Back to School!

I have not abandoned this blog!  I have just been very, very busy.  

Mostly with my new job at Anthropologie (and yes I am taking FULL advantage of the employee discount), but also because I am getting ready to go back to Dallas for my final year of college!  To say I am excited to finish these last two semesters is an understatement.  Not that I have any idea so far what I'll be doing after graduation (maybe law school?).  

I whipped up a fun, little playlist that's perfect for listening to while you're packing or cleaning or moving in.

Speaking of playlists, because I am ever so slightly OCD and love making playlists, I've been compiling one of all the songs I hear in Anthropologie that I own.  I started this long before I began working there, actually.  It just so happens that whoever makes the playlists for the stores and I have very similar taste in music!

Bedroom Dance Party from fatalistpalmistry on 8tracks Radio.

Speaking of playlists, because I am ever so slightly OCD and love making playlists, I've been compiling one of all the songs I hear in Anthropologie that I own.  I started this long before I began working there, actually.  It just so happens that whoever makes the playlists for the stores and I have very similar taste in music!

Also digging this week:

The new Marc Jacobs Beauty line at Sephora.  Love.

This beautiful smelling candle from Anthro.
Super comfy looking sweatpants from Gap that would be great for lounging/studying/etc.
A recipe for homemade funfetti cake!  Can't wait to try this.
Pretty much everything from the new Madewell collection, but especially coveting these skinny jeans.

Hopefully after I get moved in I'll be back to regular posting.  Keep a look out next week for a peek into my makeup bag, and a review of the Clarisonic brush.

Send positive packing vibes my way, because I've barely packed anything at all and I'm leaving Friday.  Yiiiiikes.  

Spring Fever Pt. 2

Here's the second post in the Spring Fever series, Living.  Plus, a (very loose) smoothie recipe below.

If only vintage cars like that were fuel efficient, eh?
The washi tape is still available at Madewell; I saw it the other day when I was there.
I wish I had an occasion to make a fancy cake for!  That decoration is so beautiful.

Part 3, Design will be up some time after Sunday.  I'm in San Antonio this weekend for my Dad's birthday and therefore without Photoshop.   Luckily I don't have too awful much homework this weekend, so I'm mostly relaxing and enjoying spending time with my parents.  Sometimes I wish my college wasn't so far away from home.

My mother and I made pretty delicious smoothies tonight for dinner, since we had a big lunch out (Alamo Café, my favorite Mexican restaurant in SA).

Here's a quick and easy recipe:
1 cup Italian soda blend from HEB in Fruita D'Isola
1 Sambazon frozen açai smoothie packet (any variety will work)
1 cup frozen mixed berries (ours had strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
1 fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced
Just a smidgen of honey.

Blend and enjoy!
 
I'm hoping I can find the Italian sodas at Central Market in Plano too (they're owned by HEB) because it really was a nice addition.  If you are not lucky enough to live near an HEB, you could just as easily substitute vanilla soy milk and I'm sure it would taste great, just not as tart and fruity.  I'd also recommend any type of simple fruit juice, maybe orange or apple.

What are some of y'all's favorite smoothie combinations?  One thing I really want to try is incorporating greens into the mix.

Wishful Thinking #1: Cozy & Comfortable

In a perfect world, this is what I'd be wearing/eating/reading by the fireside.  Living in south central Texas, we don't get a lot of opportunities to use the fireplace, but it's been pretty chilly here lately.  I've been getting good use out of my Ugg Australia black Channing leather boots, which you might still be able to get for about $100 less at Nordstrom Rack (that's where I got mine).  They are so comfortable, and they have fur lining inside for extra warmth.

This segment is called Wishful Thinking because let's be honest, a college student living on a small scholarship stipend can't afford Isabel Marant clothes or fancy home goods from Steven Alan.  But I can dream!  One of the reasons I love websites like Pinterest and Polyvore is that you can get a lot of inspiration even from clothes that are well out of your price range.  I'll never own that Isabel Marant cardigan, but I know I've seen similar ones at American Eagle and Forever 21.  I like to think of them as shopping tools.  But if you are lucky enough to have the funds, I have provided the links to buy everything.

If you looked in my real closet you'd see mostly Gap (the best store for basic tees and sweaters) and sale-priced Anthropologie.  I've been living in various colors of the Eversoft circle hem sweater from Gap the past couple of weeks, as well as the boyfriend v-necks from last winter.

With that disclaimer out of the way, here are some fantasy picks for a cozy night by the fire, curled up with a good book and some delicious Bacon Cheddar Biscuits (can't wait to try this recipe!) and tea.  And don't forget the schnauzer!  My family has three miniature schnauzers, two black and one white.  I cannot wait till I can have a dog of my own, or maybe even a cat if my allergies have lessened enough.

Shirt:  A.P.C. Baggy T-Shirt in Bordeaux

Cardigan:  Étoile Isabel Marant Kiliann Oversized Cardigan
Sweatpants:  Aerie Dormwear Skinny Boyfriend Pant in Charcoal Sky
Socks:  Monki Marita Socks in True Kiss Red
Blanket:  Khadi and Co Multi Plaid Blanket
Recipe:  Bacon Cheddar Biscuits at Frites & Fries
Mug:  Room Essentials at Target Espresso Mug in Black
Tea:  Tazo Blush Berry Black Loose Leaf Tea
Teapot:  Teavana Claire Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser
Book:  St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves by Karen Russell (great short stories collection)

I'm seriously considering ordering those Aerie sweatpants tonight.  They were all out of my size in store today.  I used to be pretty anti-sweatpants, but it's hard to feel motivated to walk to the campus gym in 50 degree or less weather in running shorts.  Do y'all have a favorite brand, preferably ones that are long enough for those of us who are tall?

In other news, I found a pretty nifty French press coffee maker and tumbler combination at Sur La Table last night.  I used it this morning with a Bavarian Hazelnut blend we found at HEB and it was pretty tasty!  I want to try making tea in it tomorrow.  It's nice that you can make the coffee in the same container you'll drink it from.  And it's dishwasher safe (but what isn't these days?).

Stay warm!