Fabulous Friday Links

It has been some time since I've done one of these.  I've had the past week off of work and my apartment is finally feeling like a home.  This weekend we go to get the kitties.  It will be the first time in over a year since we have lived with our cats.  On Tuesday Alex starts his first real semester of law school and I go back to work.  Wish us luck in our new lives in the beautiful pacific northwest.

Happy Friday Friends!

1. I really want THIS rug for my living room.  
2. And THIS coffee table.
3. And THESE for the window, so the kitties do not ruin the blinds.  
4. I'm dreaming of fall.  THIS sounds like a good first thing to bake in my new kitchen!
5. Or maybe THESE!
6. After we pay off our credit card debt I really want to do THIS.
7. I'm missing my lucky bamboo.  I think it got lost during the move.  THIS would be a nice replacement. Since this seems to be the only plant I can keep alive.
8. All my twinkle lights are MIA as well.  I think I need THESE to start rebuilding my collection.
9. Alex has informed me that we need adult things now.  I think THIS would be a very adult thing to own!

Treetop Queen Headboard (see more antique headboards)

Fabulous Friday Links

It's been a hard few weeks.  Spring break was no break.  And the past two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster of stress and tears.  Now that I know I have passed BOTH of my written exams one would think that the stress levels would go down.  Nope.  The world is going crazy and my own little piece of it is full of studying for Oral exams that are still a month away.  Next week I will spend another two weeks with children.  That should calm my nerves a smidge.  On to happier (hopefully) things.  On Wednesday Alex and I are going to see Jillian Michaels live and I'm so excited!

1. Rhubarb Almond Breakfast Cake.  Need I say more?
2. Joy made some killer French bread pizza's this week that remind me of my childhood.  I think I need to make THESE soon! 
3. Maybe I should have made THESE for my school birthday celebration.  
4. THIS might be a good idea for my lunches this week.  
5. I want to pick some of THESE up, I'm always loosing the scrunchie bands.
6. Did you know that April is child abuse prevention month?  Neither did I.  GET INFORMED.
7. Free online science books HERE.  
8. The Power of Talking to your Baby.
9. 10 Things to Stop Saying to Your Kids.  

Fabulous Friday Links

Friday.  The first week of spring break is coming to a close.  Thoughts and doubts are bubbling to the surface.  Have I studied enough?  Will I pass my written exams?  Good thing I have another whole week to get myself feeling more confident about this whole thing.

1. I'm so in the mood for something with fresh strawberries.  THIS would be wonderful. 
2. To have THESE two would be a dream come true.  My animals do not get along. 
3. WOW! THESE are beautiful and amazing.  
4. Interesting ARTICLE about milk and children.  
5. THIS salad sounds amazing.  
6. Some good TIPS on eating better.  
7. I am in love with THIS.  Go there now and thank me later.  

Fabulous Friday Links

Today is my last day practice teaching and well I'm glad, but there are a couple of children I'll miss.

Tonight, Alex and I are going into the city for dinner with new friends to celebrate my birthday.  

We have reservations at Jaleo.  

I'm so excited!  It has been awhile since we have ventured into the city, but it'll be our first time going out to dinner in D.C. 

This place is a tapas place and sounds delicious!  

Then tomorrow starts my two week spring break.  

Don't be too jealous since I'm going to be working on finishing my language materials and studying for my written exams.  

1. I'm totally obsessed with banana bread.  THIS one sounds divine and possibly will not ruin Alex and I's diet. 
2. Speaking of our diet I really want to pick up THIS workout DVD.  It would work it's self in nicely with our other DVDs: 30-Day Shred, Six-Week Six-Pack, Killer Buns and Thighs, Last Chance Workout, and the New York City Ballet Workout I.  
3. I'm contemplating becoming a vegan and THIS dish sounds great.  Though I don't eat much cheese the idea of never eating it again, doesn't appeal to me.  So, maybe a mostly vegan?  We'll see.
4. I want to make THIS soon.  Possibly this weekend, like tomorrow.  Only to convince Alex that he should like mushrooms.  That'll be a battle.  
5. I need some cool tart pans like: THIS or THIS.  
6. And some mini ones like THESE.  
7. To make THIS.  Because Fall is never far from my heart.  

Fabulous Friday Links

Good morning everyone.  It's Friday again and the last day of my first week practice teaching.  I was so excited to get this day over with that I forgot to wash my hair.  Oh well. that's what ponytails are for.  

Next Tuesday is my birthday.  The big 32.  I will be spending it with a group of twenty-two 3 to 6 year old's.    What could be better than that?

Well that's all I have for today.  I'm dashing off to be with some lovely 3 to 6 year old's.

1. I'm totally making THESE for Mama and Zoey when we are reunited in July.
2. THIS might be a replacement for my USUAL birthday cake.  
3. Or maybe THIS Pudding.   So many choices so little time.  

