Will you be my pen pal?

I've been watching a lot of Felicity, and before you laugh at that statement hear me out. She has this friend, Sally, who she talks to on a tape recorder and sends the tape through the mail. It's really great. Sally is a dear friend to Felicity and someone with whom she feels like she can share her most inner secrets. She tells her all about her day to day and the exciting and mundane things that happen. This show was back before Facebook and only a few characters actually have cell phones, some have beepers (kinda amazing how far we've come). So these tape recordings are the main way Felicity talks to her friend Sally. And then Sally will send her a tape back. It's really great. I promise.

And then I read this post on Thought Catalog about how we should write more letters and it got me thinking...I want to write letters! And how wonderful is it when you receive things in the mail that isn't junk or bills?! I've recently received a few cards for my birthday from some family members and it's so wonderful to read what they write. My dad draws these amazing doodles in all of my cards and my grandpa give me advice on how to fix Washington (we usually don't see eye-to-eye) and I love it. Imagine getting a 2 page letter all about what's going on in someones life, their wonderful experiences, the thoughts they are afraid to speak out loud, the endless possibilities of what they could divulge in eloquent words when they put their pen to that piece of paper and let their hearts flow. It would be a beautiful thing.

So, I ask, will you be my pen pal?

<3 Tina <3

It's Nice to Hear

Happy Monday  :)

I've been thinking a lot lately about the things we don't say or hear enough. This is kinda a branch off from a previous post, but just a little more.

Here are a list of things that are nice to hear:

1. "You're so beautiful/handsome." - many feminists or whatever they want to call themselves might argue this, but I am always up for hearing this one. For example, I went to a friends wedding in Michigan a few weeks ago and her sister said "I need to take a picture with Tina (that's me) before you go." My friend says "Why?" And her sister says, "Because I need to show my friends how pretty she is!" Does that not just melt your heart? It was so sweet and unexpected to hear. It made my day :)

2. When someone you care about *finally* gets the job/audition/super cool gadget/you-name-it that they have worked so hard for and have been waiting for for, like, ever. It's so nice to hear that someone is excited. It makes me excited with them.

3. "Nap time!" Seriously, who doesn't like nap time? This would be a great thing to hear!

4. When you're down and someone does everything they can to pull you out of your slump. Maybe it's words, but maybe it's them acting like a goofball trying to make you smile and laugh. Laughter is really a nice thing to hear. It's contagious.

5. Summer breeze rustling through the trees on a sunny day. Just close your eyes and imagine.

6. "I appreciate all your hard work!" There was a gentleman in my office that would give the most sincere compliments out of nowhere about how great you were doing and how what you do is helping the organization as a whole. It was so refreshing to hear because its easy to get bogged down when you feel like your work doesn't get noticed or make a difference.

7. "I love you." Every time someone says those three words to you, soak it in. Love is such a wonderful thing to share.

What are some things you like to hear?

<3 Tina <3

Student Loans Ruined My Life

If money problems make you uncomfortable, stop reading now.

I'm broke. Broker than broke, actually. My bank account reads a glowing red -$38.47.
And I'm expecting another $125 to try to go through probably today for my parking  at my office building. 

Awesomeeeee.

I'm leaving tomorrow for Michigan for one of my best friend's wedding. The gas light is on in my car. I have 2 gift certificates I won at work for being awesome that total $50 that are missing in the pile of crap from my recent move. I have a $50 gift card for Victoria's Secret that won't be getting me very far as well as a Macy's gift card that's not getting me anywhere.

The plan tonight is to play a game called "What Can I Return?"

I've had some things that need to go back to Walmart, Kmart, and Target that are in my back seat right now that I will be taking back that will get me about $50. 

The cash that I currently have will be going into my account to get my balance back to a beautiful black $0.00 or above.

I have a little room to feed myself on my credit cards for the next 1.5 weeks.

Please pray for me that I find a new job and my student loan consolidation goes through because I can't handle life right now and I'm tired of crying.

