Breakfast of Winners

Or,
What to do When There is Just Too Much Chocolate

Quick fact: a person must eat more than just chocolate.  However, that seems to be all I've eaten all week.  Here's my new favorite way to start the day.

To start with, you need a bagel, peanut butter, a banana, and chocolate.  I prefer bananas that have been in the refrigerator, because they seem to taste sweeter than room-temperature bananas, and they're cold!  As for the chocolate, really anything will work, but I think that a nice hollow bunny works the best.

Spread peanut butter on your bagel, liberally if you're able to.  You don't want too much peanut butter, because it will become runny later on, but you need enough that the chocolate will stick to it.

Next, we take the bunny out.  Doesn't it look innocent?  Let's take a closer look.  What a face.  

Unfortunately, the next step is quite clear. 

Sprinkle the chocolate pieces over your bagel, and put the bagel in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.  The chocolate may not look melted, but the peanut butter will have melted.  The chocolate will continue melting in the hot peanut butter.  Plus, if you continue microwaving the bagel, eventually it will become stretchy and tough, and harden when it cools, making it difficult to eat.  For this reason I recommend only microwaving one half at a time.

If you really want to, you can use a toothpick (or your finger) to swirl the chocolate around in the peanut butter.  Or, you can just slice your banana and place the pieces on top, since you won't be able to see the swirls anyways.

Enjoy your breakfast!

Note: you probably won't use the whole banana for this, but bananas are yummy, so eat the rest of it.  Don't eat the rest of your bunny, though.  The point of this breakfast was not to enable the guilt-free consumption of chocolate bunnies before noon.  Otherwise, this may occur:

Getting Closer..

Today I attended my last classes as a freshman.  I don't feel like an entire school year has passed.  If I think about individual moments, then sure, I can see that months have gone by, but collectively it just doesn't seem like a long time.  I really feel like I've learned a lot this year.  Most of what I learned wasn't academic, though.  I couldn't tell you the principles of astronomy anymore, but I can chat up perfect strangers in lunch lines, which I would have never done in high school.

I have 6 days left on campus, 5 finals to take, 2 work shifts, and then home!  I've already got a shopping date with the Besfren planned, and a dateydate with the boy, and an award ceremony to attend for my sister.  It's going to be a busy summer.  I can't wait.

Speaking of the Besfren, this is an outfit inspired by her own dear self.  The other day she had a scarf tied in a bow in her hair, and it looked darling.  This is me trying to look half as adorable as her.  I actually got approached this morning by a girl in one of my classes, asking if I would mind having my picture taken for her final photography project.  Or, have my bow and shoes taken pictures of, anyways.

Outfit Details:
Jeans: delias
Shoes: goodwill
Shirt: urban outfitters, $5 on clearance!
Scarf/Bow: salvation army

Thanks to my awesome friend Anna for taking time out of my busy life to take real outfit pictures for me.  Isn't she pretty??

Happy Thoughts! It's Thursday

Wonderful things this week: Easter Candy.  Especially robin's eggs and chocolate footballs.  Eating green things.  Particularly after ingesting large amounts of chocolate.  Bare legs.  It's finally warm enough to ditch the tights.  Free time!  I'm done with all of my school work, and only have to take finals and pack to go home.  I have so much free time I don't know how I'll handle myself.  Oh, I know:  Movie marathons! James Dean and Tangled, anyone?  Wet Bricks.  They rain makes the brick buildings on campus turn a more vibrant shade of rain that really pops next to the grass, and it's really quite pretty.  This video:

A Special Message for a Special Friend

Write the paper.  Pass the final.  Survive the year.  Be happy.  Anything you want.

Again

Yeah, yeah, April showers bring May flowers, but I'm not sure how much more rain we can all take.  I'm ready for the sun to come out.  

This video makes me think of a mad circus performer.  Its fitting that Water for Elephants came out this week, too.  Hopefully I'll get to see that soon; hopefully it won't depart too far from the book.  

Here's my take on the lion tamer look:

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Something's Fishy...

This is my version of the fish hat from Knitty a few years ago.  It's a birthday present for a friend...who's birthday was 2 weeks ago.  I may not be the best at deadlines, but I got it done eventually!

I used a lot of scrap yarn and spare time to get this one done.  The pattern calls for white felt for the eyes, but instead I just knitted some circles with fingering weight white yarn.  The tail was pretty confusing, so  I ad-libbed that part too.  Instead of knitting the tail into two sides by knitting each flat side individually and sewing them together afterwards, I knitted each short half circularly and closed up the gap as I went. Anything to save a little time.

