Handmade Notes

I have so much fun creating my own cards to send on special occasions or just to say "thanks". Plus, I think receiving a handmade note that's free of any cheesy Hallmark-ness is refreshing. I like using a mix of different papers and unexpected prints, and a simple gold pen and glue stick to craft a love note that is a little rough around the edges.

Super Snack

The two things I care about on Super Bowl Sunday are the commercials and the food. I'm not doing much of anything to celebrate this year, so decided I'd spend my time making my own tortilla chips and guacamole. I could eat this snack for every meal of every day and enjoy it just the same. Now I just need a seat on the couch and a Corona and lime.

For chips: quarter tortillas. spray baking sheet with cooking spray. place tortilla pieces on sheet & spray with cooking spray, sprinkle with salt & a bit of cayenne pepper. cook at 350 for about 10 minutes. flip at minute 5.

For guac: mix avocado, diced tomato, roasted jalapeno, red onion, garlic & cilantro. add salt, pepper & squeeze of lime. garnish with cilantro sprig if you're feelin' fancy.

Lust List : Planet Blue

If one magical day I won the lottery, no longer believed in donating to charity, and didn't have to wear a uniform five days of the week, this would happen:

Color Collage

I love getting mail! Yesterday I came home from work to find three of my favorite catalogues waiting for me. I tore out my favorite images from each and taped them to my wall to add a little bit of color and inspiration to my room. Below are a few more things brightening my day...

The Morning Muffin

My favorite coffee shop in town sells bran muffins that are exceptionally good. They are filled with carrots, zucchini and raisins, and have a crunchy top and slight sweetness that makes them a perfect pair for a morning cup of coffee. I decided it shouldn't be (that) difficult to make my own, granted the complete lack of baking experience I have, and gave it a whirl this morning. Besides the fact that my recipe was supposed to make a dozen muffins and I only ended up with six, they turned out nicely moist and smelling of cinnamon.

The ingredients

raisins, walnuts, whole wheat flour, and wheat bran & shredded carrots and zucchini

Shab n' Chic

I cannot wait to have my own apartment, no matter how small it may be, so I can fill every room (one big room really, as it will most likely be a tiny studio) with the pieces below. I love the idea of mixing wild colors with chic whites and piling a comfy couch high with bright pillows. But while I'm still currently renting a room from my parents (reality check!), the least I can do is lust.

Images via 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Lazy Days

It's not often that I have a weekend day off, so this Saturday I vow to do a whole lot of nothing. It just so happens that the streets of Chicago are freezing and covered in snow, which means I don't feel guilty for curling up on my couch and enjoying at least 3 cups of coffee over the course of the afternoon. Today I'm appreciating a few things around the house that are currently making me happy, including my new book (I'm finally starting the Janet Evanovich series). Also, lusting after celebrity lazy day styles.

Frye Boots & Andy Warhol print

...and yes, those are snowman sheets

La Mer watch I received for Christmas

Jeans and T-shirt & Flat boots and aviators

Bag and scarf & Yes, please