Music for your Monday

I thought I would start the week off right with a song that I have become obsessed with in a matter of moments.

Happy Monday!

Xo

The Wanted [Chasing the Sun]

Pinning put to the test

Sign into Pinterest.

Repin a few cute pictures and clever ideas.

Never look at them again.

Sound familiar?

This Easter holiday, I decided to take pinning to the next level and actually use some of those cute ideas I have found on the highly-addictive, procrastination-inducing, utterly-fabulous website.

The Result? 

Success! 

Below are a few pics of all the goodies my family and I were able to enjoy.

Easter Candy Martinis

Cake Pops

With my leftover white chocolate, I made some delish chocolate covered strawberries!

My cousin even got her pinning on and made these adorable Easter basket cupcakes!

Wishing everyone a pin-tastic day!

Birchbox - because who doesn't love samples?

For those of you who aren't aware of Birchbox, come out from under your rock and join the beauty world! For only ten dollars a month, you can receive a pretty-pink box of 4 to 5 (sometimes full size) high-end beauty and lifestyle samples. A box of happiness and girly wonder if you will. What's better? Sometimes Birchbox sends a second complimentary box in the same month. When you are certain you love those samples, you can purchase full size products at the Birchbox shop.

After five months of my fabulous subscription, I really don't know how I could ever turn back. 

I've gathered a few of my favorites products here.

Enjoy!

Xo - T

Kate Spade New York Twirl

Jouer Lip Enhancer

Jouer Moisture Tint

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

Juicy Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum

tarte LipSurgence Lip Tint

Essie Luxeffects Nail Polish

Essie Spring Collection 2012

Someone get me out of this bi-polar weather! 

One day it's 60 and sunny. The next, its glooms-day outside.

I can't even.

The only thing that perked up my morning was the new Essie Spring 2012 collection. The colors are adorbs and I CANNOT wait to try all of them. Maybe a french mani with a crewed interest? Or drink margaritas with ole caliente on my nails?

Either way, I think all of them will get me out of my winter weather blues.

from left to right:

orange it's obvious!  

a crewed interest

navigate her

from left to right:

to buy or not to buy 

tour de finance 

ole caliente

Valentine's Day Love

Happy Valentine's Day to all you love-bugs!

In the spirit of the season, here are a few cute and simple ways to show the special people in your life that you care.

1. It's so easy to overlook the one meaningful thing you can do to show those in your life that you love and care about them - just tell them! Its easy to get caught up in the hoopla of busy days and forget the small things. So today, take a time out  to say "thank you" or "I love you" to those who hold a special place in your heart.

2. Cook your loved one's favorite dinner tonight. Or, whip together an easy dessert! Here is a simple and adorable hot chocolate recipe (via to Martha Stewart). 

3. Buying a card or writing a personal note to your loved one is a great way to have your feelings translated to words that may be difficult to say. So get out there and buy those last minute cards people!

As for me, I can't wait to sit, watch a movie, and hopefully eat lots of sweet treats with the most handsome guy I know. Valentine's Day #7 - and they just keep getting better!

Sending Love. xO.

T

Just Sayin'

Tonight, I am introducing a new rant series called Just Sayin'. 

Want to hear about it? Here it goes.

On my way home from the office, I decided to take a cab. Why? I wore heels all day and I didn't want to walk - that's why. Regardless, is it really necessary for a 40 year old man to steal my cab, and then proceed to tell me "Sorry, but I'm in a rush." DUDE you are so inappropriate. Chivalry is dead. Just sayin'.

On that note, is it necessary that when I finally catch a cab, the driver gets into a screaming match with the FedEx truck next to us. I'm sorry gents, I'm just trying to get home. Let's not have the passenger overhear you calling each other assholes and insult each other's mothers. Just sayin'.


Tonight, pictures of Beyonce and Jay-z's little one, Blue Ivy, have all the gossip pages blowing up! And as we predicted, Mommy Fierce and Daddy Yankee-Fitted created one adorable baby! But if mom and dad are THE power couple, does that make Baby Blue Ivy a power baby? Just sayin'.

I busted my ass everyday in college to graduate with honors, and then I earned my MBA in a year and a half. Now I make just as much money as I did when I used to babysit. Oh excuse me - now my job offers dental insurance. Good thing I have lots of college loans to make me feel better. Just sayin'.

Hi, lady who threads my eyebrows. Please walk away from my face when you decide to have a coughing attack. I really don't appreciate the germ thread you're using to shape my brows. Just sayin'.

Apologies to those who take offense, but really with the republican nominee news coverage? I don't care if this one is doing 2% better than that one. I don't care that the "funny" political cartoon some ignorant moron posted on FB gives him shits and giggles. How about we stop disrespecting the president, get our acts together, work as a team, and show some class? I'm just sayin'.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Gift Idea for Valentine's Day

Struggling to figure out what to get your special someone for Valentine's Day?

Well look no further because your problem is solved! 

During the holidays I was introduced to a great website - Mixbook.com!

