Weekly Loving... on this Day of Leap

Today is Leap Day. According to 30 Rock, it's a magical day where anything can happen! Yesterday I wrote about what I'd like to do.... and then got on my email to discover a very special email informing me that... I won tickets to see the Civil Wars tape their Austin City Limits TV special!!!

Can't argue with that Leap Day miracle! (Did I mention it's tonight?!?) Leap Day miracle indeed ♥ So, obviously, that's what I'm loving today... but here's other things I've been loving this week:

• The knowledge that this exists just makes my world that much better!

Source: instagr.am via Amy on Pinterest

•  C-U-T-E print, no? I need to this thing on my wall ASAP!

Source: etsy.com via Amy on Pinterest

•  How beautiful were the women on the Red Carpet this weekend? Love watching them all so elegant!

Source: fabsugar.com via Amy on Pinterest

•  This outfit may be one of my favorites of Jessica's ever. It's just perfect (and finally got me thinking about colored jeans!)

Source: whatiwore.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

• Foster's latest trip to Baja totally makes me want to jump in my car & go anywhere. Check out all his pictures here.

Source: arestlesstransplant.com via Amy on Pinterest

To see more of my weekly Pins, you can follow me here.

And to see what others are loving, check out 

This Kind of Love and The Vintage Apple

Have a great Wednesday! 

If you give the world an extra day...

Today should be the last day of February. But - as we all know - it's not. We get an extra day this month (and year). And up until this year, I've never thought twice about it. Big deal.... right?

You know... except for the poor kids actually born on February 29, who only have a "real" birthday every 4 years. But, really, after that realization in kindergarten, the intrigue of this mysterious 366th day fades away.

Until now.

In my great venture to truly learn to appreciate myself as a person and the life that I've been given (and after watching a pretty hilarious "30 Rock" episode), I realized an extra day is just that: extra.

So to celebrate tomorrow's Leap Day, I wanted to make a list of everything I could do with this extra day given to me. (Too bad it's not on a Saturday!!)

• Try a new recipe from my Pinterest board.
• Make a new friend.
• Spend the afternoon reading a book.
• Cross something - anything - off my To-Do List
• Have breakfast in bed with my guy
• Find & then pursue that writing dream job
• Clear out my Google Reader - and comment on everyone's blogs
• Take a day trip to visit my family
• Go shopping and find the perfect pair of jeans(!)
• Watch a girlie move, with popcorn, ice cream & Reese's peanut butter cups... all in one bowl

None of it would change the world, but it's how I'd spend that extra day. Relaxing & doing something I usually put off because there's "more important" things to do.

What would you do with an extra day?

 { PS- My Leap Day miracle ♥ }

Lots and lots of bacon

Welcome back from the weekend! I'm coming off an Academy Awards high - so sad to see awards season over, but so happy that now I have something to read about for the next week (like Angie's right leg!).

Here... just in case you missed it....

Source: dailymail.co.uk via Amy on Pinterest

But I'm not here to talk about that. I'm here to talk about a non-Academy Awards recipe I tried this weekend.

It included bacon. Lots & lots of glorious bacon. And cheese, naturally. Oh! And pizza. And if you're thinking "we've all had bacon on our pizza before" -- you're both right and wrong. Have you ever had an over-easy egg on top of that bacon pizza?

No?

Because up to yesterday morning I hadn't. And now, I'm going to start insisting on eggs with all of my pizzas!

Enter Smitten Kitchen - one of my favorite food blogs - and her Breakfast Pizza. I made a few changes to her recipe: most notably, I tripled the bacon. And I sauteed onions in the bacon grease and added that in to. (Can't waste the bacon grease!)



We really ate this for brunch, and I'd suggest the same. Or you could just use less bacon to make it lighter, but then again, where's the fun in that?

Breakfast Pizza
(adapted from Smitten Kitchen)

Pizza dough for one, 12" pizza
12 strips bacon
1/2 c. grated Parmesan
2 cups grated mozzarella
4 eggs
pepper & salt
1 onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, coarsely minced
1 shallot, sliced
2 TBS parsley
2 TBS chives

The night before: Make your pizza dough & put in the refrigerator to keep until morning.

