Dear Monday v.6 with a side of VLogs

Linking up with Megan for

Dear Monday, You came quickly, but quietly. Thanks for easing in.

Dear Love, We had a great weekend together. We went biking in the frigid 45-degree early-morning weather.

You wore my red knitted hat. Good thing we pinned down the tassle!

Dear November, Please help friends and family remember that we should be grateful every day, not just during the month of Thanksgiving. Maybe this will help: I challenge you all to start a journal in which you write one thing a day that you're grateful for (you can make your own, or buy one here). Have a gratitude attitude about life!

Dear Halloween, Although I am usually a Hallow-weenie, my favorite part about you is geeky costumes and plenty of candy.

Yes, that's a 40-pack of Fun Dip. Don't judge.

Dear Nicky-Tony, I ran into you this morning at work, which rarely happens on accident. You're so handsome in your work clothes.

Another treat for this lovely Monday: We're linking up with Meggie and Megs (that's three Meg[h]ans for this post, if you've been counting) for a get-to-know-you vlog!

We tried to be less crazy than our first vlog, but I can't guarantee that happened.

We may have missed some questions because our video lost sound at one point! The questions we answered are as follows:

1) What's your favorite color?

2) What's your favorite flower?

3) What's your favorite book?

4) What's your favorite/least favorite thing about living where you live?

5) What type of car do you drive?

6) What's your favorite place that you've visited, and your favorite memory from that place?

7) What's your dream vacation?

8) What's your favorite song?

9) What's the happiest time in your life?

10) If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be and why?

11) What's your best childhood memory?

12) What's something you want to do before you turn 30 years old?

13) What is your biggest dream?

14) What's the best gift you've ever been given?

Happy Monday, friends! How's your day today?

Starbucks Sunday

Happy Sunday friends! How's your Sunday going? Mine's pretty awesome. Church this morning was absolutely fantastic for a few reasons:
1) We had a baptism, which doesn't happen every Sunday. All the kids in the church line up for a procession while the congregation sings "Jesus Loves Me." It's an awesome tradition and I love it. 2) Dee Dee, our new associate pastor, gave the sermon today. It's the first time I've heard her, and she made me proud when she related Matthew 23:2 to villainous Disney characters. Well played Dee Dee, well played.
Now I'm at Starbucks with Nick while he's working on medical school apps and I'm playing around on my computer. Life is good.
In other news, those who know me know that Halloween is my least favorite holiday. Why would I want to dress up like a princess for Halloween when I'm a princess every day?! ;) I call myself a Hallow-weenie. I just don't like dressing up at all.
Nick and I were invited to my PsyD friend Sarah's for a Halloween party and debated on whether or not we wanted to go. Although Sarah said we were welcome regardless of whether or not we dressed up, we felt uncomfortable attending a Halloween party without dressing up in costumes. Because I'm such a Hallow-weenie, however, I wanted to dress up with as little effort as possible.
While brainstorming couple's costumes, Nick and I thought about our favorite couples and settled on the best "couple" we knew.
Nick was the William Shatner of theoretical physics, I was "a girl who is a friend, not [his] girlfriend." We were Dr. Sheldon Cooper and Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler from Big Bang Theory.
Photos via: AFF1, AFF2, Shelly1, Shelly2
We had a blast, except absolutely nobody knew who we were (Everybody thought Nick was trying to be the Green Lantern himself. Damn Nick's muscles!). Apparently we need geekier friends, or need to be less geeky ourselves.
What did you dress up like for Halloween (unless you're a Hallow-weenie, and then what are your plans to shun the holiday)? Happy Sunday! Don't forget to take some time out for yourself today, eh?

Lauren's famous buttermilk cupcakes

My friend Lauren (who just blew the roof off the LSATs, I should mention!) makes the greatest cupcakes.

No, really.

They're dense, but fluffy. Light, but filling. Amazingly wonderful, always a crowd favorite, and completely easy to make. So easy that I needed to share with you the goodness that is Laur's famous buttermilk cupcakes.

