Take a Bite

Happy 1-Year Anniversary to my favorite blog, Take A Bite. Annie started her blog exactly one year ago today with this post and has been rocking the blog scene ever since. I couldn't be more proud of all the hard work that she has put in to Take a Bite and know that she has big things ahead of her! Even this past weekend someone came up to me and when they found out that Annie was my sister, they exclaimed, "her blog is so cool, don't you just love her blog!". They were so right, it is so cool, creative, and I do love it. I spent the day getting lost in the archives of my sister's blog and came up with a small list of my favorite posts. 

The Shoe Blues

DIY Tassel Garland

Good Morning

30 in 30

Few of My Favorite Things

Spring Forward

This Recipe Will Make You Love Quinoa

Bloggertype

Looking forward to all the inspiration she will provide in the next year!

Falafel and Baba

My sister and I are alike in so many ways. People say that we look alike and have the same mannerisms. We both love coffee, breakfast, blogs, baking, and now, calligraphy! When we shop together we usually end up in the dressing room with the same items and when we go out to eat we almost always want to order the same thing. We usually compromise and order different dishes so that we can eat off each other's plates, but there is one salad that we both order, no matter what, because we know that we won't share one bit with each other.

The Falafel Salad at Saturn Grill in Oklahoma City is a favorite for both of us. The mixed greens are topped with cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, onions, and crunchy falafels and served with tahini and red pepper sauce. Annie and I both clean our plates everytime, practically scraping up the bits so as not to miss a crumb. After enjoying this dish together last week, we decided to recreate our favorite salad at home for our parents. For dinner, we paired the salad with baba ganoush served with toasted pita and fresh cucumber slices.

I am sharing the recipe for baba ganoush today, but head over to Annie's blog for the rest of the meal. 

I used a recipe for baba ganoush from one of my favorite posts from Marshall's Abroad. I would love to make this entire mediterranean feast one day, although lamb is one meat that I have not attempted yet.
To add a kick to the original recipe for this eggplant dip, I sprinkled in a pinch or two of cumin and a small squeeze of a lemon to add flavor. It was easy and perfect with warm pita and vegetables!

Baba Ganoush
1 large eggplant {or 2-4 japanese eggplants}, charred
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons EVOO
pinch of salt
about 1 tablespoon tahini
Roast the eggplants in the oven or char them on the bbq until they're darkened. Cool in cold water and drain. Peel the skins off and pulse the insides in a blender or food processor. Add in the remaining ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve! Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.

Wishing I could have this meal again tonight. 

BEBE Calligraphy Workshop

Ever since I began working at a stationary shop I have wanted to learn calligraphy. When the chance to  take a Blue Eye Brown Eye calligraphy class in Oklahoma came about, my sister and I both jumped at the chance to be a part of it. 

 I was swooning the second I walked in to Chirps & Cheers (one of my favorite places!) for the class this past Saturday. Our personalized stations, the snacks, and decor could not have been more perfect. Not to mention that our teacher (Lauren) was the sweetest! As someone who has had to teach hand-writing in the past, I admired her patience while instructing the room full of beginners. 

My first attempts were rough but the art of holding the pen plus applying pressure at the right places got easier as time went on. I have been practicing every day since and am hoping that one day my calligraphy will look even half as good as Lauren's. 

One more reason to write handwritten notes!

Pure and Good

Anthropologie has activewear? Who knew?

I wouldn't have known (it's only available online) unless I had been doing my daily twice-daily stalk of one of my all-time-favorite blogs, A Piece of Toast. When they posted about sports gear a few weeks ago I clicked through a couple of links and was surprised when one directed me to the Anthropologie website. I had no idea that Anthro had released a full-line of my favorite type of clothes to wear and I couldn't be happier about it. Since I prefer to live most of my life in spandex pants and comfy tops this line if perfect and I can't help but swoon over every item. It is such a good thing that one of my jobs requires me to have an abundance of workout gear and it is an even better thing that Christmas is just around the corner. 

{Top Row}

Moto Leggings // Yoga Tank // Running Shorts // Ruffled Jacket

{Bottom Row}

Headband Set // Sports Bra // Striped Leggings // Cutout Tee

Running shorts so cute, they might inspire me to actually go for a run.

