Today has been lovely so far.

This morning we went to Black Magic for Break Fast Breakfast! I had egg whites with tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach and feta. AND a pumpkin chai made with almond milk. It was so delicious. Of course, it was followed by a walk down the pier to talk to strangers and watch the waves.

After, there was garden supply shopping. Cilantro. Lavender. A mini orchid. And so many seeds! I am going to make my thumbs green if it's the last thing I do!

Then I went grocery shopping! It's been awhile and I spent a lot of money! I bought practically everything in the produce section. And treats for the cat (Snickers) who lives outside - I got her to eat one straight out of my hand! When I finally got done putting away all of my purchases, I made a DELICIOUS smoothie - strawberries, blueberries, peaches, bananas, cranberry juice, spinach and vanilla yogurt. And while I was sippin on that, I whipped up a batch of Whiskey Walnut Blondies for the brother.

And this where you find me now. In between dirty dishes and episodes of Gilmore Girls. Before yoga class and before my work meeting this evening.

I'm not sad my juice cleanse is over, but I'm glad I did it. I feel lighter and like it was a good restart. My body is still trying to figure out everything I put into it today, so I'm being careful, but I'm ready to start cooking! (Who thought three days would feel this long??) I'm going to make all sorts of nonsense this week - sweet potatoes, burrito bowls, avocado & corn salad, brussels sprouts, and there is going to be RAINBOW carrots with hummus. Ooooh - maybe this Farmer's Market Skillet! I'm so thrilled about food!

Well, that's all I have for now. I'm going to make my way back to the kitchen to clean up! And then outside to sweep my porch. Such a domestic goddess today... What are you all up to this weekend??

This is Day 4 of 100 Days of Blogging.

xo.

Last night, I saw Silver Linings Playbook and I LOVED it. Please do yourself a favor if you haven't seen it yet.

Today is my final day of juice cleansing. I hate it less today. I also ate a handful of almonds. I don't feel bad about it. I'm so ready to be eating again though. I think that I'll definitely be thinking more about what I put into my body after this. I don't believe in forbidding food groups, but everything in moderation.

I have today off from work. It's been raining all.day.long. James Island turns into a lake when it rains this much. So, how does one spend a rainy day off? I went to yoga, cleaned, read a few pages in my new book (The Fault in our Stars), visited with the brother, and watched reruns of Kourtney & Kim take Miami. Don't judge me. I got a lot done today - I deserve trashy tv shows. And tonight, I'm going to bake with a friend. No, I won't eat the cookies, but I will tomorrow. Hooray!

My life is good. My life is calm. And I like it this way.

(This just in - Kim is drinking Pressed Juicery juice on the show. I'm just saying.)

Also, I had a dream last night that I went back to San Diego. I was visiting my lovely Megan, drinking coffee in the sun, eating fish tacos and tanning on the West Coast beaches. I need to go back.

I also need coffee, sun, fish tacos and the beach. I NEED SUMMER! Haha. I'm a desperate woman.

Oh hey, I'm going to learn run again. Glo Run in May! Yay!

This is Day 3 of 100 Days of Blogging.

xo.

I hate juice cleansing. I miss chewing and things that have salt. I don't remember hating this last time I did it, but I've been informed that I did. Note to self: Don't do this again.

Yesterday my juice didn't come until 1pm because the company accidentally used the wrong address. I tried to patiently sip on hot water with lemon until I ran out to greet the FedEx man. Literally, I was waiting on the porch for him.

I immediately ripped open the box and started guzzling a bottle labeled "1".

Juice 1 is a Green Drink consisting of kale, spinach, romaine, parsley, cucumber, celery, apple and lemon. I was satisfied.

I got all of my bottles put away in the fridge and went about my day and the rest of my juices.

Juice 2 is a Citrus Drink consisting of grapefruit and mint. That's all. I love it. Tart, but refreshing!

Juice 3 is a Roots Drink. I feel like that says enough, but I'll tell you the junk is made of carrots, apple and ginger. I abhor ginger and this drink.

Juice 4 is another Citrus Drink. It's a blend of pineapple, apple, lemon and mint. It's good, but very sweet. Yesterday I drank it straight up, but today I mixed it with water to cut it a little bit.

