Love

I know I haven't blogged in quite some time... 

While looking through the gossip magazine websites I came across a picture of Kate Middleton from the BOA Olympic Concert Event in London and just about died over her Jenny Packham dress. Well, the whole outfit. The dress, the shoes, the hair. I know I've already shared my love for her fashion style in previous posts but this is the icing on the cake! What do you think?

pictures via here here here

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

I was feeling inspired last week to bake and after searching on Pinterest I found this recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bread. It literally combines all of my favorites so I figured it must be good! It turned out delicious and I wanted to share it with all of you!

Ingredients:

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup canola oil

1/4 cup peanut butter

1 egg

2 very ripe bananas

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray bread pan with nonstick cooking spray

2. In a large bowl, whisk all dry ingredients together: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, granulated sugar and brown sugar

3. Pour in the remaining ingredients, except the chocolate chips. Mix until just combined and then add the chocolate chips

4. Pour into bread pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

*sidenote, I actually made this twice so that I could have two loaves of bread, the recipe only filled one of my bread pans

Wanderlust

Wanderlust

[won-der-luhst]

noun

a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about

Y'all, I am having serious wanderlust right now. Maybe it's because it is 79 degrees and sunny outside or maybe it's just because this time last year I was boarding a plane heading for a week in the British Virgin Islands. We really didn't have a Winter this year and I may be jinxing myself but I am SO ready for Spring and Summer. I can't wait to wear sundresses and sandals and shorts and tank tops. I especially can't wait to have a little color on my skin because this pale situation is a tad out of control. At this very moment I am seriously wishing I was on an island laying on the beach with a drink, a book, and good company. And if I were in such a place, here are a few items I would have with me:

Roxy Beach Blanket

L'Space bikini

JCrew summer straw hat

Is anyone else suffering from Wanderlust at the moment?

WILW

It's hump day (and free cookie day at Subway)! Some things that I am loving today are:

- I don't have class for two weeks because it is finally Spring Break! Woo!

- A friend from home is coming into town this weekend for the UNC vs Duke game and I am excited to meet up with him and catch up on our lives

- The weather here in NC was super nice yesterday and Thursdays high is supposed to be 80 degrees! Bring on Summer!

What are you loving this wonderful Wednesday?

Balsamic Garlic Chicken

This recipe was featured in Southern Living's July 2010 issue and is delicious. It's relatively easy to make and still has a lot of flavor without a ton of ingredients.

Ingredients:

4 (6 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon of salt

1 teaspoon of pepper

2 tablespoons of butter

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/2 cup of chicken broth

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 1/2 teaspoons of honey

Directions:

1. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper

2. Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; Add chicken and cook 6-7 minutes on each side or until done; Remove chicken and keep warm

3. Add chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and honey to skillet and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring to loosen particles from the bottom of the skillet. Serve chicken with sauce on top.

* An easy side to pair with this is orzo, which is pictured below mixed with fresh pesto

image via

Spring

All of these clothes and colors make me really excited for Spring! What do you think about the Spring Lookbook at JCrew?

all images via

50 Books in 2012... Update

I've already shared that my goal for the year is to read 50 books that I've never read before, so I figured I would do an update on which books I have read so far!

1. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

2. Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins

3. Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins

4. The Associate, John Grisham

5. Heaven Is For Real, Todd Burpo

6. Silver Girl, Elin Hilderbrand

7. Nantucket Nights, Elin Hilderbrand

8. Something Borrowed, Emily Giffin

9. Something Blue, Emily Giffin

10. Heart of the Matter, Emily Giffin

I'm currently in the middle of reading one book and have a stack of 3 books I found that I bought but never read! I think this is a pretty good start so far!

JCrew Minnie

I am a little late to the JCrew Minnie pant party as I just purchased my first pair last week but I love them already! At first I was worried about what I would wear with them on a daily basis but I have found that they are more versatile than I imagined. Paired with a knit top, a sweater or a cute silky blouse, these pants always look fantastic. And not to mention that they look great with flats, sandals or heels! I definitely recommend adding a pair of these classic pants to your wardrobe! (*sidenote, they do stretch so I had to buy a size smaller than I normally wear)

Weekend!

