XLVIII

We were invited to our friends' house this Sunday for a Super Bowl party and I'll be bringing an appetizer, so I'm pulling some recipes to decide what I want to make and then I'll share them next week! Check out my Yum board for more deliciousness! 

5 Layer Chili Dip

Avocado Hummus Dip

Caprese Skewers

Corn Dog Bites

Double Cheese Corn Dip

Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites

Wednesday Words

 Having a grateful mindset can make all the difference . . . 

Fairway

There are several stores that I frequently list among my favorites (Barnes and Noble and CVS), and Fairway is right at the top of that list. For some reason, I always feel inspired by the products that they sell. To me, they are the love child of Whole Foods and Shop Rite. I really love the fact that I can find organic lactose free coconut ice cream as well as Doritos under one roof, and my cart frequently looks like a college student and classically trained chef are living together. 

Monday Must-Haves: Throw Down

It is high time that I grab some cute, decorative pillows for my couch. Last New Year's, I hosted a party and ran to Home Goods 3 days before where I bought new curtains, candles, pillows, and misc. decorative objects to add a feeling of "done-ness" to the apartment. I grabbed two pale blue over sized pillows with black trim to make the couch seem more inviting, but I've wanted to replace them almost as long as I've had them. I do have a couple problems though with replacing my pillows. First of all, my dogs LOVE sleeping on these pillows, they're filled with down feathers and are very squashy and cuddly. Secondly, Pig has been known to shred her previous dog beds, and I'm concerned that she will attack any new pillows that I bring in. So my plan is to start small and bring in a couple, inexpensive pillows at a time and see how it goes! 

Italian Dreams. . .

Every single day I wish that I was still on my honeymoon, eating pasta, having my bed made for me, and complaining about enjoying the summer heat. Today, its 7 degrees outside and my skin feels like a neglected hand bag and I am daydreaming excessively about my favorite (and only) trip to Europe. I cannot wait to go back! My plan next time is to visit Barcelona and stand inside La Sagrada Familia! 

Wednesday Words

Brie en Crout

I may have mentioned previously that I love easy recipes that deliver in the wow factor department and this is exactly one of those types! It tastes amazing even though it looked a bit droopy after baking! 

As always, you can find the original on Pinterest!

Monday Must-Haves: Mellow Yellow

Anyone who knows me, knows that I HATE yellow, but something is happening with me. I've been noticing pops of it throughout my house and I kind of like it! If we want to get all psychological here, it's likely because it's been freezing and dreary and I'm looking forward to Spring! I decided to pull together some more yellow inspiration to get me through the remaining cold winter weeks! 

Jonathan Adler vase
zincdoor.com

Reed diffuser
target.com

French Macaron Cookies 12 Lemon Almond Cream Macaroons Gift Splendid...
etsy.com

Valentino yellow sandals
neimanmarcus.com

Stella Dot clutch
stelladot.com/ChristaDickerson

NARS Cosmetics nail polish
narscosmetics.com

MAC Cosmetics nail polish
nordstrom.com

Perfect(ly easy) Parfait

These parfaits can be pulled together in 10 mins or less, and that includes waiting for the instant pudding to firm up in the fridge for 5 minutes! You guys know how much I love an easy, impressive looking dessert!

You'll Need:

1 box Jello Instant Chocolate Pudding

1 box of Graham Crackers 

1 bag of Mini Marshmallows

Nice to have:

Stemless Wine Glasses

Food Processor

Directions:

Follow instructions on package to make Instant pudding and let settle in fridge while you prep your parfait. Break up graham crackers (I chose Cinnamon Sugar topped crackers) into food processor and grind to a fine "sand" texture. Once pudding is set, layer it into glasses with graham crackers and top with a layer of mini marshmallows and a piece of cracker for garnish. 

I used one whole box (4.5 cups) for the two parfaits shown. I also made one topped with Cool Whip for those weird people that dislike marshmallows. 

Enjoy!! 

-C

Wednesday Words

The past few weeks have been crazy, stressful, and trying (in addition to be amazing, inspiring, and fun). I'm ready to welcome a fresh start with 2014! 

Easy "Washi" Tape Fun

I saw this image months ago and finally got around to buying some washi tape of my own and decided to spruce up my go-to lip colors last week!

I was first introduced to the below colors when I went for my wedding day makeup trial and they have both stayed in my makeup bag since July 1, 2012-they are the PERFECT neutral colors and look great alone and when layered together! 

Beat up packaging +

Fun tape from Office Depot =

 A little pick-me-up in my makeup bag! 

MAC Creamsheen Glass in Boy Bait

&

MAC Viva Glam lipstick in Viva Glam V (Lustre)

Helping Out an Amazing Person

One of my absolute favorite yoga teachers (and people) recently found out she has an operable brain tumor. She's been in the hospital for a few days and is undergoing brain surgery tomorrow. Friends set up a donation page in her name to cover her $50,000 medical bills, all of which she will be paying out of pocket. This blog was created as a way for me to share inspiration and I am truly inspired by this woman. It only feels right that I should use my "voice" to help aid her in her recovery and it is from the deepest part of my heart that I ask anyone who is able to, to make a donation to her cause. Any amount is appreciated and will go a long way. I know that she would be eternally grateful for your support and help. 

Donations for Jody Domerstad's Medical Expenses can be made here. 

Monday Must-Haves: Inspired Additions

Last night I made my weekly trip to Barnes and Noble and picked up Remix: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul by Jeanine Hayes & Bryan Mason-writers of the blog AphroChic. Their book really got me thinking about adding more bold, natural, and culturally aware elements to my home and I scrapped my original plan for this week's Must-Haves and sought out some elements that I feel fit in with their aesthetic. Also, I just love this book, so if you are looking for some inspiration and are working with a limited budget or mindset, I highly recommend it! 

Photo wall art
greatbigcanvas.com

Silver home decor
purehome.com

Diptyque paris candle
stylebop.com

Personalized home decor
gifts.redenvelope.com

Diptyque candle
bergdorfgoodman.com

Zara Home small item storage
zarahome.com

Wooden flower pot
target.com

Resin statue
orientalfurniture.com

DwellStudio ceramic vase
dwellstudio.com

Areaware small item storage
tenover6.com

Puppy Loving

Yesterday, I worked from home, and I was lucky enough to spend the day in yoga pants with my pups snoozing nearby. Not only did the temperature ease up (its now 32 degrees instead of 7) but it was gloriously sunny. The babes made it a point to find slices of sun for snoozing and I somehow snapped a few really cute pictures. 

Please know that I will never claim to be a photographer and to be completely honest, I don't even know how to properly use the camera that I have-I usually play with the settings until the image appears as I want. I don't know if these pictures are technically sound, but I love them regardless! 

Harry 

(aka: H-Roll or Harold)

Usually, they chew on each other and play fight, but they were being super cuddly and sweet! 

My work-from-home setup is much cuter than my actual desk!