music // needtobreathe movie

music // needtobreathe movie

12.20.2013

I've been a fan of these guys since I saw them open for Gavin Degraw over 6 years ago. This video they put together during their last tour is very open, honest and real. I can't wait for their new album April 15th.

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book review // Me Before You

book review // Me Before You

12.19.2013

I use Grammarly's grammar & plagiarism checker because copycatting is not the highest form of flattery...but cake and flowers work.

I'm on a role with the books I've been reading lately. I've been gravitating towards fun, easy reads that I can blow through pretty quickly. For me, reading, especially at night, is a break. I like to unwind for a little bit and just read something that I don't have to think too hard about. That's now always the case...but when I'm busy and only have time to read at night, I'm looking for something easy and entertaining.

I've been seeing Me Before You all over the blogsphere lately...and all over the bookshelves. It's been on my list for a few months and I finally decided to give it a go. The story takes place in London and includes a 26-year-old girl who becomes the caretaker for a 35-year-old quadriplegic man. While the story may seem sad at the beginning, I loved the ending and really appreciated the how the story was told. The author kept me engaged and interested throughout.

As always, if you're looking for something to pick up while you're snuggled up on the couch over the holidays, this is a must-read.

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monday musings.

monday musings.

12.16.2013

>> I just love this time of year. We finally got some serious snow over the weekend and that really put us in the holiday spirit. Our friends started receiving our christmas cards which is so fun. I wrapped a bunch of presents (which the cutest polka dot papers from Target) and our house feels very festive. 

>> After googling a million pictures of bangs, I finally took the plunge! I'm really liking them and I like how they've changed up my look. So far, I feel good about styling them. We'll see how good I am about keeping up with trims. 

>> You guys, I did really great with Christmas shopping this year and now I'm a little too anxious to give these gifts. #hurry #ilovegifting

>> C and I headed to Westport on Saturday to go to my high school's holiday concert, Candlelight. However, the wimpy snow storm we got led to the school canceling the concert! How dare they! 

>> At the suggestion of my sweet friend, I checked out this {new to me} site and I'm really liking it. I can't wait to try some of her recipes. 

>> This weekend's ice and snow storm led to a lazy morning including homemade waffles and french press. Eventually, we bundled up, cleaned off the car and made the requisite trip to Target for some essentials...like wrapping paper...and milk...and coconut oil. Then C cozied back up on the couch while I fried up some chicken tenders for Buffalo Chicken Salads...his new specialty. I also made a batch of Party Mix...which might just be the best batch I've ever had. 

>> Friday night's festivities included a few rounds of beruit. I know....we're pretty crazy. But I honestly can't remember the last time I played it and I totally held my own! C and I held down our place on the table for a few rounds. Go team! 

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shopping for a cause.

shopping for a cause.

12.12.2013

Last night, Teach For America Connecticut hosted a really fun event with the New Haven J.Crew store. We were offered a special discount while we shopped for holiday gifts and Teach For America by J.Crew t-shirts. This event happened across the country in many different J.Crew stores. 100% of the proceeds from the TFA + J.Crew line went to Teach For America and 15% of the proceeds from the event benefited Teach For America. 

It was such a great evening and I was able to pick up a few items that I've had my eye on. It was a great chance to do a little holiday shopping while supporting my favorite organization! 

button sweater // plaid shirt // shirt tail shirt

I've had my eye on that sweater for some time now. I mean, it has elbow patches, so it's a given that it would be on my list. It's perfectly adorable and I honestly want one in every color. I've been looking for a festive looking flannel shirt and shockingly, this was the only flannel style they had right now. But I love the coloring and how cozy it is. This skirt is the perfect shade of winter white and I love the "shirt tail" detail. I tried it on with black tights and boots and it was adorable. I can't wait to add it to my work wardrobe rotation. 

I also picked up a special treat or two for C. I mean, we got almost 45% off, so it was pretty hard to say no to all the cute stuff (hurry over it's 30% off still!!). I ended up passing on these flats even though I still reallllly want them. 

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{recipe} cauliflower pizza crust

{recipe} cauliflower pizza crust

12.05.2013

Pizza, as we all know, is not the best meal option on the reg. Mostly because the carb heavy crust isn't doing us any favors. There are now, tons of variations on traditional pizza crusts out there. A while back, our friends made us some almond flour pizza crust that we loved. It was chewy and crispy and very filling. But I've recently seen a lot of buzz around cauliflower on the interwebs and it was only a matter of time until someone turned it into pizza crust.

