A LITTLE WHITE MOUSE

a flower blooms

2012-02-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

There must be some symbolism I can uncover to describe this occurrence. A flower blooming in the cold of a Kansas February.

Perhaps if I stare long enough, the metaphor will come to me. What lessons can we gather from the promise of spring in the bleakest of times? Surely there is something here that 90 years from now bored high school students in their English class can dissect for the not so obvious meaning. Something very The Scarlet Letter or Lord of the Flies.

...

Alas, nothing. Because the truth of the matter is, the last two days have felt more like spring than February and this is just a mighty pretty flower.

P.S. Yes! That is Gee! She lives! Safe in the warmth of the sunniest window seat in our home, safe from the bitter cold of the outdoors, and safe from the neglect of a bad bad plant mama.

bracefacebianca

2012-02-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

{ earrings: similar here }

My aim name was bracefacebianca. It was a simpler time then. When Facebook's most exciting feature was the ability to upload a single profile picture and internet connection still required a wire.

It was my first year of college and my second year with braces. That was the year I perfected smiling without showing my teeth. It was also the year I stopped wearing jewelry.

I had missed the window when wearing braces was considered cool. In junior high school, the color of rubber bands chosen to grace your metal mouth said more about you than any accessory ever could. By college, I just wanted to pretend that they didn't exist. In an effort to camouflage my silver smile, I said goodbye to all other metal accessories.

Post braces, stacks of gold chains, bangles of silver and all things glinting returned to their prominent place in my closet hierarchy. All but earrings... big statement earrings never quite felt the same.

Now years later, I feel I have finally addressed my aversion to metal this close to my mouth.

Remembering to always show my teeth when I smile? Eh, we'll see.

{a little} random monday

2012-02-20T20:35:00.000-08:00

You just gotta love Monday...

{ image via desire to inspire }

Home love.

{ image via twenty thirty forty }

Clothes love.

{ image via steepstreet }

Love love.

In case you don't love Monday, I hope this random love made it a little better.

Love,

Bianca

by morning's light

2012-02-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

{ softest sweater leggings ever by poof via t.j. maxx // mocassin slippers via minnetonka }

The engineer jumps out of bed around 6 a.m. Although I am not conscious to witness this phenomenon, I imagine him to look like a basketball player bounding across the court. With one swift leap from bed to mid-bedroom, palming his iPhone, and darting to the kitchen.

He laughs at me in the morning. Still in my sleep, like a magnet I instantly move to fill his abandoned side of the bed. Claiming his pillow as my own and twisting my legs in his still warm sheets.

A little before 7 a.m., he attempts to wake me from my inhuman state. My hair in knots and eyes half shut, I groan in pain as he slings back my down comforter. I reach out in protest, if only I could get that comforter back, then I would not have to face the inevitable... it is morning.

P.S. These are the clearest pictures you will get of me before 8 a.m. It's for your own good. Promise.

i love my girls

2012-02-15T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hidden by a forest of trees, a long gravel road leads you to my childhood home. At the road's entrance, sits a round bale of hay. Each holiday, my father paints the hay with a festive mural.

For Valentine's Day, the words "I Love My Girls" are scrawled across a red heart in my father's white loopy script.

It kind of sets the tone for grand Valentine's Day gestures.

at 5:57 a.m.

2012-02-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

The engineer woke me up at 5: 57 a.m.

At first, he lagged. But as his groggy state began to wear you could see the light in his eyes wake with a glow. The glow of a man who knew he was about to commit Valentine's Day greatness.

He instructed me to stay in the bedroom until his command. I did so respectfully, while pressing my ear to the bedroom door, listening for possible sounds hinting at the mischief on the other side, of course.

With his go ahead, I walked into the living room. There at our dining table sat my husband. Candles lit and beside him a Valentine's Day display customized just for me. There was beautiful red roses spilling from my favorite bud vases, three boxes of chocolates (he knows me well), a card, a wonderful whimsical bunting purchased at one of my favorite local shops, and then the greatest gift of all...

Amidst it all, a typed, 8x10, framed list of all the things he loves about me. I cried, but it was ok because the fact that "anything romantic/sappy can make you cry at the drop of a hat" made the list.

I gave my husband his Valentine's present from me... a book.

I think he won Valentine's Day. Or I did. I'm not quite certain how that tallying system would work.

Gosh, I do love him an awful lot.

guest posts make me blush

2012-02-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today, I am participating in my very first guest post and as it turns out, guest posts make me blush.

Take a little peek at Main Street Chic where I am joining the lovely Emily's "5 Things I Love" series. You'll get the details of these pretty little things and maybe even read some sweet sweet words about this little space.

And I'm blushing...

today i went thrifting

2012-02-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

{ hat: posh in marlow, ok //coat: forever 21 // sweater: anthropologie }

Today I went thrifting and bought this Olivia Newton John record for my mom. It was my only purchase of the day.

A bad day thrifting? Still more fun than most other days...

misconceptions and one amazing mother-in-law

2012-02-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

I had my misconceptions about poached eggs.

Misconception #1... I thought poached eggs were bland. Perhaps because my only exposure to them was when drenched in a rich hollandaise. In the past, the egg merely got in the way of the full ham, english muffin, benedict experience. Then, I tried a lone poached egg. Never has an egg tasted so wonderful. And so the cravings began.

Misconception #2... I thought poached eggs were difficult to prepare. I scanned the internet seeking the recipe for a perfectly poached egg. The tips included adding vinegar, a deep pot, bringing the water to a boil then turning the heat off, and even mason jar canning rings. It was all a bit... intimidating.

One weekend, I expressed my poached egg woes to my mother-in-law. Raised on a farm, she looked at me with bewilderment.

"Well girl, that's easy!" she said with a wave of her hand as though swatting all my fears away.

In a flash, she produced a fry pan filled with water, walked it across the kitchen, and placed it on the stove-top. An act that if performed by me, would have required TWO hands, taken entirely TOO long, and would have resulted in half the water splashing TO the floor.

Before I knew it, she had cracked four eggs (yep, FOUR) into the simmering water-filled fry pan.

"So this is where you turn the heat off, right?" I asked, armed with my Google knowledge.

Another look of bewilderment from my mother-in-law, "No girl, you gotta cook it..."

As she swirled and splashed the water with confidence, I watched the transparent eggs turn to white, amazed at how easy she made it look.

"How long do you cook them for?" I asked, ready to learn from her genius.

"Until they're done!" she exclaimed with a smile.

In the end, she presented me with two perfectly poached eggs. Delicious.

Turns out, poached eggs are easy and my mother-in-law is amazing. Good thing I already knew the latter.

nothing special

2012-02-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

It is nothing special.

Bottles of this cologne were available in almost any tourist destination. Around every corner. In nearly every shop.

It is a tiny bottle that stands no taller than my thumb. I didn't even open the lid to take a sniff before purchasing. Yet it is my favorite thing we brought home from our trip to Germany.

I love the pretty vintage label in the perfect shades of dusty turquoise and metallic gold. The delicate lid is topped with the red emblem bearing the cologne name, forty-seven eleven.

It now sits in our living room, atop a stack of vintage books I purchased at a garage sale. An obvious spot to place a bottle of cologne, if I do say so myself.

Upon refection, perhaps it is something special.

lovers' locks

2012-02-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

No one is quite sure how it began; the idea to firmly clasp lovers' locks to the Hohenzollern Bridge and toss the keys into the river as a sign of an unbreakable bond.

Like reminiscing on a great love, you look back at the bridge in a bewildered bliss, unaware of how little details become something so grand.

random {hint, hint} monday

2012-02-06T17:13:00.000-08:00

Ladies, this post is not for you. No. It is for you to forward to the man in your life.

I know you all have super romantic men who just get you. They understand your blog-loving ways. They know how fun and festive Valentine's Day is. They know how much you would appreciate something unusual and thoughtful. They get you... right?

This is just in case they don't...

{ custom heart portrait print via rifle paper }

{ custom portrait via one & the same }

How sweet would it be to receive a quirky little portrait print of you and your love?

{ red folding rain boots via redfoot }

You neeeeeeed some red rain boots. To wade though all that looooooove.

{ painted record via quiet boy studio on etsy }

This vinyl with the Beautiful Things lyrics is wonderful. Or have a vinyl custom painted with the lyrics to "your song." (Ladies, make sure that your man actually knows what "your song" is...).

{ smashed raspberry chocolate chunk pancake recipe via joy the baker }

This recipe. Breakfast in bed. Yum.

{ valentine's day balloon via geronimo balloons }

These giant heart-shaped balloons complete with tassels are the kinda flashy we ladies love.

{ seven days of love diy via the dating divas }

Aren't men always saying that they don't "get" Valentine's Day? I mean, they do romantic stuff allll year, so why should they be judged on what they do on one day? Well, problem solved. This way, they get seven.

{ thomas paul lola sunglass case via design public }

A loverly little sunglass case.

{ love books diy via design sponge }

A romantic collection of books wrapped in L O V E.

