Thursday Morning Thoughts

I've been reading The Daybook lately.  Following her lead, here's a little bit of awkward and awesome.

AWKWARD
--I wore thigh highs to work yesterday.  I thought it'd be fun to have a little bit of "sexy" under my work clothes and, let's be honest, wearing panty hose is so uncomfortable, especially when you have to sit for the majority of the day.  As I was walking to meet up with The Boyfriend (see Awesome below), the left one decided to slip down ... and then it slipped some more ... and then it was almost at my knee.  I had to do a granny-style "hike up my hose" move right there on the street to keep it from falling down to my ankle!  Not sexy.  So not sexy.
--When I walked into the bathroom at work, I was confronted with an awful smell.  You know the kind I'm talking about.  The kind where you puke just a little in your mouth.  I let out a very loud, "EWWW!!!" only to have a co-worker flush the toilet immediately after that.  I quickly ducked into a stall so she wouldn't see the immature chick that can't handle bathroom smells.
--Molly bit my finger.  This wouldn't otherwise be a problem since her bites are more like love nibbles except that this time she bit right where I burned myself while making tea.  Not cool, Molly.

AWESOME
--The Boyfriend and I got to meet up in the middle of the day for a little visit before his hearing.  We never get to see each other during the week so this was extra special and extra awesome!!!
--Despite the awkward thigh high issues, The Boyfriend said I looked beautiful.  It's the little things, you know.
--It's 80 degrees today!  Gotta love spring in Northern California.
--I finally found some fashion courage and bought a bright red lipstick.  I have yet to wear it out in public because I'm still planning its debut outfit but I think our Friday night date provides the perfect opportunity to pucker up in "Are You Red-dy?"

Awkward photos of my awesome new lipstick:

Nutty Banana Bread

I have a confession to make.  I won't eat a banana unless it's perfectly yellow.  I know.  I'm a banana snob.  As soon as I see even just a hint of brown freckles, that's it.  No mas plátanos para mi.  Last week, I had three bananas get a little freckly all at the same time.  Almost as if they conspired against me.  So what's a girl to do with unruly inedible (in my eyes) bananas?  Wait a few more days and make banana bread!  I was worried I may have let them get too brown even for bread but, alas, no need for concern.  They smashed up perfectly and made for super-moist bread.  This is a very easy recipe but, you should know, I like my banana bread like I like my men - a little sweet, a little spicy, and a lotta nutty!  (Yes, The Boyfriend fits this perfectly).  I realize not everyone likes nuts in their bread so feel free to omit the pecans if you are one of those people.


What You Need:
3-4 super ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 c. melted butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1.5 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped pecans (or walnuts or whatever nuts you want)


What To Do:
1. Preheat the oven to 375.  
2. Smash up the bananas and mix with the melted butter.
3. Add in sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.  Mix well.
4. Beat the egg and add it into the bowl.  Add baking soda and salt.
5. Add flour a little bit at a time and mix well to fully incorporate.  (You can do all this by hand if you don't want to bust out the mixer.)  Fold in the nuts.
6. Pour bread batter into a greased bread pan (I use Pam cooking spray for baking).  Sprinkle a few pecans on top for decoration.  Or don't.  That part is up to you.
7. Place bread pan in center of oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour.  Cool on cooling rack then remove from bread pan and enjoy!

(Hint hint - if you wanted to add chocolate chips, I wouldn't call you crazy.  A tablespoon of bourbon would also add an interesting twist.)

Fun in the Sun, errr Snow

When we were snowed in last weekend during the big Tahoe Snowstorm, The Boyfriend's cousin and I decided to take a walk around Heavenly ski village.  Once we started to lose feeling in our fingers, we did some shopping, but not before a winter photo shoot.  Our afternoon walk gave us beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and some much needed quasi-cousin-in-law bonding time.

52 Weeks: Week 11

Week 11: Oscar Wants a Treat

Big Mario on Facebook!

Hello Readers!

I just created a Facebook account for Big Mario.  Feel free to stop by and 'Like' me. :)

Friday Foto - Medicina

MEDICINA (f.)
Translation: Medicine
(Sometimes it's as simple as it sounds.)

Medicine bottles from World War I on display at the Alpini museum in Bassano del Grappa. 

Max & Delaney

As you know by now, we went to a wedding in Tahoe this past weekend.  It was very intimate - about 15 people - but wonderfully perfect.  I took over 400 photos and, considering I have a day job, I haven't had too much time to edit.  Here are just a few to give you a glimpse into the happy ceremony.

52 Weeks: Week 10

Week 10: First Day of Spring

Tahoe Snowstorm

We took a death-defying trip to Tahoe this past weekend for a family wedding.  I say "death-defying" because we drove The Boyfriend's rear-wheel-drive Mustang up a mountain and through a snowstorm to get there!  Neither of us had experience driving in the snow so we had no idea what to expect.  After a lot fishtailing, frozen windshield and windshield wipers, nearly 0% visibility, and many road closures, we finally made it safe and sound.  Once there, we got snowed in and were forced to spend an extra day (oh darn).  It turned out to be a fabulously fun family weekend.  On top of that, Tahoe was a beautiful winter wonderland.  Though I mainly took photos of the bridge and groom, I managed to sneak in a few of the scenery as well!  Here's a glimpse into what spring looks like in Lake Tahoe.  (More to come soon.)

