thursday eats.

It's been a few weeks since I've posted tasty recipes, so I think it is time for another post!

Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes ... seriously, so good.

Source: pickycook.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here

Monkey Bread (I think these could be a great idea if you're serving a breakfast this weekend for General Conference, like I'm doing!)

Source: stamps4fun.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here

Switching gears now..

Grilled cheese with avocado, tomato, and pesto

Source: anediblesymphony.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Source: goodthymesandgoodfood.blogspot.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here

And, for dessert? This chocolate sheet cake looks YUM.

Source: nancycreative.com via Cheri on Pinterest

recipe found here

music monday: hunger games.

have you seen the hunger games yet?

i haven't. but, i promise that i will see it soon (as in a day or two).

i've heard rave reviews about it so i'm very excited.
i also started listening to the soundtrack & it's fabulous. here are some of my favorites:

"Lover is Childlike" -- Low Anthem


"Eyes Open" -- Taylor Swift


"Safe & Sound" -- Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars (LOVE. Have I shared this before? Perhaps.)


"Just A Game" -- Birdy


Let me know what you think. The soundtrack is definitely different, but oh so lovely.

so much love.

This post might come off a little ... sappy? But, I have to share something with you (whoever you might be). Tonight I visited with my adopted grandparents, Stan and Charlene. I met them last February & felt an immediate bond with them. Stan is nearly 87, but never fails to leave me with bits of wisdom.

Tonight, he told me, "Kindness is something you can't really give away. It always ends up coming back to you."

He also told me stories of being a prisoner of war, of the lessons he learned from prison guards, of going to school in the '30s, and of knowing "immediately" when he met Charlene that he wanted to "dance with her forever."

Why do we let the little things interrupt so much of our lives? I'm especially prone to do this — boys who don't talk to you, eating too many calories during the day, missing a point on a quiz, that zit on my forehead...you know?

There is SO much to live for ... so much life ahead of me. I haven't even really begun to live, if you think of all that's in store. And you know what? I'm excited for it.

 image from here

Music Monday

After a beautiful week in the sixties, I woke up to snow. But, even the winter weather that is suddenly attempting to make a comeback can't change my great mood. There are only 6 weeks left of school. While that can be completely overwhelming if I think about it too much, I'm thrilled for the summer adventures (of which I have no clue) that are ahead of me. Anywho, here are some of my favorite songs of the moment:

"Drive By" -- Train


"Part of Me" -- Katy Perry


"Soldier" -- Ingrid Michaelson (one of my all time favorite songs)


"Apologize" -- cover by Pixie Lott (original by One Republic)


"Set Fire to the Rain" -- cover by Karmin (original by Adele)


Any favorite songs of the moment?

snapshot saturday

pictures from the local market

I love little fresh markets! They make my heart happy. Do you ever shop locally grown/farmers' markets?

instagram lovin'

I really love the Instagram app...so if you don't like 70s, thick bordered, washed out photos...you might not like most of the photos that will be posted on this blog from now on :) Cause I love it! Here's a few recent photos: 

these are my "boy shoes" (as my mom says) from Spain

bountiful, utah temple

new glasses

 happy friday!

case in point.

ok ok...i finally broke down....
......and bought that iPhone 4s.
in love?
yes.

but... i need to pick out a cover to protect my new toy. so, i thought i'd ask for some advice! here are some of my favorites. why don't you tell me which one you like? Naturally you'd guess an owl cover, right? But, I haven't found one that I really like yet (well, in the $15-$20 price range). So, here are some options that I equally love! I have the white iPhone (if that makes a difference).

So, what do you think? 

What I Wore Wednesday

You know that Tim McGraw song, "Indian Outlaw"? Yeah...well, that's what this shirt reminds me of...so, hope you enjoy. 

So...being home for Spring Break usually means a shopping trip to Kohl's. And, what's more fun than this little bright zig zag shirt...poncho? It's so fun. And comfortable. And, my new glasses...had to wear them of course :) And, you can't really see my geometric earrings very well, but they are new & fabulous as well.

outfit rundown:

Zigzag Shirt: Kohl's

White undershirt: Downeast
Earrings: Mudd for Kohl's

Navy skirt: Hand me down (originally Anne Taylor)

Brown boots: Forever Young Shoes

key lime bars

I made delicious key lime bars over the weekend for a family dinner. I was excited to have an excuse to make this recipe I saw on Pinterest a while ago. Here are some pictures of the process...although you really should try it out for yourself ;)

crust made with graham cracker? NO. animal crackers. trust me. it's good. 

Press the crust into an 8x8 pan & bake approx. 15 minutes

Then you make the yummy filling & pour it in the crust.

Bake that baby for 15-17 minutes.

Sprinkle with toasted coconut...and chill 

Enjoy. And try to eat just one... ;)

Full recipe (from Mel's Kitchen)

*Makes 16 bars

INGREDIENTS:

Crust:
5 ounces animal crackers (about 2 1/2 cups animal crackers)
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Pinch salt
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:
2 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 tbsp grated fresh lime zest (from about 2 limes)
1 can (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
Pinch salt
1 large egg yolk
1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from about 3-4 regular limes or 20 Key limes)

Garnish (optional)
3/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, adjusting an oven rack to the middle position. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, letting two opposing edges hang over at least an inch or so. Grease the foil with cooking spray.

For the crust, process the animal crackers, sugar and salt together to fine crumbs in a blender or food processor. Drizzle the melted butter over the crumbs and pulse to incorporate (or stir together in a bowl with a fork). Sprinkle the mixture into the prepared pan and press the crumbs into an even layer. Bake the crust until fragrant and golden, about 15-18 minutes.

For the filling, while crust bakes, in a medium bowl, stir the cream cheese, lime zest and salt together until combined. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth (you can use a handheld electric mixer, if you want). Whisk in the egg yolk and lime juice until combined.