Fabulous Friday Links

Oh, my friends it is Friday again.  The weeks are going by s fast I cannot seem to pause and marvel at the things around me.  Maybe this weekend I'll pause and enjoy the fact that I'm living in the Capital of the United States of America.  Maybe, Alex and I will venture outside of our basement apartment for more than just food and school.  On Monday I start my practice teaching.  I'm scared and nervous   I'm doubting myself and my choices.  I'm trying to convince myself that it'll all work out and that it'll be wonderful once I'm surrounded by three to six year old children.  

Happy Friday Folks!

1. This chili sounds divine.  Now to convince Alex to have chili without meat!
2. SOME interesting food for thought.  Is quinoa worth the cost?
3. I think when Mama and Zoey are with us again I'm going to make THESE.
4. I'm hoping that when we move this summer from DC that we go somewhere where I can do THIS.
5. I ant to try and make THIS soup.
6. I've been dreaming of Sangria.  I think Alex and I should try THIS recipe or maybe one of  THESE.
7. I think I need to get THIS for my camera.  I mean it does contain my name!
8. I need to get THESE plants, since I seem to have a black thumb.  
9. THESE sound amazing!  Too bad we are in full blown dieting mode.
10. I'm not sure how I feel about THIS.  It disturbs me, but it's not bad. 

Fabulous Friday Links

Oh Friends it is Friday again, but it is not only Friday it is the first day of the best month of the year.  Well I think it's the best because it's my birthday month!   The week after next I begin my first two week practice teaching session.  It should be nice to get out of the lecture hall and into the classroom.  Though truth be told I'm a little nervous.

Happy Friday folks!

1. I really want to try and make this bread sometime soon.  
2. I started reading this book this week.  I think Alex and are in for an interesting time if we try and follow all the rules this month.  
3. I'm on the lookout for the perfect graduation dress.  This one is in the running.  
4. I'm looking forward to when our year on the East coast is done and I can read books freely again.  This book might be one of the first books I put on my night stand in September.  
5. Or maybe this book.  Knowing myself there will be a pile of books.  

Fabulous Friday Links

Happy Friday friends.

Today was an optional school day and while most of my fellow students took the day off Melissa and I put in a full day of working on our Geography materials.   I think (fingers crossed) we'll be done soon.  When they are I'll take a photo so you know what the heck I'm talking about!

It has been quite a while since I've done one of these, but today seemed like a good day to have a linky list!

1. I think I need THIS book from Ashley English.  
2. THIS is an interesting article about why Americans should start having babies.  
3. THIS blog has beautiful food photography.  If I was half as good I'd be delighted. 
4. I'm so going to make THIS cake when I have some free time.  

Benefit Cosmetics

I don't wear makeup that often, but I'm also very obsessed with it.  

Rumblings and ramblings about...

There are rumblings in my head.  

When there is an absence of money in my life that is when I want to buy things the most. 

Interesting phenomena. 

I also have to keep in mind that we are going to be moving back to the West Coast at the end of next July. 

 I do not want to have tons of items to pack up and move the 3,000 miles home.  

 My remedy is to not put myself further into debt, but to make elaborate wish lists.  

Of course most of this list will be books.  I love books and I miss my library, especially the cook books.

The Smitten Kitchen 

Image

Diana

Songs with Diana in the title and song.  

Random YouTube search of my name (at least the more common spelling of my name, since I use two Ns). 

 Paul Anka - Diana (1957)

 

Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana (1988)

 

Diana Navarro - Diana (2011)

 

If anyone knows of other Diana songs let me know.

Fabulous Friday Links

Another week gone.

Time sure does fly these days.

I do promise to have more than these linky posts soon.  Very soon!

Happy Friday Friends! 

These are a few of my favorite things... 

this week!

1. Yum is all I can say about this peach cobbler   
2. And I want to make this recipe as well.    
3. Polenta cake? What?
4. Chocolate pecan sticky buns.  
5. Loving Joy the Baker's doughnuts.  
6. Baked potato soup sounds good for the fall weather we've been having. 
7. Mushroom stew! 
8. Pumpkin ravioli.  Yum. yum. yum.
9. What is good about an apple a day?

Fabulous Friday Links

Another week has gone by.  The time sure does fly.  

I'm enjoying all my schooling, but it sure is taking it's toll on my normal activities.

Next week should be better.  I might even get some sewing done.  

If I do I'll show all of you!   

Now I'm off to class and a weekend full of paper writing.

Happy Friday Friends!

These are a few of my favorite things...  

this week!

1. I think I'm starting to like some new music.  This song is glorious!
2. As I grow older gin has become my drink of choice if I drink.  These gin and tonics sound wonderful to be shared with good friends.  
3. We all need little break from the internet sometimes.  Internet Vacations. 
4. Why Women Should Stop Trying to be Perfect.
5. If I ever get some free time I'd like to read this book.
6. This movie makes me want to have a baby.  Yes, I said the B word.  
7. And this movie reminds me of how complex it can be.  
8. I want to make this.  

Fabulous Friday Links

Wow another week is done.  Where has the time gone?  