I'm so fucked right now. 

Happy Tuesday!

Talk about feelings? I like kitties...

Why is it so difficult to tell someone close to you that they are hurting your feelings?

Or to tell someone that you want to be a part of their life? Using the wise words of my dear friend, "it's [not] that you want to be surgically attached, it's that you want to feel like you're part of [their] whole life, not just a segment of it."

Why is it so hard to say that? 

I don't really have much to say on the matter because, quite honestly, I can't organize my thoughts enough to get it down. My brain is jumbled. And I'm feeling down.

I tend to think my not wanting to talk about my feelings is because of my many failed attempts to do so in the past, and the losers that I dated making it seem like my feelings didn't matter. So, I've been conditioned in a way. Keep your feelings in, even if you don't like how things are going. Deal with it. Bah!

I struggle to be better in this arena. I strive to be better in life in so many ways. At work, I push myself to do better, set goals and try my hardest to exceed them. In life, I pride myself on being adventurous and find it exhilarating to make great changes like packing my belongings into a U-haul and moving to an unknown city. I try to get involved in new things regularly and continue to learn about my body, limits, and push boundaries. But when it comes to how I feel, that is a struggle I can't seem to surpass.

This is now my focus. I will work to do better with expressing the feelings I tend to bottle up. Any advice in doing this is welcome.

Do you struggle with sharing your feelings? How do you work past the fear?

Now look at these fluffy kitties!

<3Tina

A Recipe for the Books!

It's been awhile. I've been a huge slacker with blogging, made obvious by my lack of posts. I want to do better. And I'm going to try to have a post at least once a week and go from there.

I have a recipe for you, for your friends, your siblings, coworkers, etc.. Anyone who will take the time to listen. This one is for the books and everyone should have it.

As of late, I've witnessed and experienced really foul attitudes towards others who are striving for success and obtaining goals they have set for themselves. Why can't we just be excited for others? Support them in their lives and strive for better ourselves?

Short story time: A lady in my office is constantly putting others down. Pointing out the flaws of anyone and everyone and making a personal vendetta against some. It's very strange. Most recently, she has voiced her opinion on the fact that a couple of recent interns would soon be at the same level that she is currently (and she's been here for some years). Well, she is not happy about that. And everyone knows. But maybe if she didn't put all of her time and energy into negativity, she would have more time to work, progress, and get promoted herself. Hmmmm???

As for the recipe...it's simple.

1 part excitement
1 part support

That's it! Some physical activity such as jumping up and down might be involved but not always required.

Feel free to leave out the:

Jealousy
Hate
Judgement
Resentment

When you're friend has done well at work and is awarded and they call you to celebrate, get excited for them!! If they have been looking for work and finally nail an interview and think it could result in an offer, jump up and down with them!! They called YOU because they thought you would be there for them! Not be bitter and angry because you aren't getting the same things. If what they are achieving is something you, too, would like to do, seek advice and work hard. And after you that and don't see the results you'd like, work *harder*.

Get excited because they are excited. Feel good because your friend feels good. Don't let those ugly negative feelings take over. You are in control of your thoughts and feelings. Make the necessary changes so that you can be happy, not only for yourself but for others.

My last piece of advice... tell those around you that you are proud of them or congratulate them on a job well done. You don't have to be prompted to do this, just do it on your own. It's so good to see a friend smile.

Have a good day, friends!

<3Tina

Ehrmehgerd!

^^^This guy^^^ knows what's up! 

That's right! I went shopping. And got amazing cheap(ish) things that I am super excited to share! This shopping all happened because I am going out with a group of friends for work tomorrow night and I desperately need something to wear. So, I turned to my favorite thrift store... Goodwill. 

Now, I didn't find anything for going out, but I did find a few great deals! Check it out...

Score! 

The red (A says its coral) is a New York & Co. and the blue (which is really teal but I have a crap camera until I can afford something better) is from J.Crew. Both steals at $5 a pop! I also snagged a pair of Gap Trouser jean pants for $7, and a copy of Mean Girls for $2. All in all a good trip to the local Goodwill. 

