I envy:

...a timeless, classic beauty.

More than just reggae music!

Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around.
You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul & they absorb everything you say & actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up & show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself & not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colors seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work & always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.
-Bob Marley

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, & it is only by this meeting that a new world is born"

Time & time again, I have found that surrounding yourself with those you love does make the sun shine brighter, & your world that much better.


I live by this mantra literally & figuratively.
I have an obsession with black & white photos --&
cannot live or work in a space where there aren't
photos of those I love surrounding me.  When life
gets a little too stressful, it's easy to revert back to
a time of pure bliss by looking at photos of happy
moments.  I couldn't be more thankful for the vast
library of happy moments with those that I love to
think back to in times of need.

Every woman should have a black lace bra, a cordless drill,
& a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.

Every woman should know how to fall in love without losing herself,
when to try harder & when to walk away,
& where to go when her soul needs soothing.

-Pamela Satran

Flair is a primitive kind of style. It is innate & cannot be taught. It can be polished & refined.

I highly suggest you take a peek at my favorite décor company. Think Anthropologie mixed with a little Restoration Hardware.  I would die to have this bedroom. I love the simplicity of the colors, but the complexity of the detail.  No room / piece is unsuitable to stand alone, yet also throwing together any combination of things can create a unique gorgeous room. In my next life I want to be an design consultant (instead of worshipper) for Brocade Home.

One or two pieces from their collection has the ability to change the look & feel of any room.  They even sell wallpaper! (I have a small obsession with baroque / rococo style wallpaper).  I swear you won't be disappointed.

..If I had a million dollar$ - I'd buy me a: ...

Disclaimer: It ain't cheap.  but sooooooo worth it !

No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face. - John Donne

The first glimpse of fall foliage brings one thing to mind:

Pumpkin!

Pumpkin lattés, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes!

I will almost immediately trek over to Starbucks for a warm Pumpkin Spice latté.
The only setback?  Five bucks!

I managed to find an easy recipe for a surprisingly better-tasting version of my favorite fall beverage.

Not only can I make them in the comfort of my own home, but I also save myself $25 bucks a week!
( I know what you're thinking...I drink aaaLOT of pumpkin lattés a week. )  & I'll be the first to admit it - I can't get enough of them!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

1 tablespoon canned pumpkin
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup milk
1/2 cup of your favorite coffee
*cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for sprinkling over the top

In a saucepan, heat milk and pumpkin until steaming, or even easier–mix the milk and pumpkin in a 2 cup measuring cup and microwave for 2 1/2 minutes.

Stir in vanilla and cinnamon.

Pour the milk mixture in a blender, and blend 20 seconds until it's all foamy and pretty.

Pour into your favorite mug, then add coffee.

Add splenda to taste, if you like (and I do!).

A sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice over the top, and drink up!
 
 
Nothing sounds better than a warm pumpkin muffin to go with this.  I'll be experimenting with recipes for those - & will post here as soon as I find a recipe worthy!
xo

Sugah' Pie Honey Bunch

Breakfast Casserole


Ingredients:

 1 lb Sliced Turkey Bacon Diced
1 Medium Sweet Onion
6 Eggs, Lightly Beaten
4 cups Frozen Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes
2 cups Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 cups Small Curd Fat Free Cottage Cheese 
1  1/4 cups Shredded PepperJack Cheese

Steps:

1. In large skillet, cook bacon and onion until bacon is crisp, drain. Mix together the remaining ingredients, stir in bacon mixture. Transfer to a greased 9 x 13 pan.

2. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until eggs are set and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.


*I should post pictures of a certain-somebodyy laying in bed, scarfing this casserole down with his messy hair & beard.  Hmmm

“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. & it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” - Coco Chanel

  
"Don’t get too invested too early. Yes, you love the college, but until you get in, don’t make your heart set on it. Yes, the job is perfect, but until you get the interview, don’t get too excited. Of course he is the cutest boy in the world–but until he asks you on a date & treats you sweetly, who cares about him?"
                                                                                          -Smart, Pretty, & (Less) Awkward

"A life without love is no life at all"

"Love Happens" A romantic drama about a widower (Aaron Eckhart- so handsome) whose book, "A-Okay!", about coping with loss turns him into a best-selling self-help guru. On a business trip to Seattle, he falls for a florist (J.Aniston) , only to learn through dating her that he hasn't yet truly confronted his wife's passing.

The movie was light & easy, I laughed & cried, but the plot lacked a little depth.  I must say,  I loved Aniston's wardrobe, & found myself envying her closet throughout the whole film. Greatt boots & gorgeous scarves. Perfect fall attire. 

I intended to write a movie-review & here I am talking about accessories....ugh

I personally love any romantic comedy with a happy-sappy ending.  If you give me a few good laughs & make me cry a little, I'll give you a passing grade ;)

Easy to please.

"..she had big pouty lips & a concentrated expression that broke apart radiantly when she smiled"

It's no secret that the 'pouty' look  has hit the runways & red carpets, virtually transforming the way people present themselves in front of the camera. 

A simple way to achieve this look?

Say the word "prune" just before the flash.  You'll join the likes of models, Olsen twins, and Fox -y ladies who pout their lips for the camera, slimming your face & showcasing your cheekbones.


Scratch the cheese & gimme a prune!

