it's that time of the semester...

Sorry for the delay! I have been insanely busy with work and school this last week! However, it's getting to be that time of the semester where I am losing any and all motivation that is left within me. My school work is piling up and I continue to just sit. Sit watching tv, sit on the computer, sit on the couch and stare out the window. I have found anything and everything to do to keep me distracted enough so as not to do my homework. I am lucky enough to have a job that allows me to do my homework while on the job. But does that give me more incentive to get my work done? Not necessarily.. I generally sit at my desk and stare at my planner and work. Here's a peak at what I stare at for hours on end without actually doing anything! By the way, is anyone else in this boat with me!?

 

So, instead of doing something productive and worth while, I have been making mental lists. So far, I have successfully put together a Christmas list (yes, I am well aware that it is only October), a list of things I will be buying with my first pay check, and ironically, a list of school work I need to do that I know I won't be doing until much later...maybe even not at all :) I'm sorry this is such a lame blog, but to spice things up a little bit I'll post a couple of pictures of what I'm asking for for xmas/what I'll be purchasing in the near future to give you all a jump start on your holiday shopping ideas! Enjoy!

One of the most important things I asked for for christmas was a spoon ring made from one of the antique spoons my grandma left behind. Hopefully my mom gets it made by christmas time! We've been talking about getting them done for a while now!

Most definitely asking for a pair of real toms! I have a total off brand copy cat of them and I love them, so it just makes sense to get a real pair! They go with everything!

Every year I ask for a new perfume. Two years ago I got my all time favorite, Dolce & Gabbana's Light Blue. Last year I got Chance by Chanel, and this year I think I'm going to ask for one of my favorite brands, BCBG! So excited!

What are YOU asking for for Christmas?!

chilly weather!

Well, Colorado has done a fantastic job pushing the cool weather away. Today we had a record high of 80 degrees and sunny, it was beautiful! However, to my dismay, warm weather can only stay for so long. Tomorrow's forecast is borderline the complete opposite of today's record. The prediciton? A high of 55 and cloudy with a chance of snow flurries! I am so not ready for this! As much as I wish for the beautiful fall we have had to stay put, there is one thing that can make this cool and chilly weather tolerable. HOT CHOCOLATE!
Don't get me wrong, I love all the warm cappuccinos and mocha lattes available at Starbucks and Caribou. The downside to those little treasures...the price! Spending $5.00+ on a drink seems pretty unrealistic to this girl, especially when you can make a great cup of hot chocolate for a LOT less all by yourself! So, I did my research and found a very helpful article on yahoo.com about how to make the PERFECT cup of hot cocoa. If you follow these quick and easy little pointers, you will be well on your way to a delicious cup of hot chocolate that you can cozy up with next to the flickering fire place.

Rule One: Be sure to use quality chocolate. Don't settle for the packages of cocoa powder you buy in bulk at the grocery stores, they can often have a displeasing texture if not prepared properly. Instead, use really nice chocolate shavings. They melt effortlessly in the steaming liquid. If you can't find chocolate shavings, I happen to know that Ghirardelli makes a great quality chocolate powder!

Rule Two: I used the word liquid in rule one because some people like to use hot water while others prefer steamed milk. According to the article, the choice that creates the best cup of hot chocolate is MILK. By using milk, you create a more creamy and heavy consistancy of hot cocoa, rather than a watered down or watery consistancy.

Rule Three: If you are really into this whole process, you can go one step further. When combining these two indgredients, it has been suggested that you heat the milk, pour over the chocolate, and put the enitre mixture back into the pan on the stove and let heat until it boils. Once it starts boiling, pour back into your big ol' mug and enjoy! By doing this, you are letting the mixture infuse.

Last but not least, save the left overs! If you decided to make an entire pitchers worth of hot cocoa, save the extra in the fridge and reheat the following day. By allowing the mixture to sit together, the chocolate and milk can further infuse for a richer taste!

OH! And don't forget the mini marshmellows and whip cream to top it off! :)

Hope you guys try this out! I plan on making a big batch of hot chocolate that I can reheat and take to class in the mornings to keep me warm! Give it a try this winter!

fall finds..

