a silly muse

Monday & A Full Schedule

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:40:19 -0400

From now until mid-June, I’ll be in the throes of a lot of crazy/awesome/wonderful adventures. A bachelorette party, the end of grad school, graduation, receiving my Masters, a fun weekend in NYC, my significant other arriving on my coast, the wedding of my very bestest friend, and a drive across the country with puppies and boyfriend in tow! Of course job hunting and apartment searching is involved, but I’m not too stressed about that. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who don’t cause stress, and currently between my loving and helpful parents, super duper best friend, and extremely understanding significant other, I’m in good hands. Plus, daily puppy snuggles. The gym also keeps my sanity in check.

Meanwhile, for the next three weeks, I shall be buried by massive amounts of school work. It’s a very good thing I’ve so much to look forward to for afterwards.

Have a happy week!

[photo via +]

Don't Say Yes Until I Finish Talking

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 07:28:00 -0400

Fashionable: Pink, Navy, & Neutral

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:43:14 -0400

I recently noticed that the majority of my wardrobe consists of pink, navy, and neutral items. So! I thought it would be fun to put all three colors together!

The peplum look has been very popular lately, and I think a nice, neutral pencil skirt would be the best way to incorporate the style into a look. Personally, I would steer clear of a bold print/color since the ruffle already adds attention to the waist line. I decided to go with the same color top, for a neutral base, that way, you can add the pops of color into your accessories, without them being overbearing. I have a pair of pink flats, and they’re definitely one of my favorite wardrobe pieces. Along with nail polish. I say, when in doubt (regarding accessorizing), just use colorful nail polish to compliment your outfit.

[outfit details]

Pescatarianism

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:02:00 -0400

Pescatarian (n) : One whose diet includes fish but no [land] meat.

I used to really love steak. Now? Not so much. A couple or so years ago, my stomach and beef began to disagree with each other. So, I started substituting ground beef with ground turkey/chicken and that seemed to help, but if I ate too much meat I would feel gross… I’d constantly feel sick and the meat would leave this heavy feeling in me. About 5-6 months ago I completely gave up beef and limited pork and poultry. A month ago I stopped eating all [land] meat.

I still eat seafood. I never had any issues consuming fish, plus, let’s face it, I was born and raised in New England and could never give up lobster. Or scallops. Or clams. I love sushi too much as well.

Since giving up meat, I have never felt better! I’m more aware of naturally healthy foods, and I also haven’t experienced any cravings for meat, which is nice. I was a little worried at first that my options for meals would be limited sans poultry, but between farmers markets, food blogs, and browsing the aisles of Trader Joe’s, I have discovered that there is quite the assortment to what one can cook. I eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, beans, pastas, and rices. I’m also intaking a lot of vitamins and nutrients naturally through these foods, without the need for a vitamin supplement (I make smoothies daily, which is where I obtain the vitamins I need most).

I still eat all of my favorite meals, too. I substitute fish or a bean/rice mix in tacos, nachos, and chili. I make homemade BBQ pizza sans chicken. I use mushrooms in fajitas or as a burger. I buy tofu or a soy protein meat or veggie burgers for cooking on the grill. I’ve also limited my dairy intake and have swapped to drinking/using almond milk.

Of curse, it wouldn’t be so easy if the people surrounding me weren’t as supportive. Dad cracks a joke occasionally about awful falafel, but will thank me for causing his steak portions to be larger. Mom is thankful to have more veggies around. My significant other told me that if I’m cooking for us, I can make whatever I want, regardless if there’s no meat. He also mentioned that he’d eat a vegetarian dish at my best friends wedding in June, to show he supported my preferences. It can be slightly irritating when people remark about my choices in a negative light. I’m doing it for health. And myself. That’s what matters.

Images: Zucchini & Corn Quesadilla | Tortilla Soup with Black Beans | Sweet Potato Veggie Burger | Green Beans & Quinoa

Happy 2nd Anniversary, Penny!