{ je t'aime letterpress card via parrott design studio on etsy }

Hallmark is swell and all, but how wonderful is this? And imagine your man's own words inside. Le sigh.

HINT, HINT.

Love,

Bianca

the bathroom bandit

2012-02-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

I could never get used to calling "the restroom" "the toilet." It is simply not in me. It seems too intimate. I prefer to shroud my toilet habits with a bit of mystery. Could you point me in the direction of the restroom? You know, just to rest for a moment.

Germany's vocabulary is not the only thing that made my restroom trips awkward. In Germany, public restrooms are not free. A fact that I was aware of prior to our arrival. What I was unaware of however, was how this fee would be processed. I assumed it would be obvious. It is not that obvious.

By my second day in Germany, I had only used restrooms at the restaurants where we had eaten. There appeared to be no sign of an area insisting upon payment at these restrooms. "Ok," I thought to myself, "That makes sense. In a restaurant, you have obviously already contributed to the establishment. Like a "customer only" gas station policy. Got it."

That evening, while at the Fruh enjoying their Kolsch beer, nature calls me to the restroom. As I approach, an old woman is speaking German to another restroom go-er while handing her a paper towel. In return, the woman hands her a shiny coin. To me, this registers as a tip for services rendered. With this transaction processed in my mind, I slip passed the two women.

After doing my business, I proceed to wash my hands. With no assistance from the bathroom attendant, I begin to leave without tipping. The old German woman speaks rapidly to me... in German. I awkwardly put my hands up as though to say, "No pockets, so no coins for tip," and return to our table thinking, "Why would I tip you? You didn't do anything..."

Twenty minutes and another Kolsch later... dang it.. restroom... again.

As I approach for the second time, the old German woman smiles brightly at me and speaks happily. With still no clue what she is saying, I enter a stall.

When I exit this time, she stares at me pointedly then back down to the little bowl beside her. A little bowl full of coins. Dang it! Dang it! Dang it! I still have no pockets, so no coins.

I feel the red-hot heat of embarrassment creeping to my panic stricken face. So, this must be the part where the sweet old German woman takes pity on the stupid American girl. Where her grandmotherly instinct comes out as she pats me reassuringly on the arm as though to say, "It's ok, I'm sure you will learn."

That is not what happened.

The old German woman is now angry. She yells furiously, throws up two fingers, and begins waving them over her head. Still unable to speak German, I assume she is counting my stolen bathroom trips, making sure that the whole world knows that I am a bad bad American.

With the sounds of her angry syllables ringing in the air, I scurry back to our table once again. My walk of shame.

The next night we returned to the Fruh for dinner. I did not use the restroom.

hallo germany

2012-02-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

My passport has stamps in it. For the first time, ink graces the faded pages of my little book. A little book of adventurous possibility.

While my blog was silent, husband and I flew across the sea to Cologne, Germany.

Our time in Germany was cold, and confusing, and at times a little scary. All items that may sound like negatives. But they weren't. Stepping outside of the comfort of our everyday world was a delightful breath of fresh air.

Our hotel was in the perfect location. Just a few blocks from the train station/Dom Cathedral/shopping/tourist central. A straight line of beautiful old bricks and stones amidst the hustle of a modern city.

Upon our arrival, we scoffed at the line of taxis outside the train station, choosing instead to walk to our hotel. In our confidence, we neglected to realize that our hotel was a straight shot from the train station. That is until after we had already hauled our luggage through winding, narrow, cobblestone streets for 20 minutes.

The Dom Cathedral is breathtaking. A striking gothic structure that can be seen across the city, it was often my guiding star if I became lost. From outside, it is almost frightening in it's dark, ash-like grandeur. Inside, you do not escape from the cold or darkness, but the interior somehow exudes a glowing warmth.

Warhols and Picassos are among some of the artists whose pieces are in Museum Ludwig. At times, I would compare the museum to a brightly lit haunted house with eerie and unexpected pieces around every corner. See the woman beside husband in the third picture? Yeah, she is art. I would say it took me a solid 45 seconds to realize this fact. Totally. Freaked. Me. Out.

The Fruh am Dom. A popular tourist attraction, the pub is known for it's continual flow of Kolsch beer, sausage and potatoes. Basically, husband heaven. Me? Eh. But you know what they say... when in Rome... or Germany...

The Hohenzollern Bridge runs over the Rhine River and is covered with locks engraved with the names of lovers. Are you surprised that this was my favorite spot?

The Chocolate Museum also happens to be a chocolate factory. They make chocolate. 'Nough said.

In conclusion, I would just like to say, "Danke schoen Germany, danke schoen." Danke schoen for your friendly people, your sparkling water, your cobblestone streets, your long long meals, your European women all looking so lovely and fashionable, your strong coffee always served in a cup and saucer, buildings that make the U.S. look oh so young, your romance, and, of course, for the stamp in my passport.

Danke Schoen by Soundtrack on Grooveshark

random monday

2012-01-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

Um, excuse me. January? Where do you think you're going? Could you slow down a bit? I mean, yes, I am all about the warmth that spring brings, but I have yet to accomplish any of those cliche January things that are expected of me.

You know, all of those post New Year's Eve and holidays, new year new you things. I have not organized any cabinets, started any juice cleanses or taken up any new crazy workout routines. Isn't that what January is for?

And now, some randomness.

{ image via odyssea may society }

We still need a couch on the main floor of our home... I think this couch/bed could be just the ticket. Seriously, I want to dive into this nook right now.

{ image via covers etc. }

I love browsing through old paperbacks for the fabulous covers, especially the scandalous ones... Yes, I judge books by their covers.

{ image via cupcakes and cashmere // ring via bijules }

I can't help it. I absolutely love this ring. I. Want. It.

{ bra and panties via ten undies }

Love these simple sweet under things. Also, didn't Blanche Devereaux have that wallpaper on "The Golden Girls"? I'm just saying, could make me love it more.

{ chloe metallic textured-leather ballet flats via net-a-porter }

For the record, I most certainly do not have an extra $450 around here for shoes. That does not stop me from dreaming about these shoes on my feet.

{ image/diy via honestly... wtf }

Orange candle. Like for reals. Not just scented. Yeah, that's just cool.

Perhaps February will be the month for cleanses and workouts.

Most likely, it will be the month of chocolates in heart shaped boxes. I think I like that idea better anyways.

Love,

Bianca

young lovers

2012-01-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

I thought the engineer would put up more of fight when I placed my newly thrifted find proudly and predominately in the center of our mantle. Instead, he simply sported his most knowing smirk and shrugged. His shrug seemed to say, "I'm getting used to this whole living with a girl thing."

Besides, how could he deny my absolute love for this little ceramic couple? In the short time they have been with us, the young lovers have not only become the central object of our mantle but also of my affection.

Because he seems quite serious and she has a repaired chip on her nose, I think I will call them Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. It just seems appropriate.

just like her

2012-01-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

{ sunglasses: ray-ban wayfarers // jewelry: new mexico // pashmina: posh in marlow, ok // shirt: lucky brand // belt: vintage }

To my mother's delight, I was born with a full head of black hair. She had her first baby daughter who would look just like her.

Shortly after the first set of my baby pictures were taken, the black hair fell out to reveal my true color... blond, like my father's. Luckily those early pictures remain, as proof that the black hair existed and was not just a new mom hormonal mirage.

When I was five, my mom gave birth to her second baby girl. My sister, so tiny, was born with almost a reddish hair color. Ajenda grew up to look just like me.

Now both in our 20s, it has become clear that my sister and I missed out on some of our mother's genetics. Her striking dark hair, her olive skin that with only a little sun becomes a rich bronze, and her long elegant facial features.

Although lacking some of my mother's beautiful genetics, I feel blessed to have received some others. Maybe those that are even more beautiful. A love for late nights, coffee with cream, and candle light. A longing to make the things around me beautiful. A fast metabolism (way to go mom). A love for day long shopping trips, old homes and the sea. And a loud, uninhibited laugh.

I really love being just like her.

pashmina

2012-01-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

{ pashmina: posh in marlow, ok // long cardigan: forever 21 // belt: vintage // watch: michael kors // boots: lucky brand }

When you are wrapped in it while curled up on your couch it is called a throw. When you wear it out to lunch and shopping, it is called a pashmina. At least that's what I spent the weekend calling my new cream shawl, my paaaaaashmina (that is the true pronunciation in case you were wondering... heavy on the "paaaaash").

Technically, I believe pashmina is a type of cashmere, but for me, it is a large, soft, cozy blanket that you are allowed to wear out on the town without judgement.

Regardless of what you choose to call it, I will I continue to wear this entirely too often, toss it over one shoulder dramatically, and to call this my paaaaashmina. Because wearing a blanket while you are out in public just seems more acceptable when you give it a pretty name.

all by myself

2012-01-13T07:48:00.000-08:00

{ sunglasses: ray-ban aviator // necklace: posh in marlow, ok // sweater: express // maxi dress: forever 21 // bracelet: j. crew // boots: fossil }

I did it. I took down the Christmas tree. And I did it ALL. BY. MY. SELF.

