Monday, April 11, 2011

Listed: Back!


Anyone still out there?  I hope my absence hasn’t caused too many to remove my blog from their blog list!  The past three weeks have been some of the busiest I have ever had.  New job...moved cities… several events… and just got back from the best wedding season kickoff in Charleston, SC!!

Just a little update:  I am now working/living in Houston, TX, but still have the same job with the same company.  Since I am from Houston, moving here has not been much of adjustment at all.  Was a little hesitant at first, but all in all, I haven’t lived here as a post-grad and I’m very excited to learn all that Houston has to offer!!  First day of work is tomorrow…eeekkk! 

This past weekend I had the pleasure of watching my good friend Ashley marry her high school sweetheart in Charleston, SC.  Charleston = amazing.  Great food, awesome shopping, charming architecture, rich history… definitely add it to your Places I Want to Visit list.  A weekend was not long enough by any means!  Having only scratched the surface, I have bumped Charleston to the top of my PIWtV list.  My travel buddy Lindsey and I did a great job of making the most of our visit and I will dish all about it later this week!

Traveling to Charleston was not a walk in the park.  With many hours spent in the air or in various airports I am so thankful I finally decided to visit Etsy.com.  I spent HOURS on this site.  Searching for art, jewelry, antiques, you name it!  I already have several “favorites.”  If you haven’t ever visited I strongly suggest you take a look.  Maybe I am way behind and this site is old news but I can’t wait to get some of these prints I ordered:






Once I get them I am going to go on a hunt to find some neat frames and piece together my esty collection.  Here is the link to some of my favorites! 

So glad to be back!  Happy Monday!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Listed: Hey Babycakes!

My younger sister is off to NYC this morning and I am uber jealous.  I spent a summer in the Big Apple and had a blast!  Still a place I could easily relocate to!  It is just full of amazing places to eat, has the best shopping, is so culturally saturated, has an amazing arts scene… you all know these things!  I love visiting!  My friend Berry lives there currently and a few years back during a post Shopsin’s brunch she took us to Babycakes Bakery.  I was in LOVE!  They use the best ingredients and offer vegan and gluten free baked goods.  De-Lish!  I think I got one of everything just to try!  They came out with a cookbook a little while ago (I had it preordered) and I have loved cooking out of it! 

 Over the weekend I had some downtime and decided to make my sister some muffins to get her geared up for her trip!  I was short coconut oil so I had to improvise!  I replaced coconut oil with ¼ cup of Grapeseed oil and half of a small applesauce.  Doing this actually cuts back on the fat/saturated fat and they tasted great!  (not that I don’t like coconut oil!)


Ingredients:
2 cups Spelt Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup coconut oil (Grape seed oil/ applesauce)
2/3 cup agave nectar
2/3 cup rice milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pure lemon extract
2/3 cup fresh blueberries


Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the oil, agave nectar, rice milk, vanilla and lemon extract to the dry ingredients, and stir until the batter is smooth. Using a plastic spatula, gently fold in the blueberries just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

This is what the batter looked like prior to adding the blueberries.  Almost "runny."



Ta-Da!  Breakfast of Champions!  Next time I will add more blueberries!


I also enjoy their blog!  Sister, if you are reading this... I know they deliver and I know you know where I live...






Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Listed: Break a Sweet

One week down.  No processed carbs!  Still a ways to go…and for some unfortunate reason, I have developed a little sweet tooth in place of my carbo fetish.  In an attempt to avoid the potential of sabotaging my clean eating streak, I set out to discover some new and different sweet food items to curb my cravings.  I aimed to find something different so that whatever it was, it would be something new to me…actually a treat!  I had two successful purchases from a trip to Whole Foods this weekend that I would like to share.

The first was my discovery of the Kiwi berry! 


You can eat them just like grapes but they provide just a little more…leaving you satisfied after eating them!  Pretty cute, right?


