bows and {paleo} brownies

curiosity killed the cat

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Studying all summer for the CPA exam could make you stressed, upset, and frustrated. I have felt that way when I get overwhelmed thinking about all of it, but really, this summer has been pretty amazing. I have been spending time with both friends and with Jarrett and really just building a good balance between studying and still having a sense of fun and a summer! I feel so lucky to live in such a gorgeous place and to be starting a great job again soon and to just have all of the things I have right now. Here are some of the things that have been making this summer pretty darn amazing:

My super cute vanity table captured when I was getting ready one morning, complete with my obsession: plain greek yogurt and pineapple!

Drinks on a super fun night out with Mei :)

My really random chocolate milk craving satisfied the morning after our night out!

Funniest note page ever: I had a missed call on my phone from an unknown number that I was really curious about, as they had left a message. Mei replied back: "curiosity killed the cat!"

Huge mixing bowl salads with homemade dressing and turkey = amazeballs.

Studying? Not so amazeballs.

Killer workout? Definitely amazeballs. (Okay, done with that word now.)

Monday-Thursday = $5 movies for UM students, our new obsession!

Madagascar 3 was hilarious. Loved Snow White and the Huntsman and MIB 3, however, DID NOT LIKE Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. Poor ending!

Moral of the story: Try not to let whatever is consuming your life right now consume you. Take time to enjoy your blessings and just to take it all in! (Also, I should take my own advice, so self: when you're stressed, read this post!)

carrot, pineapple, and raisin summer salad

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:22:00 +0000

After seeing the Barefoot Contessa make a similar salad, I was instantly obsessed with the idea of this salad. Cool and refreshing, sweet and crunchy, this salad is perfect for cooling off at lunch (or dinner!) from the hot summer heat. With some slight tweaks to the recipe, this is a healthy, enjoyable dish!

Carrot, Pineapple, and Raisin Summer Salad

adapted from here

Ingredients:

1 bag shredded carrots (I got the Publix Organic bag)

handful of golden raisins

1/2 cup to 3/4 cup diced pineapple

1/2 cup greek yogurt

honey to taste, if desired

Steps:

Empty the bag of carrots into a bowl, add in the raisins and pineapple, toss all together. Mix the greek yogurt and honey together (if using) and then pour on top. Mix through and enjoy! So simple and so satisfying.

laters, baby.

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:17:00 +0000

Don't worry about the title, I'm not going anywhere. I may disappear for months at a time, but rest assured I'll be back! (The title is referring to Fifty Shades of Grey. If you haven't heard of it, I'm not sure we can be friends.)

I am about to post a bunch of random pictures, in hopes of updating you on my life. In case you care.

I graduated. And two days later, I started this:

A boatload of CPA exam studying. I have already taken (and passed!) the first of four sections. I am currently working on studying for my next two this month (because June is an off-month where you can't take the exam) and will take two more parts in July. Then study some more and take the last part in August. Woo!

Luckily, after the first exam, I did get a fun little break which was a five day cruise with my friends! It was all sorts of amazing and we had a blast. But now, I am back to studying. (Picture above taken in Grand Turk's Margaritaville)

So now, I sit inside all day when the gorgeous Miami weather looks like this. And sometimes I cry. (Kidding. Kind of.)

Around 5 or 6pm, I will go to Crossfit.

Drink a delicious green smoothie after, and maybe relax with a good book (if I have actually done a decent amount of studying beforehand, if not, back to studying). Unfortunately, I have finished all of the amazing Fifty Shades books. They were so good and I just couldn't put them down.

Sometimes, if it is nice out, after the gym Jarrett and I will go to the pool at his apartment complex. It's so nice and relaxing to just swim around. (Gotta sneak some summer in sometimes!)

So that is basically my life these days. Super thrilling, I know. Look! I even wore my hair straight one day:

And here is my delicious lunch today:

I know you're jealous. (Chicken with homemade mayo and arugula, with green olives. Delish!)

Oh and one more thing because I feel like complaining. I cannot eat nuts anymore (or coconut!)!!! Such an issue. I am so in love with them, but they hurt my stomach. I have tried every type independently and without fail they kill my stomach every time. That's all.

spring break cruise 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Jarrett and I in Grand Turk (left) and San Juan (right)

Gorgeous sunrise in San Juan

Stunning view from the fort in San Juan

San Juan Castillo

Deliciously refreshing bucket of Corona Light in St.Thomas

Our boat docked in Grand Turk

Where we spent the day, by the pool at Margaritaville

Pretty church and morning sun in Nassau, Bahamas

Where we spent our days on the boat

Enjoying a "bahama mama" and our books

One of the many towel creatures we found nightly

A bar where we made some new friends and enjoyed some delicious drinks

lately.

