Thursday, February 10, 2011

a skirt & a scarf





{sweater & skirt - gap | tights - betsey johnson | scarf - gifted russian scarf}

i'm desperately behind in posting my 30x30 posting of picks, photos, etc. i've got my items, and i've been faithfully wearing them since last tuesday, but since i'm essentially working two jobs, i just haven't had the time! mix that, with the f-f-freezing cold weather, getting outfit photos has been absolutely out of the question. here are a few photos of my outfit from today. and just for the record, it's my second time remixing this skirt. i.love.it. especially paired with the bright scarf that almost matches perfectly, i thinks this outfit  is part feisty & part fashionable. and that's okay with me.

xoxo

recipe: black bean brownies




you may not think that black bean brownies are particularly fashionable, but i will vehemently disagree.  it's often trendy to be vegetarian/vegan (mostly as represented by celebrity culture). i've been both in my life, and i simply could not stick to it. serious props to all of my life-long vegetarian and vegan friends. i still don't eat a ton of red meat and other carnivore heavy foods, but i do enjoy myself a good burger every now and again. but, i digress...

brownies are supposed to be delicious and guilty delectable treats. right? right? these brownies really are an amazing invention. i'm always on the lookout for ways to enjoy sweet treats without all of the added bad stuff (butter, loads of refined sugar, calories, etc.). these brownies do just that! the black beans replace the flour, so friends with gluten allergies can still enjoy these babies! and with only eggs, the animal products are limited.

ingredients:
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder*
1 pinch salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup white sugar
*i added the baking powder based on some of the reviews of the recipe, to make the brownies more cake-like. i also omitted chocolate chips and instant coffee from the original recipe.


instructions:
preheat oven to 350
lightly grease 8x8 square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
combine black beans, eggs, oil, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, sugar, and baking powder into a blender (i used my food processor)
bake in preheated oven until the top is dry and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan, approximately 30 minutes.

nutrition information: calories: 126 | fat: 5.3g | cholesterol: 40mg

enjoy!

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

INDIE conference

{info about conference here}

I'm excited to share that I will be participating in the INDIE conference hosted by Selective Potential & Delightfully Tacky. I'm excited to learn more about blogging from these two ladies! I'm excited for the seminars and the tips that they will be providing about the magical world of blogging.

Stay tuned for some updates!

xoxo

Friday, February 04, 2011

weekly gratitude: fourth edition


things i'm thankful for this week:
  • the massive blizzard that hit chicago that provided me with two extra days off of work this week!
  • extra time at home with hubby and lennon: playing, cuddling, and laughing about the ridiculous things people do for entertainment when they're snowed in
  • funfetti brownies!
  • groupon deals: this week i scored a gift for hubby that i'm saving for a valentine's day surprise
  • my hunter boots: they're incredibly waterproof/durable and perfect for this weather
  • sunshine; the sun has been shining every day since the storm

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

snow days!











today was a snow day for hubs and i! we went exploring today to see what was open (not much) and to scope out the neighborhood. the city becomes an interesting place when schools are closed. cross-country skiing in the streets, middle aged adults launching themselves into the snowbanks, neighbors helping neighbors dig their cars out, and things are overall more quiet. 

tomorrow is another snow day! we will see what adventures ensue. 

xoxo