"Who helped you?" my husband asked as he was greeted home by a blank wall where our 8 foot tree once stood. I sensed his confusion in finding no scratched wood floors, broken windows, or emergency room bills.

"No one, I did it myself," I answered in a self-reliant tone. I let out my best haughty teenager sigh as though to say, "Of course I did it myself, how silly of you to think that I would need help."

My sigh seemed to do nothing to squelch his skepticism. "How?" he asked.

I proceeded to beguile him with the tale of heaving the tree from its stand, laying it on the old white sheet I had placed on the floor, wrapping it safely and tidily in said sheet, pulling the tree through the back door and then... well... throwing it over the balcony.

I knew that I had lost a little of my tree removal expert credibility in that last part. Yet, I still felt quite empowered at that moment. Like taking down the Christmas tree on my own was my first step towards feminism.

Next step, opening jars on my own.

Then maybe killing spiders... we'll see...

sister and boyfriend

2012-01-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days have been spent with these two. My sister and her boyfriend.

Here are the things I learned during this time.

1) My sister and I sound EXACTLY alike. Slightly disturbing at times.

2) The only way to eat sushi is fried and filled with cream cheese.

3) My sister and I both have our men listed as "Baby" in our cellphones. And yes, we realize the sticky sweet ick factor here.

4) The human body can withstand a daily intake of Starbucks far beyond what one could ever imagine.

5) Tall slim men all look alike. Sorry husband for thinking you were sister's boyfriend. Sorry sister's boyfriend for thinking you were my husband... yeah, I didn't tell you guys at the time, but we almost had some awkward moments there.

6) In Norway, they speak Norwegian. Not Dutch (yeah... I have a college education).

7) Most importantly, a woman's lipstick should always match her guy's shirt.

dancing to the song in my head

2012-01-10T07:14:00.000-08:00

{ sheen supreme lipstick in new temptation: mac / leather jacket: bcbgmaxazria / v-neck: j. crew / jeans: lucca in okc / shoes: kohls }

I have two songs that repeatedly get stuck in my head. Both are triggered by relatively insignificant life moments.

The first is "Hello, I Love You" by The Doors. This song is triggered by the sight of something I really love. Like a new perfect pair of shoes, or a new blog, or a great vintage find... cue music. "Hello, I love you, Won't you tell me your name? Hello, I love you, Let me jump in your game..."

The second song is "Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones. This song is triggered by an outfit consisting of predominately black items or... you know, seeing something painted black.

With both songs, I've been known to hear the beat, and dance to the song in my head.

Hello I Love You by The Doors on Grooveshark

Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones on Grooveshark

random monday {confession}

2012-01-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's time for a Random Monday confession. I have not taken down the Christmas decorations.

Wow, I thought it might feel freeing to get that off of my chest, but it doesn't. Instead, I feel even more aware of the shedding douglas in our living room. Today, it's goin' down (imagine that in my best gansta rap voice... and then take it literally).

While I wasn't cleaning our home of its holiday accessories, I was cleaning up things around the blog. If you read this on your Google Reader or email, go ahead and click through... did you? Yeah, it's not very exciting, haha! Just a little light and clean. Maybe it is that new year, new start thing. I feel like freshening things up a bit.

And now, some good old fashioned randomness.

{ print via fifiduvie on etsy }

I already fell in love with the Oh Darling, Let's Be Adventurers print. Now I feel like having no regrets.

{ image via anna pociask }

This ballet in the fog engagement shoot... stunning.

{ image via that inspirational girl }

Blue velvet chair = necessary to life.

{ diy via green wedding shoes }

I love bunting. Add some boho flair and this is a love to last.

{ image via apartment therapy }

The tree really is going. Promise. But maybe the twinkle lights can stay?

Now to tackle the tree... or maybe another cup of coffee...

Love,

Bianca

isn't life sweet {potato fries}

2012-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed a trend among the recipes I share with you? Simple, not really anything that could be used as an entire meal, and usually trying to turn healthy food into something that tastes a little less, well, healthy?

Well, in keeping with that trend, I give you baked sweet potato fries.

I have tried to make them a few ways, but this recipe is the only one that has given them that essential crispness (you know... like bad for you fries have). If the crisp factor isn't enough to get you behind this recipe, how about this? It will make you feel fancy. Yes, because this recipe calls for things like rosemary and fresh garlic. See? Fancy fries.

Disclaimer #1: The recipe calls for paprika. Since I had none, I did a Google search and found that red cayenne pepper makes for a good substitute. Thanks Google. Couldn't cook without you.

Disclaimer #2: I eat my sweet potato fries with ketchup. Husband informs me that ketchup is full of sugar. Just thought you should know in case you are looking for something SUPER healthy. I didn't want to lead you astray.

mismatched

2012-01-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

{ sunglasses: ray-ban / shirt & necklace: posh in marlow, ok / belt: express / watch: michael kors / jeans: tj maxx / boots: chinese laundry }

I do not have a sock drawer. Instead, I have a tote bag tossed clumsily in the bottom of my closet. The tote doubles as the Bermuda Triangle of socks. Pairs go in, but only one comes out. I may have one of Amelia Earhart's socks in there right now, but we'll never know.

This fact, paired with the severe post-holiday laundry situation we've got going on over here contributed to this confession...

Yesterday I wore mismatched socks. One, a dark gray that I'm still not entirely sure isn't one of the engineer's dress socks. The other, a navy and white striped sock that before a nasty tumble with the dryer, was a thigh-high. There, now you know the mismatched truth.

And don't go telling me to fold the socks together. I know that trick. But the Bermuda Triangle of socks cannot be fooled that easily.

a year to be fearless

2012-01-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

I tried to think of New Year's Resolutions. Things I wanted to create, build, be... and it came down to this.

This year, I will not be afraid.

There are so many things that fall under this courageous category, but that is all that really needs to be said. I will not be afraid to live the life I dream. It sounds like a tall order, and it probably is, but that's just how it has to be.

Because I refuse to look back on a year un-lived.

So that's it. This year, I will be fearless.

What will you be this year?

"...do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent..."

Acts 18:9

it only takes one

2012-01-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

Do you know the recipe for a good year? Black-eyed peas on New Year's Day.

Do you know when we ate them? Today.

As for New Year's Resolutions, let's discuss that tomorrow.

What exactly does it mean when one starts the new year with procrastination?

a dangerous cycle

2011-12-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

{ sweater: forever 21 / belt: express / skirt: forever 21 / boots: chinese laundry }

In honor of the engineer's time off from work and the holiday season, we have decided to take a break from getting dressed. The decision to live a life in pajamas may have been an accidental one, but we seem to be sticking to it none the less. The time we would have spent getting dressed seems to have been replaced with massive food intake (my diet is now predominately chocolate), an influx in our iPod/iPhone/iPad/laptop time, and a seemingly constant stream of sitcom reruns.

The above pictures were shot in the evening. The first time I had bothered to get dressed in some time. The reason for clothing? We were leaving the house for more food. Upon our return, I returned to pajamas.

We seem to have entered a dangerous cycle here.

playing

2011-12-29T05:01:00.000-08:00

{ hat: posh in marlow, ok / sunglasses: ray-ban / sheen supreme lipstick in new temptation: mac / tissue turtleneck: j. crew / sweater: ralph lauren / leggings: forever 21 / boots: cole haan }

Your parents take care of most of the unwrapping during your first Christmas. Their efforts reveal brand new toys, cuing a chorus of ooohs and aaahs from the adults in the room. You, in turn, ignore the toy to play with the box.

In later Christmases, you master the art of destruction. Tearing through wrapping, box and bow in a flurry, you turn prettily wrapped presents into Christmas confetti in record time. Each rip triggers a yelp of excitement, followed by a light thump as you toss every carefully chosen toy to the side. Ready for the next. Volume is key in these critical years.

When your taste for toys makes way for your taste for fashion, Christmas slows down a bit. Sure, you still tear through the beautiful wrapping in record time, but not before you make note of the lovely glitter ribbon. Once your gift is revealed, pause must be made to model your new sweater, or heels, or lipstick for your mother and sister.

When you're kids, you and your little sister spend Christmas playing dress-up with Barbies.

When you're both in your 20's, you play dress up for real.

See my little sister's Christmas outfit here.

random {famous} monday

2011-12-26T22:59:00.000-08:00

image via the wichita eagle

So this post does not necessarily look like my typical Random Monday (which works since technically it is 12:51 a.m. and now officially Tuesday), but it is pretty random none the less.

Random point to gather from this? I am basically famous.

Yes, basically famous... or featured in the local newspaper to showcase my thrifted velvet jumper as the perfect budget friendly New Year's Eve ensemble.

Let's just call it famous.

Watch out Brad and Angelina. Sad that those are the most famous people I can think of? Probably.

Read this for the full article.

to be merry...

2011-12-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

To be merry means...

