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

Best Email Ever

I was cleaning out my email inbox tonight, and came across one of my favorite emails ever.  Normally, I automatically delete chain emails, but for some reason, I opened this one and just love it.  I read it again and was seriously cracking up.  Here's for your reading pleasure:

After I retired, my wife insisted that I accompany her on her trips to Target.  Unfortunately, like most men, I found shopping boring and preferred to get in and get out.  Equally unfortunate, my wife is like most women - she loves to browse.  Yesterday my dear wife received the following letter from the local Target.

Dear Mrs. Samuel,

Over the past six months, your husband has caused quite a commotion in our store.  We cannot tolerate this behavior and have been forced to ban both of you from the store.  Our complaints against your husband, Mr. Samuel, are listed below and are documented by our video surveillance cameras.

1. June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in other people's carts when they weren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

3. July 7: He made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to the women's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official voice, 'Code 3 in Housewares.  Get on it right away'.  This caused the employee to leave her assigned station and receive a reprimand from her Supervisor that in turn resulted with a union grievance, causing management to lose time and costing the company money.

5. August 4: Went to the Service Desk and tried to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in the camping department and told the children shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring pillows and blankets from the bedding department to which twenty children obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked if they could help him he began crying and screamed, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'  EMTs were called.

9. September 4: Looked right into the security camera and used it as a mirror while he picked his nose. 

10. September 10: While handling guns in the hunting department, he asked the clerk where the antidepressants were..

11. October 3: Darted around the store suspiciously while loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.

12. October 6: In the auto department, he practiced his 'Madonna look' by using different sizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed through, yelled 'PICK ME! PICK ME!'

14. October 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, he assumed a fetal position and screamed 'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICES AGAIN!'

And last, but not least:

15.. October 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited awhile, then yelled very loudly, 'Hey! There's no toilet paper in here.'  One of the clerks passed out.

Gorgeous Pumpkins

Now that it is officially October, Halloween planning can be in full swing!  Woo!  I was looking around at some of my favorite magazine's websites for cute Halloween decorations (still hoping that I can have a party) and found these gorgeous pumpkins:

I love them!  These have to be some of the prettiest pumpkins I have ever seen.  Go to the Better Homes and Gardens website for instructions on how to make these little pretties.  They would be the talk to the party for sure!

Images via Better Homes and Gardens

Designer Lust: Kelly Wearstler

I love Kelly Weastler's use of bold colors, graphic prints and accessories, and completely original style.  Although her style is a little more modern and eclectic than my usual tastes, I do think she has some completely awesome projects.  Here are some of my favorite pics:

 From BG at Bergdorf Goodman.  I think if I sat down in one of these chairs in this completely gorgeous space, I would never leave.

 Such a pretty outdoor space

 This is my favorite, I think its simply stunning!  I love the contrast of the dark and light (my favorite...as you know), and I love the rug underneath the table.  The yellow walls give it the perfect punch of color

 Is that a pink door I see?  Hello pretty :)

My other favorite.  Love love love the coffee table.  I must be really like yellow right now...maybe because its 50 degrees here in Chicago and I think summer should be back ASAP.

All images via Kelly Wearstler

Designer Lust: Mary McDonald

I was aimlessly looking around websites this morning in order to procrastinate studying, and saw that Veranda Magazine has a feature on Mary McDonald right now.  What beautiful work!  I love her use of bold colors and the attention to details.  As the website describes, her style "combines equal parts of classic elegance and hip insouciance."  

 I love the headboard and the pops of orange in the pillows.  And those nightstands have me drooling...I love their long legs!!

Again, I love the bright colors and the monograms on the bedding.  Elegant and fun at the same time!  I like how the pattern of the headboard is also used in the pillows.

This is my favorite favorite favorite!!  She had a design painted on a seagrass rug.  I love the gold and blue couch and that beautiful ottoman.  Drooling :)

All images via Veranda 

October!

Happy October (I know...one day late)!  Time is flying, I'm already almost halfway done with this semester!

I don't know about you...but I wish my table could look like this all the time  I really love that silver pumpkin centerpiece.  I really need to do some Halloween decorating in the apartment, maybe next week after my dreaded exam on Monday is over.  I'm off to study my brains out for the rest of the weekend, hopefully I'll still be alive come Monday afternoon.  Have a wonderful weekend all!

Image via HGTV

Need Suggestions!

This weekend is the boyfriend and I's 4-year dating anniversary.  We started dating my senior year of high school, and have been together since then.  Right now, we don't go to the same schools, but we live close enough that we usually get to spend weekends together.  He's coming to spend the weekend here with me, but due to the fact that we both have huge tests on Monday, I don't think we will have a very exciting weekend.

Anyways, we are both free the following weekend, so we're going to postpone our special date until then.  And now I need suggestions...what is your favorite, creative date idea?  I want to do something fun that we haven't done before...so what is it that you and your husband/boyfriend like to do on your date nights?!

The earliest picture I have of us on my computer...about a year after we started dating.

At my birthday party, about a month ago!