Chloé sofa

Chloe Fabric Velvet Metro Living Sofa, 76"W x 36"D x 34"H (see more fabric sofas)

New blog!

Hey everyone! I've started a new blog. I'm going to try to get more regular in posting on both. Check it out and make sure to follow both so you can stay up to date!

http://incandescentlybeautiful.blogspot.com

XOXO,
Savannah

Meet me in St. Louis

 As you all know, I love to travel. I'm always looking for a reason to hop on a plane and go explore a new city or to take a drive with my stereo blaring on the way to a new adventure. Recently, my travels haven't been too crazy. Mostly, between my home and my parent's place in Florida. However, I was finally afforded the opportunity to visit my best friend in her home town. Now I've been to St. Louis a few times so you won't not the arch or the cardinals field and things that I've seen before. This time we took a trip to the St. Louis Zoo and Ted Drewes, which I've been craving for a year. I apologize in advanced for the quality, I forgot my camera at home and was left with my phone. But I hope you enjoy! And let me know where you've got plans to go.

- S

Isn't he cute?

Deliciousness

As per usual, I've been traveling a ton lately, which can make eating clean and healthy harder. It also means catching up with friends is a must in between trips. So to make my waist, budget and lifestyle all agree, I've invited some friends over for dinner tonight. Cooking and eating in means I save money and know the quality of food my body is taking it. Winning all around! Here are the recipes we are trying out tonight:

                                                      Risotto-Style Barley & Asparagus

                                                Fennel, Mustard & Lemon-Crusted Salmon

Hopefully, they turn out as delicious as they look! If you have any suggestions for dishes you love that I should try, let me know. :)

SC

Chicken Paillard

Tonight's adventure in clean eating: chicken paillard. I substituted the spinach in my fridge for the chard and the shallots for onion. Next time I'll use a little less lemon in the sauce but overall it was good and filling. I even have more for a meal tomorrow. Eating clean isn't a diet but a lifestyle. I'm making strides every day. This was tonight's adventure. Stay tuned for more as I begin this journey!

New year. New me.

It's been a crazy year looking back. Graduating college, getting a job, changing jobs, moving cities... the list goes on and on. But as I make my life in a new location one of my goals is to build a better me. From my walk with God, to my exercising, and to my body. So I've stocked my fridge with fresh fruits, vegetables, and clean meats. And I'm making it a goal to change my life. I'm trying a new church this week and spending time focusing on myself. At the end of the day, I have to live with me and I want to be the best me I can be.

Coachella

Coachella 2012 (delayed travel pictures)

(Credit to Lauren Zandstra)

My weekend 1/12

My weekend 1/12 by scyree featuring zipper shoes

Awards Season

It's that time of year ladies and gents. Actors, directors, and the like are all anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winners for the many awards being given. Thus, I find myself catching up on all the films that have been nominated for all of these awards.

The List:

Les Miserables
Zero Dark Thirty
Argo
Lincoln
Gangster Squad
The Impossible
Silver Linings Playbook
Django Unchained
The Master
Anna Karenina
Beast of the Southern Wild
Life of Pi


I'm slowly checking the list off. I'd love to see Anna Karenina next, but alas it's limited showings have not reached me.

Let me know what you've seen and what you think of them. :)

Follow Your Dreams

I've had quite a bit of time to think lately. Thoughts about what I want, what I'm doing, and where my life is going. For 22 years, my life has been laid out for me. Granted ages 1-18 weren't much of my choice. Pre-school, kindergarden, elementary, and so on, they are all just a part of the plan. And then you reach high school. The next step is college for some. But then you reach 22. Everything that you've had planned is now done and there isn't anything to check off the list.

So now what? A college degree, an internship, a thesis, and limited work experience, where do you go from here? Where do I go from here?

It's the question I've been circling for weeks. If you could do anything and money didn't matter, what would you do? But it's not the question that is scary, it's the answer. The moment you realize what you want to do in that dream scenario, no other job is satisfactory.

But going after that dream is scary. What if you fail? If you dream big enough, it's not an easy path. You have to be prepared to fall a few times. You have to be prepared for the no's before you get a yes.
One of my favorite quotes says, "No doesn't mean never, it means not now."

So what do you do when you realize your dreams? You fight for them. It's a scary thing to do but it will be worth it. I keep telling myself it will be worth it. I guess we will find out when I accomplish them.

