A Crush on Men's Fashion

 

My partner's birthday is in one month. I'm trying to think of something spectacular, but he's a quiet one about his birthday.

I'm thinking a new spring wardrobe! (Well, basic essential pieces) 

Here's what I've been looking at. 

Pictures are from HERE.

 

I'm thinking something like this. 

Actualizing DREAMS: Personal Development

 

Today's tip is about realizing that the opportunities are there. 

The first step to living your dream is to believe in yourself. Everything worthy in life is going to take commitment and dedication. The process of preparing yourself for opportunities that come your way is also going to be a method of working on personal and professional development.

Last year around this time of year is when I realized that I needed to straighten up and start developing myself as a young adult. As the youngest in my family, I always thought I was a late bloomer. Anywhere I went I was always the "little sister" figure. I used to let that be my excuse. I used to say that I was born a follower. People would ask me where I wanted to go in life, what industry I was interested in, and I would just say "whatever industry, or whoever wants to hire me-can have me". 

And then a year ago I decided to stop dreaming and started working towards those dreams-turning them into goals. I exited my comfort zone and asked a million questions and found multiple answers. I found an internship that fit me personally and started growing faster than I ever had before. My personal slogan was and still is,

"Everyday is a milestone because I choose to step into the moment of uncertainty"  

I know where I want to go now and the steps I need to take to get there. It's not going to happen over night, but it's going to happen! 

 

 Today's tip is quite simple. Create a folder on your toolbar and title it "DREAMS". Anytime you come across something that you want to be or see yourself wearing, eating, driving, or living in...put it in there. As for me, I'm currently on the prowl for an awesome job/internship. So I've got a ton of bookmarks of places I want to work at. 

Well, I've got a ton of things I've been trying to do that I would love to share with you all but I don't want to overwhelm you with a ton things. 

Now that I have that dream folder on my toolbar, I can't help but look at it everyday of my life. And when someone asks, I won't mind explaining it either!

Have a great Thursday! 

Mary

I made Banana, Almond, Cheesecake, Freeze-Cake.

 

I made Banana, Almond, Cheesecake, Freeze-Cake. 

Before I begin-I HAD THE MOST DELICIOUS OUTCOME EVER. It turned out WAY BETTER THAN I HAD EXPECTED. I even got a compliment from my partner who never compliments unless he means it. Serious stuff. Now, let us continue. 

The idea was borrowed from here: SortedFOOD

The video for their recipe is at the end of this post, keep scrolling.

As usual, I didn't have all of the matching ingredients they had so I made a spin off of their recipe using what was available to me in my kitchen. 

Here's what I used: 

For the Crust-

Graham Crackers (left over from my ginger bread house making) 

Butter 

Cheese part-

Condensed milk 

Cream Cheese 

Almond flour 

2 egg whites whisked 

Powdered sugar 

More graham crackers  

One banana 

(I don't like an over powering banana flavor, this was just enough) 

 

 

As you see here, I used my heart shaped muffin tin. 

Next time, I want one of those removable bottom baking pans-and more cream cheese in my recipe. 

These guys have some pretty fast and easy cooking tutorials. And best of all-their videos are quick too!

I hope you all enjoyed! Try this one at home :) BECAUSE IT IS SO WORTH IT.

Let me know how it goes 

Love, 

Mary 

P.S. This one will be featured at the next birthday event! 

Waiting for Summer

I want one of these for my last summer in Duluth

Last week we got awarded with a snow day, thanks to Minnesota weather.  It was the most wonderful mid-week break I have had in a long time. 

Lately I have been lusting for summer. I can't wait to pull out my shorts and sandals. Summers in Duluth are the absolute best. Everything is in walking distance and the lake is always gorgeous! I'm looking forward to my daily walks on the lake. 

Anyways, in preparation for a change in weather (hopefully coming soon), and in rewarding myself for being a studious person, I made an online purchase. I've been trying my very best not to accumulate anymore, but I deserve it! I can not wait for my package to come in the mail. Here is what I bought! 

I used to own a pair of shoes just like these when I was in the 6th grade. Except they were black and shiny, I remember wearing them for our school wide talent show where I sang John Lenon's "Imagine".  I like these neutral and yet glittery platforms-they make me feel young :) 

As for the sheer wrap, I think it'll go perfect for a day to night look. And it would work with a band tee or a simple black dress/tank. Yay for good deals!

Here's where I found them: http://www.gojane.com/

Thanks for reading! 

Mary 

P.S. Guess what I am doing this summer? It's going to be AWESOME!

Actualizing DREAMS

I've been taking loads of photos since I got my new gorillapod, but blogging has been a bit slow since I have been working towards my dreams. 

I'm currently in the process of tying to actualize personal goals of mine. Like the fortune cookie slip on my vision board says, "A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline". I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend like I am. I've been sleeping, reading, and writing in good company. And after this post I may probably work on my unfinished finish vision board. 

I wish you all good luck on finding your  passion in life. Stay strong, eat right, and love others! 

Mary

Photo is from the blog: in search of little sadie

Clothing Swap Success!

 I finally had my spring clothing swap party and it was awesome! We had a total of 9 participants and 240 total items swapped. There were a few bags left over in the end that I have yet to send off to donate.

Here is a copy of the Facebook invite I spun up:

Hello Friends! It's time for another swapping event! Last year's was really successful and fun, and I've been getting requests from you all to have another. So here it is! This time it will be held at my apartment. The system will be a little bit different, we will be using swap dollars (which I will be printing). As you may remember, a swap party is an awesome event where a bunch of cool people come together to swap items that are of no need or use anymore, AND you'd like to give them a new home! So go through your things and bring in your unwanted items!

Here are a Few Ideas:
-Clothes
-Accessories
-Nail Polish
-Shoes
-Jackets
-Purses
-Home goods
-Kitchenware
-School supplies
-and whatever else you don't want anymore!

For those of you who are leaving Duluth soon, this is an awesome way to be rid of your apartment items that will eventually find their way down the shoot! Give your stuff a second chance to live a life with someone else! Everything that is left over will be donated to our local homeless shelter.

Feel free to invite your friends. I will be making mini sandwiches, you are welcome to bring snacks if you are able to.

I look forward to seeing you all soon! It would be helpful if you RSVP so that I can have an idea of what to prepare for. Thanks Lovlies!

Mary

Feel free to invite other people we know to this event if I have not. Thanks!

Cookies and Crepes

I've been foodgawking here: http://foodgawker.com/
And the recipe for the cookies, you can find here: http://www.travelerslunchbox.com/journal/2011/5/24/the-holy-grail-of-cookies.html

 I made crepes the other night. Haven't had them in a long while. You can find the recipe on an older post of mine here: Recipe for French Pancakes and if you'd like, I've got Savory Crepes!

I hope everyone is having a great leap year! Happy end of February! I can't believe it's almost March. I am looking forward to warm weather in Duluth! It's the best time of year.

Thanks for reading,

Mary