Outfit: Somewhere Unoccupied

I think this is my first-ever set of outfit photos taken indoors. I know the background of my room is less attractive than former posts, but it was freezing and dark outside at this particular moment in time. SO DEAL WITH IT. Pretty please. Speaking of "dealing with it", this week sucked. Like, more than anything else has ever sucked before. Ever. When it rains, it really does pour. I won't get too far into it on here, but there have been some events in my life recently that have been less than pleasant. Decisions and responsibilities that I've been avoiding for a long time finally demanded attention, and I'm slowly working to find some sense in it all. I guess you'll have that though. Growing up and stuff. Here's to hoping you all had a better week than I did, and to the fact that there's always tomorrow. Well, not "always", but you get my drift. Sorry, that was a weak attempt at optimism. Happy weekending!

Until next time,

Heather

Outfit Details:

Sweater/dress- Forever 21

Tights- target

Socks- Betsey Johnson

Shoes- gifted

Pictures of Recently Acquired Things

I'm trying to really get serious about saving money, so my shopping habits have slowed way down. But, I will admit I haven't quite given up picking a couple things up here and there at thrift stores. It's basically recycling, right? So, it doesn't count. Just let me have that, please. Anyways, I had really good luck at a few stores I stumbled into over the past week, and thought I'd share some of my treasures.

This vintage babydoll dress is so perfect. It's light-weight and just the right amount of loose-fitting. I've already worn it, despite the temperatures here because I'm just so ready for Spring. Hopefully next time it will be without tights and a sweater. Those flats were another score, and they just so happen to match the buttons on that dress! Which matters. And, a beanie. Just because.

I have been looking for this album for a really long time, but haven't quite been willing to pay full price. And, this week I found two copies of it! I bought this one, even though the condition isn't great because of the poster and the other (which is not pictured) because it actually plays. I am over the moon on this one. Stevie Nicks forever.

And, books! I rarely leave a thrift store without at least one. It's crazy to me how people can so willingly give their books away, even if it does end up benefitting me. This week, I found a really good collection that I can't wait to get started on. I'm especially interested in that A Mess of Everything comic, although I have to find the first book in the series to read. It seems very "Enid Coleslaw"-esque. And, I have heard nothing but good reviews on We Need To Talk About Kevin. I think that will be my next read after I finish my current read, Girl, Interrupted.

That's all for now. What are some of your recent finds?

With love,

Heather

Recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

One day, my sister was making a buffalo chicken dip that smelled and looked sooooo good. I, being a vegetarian, could not indulge in this dip. Which sucked. In fact, buffalo wings have always been kind of high on the list of things I wish I had indulged in before making the change in my diet. But, I didn't. The good news is, I've finally found a recipe that allows me to stuff my face full of the spicy food. And, it's pretty good for you, too! Here's the scoop on these buffalo cauliflower bites:

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of water, and 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Chop a head of cauliflower into bite-size pieces and coat them in your "batter". Shake off the excess, and spread the cauliflower out on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

While your veggies are baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave. Add 3/4 cup of your favorite buffalo sauce to the butter.

When the cauliflower is done, remove them from the oven and coat them in the sauce mixture. Bake for another 5-10 minutes.

And, there you have it! Spicy buffalo cauliflower bites. These would a be a great vegetarian option for parties/dinners, or just a healthy alternative to a snack classic. I suggest pairing these with celery, cucumbers, or big leaves of romaine for lettuce wraps to bring the heat level down. We also made a yogurt-based dipping sauce that was really good:

Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dip:

1/2 cup blue cheese

6oz plain greek yogurt

1 tbsp light mayo

1tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp cider or red wine vinegar

1 clove minced garlic or 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste 

I hope you enjoy these as much as we did! 

Until next time,

Heather

Outfit: Flowers in the Snow

     

I am 100 percent so done with snow. Driving in it, cleaning it off my car, stumbling through it; DONE. I'm generally over it pretty early on, just after the first time I get to wear a new parka. I've officially reached the point in Winter where I boycott getting bundled, and leave my coat at home because I just can't deal with layers anymore. If by some form of magic boycotting the cold will make it warmer. However, this usually just leaves me with a runny nose. Ugh. Ashley and I braved the freezing temperatures to rummage at a couple thrift stores, just to beat our cabin fever. I left with the cutest babydoll dress, a book on Blondie, and the Rumours album by Fleetwood Mac. All for under five bucks, I might add. Not bad for a day around town. I hope you're all finding your own ways of coping with this cold crap. Hang in there, Ohio! I saw a few birds frolicking about earlier, so Spring is practically here. Right?

