Overdrive, quitting, and organization.

It's the last few weeks of school. You know what that means? KICKING IN TO OVERDRIVE MODE. I've been working on my last few projects that I will have in this school. After this, no more community college! I'm so excited. I will be updating more once the summer gets here.

I'm really thankful for something that happened about a month ago. Honestly, it was like an intervention. No, I wasn't addicted to drugs or anything -- what I was addicted to was the computer. The distractions it offers. Specifically a website that I used to post on a lot (forums and such). After quitting, I've become a completely new person. I hope the people around me have noticed. Even if they haven't, I have! I've been super responsible, trying to get things done, being more organized -- and it feels great. I've even started to exercise regularly, something I found so difficult to do.

Lesson learned: the less distractions you have in life, the more you get done. It's so simple, yet it took me years (or perhaps the 'intervention', Ihatethatwordit'ssodramatic) to figure it out.

My skin.

Knock on wood, but lately my skin has been absolutely fantastic. I am sleeping earlier and spending less time on the computer. I think on top of that it's my routine. Or just simply put, maybe it's jtime for my acne to go away. Yes, I have the occasional break out the week before it visits (see what I did there?), but honestly, it's great. I'm really happy -- well, maybe it's because of that too! Because I am happy again and less stressed, more organized. Anyway, I just had to let this out. It's a big deal to me. I've always been self-conscious about it. <3

Shoes and sandwiches.

I ordered a pair of shoes from Target and they came into the mail today! I love them, they're exactly what I was expecting. They're a bit wide on the sides, but then I again I have oddly thin feet. It's okay, they fit fine and I'm happy. <3

This is me gazing at my shoes longingly. That is normal, of course.

I might get them in black too, since they're on sale. I'll think about it! Another thing I found that I'm extremely excited about is the Bic 4-color pen in fine point. That's right, the one in the orange barrel! The 4-color pens are my favorites to use, because they're so handy and provide a quick switch for someone who's obsessed with color coding her -- er, THEIR notes/planner.

Yes, two photos. It is just that amazing. Why? Because Office Depot, Staples, Target -- NO where carried this freakin' thing. Until my boyfriend suggested the most obvious thing in the world. My student store. OF COUUUUURSE. So when I checked there, I had to dig through behind a few blue ones until I found this guy, all by himself, waiting for his new mommy.

On to my sandwich, have any of you tried canned salmon? It's like like canned tuna, only way better. Well, there is only a slight difference, but it's still really yummy! Plus, salmon is way better for you.

So this blog is making me photo crazy. Close up macro shots of everything ever, because they are my favorite. SO ANYWAY, I made a salmon sandwich as I usually would with tuna. You know, a little mayo, etc. etc. I got fancy and added wasabi mayo to it, because I love wasabi.

I know, I went overboard with the filling. I HUNGERED. Does anyone else squish avocado onto their bread instead of slicing it? I find that unless I slice it SUPER thin and flat, it just shoots out when I bite into it. So, easy way out, squish it on like a spread. YEEEEEAH.

Make this now.

I finally tried the dessert. What was it?

NUTELLA BROWNIES. Looks a little funny, but it was DELICIOUS. I warmed it up for a minute or two at 250°F before serving and added some french vanilla ice-cream! Not only were they simple to make, but they baked so quickly. If you ever need a quick, last minute dessert, or you're just craving some brownies but don't feel like leaving the house, this is definitely worth it. YUM.

Pattern concept.

I finally drew/colored the concept for my pattern design. I'm pretty pleased with it. I was inspired by blobism! I'll probably have to paint an enlarged version, then scan it and repeat it in Photoshop. I'M READY FO DIS.

Baking venture.

Actually, the total opposite of a venture. How many ingredients were needed? Three. Just three. The fourth one is optional. What did I make? You guys have to wait. Because I won't be eating it until later tonight, after dinner. And considering I'm so picky about presentation, I HAVE to take a photo of it all set up on a plate, etc.

The house smells amazing right now. Be right back, drooling everywhere ten times.

deviantART!

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New planner!

Went to Target today with my parents. They were looking for a new coffee maker. While they were busy, I was searching through the planners for at least 20 minutes trying to decide which one I wanted. I didn't want something pink, or too floral, or bright, or boring. I finally found one that I liked a lot! To go along with it, I bought the new "fashion colors" 4-way pen by Bic and some mini highlighters for extra organization. I haven't had a proper schedule/planner since those 'homework helpers' or whatever in 8th grade! I'm so excited.

Obviously I had to swatch them. Eee!

I love Target so much, I could live in there. Honestly, they have everything ever! I even like their clothes. If I ever want to cheer up, I go there. <3

So I took photos.

Yes, I took photos of the sandwich I mentioned (just kidding, drooled over) yesterday, because I made it again for lunch -- this time I shared it with my dad! He loved it. Here you go!

Mmm. <3 Enjoy!

I want more!

Today for lunch, I was craving something different, but delicious. I really didn't feel like heating something up from the freezer or eating a plate of vegetables as I usually do (seriously, I LOVE a plain plate towering with veggies!) -- so I put together a few things from the fridge, and needless to say it was AMAZING. I would have taken pictures but, um ... I sort of ate it all in a handful of bites.

• 1 red beet (we buy the kind in a box that's wrapped in plastic -- they sell it at Trader Joes)
• 1 Persian cucumber
• spreadable/soft goat cheese
• a clove of garlic
• cilantro
• salt
• flat single-serve baguette

Put the goat cheese in a bowl and mash it a bit with a fork to get it to a creamy consistency. Cut off a little less than a third of the garlic clove, wrap the rest of the clove for later. Start off with a little if you're not much of a garlic person and work your way up. Finely mince the garlic, then use the flat side of your knife to run the garlic across the chopping board, essentially creaming it. You can use a garlic press or a food processor if you wish -- this is being done so a big chunk of garlic doesn't appear in your mouth. Turn off! Anyway, add the garlic to the goat cheese.

Take a few leaves of cilantro (it depends on how many sandwiches you're making) and thinly slice or finely chop them. Add the cilantro to the goat cheese and garlic and mix with the fork. This is going to be the spread for your sandwich.

At this point, if you haven't already, go ahead and slice the bread in half. Spread the goat cheese mixture on.

Thinly slice the cucumber lengthwise and layer it on top of the goat cheese. Do the same with the red beet. Sprinkle some salt on top and your sandwich is done!

Though I'm full, I'm seriously considering making another. IT WAS JUST SO GOOD.

Revamped blog.

Simple layout that makes no sense, YEAH! We'll see where this goes. :D