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 23:41:00 +0000

{view from the fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico}

{this week: massive amounts of studying, accompanied by Vampire Diaries and lunch (apple, turkey wraps with mayo and spinach)}

{the most amazing homemade mayo ever: recipe here}

{totally favoring my 7fam jeans + breezy tanks}

{homemade trail mix: i dry roasted raw cashews and almonds with a bit of salt and combined them with apple juice sweetened cranberries}

{fun nails recreated from this pin, love pinterest!}

currently obsessed

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:03:00 +0000

{this super fun ring from forever 21}

{trying new fruit from a fruit platter at work -- who knew I loved pineapple?! so good.}

{my CrossFit gym, love the new wall paint!}

{smoothie dates: mine is kalicious, his is bananas foster. both from whole foods}

{the amazing weather that lets me lay out for an hour or so each day}

{vampire diaries: i am currently re-watching all of the old seasons again. such an amazing show!}

What are some of your current obsessions/things you can't get enough of lately?

to workout or not to workout?

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:47:00 +0000

{today's WOD (workout of the day)}

The answer? To workout. As much as you may think it's going to suck. As much as you don't want to get out of bed in the morning or as tired as you are that night. The answer is always to workout. Think about it this way, have you ever finished an amazing workout and thought "Man, I wish I didn't do that!" That's a no. You know you won't regret it if you do, but you will if you don't!

This morning I did not want to get out of bed. I was thinking I would just go back to sleep and just workout tomorrow. Jarrett reminded me that I would regret it later, and I knew I would feel so much better if I did. So, I dragged my butt out of bed and headed to CrossFit. And you know what? I am so glad I did.

I was able to do the WOD Rx (as prescribed) and got a PR (personal record) on my post-WOD run. My best mile time is 8:16, but that is coming from a completely rested state. When we run post-WOD, my best mile time (until today) was 10:00. Today, I ran that post-WOD run in 9:41! I shaved :19 off my time!

Could I have done that if I stayed in bed? No. The answer is always to workout.

spring break planning and purchases

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:57:00 +0000

{packing list - on a hello kitty journal the guy at forever 21 gave me for free. awkward. also awkward? the fact that he knows me and always says something like "oh, you again?" EVERYTIME. yes dude. me.}

I am a compulsive planner! I love to make lists and budgets. I am constantly planning out something in my head, whether it be my day or what I'm going to eat or wear (probably all three!). Since I am beyond excited for my cruise leaving Sunday (!!!) I have compiled some pictures of all the things (well, not actually all. I have a bunch of other tops and dresses, but you will have to wait to see those!) I have been buying in preparation.

{headbands, turquoise ring, anchor earrings and blue earrings: all forever 21. bracelet: thrifted. brown ring: belk}

With these accessories, I was looking for some cute ways to have my hair out of my face, but then for some good earrings to pair with the headbands! I also love a good statement ring, it adds so much fun to any outfit!

{nailpolish: essie. lip butter: revlon. brown sunnies: f21, black sunnies: betsey johnson}

The new Essie collection is to die for. I had to cap myself at only buying two bottles, since they are $8 each. I had to get another pair of the Betsey Johnson sunglasses, since of the two I had, one is broken and the other pair lost. I love them too much not to buy another pair! You can find them at any Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx in assorted colors for $10-20. The brown sunglasses are so fun on, and I just love the retro look! Finally, I am obsessed with this new Lip Butter from Revlon. It goes on so much better for me than lipstick and it's a good transition into trying out bold colors!

{all victoria's secret, except the pink patterned top: f21}

Since my old favorite Old Navy bikini bottom is now too big (good, bad thing!), I had to get some new bottoms to wear with my go-to black bandeau top. I found the black + white striped bottom in store that looks so cute with my black top! I also picked up the white top + turquoise bottoms on another trip. While at Forever 21 the other day, I spotted the pink top and thought it would match perfectly with the turquoise bottoms-- and it did! My goal here was to keep the same bottom type (so I don't get crazy tan lines) and have some tops I can mix and match. I think I succeeded!

