I'm baaaackkkk!!!

If at first you don't succeed...

Okay so needless to say I have been on "sabbatical" for much longer than I care to admit.  After failed attempts at several major life projects that preoccupied most of the first half of 2012, namely a new job, and finally growing up (with the new job came new benefits...and family expectations, for instance, that I will now be on my own for health insurance), it hit me one day. BAM (yes just like that). I miss writing.  I mean it would be slight exaggeration of the truth to claim that I'm touching many lives, or making a huge difference in the world (like solving world hunger, or finding the cure to cancer).  Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoy looking back and reflecting on the humor of each situation while sharing it with the most important people in my life (because realistically you are the only ones reading this blog).  So prepare yourselves, because although I haven't been writing, there is some seriously good stuff coming your way.  To give you a little preview, let me share with you why Princeton Public Safety may have had some valid reason in outlawing candles in dorm rooms (apparently you're supposed to trim the wick the longer you burn the candle).

If not, then the wick gets too long and leans against the glass, resulting in an explosive situation.  Take it from me, grab those scissors and trim the wick; otherwise the alternative is picking up a hundred million gazillon bits of tiny shards of broken glass.

P.S. If anyone has recommendations on how to find a doctor (even crazy superstitions like wearing your pj's inside-out), I'd really appreciate it...but actually.

  

Baking Simplified

 

I have previously raved about the fantastic customer service and low prices at Trader Joe's, but feel that I neglected to properly emphasize the variety of user friendly products.  After perusing some old photos last night, I came across these (see below) of pumpkin bread that I made back in October.  Not only was it impressively delicious, but it was also one of the simplest and fastest recipes I have ever baked.  The only steps involved literally were add an egg and some water to the mix, then pour it into a baking tin and bake in the oven until done.  What I did not realize was, that if my heart had so desired, I could have just as easily poured the mix into muffin tins, instead of a bread tin, for tasty pumpkin muffins (perhaps adding a touch of frosting to the top).  So simple.  So obvious.  Alas, no one tells me these things...makes me seriously contemplate whether there is that much of a difference between waffle and pancake mix.  Never fear if you are a pumpkin hater, for they have a variety of seasonal and traditional bread mixes, including corn bread, blueberry bread, and banana bread.  The options are truly unlimited!

 

Step 1

Step 2

 

Spring is Just Around the Corner

  

I do not know if it is the tease of all the warm weather, or just fatigue with the winter season, but recently I have become obsessed with color.  This is particularly surprising considering that, my style consists for the part of solid neutral colors, which-in my opinion-are the easiest to mix and match, and to spice up with the occasional splash of color.  After wandering the streets one day in an attempt to get my mind off of the winter blues and all the incomplete tasks left unchecked on my to-do list, I discovered that no one does color better than Kate Spade.  Unfortunately, my wallet cannot support retail therapy when it comes to actually purchasing fun goodies, but walking into the Kate Spade store was medicinal and magical enough in itself to give me a shot to cure vitamin D deficiency from all of the bright red, pinks, and neon yellow and oranges.  Even better (if that is possible) are all of the inspirational sayings on Kate Spade products.  Conclusion: Kate Spade is the ultimate feel-good buy (I have a feeling that this is going to lead to some dangerous purchases in the future...at least I will be happy!)

My new iPhone case (in addition to color, I am recently obsessed with polka dots)

It's like she knows me!

  

The New Museum 

 

Modern art never ceases to fascinate.  Not only is it immediately evident whether or not you like something, but when you don't like something you absolutely positively hate it.  It is this revulsion that interests me because while there are some pieces that clearly merit talent, others just leave you puzzled as to how they could even be classified as art, and why anyone in their right mind would willingly pay an obscene amount of money to be the owner of something so hideous.  Nevertheless, back in January I went to the New Museum back in January where they had an exhibit where the themed focused on the interaction between since and art.  Consequently, everything was interactive, which my inner child relished.  At the end of the day, however, I decided that I was not drugged up enough to appreciate the experience-although the goldfish bench was regardless the best part of the show (we were not willing to wait sixty minutes for a thirty second ride down a two-story slide).

 

A progressive depiction of the development of mushrooms

Bird cages as seen from the carousel

A girl preparing to go down the slide

Carousel

More shots of the carousel (don't be fooled by appearances...it moved .00000001 mph...even if that)

 

Coincidence?...I Think Not

 

Kate Spade earring

Light at the Lincoln Center

 

Instant Upgrades

 

Despite the warm weather, I am still (shockingly) I tad bit nostalgic for winter considering that we only had a few sporadic days where the weather dropped to freezing temperatures.  Considering that I have to walk everywhere, I should be grateful for the fact that the weather was, overall, mild these past months.  Nonetheless, on those few days when it was unbearably cold, I discovered the power of fur.  Coming from Ohio, I thought down coats and layering were the most effective ways to stay warm.  No, the answer is fur.  Not only is it warm, but it gives an instant feel of elegance and sophistication.  Have a great weekend!

 

Mink coat

 

Cool Trick

 

One of my biggest pet peeves is when deodorant gets stuck to my black shirts, which is usually the case when I am rushing to get dressed in the morning.  Thanks to my cousin's trick I will never again be plagued by this annoyance: rub nylon tights or stockings on the deodorant mark and, like magic, it will instantly come off.  Don't believe me?  I dare you to try it.

 

Before

After