Guess Who's Back!

Why hello there lovies!  I'm back!  I can't believe I have let things get away from me for so long.  The end of the school semester was crazy, I felt swamped all the time, so blogging just sort of fell off the list.  But now, it is winter break...and I have three more weeks free of school.  Woo!  Then one more semester and I'm an official college graduate!

Who can believe Christmas is just 6 days away?! I for one can't, but I am beyond excited!  I think I'm completely done Christmas shopping, just waiting for a few more packages to arrive.  Everything I have has been wrapped and is either hidden in my room or sitting under the tree.  My aunt and uncle are coming in for Christmas this year, and I'm so excited, because we haven't had Christmas with them in like 12+ years.  

This week I'm going to do a bunch of holiday related posts.  Starting today with some pretty gift wrapping.  I happen to love wrapping presents, but I know so many people hate it.  

Here is a DIY wrapping idea.  Use your own stamps on plain paper to make some pretty paper.  Cheaper than buying your own for these little packages, but looks so beautiful!

This is cloth wrapping.  I have seen a lot of people complaining because wrapping paper seems like such a waste, when they are trying to live so greenly.  This is the perfect way to use leftover cloth you may have.  Definitely original!

Pretty huh?  Guess you will never believe what it is.  Potato chip bags!! No, I'm not kidding.  According to the website, cut along the seam of the bag, wash out with soap and water, and allow to airdry.  Then wrap, with the inside of the bag towards the outside.  Bet you would surprise someone to see they just removed a chip bag, especially when it looks so pretty!

This is beyond perfect for those of you with little kiddies.  Let them have fun and be creative, and you use their creations as wrapping!  How excited would they be to give Grandma a present wrapped in their own artwork.  I love this idea so much!

Well...I have been finding these from Martha Stewart and there are tons more creative, beautiful options.  Check them out if you're looking for new creative ways to wrap up your presents!

Another Amazing Giveaway: Laura Winslow Photography

Okay, again, I almost never ever post giveaways on my blog.  But here is another one that I simply cannot pass up.  Over at Laura Winslow Photography, there is an AMAZING giveaway going on.  She is hosting her favorite things giveaway, and one lucky winner will be winning more than $2000 worth of  prizes.  Seriously, everything is just amazing.  

This giveaway ends on December 6th and the winner will be announced on December 7th.  I will be keeping my fingers crossed without a doubt.

Enter here: Giveaway

My Life With Rats and More AMAZING giveaways

Amanda over at My Life with Rats and More has some completely amazing holiday giveaways going on right now.  I usually don't post giveaways on my blog, but these are too amazing to pass up.

First off, she is giving away an Apple iPad!! This ends on 12/5, so you must hurry up to get your entries in!  Who wouldn't love an iPad this holiday season.  Perfect for yourself or to surprise someone you love!

Enter here: iPad Giveaway

Secondly, she is giving away a Samsung 22 inch LCD HGTV!  Wow!! She is buying all of these on her own for her readers, which I think is absolutely amazing.  This giveaway just started today and goes through 12/17, so plenty of time to get all your entries in.

Enter here: Samsung TV Giveaway 

Hurry and get your entries in!  Thanks Amanda for hosting these amazing giveaways!

Chocolate

Possibly my new favorite quote;

"Chocolate is no ordinary food. It is not something you can take or leave, something you like only moderately. You don't like chocolate. You don't even love chocolate. Chocolate is something you have an affair with." -Geneen Roth

Umm...enough said.  Beyond true :)

Fall Decorating

Now that all the Halloween decorations are down and packed away, its time for some pretty fall decor.  I can't believe Thanksgiving is only about 3 weeks away.  Here's a picture from Martha Stewart that has me ready to find some beautiful ways to decorate for fall

Designer Lust: Erin Martin

I've got more pretty eye candy for you today.  I love Erin Martin Designs....they are all so unique!  I was looking through some of her portfolio tonight, and I was shocked by the differences between places.  Of course, there are some similarities, but she is definitely very versatile.  If you like what you see, check out her website, its pretty funny!  Definately different than the usual designer website, and I like it!  Without further ado...

 I would never get out of the bathtub.  Nope, I'd just refill it and refill it all day long.  And probably stare at that stunning chandelier! 

 I have a thing for dining room cabinets with some pretty designs over the class.  Seriously, I'm obsessed

I love the HUGE mirror over the bed for the headboard!

 My obsession with lighting continues here...

 And here.  Ugh, I lovee it!

 I like that this is tucked into the little corner.  Its like a secret, safe little spot to just relax.

Need I say more?

Love her work?  I certainly do!

All images via Erin Martin Design

Happy Halloween!

I can't believe Halloween is here (and almost over)!  Happy Halloween everyone!  Lucky me got to spend the day studying, but hopefully everyone else had a fun day enjoy the sun and eating some yummy candy.  Here are some last images for the Halloween season, until next year :)

 Maybe I'll save this for tomorrow night after my exam is over ;)

 Creepy crawly bugs.  I think if I saw this I would seriously freak!

This is my favorite table setting...I just love it

So farewell Halloween season, see you next year.  You were fun while you lasted.  Up next...Christmas!!