I feel like I'm chained to my key board these days. So many papers to write and so little time or anything else.  I guess that's what I get when I take an intensive year long master's degree course. 

Last night I made the Hello Dolly Bars that I made for Alex's birthday last year for a potluck at school today. I hope everyone likes them!

Happy Friday Friends!

These are a few of my favorite things...  

this week!

1. One Perfect Bit posted this Mushroom Galette.  It sounds so good and comforting.   
2. I love fall and it's getting to be scarf weather.  Refinery 29 has ideas for some scarfs to pick up since all of mine are still in California.  
3. Art Kulinaria has a vanilla cheesecake with salted caramel that sounds divine   
4. Soup is starting to sound like a good idea I think this chicken enchilada soup is in my near future. 
5. I'm contemplating wearing more dresses and skirts, now that I can!  I could totally start with this Caravan Princess Dress.  
6. And these shoes need to somehow become part of my wardrobe... 

From Zappos.com I'm thinking a 7W or 7.5W

From Bali Elf  in a beautiful olive green

Fabulous Friday Links #5

Happy Friday Friends!

These are a few of my favorite things...  

this week!

1. I love Nutella, but really who doesn't?  I think these chef in training Nutella Cupcakes would be good to make soon. 
2. I'm totally in love with this website.  A Full Measure of Happiness
3. I'm wishing I could find Creative Development of the child vol One and vol Two in the U.S. 

Building up my stash

I survived the tornado warning and thunder storm yesterday.

Though I did get soaking wet from the walk to the car.

Running

I've been thinking on taking up running for sometime now.  Though every time I start I cannot follow through.  Alex tries to "motivate" me, but it only makes me feel inadequate.  He seems to think that someone who has never taken up running in their life should just push themselves to exhaustion and the fact that running flat out for a single minute makes me feel like my heart is going to leap out of my chest is not good enough.  This mentality is going to make me not want to run ever or give me an injury.  Neither of these is something that I want.  So, I've been doing some internet research.

This is what I have found:

Running form:

A beginners running schedule:

Week                            Run/Walk Plan                    Total Duration

1                       1 min run, 2 min walk (7x)                21 minutes

2                       2 min run, 2 min walk (5x)               20 minutes

3                       3 min run, 2 min walk (4x)               20 minutes

4                       5 min run, 2 min, walk (3x)              21 minutes

5                      6 min run, 90 sec walk (3x)              20 minutes 

6                      8 min run, 90 sec walk (2x)              18 minutes 

7                    10 min run, 90 sec walk, (2x)             23 minutes 

8                  12 min run, 1 min walk, 8 min run         21 minutes 

9                 15 min run, 1 min walk, 5 min run          21 minutes 

10                    run 20 minutes continuously                20 minutes 

Then we move on to the next program, but we'll see if I can even stick to this one.

Fabulous Links Friday #4

Wow things are really starting to get busy around here.  

Papers, papers and more papers.  

Every where I look I have more papers to do.  

So, that is the state of things this week.  

Maybe next week will go more smoothly.

Happy Friday Friends!

These are a few of my favorite things...  

this week!

1. I've had knitting on my mind lately.  This seems like a good project to start back up on a Serenity Cardi.
2. We should all look at this site and join in the mission.  Operation Beautiful.  
3. Eats Well With Others always has fabulous recipes, but I'm drooling over this Plum Almond Tart.  
4. I'm thinking My Sweet and Savory's Swiss Chard Soup will be a good recipe to remember for Meatless Monday.  
5. We are going to try the sourdough all over again here are a couple of possible recipes: Sourdough home or Sourdough Companion.  There are also a couple of recipes for a different starter in my Joy of Cooking that we might try as well!

Fabulous Links Friday # 3

Fabulous Links Friday # 2

Wow, it's Friday again already and the last day of August.  Where did the time go?

Alex and I have been on the East Coast for a month now.  

Next week school starts and everything will change.

No more sleeping in.  No more watching the Cooking Channel all day.

Time to turn my brain back on!

These are a few of my favorite things...  

this week!

1. I've been craving baked goods for weeks now.  This Buttermilk Blueberry Breakfast Cake from Alexandra's Kitchen is calling my name!
2. Or maybe something sweeter like this Pumpkin Toffee Cheesecake from The Other Side of Fifty.
3. I signed up for Sew Liberated's Craftsy course: Sewing with Knits.  Super excited!
4. Do-it-yourself pore strips from the Petit Elefant.  Sounds interesting.
5. I really want to try and make this Mason Jar Herb Garden from Camille Styles.
6. I cannot wait for cooler weather to drink some Hot Honey Cocoa. 
7. I've been thinking of making my own clothing lately.  This convertible dressing might be a good place to start. 
8. Freezer Meals on the Cheap.  This might be a good idea.  Alex and I might give it a try.
9. I think I might make this Patchwork Tote with this fabric that I ordered from Spoonflower.
10. This is something I've been dreaming of doing for a long time.  Making a Sourdough Starter!