Fall Update

This post was requested and I am always happy to oblige for a loyal follower who happens to be an old friend as well. 

With a new season upon us, it is time to update the closet, the nail polish, the refrigerator, and maybe even your blog roll. I know that I am personally ready to move out my over-worn sun dresses to make room for chunky sweaters, put away my favorite summer shades for darker, moodier nail colors, and I am definitely excited about stocking my kitchen with butternut squash and pumpkin everything! The same comes for the daily blog reads. I have been reading and stalking some blogs for four years now. Many of them I still read daily (like her and her) but some blogs have ended to move on to other things, but it only makes room for the new!

Emily (above) of Cupcakes and Cashmere and Nicole (below, on the right) of La Mia Vita- two blogs that have been with me since the start!

I am constantly discovering new blogs that I fall in love with, either for the gorgeous pictures, inspiring and/or funny words, or mouth-watering recipes. Today, to kick of a new season, I am going to introduce you to some of my new favorite blogs. 

Blogs I Love and Stalk

Gal Meets Glam I started stalking Julia's blog probably about a year ago, right before she got married. It was love at first sight for me and her blog and I have only grown to love it more (especially her wedding and honeymoon pictures!). Not only do I love her blog, but I follow her religiously on instagram. Check out her out juliahengal - she is rocking it with the New York Fashion Week pics!

Pink Peonies I love Rachel's preppy yet funky style even though I usually can't afford anything she wears. So rather than buying the same things I use her for inspiration and swoon daily over her Valentino heels and Celine bags. She is also on instagram rachparcell

Top with Cinnamon The last two posts on this blog are Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pancakes for One and Salted Caramel + Nutella Stuffed Double Chocolate Chip Cookies. Enough said- this blog rocks and did I mention that the author, Izy, is 17 years old and was just 15 when she started her blog. 

Mimosas in the Morning Allyson works at The Every Girl so of course I am jealous of her. I really enjoy her blog and she is always blogging about something different, home decor, style, and some food just like me!

Take a Bite I love this blog, not just because the creator is my sister (and I couldn't be prouder of her!) but because she blogs some great stuff. She is a genius in the kitchen and her recipes always have me drooling and she is always blogging about affordable style and fun DIYs!

Marshall's Abroad This is, without a doubt, my favorite blog right now. Not only does the author have a great story and tons of cultural inspiration but her pictures are gorgeous and her food is incredible. Marshall's Abroad is a must read!

Ambitious Kitchen I just discovered this blog from Annie's post earlier this week. After reading just a couple of posts I was obsessed and making notes of all the recipes I couldn't wait to read!

Bloglovin'

My Favorite Chopped Salad

Thursday morning was one of the best mornings I have had in a long time. I didn't have to be at work at my usual time of 7:00 A.M. so I was able to partake in my old morning routine. This old morning routine originated during my "funemployment" stage of life and consisted of me watching the Today Show in my pajamas, eating breakfast and drinking coffee, while reading my daily blogs. Since I have begun working, I haven't been able to do most of these things and they have been greatly missed. Breakfast and coffee now happen at my desk and I haven't watched a minute of the Today Show since May. It was great being reunited with the whole gang and catching up on blogs was a breath of fresh air and an incredible source of inspiration.

Thursday morning, all of my favorite morning things were brought back in to my life and it was while I was perusing one of my favorite blogs that I came across a new blog and a new recipe source! Marshalls Abroad is a blog that captures the life of a married couple recently relocated to Japan. Amanda blogs about their life and also some incredible-looking recipes. Her chopped salad recipe looked delicious from the moment I laid eyes on it and even though I didn't have the exact ingredients, I knew that I could recreate it and it was a smashing success. For something that was thrown together on a late Thursday night after a day of being out in the hot sun and a tough workout, I can say that it was the perfect meal and one of the best salads I have ever eaten (this includes all salads; homemade and ordered in restaurants).