Another thing I found was these Power of Fruit Bars.  They are all fruit with no preservative and hit the spot when you crave something sweet!  Even their nutrition label says, “… And nothing else. No added sugar, color or preservatives. None. Zero. Zilch.”  A totally guilt-free treat… score.



I tried the All Fruit… can’t wait to try the Berry Banana and the Tropical!


Friday, March 11, 2011

Listed: Coming Soon...

I want to apologize for the lack of consistency in my posts!  There are several days I don’t even log on to my computer.  Today is another busy day but I wanted to preview a few things I planned to write about next week.  First, I have been invited to an overwhelming amount of wedding showers already and its only March!  I love the events but with so many, I have been at a loss when it comes to what to give.  I always refer to the couple’s registry but sometimes there just aren’t affordable options left or I don’t want to be the one with the “boring” gift.  I have thought of a few ideas to solve this problem.  At one of the showers I attended this year the bride was gifted a popcorn maker.  It didn’t strike me as a great gift idea until I tried the popcorn.  To get a visual, this is what I am talking about:



Its only $30 or so from Crate & Barrel which is a perfect price!  Package that bad boy up with a sack-o-kernels and you have a fun and different kitchen gadget to gift to the couple.  I plan to purchase one myself this weekend and play around with cooking options.  I plan to figure out a few solid recipes for the popcorn maker that I could print out on cute paper and attach to the gift in order to add a personal touch!  (already on the grocery list: cinnamon, pink salt, truffle oil…. the possibilities are endless!)  I will update next week with the results!

I also plan to hit the kitchen this weekend while I’m in Houston.  (so much easier to cook when I have the amenities of my parents kitchen!)  So expect some recipes and how tos in the near future! 

As for a touch tunes moments… call me a pop princess because I’m hooked on these two jayamzzz:



And as for a laugh, this came up when I Googled TGIF images: 


WHAT????




 

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Listed: Fasting

I attended the same small private school K-12 grade.  It was not Catholic so Lent was not something I ever learned about.  In fact, I can distinctly remember when I first learned about it.  One Wednesday during my freshmen year at UT, I was walking to class and noticed that some girl clearly did not look in the mirror when she rolled out of bed because she had a dark smeared gray something or another across her forehead. As seen on Joe Biden here:



I remember thinking that was funny but that’s about it.  Then I made my way to the Pi Phi house for Mexican lunch and my friends that are twins had the same smudged substance on their foreheads!  Completely ignorant, I decided to let them know about the mess they had on their faces.  They both looked at me like I had told them I believe in aliens.  “Uhh, its Ash Wednesday???”  I think I tried to play it cool as any new freshman would and then immediately researched this “Ash Wednesday” when I got to my computer.  Pretty classic story for someone that grew up in a very small bubble.  So to get things straight:

Lent in the Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. Lent is a time of sacrifice for Jesus. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, repentance, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Conventionally, it is described as being forty days long, though different denominations calculate the forty days differently. The forty days represent the time that, according to the Bible, Jesus spent in the desert before the beginning of his public ministry, where he endured temptation by Satan. There are traditionally forty days in Lent which are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance.



Since I became educated on the religious holiday I have participated each year.  This year I have decided to fast from all things that come from a box or bag (pertaining to food) if is in within my power.  I am sure I will have a few cases were its simply not avoidable but I would really like to try to eat as clean as possible and when I crave certain things I will be reminded to focus on a few things of importance to me at this point in my life.  Sooo for now, bye-bye pita chips. 

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Listed: Swamped

Yet another event tonight!  If you live in Dallas, please come!!  Here is the invitation:



NM Downtown just picked up Jonathan Bash’s debut collection and tonight it hits the floor.  The designer himself will be here for the launch and a give quick presentation for attendees.  He has always wanted to sell in Neiman Marcus and is so excited about tonight!  Should be a great event!


Another person that is busy is none other than the star of my last post, Gwyneth.  When I opened her email today I saw that it was short and I was a little bummed.  Then I read it.  Take a look! 


