The Interim

It's been awhile, friends.  And a lot has happened in the interim.  I'm about halfway through 3rd year now and filled with so many emotions; especially one day post-Thanksgiving.  Accomplishment, love, confusion, sadness, anxiety, etc, etc, etc.  This particular moment is a meaningful one to me.  I've been having a bit of a hard time with all that's going on, but of course I spend the most quality 48 hours with my family I've had in so long and I'm convinced things are on the up-swing... or so I will make them.  This story will likely come out in bits and pieces over the next few weeks but for now I'll suffice to say that I have plans.  Plans to make myself full.  And on my own.  Starting with: home improvements!

Sincerely, Sarah

A Few of My Favorite Things

Well, I'm back in Winston and attempting to get back into study mode but the suddenly ever-so-cold temperatures are making me want to snuggle up in boots and sweaters and scarves, read my favorite blogs, and search for beautiful things on Etsy.  So I decided to share some of my recent favorites with you!

I found this fun retro 2012 calendar from littlethingsstudio and immediately had to order it!  I love that there's no space to write in things that MUST be done and that there are beautiful quotes for each month and I just know the retro-inspired prints will perk me right up every morning!

I'm also recently loving the A Beautiful Mess diy projects.  I especially love the home-made garland!  So easy and will add just the right touch of color to my nearly-bare kitchen walls!  I also love the hat display and diy rolling shelf!

I'm starting a new knitting project... This one is a bit harder than my last but I'm hoping to use it to learn some new moves and as a reward for studying.  (Yes I reward my hard work with more work, but this is relaxing and cozy work!)  Thanks, Jess from Sushi Pie!!  And a link to the pattern for the Seattle Scarf is here.

And those are some of the things I'm loving right now.  I'll be back soon! 

Sincerely, Sarah

Gone in a flash

Well, folks!!  The winter ball was over in a flash and so was the last month and a half.  I suppose I have some updating to do.  The ball was a week into our Renal block and let me tell you, I paid for it the next two weeks with NON-stop studying.  I ended up in a really sweet dress from Banana Republic and jewels from Francesca's Collections.  It was a bit cool that night but I managed sin tights and with a little sweater from the J. Crew outlet in Boone.  {See pics below!}  The boy and I had a lovely dinner at Mozelle's beforehand which was topped off with the most scrumptious turtle cheesecake these lips have ever tasted.  The dance was also quite fun but went by so quickly!

Not much to report on the subsequent two weeks other than to say that I really loved nephrology and could totally see myself doing it for a career.  It was really quite inspiring, although I know most of you probably don't care to hear about all the things that can cause hematuria.

After our exam I spent a couple of days in Winston finishing up my Christmas shopping and enjoying some time with the boy.  Then I scooted on up to Boone for the holidays with my family!  So far I am loving the home-cooked meals, baked treats, cooler weather, and gift-giving.  Today we are venturing to Blowing Rock for window shopping and dinner, and tomorrow the boys arrive for New Year's festivities.  Heres to you and yours and a fabulous end of 2011!

Winter Ball Inspiration

I haven't been to an event like this in some time and I'm using it as an excuse to purchase a new dress.  I started looking around tonight and found a few pretty pieces at Free People, but I think I'd like to find something a little more formal.  AND there is currently some debate over gown versus cocktail dress.  What do you think? 

Rough Patch

Well folks, to wrap up my week I:

1. got a $218 speeding ticket (fraudulent in my opinion)
2. hit a pole leaving a lovely yellow scratch on the left side of my front bumper
3. broke my iphone
4. and ended up nearly boyfriend-less

Fortunately, things are looking up.  I spent some time inside today where I can't break everything I touch AND got some studying done. 

Amidst the chaos, you will not believe what I found at Whole Foods.  Let's just say it's the perfect spicy winter chili for an almost-vegetarian.  And it's feeding me for the week.  Mmm-mm.

Click here for a similar home-made recipe!

French Cafe Vanilla Creme, Bavarian Cream Brulee, German Black Forest Truffle, OH MY!

Let me just say...  These are little pieces of pure joy in my mouth when paired with a dark coffee on a rainy day like today.  Perhaps not the most fancy of chocolates out there, but a pinch more delicious than your typical Hershey's kisses.  Find yourself some (on sale) at Teeter!

Holiday Tunes

I am not typically one to listen to Christmas music months and months in advance but I am loving the soft sounds of Mindy Gledhill today.  Take a listen!