The morning of: Heat the oven to 500 degrees & put a baking stone inside to warm up. Take the dough out of the fridge to loosen up.

Slice the bacon & cook until crispy. Put on paper towels to drain, keeping the grease in the pan. Add the onions, garlic and shallot to the pan - cooking until translucent.

Roll the dough out on the counter - stretching to the appropriate size of the baking stone, using flour when necessary. Pull the stone out of the oven, and place the pizza dough on it. Put the cheese on the pizza, and then the bacon, and then the onion mixture. Crack the eggs on top of the pizza - season with salt & pepper.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the eggs are fully cooked. When done, top with parsley & chives. Serve with mimosas.

Hope you had a great weekend!

10 Things, Vol 7

1) It was 85 degrees the last few days. Totally amazing. We went on an impromptu picnic dinner in the park, complete with plastic cups for wine.

2) I jumped back into going to the gym this week. Can we all just appreciate how amazing it feels when you're regularly working out? I have so much more energy!

3) Frozen yogurt dates are the best. Period.

4) 5 of my inspirations.... did you catch it?

5) The sunset every night this week has been breathtaking. Such a wonderful end to each day!

6) I've been playing with nail polish designs, and come to the conclusion that I suck at it. I'll leave that hobby for the rest of you!

7) Sometime eating nothing but salad + black beans all week - because you just need a break from cooking - is not a bad thing.

8) The Academy Awards are this weekend!! Be ready for an epic "this is what I made" menu next week! (I'm going to try the theme: The Many Faces of Cheese)

PS - Here's printable Oscar ballots! 

The night's not complete without it :)

9) And speaking of the Academy Awards. Here's my quick-review of each of the Best Picture nominees. You can read it & then impress your friends ;)

10) We're having one of our best couple friends come visit us this weekend! I'm super excited to sit & relax with old friends. (We've known these guys longer than we've been dating. It's fun we all have such a long history together!)

Source: twitter.com via Amy on Pinterest

{Have a great weekend!}

On Victories in Marriage

This past weekend, Christian's best friend came to visit. And the guys joked all weekend about what I'd write about after it was over. And, even though I was told them "I won't write anything!" it was only inevitable that when I sat down to write this week's Marriage Series post, all I could think about was the weekend & the lessons learned.

Now, for you to understand my lesson learned, I must first confess something about myself: I am a jealous, control freak. Which isn't too bad, until you add that to my demanding personality and tendency to over-dramatize everything. (Because, really, what fun is marriage if things aren't over-dramatized?)

Every time we have people over to our house for an extended stay, it's absolutely necessary for me to go in with a game plan. I stress easily when I'm playing "host" -- even to the dearest & closest of friends -- and I've discovered these high-stress situations aren't exactly ideal for the open-communication, loving relationship I strive to have with Christian.

My game plan this weekend was to sit back, relax & don't make any decisions. I went into the weekend telling myself it was a guy's weekend & I was the third-wheel and wouldn't try to control anything. And surprisingly, it worked.

I had a lot of fun, wasn't stressed out at all, and got a very sweet compliment from my guy at the end of it all. Plus he had fun - which was really what mattered anyway. Finally, a win!

It's the little victories that make the work totally worth it!

What victory have you had lately?

Weekly Loving...

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I'm once again linking up with Jamie from This Kind of Love and Michelle from The Vintage Apple for my favorite weekly link-ups!

Here's what I've been ♥ing this week:

• The Oscars are this weekend!! Here's my review of all the best pictures nominations ♥

Source: amyrenepowell.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

• This super-adorable customizable design. Totally want it for our house!

Source: etsy.com via Amy on Pinterest

• I'm loving my new shirt. Pink with black polka dots! How can you go wrong?

Source: twitter.com via Amy on Pinterest

•  Edamame Dip & {homemade} Rice Crackers. So perfect & healthy, I have to try this soon!

Source: spoonforkbacon.com via Amy on Pinterest

• I made myself a new logo!! I've been playing around in Photoshop & drafted this thing up...

Source: twitter.com via Amy on Pinterest

• And I'm still having a great time with the February photo challenge. Can't wait for March!

