Slow Poke Sundays

Here's to a day filled with meandering dog walks, naps, some light reading, and a trip to the movie theatre with snacks stuffed in my bag.

Resolving And All That Jazz...

Like the rest of the world, I'm taking the opportunity of the New Year to set a few goals for myself.  Here are a few on the top of my list:

1. Start fostering dogs again!  If we find our second forever pup in the process, that'd be wonderful too.
2. Move away (we have a few cities in mind, but haven't decided where.  Our lease is up in May!)
3. Get back into the swing of things health-wise.  Specifically: running, yoga, and cutting down on sugar (my biggest vice).  The holidays always make me a weak sugar-holic.
4. Start going to more shows in the city - plays as well as concerts.
5. Find and finish at least 5 DIY projects to make our house a little more home-y.
6. Start cooking more, eat out less.
7. Be a better vegan. I'm shooting for like...85% of the time at least.  I hate you, cheese.

Most of these are really just getting back into the swing of things after a holiday hiatus, but the bf and I are also looking forward to some big changes very soon.  I hope to share more, and I hope you stick around to read about it.  Here's hoping 2012 is pretty awesome!

Sunday Smiles c/o Rufus

That's my dude, looking all hip AND practical at the same time.  This weekend was full of forest preserve hikes and meandering long walks for the hell of it, followed by lots of hot cocoa and coffee. I am grateful for one more relaxed weekend before all of the driving and busy craziness the holidays bring.  Party on.

I bought it, I love it.

I know it's the season of giving, but I have also done my share of giving to myself.  As much as I love, LOVE getting gifts for other people, there have been a few items I just couldn't resist.  Here's a quick list of items I've recently purchased and am loving right now:

 1.) Earth and Water Ring from Moorea Seal's Etsy shop:

A vibrant yet neutral accessory, and a great statement piece.

 2.) Vera Moda Toggle Button Shawl Cardigan from Asos:

Cozy cardigan with just the right amount of "grandpa" awesomeness. Note: This runs large, but it's also worth noting that the quality is excellent for synthetic materials.  

3.) Hunter Boots in olive from Zappos:

Ok, these were actually a wonderful gift from the bf.  I purchased these fleece socks for the colder months.

4.) Bow Crazy For Prints Dress on Modcloth:

Great dress w/ an adorable bow belt, and it's currently on sale!  Jump on this one, ladies.

 5.) Kimchi Blue Mixed Media Bowler Bag on Urban Outfitters:

Also currently on sale.  I had been eyeing this beauty for months, but wasn't sure if I was willing to pay the price for such a statement bag.  Then it went on sale, and then UO offered 20% off my order...so yeah, I finally caved.  

6.) Speculoos Cookie Butter at Trader Joe's:

This is so freakin' delicious - definitely not a healthy choice, but who cares?  It's like eating a delicious sugar cookie/gingerbread cookie hybrid from a spoon.  Yum!

Rookie Mistakes

So, guess what?  I have an outfit post to share!  And look how proud I am about this fact....

Yesterday was Alex's birthday, so I actually wore nice clothes after work -hooray!  We met up with his mom and sister, ate some delicious mexican food while sipping margaritas, and then did a little shopping.  We topped the night off with some cupcakes.  It was a party, ya'll.

Jacket- Target
Striped sweater tank - Urban Outfitters
Jeans - LC Lauren Conrad
Boots - ??
Knitted socks - ASOS
Necklace - Target

Rufus is not pleased with being used as a prop.

I'm still trying to figure out when/where to take the best pics as there isn't much natural light lately.  Also, Alex is a novice behind the camera, but it's still better than the tripod.  If only I could take these myself...while directing myself....or something.  Stay with me, folks.  It's going to be a tad bumpy for a bit, but I do fancy myself a fast learner....most of the time.

Cake In A Cup

So I've been slacking...again.  However, I thought I'd pop in and share a really wonderful vegan dessert recipe with you guys.  Seriously, this is so delicious and pure comfort food.  My only adjustments?  I used coffee mugs instead of mason jars, and I almost doubled the amount of apple the recipe called for.  I would also recommend making and adding extra streusel, because it's just too good not to overdo. Yum!
 
Enjoy:

Don't mind the hipster mugs - they're just awesome, nbd.

Apple Streusel Cakes courtesy of Oh She Glows

Makes three-four, 250 ml Mason Jar cakes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup + 1/8th cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8th tsp ginger
• 1/8th tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tbsp ground flax + 2 tbsp water (flax egg)
• 1/4 cup butternut squash, pureed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped and peeled apple (I used Granny Smith)
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/8th cup coconut oil, melted (or other light tasting oil)
• Streusel, for layering: 2 tbsp Turbinado sugar, 1 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp Earth Balance, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped Pecans, for layering

 

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 and grab a baking sheet and set aside. Grab three 250 ml Mason jars and sterilize in boiling water. Set aside. In a small bowl mix your flax egg and set aside. In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, baking powder, nutmeg, salt). In a medium sized bowl mix your wet ingredients (flax egg, butternut squash, vanilla, milk, oil). Add wet to dry and mix well. Fold in chopped apples. Now mix up your streusel ingredients in a small dish with a fork until fully combined. Add approx. 3 tbsp of the cake batter into the Mason jar. Now add on about 1/2 tbsp of streusel mixture and some chopped pecans. Follow this with another layer of cake batter (about 1-2 tbsp) and then more streusel and chopped pecans. Makes 3-4 mason jar cakes. Take the mason jars and place on baking sheet and then bake for approx 20-25 mins at 350F until cake slowly bounces back when touched. Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes. Serve immediately or store in fridge for up to 3 days.

mmm...pecans.

Creepy face enjoying some sugar.

Blending Impaired

My green smoothies are especially chunky these days. I think it's time to suck it up and invest in a real man's blender. And I don't mean that in a sexist way as much as I'm just trying to be clever....so....don't go there.

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