velvet cupcakes

Winter Brights!

2013-01-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

There is something so jarring about taking down Christmas decorations and throwing out the Christmas tree. It's as if everything that we all worked so hard on was pointless and forgotten in the matter of just a few days. All of the glitz and glam get packed up, like last years swimwear at the end of a season, as if it was nothing. And all the things that were so important in December seem to disappear like a dream. I think this holiday deconstruction effects my mood for the rest of the season. I always dread January, February, and especially March. These three months drag on for a lifetime and are always full of dreary gray days. Everyone piles on layers upon layers of depressing colors and dull fabrics like a uniform. Winter my friends, who needs it? Especially, when you live in a place where snow rarely happens and fireplaces aren't nearly as common as they should be. I have been thinking of a way to pull me out of this seasonal funk and then it hit me, brights! By adding just a pop of color with a nail color, (hello Essie Bermuda Shorts), or an amazing skirt I automatically feel just the teensy bit better! Before I know it my walk is just a bit lighter, my mood is uplifted, and all of a sudden my outlook is just a tad... Well, brighter!

pictures via pinterest

Congrats!

2013-01-07T18:53:00.002-08:00

Today my handsome and talented boyfriend started a new job in a new field that he is interested in and I couldn't be more excited for him!! He called to tell me things went well, and all about his day, and it sounds like it's going to open a lot of great doors and really get his career where he wants it to be! Congrats my dear T, so proud of you!!

The Life of a Jobless Masters Grad

2013-01-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

I feel like everyone around me is moving on with their lives and finding bigger and better things and I am just kind of floundering here stuck in a world of insecurity. I've been applying for jobs for months upon months and have nothing to show for it. That being said I do have a pretty amazing part time job which is such a blessing and I have been able to keep up my clinical skills. I am just sick of being poor and sick of laying around the house all the time with nothing to do. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love spending most of my days surfing the internet, but my school loans are not going to pay themselves and they are only getting worse with the ridiculous interest rates they have. I just feel super stuck and I spend most of my time tracking down jobs that never call me back. It's just so frustrating. I have the education and drive, but for some reason that's all I can seem to get. A part of me just wants to give up and find some random job, but I need experience in order to fulfill my ultimate goal of getting into a PhD program. I am just sick of this process that never seems to go anywhere. Well I guess I should go and apply for some more jobs...

Happy New Year!!!

2013-01-01T17:03:00.002-08:00

I had a great New Years Eve and will update on my night later on this week... But here's to a new year of standing up for myself and doing things that are right for me instead of trying to make everyone else happy. I don't really believe in resolutions, but I am going to try to keep this in mind throughout this year. Here's to a happy and healthy new year!!

New Years Eve Outfit

2012-12-30T14:44:00.001-08:00

New Years Eve Outfit by funk2935 featuring patterned tights

Happy New Year Weekend!!

2012-12-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend I am up in Lake Placid, NY skiing with my brother and Dad, luckily the biggest storm so far this season was this past week! We will head home Monday morning to kick off our New Years Eve in style. I am attending a huge house party complete with a hotel shuttle, live band, and photo booth. Should be a fun time, especially because the boyfriend is in the band. I have been having a hard time thinking of an appropriate outfit since I am attending a "grown up" party but also will be "with the band" not to mention my obscene addiction to sequins. Hmph... I really don't think there is an appropriate action to take. Sequins will most likely win. Maybe your going all out this year with champagne and glitz or maybe your staying home and watching movies, either way I hope you have a wonderful New Years Weekend!! Here are some photos to get you in that New Years Weekend state of mind!

Christmas in Pictures

2012-12-27T16:32:00.001-08:00

Pretty great Christmas! No fighting and lots of fun with family and friends!!!

Holiday Inspiration.