{heels: Marco Santi (via Nordstrom Rack), sandals: left AE, right Target}

I needed a new pair of nice heels to wear with all my dresses for dinner. I was looking for a pair of nude strap-y sandals, and these fit the bill! As for the other sandals, I am currently obsessed with my guess sandals, but they are dangerously close to breaking. I had to get some back-ups! I love both of theses pairs-- the black ones are especially comfortable.

{clothing: tops: forever 21, shorts: jcrew}

Just a little picture including everything. I love the bright colors! With the tops, I love the vintage-ness (making up words over here) to the white top, and the breezy-ness (there I go again) of the blue + green one! I bought these coral J.Crew shorts because I am already so obsessed with my navy and pink pairs. They fit amazing and keep their shape! They are also the perfect length. Find them here! I think I am going to get a khaki pair and/or a white pair next.

over the weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 03:47:00 +0000

Friday: Went the library that night (don't worry, I went out after-- I'm not that lame!) to watch a movie for a paper due on Saturday. (Procrastinator much?)

Saturday Morning: Went to the Wayside Market (as seen here) with Jarrett to get a delicious orange smoothie!

Saturday Night: Baking party with Annie and Lauren! We did hair, had a yummy appetizer and then made brownies layered with Oreos and chocolate chip cookies. They were to die for!

The Outfits: Saturday (shirt & sunglasses: f21, shorts: jcrew) and Sunday (shirt: f21, jeans: seven for all mankind, and shoes: target)

Sunday was spent doing homework and going to work for a few hours! Nothing too amazing or picture-worthy. How did you spend your weekend?

oh wait... this used to be a fashion blog

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 23:13:00 +0000

{left: shirt & earrings: forever 21, shorts: jcrew. right: shirt: forever 21, sweater: oldnavy, skirt: ann taylor loft}

I guess I may owe you guys some outfits every now and then, you know, seeing as this used to be a fashion blog and all. I may take some actual outfit pictures on my cruise (versus these amazing blackberry snaps!), but we will see! I am definitely going to be making some videos from our cruise with my flip cam! I am so excited, we leave next Sunday, March 11th! I have been shopping non-stop and finally am beginning to feel prepared. I am working on a post to show you guys my spring break prep, so be on the look out!

{left: dress: forever 21. right: dress: forever 21, blazer: jcpenney, pins: thrifted}

how to: make food for the week!

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:33:00 +0000

Starting this semester, as Jarrett and I are both in class or work until 9:00pm Monday-Thursday, I have been cooking enough food for the week on Sunday. I typically cook one huge pork roast and/or chicken and then 3-4 types of vegetables so we can mix and match proteins and veggies for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and/or snacks! It works so well and saves so much time and stress during the week. This week I made:

Shredded Boston Butt Pork Roast
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Garlic
Green Beans and Bacon
Shredded Rutabaga
Cauliflower "Rice"

In order to make all of this, I gathered the following ingredients (I included prices, so you can see how cheap and easy this is!):

Boston Butt Pork Roast (on sale this week at Publix, I typically just buy whichever cut of pork/chicken is on sale each week): 6lbs, $12.50
Frozen Brussels Sprouts $1.75
Sugar-Free Bacon $3.50 (half used, so only $1.75 worth used)
1/3 cup raw Pecans $2.00 (by the pound at Whole Foods)
Garlic Cloves: huge container kept on hand, the whole thing cost about $3, so about $0.10/use
Fresh Green Beans $2.15
Rutabaga $2.80
Cauliflower $3.00
Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Liquid Smoke (always on hand)

Total Cost: $26.05 -- told you it was cheap and easy!

The key to this is optimizing your time and constantly working on something. I started by putting the pork roast in the slow cooker, and sprinkling salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a dash of liquid smoke on top; followed by pouring enough water to halfway cover the roast.

Put it in your slow cooker on high heat for about 5-6 hours (until tender), and then turn to low or keep warm until you can shred it.

Next, I started on the brussels sprouts and green beans. Both dishes require cooked bacon, so I cut four slices of bacon in half, making eight pieces, and put four of those pieces into 2 different pans:

While the bacon was crisping, I took then ends off of the green beans and washed them off. While I was prepping the beans, I was heating the brussels sprouts in the microwave. I also chopped a few cloves of garlic to have ready for the dishes.