Juice 5 is a repeat of Juice 1. Liquid salad. Thinking of it that way makes it difficult to stomach. I'll try not to do that tomorrow.

Juice 6 is the savior! Ah! Vanilla Almond Milk. This delight is made of almonds, dates, vanilla bean and filtered water. I add about 1/8 tsp of cinnamon to it and shake it all up. This is my favorite. I wish I had tried the chocolate one now because it's sort of like a healthy and delicious melted milkshake.

Mmmm. Milkshake.

Anyway, in addition to these 6 juices, I have Chlorophyll Water and Aloe Water. Chlorophyll water is to keep you extra hydrated. (Because six bottles of liquid is not enough.) Also, it tastes faintly of grass. The Aloe Water is to, um, keep you moving. It tastes like cucumber water.

Yesterday, I gave away Juice 5 since I had begun so late in the day. Today, I'm drinking Juice 6 before Juice 5 because I'm dying for some substantial.

So, what is the lesson I've learned from all this? When you go on a cruise, don't have hourly ice cream and don't visit the pizza bar.

That's certainly not to say I only did this cleanse because I felt bad after a week of vacation eating habits. Cleanses are an excellent way to reset your body and mind. Also, I've spent a lot of time trying to decide if I should go back to my vegetarian ways. I've done a lot of learning about vegan cooking. I'm reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle and articles like Carnivorous Vegetarian to try and figure out the healthiest and tastiest way to eat. I want both.

Although, right now, I would settle for anything that involved chewing.

But if you all have thoughts on the matter, then I would love to hear them. Right now, I'm going to take a little nap and then go see Silver Linings Playbook with one of my loveliest friends.

This is Day 2 of my 100 Days of Blogging.

xo.

It's that time of year again. Spring is coming! It's time to get out of the winter funk and into the summer fun. I'm a little more on board with the idea because I just came back from Florida & a cruise, but I promise - it's coming. (The groundhog didn't see his shadow, so it must be true!)

It's also that time of year where I do a crazy things like only drink juice for 3 days. Eh? Right. So, my Pressed Juicery 3 Day Cleanse should be arriving shortly. 3 Days. 18 Bottles of Juice. Lots of yoga. This should all amount to a healthier and happier, post-cruise Erin. (Because you can't really say no to 24 hour pizza and ice cream.)

Internal spring cleaning leads to external spring cleaning. And all sorts of cleaning usually leads to new ideas, crafts and resolutions. Maybe spring is the new New Year? Probably not, but I will tell you spring is my best time of year. I'm excited to see what it holds. The people in my life are very motivating, too. I'm sure they're going to make 2013 the best spring/year yet!

Speaking of motivating ideas, my friend Mandy is doing 100 Days of Blogging as a challenge for her creative juices. I've decided I would also like to take part in a challenge such as this. Why? My blog is something so dear to me that I've let fall by the wayside. I'm hoping this challenge will jumpstart me back into it. It doesn't have to be big or incredibly insightful. I just have to post. Consider this Day 1. 

Well, now I have to start cleaning. I have quite the to-do list today:

Yoga. Pick up Recycling Bin. Go to Goodwill. Go to Costco. Get a mani/pedi. Clean out my car. Clean the house. Start reading The Fault in Our Stars. More Yoga.

Busy busy little bee. I'll see you all here tomorrow!

Today an older man wearing candy cane pants gave me a thumbs up.

That's what I call holiday cheer.

I'm pretty busy right now. (Eating the funfetti popcorn I just made.) I know I'm preaching to the choir, so please remember to enjoy your loved ones this holiday season. Let go of the things that haven't happened yet or you can't control. Have an eggnog and carry on.

I love you all dearly.

Let's reconvene after Christmas. Deal?

In 2008, this happened. Worth noting: 2008 was the WORST. For everyone. I don't need to go into details, but I know all of my friends agree. So, I'm not saying that Olivia was a mistake because I loved her dearly. However, I put A LOT of money into her: clutch, catalytic converter, timing belt, ac. At this point she needed even more: head gasket, mirror, reverse light wiring, right blinker wiring, some sort of air filtery thing, brakes, two new tires. I just wasn't able to provide for her in her old age. I had to let her go. 