Source: twitter.com via Amy on Pinterest

I hope you've been having a fantastic week!

{Happy Wednesday!}

(PS - follow me on Pinterest!)

Fashion for a Tuesday: Dreaming of the Red Carpet

We're less than a week away from the Academy Awards. And while I'm super excited about the movies - my reviews of the Best Picture nominees are here - it's the fashion I am the most excited about! (duh!)

I've dreamed for over a decade now of getting all made up & attending Hollywood's greatest night. Walking along Angelina and Charlize like a princess. And thanks to Polyvore, I can dream up my perfect Academy Awards outfit.

And here it is... 

Academy Award Attire by amyrenepowell featuring vintage hair accessories

I'd go all champagne-colored, with just a touch of dramatic color to grab the attention of the cameras. Not too much skin, but leave them with a little something. A cute, but simple clutch & simple jewelry that compliments everything else but doesn't take away from it all. And then the hair. I love the double headband, up-do, and know I'd wear my head high with beautiful curls falling out of it.

I'm getting excited just thinking about it! {And of course, you can't forget the Champagne}

Are you watching the Red Carpet on Sunday?

Ryan Seacrest & I have a date at 5 ♥

ps--- happy Mardi Gras!

5 girls I've learned a lot from...

I'm an independent, "do-it-yoursef" kind of person. I've always had the notion to be self-learned, and self-dependent. However, I've begun to learn the value of learning from - and depending upon - others. Diving into the blog world opened my eyes up to many people, more experienced than me, that I could learn from.

Some teach me directly. Others, indirectly. But I've created a few mentor-like followings in blog-land that have shaped me to be the blogger, and all around internet-personality, that I've grown into. And I thought it was time to share a few of those mentors.

This is, of course, not a comprehensive list - my list is always developing - but I feel like this is an accurate representation of where my inspiration comes from. I'd highly suggest following any of these women's blogs. They'll inspire you for sure.

#1: What I Wore, by Jessica

Source: whatiwore.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

Greatest tip: Don't be an internet DJ.

During the Alt Summit, I followed Jessica's tweets like no other, and at one point she tweeted the advice above. I took it to heart instantly & have tried really hard to follow since. I've made it my goal to create original content - pictures & text alike - here. And it's paid off. I'm more satisfied with myself & have had a great response from you. Plus, her fashion sense is killer (and practical!)

#2: Little Chief Honeybee, by Kaelah

Source: honeybeeinthecity.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Greatest tip: Her "Honest to Blog" series has given me the confidence to post what I'm thinking & feeling... using this blog as more of an online diary, less of a platform to tell people facts.

She also published her PR + Marketing e-book, which totally helped me to focus & direct my blog. It had so many real-life, applicable tips. I about to start re-reading the thing, because I know there's so much I missed the first go-around. It's not expensive at all & totally worth every dime. Go get it.

#3: Katie's Pencil Box, by Katie

Source: katiespencilbox.com via Amy on Pinterest

Greatest tip: Be happy & take pretty photos.

This may not be what Katie's blog is exactly about... but that's what I've gotten from it. Her posts always take the weight off my shoulder, and are a refreshing breath of fresh air. Her simplistic blog is perfect after a long day.

#4: Sometimes Sweet, by Danielle

Source: sometimessweet.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

Greatest tip: Be yourself. You don't have to "sell" anything else to be a success.

I came into Danielle's blog after she had her baby - and while that puts her in a stage of life ahead of where I'm at - I feel like every baby-related/mommy-related/almost "30-something"-related post she publishes is paving the path ahead of me. She's like a big sister preparing me for the next decade. I don't think I'd be as ready for motherhood right now if it wasn't for her.

#5: Rachel King

Source: napa.crushiq.com via Rachael on Pinterest

Greatest tip: Being a "social-media addict" doesn't have to be a waste of time.

Rachel uses her love for social media as a way to get jobs, and make a life for herself. I've never seen somebody so honest and open in every part of her online life. Of course her business blog is more formal than her personal blog, they are all interlinked. I'm an 8-5, office girl, and it's great to see someone not lose their personality in that.

