happy weekend lovers!!!