Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Vent Sesh

Do you ever feel, like a plastic bag, drifting through—no I’m kidding, come on, this is for real guys.

Thank you to Alyson who let me be a part of this week’s Vent Sesh. I think it’s a really great and honest way for bloggers to tell readers more about themselves instead of ‘omg I love those shoes’, which, don’t get me wrong, I love to do, but this is a great opportunity.

Today’s sesh was open-ended which I found a little daunting. Just to pick something out of the blue that I was cranky about. Generally I’m a pretty happy person and thanks to loyal friends and loving family members, I’m able to keep that mood, but sometimes it’s exhausting and you just need a break.

I’m tired. I’m just worn out a little bit guys. Nothing specific has happened to make the sky fall but just the constant merry-go-round of days is a bit of a bummer recently. Right now I categorize my life into two categories, work and not work. I have found this to be an easy way to keep things organized but I’ve realized this system leaves no time for Kelsey. Let me break it down.

Work- I work 9-6 and I work hard. I do a good job and I aim to please. By 6:00pm I’m spent. It’s usually been a long day of multi-tasking, conference calls and creating things and even after that, sometimes I feel like I wasn’t good enough that day. I could have done something better.

Not Work- This is everything after 6:00pm. The two most important things are my friends and family and my dog. You all know a little bit about The BF-going strong after four years last week- and I have a handful of very close friends that I do my best to keep in touch with and make sure they’re happy. My family lives in Philadelphia so when they call, I answer, no matter what. Sometimes it’s hard to be away from them. I try my very best to talk to at least one of them everyday. Then there is Norman. My one year old joy. The BF and I got him in September and since then he has been a fluffy bundle of energy, love, half-eaten remote controls, vet bills, accidents and happiness. Having a puppy is no small task and while there is nothing in the world I’d rather do than come home to that little man wagging his tail, it makes it difficult to go to a happy hour with a friend or decide to be spontaneous with The BF.

I’m having a hard time expressing my frustration because it seems selfish. Who am I to bitch about not getting any me time? I have a great job, a loving boyfriend and family, a fabulous pup, a beautiful apartment and a great support network. Sometimes I just want to tell myself to man the eff up and deal with it, but putting on an act and what you’re really feeling are two different things.

I think I need to add a category. I’m not sure what I will call it yet but it will be the ‘Take Care of Kelsey’ category. It will be my space to break the cycle of work and not work. Doesn’t have to be big or expensive or time consuming but it needs to happen.  I know I'm not the only one who feels this way - we live in an incredibly busy and demanding world, and often times the last person that we take care of is ourselves. But it is so important. I'm going to make a better effort to make some 'me' time more often - I hope you do, too.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Sneon

I've decided to invent a word today: sneon. It is defined as a neon sandal. Say it with me, sneon. I've seen so many great sandals this summer already and I love the neon trend, so I've made the executive decision to combine them. Let's have a look.

I love these sandals, the gold toe and a great buckle make it easy to wear all day long.

Urban Outfitters, Cooperative Patent Sandal, $19
Gotta love the price of these sandals. Green neon is hard to pull off but perfect for some lighter wash bf jeans.

Nordstrom, Jeffrey Campbell Eddy, $84
Ok, $84 is a little aggressive for a sandal, but if you need a solid neon flat, this is perfection. For me, I'm waiting until the go on sale.

These have a bit of a more beachy feel to the, but I love the fabric instead of leather.

Sneon is going to be huge this summer, I can feel it. How are you styling your neon this summer?

Be fabulous today!

Monday, June 18, 2012

Featured Store: Alex & Ani

Hey lovebugs,
Happy Monday. Did you celebrate Father's Day and call your dad or spend the day with him? I missed being at home, but calling him always helps.

Today we're taking a look at a great jewelry store: Alex and Ani. Their eco-friendly pieces are really beautiful and unique.

Alex and Ani, Ladybug Bangle, $28
As you probably have guess by now, I'm a sucker for a ladybug aka lovebug. 

Alex & Ani, Tiger Endless Hoops, $68
What an easy accessory to add to any Saturday night outfit. Simple and chic.

Alex and Ani, NY Subway Token Necklace, $48
How cool is this? A made in America piece of history.

Alex and Ani, Kingston Wrap, $48
I love the intricate detail of these hollow beads, so expensive looking.

Alex and Ani reminds me of a cross between House of Harlow and Dogeared. I really like the vintage feel with the simple jewelry. 

Be fabulous today!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes for the week.

Chicken Pasta Pesto Bake
c/o Stephanie Cooks
Ingredients
1/2 pound pasta, cooked al dente
1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped small
2/3 cup pesto
1/2 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese


Directions
1- Combine the pasta, chicken, and pesto. Toss until evenly mixed. Pour into a baking dish. Top with the cheese.
2- Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.





Clam Pizza
c/o Great Eats with Petes
Ingredients

2 dozen little neck clams
1 pizza dough
Flour for dusting
Olive Oil
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Directions
Place clams on a baking sheet. Place clams in the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes or until the clams begin to open. DON’T WALK AWAY! This is only to open the clams a little so you can shuck them not cook them. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Once cool remove the clam from the shell along with the clam juice and set aside in a bowl.
Dust a clean, flat surface with flour. Dust the pizza dough with flour. Roll out dough into the shape you desire.
Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle the dough with garlic. Sprinkle the cheese over the pizza dough. Top with shucked clams and some of their juice. Sprinkle with parsley. Bake in oven on a cookie sheet, pizza pan or pizza stone. Allow approximately 17 minutes for the pizza to cook. Remove from oven.
Slice the pizza and Enjoy!
Breakfast Nachos
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
5 eggs
1 tablespoon cream {optional}
salt & pepper
1/2 cup cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups baked tortilla chips
any desired toppings: avocados, tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, sour cream, beans, onions, etc.



Directions

Preheat nonstick skillet over medium low heat. Melt butter in pan. Crack eggs into a small bowl and whisk with salt, pepper and cream {optional}. Pour into hot pan and stir constantly until eggs scramble and are cooked to your liking. Remove from pan. Wipe pan out with paper towel. Spread tortilla chips on the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Top with scrambled eggs and cheese. Place under the broiler until cheese is completely melted. Remove. Top with any desired toppings and serve.