[Buttermilk cupcakes with chocolate cream cheese frosting]

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes, you'll need:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 large whole eggs

2 large egg yolks

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup melted unsalted butter

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the chocolate cream cheese frosting, you'll need:

1/2 stick butter, softened

4 ounces of cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a small mixing bowl.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, yolks, and sugar together. Add the melted butter, vanilla, and buttermilk into the mixture. The best way to do this is use an electric hand mixer, as it goes so quickly (however it's possible even if you don't own one).

Add the dry ingredients gradually into the batter while simultaneously mixing. Mix until smooth; batter should appear light and fluffy.

Ladle the batter evenly among lined muffin cups and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

You should let the cupcakes cool (on a wire rack if you have one, but since I don't, I just used a baking sheet) for at least 15 minutes before frosting.

I like to make the frosting while the cupcakes are baking so I can ice them 15 minutes after they get out of the oven. However you can premake the frosting (or wait until after the cupcakes are finished baking) and still have no problem.

To make the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese until creamy. I cannot imagine doing this without a hand mixer (or table mixer, if you're fancy and have a Kitchen Aid), because even if they're "softened," butter and cream cheese are hard to mix.

Then, add the powdered sugar slowly, then mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.

Two ounces of chocolate looks like nothing, but I promise it's plenty! You'll also have a ton of leftover frosting (this picture below is the leftover frosting after I've frosted the 12 cupcakes!).

Occasionally I'll switch it up and use white chocolate chips, or not use any at all (to make white chocolate cream cheese or vanilla cream cheese frosting, respectively). Play around and have fun, because it's all yummy regardless!

I insist on including sprinkles any time I bake cupcakes. I didn't have any Halloween-themed ones (my mom mentioned candy corn but I hate it), so brown sprinkles it was!

I always put them back into the muffin tin because I can easily throw them into the fridge with the lid on (I have one of these awesome pans that have matching carrying lids, although mine isn't a double-decker!). I highly recommend keeping these in the fridge, as the cream cheese frosting will harden a bit and then become an absolute delight when you bite in.

Don't forget to lick the extra frosting.

(No kittens were given any frosting during the making of this blog post, I promise).

Ah-maze-ing. What's your favorite cupcake recipe?

Fill in the blank Friday v. 17

Linking up with Lauren for another round of

{one}

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a secretary or a teacher when I grew up.

{two}

As an adult, my dream job would be professional cake tester. Final answer.

{three}

When I was younger, I wanted to be just like my mom. Still do.

{four}

The childhood Halloween costume I remember most was when I was Ariel, for three years in a row (with the photographic evidence to prove it).

{five}

My favorite childhood toy was (this is going to sound ridiculous): these popsicle sticks that I would write fake students' names on, then "draw" out of an old can as if I was a teacher. I'm lame.

{six}

The time I got in the biggest amount of trouble as a kid was when I ...don't remember. Thank gosh. I bet my mom could tell me...

{seven}

I get daily inspiration from other bloggers, Pinterest, amazing academics, and strangers who show kindness.

Happy Friday, friends!

Thursday thoughts

[1]

Are y'all watching Revenge? You need to check it out on Hulu right now (all of the first 6 episodes are up, so you're not behind at all). I have never loved and hated so many characters on a television show. It's brilliantly written, plus Emily VanCamp is fantastic.

[2]

Nick got an interview at Vanderbilt (which is among his top choices for medical school). Join me in a brief WOOHOO!

[3]

After reading about them from the Loerkes, I bought some Printstagrams. You link up your Instagram account and then you choose pictures you want prints for. I chose to buy the business card-sized prints (48 for $12, plus $6 shipping; the "Thursday Thoughts" photo is the cards). Best buy ever. I keep a few in my purse to write gratitude notes on the back for friends, and I've been hiding some for Nick in random places (like his wallet, or the back of his car seat). I sent one to my bestie Blake and have some for special WA people as soon as I get home. Seriously, I'm gonna have to buy more.

