1.4.15

So it's certainly been a while! One thing is for sure, my life over the past couple of years has been transformative and transitional. I left school, started working, and moved to a new apartment (here's to hoping 2015 will be a little bit less eventful).

I've been really into healthy eating the past couple of months and in addition to other topics like fashion and travel, I want to start sharing my journey and experiences with vegan cooking for one in the tiny kitchen of my studio apartment.

So here goes nothing!



If you haven't already discovered foodgawker.com, it's time to open up a new window in your browser and expand your palette. I use it primarily for vegan recipes (there are over 30,000!), but it's great for any kind of cooking.

I found the recipes I'm sharing on foodgawker, so I'm also going to include the links to the blogs where the recipes originated. I haven't ventured out into making very many of my own recipes yet, but I hope to as I gain more experience cooking.

First, Apple, Avocado, Cranberry, and Walnut Salad. This salad was excellent in several ways because it was not only delicious, it was also easy. You can easily adjust how much you make at a time, which is ideal when you are only feeding yourself. It was perfect because I didn't have a lot of energy and time today to cook, and only took about 10 minutes to put together.

I didn't follow the recipe exactly, mainly because I don't have balsamic vinegar (forgot to buy it, such a shame!). I substituted Fig Infused Vinegar, which you can find at your local grocery store. I also added a teaspoon of lemon juice because I like the citrus flavor it adds.

Second, Rustic Parsnip Soup. I made this yesterday during a snowstorm, and it turned out to be a great winter comfort food.  This was particularly fun for me because it calls for a few ingredients I don't cook with often - specifically sunchokes. I tried finding sunchokes at my local grocery store, and the employees laughed and tried to sell me artichokes...(sunchokes are also called Jerusalem Artichokes, but are definitely not the same thing). I ended up finding sunchokes at Whole Foods.

The walnut pear garnish is totally optional but like the author says, it really does take the soup to a whole new level. Just remember not to burn the walnuts the first time like I did... (:

9.27.13

I went on a bit of a shopping spree yesterday, so naturally I have to post a new outfit ;) I went a little out of my comfort zone with a printed blazer, but I think it's paying off well :)

9.26.13

I've seen some pretty interesting outfits that girls have been wearing to go out to bars...and most of them want to show an unnecessary amount of skin. From crop tops to micro mini skirts, most of them are overly suggestive and honestly, they have to be cold considering the temperature at night...haha. Here is my take on fall nights out.

Most of this outfit is about as affordable as anything else. The burgundy dress is $12.95 at H&M, scarf was $15 from Target (I miss target...), socks were $10 from H&M, bracelet and earrings were on sale at target. I said most of this outfit because my Arturo Chiang chocolate brown boots were a steeper $190 from Dillard's a couple years ago. They have lasted great and are super versatile, so definitely still worth it.

J

9.25.13

I've been spending a lot more time in grad school trying to look more professional and put together, so I'll probably be blogging some of my fashion on here in the future. It's been a little hard because my closet in Boston is maybe a tenth of the size of my Waco closet...but I'm making it work ;)

Here is my outfit of choice for today :) I love mixing neutrals and bright pattern...and who doesn't love sequins on an infinity scarf ;)

J

9.24.13

So I've been a little MIA since I've been in Boston because I've been so busy, but I have to say that I absolutely love living here! The city is full of excitement and things to do, and it's already starting to look a little like fall! Since I've neglected blogging, here are some pictures of life since I've been here :)

If you know me at all, you know I have to post pictures of my runs, so here is a view of downtown from along the Charles  River on my 9 miler this past Saturday. The weather was gorgeous!

I've also visited some interesting restaurants since being here...I can't remember what this place was called but they brought you your food and you cooked it yourself at the table! It was an interesting experience...(;

This past week I experienced my first Red Sox game at Fenway park, and they fortunately won! It's super convenient because it's only about a 15 minute walk from my apartment. I can't wait to go back, it was so fun!

Welcome to the view from the 52nd floor of Prudential tower! My friends and I went up the the restaurant to get drinks and check it out. Unfortunately we didn't eat because it was $24 per person just so sit at the table...so we opted for the bar.

And what's New England without some great fall fashion? It was actually cool enough outside for my to wear a blazer! (I'm loving this weather so far..) 

And here is today's outfit, loving the 50s outside that actually allows me to wear a fashionable jacket...sorry Texas ;)

J

9.3.13

So I've finally moved into my new apartment! It's tiny, but since I live alone it'll work ok :) so far, i love living in boston and it feels surreal to walk around knowing that i live in such an amazing place! here are some pictures of my new studio :)

Love,

J

8.20.13

So I've been a little m.i.a. this summer for  a couple reasons: either I had a million things happening at once or I had absolutely nothing going on. It's been a little rough going from zero to sixty and back constantly, but I have no real complaints. Fortunately, I am almost to a new chapter in life because next Thursday, I will load up a U-Haul trailer with my dad and set off on the three day trek to Boston, Massachusetts where I will begin my life as a masters student at Boston Conservatory. In preparing for this move, I wanted to make sure that despite the limited space in my tiny new apartment that it could and would still feel like home. Or as I like to call it, my own little oasis. Since I didn't own any of the furniture in my previous apartment, I have spent a lot of time finding pieces and giving them makeovers to fit my vision. Here are a few of the things I've been doing this summer: 

 

This is my new headboard. It is a 36x48 canvas with some fabric and burlap ribbon attached by staple gun. I'll hang it on the wall behind my bed.

You may recognize this dresser from an earlier post, but it's finally gotten its well deserved makeover. Some paint from vintage vibe in Mansfield and new knobs from hobby lobby make it super shabby chic. Here is an up close of the knobs:

I just love this color, so I also painted a small side table to go next to my bed!

Love,

J