YAY!!  Another round of Glee!  Can’t wait to see what songs she remakes!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Listed: G Money

Gweneth is all over the place these days and I LOVE it.  I know I have already confessed my love of her to you all but I now feel the need to back it up.  I think if I could be anyone in life it would be her.  With an actress for a mother and famous producer as a father, Gwyneth was destined to be in the entertainment industry.  I say entertainment industry because she has touched pretty much all the bases.  Actress, singer, reality tv star, rock star wife, famous blogger, the list goes on and on.  She learned Spanish when she lived in Spain at age 15 while studying abroad.  How cool is that?  So to cut to the chase, here are a few reasons she is my celeb wannabe. 


She stared in two of my favorite movies of all time:





Gave us one of my favorite love songs:  Cruisin’ – duet with Huey Lewis


Endorsed a book that changed the way I eat:



Is also obsessed with Jay-Z.


We share the same obsession with Jay-Z as she recently noted at the Oscar’s (while looking wonderful in Calvin Klein).  She even got to join him on stage once…what a birthday gift.

Gwyneth Paltrow duets with Jay-Z
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has made a surprise appearance with rap legend Jay-Z at London's Royal Albert Hall.
The star of Shakespeare in Love and Proof sang the chorus of Song Cry from the rapper's classic Blueprint album. "She was a bit nervous but her performance was really excellent," says 1Xtra DJ G Money, who was at the gig. Other onstage guests included Paltrow's husband, Chris Martin, Beyonce and rap star Nas. It was the first hip-hop gig to take place in the Royal Albert Hall. "It was an historic event," said G Money. "We were in the same seats that you've seen at the Proms. It was amazing." Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, was backed by a 25-piece orchestra and a DJ for his set. Surprise performance Chris Martin duetted on an untitled song from the rapper's new album, and added vocals to another track from Blueprint, called Heart Of The City (Ain't No Love). The Coldplay star's performance had been rumoured before the concert, but his wife's appearance was more of a surprise. "People were like: 'Who is this chick that's in the spotlight?'" said G Money. "Then Jay-Z said: 'I want people to wish a happy birthday to my good friend Gwyneth Paltrow'. "Everyone was like: 'Are you for real?'"


Put that Spanish to use when she filmed: Spain…on the Road Again were she got to travel around Spain with Iron Chef Mario Batali, NY Times food writer Mark Bittman and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols (funny last name).  Each episode featured a new region of Spain’s culinary scene.  D R E A M. 


Naturally I am crazy about her blog GOOP.com which encourages readers to 'nourish the inner aspect.'  If you don’t receive the emails, sign up today!


She is married to the lead singer of Coldplay.  ‘Nuff said.



Is a Gleek which lead to this…

(A cover of an all time favorite song of mine, Umbrella by Rihanna.)

Which lead to this…

(Please tell me you saw this.  If not, Google Gwyneth at the Grammy's 2011)


Honestly, the list goes on so heads up for another post about G Money, but I actually have to get to work today!