“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy"

..but what money can buy is great designer clothes. Even better, Rue La La allows members to buy glorious designer duds for 80% off. I am addicted to this site, & willing to throw myself at them for an employment opportunity.


Today's purchase:

























A Vera Wang Lavendar label olive & plum tank with adorable gold belt.
*Retail: $325
*Rue La La: $49

Can't beat it!

A little bit of madness never hurt anyone.
I enjoy surrounding myself with people who
cherish their little idiosyncrasies & know that
it makes them fun & unique.

“We are shaped and fashioned by what we love” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

*Loving right now:

Shipyard Pumpkin Ale: I do not feel love through seasons, but instead through seasons of beer.

This motto (I even have it hanging next to my computer at work!) :





















Ice water, a lemon wedge, & a dash of splenda. Great any time of day.

Mayflower Beach - Dennis, Cape Cod, MA

Tim Walker's Photography

Personas. I am addicted & slightly envious of all the other great people in the world with my name.

I swear by this recipe.

Baked Penne with Corn, Zucchini and Basil
Ingredients:
Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 lb. penne
6 Tbs. olive oil, plus more as needed
Kernels cut from 2 ears of corn
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 zucchini, about 2 lb. total, cut into half-moons
1 small eggplant cut into half-moons
1 small summer yellow squash cut into half-moons
1/2 yellow onion, diced
4 tomatoes, cored, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 Tbs. sliced garlic
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 Tbs. tomato paste
1/4 cup white wine
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
6 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated
2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
Directions:
Preheat an oven to 400ºF. In a 12-inch nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat, warm 3 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the corn, season with salt and black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Set aside. Return the pan to medium-high heat and warm the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil. Working in batches, add the zucchini, eggplant, & summer squash season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add to the bowl with the corn. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Set the pan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, 1 tsp. salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, garlic, oregano and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to form a sauce, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and cook until the wine has reduced and the sauce is fairly thick, about 3 minutes more.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Generously salt the water, add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold running water. Set aside.
Add the pasta, tomato sauce, basil, mozzarella and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano to the bowl with the vegetables and stir to combine. Transfer to the fry pan and sprinkle the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano on top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until golden brown on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm. Serves 8.

Sausage & Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients:

2 tbl olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (casing removed & crumbled)
½ tsp dried red pepper
½ C onion diced
3 minced garlic cloves
1 28oz can italian plum tomatoes (drained & chopped)
1 ½ C whipping cream
½ tsp salt
12 oz bowtie pasta
3 tbl minced fresh parsley

Directions:

Heat oil, add sausage & red pepper. Cook 7 minutes. Add onion and garlic, cook until onion is tender & sausage is light brown. Add tomatoes, cream, & salt. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly ~4 minutes.

Cook pasta, add to sausage and cream mixture til thick. Serve with parsley & grated cheese.

A favorite of mine...

Meandering throughout the internet world one early morning at work, I stumbled upon a blog that managed to provide a wealth of inspiration through its simplicity. I've compiled a few of my favorites :)
How to be (less) Awkward: Be with a guy that likes you enough to brag about your accomplishments independent of his own to people in his life.

How to be Smarter: Spend ten minutes a day doing something that will help you reach your ultimate goal. Ten minutes a day writing your novel; ten minutes a day doing jumping jacks; ten minutes a day researching better career options. Time adds up in a real, quantifiable way.

How to be Smarter: Clutter isn’t about too much stuff; its about being indecisive about what you really need in your life. This applies to both physical and mental clutter.

How to be (less) Awkward: When meeting the boyfriend’s ex/old hookup buddy, you must compliment her on one specific thing. Its so much harder to talk badly about someone behind their back if they have made the effort to be nice to you.

How to be Smarter: When you stop having fun, get out. This applies to jobs, relationships, and shopping trips.

How to be (less) Awkward: Always say thank you to your bus driver, cab driver, retail helpers, teachers as you leave their class, party hosts, and more.

How to be (less) Awkward: A friend once told me that a retort that no one can argue with is, “I do what I want” said with a mischievous yet sweet smile; she is right.

How to be Smarter: Stop wasting your precious time. If a guy is looking at his phone while he’s talking to you, he’s not interested. Next.

How to be (less) Awkward: Just because you are sitting with a group, doesn’t mean everything has to be a group decision. I don’t care what kind of sushi you are thinking of ordering, and I certainly don’t want to hear a ten minute discussion about it. Exceptions: if I have crush on you or you employ me. Or both.
How to be Prettier: No black tights after April 15. No exceptions. Its summer girls!

How to be (less) Awkward: At a minimum, you are required to be as careful with other people’s hearts as they are with yours. If someone is holding your heart with two hands, treat theirs like glass as well. If someone is juggling your heart, tossing it up in the air, and dropping it on occasion, it’s okay to clutch theirs less tightly.
How to be (less) Awkward: Does anybody ever like a complainer? Are your problems really interesting to everyone else, all of the time? Does talking about things, instead of fixing them, ever work?

How to be Smarter: All financial advice can seem so complicated and long winded. It all boils down to: Live within your means, save for retirement, have an emergency fund, and pay off credit card debt. If all four at once seem daunting, your goal should be to start doing one more of those things a month, and, after four months, you should be on track, doing all of them.

How to be (less) Awkward: Awkwardness is a mental state only; it is not physical; and you create it in your head. Remembering this is helpful in a state of uncomfortableness.

The rest of this fabulous blog can be found here