paddywax

Candles from Urban Outfitters; lovely, unique, and fragrant

Underneath the winter wonderland gazebo above

the traveling owl shop

When I get my first kitchen (my own kitchen), I will store my flour, sugar, coffee, and tea into little organized vintage canisters, like so.
It will be my very own Hot Babes Bakery with lovely little trinkets and perfectly stored baking materials.
And my coffee with me oh so fresh.

I found these on Etsy. Everything can be in it's perfect place. Even I won't get lost.

the less that I own, the less that owns me

                     

I thought I was brave when trying the Synergy Chia seed drink last week. It was smooth and sweet and safe.

But today I tried the Synergy 95% Kombucha tea in Gingerberry flavor. It smells like wine and it sorts of tastes like it too. And if you like ginger, this is the drink for you.

Ginger has such a lovely and strong presence and brings spicy warmth to any drink. Besides the fact that's it's a healthy snack, it's delicious. Soda lovers would enjoy the enormous amount of fizzle. 

It's crazy to think that there is no added carbonation and that the fizzle is from the natural fermentation process. Fizziest drink I've drunk. 

Other news is that I am graduating soon. The end is near and I twiddle my fingers a little bit more.
My palms get little more clammy and I contemplate a little more intensely.
What will future Casey do?
Will she work her life away and be jealous at all the little youngbloodz who lay by the pool all day and bask in the glory of their parents' financial support? Or will she feel a sense of accomplishment and pride as she works her 40 hour week and hands in her rent check.

It's time to figure out a new life balance in this little head of mine. And it's time to enjoy the simple things in life because that's all I will be able to afford. Movies in, blogging, homecooked meals. Not much will change.

I read an excerpt from French Women Don't Get Fat and I felt inspired.

French women tend to eat smaller portion sizes but of the same high-fat, high-carb food as Americans. The difference? They savor it. Food is an art, and eating is an enjoyable leisurely activity. Plus, French women drink more wine which helps resist heart disease. I want to frolic around eating my pastries with cream cheese and drinking my coffee and enjoying my butter on toast with my foie gras and cheese with my wine. I want to live and I want to enjoy. 

I hope to turn the coming months into an unforgettable journey full of hard work and lots of play. Savor the little things.

Like these new earrings under $3 on clearance from Target. Some things never change.

oh the weather outside is frightful

Burr.
It's winter.
And it's cold.
And I have a cold.

And tonight I did super wintery things with my favorite roommies.
- homemade spicy hot chocolate, fuzzy socks, curled up on the couch under a plush blanket watching HGTV for hours, cooking hot macaroni and cheese, and lots of laughs.

cozy up http://www.room6.com/

This weeks recommendations

My blog is full of recommendations, and here's more. I give these products my stamp of approval and if you run into them, give them a try.

This lip balm from The Body Shop will leave your lips soft and conditioned

Cinnamon apple sauce tastes like apple pie and will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt

Trader Joe's has the best bang for your buck. I'm always satisfied with the quality of their food

Apricot Mango yogurt w/ granola is mmmmmmazing

Winter skin is no fun. It's itchy and dry but there is a remedy. Right after a shower, put on Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion. It has natural ingredients including colloidal oatmeal which soothes skin and traps in moisture for hours. (Glamour Beauty Award, Women's Health Award, and Siempre Mujer Excellence in Beauty Award).

Victoria's Secret Sexy Little Things in Noir Tease body mist. It's a unique scent that I love. It's a blend of black vanilla, frozen pear and blooming gardenia.

I got this Mama Chia drink at our local natural foods store. It taste great, but feels weird. Sort of jelly-like, with a tiny crunch, sweet, refreshing, healthy. I didn't know that chia seeds were so great for your body - in fact I didn't know what they were at all before today. Every time I go to a health food market I learn something new about all the ingredients and foods out there that are superfoods, which I discover little by little. 

And lastly, everything in this picture. Courtesty of Kelsey Beth Heard and her Pinterest.

Love,

Casey

tis the season?

Some days it feels like I'm just going through the motions. Wake up, shower, breakfast (usually english muffin w/ eggs & cream cheese), coffee, class, come home, homework, gym, coffee?, lunch, tv, homework, dinner, sleep. It's nice to be optimistic.

But.

Sometimes, I find myself thinking I need a change. What can I change? Well without an endless budget I can change my...hair...nail color....wardrobe, makeup, scent, and best of all, attitude.

Attitude changes are the hardest to come by, but sometimes changing your hair, nail color, wardrobe, and makeup help change la attitude. What also changes my attitude is the weather. It's getting undeniably wintery outside - cold cold nights and blistery days with just enough sun to warm your face while you're walking to class, but that's it.

With this change in weather I find myself looking forward to winter festivities, christmas lights, Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday music, decor, and best of all, cuddling for survival.

Until my attitude fully changes and I feel infinite, I will change my nail color:
OPI nail polish in Mrs. O'leary's bbq (perfect name, I'd say)

and wardrobe: Olsenboye boots from JcPenney: $39

and scent (with soap - very exciting!)

Vanilla Bean Noel & Winter Candy Apple, Bath and Body Works

And taste: Hazelnut Chai w/ espresso shot @ Java Break