To finish the green beans, leave the bacon pieces and bacon fat in the pan. Place the green beans in the pan along with some garlic and let them heat up for 1-2 minutes. Pour enough water in the pan to cover the green beans and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I always find they need a lot of salt! Once it comes to a boil, cover and simmer on low for about 2 hours, until the liquid has reduced and the beans are tender to your liking!

To finish the brussels sprouts, pull the bacon off the stove and put under a paper towel. Pull the pan off the heat while you chop up the pecans. Once chopped, place pan back on the heat. Toast pecans and a few of the minced garlic cloves in the bacon fat.

While those are toasting, chop up the cooked brussels sprouts.

Place the chopped brussels sprouts into the pan with the pecans and garlic. Take the cooked bacon and tear into pieces, then place into the pan as well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until flavors combine (about 10 minutes) on low.

While that is cooking, start to peel and cut up your rutabaga into pieces that will fit through your food processor's feed tube to shred, or, if you don't have a food processor, cut into pieces big enough to use and hand held shredder.

Cook the shredded rutabaga in a fat of your choice until tender, seasoned to your liking. I used salt, pepper, and garlic (shocker right? See any trends?) along with coconut oil.

I put too much rutabaga in my pan, and I didn't feel like taking it out, so I just covered it so it could steam. Later this week I will be posting a shredded rutabaga hash brown recipe, and I much preferred the slight crispy-ness of that versus them being soft and steamed. While both are good, I like them crunchier! Below is my stove at this point: green beans on the left, rutabaga on the right.

Onto the final part! Lastly, I chopped up a head of cauliflower and put it into my food processor in batches to turn into cauliflower "rice."

I then took the cauliflower "rice" and microwaved it for about 6-7 minutes to cook it through. I left it plain so I could use it in different ways during the week.

See? That was super easy and took little time because we were being efficient and planning ahead. If you have any questions, please let me know!

weekending.

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 02:35:00 +0000

{Amazing WOD on Thursday: Open 12.1 WOD of 7 minutes of Burpees, followed by AMRAP 10: 20 DB Snatches, 30 Air Squats, 100 Singles, then rest 3 minutes, and run 1 mile for time}

{Laying out on Friday afternoon}

{Finding an art festival on Sunday morning while doing some shopping}

{Cooking food for the week: blog post to come on this after my tests this week!}

{Made this pizza for dinner tonight}

{Studying for my Advanced Auditing exam}

Hope you all are having a lovely weekend!

finally back at the gym!

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Since I was sick all last week, I didn't work out at all. Which is like super weird for me because I always go to CrossFit at least 3 times a week, typically 4-5! But since I hadn't been for a while, I was really nervous about going back! I was worried it would be a really hard work out and I would totally suck at it. Silly thoughts, but I almost didn't go tonight because of it! Luckily, I texted Jarrett and made him give me reasons to go, so off I went at 7:00pm!

Warm-up:
Double Under Practice
800m Row

WOD for time:
800m run
3 rounds:
- 10 KB Swings (70/53) [I did 35lbs- a new KB weight for me]
- 35 Dubs/50 Singles [No dubz yet! Singles for me]
- 15 Burpees
800m run
My time: 21:14

Today's workout was a good one. I love when they include running because I see it as "me time" to get to go out and get some fresh air, think, and just keep pushing myself forward! Since my best mile time is 8:16, and therefore not less than 7:30, I ran the 800m. The three rounds were good, the only part that was exhausting to me was the burpees. Everything else went by super quickly! If I hadn't been sick before this, I definitely would have been able to do it much easier! All in all, I am very glad I went.

lazy weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:55:00 +0000

{Clearly, I was feeling very blue and white on Saturday and black and white on Sunday. Totally similar color combinations that I didn't notice until now!}

Jarrett and I had a very lazy weekend as I am still trying to fight off being sick. On Saturday, we made brunch which consisted of shredded rutabaga "hash browns" (recipe to come later!) and bacon, and then set off to run some errands. I went to the mall to get my watch fixed and ended up getting a new bikini for spring break! We cruise in 18 days! I am so excited!! We then caught up on season 5 of 30 Rock and I set off to make this recipe of cauliflower pizza. Turns out, I really hate goat cheese, so the whole thing was a bust! (Note: if you like goat cheese, you'd love this!) Luckily I had some other stuff already made in the fridge, so it wasn't a big deal. (Except for the whole wasting $20 on stuff to make it) Like Jarrett reminded me though, when you are working on adapting to a new lifestyle and trying tons of new recipes, you aren't going to like everything! It is all trial and error, which is so true. Luckily, all of my other experiments came out well this weekend!