I also would like to point out that the friend who this is for just turned 22; you're never too old for animal hats.  Especially not if you're about to graduate and go out into the real world.

Thanks for my lovely roommate for modeling.  What do you mean, scars?  The teeth weren't that big.

Things I Love Thursday

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Working Showers.  Both of the showers that I have access to in my dorm are broken.  Luckily I have only 2 weeks of school left, then I'll be back home to a functioning shower!
Falling Asleep to the Sounds of Thunderstorms I love this.  Back at home my bed is right under a window, and during the summer I can leave it open and hear everything.  I think that rumbling thunder is relaxing.  Being on Top of Everything I turned in my last major assignment last night.  Now there're 14 days of school left and all I have to do is take finals and tie up some loose ends.  Trombone People Just love 'em.  Unexpected Friends For all of first semester I was sure that the girl across the hall hated me.  Well, since then I've learned that she's just a blunt person; that's part of her personality.  We were in our Physical Fitness and Wellness lecture a few days ago, talking about an issue that I struggle with.  I'd told her a while ago my connection to this issue, and so during class she asked me if I was ok.  No big deal made, she just wanted to make sure.  I can't express how much that means, when someone who you have no real bond with reaches out.  Cancelled Morning Classes Self explanatory.  Polka-dotted Umbrellas With the rain this week umbrellas have been popping up like spring flowers.  I love pretty umbrellas!  I think the polkadot ones are the most fun, with the one girl who had a shakespeare umbrella coming in at a close second.  Easter candy.  My Grandparents who mailed me a box full of candy and packed it with stale popcorn.  Everything in the box was greasy from the popcorn and my room reeks of it now, but its a good laugh!

Apparently flirting existed in 1791

"I have this moment received your dear letter and am delighted to hear that you are well and in good spirits. Madame Leutgeb has laundered my nightcap and necktie, but I should like you to see them!  Good God!  I kept on telling her, "Do let me show you how my wife does them!" -But it was no use.  I am delighted that you have a good appetite - but whoever gorges a lot, must also shit a lot - no, walk a lot, I mean.  But I should not like you to take long walks without me.  I entreat you to follow my advice exactly, for it comes from my heart. Adieu -my love - my only one.  Do catch them in the air - those 2999.5 little kisses from me which are flying about, waiting for someone to snap them up.  Listen, I want to whisper something in your ear - and you in mine - and now we open and close our mouths - again - again and again - at last we say: 'It is al about Plumpi - Strumpi-' Well, you can think what you like - that is just why it's so convenient.  Adieu.  A thousand tender kisses.  Ever your
-Mozart"
excerpt from Everyman's Library Pocket Poets Love Letters

Is This a Gimmick?

Once again, I'm confined to taking outfit pictures by running back and forth across the room.  Someday I'll figure out how to take quality pictures.  Theoretically.  Supposedly my camera has a timer, so maybe next time I'll try setting that up instead of using photobooth.

Its supposed to rain every day this week, so I figured I'd best fit in some cute outfits before the weather starts controlling my options.

A few weeks ago one of my favorite bands announced that they'd be selling t-shirts to raise money to donate to Japan.  In addition to getting to feel like I was doing something useful for once, the shirts were cute, and I don't mind being a walking billboard for Linkin Park, so I bought one of them.  The shirts were designed by one of the band members, and are black cotton with an origami butterfly screenprinted onto it, and are still available here.

I first became a fan of Linkin Park in 7th grade, a full 7 years ago.  I've enjoyed listening to them grow as a band and as both musicians and artists.  They've become increasingly political, and really advocate for activism.  While I feel that especially in recent years some of their songs have been hit-or-miss, I really can respect how they're using their success.  They don't just donate money or put their name on charities in order to look good.  They're a band that's really involved in humanitarian efforts and use their influence as a well known band to encourage civic involvement.  Props!

Details:

Shirt: Linkin Park website

Skirt: forever 21

Tights: forever 21

earrings: my mother's

bracelet: thrifted

 

April Showers Bring Warm Weather Plans

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Supposedly the 1970's are coming back in a big way this spring.  Let me say upfront, I'm not a real big fan of 70's fashion.  Bellbottoms and polyester just doesn't do it for me.  However, I will admit to being a fan of wedges.  For quite a while I thought that weges looked like blocks of wood strapped on to women's ankles.  Upon acquiring a pair of my own, I discovered that wedges are extremely comfortable, and really aren't that bad on the eye either.