Pajamas all day, Christmas movie marathon, popcorn from a tin (I'll take the cheese and caramel, you can keep the plain), hot cocoa, stockings, matching slippers with your little sister, cookies, chips and three kinds of dip, Christmas music, cuddling wars with your hubs, a fire, trying on new clothes, eating more even though you're stuffed, hot apple cider (a hot cocoa chaser you know), family and, of course, the Griswolds.

Merry Christmas! May you be merry!

how i saved christmas

2011-12-22T19:46:00.000-08:00

Cookies are an integral cog in the Christmas machine. Think about it. What would Christmas be without cookies?

Random acquaintances, office mates and neighbors would go un-gifted. Santa Claus's plump and jolly exterior would be shattered. Not to mention, solid proof of Santa's very existence would cease to exist... Who else could be responsible for consuming the cookies and milk left out for Santa on Christmas Eve? It is the only logical explanation!

Armed with this gingerbread recipe (found here) and the knowledge that Christmas's presence hung in the balance, I set out to face the kitchen and, inevitably, coat it in flour and powdered sugar.

Basically, I set out to save Christmas.

You're welcome.

i caved

2011-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

When it came to Christmas cards, I caved.

No, these cards are not what I had planned. They are not handmade, nor do they contain a smiling picture of the husband and me. Furthermore, just like the Etsy sellers in their holiday crunch time, I cannot guarantee that these will actually meet their destinations by Christmas Eve.

Yes, these cards are lacking in some areas, but they make up for it with love, Merry Christmas wishes, and a cool 3-D paper ball on the front.

I figure that ball makes up for most everything anyways.

a cozy winter dinner

2011-12-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Last night we had a cozy little winter dinner. And, like any amazing cuisine prepared in our kitchen, I was not responsible for the deliciousness.

It was all this guy. And as far as I could tell as supervisor and head wine sipper, the hubs was an excellent sous-chef.

It must have been a real treat for the abandoned cooking utensils in our cabinet to get a night out with such a food genius. All I know is he had mushrooms, and rice, and some sweet potatoes and garlic and bacon and cilantro, some stirring, some simmering, some chopping and then... a taste explosion.

I know I've bragged about it before, but it's good to be friends with a food genius.

random {chill} monday

2011-12-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas. Promise. I really do. So much. BUT, today, the list of things to do is long. Very long. And I am dreaming of a chill Christmas.

image/diy via the sweetest occasion

This All is Calm All is Bright garland, feels like a chill Christmas.

image via a blog with a view

Snow and candles would be perfection right now. Maybe tomorrow...

image/diy via you are my fave

Floating glass ornaments filled with delicate feathers. Now imagine the flicker of candlelight reflecting on them. And snow outside your window. And all your Christmas shopping is done and wrapped. Le sigh.

image via apartment therapy

image via design sponge

Simply wrapped gifts. That are already bought. And wrapped. Are you getting the feeling that I still have shopping and wrapping to do? I know, I'm pretty subtle.

Kinfolk Volume Two from VsTheBrain on Vimeo.

Watch for instant chill.

Today, I get my Christmas on. Then, I chill. How are you? Chillin' already? Tell me I am not the only one heading to the mall today! Wait... hopefully I am...

Love,

Bianca

counteract christmas

2011-12-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

Fact. I have been drinking coffee laced with eggnog (non-alchoholic of course) each morning since December began. Please, no one calculate those calories.

Another fact. I don't plan to stop until we ring in the New Year. That's right. I said it.

So to counteract these Christmas calories along with the clogging effect they are undoubtedly having on my arteries, I made brussels sprouts. With a 's' at the end of brussels. Who knew?

Turns out, brussels sprouts are delicious. Using this amazing Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe, you start off with a simple brussels sprout and end with a little bite of brussels sprout heaven.

Definitely counteracts the eggnog. I'm sure of it.

reasons to kiss

2011-12-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons to kiss.

Maybe because someone helped you into his coat, one arm at a time.

Or because once in his coat, you felt tiny and safe and warm.

Perhaps because you were standing face to face, looking up at him as he lifted the collar of the coat, his coat, to protect your neck from the cold.

And then, while still holding onto the corners of that collar, he leaned down to kiss you for the first time.

Standing under mistletoe is a wonderful reason to kiss.

Then again, so is someone helping you into their coat.

What Are You Doing New Years Eve by Diana Krall on Grooveshark

random monday

2011-12-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

When it comes to Christmas, I am behind. How did I happen upon this realization? Etsy.

When you open your email account to find this Etsy conservation, you can go ahead and assume that Christmas is kicking your slow moving behind...

Dear Customer,

You are a terrible wife/daughter/sister/friend/person for waiting so long to order this handmade/vintage gift. And because you are terrible grinch of a person, we will now punish you by telling you that we cannot "guarantee" that your gift will make it to you by Christmas. This basically means that we will give you just enough hope so that you will not cancel said order, but will probably not receive it in time for the holidays, thus disappointing all those wonderful people in your life who were undoubtedly more punctual in their gift purchasing than you.

Way to go slick.

xoxo,
Etsy Seller

Yep, bad sign. And now, Random Christmasy things.

image via sweet paul

My presents are not wrapped in plaid, but maybe they should be...

image via poppytalk

Never thought I would lust after metal funnels.

image/recipe via styled creative

Pretty sure this would make for a very merry Christmas breakfast. Add some american cheese and you've basically got a McGriddle... yep, I said it. My name is Bianca and I enjoy partaking in the occasional McGriddle. Judge if you will.

image via you are my fave

If I had an extra Christmas month I would make these jars and fill them with homemade peppermint hot cocoa mix for all my friends and loved ones.

image via poppytalk

Peace On Earth DIY Wreath. Because it's really all about peace on earth, goodwill towards man and the baby Jesus. I promise not to forget it.

For the record, that was an Etsy conversation dramatization. Etsy sellers are much less judgey than portrayed.

Love,

Bianca

better than flowers

2011-12-09T07:14:00.001-08:00

Some husbands bring home flowers. This is better than flowers.

The engineer returned home from a quick trip to the store with a smile that a mundane errand could never produce. It was a smile that could only be brought on by surprising your wife with a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. His smile revealed that he was aware he had done something truly great.

He swiftly removed his surprise from the plastic bag and presented the box to me like a waiter displaying a fine wine for approval. Approved. In fact, I think I love the box as much as the tree itself. A polk-a-dot, three-sided box displaying the words "it just needs a little love." Don't we all.

True, husband did bring home flowers earlier this week. A beautiful pot of red poinsettias. But I stand by my original statement. A Charlie Brown Christmas tree is better.

Christmas Time Is Here (vocal) by Charlie Brown Christmas on Grooveshark

an advent calendar

2011-12-06T15:24:00.001-08:00

An Advent Calendar. Any other time of year and I would simply call it my seasonal list, but not at Christmas. At Christmas things get fancier.

Using this DIY for my advent garland inspiration, I added an assortment of white, gold and bronze to a plain garland. Next, with a little cardstock and twine, I assigned each day of December a yuletide task (with a little help from the husband, of course).

Turns out that when you procrastinate displaying your Advent Calendar until December 6 you end up a little behind. Below are our tasks to make the most out of the holiday season. If my calculations are correct, we should be done by mid-January...

1. decorate christmas tree
2. watch "christmas vacation"
3. put up outdoor lights
4. drive through christmas lights
5. hang wreath on front door
6. drink eggnog
7. take pictures for christmas cards
8. watch "the grinch"
9. hang mistletoe and kiss
10. listen to christmas music
11. buy presents
12. drink hot cocoa
13. bake a christmas treat
14. read the christmas story
15. mail christmas cards
16. google polar bears (a husband request)
17. drive through christmas lights with friends
18. eat candy canes
19. build a snowman
20. have a snowball fight
21. trip to starbucks for a holiday drink
22. wrap presents and watch "home alone"
23. drink hot cocoa, pop popcorn and watch "home alone 2"
24. go to a christmas eve service
25. open presents

* Please note, I will watch many many more Christmas movies.

it's not that easy {being green}

2011-12-05T08:07:00.001-08:00

It's a lot of pressure, the holiday season. Especially if your an evergreen.

When you are thrust from your natural environment into a home where you are supposed to be the center of attention.

Your branches and needles, so perfectly natural and muted, must now portray sparkle, and glitter, and radiance. It's a tall order for a fraser, or douglas, or a balsam.

But then, sometimes, you get to hold something special. Like an ornament displaying a picture of a boy who loves airplanes, long before he met a certain little white mouse.

Yes, sometimes it's not that easy being green.

And sometimes, the holidays aren't that easy.

But it's those special things, the little moments, that will make it all worth while.

It Ain´t Easy Being Green by Glee Cast on Grooveshark

take that

2011-11-29T08:35:00.001-08:00

The fact that the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs after the Thanksgiving holiday is a sick cruel conspiracy against women. There, I said it.

Just when we've stuffed ourselves to the fullest, when the last of our summer tans have completely disappeared, and when the air is just cold enough to give us an excuse not to go to the gym... BAM! What do they bring us? Strutting supermodels at their tautest, clad in lingerie with an unnatural glow.