(plus, Rachel's Pinterest resume inspired me to do one of my own)

I hope what I've learned is something you can learn - or have learned - too. These women are fantastic & such an inspiration to me. Go check them out please ♥

Have a fantastic week!

{Happy Monday!}

The Year's Big 9 (a brief overview)

Every year I set out to watch the all of Oscar Best Picture nominations... and this year I finally did! It got to be a slightly tedious process there towards the end. But, I thought it only fitting 1 week (+ 2 days) out from the big day to share my run-down of the nominees.

Here are my choices from least likely to win to most likely to win. Enjoy ♥

9) The Tree of Life - There's a reason why no one who's seen this movie can tell you what it's about... because it's about nothing. Sure, you can argue, it's about a kid who can't connect with his father, and the other mundane aspects of his life. But, then there's the evolution process, dinosaurs and other crazy "process of life" moments that are so vague, I could only be bored and wish I had the nerve to fast forward, or better yet, his "eject." Grade: D

8) War Horse - Steven Spielberg, World War I, and a horse. I couldn't help but think the entire time how I wished I was watching Black Beauty or even A Little Princess. But alas, I was not. I don't really have a criticism of any one part of the film... it's just that the whole thing was over-done. Sure there were moments of fright, sadness, or laughter, but as far as I'm concerned, this was just a spot filler in the nominations list. Grade: C-

7) Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close - I don't remember a time I wanted to see a film less than I wanted to see this film. The ratings are terrible, and I couldn't believe the Academy would have the audacity to nominate it. And then I saw it. And while it wasn't a life-long-love, I didn't hate it. I was actually impressed by its quirkyness, which was something I wasn't expecting. It was beautiful and sad to watch. And while the topic of 9/11 is touchy, I truly believe this film did the "most terrible day" justice. Grade: B-

Source: imdb.com via Didem on Pinterest

6) Hugo - This was the best spectacle I saw of the bunch. Martin Scorsese did not disappoint. The story is solid, the story-telling is only beaten out by the visual effects, and Asa Butterfield won my blessing to play Ender. The downside? It's a kids movie, no matter which way you look at it. And while it may win Sound and Visual effect awards, I doubt it'll beat out the other contenders for the night's big honor. Grade: B+

5) Midnight in Paris - If you can believe it, this was my first Woody Allen film. And, not surprisingly, I wasn't able to really enjoy it. I immediately went out and rented Annie Hall, and then watched a PBS documentary on Woody, and am now a few months deep into a love affair with Mr. Allen. I went back and watched the film a second time, and was much more impressed and entertained by the piece. It may not be Woody Allen's greatest film, but of the movies this year, it deserves to be here. Grade: A-

4) Moneyball - Oh Brad Pitt, and the surprising performance by Jonah Hill. I don't think Moneyball was the best film to be made this year. I really enjoyed the story. I thought it was fantastically made, and I'd definitely watch it again. But it's a story that's been told in many different ways. Grade: B+

Source: google.com via Ryan on Pinterest

3) The Help - While I didn't fall absolutely head over heels for The Help (you can read my original review here), I was obviously in the minority. Octavia Spencer's probably going to win Best Supporting Actress, and good for her. I personally didn't think the film was gritty enough to be on this list... but once I compared it to the other nominees, it has earned its spot in the top 3. The majority wins! Grade: B-

2) The Descendants - Winning my "favorite movie of the year" award, I won't try to keep it a secret that I absolutely loved The Descendants. Judy Greer isn't getting any recognition for her role - but I'm giving that girl a shout out over here. She was incredible. As, of course, was George Clooney. Everything about the film was exactly the way I wanted it to be. The story was simple, yet intriguing; the music wasn't too over-powering, and moved the story along nicely; plus it had a good message. Grade: A+

1) The Artist - It's already sweeping awards show across the world - from the Golden Globes to the British Academy Film Awards, in both Best Picture wins and Best Actor wins. And I wholeheartedly agree that it deserves it. The Artist was in my opinion the most original and refreshing film made this year. I was on the edge of my seat every moment, feeling the emotions just seep from the silver screen. The sound editing, acting, and costumes were all a sight to see, and I left the theater with a tear in my eye and smile on my face. Grade: A+

Source: cinemovies.fr via Frenchpounette on Pinterest

Who do you think deserves to win?

