Randoms!

I've got lots of random thoughts so, here goes.

This weather is SOOO nice. I love walking out of my building at the end of the work day to warmer temps and daylight!! I can't wait until it's finally warm enough to hang by the pool and drink a beer or 2.

I am in love with Boden. As I said yesterday, I got the catalog, and dog-eared almost every other page! Allie over at Sundresses and Smiles blogged about the brand yesterday, and I am loving her picks! Here are a few of my faves:

I have realized and come to terms with the fact that I am officially turning into my mother. I was thinking about the few items I got this past weekend with shopping the Etcetera line, and they are all exactly what my mom would wear! Not that it's a bad thing, but it's official, we are the same.

I love love love Food Should Taste Good's Lime chips! They are still chips and fried (I think) so obvi they aren't good for you, but they are all natural, contain no preservatives, and are a good source of fiber. I'll take it! I bought a bag at the grocery Monday night, and they were gone last night. I may or may not have eaten the entire bag myself.

I love salt. It's gross how much I love salt. I put it on everything!!! And recently I have really been craving salty snacks!! (hence an entire bag of chips is now gone!) I think it's because all of my snacks recently have been "sweet" as in fruit, yogurt, Larabars. All I want is some goldfish or pretzels! I might have to give in a grab something salty pretty soon, because if I try to ignore a food craving I obsess about it until I get it (is that OCD or compulsive eating? Both? ugh!).

I booked a plane ticket yesterday to go to Dallas at the end of the month! I was worried it would be super expensive because of rising fuel costs and all the problems airlines have been having (ahem, Southwest's plane that had a huge hole ripped in it!), but I got a great deal! I really can't wait to see this cutie pie:



Isn't she so cute! She is the bf's dog and is so sweet and the most energized dog ever!



and all of my friends and the BF in D-Town!!

I can't wait to sit my behind in a lounge chair and spend 2 glorious weeks at the beach at the end of this summer! Best things about family beach trips: drinking, eating, playing pool-pong, walking on the beach, finding sand dollars, drinking more, eating more, laying out, swimming, spending family time, and this year: celebrating a big birthday for my dad!!

Well, that's about all the randomness I've got for today! I hope y'all are having a wonderful Thursday!!!!

ERK

Every Day Jewels

No WILW this week, I have been planning on doing this post but never got around to it, so here goes...

I know many women love to change up their jewlery/ accessories every day;  to wither match their clothes, mood, ect. I am not one of those ladies. Sometimes I wish I were because I love how some people can add the perfect earrings or statement necklace and really make their outfit. I am BAD at that, so I always steer clear. I love the look of dangly earrings, but I have very few pairs and never can figure out when to wear them. I think I need more now that I have thought about it so much for this post. Anywho, here is my everyday jewlery look:

Left hand:

My watch: I love this watch, which I got for college graduation from my parents. It goes with everything and I have literally worn it every day since I got it last May. I feel naked without a watch, does anyone else? The best part about the watch is that my parents had the bottom side engraved with my monogram and the date of my graduation. This will always be a very special piece of jewlery for me.

David Yurman mini cable bracelet with pearls: I like how simple this bracelet is and it goes with everything. I got it for my 20th birthday from mom and dad and I wear it all the time. I like that it has silver and gold so I can wear it with either (though I have definately started liking gold way more... too bad it's WAY more expensive. Boo!)

James Avery Open Sorrento Ring: I got this from my parents this year for Christmas, and I love it. I searched high and low for a gold middle finger ring. I wanted something without gem stones that was simple but different (you follow me?) I thought about a signet ring, but my mom convinced me that wasn't the best choice (my monogram won't always be the same, or at least I hope!). I saw this online, and I went to try it on and just loved it.

Right hand:

Saphire ring (bad pic, IRL its much more detailed): I got this beaut for my 21st birthday, once again from mom and dad (see a trend here?) I looked everywhere for a special ring for that birthday, and looked at estate and antique jewelers all over Atlanta. I saw this one early on and liked it, but wasn't sure. I had no idea what my parents decided to get me until they came to Dallas to celebrate my birthday and I opened this. I love it because it is unique and has sentimental value.

Earrings:

Usually any gold stud-type of earring. I got this pair from my mom. She used to wear smaller earrings but hasn't in a while, so she gave all the stud-like ones to my sister and I. These are starbursts and they get lots of wear!

What are your every day jewels?

Also, random side note. Did anybody else get the Boden catalogue today? SUCH cute stuff, I might have to make some purchases!

I hope y'all had a great Wednesday, it's almost the weekend!!!!

ERK

Arroz con pollo recipe and my weekend!

Sunday night I made arroz con pollo from Gina's Skinny Recipe. It turned out really well and was very filling, but I changed the recipe ever so slightly to make it how I wanted it. It was very easy to make, and great to save for lunch later in the week because it makes a lot. Here is the recipe with my changes (highlighted in pink) and some pictures of the process.