Not making the cut.

              Every fall networks do their best to recoup their series losses and get back in the game. Some come out great with their attempts to replace fan loved shows like the CW's Arrow, NBC's the New Normal or ABC's Nashville. But then there are many shows that don't make the cut.
              Now as a tv viewer, I feel obliged to give every show at least 2 episodes before I cut my own losses. However, some times I can't even make it through the first. So what shows are being cut with only 13 episodes? Here's what I've learned so far.

- The Mob Doctor: Last's years attempt to fill gaps where Bones was off air lead FOX to creating The Finder, the former's spin off. However, that was a failure and left FOX with more tv room to fill. Thus, we get The Mob Doctor. Personally, I never gave it a chance. It didn't seem like it had much to offer me. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so. FOX has given the show it's 13 episode run to finish it's story (tvline).

- Emily Owens, MD: This year the CW decided to branch out from it's normally rampant teenage drama to a medical show with more than 2 doctors. But we already have Grey's Anatomy? So it's little wonder why this show is also singing it's swan song with a mere 13 episodes as well. (tvline)

- 666 Park Avenue: No one network seems to be without fault this season, as ABC's attempt to fill the once glamourous spot of Housewives will soon be void again. The network has cancelled this scandalous New York apartment drama leaving show creators in a bind to answer questions with whatever is left from it's 13 episodes. (tvline)

- Partners: It seems One Tree Hill alums aren't catching a break this season as Sophia Bush's new project has been cut ending at 13 episodes as well. This short lived comedy had great potential. Unfortunately, CBS seems to believe otherwise and has given the show its final orders.

              But fear not television lovers, many networks have new shows that have yet to start their seasons. The CW will present The Carrie Diaries soon, while USA's original shows will be starting up again as well. With every fall comes the opportunity to discover a new world of excitement but unfortunately not every show has a life as long as day time soaps.

Les Mis Mesmerized

This summer it has been a goal of mine to put a dent in my movie list. Recently, I've been able to check off two of those movies: Singin' in the Rain and Les Miserables. 

I have to say, I am truly amazed at the restoration that has been done on older films. The color quality for Singin' in the Rain was incredible. I always enjoy seeing the original plots that have been redone over and over again. To think about what the writers at the time were thinking, I'm simply amazed. I can only imagine making a film that is considered a classic today. 

As for Les Miserables, I am completely mesmerized. There is no other word that fits my current fascination. After reading several reviews, I under the choice to cast Nick Jonas was risky. However, the bashing that he has endured is definitely not called for. I have not yet had the chance to read the novel, but I am certainly glad I was finally able to see it. Well worth it! Now, I just have to keep putting a dent in this never ending list. 

Just take your time, it's only life.

Just take your time, it's only life. (clipped to polyvore.com)

the review

Several days later having found the time to finish it, I am done with One Day. My review? Well, I will try my best not to provide spoilers.

The writing was wonderful. I enjoyed that the language captured the atmosphere of the placing in which it was portraying. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed learning the new facets of them. I think that seeing the characters through the eyes of each other may have given them more depth, but that is just my opinion. 

I was most certainly thrown for a loop. David Nicholls added a twist I was not ready for. I'm extremely interested to see how this translates to the big screen. Overall? I recommend it. There is profanity, but it isn't as though you are reading the stall in a bathroom. It's neat and not used in means to make up for a lack of a vocabulary. I enjoyed the literally references. It was definitely a good choice.

On the night stand.

I'll admit it. I'm a movie critic. What is even worse? I'm THAT girl. The one who reads the book first, and the proceeds to look for the smallest detail in the movie. I will admit that several film classes and a very persuasive professor later has allowed me to spread my wings a bit more.

Being that I behave in such a way, I picked up the David Nicholls novel One Day. Thus far, I'm in love with it. It took me a bit to pick up on the same day, yearly concept, but now I'm keyed in and loving it! Stay tuned for the review. 

Currently Playing:

Strawberry and Mozzarella Salad

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 heart romaine lettuce, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces (3 cups lightly packed)
• 1 8-ounce container of strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 3 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, diced (about 3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons

Directions

In a small bowl whisk together the oil, vinegar salt and pepper. Place the lettuce in a large bowl and toss with half the dressing. Place the lettuce onto 4 salad plates.