{Have a Great Weekend!}

Traditions in Marriage

Christian & I have a tradition each year the week or so before Valentine's Day, that's been going on for years now. It's our yearly tradition to give each other small trinkets (of bigger meaning) for an entire week on alternating days. We call it Symbols Week.

It's a ritual of sorts. We honestly forget to plan for it until the day before, but it always magically comes together. And I love having a tradition totally made up by us. I think every relationship needs the little quirky traditions to keep it moving along. (Like Elsie's "Fort Christmas" or Rockstar Diaries' "12 Dates")

So what, you ask, are these "symbols" I speak of? Here's a few of the wonderful gifts we shared with each other this past week:

*Gold Stars - to represent my desire to praise Christian more & encourage him more

*Mini-dessert plate from a local fine dining restaurant - to symbolize how much Christian loves doing "fancy" things with me & getting dressed up to have a good time together ♥

*Zebra figure - to symbolize the little stories and inside jokes we share. And to celebrate that our relationship is unique.

*Calendar to symbolize how much I love making plans with my guy.

It's sort of cheesy, and my friend Paige makes fun of me so much for this but I love keeping traditions up. I think it's a really great way to keep things fresh, new & exciting in a relationship.

What traditions do you have?

Weekly Loving...

Happy Wednesday!! I hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day yesterday ♥

Jumping right in to this week's weekly link-ups... Here's what I've been loving this week:

• I absolutely love this outfit posted by Tick Tock Vintage. Polka dots & braids? Not a single flaw...

Source: instagr.am via Amy on Pinterest

• I wish I worked out enough to justify making (and then eating) this tasty little creation: Fried Nutella Bites

Source: recipegirl.com via Amy on Pinterest

• Are you keeping up with the February Photo a Day challenge? I'm having a ton of fun with it! This may be my favorite picture I've posted all week. (Day 12: Closet)

Source: twitter.com via Amy on Pinterest

• I love this perfect living/dining room set up! The white contrasts so perfectly with the rustic wood table.

Source: simpleblueprint.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

• And finally, how absolutely beautiful is this Mango and Sabayon Cream tart? Thinking it'll be my Easter creation.

Source: lemonfirebrigade.com via Amy on Pinterest

Be sure to head over to

This Kind of Love and The Vintage Apple

to see what others are loving ♥

Have a wonderful day!

And check out my guest post, if you didn't see it the other day :)

10 Steps to a Perfect Valentine's Day

Well, Happy Valentine's Day to you all! Have anything romantic planned this evening? My guy's actually surprising me with something. So no telling what I'm going to get home to discover. But just because I'm not actually controlling my own Valentine's Day destiny, doesn't mean I can't plan it, right? So here you go.  

10 Steps to a my Perfect Valentine's Day:

Step 1: Wake up to a single flower with a ribbon on it on my bedside table.

Step 2: Discover coffee has already been brewed (the way I like it) on the pot

Step 3: Once I get to work, receive a text every hour on the hour with a sweet nothing

Step 4: Get home from work to discover the giant bouquet of flowers I've been waiting for all day - only to discover it's actually a Cake Pop bouquet, because you can't eat flowers.

Step 5: Dress up in heels, a dress & hose... only to be surprised with a stay-at-home meal.

Step 6: Open a bottle of wine, and help be my guy's sous chef as he makes Chile-Chocolate Coated Filet, Black Bean Risotto, and a Cherry Tomato Salad. And then eat said meal by candlelight.

Step 7: Ignore the dishes, while we eat Chocolate Lava Cake on the back porch, with dessert wine, wrapped up in blankets.

Step 8: Bedroom time ;)

Step 9: Watch April & Andy's wedding episode from "Park & Rec"

Step 10: Fall asleep cuddling.

I hope you have a wonderful, fun, romantic evening!

 ♥ Happy Valentine's Day!  ♥

Just thinking...

So... I have to just say it: I hate losing weight. It's so hard. And it's so frustrating.