On the way home from Goodwill, A and I stopped off at Avenues because we had noticed a "Store Closing" sign and guess what that means!?! SALE!! That is right, everything in the store is 70-80% off. Excellente. I ended up only buying one blouse but went back today to dig through somethings because I just *knew* there was more to find. This is what I found....

I scored a pair of white skinny jeans (which I am scared to wear but I've been doing a lot of blog reading and soul searching and I think I can do it) for $15.40, the lavender (I know it doesn't look lavender) blouse for $10.46, and that TOO cute dress at $14.98! Not too shabby, hey? 

When I left Avenue, I noticed Ross was still open, and who can pass up a good sifting through those racks? Not I. I got 2 GREAT deals! 

Do. You. See. That?!?

That's a double-headed snake belt. FOR $1.99! Ehrmehgerd! I died a little from all the excitement. I actually almost bought two of them because of the price and how amazing it really is. The top next to it is the beautiful blue and black lace that I am very excited to wear and it was a steal at $10.99. 

So, there you have it. This was my evening last night and tonight. I'm not much of a shopper, but when I get the bug, I love it! 

Happy hunting!

<3Tina

Slime Time Live!

EEERRRR!! EEERRRR!!! EEERRRR!!!!

If you watched Nickelodeon growing up, you know that that's the warning sign that you're about to get SLIMMED!!!! If you're Lori Beth you take it like a champ. I like to think I take after her in that way...

Except there was no warning sign... except for my mothers laughter when I told her I was trying this recipe.

Avocado Buttercream

I found the recipe on Food Network's website. It's an easy recipe by Alton Brown. 

You will need: 

8 ounces of avocado "meat" - or 2 smallish avocados

2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 pound of sifted powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon lemon extract

What to do:

Peel and pit the avocados.
Place the avocado into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment along with the lemon juice and beat until lightened in color, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the powdered sugar a little at a time and beat until smooth.
Add the lemon extract and mix to combine. 
If not using right away, store in the refrigerator.

This sounds easy peasy, right? Because I was planning on baking two dozen cupcakes, I doubled the recipe and subtracted the lemon extract (because I didn't have that in the cabinet).

Because I don't have sifter, I use this meshy strainer thing. Just shake back and forth and, voila!

Then I added the lemon juice followed by the sifted powdered sugar a little at a time.
Oh, and added two (blended) kiwi to flavor the frosting because I was going for kiwi-strawberry cupcakes. 

And I got slimmed.


This stuff was capital N, nasty. The flavor wasn't bad. It actually had really good flavor, but the texture was appalling. The first thing I thought of was Nickelodeon slime. Gooey. And gross.

Foul.

I'll let you know next time what I ended up making  :)
They turned out excellent. And no slime.

<3 Tina <3

Birthday Bliss

Do you remember the single greatest moment of your life?

I DO!

I mean this moment ranks up there with other special moments like:

1. Watching my sister marry her lurverr
2. Securing employment with a government contractor at a CAPS game (6 months out of school WOOT)
3. Becoming part of the greatest sisterhood I could EVER imagine! ΓH <3

***EDIT***
3a. Meeting the one and only Allie, my sidekick and radio co-host, in what might be the worst university lit class ever and becoming life long friends
***END EDIT***

4. Not dying from appendicitis....

...are you getting a good understanding of how great this moment was?

This.

Was the moment.

Every woman dreams of.

I was in the middle of straightening my hair when...

My very own Kitchenaid mixer had arrived at my doorstep!

HALLELUYERRR!

And it's PURPLE! Sweet baby Jesus!

So much baking will be happening! I've actually gotten to make a few things and will be sharing sometime this weekend. I have a couple of posts to do... one pretty lengthy and one major FAIL. I'd rather not show you how bad it was, but it must be done.

I finally finished my hair and was on my way to meet some friends.