I'll show you, you 6'2" goddesses... I'm rocking my sexiest boots that give me a solid extra four inches, my fake leather pants, my sheer black top and my sexiest face (yep, that's the best I got). Take that!

Despite my objections and outburst, please know that tonight, I will be watching in awe. I will oooh over the glittery fabulousness of it all, I will covet there perfectly tousled locks, and I will promise to go to the gym everyday this week with no excuses... I mean, unless it's cold or something.

top: lucca (okc)

pants: forever 21

boots: forever 21

random {christmas} monday

2011-11-28T18:22:00.001-08:00

It's happened. I've officially got Christmas on the mind. Which is good, because my ever so prompt engineer already has our outdoor lights a glowin'. I told you he's all about seasonal decoration punctuality.

Now it's time for me to play catch up with the inside decor. My first step for decking our halls, research. Last night I started this crucial process with hot cocoa and the recorded episode of Holiday Secrets of a Stylist. My night of research ended as we fell asleep to Christmas Vacation playing on our bedroom television.

Next step, a Random Monday full of Christmas inspiration.

image/diy via a subtle revelry

Hot cocoa, ornament, just add milk. A lovely little diy project for your holiday gatherings.

image/diy via frolic

This may just have to be our Christmas cards. Promise to look surprised if it comes in the mail...

image via poppytalk

A seashell wreath. You know I totally would hang this in my home. My Kansas home... yeah, landlocked.

image/free download via eat drink chic

This Christmas I am all about the peace, love and reindeer hugs.

image/diy via a subtle revelry

I will make an advent calendar this year... I still have a couple of days to get it ready... right?

My next move on the Christmas front? Actually do something. After all, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, just not at my house... yet.

Love,

Bianca

keeping my pants up

2011-11-25T05:57:00.000-08:00

These pictures were taken before Thanksgiving.

Now, I need no help keeping my pants up. I may need help getting these pants on, however. I think we've got an "I hold, you zip" kind of situation going on here.

But who am I fooling? Today there will be no attempt to fit into skinny jeans, with assistance or without. In fact, until the last bit of leftovers have been consumed, I will be wearing leggings (all you "I'm too good for the legging" high end fashionistas out there, quit judging).

Now if I could just figure out a way to work my thrifted red suspenders into a legging friendly outfit, I could nurse my turkey hangover in piece.

turtleneck: j. crew

jeans: lucca {okc}

watch: michael kors

red suspenders: thrifted

you probably still have time to make this

2011-11-23T20:06:00.001-08:00

The engineer and I did something pretty crazy this evening. Some might call us brave. Heroic even.

We... wait for it... are you sitting down for this? You probably should be sitting down for this.

Here it goes... we went to Wal-Mart. That's right. On Thanksgiving Eve the man and I went where no one should ever have to go, but where apparently everyone and their pet gerbil did go.

Technically, husband only had to brave the parking lot (every great adventurer needs her get-away car).

Yes, for one forgotten item, I braved treacherous lines leading well into the frozen food section, disgruntled employees, and frantic shoppers.

I tell you this not to boast (after all, hubris is the downfall of most heroes), but to assure you that you probably still have time to make this before Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Yes, this moist, delicious Pumpkin Bread can grace your Thanksgiving table too. Because chances are, you already have all the ingredients in your cupboard. All except for one... a can of pumpkin.

But see, if I can face the pre-Thanksgiving grocery store line and make it out alive, so can you.

Yes some might call us brave. Others might just call us stupid.

me and gee

2011-11-22T08:26:00.001-08:00

It would appear that my lack of domestic ability is officially putting living things in danger (other than just my husband).

Sure, at first it was just cooking and a slight aversion to cleaning. But, no, now it would appear that my lack of housekeeping abilities has extended to plants. Poor little defenseless plants, just minding there own business, doing there photosynthesis thing, expecting nothing more from me than a little water and to be protected from the elements. To be brought inside when the fall turns to winter and to be given a warm sanctuary when evening temperature's drop into the 30's.

Dear sweet geranium... Gee, may I call you Gee? I've failed you. How could I forget about your delicate red blossoms left to defend themselves against the Kansas frost? A perfect example of why I don't have children yet. Or a dog.

But now your inside, my dear. I've done what I could, setting you in the warmest, sunniest spot available and removing your dry brown leaves. Now it's up to you. Stay with me Gee. Don't go towards the bright light... not yet.

Or wait... do.

I mean whatever works.

random {thankful} monday

2011-11-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

I am so very thankful for Random Monday today. My brain is going a million miles a minute and I just need a moment to not think. Enter Random Monday. And this is a random one. So here you are dear readers, feel free to take a moment to relax...

image/diy via everything fabulous

I must must must make my own beaded button down.

image via a cup of jo

Let the records show that the engineers proposal was better, but this photo booth proposal is divine.

the lovely plain. via andrew+carissa on vimeo.

A beautiful video of a beautiful family.

lauren of three pink dots

So excited to see this pretty face on the big screen! Ok, she'll be on a local news station, but our TV does have a pretty big screen. After her spot airs, it's only a matter of time before HGTV comes knocking at her door... just sayin...

images/design via emmadime

I love Marilyn. So I am pretty excited for this film too. It looks beautiful.

video via the girls with glasses show

In honor of Thanksgiving, a Thanksgiving carol.

In honor of Random Monday, another video... perfect for relaxing the mind and smiling.

Ah, I feel more relaxed already. Random Monday is good for clearing your mind. And your chi. OOOOOOOOM... see? And I didn't even go to yoga today. Thank goodness for Random Monday.

Thankfully yours,

Bianca

{cold} sundays are for loveliness

2011-11-20T08:42:00.001-08:00

A cold Sunday calls for a fire.

An InStyle magazine.

A hot cup of coffee.

Candles.

Good music.

And loveliness.

Love and Some Verses by Iron & Wine on Grooveshark

this is not the best way to open a pomegranate

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

When preparing for this post, I performed extensive YouTube research on the subject of how to correctly open a pomegranate.

According to my studies, three out of four pomegranate experts would agree that this is not the correct method. Since I watched four videos (each almost all the way through) and three of them did not use this method, I feel confident in making this statement with some authority.

Several factors drew me to this particular method. Certainly my laziness was a contributing factor. After all, this did seem like the simplest way. Of course the lady's fun accent helped... what is that? British?

Although pomegranates may not be my new favorite treat, they're supposed to be dang good for you and their seeds look like pretty little jewels. Plus, they make me giggle like a fourth grader. Don't pretend like you don't see it. Two... side by side. Chances are, if you didn't see it before, you can't stop seeing it now.

Sorry.

Or your welcome...

Insert fourth grade giggling here.

pretty in pink

2011-11-17T05:47:00.001-08:00

There was just something about him. Maybe it was his volcanic ensembles. A black fedora here, a yellow blazer there, and who could forget his rockabilly hair. Maybe it was his love for juice boxes, his strong lips or his caution when it came to drinking and driving (that's why he rode a bike).

Truth be told, it was none of those things. My love for Duckie Dale most certainly began the moment he slid his way into the record shop of the 80's classic, Pretty in Pink. One passionate lip-synching rendition of Otis Redding's Try a Little Tenderness and I was in love.

My new pink blazer makes me think of Duckie. The way he asked permission to admire Andie in her pink, how he would have died for her, and how, in the book version at least, Andie chooses the best man.

Actor Jon Cryer is best known for his successful gig as Alan Harper in the television series Two and a Half Men, but for me, he will remain now and will always be, a Duckman.

for his birthday

2011-11-15T11:49:00.001-08:00

The engineer just celebrated a pretty big birthday. No, he hasn't turned the big 3 0... not yet. He did, however, enjoy another once in a lifetime event. A once in a lifetime event that a lot of us will never celebrate. This year husband's birthday landed on 11.11.11. And as I said before, homage needed to be paid.

To commemorate this day, I asked our friends and family to contribute a list of 11 things that make the engineer #1. I told them that I would print these lists and present them to the man on his special day. The result was a book filled with warm wishes, inside jokes, a few jabs and a lot of love.

Around 11 that night, husband unwrapped his gift in front of a group of friends who had gathered to surprise him at a small hole in the wall donut shop. It was the perfect end to a perfect birthday.

Husband says it was the greatest gift ever.

I choose to believe him.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make husband's birthday so special! We are truly blessed to have such amazing friends and family in our lives.

random {cool} monday

2011-11-14T09:22:00.001-08:00

To each season there seems to be a color. Fall has the oranges of pumpkins and fallen leaves. Christmas brings a unlimited supply of red and green. But this Random Monday, I am breaking away from the seasonal expectations to visit some cooler tones.

image via design mom

I have always been a tad bit jealous of Kate Bosworth's mismatched eye colors, but I would never make my brown eyes blue.

diy/image via poppytalk

I am pretty certain I can incorporate globe garlands into my home decor.

sweater/image via j. crew

I do heart this sweater. I heart it very much.

recipe/image via kinfolk

This make your own butter recipe could be the most fabulous Thanksgiving idea ever.