Thursday, February 24, 2011

Listed: FRAT


Today marks the day when one of the most inspiring, hardworking, and overall FUN peers of mine is buried.  I first met my friend Jessica Fertitta when I pledged Pi Beta Phi at UT.  She quickly became a familiar face as she was ALWAYS advocating some group, program, or organization during weekly meetings... well actually anytime you would enter into a conversation with her.  She was more than "involved" in scholastic endeavors, this girl lead them all, scored amazing grades, and at the end of the day could hang with the best of em!  I never understood how someone could be so capable.  President of this, founder of that, I bet her childhood trophy room was teeming!  Blackberry always in hand... nothing abnormal for today's young adult but Jessica put her to use for way more than just texts and calls.  I will never forget my junior year during work week and the shock she sent me into as she read a poem she drafted on her blackberry while riding home from a day we at Pi Phi like to call Senior Skip Day.  During rush each year the senior class gets to take a day off because lets face it, they have it down after three years!  On this skip day its tradition for the senior class to bus out to the lake and board a large "party" barge.  The barge cruises around the lake for a few hours while its passengers bask in the sun, float in the water and enjoy an adult beverage or ten.  Its one of the highlights of my college experience for sure!  Post barge, they girls are bussed back (about 20 minute ride) just in time to help the freshmen class practice lines.  They usually only go through once and its beyond hilarious.  Jessica walked, danced, chanted, and kindly corrected the freshmen who were NOT doing lines correctly and the blackberry was still in hand.  Once all the seniors were taken through, several of them continued to dance and chant until Jessica summoned a hush and had everyone take a seat.  She then started to read a poem from her blackberry to the sorority.  This wasn't a famous poem, it was better.  While on the ride back to the house, Jessica came up with a poem about each and every girl in her pledge class.  The whole thing was brilliant!  Every line was hilarious and dead on.  I just so happen to love making up such poems so at this point, in addition to having a badass name, this girl just became even more amazing to me.  How could someone be so observant as to come up with a couple stanzas that were each unique and equally hilarious for 40 or so girls in about 30 minutes?  That's Jessica Fertitta for ya! 

Please keep her family in your prayers as they begin to face their lives without their rockstar of a daughter.  Below is her obituary. 



Jessica Michelle Fertitta
May 10, 1985 - February 20, 2011

Jessica Michelle Fertitta, the light in so many lives, was in a tragic accident in Beaumont, February 20, 2011.  Jessica was born May 10, 1985, and immediately filled those around her with joy and happiness.  She was a proud 2007 graduate of the University of Texas in Austin.  Jessica was pursuing her career goal of becoming a lawyer and was a second year student at the University of Texas Law School.  She was excited to be interning in the Texas State Senate as one of many positions she held throughout her life in the field of public service.  She was a leader in student government from grade school through college and spent four years working for Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.



Jessica’s remarkable life was marked by many accomplishments and successes.  She earned full academic scholarships for both her undergraduate degree and law school.  Jessica served her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, as vice president of her pledge class and as president of Panhellenic.  She was president of her senior class at Monsignor Kelly High School and held too many leadership positions to list.  Jessica was a gifted writer, public speaker and entrepreneur-starting her first of many businesses while she was still in grade school.  Jessica, simply put, lived a life full of exception and vigor.



Although Jessica excelled in academics, civics and philanthropy her family and friends are most proud of who she was as a person.  She had a presence of warmth and grace with a beautiful smile that lit up a room. Jessica was very kind, generous with her heart and a friend to so many.  She took time and energy to make those around her feel loved, supported and special.  A true leader, she inspired those around her with her courage, resilience, energy and optimism.  She was known for always turning negative situations into positive ones by “flipping it.”  Jessica began each day with the motto, “You can do it.”  She was a dedicated Christian with strong faith and sincere desire to help others.



Jessica is survived by her parents, Paige and Terry Meighen; her brothers, Taylor and Parker Meighen; her grandparents, Dona and Vincent Fertitta; aunt, Stacy Fertitta; uncle, Vincent Fertitta, Jr.; and cousins, Joseph Fertitta, William Fertitta and Jack Fertitta; as well as many extended family members and countless friends.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Listed: WISH

Today will have to be a quickie…we have another trend event tomorrow!  If you are in Dallas please come!  We are co-hosting with the gals from Luella & June.  The event is from 6-8 at the Downtown store!



So this is on my list of wants: Orlane Morning Recovery Concentrate.  I’m an early riser.  Always have been but this trait does not work well with a job that requires a lot of my time.  Result, very little sleep.  Even worse result, dark circles under my eyes.  So I mentioned my concern to my friend in beauty and she responded with, “Oh yikes, you are going to need something strong (as she is looking at me).”  She was so nice to let me sample this concentrate and let me tell you, this stuff actually works!  I don’t know what it is but I can really see a difference when I use it!  I am definitely going to add this to the cosmetics bag as soon as I run out of my tester.


