mix and match

As promised, I'm mixing things up. I wore the top from Monday's post, but this time paired with a blazer and leggings, to an advanced screening of The Vow with some of the girls last night. The movie was definitely a tear jerker but it made me laugh more than I expected. I totally recommend checking it out when it comes out on February 10th.

After the movie, we went to Friday's where they apparently have Bingo night every Wednesday. Needless to say, it was ridiculous but a ton of fun.

shopping my closet

The 80/20 rule really does apply to everything: love, work and now wardrobe. I heard recently that "you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time" and the more I get to thinking about it, the more I realize it's true. I have a few rotating favorites that I tend to stick with, often overlooking older pieces. I have a closet full of rarely worn items and, despite how much I get rid of every season, I find that I'm doing laundry when my closet still looks full.
Having realized this, I'm on a mission to create outfits from unexpected combinations in my closet. Add that to the fact that I am in no position to be spending money shopping (my upcoming trips to Puerto Rico and California are draining me dry) and I have to perfect recipe for saving money while still refreshing my wardrobe.

This is the first of many outfit combinations I'm putting together without going shopping.

{Top: BCBGMaxAzria; Skirt: French Connection, Shoes: Michael Kors (found at a consignment store for a total steal!), Bag: The Electric Boutique, Watch: Fossil}

I love each of these pieces but it really surprised me that I couldn't remember the last time I wore them. In keeping with my new combinations resolution, I'm going to try and wear them different ways a few times this month. I can already picture the skirt with a striped, fitted sweater I have and I love wearing this tunic over leggings with a boyfriend blazer.

With combinations coming to mind so easily, this whole not-shopping thing shouldn't be too hard. Here's hoping!

new year, new layout

I've been wanting to update my blog's layout for ages (I'm sure you've noticed the occasional tweek I make here and there) but I've never really completely overhauled it. Blogger offers a ton of great templates but none of them are really "me" so I always get frustrated. My non-existent knowledge of HTML doesn't help either.

WELL, I made a fascinating discovery this afternoon when I stumbled upon The Cutest Blog on the Block, a site that offers everything from backgrounds and widgets to tips and even fully designed blog templates. On top of that, everything on the site is adorable! Looking through it, I was like a kid in a candy store. As soon as I saw the template for my current layout though, I was completely sold. I definitely encourage all of you fellow bloggers to check it out. Not only is it fun but it's so easy to use!

What do you guys think? Are you fans of the new layout?

12 in 2012

Ok, it might be a little late for new years resolution making but better late than never, right? This year will be full of so many new things (graduating, getting a job, you know... big girl things) so my major goal is remind myself of all the little things that make life so sweet and here's how I'm going to do it:

* A post a week (minimum): As you can see by the fact that I'm posting 2 days in a row, I'm very determined to keep this resolution.
* Operation De-clutter: I've already reorganized my makeup drawer and tossed a ton of old, unnecessary papers. I'm slowly making a break through in my closet (this one is going to take a while though)
* Spend less, save more: This resolution is mostly about controlling my shopping habit (I already have a post in the works for how I'm going to stay on track with this one... it's gonna be a toughie)
* Don't go a whole week without working out: I really should be hitting the gym at least 3 times a week but once I get into the slump of not going for a whole week, it's a total downward spiral that I would love to avoid.
* Travel. A lot: I already have 2 trips booked for this spring but I want to explore new places all year round.
* Take a leap of faith: Truth be told, I have no idea what this leap is going to be yet (or if there will be more than one) but I'm determined to find an instance where I just go with my gut instead of thinking every little thing through like I usually do (what can i say, I'm a total Virgo)
* Try a new recipe every other week: I often get into the habit of making the same old recipes over and over. Sure, I make them again because they're delicious but there are so many more culinary adventures to be had (first on my list for the new year: homemade bagels... stay tuned for that post!)
* Take deep breaths: Sometimes I just need to take a step back and relax.
* Get a job: By which I mean career. You know, big girl things.
* Read more books: This has already been an easy one to keep with the new Nook I got for Christmas.
* Try more of the things I find on Pinterest: This includes everything from recipes and outfit combinations to crafts and hairstyles.
* Be Thankful: Despite life's occasional hiccups, I have to say that I am incredibly blessed, but more often than not, I forget to be thankful for what I have. I want to spend more time being grateful every day instead of just waiting for Thanksgiving to count my blessings.

What are you looking forward to in the new year?

lemon chicken with artichokes

During my time in New York this past summer, I was constantly looking for easy but delicious meals to throw together after a long workday. I stumbled upon this recipe back in June and it’s proven to be one of my go tos for a quick meal ever since. It’s simple, super flavorful and comes together in a matter of minutes.

The most important ingredients for this, aside from the chicken of course, are the onions, garlic, lemon juice (something I always have on hand), wine (always have that on had too hehe) and artichokes. Though I usually use a 16 oz can, I happened to have this jar of marinated artichokes in the pantry so I’m using that this time.

After you’ve sautéed the onions and garlic, throw in the chicken. Once it’s browned (and I mean nice and brown so you can deglaze those delicious bits from the bottom of the pan for an extra yummy sauce), add the artichokes and the liquid mixture. As soon as the sauce has reduced a little, you’re ready to serve. I particularly like this recipe over brown rice.

Truth be told, I rarely look at the recipe so I’ve made a few tweaks here and there since the first time I made it. First, I add a considerably larger amount of wine (I like more sauce so it can soak into my rice). I also add a pat of butter at the end to give the sauce a little extra richness.

bon appetit!