Toss the strawberries with the remaining dressing and place 1/4 of the berries on top of each mound of lettuce. Top each with cheeseand sprinkle with the basil.

Calories 150; Total Fat 12 g; (Sat Fat 3.5 g, Mono Fat 5 g, Poly Fat 1 g) ; Protein 6 g; Carb 7 g; Fiber 2 g; Cholesterol 15 mg; Sodium 320 mg

Excellent source of: Vitamin A, Vitamin C

Good source of: Protein, Vitamin K, Calcium, Manganese

(I found this today. It's on my to be made list. Yum!)

R.E.A.D.

This summer I have become a woman of many talents. Among my weekly schedule: classes, internship and several jobs. However, I'm loving every moment of it all. Tomorrow starts our summer sessions of class so lots of prayer need there.

But today I wanted to share another experience in my life: teaching a child to read. I'm an avid reader. On a good day or even bad, provided the book is good, I can spend the day curled up with a book forgetting the world should even exist outside. I try to read a little bit of everything. Sometimes I am more successful with the task than others but I make the effort to borrow from my best friend since he is more diverse than my typical tastes.

In my adventures though I found myself presented with a task I've never done before. Today I was able to help a child read. Now, I've been the typically babysitter who pops in a movie, chases a child outside or colors until I can't see straight but I have never gotten to teach someone to read before. It was such an incredible experience. There is that moment when the child understands that the world sounds like and the excitement is pure joy. 

I have quite a few things that I want to do in my life some day but I do hope that a piece of that is teaching because that moment was beyond incredible. 

Barre?

Boredom. It can be a frequent identifier of my view of my workout. I just get bored. Videos? I can turn those off. Running? I can just stop. I am the queen of finding an excuse to JUST NOT DO IT. Nike wouldn't appreciate that I imagine. 

Well today I decided to check out Grand Jeté, a locally owned barre fitness facility in Mountain Brook. I loved it! Granted it kicked my butt and as my roommate pointed out the jello legs will only be worse tomorrow, however, I still loved every moment of it. I was entertained, which is important for the queen of excuses and boredom.

Now, I know everyone can't afford to but if you have time give the class a try. Most places offer a free trial class. Scope out the website, grab a friend and a find a time that works for you. Some places even off a student discount (what will I ever do when I'm not in school). 

But whatever you decide to do, try something that works for you. If you love to run, run on! Swim? Be the next Michael Phelps. You can do it. Me? Well I may just have to try a bit of everything to keep entertained. =)

Baked Zucchini

One of my new favorite dishes. =)

Baked Zucchini Sticks
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 3 • Serving Size: 1 zucchini • Old Points: 1.5 pts (sauce extra) • Points+:3 pts
Calories: 121.9 • Fat: 2.4 • Carbs: 21.0 g • Fiber: 6.0 • Protein: 6.7 g 

• 3 medium zucchini sliced into 3" x 1/2" sticks
• 1 large egg white
• 1/3 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• cooking spray
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• salt
• fresh pepper

Quick Marinara Sauce
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 1/2 cup • Old Points: 1 pt • Points+: 1 pt
Calories: 51.5 • Fat: 0.8 • Carbs: 9.0 g • Fiber: 1.1 • Protein: 0.1 g  

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes (I like Tuttorosso)
• 1 small bay leaf
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425°.

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, being careful not to burn. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, basil and bay leaf. Stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer about 20 minutes.


In a small bowl, beat egg whites and season with salt and pepper. In a ziplock bag,place breadcrumbs, garlic powder and cheese and shake well. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray and set aside.

Dip zucchini sticks into eggs then into bread crumb and cheese mixture, a few at a time and shake to coat. Place the breaded zucchini in a single layer and spray more cooking spray on top. Bake at 425° for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.Serve with 1/2 cup marinara sauce for dipping.

Sweet melody

It's finals week so life is a bit crazy but I wanted to share a few musical choices that have been getting me through it this week.

1. 

I keep hearing them in movies and television shows. If you haven't yet check them out.

2. 

Always a good up beat tune. Plus I've been listening to their version of Rolling in the Deep. Love!

3.

This album features my favorite classic rock song: Carry On Wayward Son. 

4. 

Always a calming album.

5. 

Thank you Glee for reminding me of this album.

Enjoy the music. =)