What's a girl to do?

Cry a little. Spend a little. Get angry. Buy a new Prius C. (The C stands for Clearly. Just kidding. It stands for Cute. Still kidding. It actually stands for City.)

Yep. I bought my first BRAND NEW CAR. I affectionately refer to her as Lady Grey at the moment. She gets a lovely 53-60 mpg. She has a sexy magnetic grey teflon coating, too. It's a weird experience to drive a hybrid, but it makes me feel oh so economical and environmental. 

Let's talk about what happens when you buy a brand new car. You have to haggle. I was able to do much less haggling since USAA had done part of it on my behalf, but let me tell you - it's hard to not back down and say let me have my shiny toy now, please. Also, it takes FOREVER. I got there about 10:45 and drove away with Lady Grey around 2:30. I had not properly nourished my body for that. I wasn't thinking straight. Luckily, the dealership is right next to Chipotle. Thank heavens!

So. Yep. I have a new car and a new car payment, but I also have peace of mind. No broken things that aren't under warranty (4 years and 60,000 miles are covered). All of the lights work. No control panel beeping and flashing. The anxiety of a dying car far outweighs the anxiety of a new car payment. 

*sigh of relief*

Do any of you drive a Prius? I'm so happy to be a part of the Prius family now. I notice them everywhere I go! 

(And never fear! Floyd - my fearless pink flamingo - who has been with me since the Pontiac station wagon has found a new home in the Prius C!)

"Tis the season for giving! Right?" 

I'm drinking coffee, burning a mahogany teakwood candle, and waiting for the Sears delivery truck.

Sears delivery?! Um yes. For my dad's birthday/Christmas (because he doesn't like us buying things for him at all), he is getting a new mattress! My brother and I decided that 27+ years was too long to have the same mattress, so on Black Friday I made sure to catch a good deal and pay for the delivery. It's a big day.

Also, buying things like mattresses as gifts for the people I love makes me feel like an adult. A mattress is a very adult thing to buy - don't you think?

You know what else is very adult? Budgeting and buying a new car. I'm learning how to do both of these things, too. I just got off the phone with the Toyota dealership - I'm going Friday to test drive a Prius C.

I am so adult right now. Wish me luck!

"Of course you save money on gas - a Prius runs on granola and hugs!" - J Cov

I read this post today. So helpful.

Today has been such a blessing away from people - away from my head.

Spending so much time alone is amazing for reflection.

And a walk with a wonderfully long standing friendship is also good for reflection.

Thanks to this lady:

I'm not excited about going back to the real world, but I've got all sorts of good on my side.

My tree is up! The holidays are in full swing! Please don't remind me that it's less than a month (and one paycheck) until Christmas. I will cry. Again. Because I've certainly cried a few times already in the last two weeks.

People often go around saying "when it rains, it pours" but you don't really understand what that means until it happens to you. Because WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS. And a lot of the raining and pouring is the anxiety that comes from all the other raining and pouring, but boy oh boy. It is tough.

The holidays are my very favorite time of year. They are full of surprises, gifts, crafting, baking, drinking(!) and cheer. And stress. Work stress. Dating stress. Family stress. Financial stress. My car is breaking stress. I need to get my teeth cleaned stress. I need to workout stress. What do I buy stress. How many days do I have to work in a row stress. Stop asking me questions stress. People are getting sick stress. How the eff do you expect me to craft that stress.

Because when it rains it pours.

So, what I'm trying to do is... Put less stress on myself. I mean HELLO it's coming from all over the place as it is - just give yourself a break! Am I right?

I am. I know I am.

So, it's a day off today where I'm running around - errands, appointments, crafting, baking, trying not to blame myself for the rest of the things sitting on my list. LET IT GO. Hmph.

I forgot to buy glitter today.

The good news is that it will all be over soon (which is sad because this is the time of year you're supposed to slow down and enjoy time with your loved ones). The good news is that you'll get it all taken care of (in due time). The good news is when you feel you're starting to slump there's always coffee.

Two pots a day is not too much.

The best news is that while you're crafting/gifting/baking you can make this Killer Granola from Shutterbean!