It is finally Friday which means that I am going home for the next two days! Woo! I haven't seen my family since Christmas and I am long overdue for some kisses from my pups, quality time with my sisters, good talks with my parents and great food! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

10 Random Facts

I've decided to share 10 random facts about me with you, and I want you to do the same! Leave the link in the comments so I can check it out :)

1. I was born and raised in a small but touristy town in South Carolina. Growing up I couldn't wait to leave and move to a new and exciting place. Now that I've lived in Raleigh for four years, I am missing the beach and coziness of a small town more and more. But I love what the bigger city has to offer and probably won't be moving back home anytime soon.

2. I love reading books. I love getting lost in a book or series. I love being so consumed by a story that I forget about reality. Those are the best books to read.

3. I have six sisters. Yes, you read that correctly. Technically I am an only child but both of my parents remarried and their new spouses each had three girls from their previous marriage. Could that sound any more complicated? Ha

4. I hate the sound of people eating. Chewing food is like nails on a chalkboard for me.

5. My three best, best friends have been in my life since daycare. We all grew up together and even though we are all spread out now in different states, we still stay in touch and see each other as much as possible.

6. I have a weakness for coffee, nail polish, home-cooked meals, flowers, hand-written letters and pictures.

7. If I could make it work, after I graduate nursing school I would love to move to the Caribbean or another exciting place for a year or two. Experience a new city, a new life for a bit before settling down.

8. I think I have a slight cleaning/OCD problem. I like things to be organized certain ways and I am always fixing things and putting things back where they belong. I never really realized how bad it was until a few months ago, but oh well. I am a very clean and organized person.

9. I am a planner. I like knowing what I am doing and when I am doing it. My planner is crucial to my life. Although I love moments of spontaneity, I love having a plan as to where my life is going tomorrow and in the next few years.

10. I like to travel and one of my resolutions for 2012 is to travel more than I have before to see friends and family in cities that I've never been to before.

Sad Day

* warning: sad post/slight picture overload

My sweet baby Louis died yesterday. He was only 8. He was suffering from acute renal failure due to a preexisting condition that is prominent in the Persian cat breed. If you have a Persian cat, or any other animal for that matter, make sure you do your research on genetic disorders that are prominent in that breed so you know what signs and symptoms to look for and when they may become a problem. And another side note, make sure you are double checking on the meds that the vets are giving you for your animals. The vet prescribed a medicine that is recommended for dogs only, not cats because it causes renal failure and death. Although this medicine didn't cause the renal failure, it definitely did not help. Do your own research!

February

I love February. I don't necessarily love Valentine's day, but I love all of the decorations and making handmade Valentine's for people and baking cute Valentine's treats.

Do you love Valentine's day?

SAG Awards 2012

I didn't watch the award show but after looking through the red carpet pictures, it's clear that the Glee cast shined in all of their ensembles. My favorite look for the night was Dianna Agron but the entire cast looked amazing.

Dianna Agron

I love the style and color of the dress and the simple but elegant hairstyle is the icing on the cake.

Jenna Ushkowitz, Jayma Mays & Naya Rivera

Cory Monteith, Lea Michelle & Chris Colfer

Amber Riley, Kevin McHale & Jane Lynch

All pictures via

Did you watch the SAG awards? Who was your choice for best dressed?

50 Books in 2012

One of my goals for this year is to read 5o books! Originally I was thinking it could be any book, but now I've decided to make it somewhat of a challenge and read 50 books I've never read before! I have started a list but if any of you have any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated! So far for 2012 I have read:

1. The Hunger Games

2. Catching Fire

3. Mockingjay

4. Heaven is for Real

Pretty good start so far! Bring on the suggestions!

New Year

The start of a new year always brings feelings of inspiration and opportunity. It is a fresh start to anything you want to accomplish. I am determined to make 2012 my best year yet. 2011 was a year of love and loss and a lot of learning and I am ready to start off fresh with new goals and a new attitude. This year I want to try things that I have never done, read a lot of books, travel to new places, be active and healthier. This year will be fantastic and I am excited to see where my journey takes me.