Small Edits

So remember, way back when, I decided to make this Peanut Butter, Cocoa and Banana Smoothie? Well, I made it again, but with a few better edits (in my opinion!). The last time I made it, the bananas were overpowering that I had to supplement by adding more of everything, which made it not as healthy as its potential.

Now, with a few little adjustments, it's better than ever and my favorite little sweet treat after a workout or just after dinner. Yum yum! (oh and did I mention that it's thick? Like milkshake style thick? Just checking!)

1 frozen banana
1-1 1/2  cups of almond milk or any type of milk
2 tbsps of peanut butter
2 tbsps of cocoa powder
1 tsp of vanilla
1 pinch of sea salt
1 squirt of honey

Put all of the ingredients in the blender and blend until desired consistency. aka until the creamy goodness is to your liking.

Favorite Quote

This is a tough one.

I love quotes, I won't lie! So to ask me to pick a favorite, well that's difficult.

My favorite quote has changed over the years because I think at different points in my life are different quotes that resonate most with what's happening with me personally. As I have gotten older, I always try to remember this first quote:

Everyone personally has struggles. Life has many bright, light, happy, joyful moments, but life is also full of challenges and trials, and I try to always remember that if someone is having a hard day or not acting the way I think they could act. It's kind of like never judging a book by its cover. Everyone is fighting a hard battle, so I just always take a step back.

And then there is this. If I have my faith, I know that anything is possible.

What quote is your favorite? Your go-to? 

Friday Fancies: Floral Frenzy

Happy Friday! We went from days with 80+ degree temps to 40 degrees with wind chills in the 30s. Yuck! I'm getting over whatever this sickness/allergies is: a sinus infection with partial, mild vertigo. Have you ever had vertigo? It's the weirdest feeling! I feel like that Alfred Hitchcock movie! Anyway, moving on.

So I haven't fully jumped on the floral trend just yet. I like it, but I'm afraid to jump all in. I do have a button down from Old Navy that I love and wear to work all the time, but it seems different in a blazer. I love this blazer with jeans, just dressed down and functional. Plus it's perfect for these cooler temperatures that we can't get rid of yet! Those boots are per-fection! Love them! They'd be perfect for summer, no?

We're heading up for a quick trip to Wisconsin for some R&R, fish and chips, and some good ol' Amish donuts. Have the best weekend everybody! Go visit Long Distance Loving

Cookie Tips and Tricks

Ok. This topic was a little difficult for me to think of. Yes, I know that I am good at several different things, but putting them into words is hard to do. Because you all probably don't want to learn piano 1:1 (and because I can't teach over the interwebs...yet!), here's a random piece of advice to help you all make the best chocolate chip cookies:

I'm partial to the Mrs. Field's recipe for a richer cookie, or if you're in the mood for a lighter crisper cookie, I love Ina Garten's recipe. But here's the number one tip for cookie baking:

1. always take them out earlier rather than later. Yes in every cookbook the author tells you that they'll look underdone when you take them out, but then, if you're anything like me, you'll look in the oven, see the underdone-ness, and leave them in for a minute or two more, just for good measure. DON'T DO THAT! Because it completely ruins the texture and makes them harder and the flavors aren't as good. 
2. Also, another tip when baking cookies, and this was something that took me a long time to learn, is let every ingredient fully mix in before adding another ingredient to the bowl. I've messed this up so many times I can't even tell you! But it makes such a difference in the texture of the dough, and ultimately in the taste of the cookie. So one at a time! and let each fully incorporate before adding another one in. 
3. And this is an obvious tip: don't leave the kitchen until all the dough is made! Sounds obvious. But it's just so tempting to leave...and then you end up with smoke in your oven! Don't do it!

So there are some of my tips and tricks that I've learned and I now call myself a chocolate chip cookie pro!

What's one thing that you're good at that you could teach me? (or anyone else for that matter!)

Story of My Life

I'm doing Blog Everyday in May! Here's today's topic:

My life story in 250 words (or less!):

I grew up the oldest of four kids in a Chicago suburb. My siblings and I did everything together growing up and my mom and dad gave us the greatest childhood anyone could ever ask for. They helped me develop my passion for music and at age six, I started playing the piano, something many specialists probably never believe I could do, since I could barely hold a pencil or use scissors in kindergarten. I went to an all-girls high school and had some of the best years of my life, kept playing the piano, and it helped me get into the best school ever: Illinois Wesleyan University where I majored in Elementary Ed and Piano. Now I'm teaching school, piano lessons, living the life with my family and I couldn't ask for anything more. Wouldn't be anywhere without the most cliché three fs: family, friends and faith.

2013, so far

Happy Monday ladies! I can't believe that it's almost May. Seriously. Where'd the time go? And in honor of it being (almost) May, I thought I'd talk about the year so far.

I graduated from college a year ago today. I can't believe it. So much has happened in a year. I can't even believe how much has changed since last May. I moved back home and I started subbing five days after I graduated. In August, I got my first full-time job, and though it has had its challenges, it's been a fun ride so far. Also in August, I started giving piano lessons to one little girl and I now have eight students every week. I babysit, perhaps a bit too much, for several really good families. It's been a whirlwind. and I can't believe it's been a year.

one of my favorites and I at IWU graduation a year ago today

To say that 2013 has had its challenges so far is an understatement. It's been a time of little bits of trial and hardship. My faith has been tested, but I always know that God will provide and His plan will work itself out in time. I've spent a lot of time with my family and I wouldn't have it any other way. I've worked. and worked. and worked. Probably a little too much because I've gotten too many colds this year, like today. But I feel good about all the work I've done so far, and I'm saving a lot, which was one of my goals for the year.

But I've also had my fun (aka one of the most relaxing trips I've ever been on). I've spent so many fun Friday nights cooking, watching too many movies, and getting to know my favorite city once again.

It's been a crazy ride so far and I wouldn't change anything about it. I know that there will still be more challenges that come my way, but I know I can face anything head on and I'd like to think that I've been sticking to this 2013 manifesto (found here). What about you? Have you stuck to your goals this year?

Friday Fancies: April Showers

Happy Friday all! I'm so happy that it's Friday, it's been a long one. Hopefully the weather's looking up, temps are climbing and May starts next week (seriously?!)! Well in honor of the last week of April and all the April showers storms we've been having in the Midwest, I'd wear this to brave the elements (with an unlimited budget of course!).

april showers by susanhager featuring a clear bubble umbrella

This trench is just classic, go with anything, have for life Burberry and I'd love to dance in the rain with that coat. I'd be lost without my classic black Hunter boots, and what a thrill it'd be to carry that Prada bag. Even just for five minutes! It's gorgeous!

Have great weekends everyone! My work is having our annual Benefit Fundraiser tonight and then I'm spending the rest of the weekend hanging with my family and soaking up the warmer temps. Happy Friday!

and see more Rain Lovin Looks on Long Distance Loving!