All images via Martha Stewart Living

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Designs

Sorry to have been MIA for so long...school is kicking my butt.  Between peds clinicals, other homework and projects, and tests...I think school is the only thing I do right now.  Not okay.  My DVR is quickly filling up and I have a stack of two months worth of unread magazines.  Yikes!  But anways...do I have some good eye-candy for today.  Martyn Lawrence-Bullard Designs is a new designer I have come across lately, and I love the juxtaposition of modern and contemporary.  Have a look for yourself:

 I really love how these seems almost simple at first glance, but then looks more and more complex, with all the small details perfectly planned.  I love the height added to the coffee table by the pink branches!

 If I had a view and an outdoor space like this...I would never be seen again!

 This seriously defines outdoor living space.  It looks like an entire family room was lifted up and brought outside.  I love the black and white couches...my favorite color combo :)

 I could get used to getting ready here every morning.  Loving the scones.

 Hello chandelier.  I love you.

 Again with the beautiful chandelier!  And i love the unmatching side tables.  Yum

 Love the contrast of the dark and white wood. 

Just beautiful.

Well, I'm off to study for yet another exam.  I have a list of posts I want to do, so hopefully I will be back soon.

That Time of Year + Katie Ridder Designs

So that time of year has come again where I literally have no life, and will continue to have no life until the end of the semester.  Ahhh!  I started my pediatric clinical rotation today, and it is so stressful!  I love being around the kiddos, I had the sweetest patient every today, but the paperwork is just so much dang work!  I've been working on peds stuff for the past two nights basically all evening until midnight.  What about my 4 classes?! Ahh!   Anyways, I'm going to hopefully squeeze in some blogging time here and there when I'm not up to my ears in work.

Recently I was looking at some of interior designer Katie Ridder's work...and man, it is beautiful!

 Love the blues and greens.  Plus the eiffel tower on the desk...my fav :)

 I seriously love everything in this room...but those tables are to.die.for.

 Zebra?  Yes please!  Purple?  I'm starting to really like this color for rooms

 What a beautiful way to dress up a day-bed

 Delish!  Love the chairs, and I love that mirror propped on the mantel!  Beautiful

I'm not sure what about this room makes me love it so much...but I think its the curtains.  And the coffee table.  Yes

And now I'm off to work on more paperwork and hmwk.  Hoping to be in bed by 12.  And I have to be up at 530.  Winter break...faster please :)

Check out more of her beautiful work here

A Huge Thank You!!

Who noticed my new design?  Woohooo...I love it!  I owe a huge thank you to Wacky Jacqui's Designs for my beautiful layout.  She pretty much designed exactly what I wanted, actually...it is better than I pictured.  I was pretty vague in my description of what I liked (I told her I like the round symbol that is on my header and the colors pink, brown, and grey), she figured it all out on her own!  She contacted with me a list of questions, and once I finally answered them, she was very quick with doing the design and installing it all.  I wouldn't have changed a thing!

Wacky Jacqui's Designs have many different packages you can pick from with lots to offer.  She does custom designs and layouts, and can do things as small as making sidebar titles to a total blog makeover.  You can click here for a list of everything she can do and the prices.  

Right now, she is offering an amazing sale for a complete blog redo.  The Everything Package, normally $65, is available for $45.  This is the package I had done, and it includes everything.  Here is what is included in the package:

• 2 or 3 column design
• Custom background
• Custom header
• Matching font color
• Sidebar titles (unlimited)
• Custom signature
• Custom post divider
• Social network icons
• Convert to a 3 column layout
• Custom blog button
• Matching profile picture
• Navigation bar with text or images
• Matching twitter background
• Favicon
• Deletion of Blogger navigation bar if desired
• Installation
*Can have Post divider/signature combo instead of Custom signature and Custom post divider*

To see more of her custom work, click here to check out her portfolio.  I promise, you won't be disappointed!

To take advantage of this amazing deal, all you have to do is visit The World As I See It and place your order from there!

Also, a huge thank you to Simply Stacie for hosting the giveaway in which I won the custom Everything Package from Wacky Jacqui's Designs.  Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!!

Friday Funny

Another one of my favorite emails ever.  Always cracks me up whenever I read it.  I'm having my ladies night get-together tonight so I have to go get ready and finish cooking, so I hope you enjoy :)

These are real notes written by parents in the  Memphis school district.

Spellings have been left intact.

1 My son is under a doctor's care and should not take PE today. Please execute him.

2. Please exkuce lisa for being absent she was sick and i had her shot.

3 Dear school: please ecsc's john being absent on jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and also 33.

4 Please excuse gloria from jim today. She is administrating.

5 Please excuse roland from p.e. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.

6 John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face.

7 Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part.

8 Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.

9 Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.