My Favorite Chopped Salad

Inspired by Marshalls Abroad

Serves 1 (the original recipe serves 4)

For the salad
1/4 head of romaine, or other bunch of lettuce
3-4 medium strawberries, chopped
1/2 mango, chopped
1/4 red onion, chopped
3 scallions, sliced
8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 slices of bacon, cooked crispy and then chopped
small bunch of cilantro, roughly chopped
small handful of feta

For the dressing
1/8 cup extra-virgin olive oil
juice from 1/2 of a lemon
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 tablespoon agave nectar
1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
pinch of sea salt
(could add a splash of balsamic vinegar but I was all out)

Place the lettuce in the bottom of a shallow bowl and then arrange your toppings on top. Mix all ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl and mix well before dressing your salad. Enjoy!

Other recipes that I can't wait to try from my new favorite blog--

Mediterranean Feast - Good Morning Eggs - Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Sea Salt Kisses - 

Farmers Market Pizza - Lemon Rosemary Mahi Mahi

This salad will be on repeat. 

Pasta all'Amatriciana

Let me just begin by giving full credit for this recipe and the photo to one of my favorite bloggers, Victoria of vmac and cheese. She had blogged about this pasta months ago and when I came across it, I quickly bookmarked it to make later. When some of my sweetest friends decided to get together for dinner, I pulled this recipe out because I knew it would be easy, yet completely satisfying. There is something to be said about making a big pot of pasta for friends. 

Like I mentioned, this pasta was so easy and required very few ingredients. To accompany dinner, I threw together a big salad with blackberries and candied walnuts (a simpler version of this) and we finished everything off with angel food cake topped with strawberries. Angel food cake (which I totally bought at the store) is a completely underrated dessert and it's basically air so we all went back for seconds. Besides, I have always said that if there is fruit involved then you are practically losing weight. 

I'm gonna go lose some weight with some apple pie and strawberry ice cream.

Pencil Skirts and Sling-Backs

I know that my blogging tendencies have been scarce lately, but I honestly feel like I have an excuse. As some of you might know, I started my first big-girl, full-time, pencil skirt and sling-back wearing job (that was a lot of hyphens!) last week. I have been at this job for a week now and already love it so much. I loved it the second I walked in to the office. It is a completely different atmosphere than I am used to but I love going to work each morning, even if it is at 7 a.m. 

So my excuse for the single blog post from the last seven days is because I have been adapting to this new schedule of working each day from seven until five and then being so worn out that all I want to do is go home and go to bed. I actually went to bed on Tuesday night when light was still streaming through my window! I have no regret about that early bed time, especially when my alarm went off at five. The early mornings and long days are worth it though when I get to spend my days with a team who have already taught me so much (seeing as that I knew nothing about the industry before starting) and constantly make me laugh. Not to mention that all the building lobbies are stocked with apples and every kitchen has my favorite peanut butter (do the math and you have my daily afternoon snack).

The other great part about a new job, is getting to splurge a little on a new wardrobe. I don't mind wearing pencil skirts and heels each day because for as long as I have been reading blogs I have been reading 9 to 5 Chic and wishing that I had a place to wear all her corporate work outfits. Well guess what? Now I do and I have been looking to her blog for inspiration for the last week. 

Here are some of my favorites!

Working 9 to 5!

Well more like 7 to 5...

Friday Fails and Finds

Let's start off with some fails.

1. The amount that I blogged this week is a big, fat fail. I thought about it. I had some ideas. I even sat down and worked on a collage for a "Things I Love" post. Then it just didn't happen. Fail.

2. My plans to stick to my pre-best-friends-wedding diet ended up being a fail this week. I ate a whole bag of chef-mix for lunch yesterday, ate my weight in chips and queso TWO nights in a row, and had fried chicken with red beans and rice for dinner on Tuesday at the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. Diet fail.

3. My attempt to cook a "simple" dinner last night was a huge fail! I was cooking at my boyfriends house which happens to have a stove that was installed in the 1760's. Maybe that is an exaggeration, but it was definitely installed in the 1960's and we don't have a very good relationship. After crisping the roasted potatoes to crunchy chips (fail), I set the smoke alarm off while making salad dressing. Yes, you read that right. Salad dressing! Fail. I actually salvaged the meal and I really liked the chicken salad  and will definitely make it again, but there was lots of smoke and a few tears during the process. Not to mention a stray cat that snuck in while the doors were open in an attempt to air out the whole house. FAIL.

source

Let's turn all these fails around and just make cupcakes, because somehow cupcakes make everything better.