I had such great success over the summer, but I burnt myself out. So now I'm trying the "slow & steady" approach - generally watching what I eat & working out at least 4 times a week (at least 30 minutes at a time). I feel stronger & more confident with every work out, but I'm not losing weight, or inches, or dress sizes. I'm just kinda staying the same.

But, staying on the positive side. I am growing a lot (mentally) through my weekly work outs. I'm done with my personal trainer - too expensive to keep it up! - and now am facing the challenge of pushing myself. No one's telling me what to do. It's all me. And I am determined to not back out. And as a result I'm growing.

I'm learning how to push past being uncomfortable. I'm learning how to read my body and give it a rest when it needs it. I'm also learning when my mood is so terrible and all I want to do is crawl up in a dark room that I should probably get my butt over on a treadmill stat.

I'm writing more, too, because I'm physically stimulated, I'm more open to mental stimulation. So I picked up my internship over at Stupid Dope and began writing my Marriage Series with a drive I didn't know was possible.

And that's where my life's at right now.  

What's going on in your world? 

PS - I'm a guest over at my friend Valorie's blog today ♥

10 Things, Vol 6

1. New Followers. Hello!! You made my week.

2. Organization. Loving it recently. Hoping this streak will continue & I'll get a jump start on spring cleaning. (Saturday plans, perhaps?)

3. Baby showers. I get to throw one in a month & I'm really excited! We're putting together the baby room & I'm looking for inspiration!

4. Weight loss. It's hard. I'm no good at it. But I'm trying. (Though, just weighed myself this morning and I'm down 2 pounds this week... finally!)

5. Friday. Can we just all agree it's the best day ever? (Plus it's the start of New York Fashion Week!)

6. February Photo a Day. 10 days in, & I'm loving it

7. Grammy Awards. My guy's working, so I get to watch them alone. I'm stoked. Looking for recipes to make for myself as we speak.

8.My favorite post of the week. Thank you Sydney.

9. Photoshop. I will learn you.

10. Weekend. Woo hoo! It's here! Now time to get some rest and I get to meet up with Leslie & her guy. I'm excited :)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thank you so much for reading. ♥

Growing Pains...

I wanted to continue with last week's love story, but life is funny & always throws little curve balls our way. And something much more important than my engagement story (3 years ago yesterday, btw!!) came up.

Over the past month or so, Christian & I just haven't been clicking. It's not like we were fighting or mad at each other... it was just that something was off. And finally, finally we were able to put a name to it.

Growing pains.

We've both been growing & learning & developing - for the first time in a long time separately from the other in areas in our own life - and it's like the world just got a little out of focus. But, once I muttered those words, growing pains, the focus was adjusted and we both instantly saw eye to eye on everything once again. The heaviness in the air was lifted, and we had true, legitimate fun. (Bonus: we've slept better since too!)

I marvel at how everything can be fine, and yet still not. It's just a reminder that we all really are just people... flawed, imperfect. And also it's a good reminder that "not clicking" doesn't have to be anybody's fault. Sometimes it just is.

And that's it. Short & simple.

What have you learned in your relationship recently?

Weekly Loving...

Jumping right in to this week link-ups! 

Here's what I've been loving this week...

This amazing, beautiful, creative, intriguing cake!!

Source: marthastewartweddings.com via Amy on Pinterest

And while my mind's on food.... the chicks over at Spoon Fork Bacon did it again. I wish I had gone to a Super Bowl party, because I'm dying to try this recipe out...

Source: spoonforkbacon.com via Amy on Pinterest

This outfit of Elsie's just made me smile ♥

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Amy on Pinterest

I want to make a headboard so bad!!! Here's one of my favorites:

Source: diyideas.com via Amy on Pinterest

And this surprise wedding totally made my week!!

Source: greenweddingshoes.com via Amy on Pinterest

--I've also been taking part in the February Photo a Day Challenge 
& created its own Pinterest Board!!--

To see what others are loving today, visit

This Kind of Love & The Vintage Apple

{Have a wonderful Wednesday!}

Fashion for a Tuesday: My Designer Crush

So I've been a fan of Kate Spade since high school. I spent all of my high school graduation money on a Kate Spade bag for my laptop to use in college (and I still have it -- and I still love it!) Of course, you probably already know about my obsession with this necklace.