On Sunday, I made breakfast again, and then went to the library to study for my marketing test before heading to the student health center. Thankfully, they actually gave me some prescription medicine this time, so hopefully I will be feeling better soon! For dinner, I made spaghetti squash with an amazing pistachio pesto (recipe post to come!). After dinner, Jarrett and I were both reading and studying and watching more 30 Rock. Jarrett was inspired by a commercial on Hulu and drew this on my knee:

Clearly, we had quite the exciting weekend! Hope you all had a great long weekend! (Mine wasn't long, I had a test today! So obnoxious.)

paleo zucchini latkes

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:31:00 +0000

After seeing this recipe on Smitten Kitchen, I knew I had to make a paleo adaptation. It happened last semester when I was on a major ground turkey kick. I was a woman obsessed! It was all I wanted to eat and cook with. Now? I can't stand the sight or smell of the stuff. (Hopefully that doesn't happen with my beloved pork!) Luckily, this recipe completely hides that there is even any turkey in it. It simply tastes delicious and is quick and easy to make!

Paleo Zucchini Latkes
(adapted from Smitten Kitchen's Zucchini Fritters)
Yield, about 10-12 latkes

Ingredients:
2 medium zucchini
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup ground turkey
Salt, pepper, and garlic (or your choice of seasonings) to taste
Coconut oil or another oil of your choice, for frying

Directions:
Place your oven on the warm setting, or 200 degrees. Place a cookie sheet inside.

Take the ends off the zucchini and grate them either on the large end of a box grater or using the shredding blade of a food processor. I have tried both ways, as I recently got a large processor, and both work great with this recipe.

Take a dishcloth (or cheese cloth if you have one, I don't) and place the shredded zucchini inside. Wring out as much as the liquid as possible. In a bowl, mix together the egg and ground turkey until combined. Add in the zucchini and seasonings and combine.

Heat the oil on the stove to medium-high, and place dollops of the batter evenly spaced apart. Cook until golden brown on each side (about 3-5 minutes/side, depending on your stove). Once your batch is complete, place them on the cookie sheet in the oven to keep warm until they all are done.

Enjoy!

{My favorite thing to top them with, some of the left over chimichurri sauce Jarrett made for our steaks the night before!}

garlic ginger chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:14:00 +0000

This dish really led me to love chicken legs/drumsticks. I was looking at The Food Lovers' Primal Palate website and saw this recipe. I decided to try it out because it looked delicious and was a great way to push myself into trying other cuts of meat. I honestly cannot imagine eating a dry chicken breast anymore. Once you go to dark, moist, tender meat-- apparently you never go back! The taste of this dish is really out of this world. It is so satisfying. The green beans pictured above are actually another Primal Palate recipe, seen here.

{A view of my prep area, including Jarrett's iPad with the recipe on it!}

{A side shot of my gorgeous new Le Creuset dish!}

{Two chicken legs and three drumsticks, all ready to go in the oven!}

pssst! check out my new about me page

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:07:00 +0000

I have a brand new About Me page! Just click on the About Me picture on your left. It explains the change in my blog name and the new types of posts you can expect.

I will be working on updating the website in the next few days, so please pardon any dust!

cauliflower pizza crust + banana "ice cream"

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:23:00 +0000

Jarrett and I decided on Monday that we were going to postpone our Valentine's Day celebration until Friday because he had class until 9:00pm last night. While we are still going to celebrate then, he did surprise me with two dozen gorgeous red roses! I got done with class around 5:30pm yesterday, and was seriously craving pizza. However, pizza and my stomach don't get along really well. They tend to fight and give me some major stomach pain. So I decided to try out a recipe I had seen online for a cauliflower pizza crust! It was seriously the best pizza ever (and I love a really great slice of pizza). Even Jarrett loved it! We both devoured two slices and saved the rest for later (well... not much later, I just got done eating it for lunch. Sorry Jarrett). I used this recipe (and doubled it to have leftovers), however, it does use a lot of cheese so I will be trying this one out next time. Much less cheese, more veggies! Note: cheese isn't technically paleo, it's more primal, so do I try to keep my total dairy consumption to a minimum. But since this was a holiday, I decided it was a good time to indulge!