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:54:00 -0400

Two years ago, Penelope became a part of my life. A very important part of my life. It’s funny, because I always remember so clearly the first time I saw her. Usually, when I see a puppy, I do a little ‘aww, I want one’, but manage to walk away. It was different with Penny. I saw her, she looked at my with her doe-like eyes and I knew immediately that she was mine. She’s my little diva puppy, has the greatest personality, is ridiculously well behaved, and a perfect snuggler.

Monday & 27

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:11:00 -0500

Wow! 27!

I’m very excited for my twenty-seventh year. It’ll be an adventurous one, for certain: receiving my Masters in May, joining my best friend as she gets married in June, and trekking across the U.S. to move to Los Angeles with my darling pups. I don’t remember when a year has had such a positive outlook! I’m so excited to begin my next step in life and happy that I get to share it with encouraging and wonderful people.

images: strawberry cupcakes/mini cake with mint buttercream frosting, strawberry bouquet, & lobster pie.

Weekly Adorations: 2.17.2012

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:31:52 -0500

It’s BIRTHDAY WEEKEND! I will be 27 on Sunday! I’m looking forward to pretty strawberry cupcakes and lobster pie, with a viewing of Singin’ in the Rain on the side. Perhaps I will dress up Penny & Harvey in cute outfits. I hope everyone else has a magnificent weekend (long for some!).

- Mini monogram cake.

- It would be fun to create a map banner of places I’ve been.

- Cucumber, avocado, and turkey rolls.

- Turn your mason jar into a travel mug!

- I like to pretend this is me. Typing away and sipping tea in pretty outfits everyday.

- Yum, strawberry sandwiches.

- Sew yourself a basket!

(image via +)

Four-Legged Replicas

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:02:14 -0500

I was recently discussing how dogs tend to take on personality traits of their owners, and I came to the conclusion that Penny and Harvey are definitely my little pups.

Penny: Expresses only child syndrome, must always get her way, slightly bratty, loyal, smart, very expressionistic, full of character, sweet, protective, obsessive with bags, and loves to watch movies.

Harvey: Frequent blonde moments, loves those important to him, craves attention, sweet, enjoys affection, eats lots of veggies, snuggly, and happy.

It’s really interesting how they’ve adapted to my lifestyle, or how most dogs adjust to match the humans they go along with. I’m frequently reminded of the beginning of 101 Dalmations when Pongo is studying the human/dog pairings to find a match for him and Roger. From the instant I glimpsed Penny for the very first time, I knew she was meant for me. I can’t explain it, but I just knew. Harvey the same way, he needed love, and love he has found!

Printed Love

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:02:06 -0500

to the moon and back | love you | only fish for me

He Loves and She Loves

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:47:00 -0500

First, it’s necessary to watch some Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn goodness. Adorable, right? Right.

I thought I’d share some non-cliche ideas for having a love filled day with your special someone. I already posted some yummy delicious food ideas. Create a little package and fill it with treats, decorate a pencil to look like an arrow and send a love letter. If your loved one is far away, send spring time flowers or a fruit bouquet and have a Skype date. Fill your day with adventure, hug a lot, and of course, make sure everything you do is filled with love.

Granted, you should be sure to tell your favorite person you love them every day (and mean it).

My Valentine:

Love & Food

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:22:50 -0500

There are many simple and inexpensive ways to show your love for that someone special to you. One fantastic way? Food. Instead of buying a cliche chocolate heart box, make something that will make their hearts (and stomachs) happy.

white cake and carnations | heart shaped salad | eggs in a basket | laced heart pancakes

Monday & You

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:24:06 -0500

(print via Ashley Goldberg)

Weekly Adorations: 2.10.2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:53:26 -0500

Happy Friday, friends! I hope everyone has had a lovely week so far. I’ve been up to my neck in schoolwork, but alas, it’s the last semester! The last semester is always the worst it seems.