Until next time,

Heather

Outfit Details:

Hat/belt/tights/sweater- Target

Dress-Vintage

Bag- Hand-me-down from my Nanny

Boots- Plato's Closet

DIY: Tissue Paper Flowers

We've just been covered with yet another pile of snow here in the Midwest, and my patience is wearing thin on Spring to get here.* However, a thrift store in town did offer a bit of hope with all it's Easter and Spring decorations; among the decor choices were paper flowers. I was inspired to add a bit of Spring cheer to my own room, so I dug up all the tissue paper I had and went to work. Here's what you'll need to make tissue paper flowers:

Scissors, string or wire, and tissue paper. You may also need tape or thumbtacks if you're planning on hanging your flowers. 

Stack 4 pieces of tissue paper on top of one another, and begin to fold the paper "accordion" style. Ya know, the way you did as a kid to make a fan. Cut the paper into rounded or pointed ends, and tie your string or wire around the middle. Make sure the string is secure, but not overly tight.

Carefully separate each layer one by one, until you have the flower shape made.

I hung mine around my room, but these would also be super cute piled in baskets or just placed on dressers/shelves. Please ignore the clashing decor and paint in my humble abode. It's a work in progress.

Alright, enough paper flowers. I have to go clean my car off and slide my way to work. I hope these brighten your February blues!

With love,

Heather

*Just after I finished this post I checked the forecast, and it's supposed to be in the low 50's this week! Obvz these flowers worked some magic. YOU'RE WELCOME.

What's In My Bag: Concert-Going

I'm sure most of you know by now that I am an avid concert-goer. There aren't many things that bring me as much joy like seeing my favorite bands play my favorite songs in real life. Not to mention discovering new music each time via the opening acts. These shows can be all-day affairs, however, so I think it's good to learn how to prepare without overpacking. Here are some of my personal necessities for any show-going adventures!

Chapstick/shades/tickets/flyers

I never go anywhere without chapstick or sunglasses, but I cannot stress the importance of remembering these two items. There is nothing worse than standing in line at a concert with the sun beaming down on your unprotected face. NOTHING. And, obvz bring your ticket. I usually put mine in my purse the night before the big day, just to avoid any mishaps. And, try to grab a flyer or something with the show date on it once you're at the venue. That way you have a keepsake or something for the band/musician to sign, if you're fortunate enough to get to meet them.

Wallet/spray/powder

Your wallet is a give-in. Make sure you pack cash and an I.D. for all bar and merch purposes. I like to bring spray and powder mostly for after the show just to freshen up. You know, because you've just been in very close corners with sweaty and oftentimes smelly people. So, yeah.

If the show is outdoors, I suggest bringing along sunscreen. And, maybe a snack or two for the drive to your final destination. I also always bring my camera with me whenever the venue allows photography. The bag you chose to bring is also important; nothing too big or bulky. I like cross-body bags that are lightweight, and easy to get in and out of. Maybe a smaller backpack for festivals, just to fit water and a jacket in. 

Until next time,

Heather

Outfit/Playlist: Are You There, Sweetheart?

     Everyone knows about Valentine's Day, but unless you watch Parks and Recreation, many of you may not have heard of the less popular, Galentine's Day. According to main character, Leslie Knope, Galentine's is just women celebrating woman breakfast-style on February 13th. No boys, just frittatas. And, while we didn't have breakfast foods, Ashley and I were inspired to have our own Galentine's Day festivities. This included cake pops, donuts, potato chips, lattes, and a few episodes of Daria. TREAT YO-SELF.  I was also happily surprised with chocolate-covered strawberries and a gift certificate to my favorite local candy and coffee shop courtesy of my wonderful mother. So, if any of you are taking to social media sites to rant about how Valentine's Day sucks because you're single or whatever your reasons may be, just take the day to celebrate your friends, family, or yourself instead. Buy cute underwear, cupcakes, and anything else you don't usually indulge in. Because you are just as important as any relationship!

I'll leave you with a sweet and salty playlist, for whatever your feels on this "Hallmark" holiday may be. 

Happy Gal/Valentine's Day!

Heather

Outfit Details:

Top, shoes- T.J. Maxx

Denim- Urban Outfitters

Hat- H&M

Sunnies- Gabriel Brothers

Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For Him and For Her

If any of you are still looking for the perfect gift for your chosen loved one, please know that you are not alone. I've given all my friends/family funny e-cards and cake pops, so maybe I'm not the best person to be taking advice from. But, regardless, I've comprised a list of go-to items for the ladies and fellas in anyone's lives. Happy shopping, and an even happier Valentine's Day, folks!