"Just put some cream in a mason jar with a few marbles and some salt, then pass it around the table until you have butter. It could even be a nice ice breaker." - Kinfolk

image via calder clark designs

Pretty teal curtains with a hint of copper.

diy/image via oh so beautiful paper

The engineer and I may be long past Save the Dates, but this diy could also be some great holiday card inspiration.

images via apartment therapy

Spread some Joy to the World with globe and map Christmas details.

Here's to a way cool Monday {random fact, my dad made me a jean jacket in elementary school that had "way cool Bianca" painted on the back... I just thought you should know}.

Love,

Bianca

11.11.11

2011-11-12T14:54:00.001-08:00

Husband kind of had the monopoly on the old bloggy blog this week. Probably because yesterday was his birthday, And, no, he didn't turn 11.

I simply thought homage should be paid to his one and only 11.11.11 birthday. I'll tell you more about the "eleven" themed tricks I had up my sleeve later, because it is the engineer's birthday weekend... yeah, in our house, you get the whole weekend.

That's just how we roll.

honey, i'm home

2011-11-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

The engineer came home today looking, well, let's just say it... sexy. Not sure how I feel about the husband being out in the world all day looking so fine.

I assume it must be a similar feeling as Lucy felt sending Ricky out to the nightclub each night. Conga drum in hand, prepared to serenade dancing girls with his smooth Latin lyrics... one Babalu at a time.

Engineer... Cuban Crooner... It's the same.

Definitely the same.

if these boots were a woman

2011-11-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

If these boots were a woman, she would be a bad a**.

She would laugh in the face of split ends, liquid eyeliner and danger.

She would not hold tight to boys on Harleys. She would drive her own.
Only it wouldn't be a Harley. It would be an old Indian (it would be so Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button of her).

Yes, she'd have some Brad in her (oh, come on... get your minds out of the gutter), but she'd also be so very Angelina. With a Laura Croft: Tomb Raider braid in her hair and a Mr. and Mrs. Smith men's white button up around her body. And nothing else... except for her boots of course.

She would leave red lipstick stains on the coffee mugs of smoke-filled diners.

And sometimes, she would leave her face naked. All except for the swipe of a black cat eye.

Her favorite hairstyle would be windblown and her favorite boys would be greasy.

She would kick butts and take names.

She would be courageous and intimidating.

She would throw her head back and laugh loudly. Just because.

She would turn heads and never look back.

When I wear these boots, I feel a little bit like that woman.

- boots via j. crew

random {rainy} monday

2011-11-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Today calls for rain. And although I have yet to see a drop leave the sky, it certainly looks the part. Rainy, gray days leave me unmotivated. Unfortunately, rainy days do not make my to-do list any shorter. First on my list, Random Monday. By far the loveliest thing on my to-do list...

image via andrew+carissa

image via the daybook

I have never been so excited for two new mommies who I have never met. Although complete strangers, I can't help but feel joy for Carissa and Sydney's brand new families. Their stories are so different and yet equally beautiful.

image via les composantes

I really need a turban hat. Like now. My gosh I love it.

suede flats via madewell

Speaking of love, want, neeeeeds. These shoes.

image/diy via design sponge

This barnwood headboard diy does indeed awake my soul.

image via tricia foley

The perfect thing for a home with a barnwood headboard? A simple seashell and lantern mantle. Simply lovely.

image via a cup of jo

I vote yes for dark red nails.

image via vintage & chic

Lie down i think i love you. Love.

Happy Monday! I do hope that your day is sunny. If not, I hope your to-do list involves browsing these pretty random things and not much else.

Love,

Bianca

my mom's chocolate cake

2011-11-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Married, a college graduate and a home of my own. By all standards I am a grown up. Yet my favorite thing to eat still remains my mother’s chocolate cake.

It is moist, rich and has a frosting that is more fudge-like than frosting-like.

My mother once told me how my favorite cake came to be...I was just a little girl when I started dance classes, not even three. And with dance classes came recitals, and with recitals came hairspray, trophies and sequined costumes, expensive sequined costumes.

Each year, to celebrate my recitals, my mother would purchase a cake. A perfect cake with delicate frosting roses and tiny plastic ballerinas balancing on top. Their metallic pointe shoes gleaming gold.

Then one year, mother couldn’t quite afford the perfect store bought cake. Instead, she made a homemade chocolate cake. She worried that her daughter would miss the perfect frosting roses and the plastic ballerinas.

I guess the funny part is that I don’t actually remember those store bought cakes. I only have the pictures to know they were real. What I do remember, and crave, is my mother’s homemade chocolate cake. It’s funny how much a recipe can become a part of your life.

I turned 26 on October 30. And as you know, my mother made the cake.

instincts

2011-11-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

My instincts tell me to leave my holiday decorations up long passed the time it logically makes sense to take them down. It is kind of like how stores put out Christmas decorations before Halloween, only the exact opposite.

If I went with my impulse, Halloween decorations would only be taken down to make room for Christmas, Christmas would only depart for Valentine's Day, and so forth.

The engineer's instincts are a bit more punctual. So, in honor of marriage and compromise and learning to live together, I attempt (the key word is attempt) to go against my natural decoration take-down lazy instinct.

Yesterday, I packed away our Halloween decor. Now the house feels kind of empty. How soon until Christmas decorations become socially acceptable?

playing catch up

2011-11-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

I took Halloween off from blogging. It is truly a vacation worthy holiday. But as after any day off, I am now playing catch up. Here's what you missed while I was slacking off...

1. Halloween weekend at my parents house.

a. We spent the weekend before Halloween in the most wonderful Halloween house ever. Built in 1910, it has just enough creaks, dark corners, and spiderwebs to compliment any spooky decoration, which is ideal, because my mom displays quite a few.

b. Costumes were mandatory. My mom was an evil queen (a super hot one of course), my sister a mermaid with a fabulous makeup job (if I do say so myself), her boyfriend a fisherman, the engineer a spooky old man, and I was a pirate (a mean one).

c. At first the hubs was hesitant to wear his costume, but then, as any good pirate would, I put him in a headlock. He decided that perhaps he did want to wear his costume.

2. My Birthday, October 30th, the day before Halloween.

a. Officially my Birthday was Sunday, but I'm the kind of girl who gets a whole weekend.

b. We celebrated with my mom's chocolate cake. Her cake is spoke of in hushed tones of awe and has been referred to as heaven on a plate (by me).

3. Our first Trick or Treaters in our first home.

a. Remember how I said my parent's home can be pretty spooky? Well, it's just spooky enough to mean that Trick or Treaters NEVER, EVER made the long walk down our heavily wooded gravel road for candy. Thus, I have never had Trick or Treaters.

b. We gave away all of our candy.

c. The engineer says I am a very good Trick or Treat greeter.

veto

2011-10-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hooded sweater, scarf, down comforter. 35 degrees on an October morning?

Veto.

VEE TO!

remember being a little kid?

2011-10-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

I remember my canopy bed. It was built by my father. It had wooden poles reaching out from the original canopy-less metal frame and all around me, lace. Long ivory lace curtains that puddled to the floor. By day, and most nights, the curtains were tied back by dusty pink tassels, but on special nights we let the canopies down. With the curtains untied and shut around the bed, a little girl could feel like a princess, or Shirley Temple, or a Barbie doll, depending on the obsession of the moment.

There, inside our lace palace, my sister and I would be. Aside from my canopy bed, thoughts of childhood bring memories of books. On any given night, our shared bed would be littered with the finest of childhood literary classics; Berenstain Bears, Little Critters, a variety of my sister's books that made sounds and sang songs when you pushed a button, and of course a vast assortment of the Little Golden Books.

Among my most memorable reads is this one, The Monster At the End of This Book. I must have read it to my sister because I still remember how I annunciated all the appropriate words with shock and horror as we turned each page, "Did that say there will be a MONSTER at the end of this book?!?"

I probably hadn't even thought about that book since my bedtime story days. I came across it while searching for the perfect book to send to our little niece as her Halloween treat. When I saw it among the other children's books, it all came back.

I am amazed that somehow I still remember most of the words and that flipping through the pages still makes me smile.

What were your childhood books? Like me, do you still have some that make you smile (or am I just that much of a dork)?

boots

2011-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

I love these boots. Really. I don't just like them, I don't liiiike like them, I loooove them.

They are two year old, Lucky Brand, over the knee, leather boots. I imagine that if Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman had gone horse back riding, she would have worn these boots.

I wore them to the dentist this morning to get a cavity filled. My dentist said those were "quite some boots" I was wearing.

I know they are fabulous Dr. Burton, but eyes up, we've got work to do.

first caramel apple of fall

2011-10-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

My first caramel apple of the fall was the perfect combination of sticky sweetness and juicy tartness. It was the parting favor from a lovely wedding I was a bridesmaid in over the weekend. A wedding that was also perfect. Of course I cried during the ceremony. That's just the kind of woman I am.

