2014

Another year has passed and looking back I am astonished at how much can and did happen in just 365 days. This last year has been an absolute whirlwind and by far the most unpredictable year of my life. When I started 2013 I was floating in a sea of confusion about my future. I had just graduated and yet had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I spent most of January-May interviewing for jobs and what an adventure that was! There were interviews in other states (so happy that I stayed in OK), one of which I held a large golden retriever in my lap for the hour-long interview and one in which I sang for the interviewer (I was not offered that job!). There was an interview where I didn't wear shoes, one that I was offered frozen yogurt in the lobby, and finally an interview that landed me my first job. This first job was good to me and the reason I laughed and learned more in 2013 than other year. It was this job that I had to say goodbye to in October in order to start my current job. I am working at a law firm now and loving every minute. I love the people that I work with and I love the many people that I get to interact with as a part of my job title. Along with new jobs and challenges in 2013, I watched two of my best friends get married, continued to have too much fun with my roommates and friends and family, and made some great food (I almost have my granola recipe memorized).  I couldn't be happier with where my life is right now and feel more balanced than I ever have in my life. 

That brings me to a recap and update on my resolutions from the past year. I pledged to only challenge myself to do things that would bring joy and clarity to my life. From my resolutions for 2013, I successfully was more responsible with my money (well I like to think that), more organized, and more punctual. I definitely wear more skirts, I learned to like eating fish, and found a job that brings me joy! Maybe I didn't succeed in all my resolutions, but who does? 

I rung in 2014 this week in full sequins and celebrated with some of my favorite people. I love thinking back on the past year - all the memories that I will never forget but couldn't be more excited about the coming year. 

For 2014 I am resolving to keep my resolutions simple. Like last year, I resolve to continue to only do things that bring joy and clarity. There isn't time for anything else and in the words of my grandmother, "Life's short. Baby, enjoy it!" 

Here's to 2014

Welcoming 2013

photo

It seems that every year I find myself saying "wow, I can't believe that another year has gone by", but every year it is so true. So much can happen in 365 days and I know that 2012 was no exception.

I graduated from college, had jobs that I learned so much from, made relationships with people that I love so dearly, celebrated two of my best friends getting engaged (2013 will bring their weddings!) and found out that I have no idea what I want to do with my future. 

Even though my future is a little lot unclear, it wouldn't be a new year if I didn't make some sort of plan for what I want to accomplish this year, so I wrote a list of my New Year's Resolutions. Some people hate these resolutions because they usually include dieting and visiting the gym more often, so I decided that this year I would only make resolutions that would bring joy and clarity to my life. Once I started my list I just kept thinking of more things that I wanted for 2013, so forgive me for it being so long.

*be smarter and more responsible with my money

*be more organized (first order of business: find my planner)

*be more punctual!

*take more pictures-- learn how to use my camera!

*check off all movies on Matchbook's 50 Classic films (make great movie snacks too!)

*shop smarter (more outfits and no impulse buys!)

*blog more : )

*learn more sign language

*wear more skirts

*buy more fresh flowers

*learn my favorite recipes by heart

*buy an investment piece

*go to europe

*learn to like eating fish

*become a Starbuck's gold member

*volunteer

*go on more walks

*send more snail mail

*find a job that brings me joy

Now that I have made this list, my first order of business is to type it up and frame it in my room so that I see it everyday. I want it to be a constant reminder of the things that I want for my life. If 2013 goes by as quickly as 2012 than I better get started on this list  tomorrow yesterday if I want to get it all done.

Champagne Cupcakes

I have been wanting to make champagne cupcakes for months, but knew that I had to wait until the perfect occasion to make them. Well I don't think there is a better occasion than New Year's Eve to make these pretty, delicious, and bubbly cupcakes. 

I also wanted to post this immediately so that if someone out there is still searching for a special treat to take to a party tonight, they would have the recipe. I wish that I could say that I was going to a party that I could use these cupcakes to feed and impress guests, rather I will eat them for breakfast and use the holiday as my validation. I think this would be the time to declare that my New Year's Resolution is to not eat cupcakes for breakfast indulge in more cupcakes for breakfast. Hey, life is short, eat dessert first-- and I really mean first, as in the first meal of the day. 

I followed the recipe here that included some interesting new techniques. My only change would be to cook these cupcakes for less than the recommended 20 minutes.

Also, you can embellish your cupcakes anyway that you like. I chose edible glitter, available at Michael's. 

Enjoy!

Glitter is even better when it's edible.