I mean, seriously, double the recipe. Triple it if you want to use it as a gift. Add Cinnamon. It's delicious. Pour soy milk and blueberries over it. Mix it with raspberry preserves and plain greek yogurt. It's amazing! 

And if the granola fails (which is won't) then do what I do and make a nice hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, grab a book (Currently reading: The Night Circus) and turn off your internet/mobile devices.

Happy Holidays, friends. You can do it!

It's raining here. And, as much as I dislike the rain, lying in bed listening to it hit the roof and the trees has such a calming effect. It could be that I'm still in bed that's so calming, but I'll let the weather win this one.

I have to go to work soon, but if I didn't, I'd stay all day in bed - reading a book or watching Harry Potter while drinking hot tea. Ahhh.

What do you like to do when it rains?

It has certainly been awhile since I've blogged. This morning I read a little over 100 posts and decided that I should post my own - you all are so inspiring!

So, what's up party peeps?

I'm currently in the middle of a weeklong vacation. I spent four days out of town. Today will be spent with one of my very best friends watching Gilmore Girls and eating cheap Chinese food to celebrate her birthday! And then I have A VERY LONG TO DO LIST.

Move GIANT TV
Laundry (it's really never ending)
Dentist Appointment
Bare Minerals/Finish Line/Tanger Visit
Grocery Shopping - because I cannot live on oatmeal alone.
Change all the light bulbs in my car that are burnt out
See about fixing my driver side window
Bake something. Anything.
Take care of my fish, Cohen
Get car washed. Inside & out.

That's just a bit. A bit of what needs attention. I'll get it done. Fo sho.

Anywho. That's life. A very long list of things to do. And, if you're very lucky, then it's accompanied by some fantastic people. Sometimes you'll cry. (I've done that a lot recently.) Sometimes you'll be smile. (I've done that a lot recently, too.) And both of these things are good. It's all perspective, I suppose.

Enough of this. I have a to-do list to take care of.

xo.

I will GO TO YOGA on Thursday & Saturday. And it will make me feel AMAZING and accomplished.

(I'm writing this here, so it's public and I can't back out. It's a mind game.)

At the beginning of the year, I was going to yoga probably three times a week. I loved it so much that I wrote a blog post about it. I am in a totally different place than I was then. My worry & stress levels aren't the same. I have new people in my life who like to support me through that. I have different work and life responsibilities. But I want my yoga back. I also want my sexy arms back.

It's a win for everyone.

It's been awhile since I read something that truly inspired me. Weird because I read a lot. Magazines. Books. Blogs. They've all taken me so far and then dropped me off on the corner. The book I just read truly inspired me though. All the way.

Blogger Alyssa Shelasky (Apron Anxiety) is living the life I've only dreamt of - foodie writer in the city that never sleeps. In all honesty, it's not the life I see myself living, but it's one that I can fall deeply into and I can somewhat replicate while still living my own version of life. After finishing this book, my iPhone now holds a laundry list of ingredients to buy and photos of recipes I snapped straight out of it's pages. And first things first - when I get home, I'm baking muffins. Whole Wheat Flour. Butter. Blueberries. Raspberries. Muffins that would get me out of the worst of trouble - like a wrecked car. Maybe muffins will be how I make all of my future friends. Perhaps I'll never open my own bakery or become a professional blogger, but I will make sure that my friends and family are well fed and that my words are not lost on deaf ears, but ferociously typed onto the interwebs for memorializing.

So, now what? I need an Action Plan! Some SMART GOALS. Dear Readers, where do I begin? Where do I go from here? What are some of your favorite recipes? What are some of your favorite foodie books or blogs?

Share with me and I'll report back over glasses of wine and flour covered counters. Deal?

This morning, I'm lying in bed, drinking a smoothie and thinking about being productive.

I moved about a month ago and I'm still not unpacked. I'm not settled in. I'm rarely home. I live around boxes. I haven't really blogged. I haven't really baked. I have a running to-do list that I ignore. I haven't even put away my laundry.

Little Suzy Homemaker is going through a rebellious stage, I guess.

I did start reading blogs again - they're starting to inspire me! I did start organizing my finances - I'm trying to learn to be frugal where needs should be frugal! I did get back into my book Apron Anxiety - it's sort of what I'm going through now and she's about to start her upswing!