A caramel apple eating, sobbing in weddings kind of woman...

random monday

2011-10-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you run into me today, you may detect a hint of a slightly more defined southern drawl than usual. Could be because I spent the weekend in Texas {their accents always seem to rub off on me}... could just be that I'm tryin sumthan nuw... I guess you'll never know the truth. Yep ya'll, I know that was a little random, but it is Random Monday, so enjoy!

image via lovely morning

I have always loved the idea of having a few chickens in the backyard. {And no, that is not just my small town Texas weekend talking}.

image via i love dust

Coffee and life lessons... too blessed to be stressed. Too true. Must remember this.

image via a cup of jo

One of my favorite things EVER is cozying up with a good book, so a book club sounds fab. But an article club? Why does this sound even better?

image via samantha hahn

Love, love, love this watercolor.

t tea towel via keep calm gallery

I think I would very much like a "T" tea towel in my kitchen.

image via a beautiful mess

Oatmeal never looked so good.

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video via that's chic

Heading to the husband's side of the closet right now.

Randomly yours,
Bianca

homemade chicken soup {for the soul}

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Homemade chicken soup feeds your soul. And it's dang good for it too. How do I know this? Because at one point or another chicken soup has done more for you than just helped to nurse a nasty cold. It has made you feel warm, and taken care of, and like you're home. That is how I know chicken soup feeds your soul.

It is also, conveniently, super easy to make. This recipe, another one of my mother's, is the kind of recipe that would normally send me into a fit of uncomfortable. The kind of recipe where when I say "how many cups?" mom says, "Oh, I don't know... just as much as you want." Unacceptable mom.

But for some reason, as much rice as I would like and adding carrots for a little color, just feels right with this soup.

So brave souls, fearlessly take this recipe and make it your own! Add as many carrots as you like! Feeling like it could use a little green? Why not throw in some celery! Want to spice things up? That's what ground red pepper is for!

So go forth, courageously take this recipe, and feed your soul.

toil and trouble

2011-10-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

"Double, double, toil and trouble... What's that from?" he asked while surveying our newly decorated mantel. I looked at my darling husband with a look of disgust, mixed with pity. My voice dripped with superiority and "Uhhhh... Duuuuh..." as I said, "Seriously? Are you serious? It's from..."

That's when the panic set in. What was that from? As my obviously clueless pause hung in the air, I could see my high school English teacher's face staring at me with the same look I had just given the engineer. Mrs. Landrum would be so ashamed.

It was Shakespeare. definitely Shakespeare, that much I knew. But what play? There were three witches... Hamlet? No! Not Hamlet. But there was a skull in that one, and Mel Gibson? Ugh. I could feel my high school education slipping through my fingers.

"Macbeth!" I yelped, followed by a heavy sigh of relief. Although I was fairly certain, doubt still lurked behind my triumphant outburst. To squelch my uncertainty, I did what any true literary scholar would do, a Google search.

Google confirmed that all was not lost of my high school education. And so, "part the glories of this happy day." Wait... Crap.

sweater weather

2011-10-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

My toes knew before I did. I awoke warm and cozy, maybe even a little too warm (a problem that in the coming months I fear I will long too have). It only took about 2 seconds of my bare toes against our wood floors for me to get the message; it is officially sweater weather.

There I was, enjoying pseudo fall... you know, that glorious time when you have all the benefits of fall along with warm days ending in crisp evenings. But then, real fall hits. Of course, you still have some of those lovely benefits, but they will begin to be overshadowed by gloomy days, cold gusts of wind, and maybe even... gulp... the first frost.

Today I begin to unearth my stored sweaters from their summer captivity. And although only a light sweater is necessary at the moment, I know it is merely a matter of time before I break out the big guns... wool.

random monday

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I made a pot of coffee this morning for six. I am the only one here. I better get to work. Meanwhile, I bring you Random Monday...

image via the glamourai

I've seen it coming, baseball caps hitting the fashionable world. I don't know how to feel about it... Excited? Terrified? The urge to break into the engineers vast collection of flat bill caps? (Just kidding husband, I would neeeeeever do such a thing...) How do you feel about this?

image via sacramento street

Have I mentioned I want a hanging chair? I have the spot all picked out! I just need to stumble upon one... yep, just need to stumble upon the perfect hanging chair in great condition with a current owner who is looking to give it away for mere pennies. Should be no problem.

image via lauren dukoff

Hey Binki Shapiro, musician and up and coming style icon... my mom's been calling me Binky (with a "y") for years. I'm just saying...

image via oh happy day

A lovely little autumn treat. DIY personal caramel apple kit.

image via don't eat the paintings

My love for mason jars continues with this pretty signature cocktail sign.

image via hatch collection

Cutest maternity clothes ever!

image via everything fabulous

Now this is what I call a fall to-do list. I may have to add bake bread, make stew, breathe deeply and sit outside to mine.

image via advanced style

Over the weekend, I discovered the blog Advanced Style and am just a little obsessed. I was actually right by these two ladies at fashion week! Someday I want to wear a black and turquoise scarf on my head, but for now, red slacks, a blue blouse and an animal print belt are on my must wear list. Also loving this 100 year old women talking about her daily pilates class. I am officially a slacker.

So that's Monday. I better get to work on that coffee. Oh, and there are other things I have to do too... But it's kind of gloomy out and coffee just seems more do-able. One step at a time darlings, one step at a time...

Love,

Bianca

ode to footloose

2011-10-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Pop culture myth suggests that there are six degrees of separation between any given person and Kevin Bacon. Now, it's not that I don't give mad props to Kevin Bacon and his small town stirring moves, but I am more interested in the degrees of separation between myself and a pair of red cowboy boots. You know the kind. The ones that make my preacher daddy go crazy and boys wanna make out with me in open fields (one particular boy who loves airplanes, of course).

Yes, today the remake of the 1980's classic "Footloose" hits theaters. I am never too optimistic when it comes to remakes of classics, but I at least felt this day deserved a little recognition in the form of a suede fringed vest. Not quite as good as the killer fringed jacket that made Ariel look oh so bad, but it will have to do.

Now if I could just find those red cowboy boots, I'd be ready to hit the parking lot of a drive-in with a boombox and my sweet, sweet dancin' shoes.

apple crisp

2011-10-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

The first thing that hits you when you open the oven door is the waft of heat, then, the overwhelmingly wonderful scent of fall, and home, and my mom's kitchen.

I can't explain how I was feeling today... just, off. That's it. I was feeling off when my mom suggested I make some Apple Crisp. Over the phone I could hear her take a quick assessment of her library of cookbooks, flip to page 60 of the correct one, and share the secrets behind a successful Apple Crisp {add a lot of cinnamon, not just what it calls for, sprinkle it all over the apples too}. I was in business.

Now it feels a little bit more like fall in our house. And that just feels right.

sock. bun. genius.

2011-10-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

I knew she was beautiful. I knew she was talented. I did not know she was a genius {I always suspected it of course}.

Yesterday, Lauren over at Three Pink Dots posted this bun tutorial. And let me tell you... LIFE CHANGING.

You've seen me on here before... I have a lot of hair and it's all up in this perfectly uniformed bun. The craziest part? There is not one bobby pin in this baby. And it stayed up all day. I mean, I probably wouldn't attempt to run any marathons with this hair {not that I would ever attempt to run a marathon period}, but you get the point.

So go check out the tutorial over at Three Pink Dots. Because, yep, there is a sock in here.

P.S. I am wearing a top in these pictures... it's just strapless. Poor decision on my part.

it's time for moccasins

2011-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Aside from trips to the gym, I don't wear tennis shoes. Neither does my mother. Perhaps it's genetic, this aversion to athletic footwear.

Without this comfortable closed toe option, the cooler temperatures of fall can lead to a bit of a shoe issue. When weather and fall fashions strip us of our open toe options, but our feet aren't quite ready for the confinement of the boot, I turn to moccasins.

I know that the loafer has made a comeback, but I can't deny the bohemian flair of the moccasin.

random monday

2011-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

You didn't think I would forget Random Monday did you?

image via the twiggy

So proud of my gorgeous sister on her 21st birthday!

image via oh happy day

Make your own glitter disco ball? Yes, I believe I will.

image via painted fish studio on etsy

I definitely need polaroids on my fridge.

image via jagger photography

I could not even begin to choose just one picture from this gorgeous wedding. Also a little upset I didn't get a picture of all the guests at our wedding with arms linked in a field...

image via a cup of jo

What's more fall than elbow patches??? Ok, maybe a lot of things, but I still love them.

image via lake jane

Fear is the worst.

Must see.

See... this stuff was just too good not to post today! Besides, I just can't start the week off with out some Random Monday.

Monday Love,

Bianca

happy birthday sister!

2011-10-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my little sister's birthday. We celebrated over the weekend with rainy days, old movies, delivery pizza, presents and banana caramel creme pie. It probably wasn't the way most girls would celebrate their 21st birthday... I think it was better.

Ajenda, I have so enjoyed being your big sister. Watching you grow up, discovering all of our similarities and all of our differences, teaching you, learning from you, laughing with you, crying with you, laughing until we cry. Knowing what the other is talking about without even finishing a sentence, knowing the words to all the same songs, and the lines from all the same television programs. On this day, I hope you know how much I love you.