I am one happy lady!
Thanks to the greatest momma and dad ever!
Look forward to some baking posts this weekend. 

<3 Tina

"How do you spell 'doormat'?": A Guide to Assertiveness for the Introvert

My roommate, A, and I have been talking about how well we mesh because we both **really** like our alone time and know when it's time to socialize and when we need our time alone. We both identify as introverts and we are very comfortable living together because we just get it. We don't have to talk to one another in the mornings, we don't need to talk when we get home, we don't even need to talk while sitting together in the same room in silence. We are just...quiet. It's not that we don't like one another, we actually quite enjoy the others company. It's just that we are introverted.


You might be asking yourself, "What is an introvert?" "How do you live like that?" or probably an array of other questions. And it's not that we NEVER talk, we do talk when we have something to say. We arent mute. This morning A actually sent me a GREAT article from the March 2003 edition of The Atlantic Magazine that explains in pretty accurate detail the ins and outs of your average introvert. "Introverts are not necessarily shy. Introverts generally are not anxious or frightened or self-excoriating in social settings."
Extroverts have difficulty understanding introverts. "They assume that company, especially their own, is always welcome. They cannot imagine why someone would need to be alone; indeed, they often take umbrage at the suggestion."


Really, you should just go read it. It's good stuff.


Now, in my experience, the introverts I know (including myself) are not always assertive. There are times when I am, but it's not the norm. I'll be the first to admit, I talk big talk; but when it comes down to the wire, I crumble like a snickerdoodle cookie. I just don't have it in me to spit out what needs to be said, and say it in a nice, matter-of-fact way instead of getting all emotional (or defensive).


This takes us to the title of this here post: How do you spell doormat? This is something I actually blurted out last night to ask A while texting my beloved, O, something about how I had been feeling all day. I've been feeling used, and not just recently. People take my niceness for granted and I allow it. This morning I realized that. It won't ever stop unless I do something about it.


Dictionary.com
door·mat [dawr-mat, dohr-] noun

1. a mat,  usually placed before a door  or other entrance, for people arriving to wipe their shoes on before entering.

2. a person who is the habitual object of abuse or humiliation by another.


For all intents and purposes we are going to combine the two of these definitions to make our own...

door · mat

1. a person who is usually placed before the feet of others to use, wipe their shoes on, walk all over, etc...


I'm not going to include humiliated because that's not at all what I'm feeling. I'm feeling over used, though. Like, throw-me-in-the-wash-im-covered-in-the-scum-from-your-dirty-soul sole-used. I'm also feeling that if only I was assertive, things would be very different. So I set out on a [Google] search to find out how to be assertive. What's wrong with me that I feel nauseous when I have to stand up for myself? Why do I get this pit in my stomach and knot in my throat?


I came across an article that has a few simple ways to make a change:


1. Figure out what you want. (Easy enough. Right?) they say you should define what it exactly that you need.
2. Ask for it. (SKRRRRRR - pump the breaks!) This step *sounds* like it should be easy-peasy but this is where I get stuck because...
3. Think about what you're afraid of. ...this. This stopped me dead in my tracks. What exactly am I afraid of? What is the reason for the nausea and anxiety?


I really had to sit and think. For me, what it boils down to is "what happens next?" This is where my anxiety and fear are centered. Yes, I can ask/say what I want or need. But the answer that I will get is what scares the hell out of me. Rather, the answer that I don't want to hear is what scares the hell out of me. A prime example, and something that is giving me heartburn at this very moment is a question I asked O. Response pending. He is scheduled to be in DC for a conference and some interviews next Monday and Tuesday. I'm *SO* excited for him, as he will be graduating his course soon and wants to be back in the area ASAP and working. This is an excellent opportunity for him. When he told me about it my first thought was "YAY job!!" then immediately "YAY visit!!" That's right! My incredibly handsome man was going to be in the very same area code as me for a full 48 hours so of COURSE he would think to squeeze some time in for a little visit with his #1 lady. When he got the final word that he would be attending the conference I was very happy. Then I asked him when he would be arriving (duh he would come for the entire weekend before, why wouldn't he?!). "Sunday afternoon" is the answer I got. Wait..whaaa??? Sunday? That doesn't leave any snuggle time.