Arroz Con Pollo, Lightened Up
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 8 • Size: 1 cup rice 1 thigh • Old Points: 7 pts • Points+: 8 ptsCalories: 311.1 • Fat: 4.6 g • Protein: 17.9 g • Carb: 48 g • Fiber: 0.6 g    

• 8 skinless chicken thighs I used 4 boneless, skinless breasts, chopped in bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1/2 packet Goya sazon 
• about 1/2 tsp adobo
• about 1/2 garlic powder
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 onion
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic
• 5 scallions
• 2 tbsp bell pepper
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups enriched long grain rice (I used brown rice, but it takes way longer, will explain later)
• 4 cups water
• 1 chicken bouillon
• 1 packet Goya Sazon
• salt

Some ingredients

Chopped tomatoes and mixture from food processor.

Season chicken with vinegar, sazon, adobo and garlic powder and let it sit 10 minutes. Heat a large deep heavy skillet on medium, add oil when hot. Add chicken and brown 5 minutes on each side. (Here, I just sauteed the pieces until they were almost fully cooked, then transferred them to a plate with a slotted spoon. They don't need to be cooked all the way because you put them back in with the rice to cook more.) Remove and set aside.

Chicken after adding the Sazon, it is a really pretty bright orange color

Place onion, cilantro, garlic, scallions and pepper in mini food processor. (I roughly chopped the onion, pepper and scallions, then added the garlic cloves whole and the cilantro. I pulsed them several time, but not enough to make it a paste.) Add 1 tsp olive oil to the skillet and sauté (the mixture from the food processor) on medium-low until soft, about 3 minutes. Add tomato, cook another minute. Add rice, mix well and cook another minute. Add water, bouillon (be sure it dissolves well) and sazon, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Taste for salt, should taste salty enough to suit your taste, add more as needed.

What the ingredients in the food processor should look like after a few pulses

After everything was added

Add chicken and nestle into rice (for my version, I just stirred in the chicken pieces), bring to a boil. Simmer on medium-low until most of the water evaporates and you see the liquid bubbling at the top of the rice line, then reduce heat to low heat and cover. Make sure the lid has a good seal, no steam should escape (You could place a piece of tin foil in between the lid and the pot if steam escapes).

Cook 20 minutes without opening the lid. (If you use brown rice it will take much longer, mine took almost an hour! I did open the lid to stir occasionally, oops! Also, if you use brown rice, I think it comes out much stickier than with white rice, though it was still really good. I guess it's just personal preference.) Shut heat off and let it sit with the lid on an additional 10 minutes (don't peak!!!) Fluff with a fork and eat!

End result! YUM!

It turned out really well, and the family really enjoyed it. We paired it with asparagus and a salad.


My weekend was pretty calm, Saturday I was planning on going to the farmers market, but it never happened. We went a started clearing out my storage unit Saturday morning (talk about the worst thing in the world, I HATE storage units so much!) Then my mom and I went to a friend of her's house who sells a clothing line called Etcetera out of her home. The stuff is really cute, and my mom and I both found several things. (Mine are all for work, but can definitely be for church or nice dinners this summer as well.) I can't wait until they get in, which will hopefully be by this weekend so I can wear on of the skirt suits to my GSU accepted student reception next Tuesday. After that, we went to look at rugs....again. (if you can't tell, I am SO over looking at rugs!!!)


Sunday, we went to church, then mom and I picked up 2 of the fabrics we decided on and went on another run to the storage unit and to HomeGoods, where I got a really nice green duvet cover for my bed. We decided to have standard shams made in a pretty pink and green fabric for my bed and then just go with a white coverlet and a plain green duvet. I am excited to see how it all looks in my new apartment. Sunday night I made dinner and went to bed early.


All in all it was a nice weekend, with beau-ti-ful weather!


I hope y'alls weekends were great as well!


ERK

Tail Waggin Tuesday!

Today I'm linking up with C Mae for the first ever "Tail Waggin Tuesday!"

I love this idea, because I am obsessed and crazy in love with my sweet little angel. I speak for her all the time (weird? absolutely!) and she even has her own chair at the dinner table (strange? you got it! but her table manners are perfection!)

So, without further adieu, my favorite Cupie picture:

She LOVES her cinderella dress, and here she is on top of the big dog crate showing it off. I can't find my absolute fave of her in her dress, so this is a close second. She is totes trying to model the latest fall fashions from Paris.

Callin' all beauty product lovers!

Ok, so I have a little predicament... well, it's rather big and right in the middle of my face! Yep, that's right, I have a zit. GOO! I have been blessed with very clear skin (except for a little eczema on my lower cheeks) and I rarely get zits, I mean maybe 3 a year. I am so glad my skin is like that, but when I get one, that bad boy does NOT want to go away. And this one is no exception. I have no idea what to do about it. Cream= failure. I have researched some products (the Zeno Hot Spot, but most reviews say it's a no-go), so I have come to all of the bloggin ladies.