This super-easy-to-use website let's you quickly and enjoyably create professional looking photo projects. All you have to do is select the type of project you would like to create (photo albums, cards, calendars...) and assign that project it's template. Templates are provided or you can create your own. Upload and arrange your images to the template.

Voila! You have a beautiful gift!

What's better? You can gift this for any Valentine in your life - parents, siblings, friends, etc. And, the price is phenomenal! Below, check out the book I had made for the love of my life this Christmas. This book is 25 pages and has 305 pictures. The total WITH shipping came to only $31.98! For serious? That's a steal!

I went with the 11 x 8.5" Classic Landscape Hardcover book. It will last forever and is a great addition for the coffee table.

 

Choose a theme for your image layouts.

These two are my favorites!

Sending love!

xO

T

Mental Health is Vital

I don't know what it is, but having an unplanned day off from work is TOTES different than being off on the weekend...

Yesterday I had to take a necessary mental health day from the office. I was literally one step away from having an anxiety attack in my cube. And I must say...it was one of the best and most productive days I've had in a really long time.

Food shopping. Lunch with mom and grandma. Cleaned my bedroom (like every single dusty crevice). Gave myself a facial. Uploaded my pictures to ShutterFly so I can FINALLY print them out and put them into all of those wall-frames and photo albums I bought at The Christmas Tree store but never used. Went to the gym. Organized my closet. Watched New Girl (my new go-to laugh machine).

Seriously though...how amazing was yesterday? It doesn't sound like much, but it was so relaxing to take a time-out just for myself.

The moral of the story - don't let things get so stressful in your life that you don't take a minute for yourself. And don't let ANYONE make you feel bad for doing so. Your life is about you and your goals. Never feel guilty.

Song lyrics for my mood...
"There's too many things I haven't done yet. There's too many sunsets I haven't seen. You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down. You would have thought by now - I'd have learned something. I made up my mind when I was a young girl. I've been given this one world. I won't worry it away. Now and again, I lose sight of the good life. I get stuck in a low light. Then love comes in."

Many the Miles - Sara Bareilles

Back to the office and feeling refreshed...

T

VENT SESSION: No sneak previews you Super Bowl Ads!!

QUESTION. Aren't hilariously phenom commercials that main reason chicks like me watch the Super Bowl? 

Then WHY is it necessary for companies to not only preview their 30 second money makers, but to release them completely before the big game? I'm sorry - I'm all for the commercial teasers. Quick 5 second sneak peaks of what is to come. But if the only reason I'm watching the Super Bowl is see your ads, then I do not want to have the anticipation spoiled with YouTube. Or the Today Show. Or the person in my office who decided to ruin all of the fun.

Buller? Buller? 

Yeah. That one was ruined for me already.

BYE.

Either way. I'm pumped for wings and beer...

...and this is funny.

Fitness Friday!

Even though it is really chilly in NY today, I would like to kick off this Friday with the summer months in mind. So today, I am introducing Fitness Friday!

Who doesn't get a little lazy in the winter? The sun rises so late in the morning, and all you want to do is stay in your warm bed. When you leave work, it's already dark out. And because you work so hard during the day, it's hard to get a sunshine break! Trust me - I've been there.

But this year, I've been really trying to stay motivated and focused on exercise and staying healthy. Here are five tools that I have been using to help me stay on track.

1. Have a buddy.
Venture into getting healthy and fit with a friend! It is so easy to make excuses when someone isn't there telling you "no, don't eat that" or "we're going to the gym tonight." Having a buddy keeps you motivated and excited to work out and stay in shape. And when they are down and not feeling up for that workout, you will be there to lift their spirits.

2. Pin it!
Pinterest is one of the best tools I've seen in a really long time for motivation. Here is how you use it - create a board that is dedicated to fitness. It is an awesome place to pin healthy recipes, motivational quotes, and pictures. And Pinterest makes it SUPER easy to search for images that others have posted about health and fitness. How great is that?!

3. Use the resources that you're already paying for.
Many of us have gym memberships we don't use. And for some reason, we feel like it's okay to have those monthly charges continually withdrawn from our bank accounts - just in case. I am extremely guilty of this. One way you can ensure you are getting more bang for your buck? Fitness classes! Most gyms include fitness classes with monthly memberships. So if you're already paying for them, why not go? They are a great way to socialize and have fun with other people who have the same goals you do. And - you get such a better workout than if you were to exercise alone.

4. Bring lunch to work.
While working in the city, I've found that it's really easy to splurge on overpriced food every day. Hey - its delicious and everywhere. But, it can also be really easy to over eat. Bringing your lunch to work ensures that you stick to a healthy diet and that you eat in moderation. And - if you are someone who buys lunch every day, brown-bagging  it can save you about $60 every week! That's $3,120 every year. UM, seriously? ...No brainer!

5. The scale is your friend - not your enemy. 
I have heard a lot of people say "I don't like the scale. I'm afraid of what it will say." Or, "You don't have to weigh yourself. It's all about how you feel." Not true! Weighing yourself weekly at a minimum, is a HUGE help in staying fit. It keeps you aware of your goals and how close you are to meeting them. For me, the best time of day I like to weigh-in is in the morning. You don't feel heavy from eating all day, so you won't feel like the number you see is wrong. Trust me - it works!