Hopefully, it's a sign.

It's definitely a sign. Fo' sho.

Until then - I'm going share some of my fave links from the week.

1. Blogging is something I truly enjoy doing. But can it be taken seriously? How do I do that? How does one become a Creative Professional? Elise gives us some insight on turning what you love into what you do.

2. Summer is coming to a close soon. I know because Starbucks is serving pumpkin. But don't let it go without reflecting first. What was so awesome about Summer 2012? Tracy shares her summer wins with a picture journey!

3. How to Properly Wash Your Brushes. Let's be honest, this is just really important!

4. Dude, Where's my Podcast? Joy & Tracy are back in action this week! There's a NEW! Joy the Baker podcast up over at Home Fries!

5. I have to bake for work on Sunday. What better than this lovely little recipe I stumbled upon? Apple Toffee Blondies - yes, please!

Now I need to go put away some laundry or dishes and water my plants! Yes, I have plants now. 4 outdoor plants. 2 indoor plants. And I'm in the market for a terrarium if anyone is interested.

Special shout out to Katie Gandy for her crafty skills this week - I got a new plant hanger AND a neon pink hula hoop. Both handmade. She's so cool.

That's all I've got for now...

Tell me what INSPIRES you out of a slump!

Sometimes, days just don't go the way you planned.

Then what?

You lay in bed and search for trips online. Clearly.

I've recently discovered Living Social and Kayak.
I'm obsessed.

Yes, I want to go on a Yoga + Wine Tasting Adventure! Who doesn't? And it's in another state? Ok! That sounds way fancier than warm flow + a bottle of two buck chuck. (No offense, TJ's. You know I love you.)

Maybe I'll go to the Grand Canyon. Or Seattle. I could always visit friends in New York or Boston.

I am beginning a few projects. In my head.

One is painting a fridge.

One is hanging up wall decoration in my house.

One involves baking.

One involves work and learning to develop myself.

What new projects are YOU working on? Or what trips are YOU planning?

Hi Friends!

It's been awhile since I had that blogger's itch. Maybe I've been preoccupied. Maybe I've had blogger's block. Maybe I've had life block. Or maybe I've just been settling into what my life has become. (And for the record, my life is lovely.)

I can say a lot has happened since I last posted here. I've been seeing a lot of some people and less of others. I've not been baking too much, but I have plans to change that... starting today! I don't live in the same place, but the place I live is pretty and terribly convenient (except to a Target). I lost a family member, but gained more respect for the family I have. I'm another year older... and I have no buts about that. It is what it is and I like growing older. But I'm still young at heart. (Oh! There is the but. Cue the Frank Sinatra.)

I am currently typing to you via my new Macbook Air. It's love. I'm sipping EmergenC to fight this plague that floats around me. And I'm getting ready to travel down to the beach for breakfast.

Oh, this life.

Certainly more to come soon.

Fairytales can come true. It can happen to you if you're young at heart.

Love Does // Bob Goff

// but this morning there's a calm I can't explain.

Sometimes, it's nice to work the late shift. Not always. I like my productive work mornings followed by happy hour or dinner with friends. But I do enjoy sleeping in occasionally. I wake up to the sound of yard work outside of my window and roll out of bed and saunter around the apartment in my pajamas for a few hours. I might read a little or watch a missed episode of something. There is certainly almost always coffee involved - this morning it's Coconut Mocha. (Note to self: buy more of this.) I never bring laundry into my wandering mornings because it's my least favorite thing.

Today, I baked tofu and for a delicious lunch of kale, brussels sprouts, red onion, and mixed brown rice with a healthy pour of sriacha and sweet chili sauce. That's how you know it's going to be a good day. Actually, you REALLY know it's going to be a good day when you have brownies in the oven before 9am. They were vegan until I threw in dark chocolate chips for good measure.

So, yeah, I was vegan for two weeks. Let me tell you about that.