Happy Birthday little sister!

a couple, maybe seven...

2011-10-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

This morning I may have hit a couple of garage sales. Just a couple... two, three, maybe seven, tops.

As you can see, I found some treasures. The chair was already mine, but the belt, book, jar and ties... brand new to me.

The best thing about a good garage sale shopping trip is that I spent only pennies. Literally, I was digging change from the bottom of my purse.

New stuff + a lighter purse = Success.

eggplant beginner

2011-10-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

I recently read that eggplant is a super food (read... heard on a morning talk show... same thing). I don't really know what that means, but I am almost certain it means if I eat it I will have super human strength. Yep, the very important doctor on the show definitely said eggplant and grapefruit will turn you into a super hero.

As with all cooking, my knowledge is minimal. When it comes to eggplant {which I had never even tasted before this venture}, I am clueless. So when I spotted this recipe for Spicy Baked Eggplant on Sterling Style, I thought it might be the perfect recipe to take me from eggplant clueless to eggplant... beginner.

This recipe was described as a good substitute for a bag of chips. Although baked eggplant won't be competing with a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos {or my personal favorite, Flaming Hot Cheetos} anytime soon, this eggplant snack is definitely delicious. Plus, it will give you x-ray vision...

* I followed this recipe, but instead of using "Slap Ya Mama" seasoning I used "Spike" which is less spicy and more salty.

just to cross it off

2011-10-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Do you ever make lists just so you can cross your completed tasks off? Writing down 'laundry,' even though you are already midway through your load? Just so you can feel that sense of completion as your pen glides in a smooth definitive line across the task...

Don't lie, you know you do.

Guess what's in my mug? Hot. Apple. Cider.

I've got my fall to-do list totally under control.

The laundry on the other hand...

fall to-do list

2011-10-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite. There, I said it. Now don't get me wrong, summer is up there. Waaaay up there. But I can't deny my love for fall.

Summer has sun tans, winter has Christmas carols, but fall, oh fall. Fall glows orange and yellow. It's like fire without all that pesky heat.

I feel before I go on, I must admit that I am a bit biased when it comes to this season. My birthday is the day before Halloween and the engineer's follows soon after. Let's face it, when you combine Halloween with gifts... basically the greatest thing ever!

With that being said, let's continue with the fall to-do list. With this list, I vow to make the most of the season.

1. Buy mums. CHECK

2. Display mums on front porch with pumpkins. (half CHECK)

3. Promptly decorate for Halloween.

4. Bake pumpkin treats.

5. Drink hot apple cider often.

6. Visit a pumpkin patch.

7. Go on a hayride.

8. Prepare garden for winter. This probably should begin with researching how to prepare your garden for winter...

9. Take walks with the man to enjoy the changing leaves.

10. Attend a football game. OK, I know nothing about football, but there is something very fall about them. I would even go to a high school game, just for nostalgia.

11. Dress up for Halloween.

12. Watch Halloween movies. Note: not scary ones... the scariest I am willing to go is a little Alfred Hitchcock. Perhaps the classics such as Vertigo or The Man Who Knew Too Much. Complete with popcorn mixed with Halloween colored candies.

13. Roast pumpkin seeds.

14. Carve pumpkins.

15. Finally get to hand out candy to trick or treaters!

16. Make caramel apples.

17. Hit garage sales and estate sales before it is waaaay too cold.

As stated before, I do plan to add to this list at whim.

What's on your fall to-do list? What did I leave off?

random {october} monday

2011-10-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've said it before, usually, I try to keep things light and happy 'round these here parts. But this morning, I was feeling down, lost, not wanting to get out of bed, afraid to face the day... do you ever feel that way?

But now that my morning cup of coffee is kicking in, the October sun is shining through the window {its warm glow lighting the randomly placed Halloween decorations throughout our house}, I am beginning to get that feeling again... that little something inside of me that says "anything is possible." That feeling only grows when I review some of the random things I wanted to share today.

image via free people

I think maybe a new haircut may be necessary to bring me out of my recent blues. What do you think of these shaggy Brigitte Bardot bangs?

image via citizen couture

A lovely beaded collar may be necessary to my life.

image via desire to inspire

When can I move into this room?

image via country living

Let the fall decorating begin.

image via a beautiful mess

Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate rocked my world. Now, their Salted Caramel Mocha is a game changer. Since it is basically guaranteed to turn your not so swell day to fabulous, a homemade recipe could be a life changer.

image via emmadime

Hi there Kiboots boots! I waaaaaaaaaaaant you! I want you so bad.

Just browsing through a few pretty things and my day is feeling better already. What do you do to lift your spirits on down days? I'm definitely in need of some suggestions.

Happy first Monday of October!

Love,

Bianca

feeling thrifty

2011-09-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Feeling thrifty is a lot like feeling lucky. I have compared the rifling through racks of forgotten clothing as the thrill of the chase. I take it back. I think it may be more comparable to gambling. The flashing lights of the Vegas slot machines do nothing for me. But show me rows of unique clothing that can be purchased with nothing but spare change and my pulse quickens.

What treasure might I find? With the shifting of just one more hanger, the detailed scan of one more row, the visit to one more store, the compulsion is easy.

I guess I'm feeling lucky.

lunch date

2011-09-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

My phone buzzed obnoxiously. Judging by the short, single vibration, it was a text message. I fished through the dark crevices of my crumpled receipt-ridden purse until my wine colored flip phone became visible.

Fr: Baby. {That's right, he's Baby in my phone, judge away... I would}. Funny how seeing a text message from him still makes me smile, obnoxious phone buzz forgotten. He asked me out on a date. A lunch date. In the single world, a lunch date is the "just friends" kiss of death. Now that we're married, it's kind of like a sweet nod to our past quick lunches between college classes.

I arrived 15 minutes before our allotted lunch time. Probably the first time I have ever arrived anywhere before the engineer. Turns out waiting isn't so bad. Extra time is the perfect time to appreciate your surroundings.

meet me at the fair.

2011-09-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

It wasn't a typically State Fair day. A day you usually imagine to have blue skies and warm sunshine was gray. It was the first chill since our summer of 100's and, in preparation, I had dressed with care. My high fringed boots {faux suede that would not be destroyed by the sporadic drizzles}, a wool pleated vintage skirt, and a jean shirt. Around my waist, a dusty pink belt and slug across my shoulder, a soft pink, flower bloom purse. The pops of pink, like cotton candy, seemed necessary for a fair.

Before walking out the door, my logical husband gave me the once over. "You look very pretty, but you might want a jacket," he stated with wisdom behind his words. I grumbled, of course... know it all. I walked out the door to be greeted by a quick gust of icy wind. Well maybe I'll just bring a jean jacket {actually, that might be cute with this}.

As we arrived at our destination, I studied the sweatshirt and parka layered fair goers from the car window. My jean jacket and the last minute grab of a wool sweater were crumpled in my lap. Needless to say, I wore them both.

Although my oh so carefully planned ensemble was a bust, the fair was a delight. And, it turns out, when the temperature is cooler my ability to consume large amounts of greasy, fattening, fried goodness is enhanced. A happy {and yet slightly disturbing} discovery.

random {fall} monday

2011-09-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

So long sweet summer. You were good to me, that much is certain. Sure, I didn't quite finish everything on my list, but the time has come to start a new list... a fall list {I'll share this week}.

The time has come to say goodbye to tan lines and toes and hello to all things cozy. I guess I can accept that.

image via glenn o'connell

An ode to the new season. Leaves changing from green to golden orange is my favorite.

image via vogue

Logistically, could I wear a necklace down my back? Logistics are overrated.

dinner at le moulin brégeon via Olivia Rae James on Vimeo.

A lovely little cozy glowy video.

vase sconce via oldnewagain on etsy

I would take an entire wall of these darlings. Too much?

image via cardigan lookbook

Cut-offs into fall. This is a look I am all over.

diy via design sponge

If I had an iPhone, this is what I would carry it in, but I don't. I have a flip phone. I choose to believe it is so old it will be vintage soon. And Carry Bradshaw would approve.

wall decal via harmonie-interieure

Displaying these words on the wall seems like a good idea. All you need is love {repeating this to myself}.

First Random Monday of fall... my how time flies.

Love,
Bianca

NYC day five: in the end

2011-09-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

In the end, day five was bittersweet.

Sweetened by the yummy bagels, the Sex and the City front stoop and a random piano...

Bitter as my day ended at LaGuardia.

As I lugged my carry-on into my airport bound taxi cab, I could begin to feel the tears threatening to fall. Another bittersweet moment. Sweet because I knew I was coming home to the engineer, bitter because I was leaving NYC best friend.

As the cab pulled away from the curb, I could see her walking back to her apartment, surrounded by her new world, so foreign to me.

Not even a block into my drive I was crying without embarrassment or restraint.

I figure the New York City taxi cab driver has seen worse.

New York City Day Five. The End.

{ 1. bagels from russ & daughters; 2. NYU; 3. washington square park; 4. west village; 5. carrie bradshaw's apartment; 6. soho }