From Friday afternoon to Sunday night, the area got between 6 and 8 feet of snow!  Remember, this was supposed to be the first day of spring!!

I Heart Japan

 Like many others, I'm joining in on Blogger Day of Silence today.  Please click here to donate if you'd like.  Every little bit helps. 

Oxford Comma

I'm currently obsessing over some Oxfords I tried on last week but didn't purchase.  While browsing them Internets trying to find them, a few other Oxfords caught my eye.  I'm now convinced they're the perfect spring-to-summer shoe.  From skinny jeans and a vintage blazer to a cute flowy dress, a pair of Oxfords would add a nice retro touch to almost any outfit.

1. Steve Madden - Daydream
2. ModCloth - Crossing Cobblestone Corridors Flat
3. Nine West - Ildra
4. Zappos - Matisse Gregor

Just in case you were wondering, yes, there were many more that I saw and liked!  It was tough choosing just four to show here.

52 Weeks Project: Week 9

The Boyfriend recently moved into a new apartment full of charm.  From the trimming in the living room to the archways and lighting fixtures, every detail adds unique character to the apartment.  I'm in love with the peep hole on the front door.  It's a sweet little miniature door with a handle all its own.  The copper color and texture add extra charm.

Week 9: The Peep Hole

Japan

Like everyone else, I've been watching the news since Friday and following the events in Japan.  It started with a few Facebook messages from friends and family members warning me about a tsunami hitting California.  I had no idea what they were talking about so I immediately turned on the TV and saw news on the earthquake and its aftermath.  It's hard to believe there's anything we can do to help from so far away.  If you're interested in making a donation, here's a link to the American Red Cross and another link to other news and aid information.

Friday Foto - Biscotto

BISCOTTO (m.)
Traslation: Cookie

I know you know what biscotti means but did you know it's also just the general word for "cookies" and the singular "biscotto" is "cookie?"  Now you do!

Decaffeinated

It's that time of year again.  The time all Catholics dread.  Whether you're a "good" Catholic or not, everyone knows what happens the day after Mardi Gras.  Yep.  Ash Wednesday.  In Catholic-speak, that means the first day of Lent.  I don't even remember the last time I went to Mass but I do know what I gave up for Lent last year, and the year before that, and the year before that.  So what's this year's deprivation?  Caffeine.  I know - pretty ballsy move when you've got a job like mine.  I'm anticipating headaches and general exhaustion for the rest of this week but I'm hoping that, once my body adjusts, I'll have more natural energy.  An Easter morning latte is going to taste SO good!  Until then, here are some of my favorite caffeinated photos.

Oh, Coffee, how I love you so.  See you in 40 days, old friend.

Thankful for the Little Things

The Boyfriend's sister, E, is one of the most inspirational people I know.  Her status updates espouse love, happiness, and thankfulness and everyone who knows her knows it's not just talk.  I've seen her weather some of the most emotionally difficult situations with poise and grace.  Even though I'm 11 months older than her, I look up to her in many ways.

For some reason, a simple plate of Girl Scouts cookies reminded me of her.  The humble little shortbread cookie, with its sweet crunch and chocolate coating, was supposed to just be a quick breakfast fix.  As I dipped it in my coffee, I thought of its message: thank you.

I believe very strongly that our circumstances do not determine our happiness, we do.  Though I have a lot of frustrating moments these days, I'm making more of a concerted effort to focus on the positives.  I have a lot to be thankful for and recognizing that, rather than taking it for granted, can only lead to more happiness.  As silly as it sounds, yesterday morning I was truly thankful for my shortbread cookie.  Not only was it a nice weekend treat, it was also a much needed reminder to be thankful for the little things.

52 Weeks Project: Week 8

Saturday was beautiful.  Mid-60s, clear, sunny.  Sunday was ... not so beautiful.   Low-50s, foggy, rainy, cold.  Then the fog faded off into the distance and this little hill, with its sparse topping of trees bowing to the wind, was suddenly visible amidst the boxed houses.  

Week 8: One Foggy Day

Friday Foto - Primavera

PRIMAVERA (f.)
Translation: Spring

Thursday Morning Thoughts

1. I woke up this morning and thought it was Friday.
2. I was sorely disappointed when I realized it was only Thursday.
3. I have a craving for something delicious but I don't know what.
4. Maybe a warm gooey brownie?  That sounds good...
5. Ever get cravings for you-just-don't-know-what?
6. It's time for a vacation.
7. Even though I just went to Disneyland two weeks ago.
8. Some place warm and sunny would be nice.
9. And tropical...
10. Mmm... pina coladas and mai tais...

Wedding Dress

I'm looking for a wedding dress.  Not that kind of wedding dress, you big silly.  The kind you wear to someone else's wedding.  I have four weddings (but no funerals) to attend in the next five months.  I want something spring-y and pretty but that doesn't really narrow down my options, it just raises more questions.  Color or neutral?  Long or short?  I just can't decide.  Here are a few I'm considering at the moment:

From left to right:
1. Anthropologie Cockatoo Feather Dress
2. Top Shop Caramel Chiffon Floral Maxi
3. Anthropologie Sing Sweetly Party Dress
4. Top Shop Pink Dip Dye Flower Wing Dress

Yes, I am aware I'm only shopping at two stores at the moment.  I thought if I branched out, I'd get overwhelmed.  But I'm open to suggestions if you have them!