Let's talk about some finds.

1. A new favorite DIY blog that I found one night when I couldn't sleep. I looked at every single DIY she had posted and their were 60+ pages of posts. Some seem a little over my head (any project that involves a sewing machine is over my head and beyond my skill level) but others looked pretty simple.

2. Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler at JC Penney! I am so excited about this find where it is possible for me to buy JA at a lower price point. 

3. The Spring 2013 To and From Gift Guide came out a couple of weeks ago. Check it out for ideas for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Graduation gifts!

4. Fashion find, a fun bag for the warm weather months. 

5. My favorite nail color for summer, Essie's lilacism.

6. And lastly, one of my favorite weekly features from The Glitter Guide, 5 Things to Try This Weekend

source

It's the weekend, eat whatever you want!

Check Her Out

Today is a huge and exciting day! My little sister is debuting her new blog and embarking on this crazy adventure that we call blogging. 

Annie has been reading blogs for as long as I have and has also been a huge driving force behind my blog. She is constantly sending me ideas and putting pressure on me to get a blog post up when I am being lazy. So when she called me last week to discuss her plans to start a blog I wasn't surprised at all, even though it was the first time she had ever mentioned it. 

I couldn't be more proud of her for finally doing what she should have done a long time ago. I knew that she would start a blog and I have never had a doubt in my mind that it wouldn't be incredible. Because that is what my sister is, incredible. (They both are) Annie is incredible, smart, witty, beautiful, creative, funny, adorable, and has been keeping my whole family in line since she was little. Lately I have been thinking of her as my life coach, seeing as that I can hardly accomplish anything without her approval. I want to buy a new purse? I ask her what she thinks first. What to wear to my first job interview? Send pictures of multiple outfit options to her. I want to try out a new and different recipe? Invite her over to cook it with me. 

I guess a better description than life coach for her is my best friend. 

Not to be corny, but I have loved getting to watch her grow up and become the person she is today. We have been lucky to have so many common interests and therefore have shared so many memories throughout our lives and one of those most recent things that we have in common is our love of blogs. The majority of our conversations start with, "Oh, I saw this on [insert blog title here]...". When it comes to fashion, food, and all the other beautiful things that life has to offer, we always turn to blogs (and each other) for inspiration. 

I think we start our mornings exactly the same. Waking up early to enjoy our favorite blogs with a cup (or two) of hot coffee and now that will transition in to us waking up early to write our own blog posts. We are similar in so many ways that I know that you will see those similarities throughout our posts. I wouldn't be surprised if one day we unknowingly blog about the same things. It's not unusual that we are thinking the same thing at the exact same time. 

With all this being said, read her blog! I know that it will make you smile, laugh, and if you make all the food she posts then it will probably also make you fat. Soak up the joy that she will share through her posts and help me encourage her as she starts this journey that she will undoubtably dominate in, just like everything else she has attempted. I cannot wait to learn from her, be inspired by her, and collaborate with her to make both of our blogs as good as they can be. 

Sis Boom Blog.

Mid Week Update

I had planned on blogging every day this week until my plans hit a bump in the road. Well actually a truck in the road hit my car, leaving me with a dent, without an automobile, and car-pooling middle-school-style with my mom the last couple of days. So since I have been at home with my parents all week, I also have been without internet, as theirs was down until Tuesday afternoon. Not to worry, because all is well now! I have internet and my fingers are double crossed that my car will be ready tomorrow afternoon.

via

Here is what has been happening, what is currently happening, things I have learned, and things I love.