PS. Isn’t the print above absolutely adorable?! It’s by artist Emma Block. Pink cakes, parisian, and a dachshund?! Pretty perfect if you ask me!

- Be happy, make others happy.

- Umbrellas.

- I just want a hug.

- I wish I saw this pretty locket keychain before I created my birthday wish-list.

- Distance doesn’t matter when you love someone.

- It was meant to be.

- Pretty in pink and polka dots (via Ruche).

(image via emma block)

Dressing for Valentine's

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:24:00 -0500

I thought, since Valentine’s Day is next week, it’d be fun to do a couple of outfits revolving around love and hearts, and not an obnoxious shade of pinkish-red.

This would be a nice, casual day time outfit to wear at work or running errands. I saw the sweater while browsing Pinterest and I immediately fell in love with it. The flats (from Anthropologie) have little Eiffel Towers on them!

A little black dress would come in handy if you were to find yourself going on a date with your someone special. Pair with a smaller red clutch and some heels, you’re set to go! Also, for some corniness - a key pendant from Tiffany’s (there are less expensive silver ones, too).

Monday & It's OK!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:09:24 -0500

Happy Monday! The Super Bowl was yesterday, and sadly the Patriots did not win. But, alas! I shall not be a poor sport. They are still a brilliant team, and I shall love them forever.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

(image via +)

Greetings, February!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:58:41 -0500

It’s February 1st, which means it’s almost my birthday (the 19th). I’ll be 27 this year (yikes)! I’m mostly excited because when February rolls around, it means spring isn’t too far around the corner. Ah, warmer weather!

I’ve made a small list of birthday wishes:

Calligraphy Monogram Stamp (a ‘K’) | Blossom iPhone Case (pink or white) | Delfonics Roll Pen Case

I couldn’t resist this Owl Pocket Watch Necklace, how adorable is it?!

Ready For Spring

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:15:20 -0500

I’m not sure about you all, but I’m definitely ready for my spring wardrobe. Brighter colors, less layers, more skirts/dresses. The bright plaid shirt and bucket bag lend for some color, while the thicker/longer skirt and tights allow for warmth.

(outfit details via polyvore)

Monday & The East Coast

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:48:57 -0500

Happy Monday, Readers! As I mentioned last week, I am back in chilly Massachusetts. I miss sunny California quite a bit, but I shall make my return in four months, and then I’ll be happily living there! I’m sure until then, time will progress speedily. For now, I hold all the warm thoughts that Southern California filled me with for the wonderful month I was there.

It was decided that Elly would join me to the east coast as she has never been. So far, she isn’t a huge fan of the cold. Of course, I missed my darling puppies immensely while I was away and I’m over the moon delighted to be reunited with them.

Also, I shall like to express my gratitude to my very patient chauffeur, er, boyfriend, Aubrey. It was awfully super of him to put up with me for a whole month… and drive me around everywhere on our multiple adventures.

(all photos by me)

I'll Be Back!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:37:50 -0500

Sorry lovely readers, it’s been a busy week and I’ve grudgingly returned to the cold east coast. I’m in the process of organizing my life from being absent for a whole month, so I shall return to regular posting next Monday. Have a lovely weekend.

Weekly Adorations 1.20.12

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:07:00 -0500

Happy Friday, friends! It’s my last weekend in sunny Los Angeles/Santa Monica so I must make the best of it before returning to frigid temperatures and snow in chilly New England. I shall be happy to see my darling pups, but I’ll miss it here dearly for the next four months until I move back in June. I also begin my final semester of grad school next Monday! I can’t believe I’m almost DONE!

- These pink suede loafers are fantastic.

- The Bark Side of the Moon. Just watch it. It’s awesome.

- This will be my birthday cake. Yup.

- Zucchini fries! Nom.

- I would very much like to have these pretty vintage-like spice tins on my kitchen counter.

- He’s Cary fucking Grant = one of the greatest gif’s, ever.

- I really really love this flowery iPhone case.

(image via +)