Random side note...Love Olivia’s look at the Jaeger show in London.  She just can’t go wrong!  Adorable deep tan silk dress looks great with the new shorter hair and fun leopard-print booties!  A+ as always!




One last thing, I don’t think out of my few readers there are any men out there but just in case I want to share these shoes I would want if I were a boy!  They from Walkover, hand made, very special and would make a great gift for that guy "who has it all"!  I sent the link to my Dad and suggested the Grey Suede, which is my fav!  Check them out! Also, read the history of the company…too busy to share but I think its worth a read! 





Monday, February 21, 2011

Listed: Charelston Chic

A word I’m much fonder of now than ever: Friday!!  I had a span of time where every weekend was taken up by weddings or pre-wedding parties.  Though exhausting at times, I truly love events and weddings because well isn’t the main focus a celebration of some sort?  Celebration = FUN!  Today I looked at my calendar and realized wedding season is just around the corner!  YAY!  To kick off my season, I am invited to a wedding in Charleston, SC for my sweet friends Ashley and Christopher.  I am so excited!  Not just because I get to see Barbie and Ken (they are both highly attractive and just wonderful) tie the knot but also to visit a town I have heard so much about!  In thinking about my future vacation I will dedicate this post to clothes that are a little more on the preppier side of the runway or should I say, Charleston chic. 

These first few items are from Lilly Pulitzer.  Pause.  I KNOW what you are thinking and let me be the first to tell you that things have changed over at the Pulitzer house.  I would even go as far as to say that many of you would have no clue as to where these items were pulled from if I didn’t already spill the beans.  Take a look and let me know if you agree that things have changed for the better!



I've seen this dress just about every season and I still love it.  The Shayna Dress is a great staple to have in your closet as it can be dressed up or down.  Great Easter dress...don't worry Ashley, I will not pack this for your wedding :)  Reminds me of something my friend Allison from Three Branches Health would wear!





Really like this colorful print but can't decide which way I like it best.  Both are perfect for a weekend at the beach!



I think this dip dyed scarf would pair well with just about all of these looks from Lilly Pulitzer and you never know when the temperature is going to drop when you are traveling.  (Unless you are in Texas...its a sure bet you will not need this scarfs assistance.)




Navy is a great color on just about everyone and this dress is a great pick for just about anything!  The dress is pretty plain so you can get creative with lots of gold jewelry and wear it to a formal occasion or opt for some flats and a dip dyed scarf for a casual day look.


These short are pretty average but I love the color!  They are calling it "Worth Blue" and it looks like the perfect cross between a Carolina Blue and a Royal.  Best of all, they are only 54 bucks!



Ok, the print on this skirt screams Lilly Pulitzer but the length/cut is a little shorter than the norm from LP and I love it.  The scalloped hem is a great touch to make this skirt look even more femanine than it would if it were a straight hem. 




Really love this Susan dress.  It is easy, summer-y, and could be dressed up or down.  Also is a good traveler as its silk cotton single knit jersey cannot wrinkle. 



When I think about “preppier” brands I always loop Tibi in there with Lilly Pulitzer, Milly, Shoshana, Trina Turk, J. Crew, Vineyard Vines and so on, even though most of the Tibi collection is bit more sophisticated.  Nonetheless, there are some great pieces in the collection that would be perfect for my trip!


I love this Beaded Long Caftan Dress by Tibi.  Would be perfect to wear to the actual wedding or a bridal luncheon.  Would all come down to accessorie selection.




I guess I have a thing for this lilac color but this Beaded GGT Tunic by Tibi would be the perfect thing to have if you didn't plan on "freshening up" post trip to the pool.



I love this Charlie Shirt Dress.  Perfect to wear when exploring the city!




I love white shorts for Sprummer and these are going to have to be added to the shopping cart.  The buttons are such a cute detail that make these a step above your average summer short.



Again, really loving the lilac Tibi is using in so many of their pieces.  Perfect for by the pool or out for dinner!