Hey all! If you know me at all, you know I "window" shop online every single day. So, I think, "why should today be any different?" I mean, I generally have no money to spend, but a girl can dream! Clothes are one of my weaknesses, and I can't help but flip through pages of magazines and click the next button and the bottom of the online website. Anyways, I just thought I would post a couple of cute and casual, yet stylish fall items I would love to have. And the best part about them, they are super inexpensive! Enjoy :)

Super fun and cozy sweater/sweatshirt full of color. Only $17.95 at H&M!

 Pair the cozy H&M sweater with these cuffed dark denim jeans for $10.50 from Forever21!

For shoes, try these cognac boots by Steve Madden! 

Usually upwards of $100, but at Famous Footwear, only $69.95!

 

Finish this fall look with a couple of cute bracelets, 

both on sale at Target! Left: $12.48 and Right: $7.48

This entire look is just under $120.00! And the best part about it, EVERYTHING can be worn with or without each other and you can mix and match with other pieces in your wardrobe!

PUMPKINS!

Well, it's pumpkin season! It has been quite some time since the last time I actually carved a pumpkin for Halloween. And to be honest, I can't exactly remember when the last time was!? I know...inexcusable. But this year I couldn't wait to get carving. My brother, Taylor, his girlfriend, Gia, and I decided we would have a little contest this year: who could carve the BEST pumpkin? We weren't allowed to follow a pattern or look up ideas on the internet; we had to do it all on our own. Needless to say, everyone thinks their own pumpkin is the best, but as you can see by my pictures, my guy definitely takes the cake! I was a little rusty, so I decided to just take it easy and do my thing: basic shapes. Haha!

                             
My artwork. Me and my main man, Bucky the Mustache Rider. I was going to attempt to carve a pirate, so that is where the X's for eyes come into play. However, then I couldn't figure out how to continue onwards with that idea, enter: the mustache. The hardest part was carving the circular lineage perfectly in order to display the best possible mustache a pumpkin could ask for. I was nearing the end of my carving when I realized two eyes and a mustache isn't enough. It was missing a little something...a mouth or teeth or something?! And to finish my masterpiece, BUCK TEETH. Here is Bucky in all his glory...

As you can see, Bucky the Mustache Rider is pretty phenom. But just to be fair, take a look at the... close runners up! Gia's cat, Fluffy and Taylor's...let's say...abstract ManGuy.

What do you guys think?! Who's pumpkin deserves the best spot near the front door? I mean, I think it's fairly obvious that Bucky is golden...

fall -- the best time of the year!

     Fall has seriously snuck up on me this year! The weather here in Denver, CO has been crazy! One day it's 85 degrees and sunny, and the nexts its 55 degrees with a cool fall breeze. The trees have finally started to turn and they are beautiful against the Rocky Mountains. The coming of fall brings us to an entirely new season with new trends and old traditons.
     I've done my fair share of online "browsing" this month and noticed a lot fun styles and trends! Of course, warm, neutral, earth tones are the go to colors every autumn, but to spice up your tradish fall look, adding a single pop of your favorite bright color seem to be a great eye catcher! A site I am recently obsessed with is http://www.shopruche.com/index.php ! I browse it almost on a daily basis. So many cute and vintage things with a modern twist! Funny how all of my friends new about this great little site and kept it a secret for so long! Well, here you go world, its an awesome place for great looks at a seriously decent price!



     Ruche also has a TON of adorable gift ideas for the upcoming holidays. I already have a cart started for my holiday shopping...I think it's safe to say I have a SLIGHT shopping addiction. This website is super addicting but a total must! Check it out! I hope you guys enjoy and get inspired to step up your wardrobe this fall :)

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    On another note, it's October, the season of Halloween! Halloween is definitely one of my top three favorite holidays of the year! So many fun and spooky decorations, delicious candy, and cute kids! For anyone that knows me, they know I am not an entirely huge fan of those little trouble makers (and that's me putting it nicely), BUT it really is the one night of the year that I find running and screaming kiddlets adorable.

    I can't wait to see what everyone has come up with for costumes this year...so many choices for just a single night of fun! I'm hoping to be able to find a fun recipe for halloween cookies or cupcakes! If I find one worthy enough, I will definitely post it here! Can't wait to see and hear about the adventures everyone gets into this year! Stay safe and sassy!