What do you use to treat a pesky blemish? I need help, because it is driving me insane-o.

Help a sista out!!

I will be back later with a weekend update and a review of a great recipe I tried last night!

Oh! The places you'll go!

I couldn't help thinking of this Dr. Seuss book recently when I have thought back on high school and my four years of college. I had NO clue what I was in for when we loaded up good old Baxter (my first car, who tragically died after an accident involving running into a gas station... literally, inside. I digress) and headed west on I-20. I remember being absolutely devastated to be going away to college. I think I cried most of the drive (um, it was 9 hours that day and 4 the next... weirdo!). Going to college was hard. Not knowing anybody Knowing only 2 boys going to my college was hard. Not having a roommate for the first several days was hard. But, I did end up with the best friends, which all started the first night we were there and I awkwardly sat on one of my bff's floors after asking if I could hang. I said nothing. Awkward.com/Ruthie. I never realized how shy I was/ had become until going away to college, and I still struggle with it. All that being said, my friends and I always laugh about that awkward night because 4 of us stayed best friends through all of college.

Anyway, I can't believe those 4 years flew by so quickly. I felt happiness and sadness, stress, anxiety, excitement and about every emotion in between, but I am so glad that I went where I did and that I am in the place I am in my life right now. I have a great job, a loving family, awesome friends in Atlanta, Dallas and several other cities, and... I am going to law school in the Fall!

I made the decision last week to go to Georgia State next year, and I am glad that the waiting game is over. I was an easy decision, and I even made it before hearing from SMU (which was one of my top choices). With this will come life changes just like the ones that occurred when I started undergraduate: making new friends (however, all of my Atlanta friends will be here and my parents will be here, so that is not as big of an issue this go around), getting into study mode, stress and anxiety, early mornings and late nights, etc. I am excited to go though, and I feel like I am ready to go back to school.

July and August are going to be crazy because my life will completely change. I am moving into an apartment by myself (but, I will only be about 5 minutes from the rents which I am so happy about), I will be leaving my job and starting a new school all within a month. I know once school starts I will miss the days of working 9-5 and not really having to take my work home with me (which will probably never happen again!)

The gist of this post is that I could never have guessed where I would be at this point in my life in high school or college, but I can't think of a better place to be in. I am excited about the coming months, and I am sure in 4 years from now I will have the same feeling all over again.

I hope y'all are having a wonderful Thursday, it's almost the weekend! And it will be a warm and sunny weekend here in Atlanta, woohoo!

ERK

What I'm Lovin'

This week I am absolutely lovin'...

1. This adorable camera strap for my Canon Rebel. I know, I know, I am supposed to not be spending on "frivolous" things, but how cute? I know the ole' Canon strap works just as well, but I really want this to spice my camera up!

2. These super cute Karen Walker sunglasses. They look like wayfarers but are a little more unique with the tortoise shell.

3. That things are movin' with the whole apartment thing. I know where I am going to live, we have gotten almost all of the furniture, furniture that needs refinishing was picked up Friday to get all fixed up,  we've gotten 1 rug, and my fabrics are all picked out. Here are some snap shots of my fabrics that we choose. The only things left are getting things upholstered, signing a lease (minor detail) and decorating, yay!

All of the fabrics we liked after going to 3 giant fabric stores. (sorry, it's kinda hard to see!)

The one in the upper left is going to be for bar stool cushions, and the one in the upper right is going to be used to make a duvet and shams. 

The top fabric here is for my platform rocker for my office area (it's not a rocking chair, don't worry I'm not going for the senior citizen/ preggo decor look) the second is for 2 smaller "lady" chairs that will be in my office. The third is for a little chair in my bedroom.

The bottom 2 are the only ones we are using in the photo. The very bottom is for 2 chairs in my living room (they will match my green sofa so well) and the one above that is for cushions for my dining room chairs. 

I know it seems like a lot, but they will all be spread out and it won't be bam, all in your face.

4. I donated blood today for the first time! As I said yesterday I was a little nervous, but it really wasn't that bad. The screening/ testing part took the longest and was really intense (for obvious reasons, we don't want unhealthy people donating blood, right?) I did really well and it did not take me too long to give a pint (thanks to all the water I had yesterday and today) but after that they take 6 tubes of blood. Apparently those 6 were too much and I came within an inch of passing out cold! I felt SO sick for a while, but the nurses were great and before I knew it I was at the "canteen" munchin' on some oreos and drinking a little apple juice. It was a good experience, and I am so glad I signed up at the last minute!

5. Jonathan Adler! I love some of his colorful home stuff, and I think I need these items:

Kissing Giraffe Pillow

Elephant Needlepoint Pillow

Zebra Rug: I would totally put this in the middle of my kitchen, LOVE!

Hot pink Moroccan Pouf!

Well those are some of the things I am lovin' this week, I am sure I could go on-and-on, but I will spare y'all!

I hope you had a fab Wednesday!

ERK