2012-12-23T19:42:00.003-08:00

I spent a lot of time this year running all over trying to find gifts that my friends and family would love. Despite all the craziness, I've been thinking a lot about the things that make Christmas special to me and my family so that I can soak up those moments and enjoy this time of year. The thing that keeps popping up to me is having The Night Before Christmas read to me and my siblings every Christmas Eve after church, leaving milk and cookies for Santa and posing with our stockings for an annual picture, having to wait upstairs by the balcony until the Christmas music was playing downstairs, trying to guess which pile of gifts was mine, eating Christmas cookies and hors d'oeuvres for lunch gearing up for Christmas dinner, having my extended family come over and showing them my gifts, watching a Christmas movie with my Mom after dinner and thinking about how Christmas always feels different than other days and how I always felt sorry to see it go. Those are the things that I remember the most and as simple as they are they are the things that I look forward to each year. Here's to you and your family enjoying the simple things this year. Merry Christmas to you and your friends and family!

10 Holiday Goals

2012-12-19T20:42:00.001-08:00

I was never into the holidays growing up. I was too focused on being miserable and angry to really enjoy my family. Instead of picking out a tree, decorating the house, and christmas shopping I sat in my room writing emo entries in my diary about how unfair my parents were and how I wish they sent me to boarding school. I would spend hours in my room deciphering Dave Matthews lyrics while my family enjoyed the holidays together. I regret spending that time alone when I could the festive things that the holidays are all about. Since then, I have tried my best to get into the holiday spirit but I do sometimes find myself in those old moody tudes when forced to spend quality time with my family, so I have to actively remember why it's important. This year, I have spent a lot of time with my boyfriend and his family so I have been skipping out on traditional family movie nights, so I have to remember the things I want to do and DO them, so I thought I'd list them below! 1. Send a Christmas card to my pen pals (TOMORROW)! 2. Bake Christmas Cookies with my bff (7 Layer, Chocolate Chips, & Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies) 3. Watch Christmas Vacation and Home Alone with the bf 4. Watch Love Actually, Child's Christmas in Wales, White Christmas, and Muppets Christmas Carole with my Family 5. Wrap gifts with my grandmother 6. Decorate my gifts with festive ribbons and bows 7. Go to midnight mass with my family 8. Paint my nails festively 9. Go skiing with my Dad and brother 10. Go around the city giving homemade treats to the homeless with my sister

Happy Weekend...

2012-12-14T18:29:00.002-08:00

It's almost Christmas and it's the weekend, which means most people are out doing festive things and of course Christmas shopping. I am hoping to run away next week and do some of these things but this week I shall be working per usual. What are you up to this weekend??

Linlithgow Palace meets Chanel

2012-12-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's rare that I've been anywhere that Karl Lagerfeld has been, so when I saw this blog I couldn't believe what I was seeing! Chanel's annual Metier d' Arts Pre Fall 2013 fashion show was held at Linlithgow Palace in Scotland, which was built in the 13th century as a home for the royal family 15 miles away from their home in Edinburgh, Scotland. AND I was there with my sister and her friends two springs ago! The collection was inspired Scottish and English history and the family feud between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots which you can see in the details of the pieces. The most refreshing part of it all is that it is almost entirely ready to wear and I gotta say there are only a few items in this collection that I wouldn't love to have in my own wardrobe. It's fantastic that such an off the beaten path historical landmark is getting great press and recognition by a major fashion house! If you ever get to go visit Scotland, it's only a train ride from Edinburgh and Glasgow and you absolutely should visit this historical palace!

Watch the whole show here:

Confused Ramblings

2012-12-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

It's hard to figure out what you want sometimes. It's hard to decipher what you truly want and what society wants for you. It might seem like you know exactly which path to choose and then at other times it may seem like you entirely exhausted each option and now you can only look upon a smoldering pile of old idea carcasses. Your heart may lead you one way even though your head leads you in a completely different direction. You might think you have it all figured out and then you get a phone call, or find an old letter, or get rejected and everything you thought you knew is instantaneously challenged. I think I like the way things are going but at the same time I don't. I am happy but at the same time I want something more. I am working towards my goal but in the same breath I am stifled.