[4]

Did I tell you guys that I won two blogger giveaways this past month?! It's crazy awesome. First, I won Lauren's German candy giveaway (um, hello amazing), then I won Hollie's SOLOeyewear giveaway! Seriously, October was my lucky month. A little bit about SOLOeyewear: it's similar to the TOMS shoes idea of buy-a-pair-give-a-pair, but instead of giving a pair of sunglasses, they'll let you choose if you want to help fund a pair of prescription glasses or eye surgery for someone who can't afford it. It's an awesome program.

Mine are the T-Woods, and my only complaint is that they're a little too big for my head (although not big enough that I won't wear 'em; they're too cute to pass up!). However I have an extremely narrow head (take it from a neuroscientist, brain size and IQ aren't related!) so if you have a normal-sized head, these will look slammin' on you!

Anyway, I promised Hollie that I would take some photos as soon as we got the glasses. They're just iPhone photos, but we'll get some good DSLR ones soon!

Close-up: tortoise shell frames and bamboo arms.

I harassed Tamara as she was leaving work to give her best model pose. She rocked it.

Looks just as awesome on men, especially Hottie McHotterson.

I love them very much! (And yes, that's totally my "Have you hugged a Presbyterian today?" shirt.)

They came just in time for a 90+ degree October day, too! Thanks Hollie and SOLOeyewear!

How is your Thursday?

Who have you thanked recently?

My good friend Meghan at Shine On just blogged about something called The Bert Show (???), and a neat project they're doing. Apparently they're attempting to send 400,000 letters to the troops for Thanksgiving to say thank you for their service. All my old readers remember how much I love the troops, and how I became besties with (the newly engaged!) Captain Sean after I "adopted" him for Christmas in 2008. Anyway, Meghan spent her lunch break today writing letters, and then challenged her readers to write one as well!

Nick and I never back down from a challenge!

You should write one too! The rules:

-Gotta be on an 8.5x11 sheet of paper or smaller. No cards, no photos.

-You can't glue, tape, or staple anything on the letter.

-You can decorate any way you want!

-Then, you can mail in your letter(s) before this Friday to the following address:

The Bert Show’s Big Thank You

780 Johnson Ferry Road NE

Fifth Floor

Atlanta, GA 30342

If you have more questions, go to the Bert Show's website about the Big Thank You.

Five minutes is all it takes. Have you written your letter?

Dear Monday v.5

Linking up with Meg for Mingle Monday and Megan for another

Dear Monday, The donuts I brought my class were necessary, as you're unnecessarily harsh on undergraduates. Take it easy on them, eh?

Dear Muscles, I love that you'll pose for pictures like this.

I have the most fun with you.

Dear VRom, Thank you for going mountain bike riding with me Satuday morning! You did your first trail ride, which makes me proud. Plus, you got Cafe Capp with me afterwards, which means it was the best morning ever.

Dear Weekend Art Projects, Who knows why I was so determined to get to you guys this weekend, but I'm in love with all the final projects. My apron, although cute, needs a sewing machine. My painting, inspired from this Etsy art piece, turned out way better than I anticipated.

Dear Dr. Kirk, You made my life last week when I received a copy of your 4th edition Experimental Design preface proof. My shout-out (special recognition!) is probably the thing I'm most proud of from graduate school thus far.

Dear Blogging Friends, I think I'm hosting a giveaway soon. Be ready. :)

Dear FaveyPants, You left me all weekend and I'm still annoyed. It was a lonely weekend. Codependent? Maybe. But it's all out of love. I've missed you.

Happy Monday! How's the start of your week going?

Starbucks Sunday with a side of chalk

Today, I'm spending Starbucks Sunday at home. There's something amazing about relaxing in your own place, feet up on the windowsill, kitty cuddled (or smelling your coffee) around. What a glorious morning!