So, just as any one like me would, I immediately started the water works. It was involuntary, actually. Tears just rushed out of my eyes like I'd opened the Hoover Dam. I had to compose myself quickly, I was at work for goodness sake. I then went through about 5 emotions in 2.5 seconds. Sad, angry (at him), confused, angry (at myself for being angry at him), and then...AHH! Clarity!


I never TOLD him I'd like to see him while he's in town. How can I tell him this without sounding bat-shit crazy? [open new tab>google.com>how to be assertive with your boyfriend>search] Interesting. No. No. Ah, yes!


And here I am.


What I've learned through my research is:


-I need to understand that no one will know what I'm thinking. I must voice what is in my head in order for people to hear me. As silly as this sounds, there are times I'm screaming in my head and I really think someone must hear me. 
-Leave your emotions out of it. Just...do it. 
-Extroverts may will never understand me. 
-There is a difference between aggressive and assertive. 
-I must not let my fear of an unwanted response stop me from being diplomatic about a situation. 
-I need to know what I want. And I need to ask for it. 
-I CANNOT be afraid of tarnishing relationships by discussing important things with my loved ones. They love me, we will make it through a conversation. 


Please read any articles that I've linked. They were good reads, especially if you're living with an introvert. 


And, that's all I have to say about that. 


<3 Tina <3

A Good Book In My Breakfast Nook

So, the blog is a little slow going right now but you must forgive me! I've changed jobs, moved, pulled a couch onto a 4th story balcony (more on that later), and went on a weekend trip to see O all in 2 weeks time. It's been a bit CRAZY to say the least, but I love it. As you may know from my previous post, I am in the midst of a decorating frenzy. My recent obsession is the little space in our kitchen that will soon transform into the coziest of nooks. I have been paroozing Pinterest and blogs of all kinds to gain inspiration.

This is what the "eat-in kitchen" currently looks like...

I found that tile top table on Craigslist for free and had the best intentions to completely re-do the top and stain it a dark color. It was going to be beautiful...until we got it in there and realized it is entirely too big to make a nook. Needless to say, I was sad. But I've posted it back on good ol' Craigslist for someone else to enjoy. I'm sure it will make someone very happy. 

The first thing my nook needs is benches. I've found a few tutorials on how to make them from scratch and some using old kitchen cabinets. These are great options, but I'm also thinking I can re-purpose a bookshelf or find benches on Craigslist or Freecycle and spruce them up. I will definitely keep everyone posted on what I find/decide. 

Ideally, whatever bench we find or make will have storage. We have SO much kitchen stuff that any additional storage we can have would be fantastic! The first photo with the baskets I love. I think this would be perfect, and it's a steal at Walmart; buying two, however, will dig quite a hole in my very small pocket. the second option is part of the HEMNES line at Ikea.

 

One thing I'm trying to figure out how to tie together is my LOVE of white furniture and the fact that my kitchen is dark. I've been looking for inspiration photos with dark tables and white benches. I think it will come out great. 

Until next time...

<3 Tina <3

Bjursta, Ektorp, and Poang. Oh my!

Since graduating last April, I have moved 6 times. My seventh, and final, move for the year will be happening next weekend. In order to prepare for the move, I have been searching through IKEA, craigslist, and checking every freecycle post for anything that I can use for the new place. I am overly excited for this change and ready to settle into an apartment that I will get to call home.

The colors we chose for the apartment are Cornsilk and Chainstitch.

The colors don't look quite the same as they did as paint, but they're close. The Cornsilk is more of a pale yellow hue than it appears and will be on one wall in our living room. The Chainstitch will be in the dining room.