10. Please excuse ray friday from school.. He has very loose vowels.

11. Please excuse Lesli from being absent yesterday. She had diahre dyrea direathe the sh*ts.

12. Please excuse tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea, and his boots leak.

13. Irving was absent yesterday because he missed his bust.

14. Please excuse jimmy for being. It was his father's fault.

15. I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because i don't know what size she wear.

16. Please excuse jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it monday. We thought it was sunday.

17. Sally won't be in school a week from friday. We have to attend her funeral.

18. My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired. She spent a weekend with the marines.

19. Please excuse Jason for being absent yesterday. He had a cold and could not breed well.

20. Please excuse mary for being absent yesterday. She was in bed with gramps.

21. Gloria was absent yesterday as she was having a gangover.

22. Please excuse brenda. She has been sick and under the doctor.

23. Maryann was absent december 11-16, because she had a fever, sorethroat, headache and upset stomach. Her sister was also sick, fever an sore throat, her brother had a low grade fever and ached all over. I wasn't the best either, sore throat and fever. There must be something going around, her father even got hot last night.

My Favorite Appetizer Ever!

I'm about to let you all in on a little secret...my favorite appetizer ever.  I mean seriously...ever!  It is the most amazing thing ever, and is always a hit no matter where I bring it.  My mom actually found this recipe years and years ago one day while she was taking me to the pediatrician while flipping through a magazine in the waiting room.  It's so easy to make, and works for all seasons.  I'm making it for my party on Friday, and with all the holidays coming up, you may want to introduce it at one of your parties in the near future!

Please pardon my terrible pan, I forgot to bring the baking dish from my house to my apartment...oops!  I had to buy a disposable serving dish, and just cut it up before actually serving it.  I normally use a round stone baking dish.

Tomato Basil Tart

1 rolled refrigerated unbaked pie-crust

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese  (6 oz)

4 Roma or small regular tomatoes

3/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

4 cloves garlic

1/2 cup mayo

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves

 

1)  Unroll the pie-crust according to package directions.  Line a 9 inch tart pan with the crust.  Press into sides of pan,trim edges. Don't prick.

2)  Bake the tart in a 450 degree oven for 5-7 minutes or until slightly dry.  Remove from oven.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.  Cool in pan on wire rack. Reduce oven to 375 degrees.

3)  Cut tomatoes into wedges.  Drain the wedges on paper towels.  Arrange the tomato wedges over the melted cheese in the baked crust.

4)  In a food processor bowl, combine basil and garlic.  Cover and process until coarsely chopped.  Or snip the basil and mince the garlic by hand.

5)  In a medium mixing bowl, combine the basil-garlic mixture, the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese, the mayonnaise, and the grated  Parmesan cheese.  Spread the mixture evenly over the tomato wedges.

6)   Bake the tart in a 375 degree oven for about 25 minutes or until cheese is golden.   Let the tart stand 5 minutes before cutting into wedges.  Serve warm.  If you like, garnish with additional basil leaves.

 

Makes 8 appetizer or 4 main dish servings.

Enjoy enjoy enjoy.  Seriously, I promise...you will not be disappointed!! 

I Need Some Help!!

To all you moms out there...I need some help!  This week I start my pediatrics clinical rotation, and as part of our paperwork for the class, I have to do a teaching project on a child.  I'm using my boyfriend's neighbor to teach, and I'm teaching him about the importance of brushing his teeth (as identified by his mom...he hates brushing)!  He's 7 years old...and I want to make it fun so that he actually will want to brush his teeth.  Here is where you come in...any suggestions that you have done in the past to help inspire your kids to brush their teeth?  I have been looking online everywhere, and I'm not finding any great ideas!  Let me know if you have any!!

Halloween Drinks

Guess who is having a Halloween-ish party on Friday?! MEE!! woo!! My roomie and I are having like 15 or so of our girlfriends over and having a ladies night, I can't wait.  This had been an especially crazy week of school, so at least I have something to look forward to.  I was able to do some Halloween decorating this weekend, so I hope to have some pictures of that coming up soon.  But for now...the drink recipes for Friday's party 

3 ounces tangerine juice (I'll probably use orange juice)

1 1/2 ounces white rum

3/4 ounce grenadine

Ice cubes

Combine juice and rum in a tall glass filled with ice.  Top with grenadine, and serve.

1 cup brandy

1 orange (ends cut off), thinly sliced

1 red apple, halved and thinly sliced

2 bottles well-chilled dry red wine such as Rioja or red Zinfandel

1 cup club soda

3/4 cup fresh orange juice

In a large pitcher, stir together brandy, orange, and apple slices.  Let stand 15 minutes.  Add win, club soda, and orange juice.  Serve over ice.

Both recipes via Martha Stewart

Designer Lust: Christina Murphy

Christina Murphy-Love at first sight.  Seriously, every time I look at her portfolio, my heart melts a little bit and it makes me want to jump up and change my whole apartment.  Or just sit and stare at the pictures all day.  I love her use of bold, bright colors, but it still looks elegant and not at all flashy.  Some of my favs (beware...there are many):

I love the mirror over the fireplace, and the mix and match of chairs

Such a bold, daring blue...but I think it looks beautiful!

This is my favorite.  Seriously...heaven.  The end :)

Love this pretty little nightstand.  And the scone lights!

Chairs=perfection

And just because pink and brown always look pretty

Ugh...I just love her work.  Stunning!  

All images via Christina Murphy Interiors