Source: katespade.com via Amy on Pinterest

So the point?

I. Love. Kate. Spade.

And last week I ran into this video & just totally fell even more in love. (This year's Spring Collection is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!)

Can you blame me? It's totally the cutest thing ever!

Do you have a designer crush?? I love learning about everyone's "choice" designer. I feel like everyone has at least one.


ps-- BONUS! 75% surprise sale at Kate Spade through 11:59 pm on 2/7 ♥
(that was not planned... but definitely was awesome)

Interviews For Life

I have a secret I've been keeping...

Over the past 2 months, I received not 1 or 2 or 3, but 9 job interview offers. That late night of wine drinking and application submitting paid off, I guess. And the ego boost that came with that many people telling me they were interested in me was definitely worth it.

So why have I kept it a secret? I don't know. Maybe because I accepted Job #3, and then heard from 4 through 9 over the following two weeks. It was a weird experience to say the least. I had to learn how to handle awkward situations professionally very quickly.

Instead of instinctively telling my life-story response to interview offers, I resorted to the neutral, "I'm no longer looking for employment. Good luck in your search," response. And it felt good to have that little bit of power, even if I'm really being honest with myself that a job interview isn't the same an a job offer.

I did interview for 4 jobs, though, when all was said & done. And the interview process really taught me a lot about myself.

*I learned that I have something to offer.
*I learned that I am a well poised individual.
*I learned that I still have a lot to learn in the world.
*I learned that your hair being perfect doesn't matter as much as your resume.
*I learned how to put together a portfolio.
*I learned the more passionate about the job tasks, the better I interview.
*I learned being nervous isn't helpful.
*I learned to be confident in myself.

It's so nice when things click like that. I love learning a little more about myself. And I love the little bit of life experience that I gained. Of course, when it comes time to move onto the next phase of my life, I know the butterflies & jitters will take over again, but I think next time around I'll be just a little more grown up & a little more prepared.

I hope you had a great weekend! I'm so looking forward to this week. I think it has great promise.

{Happy Monday!}

Friday Fooday: Gyro Meatloaf

It's recipe time!!!

I was looking at my recipe page the other day & realized I hadn't updated it in forever... and then I realized I hadn't posted a recipe in forever. (Minus the pretzel bites... which went sort of viral thanks to you amazing people who put Pinterest to work in my favor).

But I figured I had to change that. After all, I cook dinner at least twice if not more a week. Why not share my great adventures? Plus, I just received my first copy of Taste of Home magazine and I had to put it good use.

So as I sat down to make my weekly meal plan, I started flipping through the recipes in the magazine. And they were all terrible (as in super unhealthy). Super Bowl and Valentine's Day are all coming up. But I didn't want something unhealthy. And then I spotted it. The perfect dish.

Gyro Meatloaf! Lamb, spinach, and you top with Tzatziki Sauce. It's pretty perfect. And really, super easy. I served mine with a little pita bread and it was good to go. Plus, I like adding a little lamb to my regular life. (And PS - I used fresh spinach instead of frozen. Makes a ton of difference in my opinion).

Gyro Meatloaf with Tzatziki Sauce

adapted from Taste of Home magazine - Feb/March 2012

Ingredients:
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed & squeezed dry
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup grated Romano cheese
2 tsp. dried Oregano
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. salt
2 lbs. ground lamb
1 cup Tzatziki sauce

Directions:
1) Mix first eight ingredients in bowl. Crumble lamb over the mixture & stir well. Shape into greased 11x7-in meatloaf pan.
2) Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes, or until no longer pink. Let stand 15 minutes. Serve with Tzatziki sauce

Print Recipe

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I also wanted to thank these 2 lovely ladies for tagging me last week with the Versatile Award and tagging me in the "11" game! Be sure to stop by these lovely ladies' blogs and say hello to them... they're pretty cool!

Love. Bliss. Life.

Tea With Mrs. Kee

I hope you have a very awesome - and tasty - weekend! 

We're seeing Demetri Martin and I am super excited!

{Have a Wonderful Weekend}