3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

My answer to this question boils down to three things:

…because of money. …because of others’ expectations of us. …because of our own expectations of ourselves.

There’s not much of a way around the first one. [...]]]>

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

My answer to this question boils down to three things:

…because of money.
…because of others’ expectations of us.
…because of our own expectations of ourselves.

There’s not much of a way around the first one. Although I strongly believe it’s possible to make a decent living by doing what you love (I mean, that’s what I’m working towards right now), there are so many circumstances that can come in the way of that – circumstances that are different for everyone. It would be ignorant to deny that fact.

As for the second two, my answer is pretty simple.

[source]

Easier said than done? Maybe. But it’s worth the risk, if you ask me.

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what you love. Because when you do what you love, the world will need it.”

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

I think that this quote I came up with last year pretty much sums up my answer.

I didn’t start living by this mantra until about two years ago. In fact, before that, my life was quite the opposite. I don’t even think I’d want to have been friends [...]]]>

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

I think that this quote I came up with last year pretty much sums up my answer.

I didn’t start living by this mantra until about two years ago. In fact, before that, my life was quite the opposite. I don’t even think I’d want to have been friends with the old me. It’s not there was anything “wrong” with me, but I also didn’t have much going for me either. Sure – I got good grades, graduated college, and had a comfortable life. But I also didn’t have a passionate life, and I played it safe in every possible way. I lacked drive and confidence, which held me back more than I like to admit.

The good news, though, is that I broke free from that and – for the first time in my life – can say that I’m truly happy, passionate, and beyond excited for the future. If it weren’t for some serious risks and trial and error along the way, though, I wouldn’t even be close to where I am today.

Your turn.

Even though I absolutely love to bake, I don’t think I’ll ever be that person you’ll see inventing baking recipes from scratch. To me, that’s a whole other world that gives me anxiety just thinking about entering. That’s why – for the most part – my baking [...]]]> I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

Even though I absolutely love to bake, I don’t think I’ll ever be that person you’ll see inventing baking recipes from scratch. To me, that’s a whole other world that gives me anxiety just thinking about entering. That’s why – for the most part – my baking ventures take on the already tried-and-true recipes of other people.

…but then there are Cake Batter Blondies.

You see, I recently figured that since Cake Batter Blondies are already my most popular post among readers– and because there’s a million variation possibilities for the recipe concoction – why not just expand on that? That way you get a ton of new CBB options, and I don’t feel like an entire phony of a baker.

It’s a win-win, clearly.

ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 – 1/2 cup coconut milk (I used full-fat)
• 3/4 cup + 1/3 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional)

directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the cake mix and 3/4 cup shredded coconut in a large bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together the egg, oil, and coconut extract, then add to the dry mixture and combine as much as possible. Then add the coconut milk slowly just until the batter is combined – you want it to remain as dense as possible. Place better in a greased 8×8 pan or 8-inch cake pan and top with 1/3 cup shredded coconut, pressing it down slightly. Bake for 28-33 minutes or just until the edges turn golden. Let cool for 20 minutes before cutting because the gooey center needs to set. The result will be a decadent, cake-batter texture.

Are you an experimental baker/cook? Or do you stick to recipes?

…who – despite having a deep and serious love for chick-flicks – has no desire to see The Vow.

…who refuses to listen to most dating/relationship “rules.”

…who still eats during NYFW.

…whose dad still asks her to be his Valentine. And says yes.

…who isn’t doing “Feb photo a day” on instagram.

…who [...]]]> …who doesn’t really like chocolate all that much.

…who – despite having a deep and serious love for chick-flicks – has no desire to see The Vow.

…who refuses to listen to most dating/relationship “rules.”

…who still eats during NYFW.

…whose dad still asks her to be his Valentine. And says yes.

…who isn’t doing “Feb photo a day” on instagram.

…who buys makeup at the drugstore. Like, the 99 cent stuff.

…who lives in NYC after sincerely swearing for years that she would never be a “city girl.”

…are you with me on any of these?

Rihanna’s performance was my favorite of the night. She never disappoints.

The boys of Foster The People are just the cutest little nuggets. I saw them live over the summer and was [...]]]> I’m not usually big on award shows, but for some reason I found myself glued to last night’s Grammys. So here’s the rundown a la Gracie.

Rihanna’s performance was my favorite of the night. She never disappoints.

The boys of Foster The People are just the cutest little nuggets. I saw them live over the summer and was so happy to see them performing on last night’s big show. Oh, and they clearly beat out Maroon 5 in the Beach Boys battle.

Is it just me or does LL Cool J never seem to age? Although, there’s got to be something shady going on under that newsboy cap of his…

Jennifer Hudson’s performance. Speechless.

I’m still not understanding the obsession with Adele. Why do people talk about and treat her like she’s saved humankind from depletion? She’s adorable – she really is – but I just don’t find her voice to be all that pleasant.

Even though she’s released one too many anthem songs, there’s just something I really like about Katy Perry. Props to her for publicly venting about her failed marriage to Russell Brand in front of millions of people…I guess…

YAY FOR BON IVER! However, since when does a band that’s been around for 5 years constitute as being a “new artist?”

I’m not Gaga’s biggest fan, but that wand she was carrying was pretty dope.

But my award for best-dressed at the Grammys goes to…

It’s a tie. I’m a sucker for close girlfriends, what can I say?

What are your thoughts on last night’s Grammys? Best dressed? Best performance?

If I continue with my aggressive pedestrian ways, odds are that I will in fact get hit by a car one day.

After watching two of his movies this weekend – there’s just something so adorable (and hilarious) about Jason Bateman.

Cell phone games these days [...]]]> Apparently I’ve formed a bad habit of losing important cards on the weekend.

If I continue with my aggressive pedestrian ways, odds are that I will in fact get hit by a car one day.

After watching two of his movies this weekend – there’s just something so adorable (and hilarious) about Jason Bateman.

Cell phone games these days give me anxiety. What ever happened to Snake??

Spring Street Natural is one of the reasons I’ll never say I don’t like healthy food.

I’m one of the few single people who actually loves and is excited for Valentines Day.

Wearing a beanie out ensures that at least 20 people will try to steal it and/or pull it down over your face.

Basic cable channels no longer offer a Grammy’s Red Carpet pre-show, which I think is ridiculous. We cheap-cableless people deserve to be able to judge celebrities based on their poor choices of attire too, okay?? (stay tuned for my full Grammys commentary later today. Ohyes.)

What did you learn this weekend? See any good movies?

They were a hit, to say the least.

This recipe is so simple! And the result – complete with a graham cracker crust and ooey-gooey filling – is almost too delicious for words. (Just [...]]]> The other night we had our church connect group at my apartment, and I baked these Magic Cookie Bars (sans the dates) for everyone.

They were a hit, to say the least.

This recipe is so simple! And the result – complete with a graham cracker crust and ooey-gooey filling – is almost too delicious for words. (Just make sure to bake it well ahead of serving so it has time to set before cutting.)

I guess the point of this post is just…make these.

Beanie baby with a boxer.

See? I’m a [...]]]> I guess I do sorta have a type.

Beanie baby with a boxer.

See? I’m a simple gal…