  

things i love

 There have been some serious good blog posts already this week. I have been in love with Cupcakes and Cashmere for years and this blog post by Emily is so real and fun (and brave!). Bee is looking stunning again in her girly, French inspired post. And Camille shared exciting news in her post, Read All About It. If I was being completely honest, it would be my dream (20 years down the road) to write a book and just share all the lovely things from life. I think at that time I would have many pages of things that are too sweet not to share. 

things i have learned

 This week I learned that life is far too short. Every day is a chance to live and love and that should never be forgotten.

things that have been happening

 I (finally) got my hair done today. I was feeling so much inspiration to chop off my long locks like Julia recently did. But once I sat in that swivel chair I heard myself saying those familiar words "oh, just a trim". So here I am feeling refreshed with clean ends and shiny color but I can't help thinking "what if?". I usually am pretty fearless when it comes to my hair (which explains dying it brown, red, pink and blue, as well as chopping off ten inches in high school), but I think maybe I will think about cutting my hair for a little longer and do some research on short hair styles before I make the big chop. 

things that are currently happening

I am watching the timer slowly count down until some delicious banana bread comes out of the oven. It is a wonderful recipe that my mom has been making for years. I made the banana bread tonight and am hoping it turns out as well! It makes the perfect evening snack and I will go to sleep on Tuesday night, excited to wake up and enjoy it again with my morning coffee. 

Live and love. Every day and always. 

Febru-Any {+Link Love}

I had to name this post after one of the many Super Bowl commercials that aired last night. The Subway ad that inspired this blogpost title had me giggling and then prompted my family's own attempt to say "Febru-Any" without sounding ridiculous. Even though it is already the 4th of February I wanted to start the month by sharing some of my favorite things- swoon-worthy sweets, new blog crushes, and even a video about Russians and their tall hats.

These heart bowls from West Elm have been all over the blogs in the last couple of weeks- so it is no surprise that when I went to find them on this Monday morning, they would be no longer available. Typical Monday morning move by West Elm. For that reason I am especially loving J. Crew who still has these beautiful earrings in stock. I love the combination of colors and texture that would be sure to liven up any outfit. Speaking of outfits, how badly do I want to be wearing the outfit above? Even if it is going to be warmer today in Oklahoma, I know that I will still be freezing and that sweater and fur scarf look wonderful. Valentine's Day is officially next week and if you haven't yet made dinner reservations then why not cook at home? Making homemade pizzas, like this chicken caesar salad pizza, is not just delicious but fun- especially when you actually make the dough and throw it in the air like you a real dough man. 

More Link Love

This video had me laughing out loud

More ideas for cooking in on Valentine's Day

To & From Valentine's Gift Guide (which you can send to your sweetie anonymously with certain items starred- genius!)

I love this sandal for Spring.

I couldn't come up with my favorite Super Bowl ad, so I have been re-watching them all here.

Sealed with a Kiss

Truth.

Blog Crushes

Love and Olive Oil - plus a great giveaway!

Made by Girl

Honey and Silk

A Piece of Toast

The Now Stylebook

The Love List

Luella & June

Sacramento Street

Apt. 2 Baking Co.

Channeling Contessa

Let's just make it to Tuesday.

The Best Brownies

I love finding new blogs and recently I have stumbled upon so many great ones that I now spend an extra hour each day reading them and pouring over their archives. Yesterday I found a new food blog, Apt. 2B Baking Co., and I couldn't be happier with my new discovery. Every recipe that I came across on the blog sounded fantastic but I was in the mood for something sweet (shocking) and these brownies were going to hit the spot. And they did. 

This is the only picture of the finished product because they disappeared that quickly! 

Confession: I will admit that have never been the biggest brownie fan. Don't get me wrong, a warm, chocolate dessert sounds fantastic, but if I have other choices like cookies or cupcakes I normally will go for those. These brownies might have completely changed my view on this sweet treat. They were unlike any brownie I have ever tasted with just the right amount of crunchiness on top but the perfect moist choclatey center. Even a day later there is no sign of dryness.  

The second they came out of the oven, had cooled, and I had tried a small bite I began slicing them up and packaging them up to be shared. I know myself well enough that I can't keep an entire pan of the best chocolate brownies in my kitchen!

These brownies were surprisingly easy to make as well. I think the biggest difference is that you melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter over the stove to make that perfect center consistency. The recipe calls for optional cacao nibs to mix in and top the batter, but I threw some semisweet chocolate chips in since I had them on hand. I think that either would be great but I love the addition to a nib or chip to the smooth batter. 

I cannot say enough about how wonderful these brownies are. I highly, highly recommend making them right now, today, tomorrow, and on Valentine's Day because whoever you share them with will love you forever. 

Going to finish off that last bite right now.