Here is a great motivational quote/pic to keep you going!

Keep moving!

Xo.

Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up...

Tonight on my walk to the train, this oldie-but-a-goodie of a song came on my iPod. One of those high-school anthems that I'll never forget.

In This Diary by The Ataris

When I looked up and noticed how gorgeous it was out tonight, I became freakishly aware of the lyrics I was mouthing.

"The only thing that matters is just following your heart, and eventually you'll finally get it right."

It's no secret that when you're young and out in the "real world" trying to find your niche, you're bound to make a wrong turn and run obstacles that will plant themselves right in your damn way. Sometimes, I wish there was a GPS for those wrong turns. And other times, I wish those obstacles would go find someone else to bump into. Either way...what I realized tonight is that even though you may be stuck in a situation that makes you just want to cry, scream, kick, whine, and eat a gallon of ice cream, you must not forget what your true goals and dreams are.

Lately I've been guilty of losing sight of what I actually want from my professional career. And lately I have doubted the choices I have made thus far because my dream career has not immediately presented itself. But it's ideas like that, which separate the weak from those who won't back down from success and true happiness.

So tonight I'm making a promise to myself. As much as I want to complain and cry, I will never back down from my dreams. Because eventually...I will finally get it right. And when my dreams finally do come true, you'll find me with a smile on my face reveling in my accomplishments.

Until then -

xo.

SAG Awards 2012: My Favorite Looks

This past Sunday, for those who adore Awards Season, was the 18th annual Screen Actor's Guild Awards. As someone who has always idolized the history and glamour of the entertainment industry, the SAG's hold a special place in my heart because it's all about peers voting for peers. Sometimes I wish that this constant award giving was the norm across all industries. 


And the award for Best Removal of the Printer Paper Jam is? I digress...

Here were some of my favorite looks on Sunday!

Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta

This color is to die.

 

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa 

Fierce and killing it in magenta.

Naya Rivera from Glee in Naeem Khan.

So Glam

Kyra Sedgwick & Kevin Bacon

Hottest Couple Award? I think so.

Wishing that my man and I are this good looking in 20 years.

My Kindle Changed My Life

Last October, my wonderful boyfriend ordered me the new Kindle Fire for my birthday. Ever since it arrived, my life has not been the same.....AND I LOVE IT.

Because I commute each day into Manhattan (about an hour and half door-to-door), it's super easy to get bored on the train-ride to-and-from the office. Since my Kindle, I am happy to say that my mind-numbing commute has become incredibly better! I have developed a great new love for reading and am happy to share some of my favorites! I highly recommend all of them.

In order of my favorites (thus far)

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Everyone Loves You When You're Dead by Neil Strauss

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Bossypants by Tina Fey

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Cheesecake Cupcake Overdose

Being that I am more inclined to bake than actually cook, each holiday I try to bake something sweet for my family and friends.

This Christmas, I made my delicious (if I do say so myself) Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes! They're SO simple and always the perfect amount of cheesecake for all - not too much and not too little. But, being the obvious holiday glutton that I am, I did overdose on these yummy treats!

See below for a really fun and easy recipe that I discovered many years ago from Creative Cook's Kitchen.

I hope you enjoy as much as I do!!

Cherry Cheesecake Cupcakes

serves 12

You Will Need:

1        box of Nilla Wafers

1        can of whole cherry filling

1/2     cup heavy cream

1/2     cup of sugar

1/2     teaspoon vanilla extract

2        packages (8oz each) cream cheese, softened

2        large eggs

1        electric mixer

2        mixer bowls

1        cupcake tray

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. 

2. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

3. Drop 1 Nilla Wafer into each muffin cup. (This will be your crust. It saves tons of time and is SO good!)

4.  In a small mixer bowl, using an electric mixer set on high speed, beat cream until stiff peaks form. (Tip: Make sure heavy cream is chilled. Once cream is whipped, put into refrigerator to keep cool)

5. In another bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium speed, beat cream cheese until smooth a fluffy. (Tip: Before mixing, make sure cream cheese is at room temperature so it is more easily blended)

6. Add sugar to cream cheese; beat until smooth. 

7. Beat in eggs, one at a time, just until blended. 

8. Stir in vanilla.

9. Fold in whipped cream. (Tip: If you are unsure about what I mean by "fold," use this great video I found for direction - How to Fold)

10. Spoon filling into cups.

11. Bake cheesecakes until set, about 25 minutes. Transfer pan to wire rack; cool completely. Cover pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

12. Just before serving, spoon 3-4 whole cherries into the descended cheesecake cupcake. ENJOY!

Hello World!

I’d like to introduce myself before I venture into the blog world - so here we go…

I’m a motivated twenty-something who has a Master’s Degree in Business and is basically earning minimum wage. The only way I make it through the days that get tough is by making sure that my family and friends are close by and that I keep on laughing. So until all of my dreams come true, you’ll find me charming my way into adulthood…one sarcastic comment at a time.

Xo
T