{The crust prior to being put in the oven}

{The crust after coming out of the oven}

{Crust coated with tomato sauce, mozzarella, spinach, and garlic}

{The finished product! Looks amazing right?}

{My delicious slice, about to be devoured}

This is the banana "ice cream" we celebrated with after dinner. So easy to make and 100% paleo! For my version (adapted from here), I placed in my food processor (you could also use a blender):

2-3 frozen bananas
1/4 - 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Mix on high speed until combined! The texture is exactly like frozen yogurt and so freaking delicious! Next time, I will be adding in some almond butter because that sounds sooo good! You could really add anything you want to make it your way.

love list: vday edition

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:02:00 +0000

In honor of Valentine's Day, I wanted to bring back my love list feature. These are things I am obsessed with and can't get enough of lately!

Happy Valentine's Day Jarrett! Thank you for always being there for me, I couldn't ask for someone better than you :) (Picture taken at the best concert ever, Jimmy Buffett! We had an amazing time.)

When I went home this past weekend, I was so touched that my parents had printed out the article of when I got athlete of the month at my CrossFit gym! I was so excited and it was so sweet to see it on the fridge.

Pulled Pork. Need I say more? Just add some vinegar and Cajun seasoning and I am set! Plus, it makes a super quick meal when you add either fruit or veggies. I have gotten into the habit of cooking a 5-10lb pork roast weekly and having it shredded and ready for quick meals.

Left: new J.Crew pink shorts! They are so fun and seem to go with everything. They make me so happy!

Right: new haircut! I actually got like 3 inches off the bottom and some new layers.

Delicious green smoothie and hot pink nails.

changes

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:16:00 +0000

I'm a different person. I'm different than I was a year ago. I'm better than I ever have been before. And yet, I still seem to make some of the same stupid mistakes I have in the past. Why? Why can't I learn my lesson? Whether it be eating or drinking things I shouldn't or just not taking the time to get my homework done ahead of time.

From this point on, I am going to work hard to make a conscious effort to think ahead and make sure that what I am about to do fits in with my goals and the person I want to be. I am sure that I will mess up sometimes (nobody is perfect) and when I do I need to be accepting of myself and simply accept it and move on. I have come way too far to keep beating myself up over things or make decisions that aren't the best for me. I deserve better and I will be better!

On another note, after some discussion with friends at wine night, I will be blogging again! I need a place to put my thoughts, recipes, and obsessions. Don't expect regular posts, but (hopefully!) 1-2 posts a week.

life according to my blackberry

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:00:00 +0000

I'm back again! Please forgive my absence after I said I was returning... I got really sick and so I basically slept all day for a few days last week. Luckily, I am all better now in time for my finals and midterms! (Can't you hear my excitement?) Here is what I have been up to for the past few days, as captured from my blackberry:

{Lots of time spent studying this week for my three exams (two of which are finals!). I have one more final next week, and then I can go home and spend 5 days with my family. I cannot wait!}

{I started wearing my bangs down again. This is a huge step for me, as I get in really vicious hair cycles. It's bad.}

{My sleepy time tea as I like to call it! Ever since I was sick I haven't been able to sleep well at night, so I decided to try this. It definitely relaxes me!}

{I just got done at CrossFit today! I am soo happy to be back. I took a week off while I was sick. I missed it soo much!}

{My breakfast of champions. Sometimes you just need some chocolate to start your day off right! (this is 85% dark, I love me some dark chocolate!)}

a very much needed update post!

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:50:00 +0000

Well, it's been so long I don't even know what to start with! I just want to give you guys an update about what has been going on with me, and when I plan to start regularly blogging again!

Basically, I stopped blogging because I was super busy with my internship this summer, and I haven't been able to slow down since! I got a job offer from the company I interned for this summer (which I accepted!) and I start working for them in Spring 2013! Between then and now I will be finishing up my undergrad, masters in taxation, and cpa exam.

Right now, between my undergrad and graduate classes, I am crazy busy! My workload will be less starting halfway through October, so I hope to start blogging a few days a week then! In the meantime, here is what I have been up to:

CrossFit

I am still obsessed with CrossFit. I workout 4-5 days a week and could not be happier! I have been able to accomplish so many things I never thought possible, including a handstand! I feel like a completely different person since starting in June, for the way better. I never felt secure, confident, or proud of my body; and now I feel so happy with what I have been able to do, the changes I have seen, and how strong I am becoming!