I've had tan heels on my wish list for ages, and have yet to find a pair that I like.  While messing around on polyvore earlier today (read, while I was avoiding writing my paper) I came across several pairs of nude colored wedges.  They look like the perfect shoe for summer!  I put together two outfits that I would pair with these wedges.

The first outfit is something I'd wear outside, maybe on a picnic or a bike ride with friends.  The magic of wedges is that they're so comfortable that they can easily be worn outside and around for practical occasions.  Plus, I love this take on the peter pan collar trend.

The second outfit would be perfect for a date.  The dress is a great color, and a boyfriend blazer is the perfect thing to throw on once the sun goes down on chilly spring nights.

Now about that paper...

Not That I'm Counting

"I do not study to write, even less to teach...but only to the end that if I study, I will be ignorant of less"-Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, 16th century Mexican nun

18 days left until summer break.  I can do this.

Go-To

I have an aunt who is a theology teacher at a Catholic high school.  At all our family gatherings, she does the prayers, because she has a gift for it.  This is my attempt at writing a prayer.  

Thursday's tree, 5 days earlier

Calm my heart and hold my hand
Guide me down your path
Stay by my side
"My strength and courage is the Lord"(exodus 15:2)

Things I Love Thursday!

tree outside the nursing home

Spring!  Its finally here!  Flower trees.  They smell kind of funky for a while, but they look beautiful!  I think there must be some class here that does an assignment on them, because I swear I keep coming across lines of people waiting to take pictures of these trees with their fancy cameras.  Peanut butter cookies.  I feel like this is cheating my no-chocolate-for-Lent rule, even though there's definitely no chocolate in peanut butter cookies.  They're just so delicious that it seems like there should be.  Pond-side picnics.  I had dinner with a few wonderful people by the duck pond, and it was loverly! Also, guys who get frisbees out of the pond by splashing until the waves carry to the other side.  Smiling residents at the nursing home.  We did crafts today and everyone was able to finish the project, even the lower functioning residents.  I love being able to see their smiling faces after mild frustration turns into pride at a completed task.  Functioning backpacks.  Its so much easier to take the bus without having to juggle everything in my arms! Sunshine that isn't so bright that it makes your eyes water, and not having to worry about smearing makeup!  When meetings run short.  Getting out 35 minutes earlier than expected is a great feeling.  Wow!  Breathing time!  Getting mail.  I got a highly anticipated package that hopefully I'll get a chance to show sometime this week.  Plotting for next year.  Marching season is going to be so much fun.  My brother, who I think I talked to on the phone the other day for maybe the second time since I've been at college.  I miss that kid!  

Plotting

Now that spring is here, instead of spending time trampling the newly green grass and eating up our vitamin D, college kids all over are hitting the books, hard.  I have 23 days until I'm home for the summer, and the last minute school work is piling up.  Yet, I spend all of my free time with my head up in the clouds.  That doesn't sound that strange, you might think.  Lots of people daydream.  I plead that my case is different; I'm not daydreaming of starry summer nights and cute tuba playing boys. (Right, sure).  I'm daydreaming of getting my hands back on my sewing machine, which I had to leave home for this adventure we call college.  I've come up with a list of the things that I want to make this summer.  To start with.  Can you tell that I've been deprived for the past 8 months?

1.  White Sundress

source

Ever since I saw Step Up 2 in 3 years ago, I've wanted a white sundress.  The one that I'm envisioning is different than this one, though.  This is just what sparked the idea.  Mine's a halter and a full circle skirt.  Maybe.  Or maybe it'll have a staggered hem.  Hmmm....

2.  Square Neck

http://www.strawberrykoi.com/

I fell in love with this dress from Strawberry Koi.  I love her style so much.  I really think she makes me want to sew pretty things more than anyone else.  No, seriously.  I won't be surprised if all I do for the rest of my life is try to be her.  But not really.  A part of me really wants this dress, just as she has it, but that's not nice.  I really like the square neck, and the cap sleeves, and the little pleats at the bottom of her dress ( they remind me of my american girl doll dresses.  I never grew up, that's the truth).  I'm thinking if I pick a different color, and maybe combine it with another item of my to do list..

