Bright as the Sun

When you are around me, you are certain to get glitter on you.

"Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?"

Shine so brightly that they can't help but stop and notice you.

Do you own a pair of Toms? You should. And I highly recommend getting a pair in the Glitters collection. Look how shiny my Silver Glitters are :-) I'm in love and I know you will be, too, as soon as you have them on your feet.

Passport In Hand

Traveling to places step by step,

Wherever intriguing things are kept.

Unknown places I might be,

Taking pictures for those to see.

Walls made of sadness,

Here it’s almost timeless.

The picturesque churches and cobblestone streets,

All my dreams seem to meet.

What an imperfect world we truly are,

But how the beauty perfects it is bazaar.

It’s indescribable, this place,

I want to have this picture in my memory, just in case.

The beautiful golden arches, up high,

Why does it make it so hard to say goodbye?

Enchanting lights fill up the streets at night,

The spectacular view, what a sight.

I look up and down,

I look all around.

Such a place full of wonder and mystery.

A place I love so much, it’s where my heart will always be.

My Form of Art

I love photography. Looking at others' artwork and making my own. I have only taken one basic level class, so I don't really know what I am doing.... BUT I love it anyways. My favorite part has to be editing the images after i download them. Sometime it can make everything just come to life! What do you think?

What's Cookin', Good Lookin'?

I LOVE chocolate. Don't you? Also, I like eating a BIT healthier when it comes to sweet treats. But really, I just love food. My mom likes finding recipes online and having me execute them.

So here is the newest one: *FLOUR-LESS* chocolate & almond cookies.

Ingredients:

1 cup Unsalted Slivered Or Sliced Almonds

1 cup Sweetened Shredded Coconut

½ cups plus 3 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa

3 cups Powdered Sugar

½ teaspoons Kosher Salt

4 whole Egg Whites, *At Room Temperature

1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract

¾ cups Mini Chocolate Chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spread almond slivers and shredded coconut evenly on a large rimmed baking pan. Place in the oven and toast for about 7-8 minutes, turning/tossing once halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant. *While in the oven, crack eggs and leave on counter to reach room temp. Reduce heat to 325ºF.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together cocoa (1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons total), powdered sugar, and salt. Continue whisking while adding egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until just moistened. Don’t overwhisk or the eggs will stiffen. Stir in almonds, coconut, and chocolate chips.
3. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Spoon batter by the tablespoon onto the baking sheet (this makes ~24) or by heaping tablespoons (this makes ~18 large cookies).
4. Bake for 14-16 minutes, turning pans and shifting the top to bottom rack halfway through. Cookies are finished when tops are shiny and cracked. Slide the cookies off the pans and allow to cool completely before removing.

Yummy chocolate cookies studded with almonds and coconut. Gluten-free and low fat so you can have your cookie and a waist line, too!

On a Budget?

You want to look "high fashion" or put together, right? At least, I want to look my age (being 5'3" sometimes has its downsides...). Well, classier looking clothing can often come at a price; a price that I am usually not willing to pay! College costs an arm and a leg, ya know! So here is my guide to thrift/sale shopping for all your needs:

• Don't be afraid of Goodwill. Really. There may be donated items there, but you can find a piece of clothing that is BRAND NEW. You just have to look.
• For example: Brand new wallet at Goodwill for $2.95. BAM!
• Are there consignment stores in your area? GO FIND THEM. I find that that is where the nicer things are. Sometimes, they are higher priced, BUT you can start selling your "used" clothing there as well.
• Avant Garb (Ashland, OR): Wedges for $7.
• Deja Vu (Ashland, OR): Crop Sweater for $10.
• This phrase never gets old: TRY IT ON. If you think it looks good on the hanger, or even if you are unsure of how it will look on you... TRY IT ON! You never know, that garment could surprise you!
• Are you furnishing an apartment or dorm room? These thrift stores can also be good for that, too! While not EVERYTHING is going to match, you can go for that eclectic look ;-) Don't forget to make sure that things are in good shape.
• Garage Sale: gently used futon for $25.
• Have you seen Extreme Couponing? (It's okay to say no)... Well, I am not quite that eccentric, BUT I do love me some discounts. I usually only buy something if it is on sale... That is mainly the only way that I can justify the purchase! SALEsaleSALE. Know when they are, and GO.

*Side note: If the thrift/consignment store has a make-up or undergarments section... Feel free to skip it. No, really. Are you comfortable wearing 'hand-me-down' undies?.... Didn't think so.