Neiman and Marcus for Target

2012-12-10T12:12:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I worked non stop. I worked Friday night till 3am. Saturday I worked three shifts in two different states and drove back to NJ at 8am Sunday morning to go to work once again. It was exhausting and now I feel as though I am facing a terminal illness. Saturday before my third job of the day, I had to run to Target to pick up some things for the job and I happened to wonder upon the Neiman Marcus Collection for Target. So I guess I am just out of the loop, but why didn't I know about this? I loved so many of the items and must say they would be great gifting items for anyone on your list! Some of my favorites include merchandise from Proenza Schouler, Altuzarra, Robert Rodriguez, and Brian Atwood. If you haven't already, check them out!!

Let's play a little catch up...

2012-12-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

It's been over a week since I last wrote and there is really no reason why except for running all over doing things I just don't normally do. I've been busy as of late, but it's been a fun time. Recently I: reconnected with my best friend from college with Mr. Ty Ward from Wyld Lyfe, supported Oscar Knox in his fight with a rare form of cancer, while spending the day with old friends, helped the bf study for his CFA exam, watched a bunch of crappy movies, spent time with my big sis and her husband, baked a bunch of cookies, went to a Devil's Triangle concert, had an interview, worked on my Tumblr, went to work, took my kitten to get her shots, decided what to get people for their Christmas gifts, helped my grandmother with errands, and ran around all over the place doing all of these things. Oh, not to mention having my car was broken into and my GPS was stolen! Here's my past week in pictures...

Gifts by Kate

2012-11-28T09:52:00.003-08:00

My first expensive purse was a Kate Spade bag, when I was about 13. I was dying for the funky colors and quirky design and my Mom opted to get me a classic black Nylon bag. I needless to say was a little sad that I didn't get something more kitchy, but and happy that I still can use it today. It's a timeless piece. BUT I still love Kate for her effortlessly fun and quirky style that is full both practical and stylish. When looking at her site recently I noticed that she is just full of gifting ideas and I figured I would share them with all of you, since I am sure one of these will work perfectly for someone on your list. My personal favorites: the silver bow bangle and Arm Candy clutch!!!

Gifts by Kate by funk2935 featuring kate spade

Keep your fingers crossed...

2012-11-26T20:47:00.002-08:00

that they will believe I can do this:

Positive vibes, prayers, thoughts, etc. Send em my way tomorrow am. My dreams could be made.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2012-11-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

This year I am thankful for: 1. My New Kitten: Willow Grace Beatrice 2. My Friends & Family- Those near and far!!! 3. My Degrees 4. My Jobs 5. To Be able to Live with My Family While I Get Myself Financially Stable 6. My Computer- I honestly don't know what I would do without it 7. Social Media- My Blog, Tumblr, Twitter 8. The new people I have met and have become important to me this year! 9. My and my Family and Friends Health 10.Happiness (Which is probably the most amazing gift I've found this past year!!!)

Anthropologie Friday?

2012-11-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

The past few Black Fridays I have gotten some great deals on TVs for my apartments. This year I really don't need anything big and exciting, so I was feeling kind of sad that I am not geared up for the sales this week but have no fear kids! I found something to buy... Everyone knows my love for Anthropologie and they are having 25% off sale, therefore I can stock up on the following...

Are you going out on Black Friday? What are you hoping to snag?

Willow's Debut!!!

2012-11-20T20:29:00.001-08:00

I've never had a pet of my own. I've been wanting a dog for years but lets be honest, I'm never home and I wouldn't be able to give it the love it deserves. My mom's cat is about 8 months old and I knew it could use a playmate since it rarely has any play time, so when my boyfriend's sister mentioned that she was adopting a kitten I told her I was interested and voila! Willow Beatrice was all mine. Now she has been pretty scared and sat under my dresser for three whole days but she is really starting to warm up to us and she couldn't be sweeter! She is always purring. She hasn't met her brother yet, but I'm hoping they will be best friends! Welcome Willow to the family!!!!

