Tuesday Inspiration

Initials, spelling words in the bedroom, kitchen, etc.

A Texas rug my mom got for my new apartment from Lane's, a very Waco store.

I was looking at personalized notepads on Shutterfly yesterday and started to order these...

But couldn't get a look I liked with the limited custom design elements.  And then, as I do with many things I see and consider buying, I thought, "I can make those!"  So I designed these and bought 5x7 card stock from Michael's for $5.

And the floodgates opened.  I could create different notepad/stationary designs all.  Day.  Long.

On the shopping front, there are some things I just can't make.  Like this Rebecca Minkoff bag I just bought, the first purse I've purchased since high school.

Next item on my Visa statement?  Shoes.  That I don't hate, can walk in, and don't make me a giant.  So I don't love shoes and have a difficult time motivating myself to go shoe shopping, but these Tory Burch Mid-Heels would certainly be welcome in my wardrobe.

- CAR -

Final sales are in the air

I braved NorthPark this afternoon to attempt to start my new work wardrobe.  It was a futile attempt until I was about to leave and decided to putz into GAP of all places... and I emerged with armfuls of perfect professional basics (plus a swimsuit) and only spent $100.

After that rewarding but long shopping experience, I came home and cooked an actual dinner for the first time in weeks.  I adapted this recipe from Food and Wine (the picture doesn't do it justice, although it isn't a "gorgeous" dish).

Penne with Roasted Asparagus and Balsamic Butter

• Season asparagus and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Roast vegetables in a 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes.
• Simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small pan for 15-ish minutes, or until reduced.  Add 2 teaspoons of honey and pepper to taste.
• Boil pasta for 13 minutes.  Drain, then add roasted asparagus and tomatoes, balsamic reduction, 1/4 cup of butter, 1/4 cup goat cheese, and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella.  Stir until blended and creamy.
• Serve over a bed of fresh spinach.

The balsamic butter was like a rich dressing and went well with the fresh spinach.  The recipe got mixed reviews on the website, but M and I loved it.

I want to go to the farmers market in West Village on Saturday and get some in-season, farm fresh produce.

And then I want to make the Blackberry Frozen Yogurt pops I pinned today from Wit & Whistle.  Last weekend was for crafting, this one is for cooking.

- CAR -

Hello this is me

Let me just begin by saying that the title of this blog may change.  I spent much of today trying to brainstorm the perfect "me" name for a blog.  All of this going on in the back of my mind, of course, because I was at work.

Today was busy as I was getting back into the swing of work after my whirlwind of a weekend in Connecticut that ended with a long but very exciting interview in the city.  But tomorrow is even more exciting, not because I'm getting to the office at 7am for our intern breakfast and project presentation, not because I need to finally start researching the assignment that's been festering on my Stickies for a week (Storing Bad-Weather Essentials!), BUT because a special delivery is coming for me and MCW!  We have a sick obsession with Rent The Runway and rather than finding a dress to match an occasion, we create occasions so that we can order dresses.  I mean $100 for an Herve Leger dress is too good to pass up, right?!?!?  M turned 21 (finally) yesterday and instead of clumping her birthday celebration with 4th of July boozefests, we opted for a Friday night soiree at Ghost Bar at the W Hotel in downton Dallas.

Yes, please!

Hence why a dress rental from RTR was completely necessary.  Disclaimer: I'm not a fashionista by any means whatsoever but I occasionally enjoy receiving Vena Cava dresses in the mail.  See you tomorrow, LBD!

Simple things in life... if there's anything yesterday taught us, it's to not forget to enjoy every little pleasure and person who is responsible for that joy.

Things I will post about in the future:
1.  Summer reading list (and wine tasting list and movie list although I'm not a movie watcher)
2.  Immaterial things I would like (brace yourself, things like a nasty forehand or, I don't know, a job?)
3.  Craft projects I must try
4.  Vegetarian recipes that have the potential to convert devoted Texan carnivores
5.  Ramblings on life.

- CAR -