Why did I do it? Just to know what it's like. There's no better way to understand someone's lifestyle than to live it. You know, walk a mile in their shoes and all that jazz. Was it hard? Heck yes! Did it make me feel good? Heck yes! I lost six pounds and gained confidence in my ability to follow through on funny little challenges I set up for myself. Will I stay vegan? No. I don't have a good reason to. I'm not convicted about using animals for food - even when I was vegetarian it didn't really phase me. I think that I learned a lot about what I am putting into my body - what's good/wholesome and what's less than zero on the nutritious scale. (That's not to say I didn't eat crap. I had Sour Patch Kids for lunch at the movies one day and french fries for dinner another.) But I believe this experience is going to make me think a lot about my options and what the pros/cons are of what I'm eating. I felt pretty fantastic all 14 days. I didn't NEED a lot of caffeine despite my lack of sleep. And I was never ever hungry.

You learn something from all experiences. I can also tell you the BBQ pork nacho experience I had at lunch yesterday was amazing. Perhaps I am a riddle.

While I'm here, let me tell you how lucky I am in life right now. You know those moments when you stop and think about your life and there is not much else you could wish for besides making your first million or winning the lottery? That's where I am. There is a lot of uncertainty rolling in over the next few months, but nothing deliberate planning and learning cannot overcome.

Do you feel lucky right now? Or are you struggling? I'd like to know if you'd like to share.

One thing I am absolutely going to try to do right now is pare down my Google Reader (hello, love) subscriptions and read those that inspire me to be inspired here and in life. I miss Links I Love! Don't you?

I love Sabrina Ward Harrison. I need to own a piece of her work.

Oh and I love this as well:

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Erin on Pinterest

Well, ok then, it's time to be (more) productive. I'll be in Charlotte the next two days for Dave Matthews Band and IKEA! Eep! So, until next time... xo.

I've been MIA for a month, then I come back and blogger is totally different. Nbd. BIG DEAL. Meh.

I'm honestly not sure why I haven't been writing. Maybe I've had writer's block. Blogger's block.

The easiest way to play catch up is to tell you that life is so good and so "this is real life" all at the same time. For ever simple task, there is a difficult chore that follows alongside. For every great happiness, there is a tragedy. For every new love, there is a heartbreak. For every great win, there is a bigger loss. This means two things: perspective and limbo.

Perspective is what really bring beauty into our lives because how can we know how sweet it is without a little bitter? Limbo is just uncertainty of a new adventure - being unwilling to step foot because you're never sure what's going to follow or it's going to effect your status quo. I suppose limbo could also be described as fear or cautiousness. I think it's different for every person.

In other less thought provoking news, I'm on day five of "operation let's be vegan". WHY ARE YOU BEING VEGAN? YOU LOVE CHEESE! Ah. Good question! I'm glad that you asked. Honestly, I like to give myself little challenges, just to see if I can do them, even if they seem silly. I'm weird. I know. Also, I just want to know what it's like - how do vegans live? What are their struggles? How does veganism make my body feel? The best way to find answers to your questions besides asking is to just do. So, welcome to "operation let's be vegan". I miss bacon, cheese and Chickfila. But I like making creative food options for myself and trying new things. I like my energy level. And I like the questions it provokes from people - I'm always up for a good conversation!

Also, let's see, I've been to Columbia twice this week for work. Hi, traveling for work! You're fun! And that's good since I might be doing it more with a new career experience I will be beginning for my job! So, that means work is going well. That means work is challenging and engaging and I like where I am and what I do. I have great aspirations to move forward, but where I am is good for right now.

Driving to Columbia gave me time to catch up on my Joy the Baker Podcasts. Nerd Alert. I was a month behind in my episodes, much like I am with reading all of my blogs. Nerd Fail. A few episodes back, they asked us to blog our five favorite things right now and since I forfeited that opportunity then, I have decided to take it now. Here we go:

1. Coconut. In all it's various forms. I'm serious.
2. Norah Jones new album // Little Broken Hearts.
3. Days off spent at the beach with people I adore.
4. My iPhone - esp, Instagram, Clear, and Spotify.
5. SoCal. I think about going back all the time.

I thought I would have a longer list or that it would be easier with me to come up with, but no. Weird. Anyway, I feel like that's enough rambling for now. It's good to be back and hopefully I'll feel inspiration sooner rather than later next time.

xo.