If you know me, you know that I am OBSESSED with my couch. It was my first "big girl purchase." I shopped for a couple of months to find this couch. I touched fabrics that made me cringe, sat on very uncomfortable cushions, and went into more furniture stores than I would ever have liked. I finally found THE ONE. It was imperative that whatever color we chose went well with the couch.

I will most definitely be taking pictures to show the before and after of the apartment!

I'm certain I need a chandelier.

Because I based the living room setup around the couch colors we decided to go with the light purple for the dining room. This was for two reasons: (1) we ARE after all Gamma Eta's; and (2) the purple complimented the colors we chose for the living room. I'm really excited to see the outcome. I have NO idea how we are going to decorate the dining room though. I've included some inspiration pictures. Let me know what you think!!!

The ceiling and white furniture! Bliss.

I love this table and chairs!

<3 Tina <3

Deals and Steals

Recently I've been thrifting, freecycling, and craigslisting as much as I can.  Next weekend, I will be finally relocating to a new apartment with my sorority sister, A. I am beyond excited. I will be sure to post pictures of the new place, before, and after the move. It. Will. Be. Glorious. 

For now, I thought I would share some past thrifty finds and bargains. 

There is one Goodwill in particular that I absolutely ADORE. They always have plenty in my size and its all name brands in very good condition. 

 (Please forgive the quality of these photos. They were all taken with my cell phone.) 

Brand new, never worn shoes. $15 at Goodwill.

Thrifted outfit...Gap jeans-Goodwill $6, Jones New York blazer Goodwill $6, Mossimo shirt Target clearance $4, necklace auctioned gift from mom price unknown, boots Goodwill $15.

Mossimo bustier top - Target clearance buy - $5.98

Where are some of your favorite places to find good deals? If you're in the DC area, share your secret spots! I always love finding new places with good bargains :)

Get out there and do some shopping! 

Happy hunting! :)

<3 Tina <3

Truffle Shuffle

I found this recipe on a pin linked to Landee See, Landee Do. I made them for O for a Valentine's Day treat. They turned out pretty good. The fillings would also probably be a great treat even without the coating.

CAKE BATTER TRUFFLES

1 ½ cups flour
1 cup yellow cake mix
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
3-4 Tablespoons milk (I actually ended up using close to 1/4 cup)
2 Tablespoons sprinkles
Vanilla Melting Chocolate 

Beat together butter and sugar using an electric mixer until combined. Add cake mix, flour, salt, and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Add 3 Tablespoons of milk or more if needed to make a dough consistency. Mix in sprinkles by hand. Roll dough into one inch balls and place on a parchment or wax paper lined cookie sheet. Chill balls in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.  While dough balls are chilling, melt vanilla melting chocolate and then dip away! Place them on wax paper to set up, top with additional sprinkles and you're done! Chill cake batter truffles in the refrigerator until serving.

Makes around 24-30 truffles.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH TRUFFLES

1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
Milk chocolate melting chocolate for dipping!!
Additional chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc., optional for topping the truffles

1. In a large bowl, use electric mixer to cream together butter and brown sugar. Add vanilla. Beat in flour, 1 cup at a time, until it is mixed well. Beat in sweetened condensed milk and mix until well-combined. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips.

2. Cover bowl and refrigerate until dough is firm (at least 1 hour). Use cookie scoop to scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls, roll into balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet. Place all of the rolled balls back into the refrigerator until you are ready to dip them in chocolate.

3. Melt chocolate and dip. Top with additional mini-chocolate chips (or whatever, really).

Makes about 30-40 truffles.

Go give it a try and let me know how yours turn out!! :D
Follow me on Pinterest!


 <3

Howdy!

Hello all. My name is Christine, I'm in my twenties and I'm new at the blogging game. I love to craft, bake, thrift, cook, etc... basically anything that's hands on, I'm in. I've been asked many times to start a blog with my recipes and other projects so that's what I'm attempting to do. Please feel free to make suggestions and share your thoughts with me. I hope you enjoy it, I'm positive I will.

 <3