Pour the filling evenly over the crust. Bake the bars until the filling is set and the edges just slightly begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, 15-17 minutes.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Then cover the pan with foil and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. Remove the bars from the pan using the foil overhang and cut into squares. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired. 

music monday.

here are some favorite tunes this week:

"Somebody That I Used to Know" -- cover by Walk Off the Earth
         ...cool things with the guitar.


"Lovers Without Love" -- Joshua James


"Fine By Me" -- Andy Grammer (in love with this song? maybe)


"Come Thou Fount" -- John Allred (loving this version)


I hope you enjoyed some of my recent music picks!

snapshot sunday.

**Excuse the poor image quality. But....remember this post about wanting big glasses?

Consider me the proud owner of an oversized pair of glasses that I would've made fun of my mother for wearing when I was younger. Boy, how times change! 

I think I'm in love with them :) 

Happy Sunday!

high five for friday.

Maybe i'll start the "five things Friday" bandwagon. My sister Jen also does it every week. Well, with that said, here are my five things!

1. Spring break is here. That means no class. Seeing my family. Having summer job interviews. Road trips. Shopping. Eating yummy food at home (where I don't have to pay for ingredients...hehe). And just enjoying a little time off. It's been a busy semester.

2. I wish I could share with you the beautiful songs I've been listening to lately, but I'm saving them for "music monday." So, check back then! Needless, I've been playing guitar with some super talented people lately. I love to share my talents & see others' talents as well. It's amazing what everyone has to offer.

3. My senior thesis & "Twitter experiment" is now underway! What a relief. The Mass Media & Theory class has been one of my toughest, but I'm glad that it's gone (mostly) smoothly up to this point.

4. This week's weather was a little extreme. From 60 degrees one day to literally 18 degrees & snow the next day. That's Utah weather, I suppose. I'm happy to say it's supposed to be back in the 50s today, which means maybe I can pack some capris & sandals for my trip home.

5. Currently admiring these shoes from Payless. Super cute, right? I'd love to wear either...so I mean, my birthday is in 8 months...not a good excuse. Dang.

What five things are making your Friday?? 

life lately.

You know, I haven't really done a post lately about, well, life. I have posted a lot of recipes, music, and random snapshots. But, maybe you want to know what my life is like these days (or maybe not...that's awkward).

But. Basically. Life is wonderful. I feel so happy. It's amazing how time really does help heal. I never believed that cliche saying...until I had to apply it & test it in my own life. These past two days have been especially beautiful, with weather in the 60s. I went running yesterday in shorts & a T-shirt. I wore sandals to school. I got up today at 5:30 a.m. to help make a birthday breakfast for my roommate. And I'm still smiling.

This is my friend Keith after the stake talent show last night.  He's one of the biggest supporters of my music :)

I competed in the stake talent show last night & had a blast feeling like Taylor Swift when people kept approaching me to talk about about my song as I walked to the back of the room after. It was an adrenaline rush for me.

I've been [trying] to plan my summer and have an interview next week for an internship. I got a letter in the mail yesterday from my best friend & couldn't stop smiling. I got an A on my theory midterm that was practically giving me an ulcer, an A on my Spanish presentation that was making me feel like throwing up, and an A on my comm graphics midterm that I had no desire to finish.

I'm learning patience in many aspects. I'm mixing patterns & trying new hairdos. My trust in God is increasing. I'm discovering what really matters in life. It's the dinner dates with my aunt & talks until 2 in the morning with a roommate. It's the birds chirping outside my window because it's March. It's temple trips on a Tuesday. It's catching up with a best friend for three hours on a Saturday afternoon (true story).

And that's life lately.

music monday.

Today is a seriously BEAUTIFUL day. I can't hide the smile I have! Here are some good tunes for a warm Monday.

Brighter Than The Sun - Colbie Caillat


Here Comes The Sun -- The Beatles


Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows -- Lesley Gore (just for you and Jon, Jen)


Walking On Sunshine -- Katrina & The Waves


So, if it's cloudy where you are...there is a little sunshine coming your way :) Happy Monday!

Easter candy.

Today, I think my outfit was inspired by the Cadbury mini eggs currently hidden on the top shelf of my pantry.

Seriously. Doesn't this outfit scream, "Easter basket approaching!!!" No? Ok, maybe that was just to me. Either way, it was warm today (currently 59 degrees) & since it is now MARCH, I broke out my summer heels & bright colors.

Apparently, I really enjoy standing pigeon toed. What is that about? 

you know. just me and a little sass. 

If any of you were curious: Skirt, heels, and cardigan all came from Kohl's. Shirt is Downeast. Scarf is from Spain!

My photographer/roommate Amanda (thanks for being so gracious!)

So. Easter candy outfit? 

What do you think? 

owl obsession.

 I have a confession. It's called an owl obsession. It all started in high school when my best friend Kamilla bought me an owl necklace. I've never looked back. I thought I'd take pictures to document (some) of the owls I have with me at college.

Pillowcase made for me by my cousin/bff Hollie

Tiled owl bought in Spain

Brass owl figurine given to me by my freshman year roommate

Owl necklace given to me by Rebekah for Christmas

random owl necklace from a store that I can't even remember.

Necklace purchased in Spain.

The necklace that started it all in high school.

Owl figurines given to me by a friend

owl salt & pepper shakers purchased from a thrift store

Owl Candle Warmer-turned Ring Holder: Bath & Body Works (thanks, mom) & owl ring: Kohl's

How cute, right? An owl hook from my sister Jen! I just need to get a screw for it so it doesn't have to sit on my dresser

Owl earrings (top: given to me by my friend Alex & bottom: given to me by my sister Jen

Do you collect anything?