This past week, I've worked on my sewing (I think I'm going to buy a sewing machine on Black Friday, 'cuz this hand sewing thing takes forever), started a new book (it's Nick's), and cleaned my entire town home from top to bottom. I even Magic Eraser-ed my bathtub, which means I was dedicated to the whole cleaning thing.

My friends, however, have been busy chalkboard painting everything. Shauna painted the inside of her cabinet, glass containers, candlesticks, a frame, and some bottles. Emily decided to bust out some chalkboard paint for some old wine bottles to use as a fun wall decoration. We're all getting amazing inspiration from Pinterest (seriously friends, best website ever) and I am loving it. I too have been enamored with chalkboard paint, but haven't shown my projects on my blog yet. Shauna and Emily have inspired me to share mine too!

I spray chalkboard painted two wine bottles and a beer bottle for a centerpiece. They make a gorgeous tall centerpiece for an empty table, and if I take out the greenery for dinner, I can write the menu on the bottles as a little kick. I love the way it looks, plus it makes dinner parties that much more fun!

I also bought two cheap sale frames from Michaels and painted them as decoration. One smaller 8x10 for the mantle, and one larger 11x13 frame (not pictured) as a welcome when you walk into my home.

Because I wanted it to look like a real chalkboard and I was unsure how I'd like the glass as a base (that's a lie, I tried on an old glass surface and I hated it), I used fine spray texture underneath the chalkboard paint. Not only does it give a good surface for the chalk to grab, the look of the chalk feels so much more authentic.

I've also crocheted three scarves this week (I seriously need to bust out my crocheting book and learn new patterns), threw together a few potholders/washclothes with leftover yarn, and sent off some gifts to loved ones.

It's been a crafty week.

How was your week? What was your favorite part?

Fill in the blank Friday v. 16 and I believe...

Linking up with Lauren for Fill in the Blank Friday:

{1} Nothing says fall like... Pumpkin patches (and corn mazes), apple pie, and long-sleeved shirts.

{2} My favorite autumnal tradition is... besides the pumpkin patches, probably daylight saving. Fall Back just says autumn (and the end of the year) more than anything.

{3} My favorite fall treat is... Apple pie, hands down. So far, my answers seem to be repetitive.

{4} Fall makes me think of home because Texas doesn't have much of an autumn (the leaves don't really change colors, the weather is still warm in mid-October, etc.). I need some Washington in my life soon!

{5} Autumn free form word association: Leaves, frolick, celebration, apples, tea. Weird.

{6} My go-to outfit for fall is... dark boot cut jeans, riding boots, and a sweater. If it gets cold enough, a scarf and peacoat. Love it.

{7} My favorite fall holiday is... Thanksgiving. Family, friends, and giving thanks all in one holiday! Plus, turkey is yummy.

The second link-up for this beautiful Friday is with Hollie Ann for I Believe!

I believe in thank-you notes. I received one yesterday and my heart was so full. I hope my thank-you's make others' hearts happy with my gratitude.

I believe in loving fully to the best of my ability. I hope I let my friends know how much I care for and love them.

I believe in laughing as hard as possible when I think something is funny. Yesterday, I was crying because I was laughing so hard at a joke that a friend made. Today, I was watching Psych on Hulu while doing some mindless work and burst out laughing at a joke. I like laughing, okay?

I believe in wearing sweaters even when it's not quite sweater-weather for the fact that I am trying to will Texas to get colder.

I believe in taking time for yourself to fully reconnect with yourself/God/your chi/etc. Today, I plan on sitting in my office and eating sushi while I read some journal articles. And it will be glorious.

How is your Friday? What do you believe in?

Thursday thoughts

[one]

Thank you, Zach Braff and the Scrubs soundtracks (I'm unsure how I came to possess these, but I'm grateful) for keeping me company this morning, especially this song and this song.

My my my, it's a beautiful world...

[two]

Everybody either loves iOS5 or it deletes all your contacts. I'm terrified to update my phone.