Best Banana Bread Ever!!

2012-11-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

I love to bake. I love to get creative with ideas and make new improved items to indulge in with friends and family. That being said I love going back to old standards like my favorite chocolate cupcakes recipe, chocolate chip cookies, and my all time favorite; Banana Bread. I've been meaning to share this with you for awhile and I promise it will be the best Banana bread you've ever had AND it's low fat!! The recipe is from Cooking Light, but I have adapted it by swapping the sour cream for anyyyy low fat yogurt! I've used raspberry, vanilla, blueberry and you can never taste the extra flavor and it always turns out moist and delicious!! I made this today and sadly I hacked into this bad boy before I took pictures :( So I googled the recipe and found the following pics. Trust me it's delicious, make it!
Banana Bread Recipe:

1 Cup of Sugar
1/4 Cup Butter
3 Mashed Ripe Bananas (I use super ripe black bananas)
1/4 Cup Fat Free Milk
1/4 Cup of Fat Free Yogurt
2 Large Egg Whites
2 Cups of Flour
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp Salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease bread pan. Mix softened butter and sugar together. Mash Bananas with a fork. Mix in bananas, yogurt, milk, and egg whites alternating with flour, baking soda, and salt. Bake for 40-45 mins.

A Clip of Inspiration...

2012-11-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

I feel like sometimes it's good to hear it from someone who finally figured it out, that it doesn't always need to be figured out. Now it's time to go snuggle with this nerd:

New Years Ideas

2012-11-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

New Years is one of the only times that you can wear head to toe sequins and no one can say anything about it and for me that is beyond exciting! Last year sequin leggings and faux fur jackets were on the menu, but this year I am trying to think of ways to make my look current, festive, but not too over the top. I am really have no idea what that look will manifest itself as but I couldn't help but be inspired by the following Free People pictures!

Christmas Lists

2012-11-12T19:09:00.003-08:00

As you get older Christmas gift giving becomes less about surprise and more about desire and need. If you are like me your grandmother has been buying each QVC's "Special Value" since July and therefore has a great stock pile of nonsense that NO one in your family wants or needs or will trade with you. (Although, come to think of it, a few years ago a tripod flashlight I received was traded with my uncle for cold hard cash.) Anywho, I try to come up with a list to avoid these unnecessary gifts that I always feel too bad to return, but I am having a hard time doing so. I ran across the Ciate's Nail Polish Calendar earlier today on the thebeautydepartment.com and thought it would literally be the ideal gift for me... What's on your Christmas list? Oh and what are you getting for your Dads/ Grandfathers/ older men in your life? My Dad is always so hard to shop for!!

Glitterama

2012-11-08T18:36:00.002-08:00

When I was in about 7th grade I saw a sweatshirt that said "Sorry, I was distracted by something sparkly" and I often regret not getting that sweatshirt. I love all things glitter and I know that I have absolutely lost my train of thought due to something shiny. Anywho, a friend of mine mentioned DIY glitter tights she saw on Pinterest and I knew it was something I had to look into and then I came across this BuzzFeed site that had tons of fun ways to glitz up anything. Lots of them would be great gifts, or could help you add some sparkle to your everyday life!! I can't wait to try them out!!

Nars Andy Warhol Collection

2012-11-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

I am a nail polish fanatic. I stalk each new color until I decide if it's unique enough until it's finally mine. My collection must include 100 bottles of nail polish. I most often buy Essie because it's affordable and I tend to like their colors more than OPI, who does a lot of shimmer for me liking, but every now and then I treat myself to a higher end brand, like Nars or Butter who truly have superior polish, both in quality and originality. Anywho, I am dying over these colors by Nar's Andy Warhol collection and am deciding which to treat myself with this week...