After reading that this particular recipe was THE BEST out there, I knew it had to try it. You CAN have your cake and eat it too!

This crust turned out to be delicious and guilt-free. The crispier you can get it, the better so don't be afraid of brown bits, that's the good part. Also, it reheats really well especially if you put it in the toaster oven for 5 minutes.

Give it a whirl and let me know what you think!

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book review // The Fault In Our Stars

book review // The Fault In Our Stars

12.04.2013

You probably know by now that I'm a big reader. I really like reading the latest and greatest best-seller and I'm a sucker for a great series, cough Hunger Games. I always add books to my Goodreads list so that when I'm ready for a new one, I can look and see what I recently added. I had been hearing a lot about this book in the blogsphere and it looked like a great, quick read. It also helped that it was like $4 for the Nook version. 

The Fault In Our Stars is the story of two teenagers who meet through a cancer support group. While the circumstances are a bit grim, I found the story itself to be encouraging and enlightening. The characters are likable and wise beyond their years. The subject matter is easy to relate to and the plot held  my attention long enough for me to finish this book in 2 days. 

If cancer, especially in kids, is hard for you to read about, this is not the book for you. However, the story itself isn't depressing at all. In fact, I found myself feeling uplifted in the end. Add this to your Holiday reading list!

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{recipe} chicken, sweet potato, orzo soup

{recipe} chicken, sweet potato, orzo soup

12.03.2013

It's officially soup season and I'm psyched! I didn't always love soups but since I've starting making my own, I like them a lot more. It's amazing that they'll put into that canned crap. Also, the noodles are always so dang soggy. It's just gross. Anyway, we've been doing a lot of soup around these parts because it's easy, feeds many, and reheats beautifully. 

After two batches of Butternut Squash Apple Soup, it was time for something new. I came across this recipe inspiration on one of my Pinterest boards and knew it was perfect. 

First of all, it's super super simple. You really only need a few ingredients which you most likely have on hand. The shredded rotisserie chicken means you don't need to spend hours roasting your own. You could also use any kind of squash instead of sweet potato...that's just what we had on hand. Additionally, whole wheat orzo would be delicious in this or even rice if you had some left over. This really is an "anything goes" kind of soup.

What's your favorite kind of soup for fall?

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monday musings.

monday musings.

12.02.2013

>> See ya November! I'm definitely ready to welcome December especially because we got a real Christmas tree (which is so pretty despite the extreme hassle of our situation...) and because I've already stuffed, stamped, and sealed all our Christmas cards. 

>> Thanksgiving was wonderful and full of...well, thanks! I worked from Baltimore on Tuesday, saw Hunger Games, visited our proposal site, ran the Turkey Trot, ate turkey, ate pie, drank wine, sat by the fire, and just generally enjoyed myself.

>> Cyber Monday is super overwhelming for me because I love a good deal but I also sometimes feel the need to buy myself everything on my wishlist because it's on sale. Whew. I did score a few great items today that I'm pretty pumped about. 

>> I've been a reading machine lately and I have a few book reviews to get posted. I'm currently reading Me Before You and I'm really enjoying it. I read the last Divergent Series book - Allegiant. Ugh, not that awesome. But I did love the new Hunger Games movie - spoiler alert: so did C! 

>> It's finally Party Mix season which means I was officially allowed to make some this year now that the secret family recipe has been "revealed" to me. One batch barely got us through Thanksgiving. There will be more. 

>> I'm obsessed with Cameron Diaz's hair in The Holiday. Does mine look like that? I might be going in for a trim with this picture in hand to get a it shaped little more like hers. 

>> I just got this primer from Birchbox (with a coupon and points!) and I'm looking forward to testing it out. I've been a loyal subscriber for more than 2 years now and I definitely think it's worth it. Also, it makes an amazing gift for the "girl/guy who has it all"!

>> C has his school formal on Friday evening and I'm looking forward to getting dressed up and doing a little dancing. I'm planning to wear this peplum dress (a classic) and a fun statement necklace. Funny how the dresses we used to wear for college formals were slightly more...revealing. 

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