[three]

My amazing mother's birthday was on Tuesday, and although I didn't write about it on my blog, be assured that I left a voicemail of me singing Happy Birthday entirely too early. She ended the day eating cake with the cutest kids in the entire world. Needless to say, I'm missing home extra this week.

[four]

I just took off my headphones and mine and Christopher's song was playing in the coffee shop. I like to think that it's his way of saying he's thinking about me. How fitting, as I was just watching a video about him earlier this morning.

[five]

To the Gods of Academia, please plant an amazing dissertation idea in my head soon. Thanks.

[six]

Speaking of academia, this week I was reading articles trying to spark my brain for good dissertation ideas, and I ran across an article that cited a paper that I co-authored. It was the first time this happened on accident, and I feel so accomplished. Awesome.

[seven]

Kate needs our love. Kate, if you're reading this, please know that we're with you during your hard times, and that hundreds of people are on your side. Sending you a massive hug and tons of love.

How is your Thursday so far?

Sail away

I promised you sailing photos, you're getting sailing photos!

We went to Grapevine Lake in Grapevine, TX to a marina where Nick's brother Patrick has a membership. Basically, he pays a tiny fee (seriously, it's crazy how good of a deal he has) for unlimited use of any of three sailboats--as long as the schedule is open. Thus, when Nick mentioned that he had to make a trip to Dallas, Patrick invited us to come sailing!

It was glorious.

Nick hoisting the main sail. He was shocked that it was so hard!

A view of the horizon in Nick's sunglasses.

The main sail on a gorgeous, sunny, mid-80 degree October day.

Nick and his brother Patrick. I'm pretty sure this was during Nick switching the jib to the other side, in which he would simultaneously yell "GIBLETS!" probably because he was in need of a war cry.

Nicholas and me, enjoying the gorgeousness of the day.

Mr. Muscles pullin' the jib's rope to switch which way the boat catches the wind.

One of my favorite photographs ever:

Patrick and the sailboat (he's up towards the front of the boat).

The day ended with a gorgeous sunset out on the lake.

We had a good time for sure. As we were leaving, a man asked us if we had a good sail, and Nick couldn't stop giggling at how pretentious it sounded. We had a blast, and yes, we had a good sail.

In other news, today, in an act of defiance towards the kinda-cold-kinda-not weather we've been having in Central TX, I wore my boots. It's not quite boot weather, but it feels glorious to be wearing long sleeves!

How is your Wednesday going?

Dear Monday v.4

I'm linking up with Megan at Happy Day!

Dear Monday, You always start out my week so wonderfully. Today, you helped my stats class become an entire chapter ahead of schedule. They may not be so happy about it, but I'm ecstatic!
Dear Nick, We spent a bunch of quality time together this weekend, of which I relish every moment. You're my favorite mountain bike riding partner. I love when you lead because you always shout "POOP!" to let me know when to avoid horse droppings on the trails, plus I get to check out your bum.

Dear Sarah's Bridal Shower, Not only did I have a blast spending two hours with some of the most amazing Godly women of my church, I have never felt so appreciated with the thoughtfulness of my gift! I went with my favorite theme gift: a pie pan, apple corer, peeler, two apple-themed dish towels, and a pie server with my favorite pie recipe on the top. Besides Sarah being super thankful, the entire group praised the wit of the gift (which made me feel so special!). You all insisted you needed the recipe and each took one after one of the hostesses made copies. Thank you for being so kind.
Dear Lauren, Happy 26th birthday! You have always been such a delight; I'm pretty sure at least half of my life I've wanted to be you. I hope today is full of love and celebration in your honor!

Dear Major Professor, For someone who once told me I should tell him more things about my life, it's hilarious that you're in Libya and I found out from your wife. I assume you're there for something ministry-related, so we're all praying for your journey and mission.
Dear Love, Your patience, peacefulness, and hilarity are just three of the many reasons why I'm constantly in awe of you. Thank you for always loving me.

I'm also linking up with Meg for Mingle Monday (my fave)!

Happy Monday friends! How's your day today?