Easy Breezey

This weekend, I was reminded of why I live here.  Street art, music performances, spontaneous gatherings and friends, impromptu soccer games, and seeing sides of the city I haven't yet experieced had me falling in love all over again (not to mention the absolute perfection that was the early summer weather). 

It also helps that my new job is pretty awesome, and allowing me the opportunity to be in different city neighborhoods each week, while exploring new parks and restaurants.  I love finding these little hole-in-the-wall boutiques and eateries that thrive soley based on word-of-mouth and discoveries by people just looking for new things and adventures.  I think this may be the summer of just that.

I say this because last summer, I told myself I would try and explore as much of the city as possible.  I think I did that, but I don't think I enjoyed myself as much as I should have, or could have.  Last summer turned into a summer of growth.  This summer, I'm going to try what I am not deeming the art of enjoyment - allowing myself to breathe everything in and embrace it.  Take stock of the little things, the moments that pass by, and just let go.  If I have learned anything in this transition it is that things can't always be controlled the way you want them to be.  People and things come in and out of your life the way they were designed to, and at some point, you need to allow for that or die fighting for things that may never be.  I am excited for the unknown and the adventures that lay ahead; To continue growing and learning and exploring all that I have yet to face.  I can't wait to see what's up next.

Somebunny

I am not necessarily one for internet memes - but this one is awesome.

Look What's Coming to the 'Burg...

I'm in trouble.  And ridiculously excited.  See that behind the trees?  I'm gonna plotz.

Makeover To Takeover

As some of you avid and loyal followers may or may not have noticed, my little piece of internet real estate has taken on a new and improved look!  In an effort to revitalize my writing habits and keep this thing current, I decided it was important to include all the things I learn and love in a slightly more accessible, albeit more organized, fashion.  You will notice there are now tabs above here (did you see?  I'm so excited!).  I am hoping to incorporate all my explorations here, in one easy spot.  I will be linking things like my yelp reviews, theatrical events of friends and others, goings-ons, and, my personal favorite, food.  Please bear with me while my spot-o-blog remains slightly under construction, and keep checking back for improvements, updates, and funtivities.  I'll leave you now with a super cute picutre of my kitty - because who doesn't love that?  Oh gosh he's so cute.

Laptop Lunches

In an effort to eat better, I have just invested in the greatest lunchbox to ever be created.  I don't know this for sure, as it has not arrived yet, but from the pictures and posts out there in the blogosphere and the words from friends, I'm going to go ahead and assume this will be amazing. 

I got my Laptop Lunchbox at LaptopLunches.com.  I am SO excited for it's arrival!  I needed a way to get myself motivated to bring my lunch to work, and I think this may be just the trick.  It helps with portion control, encourages creativity, and best of all, it's preeeetty.  I got the "Purple Party", which you can see over here to the right

And with Earth Day just around the corner, this is a fun way to do my part and keep green.  It also comes with a little book with lunch ideas and recipes to help get you started! Look at all the cool stuff I can do (photos from LaptopLunches wesite):

Nerd alert: I'm psyched!

Adventures in Jello Shots!

In an effort to revamp and re-inspire both this blog and my writing self, I have decided to expand the content I share here on my tiny little piece of Internet real estate.  Today, for example, I will be sharing a fun little "recipe", if you will, that I once saw at a friends house, and decided to research and attempt on my own.  Here goes. 


Jello Shots in Fruit Rinds!

What you will need:

• Jello Mix (I used a few different flavors)
• Oranges (or any fruit with a thick rind - you can use Lemons or Limes, though the flavor may come out slightly more sour)
• Water
• A Large Bowl (to collect fruit goop)
• A Sharp Knife
• Vodka

To start, you want to cut all of the oranges in perfect halves.  Try to keep your slices straight, as this will prevent your Jello from spilling later.

Next, gut your oranges.  This is probably the hardest part of the entire process, as you do not want to put any holes or slits in your rinds (also causing spillage later!).  It's helpful to have a big bowl next to you while doing this, so you can throw all the fruit guts aside.  I used a serrated knife to help scrape out any excess fruit.  Place the rinds aside so they can dry out a little.

Once your fruit rinds are clean, lay them out on a baking sheet.  This will make transporting them into the refrigerator much easier, once they are filled with liquid. 

After that, make Jello!  For this, you can mainly follow the directions on the box, but substitute some of the cold water for vodka.  For example, if the Jello recipe calls for 1 cup of boiling water and 1 cup of cold water, put in 1 cup of boiling water, 1/2 cup of cold water, and 1/2 cup of vodka.  I used Orange and Watermelon Jello.  Party on.

Next, simply pour your Jello into the fruit rinds.  Make sure you fill them until they are almost spilling over - Jello tends to shrink once it hardens.  You can then move your fruit rinds into the refrigerator.

Most Jello will take 5-6 hours to set.  I made these about 8 hours before the party I was bringing them too, and the Jello was really not quite hard enough.  To be safe, I would definitely make these the day before I needed them.  Once your Jello has hardened, you can cut them just as you would a normal orange.  Little trick: place the knife in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting - this will prevent the Jello from sticking to the blade, and lifting it out of the orange rinds.

And voila!  You have Jello shots!  These are crazy impressive for parties, and not even that hard to make.  Plus, they taste delicious.  Feel free to change the amount of vodka you put in your Jello to your personal preference, and enjoy!

Newest Obsession

I know it's sexist, and cliche, and girly, and fantastically polka-dotted, but I must own this:

Check out these adorable finds and more at Sugar Baby Aprons!