Paleo

Along the same lines of doing CrossFit, I finally decided that all of my working out was for absolutely nothing if I was fueling my body with crappy food. Eating paleo makes me feel fantastic! I never feel gross after I eat and I am full, satisfied, and happy. I am not perfect and I do not always eat 100% paleo, but I have learned that when I am not eating my best, it upsets my stomach and I just don't feel good -- great incentive to keep eating right!

Jarrett and I

We have been having so much fun lately! Especially since we are both 21 now, we have been able to experience Miami in a whole new way! We've been dancing in South Beach, trying new restaurants, and have a new favorite spot -- a wine bar called Cavas (pictured at right). We were adventurous and tried the cheese platter last night, and it was so fun to experiment and try something new!

Outfits

Don't worry, I am still wearing cute outfits even though I haven't been posting them! If you hadn't noticed from the pictures above, I have a new obsession: shorts! Since I feel more confident in my body, I have been branching out with my style and have tried some new looks! I really like flowy, cropped tops with high waisted shorts and fun wedges. I'm excited to post some new outfits in the coming weeks, my style has been really evolving!

Well there it is, that is what I have been up to (with the exception of school work, but did you really want pictures of that?)! Tell me, what is new with you guys? I have been still reading everyone's blogs, but I haven't been able to comment! Miss you all!

a lesson in work wear

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:57:00 +0000

Since starting my internship in June (which I adore btw!), I have learned how to quickly get ready in the morning while still trying to look put together and stylish. The following two tips below have helped me save a ton of time and kept me from staring blankly into my closet wondering what to wear!

Lesson 1: An easy way to get dressed is to start with something basic.

In my case, the work wear item I own the most of is black skirts. I probably own about ten! I always go shopping and think I could use another one. When you have multiples of something basic, all you have to do is grab a shirt or fun skirt to make a quick outfit before you run out the door. Some basics you can build an outfit of: button down shirts, black skirts (seen above), solid color dressy tops, the list goes on and on.

Review: constant + variable = you on time to work!

Lesson 2: Make sure you have a wardrobe full of similar colors!

This is key. You need to actually be able to pair things in your wardrobe together! At first I would only buy some business clothes whenever I saw them on sale or if I thought something was cute. I would never think to see what I had that would match it first AND that was office appropriate. It took me forever to find something to wear with the skirt on the left from Ann Taylor Loft! Luckily at Goodwill last weekend I spotted the silky burgundy shirt, which paired perfectly with the skirt. Make sure you have some similar colors that you can quickly pair together, but also some fun random pieces that will also work with atleast one thing in your closet!

Review: Similar colors = Easy outfit picking!

tacos!!

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:59:00 +0000

Sometimes all you think about all day is getting home from work and making tacos. (Maybe not.) But I did last week. All I wanted to do was go home and make these tacos. With this greek yogurt thing on top that I thought up while doing some depreciation calculations. It's super yummy.

Grab these ingredients: some greek yogurt, chili and paprika powder, cilantro, and some canned (or fresh) green chiles!

Mix. Don't worry that is it not that cute, it tastes delicious!

Saute some bell pepper and onions.

Saute some lean (93/7 and higher) ground beef.

Put that mixture on some corn tortilla's with a spoonful of the mixture and some lime squeezed on. Chow down!

Wash it all down with some white wine with a touch of lime!

sydney is fourteen!

noreply@blogger.com (Taylor Marie) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 11:30:00 +0000

{Outfit- Shirt: Cotton On, Shorts: American Eagle}

{Me and my momma}

{Mom being a ham in the middle (she loved it!)}

{Family picture}

{He can't just smile for a picture!}

{The birthday girl and I, showing off our go-kart passes and matching Betsey Johnson sunnies!}

{Such a perfect family day, with a perfect family photo (in only one try!)}

Sydney turned fourteen, and to celebrate, the whole family went go-karting. We had such a blast! Also in typical family form, we had a photo shoot beforehand. I'm so happy to have all of these pictures to commemorate an amazing, fun, family filled day. Happy Belated (on the blog) Birthday Sydney!

*Fun Fact: this was the same go-karting place Jarrett took me on our first date, over three years ago! I love going back there with him, it is so special!*