3.  Heart Cut Out 

Luelle, Spring 2010

There's been a major trend lately of heart cutouts in the bodice of dresses.  Normally I try to avoid trends just because I don't want to become a slave to them, but this one is too cute.  However, I'm looking at putting a heart somewhere other than the top of the front or back of the dress.  Also, I'm curious as to how small I could do this without completely wrecking the dress.  I'm looking at putting a small heart, maybe two inches across, somewhere unexpected, like near the waist, but along a side seam.  I think it would be a challenging project, but it could add some interest to a dress made in a plain color.

4.  Peter Pan Collar

http://iroirocrafts.wordpress.com

I feel like this one is another huge trend that I've fallen for.  In particular, there was this one mint green top from modcloth that I want to recreate, but unfortunately I can't find a picture of it anywhere anymore, so I'll just have to go from memory to come up with something semi-original.  Also, I'm planning on several simple floral dresses with peter pan colors, because they just make everything look so simple and elegant.  Iroiro is the biggest proponent of peter pan collars, I feel.  Once again, I love her style/ want to be her or maybe just to raid her closet.  She's a crafter too, and I feel like I could just copy her for the rest of my life and shun originality and be perfectly happy.  

There's more to my to do list, but I think this should be enough to get me started.  I just have to wait 23 more days.  And find some awesome fabric, stat.

Squeeze'em In

Now that the sun's decided to come out and visit and the weather is going to start getting warmer, most people are eagerly pulling out the shorts and tank tops.  Not me, though.  I'm trying to eek another wear out of my favorite cold weather clothes before I have to put them away for a while.

This is one of my favorite outfits for transitory weather.  The sweater's not too heavy, and I don't have to blind the world yet with my paleness.  Not that that'll change, ever.

I've got two papers to write today so I don't have time to go outside and mess around with the camera trying to get decent shots.  So, I took a shortcut and set photobooth up across my dorm room, and ran back and forth a few times, trying to beat the 3 seconds it gives you to get set.  This is probably some sort of blogging passe, but I think I can live with it, for now.

Maybe I should've cleaned my room first.  Oh well.  Mine's the left side, if it matters.

Details!
sweater- men's XL from goodwill
shorts- forever 21
tights- stole them from my mother
shoes- goodwill
necklace- thrifted

Quoting That Shakespeare Guy

You know how in every romantic comedy, there's some guy with roses involved?  Truth be told, I never really understood this.  I mean, sure, they're a pretty nice looking plant, but so're carnations.  And dandelions.  Why do people freak out about roses?

I was in a recital the other day, and afterwards we all received roses.  The other girls all cooed over how pretty they were, and how sweet they smelled.  I sniffed at them, but I think they smell the same as every other flower I've ever gotten.  Maybe that'd be different if I had them all in a row to do a smell test, but that's not logical.  Or possible.  I'd probably just start sneezing.

I can home from the recital and tossed the roses down on my desk and ran out to get dinner with some friends.  The next morning, as I was doing my weekly room-clean, I figured I should probably do something with them.  I pulled out an empty water bottle and filled it up with water and cleared off a spot on my desk to stick them.

I have to admit, I've never held a bunch of flowers directly before.  Normally I get them in those weird plastic cones, and hold them through the plastic as I smile awkwardly for pictures, then hand them off to my mother to do whatever she wants with them.  Then a week later when they're dead I poke at them and pull off all of the withered petals.

I was taken by surprise by how soft roses are.  Sure, there're thorns, but just to cradle them in my hands felt like I was holding a baby animal or something equally as soft and delicate.  I was afraid I'd hurt them, and the petals brushed softly on my palms, and I understood why people adore roses so much.

I'm sure that other flowers are just as lovely to hold, but isn't there something about always remembering your first with a special kind of fondness?  First teacher, first cd, first love... Not that I'm going to go out and become some sort of flower snob now, I just feel like all of a sudden I gained appreciation for these bundles that people give to you instead of using words.

First Step is the Hardest One

When I was younger, I wanted to be a writer.  I thought that to be a writer meant to write books, so I tried.  I could never come up with a good plot, and would get bored after penning an outline and stop.  I always tried the same thing; a novel about a girl who was strangely like me, going through things that I was going through.  I've come to the conclusion that being a writer doesn't necessarily mean writing a book, although getting published would help.  To call yourself a writer one simply has to write.  Well, hey, I do that.  And now I don't have to hide behind cheesy plot lines and rhyming character names.  Cool.