People...

...can be really great sometimes. Those that are willing to help and take the time out of their day to e-mail  or call you with helpful advice are just my favorite kinds of people right now.

They put a smile on my face.

It makes me realize that once I'm in such a position, I will help others as much as possible with whatever they are searching to accomplish.

This may be all the animal rescue shows that I've been watching lately getting to me, but whatever it is I like this new, more empathetic person I am wanting to become.

Memorial Day Lovin'

Lake trip was a success with old roommates and new friends. I jumped off a cliff (!!!!) and had a blast tubing/laying out on a lovely boat at Possum Kingdom. I had never heard of this lake before a couple of years ago and even then never dreamed of going to a place named after the amount of possum skins that used to be traded there (as legend has it). Thankfully no possums were seen this weekend and I was able to get a tan and hang out with my beautiful friends...

As you can see here, Drea went on a kayaking adventure through the infamous Hell's Gate, which sounds scarier than what it actually is...

Once again I fell in love with summer, friends and good food (as always). In fact, I fell in love with food a little too much and have since re-joined a gym and have been trying to cleanse my system a bit. Exhibit A:

Also, I forgot how tasty smoothies can be! Use to be, I couldn't understand how anyone could replace a meal simply with fruit in liquid form. BUT, as a little perk for joining the gym we did, my mom and I received two free smoothies. And, believe me mine was delicious. 

That's all for now. Tomorrow I plan on going to yoga, swimming and continue cleaning out my room/closet so I can rearrange some furniture (just for the heck of it).

What a weekend!

What a weekend indeed! These past few days have been wonderful at our family's bay house. I got to spend lots of time with my dad and my cousin and was able to soak up some rays and tan a bit. The only downfall was the piece of wood that oh-so-graciously lodged itself deep into the heel of my foot. (Don't worry I just got it all out tonight so we're good to go). I get entirely too many splinters for a 22-year-old but oh well, that's life.

 Then, we finished up the weekend with a dinner at my Grandmother's house where I got to play with my darling two-year-old cousin, Ashley Kate.

She is bilingual but calls dogs "fafas" and doesn't take nuffin' from nobawdy. And I kind of love her a lot.

Ending the night drinking ice tea on grandmother's back porch was wonderful...this little one and I were quite sleepy by the end of another fun-filled weekend.

I know weekends like these can't last forever and I love them so that I am trying to take them all in and cherish them as much as possible. Thursday I'm off to Possum Kingdom lake with friends...then to Dallas for baby's first bachelorette (sp?) party. WHEW!

Ready, set, go

Graduation and mother's day festivities are officially complete. Moving home Wednesday. Two interviews to follow. One thing I'm looking forward to is spending time with this guy--->

My dad and I go together like peas and carrots so I'm excited to spend a little time with him if I do end up getting a job and moving away from Houston. 

Currently I'm trying to squeeze in as many activities on my graduation bucket list as possible. My mom and I went to the Sam Noble Museum today and let me tell you, I was so impressed. I don't think I've been that excited to see a dinosaur skeleton since I was a young'n. 

Next, we went to a restaurant I have been wanting to go to for FOREVER...too bad I didn't know how amazing it was until today! One of the best burgers I have had in Norman (minus Sooner Dairy).

All-in-all this was a wonderful last weekend in Norman. I was so happy I got to spend it with family and friends...not to mention we have so many Fuzzy's tacos left over from the catering we had for our grad party...guacamole, chips, salsa, queso, beef, chicken, tortilla overload and I love it. 

Time to Take

 I have a solid 10 minutes before my family arrives at my house to continue the graduation festivities so of course I want to write a blog post about the nostalgic feelings I have been shoving deep...deep down. Although I'm excited for new people, places and just things in general, I could never imagine a greater, more rewarding college experience. Not only have I received a wonderful education, but I have met some of the best people while living here in good ol' Norman, Oklahoma. I can't wait to celebrate this wonderful time in our lives but change, as necessary as it is, is always a bit sad and scary. 

Tonight, however, I will enjoy a lovely steak dinner with my wonderful parents and silly little brother. Hopefully I will return with a bounty of pictures to share with one and all. 

In the meantime, here are some pictures from the past few days! 

 

A pasta dinner-date with a best friend! 

 

My last date party ever with another one of my best friends! 

 ...more nostalgia...

...and this last photo is a picture of Sarah's graduation gift to us...it's a bracelet with the coordinates of Norman on it. I just about cried/died when she gave us these treasures. I love it so.

Let's hear it for Better Hearing and Speech Month!

Here's my uncle Angelo talking about his struggles to regain his speech, hearing and writing skills after suffering a stroke. He's one of the hardest working, most inspirational people I know and I encourage everyone to take a look at this little video! 

Found on KXII.com.

Mustache Weekend

For some reason this weekend was filled with lots of mustaches...

...and then we got a little too creative with them...nonetheless playing dress-up with mustaches is tops.

Goat Cheese Goodness

Last night for the Lindsey+Asp awards ceremony, I decided to make a little dip to tickle everyone's taste buds. This appetizer is the easiest, most delicious recipe I have ever had the pleasure of making/eating...

 First, buy yourself some good ol' fashion goat cheese logs, pesto and cherub tomatoes...

...cover the bottom of any sized pan your heart desires...

 ...spread that pesto over your goat cheese....

...pop that little baby in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at around 325 degrees...

...while the goat cheese/pesto bakes in the oven, slice those cherub tomatoes...

...place as many or as little tomatoes as your heart desires...

...and you're left with one delicious dip to share with friends and family...

...trust me...everyone will be begging for it.

Happy 127th birthday to one of my favorite magazines!

A giant HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Good Housekeeping magazine! Working with this publication as a web intern was one of the best experiences I have had thus far. Here's to you, GH, for keeping women sane and providing them with the everyday practical yet entertaining advice we crave. Here's to you for always being there to lend a helping hand when we feel as though family is driving us crazy. Here's to you for posting healthy and delicious seasonal recipes that are affordable and easy to make. Here's to one of the most renowned magazines that I know. Happy 127th birthday to you! 

Here are a few snapshots highlighting my experiences in New York last summer. Oh, how I miss it. 

The day before I started interning at GH my mother and I took my subway route and found the Hearst building in which I would be working. (Holy moly was I blown away by how cool it was!) 

Living in the upper east side allowed me to become a subway expert on how to get to west midtown.

On one of the two errands I ran while at my internship with GH, I was able to walk by the Lincoln Center and couldn't resist snapping a photo of the beautiful fountain. 

...and of course...one of the best things about being an intern is some of the perks! Free cupcakes...soda...jewelry...that baby nalgene in the background. 

So thank you, Good Housekeeping, for not only providing women everywhere with a trusted magazine full of wonderful advice, but also for the amazing experiences you gave me and are continuing to give.