Tuesday Travels (!!!)

I know, I know I've been slacking on my Tuesday Travels lately, but this post is about to totally make up for lost time!  This Tuesday was a little different, because I'm on Spring Break!  But of course, being home from school did not stop me from gallivanting around the city.  

Remember here when I talked about Lauren Conrad's "L.A. Candy" and the new series 'The Fame Game' coming out?  Well yesterday was the kick off of Lauren's book tour, and of course I had to go see her!

Me and Lindsey trekked to Union Square where we listened in on Lauren's discussion about the new book with her editor, Farrin Jacobs, and a Q&A session with the audience.  Then the best part, Lauren got to meet all her fans and sign copies of the new book!  Her people were really protective over her though and wouldn't let us get anywhere near with a camera.  But of course, I creeped my hardest and zoomed x15 from my seat :)  

It really is so surreal to meet celebrities.  I've met a handful, and I always get giddy every time!  I've been watching LC on Laguna Beach and The Hills for the longest time, and getting to meet her was so fun.  If you see how beautiful she is on TV, trust me when I say she's absolutely adorable in person!

Finally it was my turn to meet her and get my book signed.  I even got to have a quick little chat with Miss Lauren herself!  I snapped a picture of her looking JUST like Miley Cyrus, and she was just as awkward in her response to me as I was when i told her!  Good to know that celebs are real people just like us :)

Monday Mantra: Open Your Mind

At the risk of sounding like a fortune cookie, here's my Monday Mantra for this week.

Be open to whatever comes next.  

In this crazy world, it's impossible to ever know what'll come our way. Don't be fearful of the future though, just keep an open mind and be ready to face whatever is thrown at you, good or bad.  You'll be surprised at how positivity can really change your outlook :)

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Social Media Happy

I have literally become obsessed with social media.  It's bad. The first thing I do when I wake up is reach for my phone and read and respond to all texts that piled up overnight. Next comes the iTouch, because it's my turn against all opponents in my Draw Something games. Have to refresh instagram and see what pictures are most popular. Maybe a quick round -- or two, or seven -- of Temple Run.  Must. Beat. High score.

Then I grab my laptop which is my ultimate downfall.  There goes my morning!  I check all my e-mails (three separate accounts), then
facebook, twitter, and blogspot.  My latest obsession, pinterest, is what really takes me over though.  In the past week it's gotten so bad, I could sit here for hours pinning and re-pinning all of these fun images that I keep finding on tumblr and weheartit.  I really can't help it though!  I think it's because I'm always on the computer all day long, being that my studies are so computer oriented.  I go from my laptop during lecture, to the macs in the library, straight to a computer class, then back home to do my work.  It's nuts.  I really need a break from the digital world.  But likely, it'll never happen.  Obsessed.

Caviar Manicure

I don't know about you, but I hate going without nail polish.  My hands just look so little boyish when my nails aren't painted, and I'm always changing the color every week.  I love keeping up with the latest colors for the season, and I recently discovered what I think will be the next big thing in nail art: the Caviar Manicure. They look like little sprinkles for your nails!

Made by Ciaté, it's the first 3D manicure to hit the market and it is currently only sold on their website here.  They're currently all sold out, so you have to join the waiting list for availability updates.  But the kit will soon be sold in all Sephora stores!  So excited to try this, especially because it looks so easy to do and comes off with regular nail polish remover.  So easy but so so cute!  Can't wait to try it :)

                          

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Inked

I've been thinking about tattoos lately.  I always said I would never get one, only because I never thought I liked anything so much that I would need it permanently inked onto my body.  I always think about how it's going to look when we're so much older, and how they're really only ideal when you're young.  But white ink tattoos are something I've been seeing and I think I'm falling in love.  Seems perfect for me because it's subtle enough to barely notice.  Sometimes though, they come out looking like scars.  I can't decide if I love it or hate it.  I also wonder what happens in the winter when your skin isn't tan..will you be able to see it at all?  For now, I will leave my body alone.  But maybe one day..

Spring Has Sprung!

Yesterday was the first official day of Spring..finally!  One of my favorite parts during this time of the year is seeing the different fashion all over the city.  It's so fun seeing all the bright colors all the girls wear from head to toe, especially after a long winter of darks and neutrals.

Orange Creamsicle Cookies

This week I spent my Saturday night in baking cookies.  Just needed a mellow night to wind down from a long week.  I'd been wanting to try this recipe for Orange Creamsicle Cookies for a while, and its definitely one I'll be making more often.  They were so yummy!  This was my first time baking completely from scratch, so I'm happy to say it was a success! Next time I want to double the recipe and make the cookies bigger.  Big cookies are just more fun!

Recipe:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons orange zest (zest of 2 oranges)

1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips

Preheat over to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and creamy.  Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.  Gradually add flour mixture until combined. Stir in orange zest and chips.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Do not flatten cookies; it will make them dry.  Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown around edges.  Cookies will be plump.  Cool for several minutes on cookie sheet before transferring to rack to cool completely.  Store in airtight container.