Eat 3.

I have gotten really horrible at posting regularly, but I really am going to start doing more posts. I am currently working on about five at once, so expect some good stuff soon! But for now, here’s a yummy recipe a friend and I designed. It has some pretty strong flavors, but if you’re a fan of Italian food, you’ll love it!

Tomato-Basil Pasta

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 package of fusilli or penne pasta
• 1 small jar of julienned, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 package of cherry tomatoes, sliced into fourths
• 1 handful fresh basil, chopped finely
• 1 jar of store-bought basil pesto (or the equivalent amount of homemade)
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. toasted pine nuts
• 1/8 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 pinch of Italian herb blend
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Boil water for the pasta. Add a pinch of salt and then the pasta. Cook according to the instructions on the package, until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the chopped basil, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes together. Add the salt, pepper, and Italian herbs and stir in.
3. When the pasta is cooked, drained, and rinsed, serve onto plates and distribute the pesto amongst the servings.
4. Incorporate the tomato mixture with the pesto pasta and sprinkle with the desired amount of pine nuts and parmesan.
5. Drizzle with 1/4 tsp. olive oil each and serve hot! This goes well with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Eat 2.

Hey guys, I designed a little recipe for you guys to give a try. This is my own Greek Lentil Salad and it is a super quick and easy lunch, snack, or side. I personally loved it, hope you do, too!

Greek Lentil Salad

Ingredients

2.5 cups of ready-cooked Puy lentils

1-2 oz. of feta cheese

3 oz. sugar plum tomatoes

Drizzle of olive oil

Sprinkle of Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Separate the lentils with a fork and toss.

2. Dice the tomatoes into quarters with a sharp knife.

3. Mix the lentils and the tomatoes together.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and stir in.

5. Crumble feta cheese into the mixture.

6. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the top.

Image Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk

DIY

Hi all, I apologize profusely for not posting! Life gets busy…but I will make up for it with some DIY ideas! So I loved the ballet-style shoes from Urban Outfitters in the link here: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20330940&parentid=WOMENS_SHOES

Although they are gorgeous, I thought that I could replicate the shoe for half of the price. Just buy some cheap, basic flats from the thrift store (or reuse old ones) and use hot glue or a sewing machine to attach a matching ribbon to the inside of the heel. The glue or stitches should be at least an inch wide and should be centered so as to allow for equal lengths on each side. I hope that isn’t too confusing!

Another easy accessory project is recreating Anthropologie’s adorable Critter Cameo Coin Purse, which can be found in the link here: http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/accessories-travel/26114322.jsp. This adorable little bag can be replicated for much less with a basic wallet, a flat-backed animal bead, a strip of ribbon, and a sewing machine. Simply center the ribbon around the middle of the wallet and stitch into place. Then sew the bead front and center. If you want to embellish further, go ahead but there are your basics!

So I hope you enjoyed this! Pictures of the projects will follow soon, but if you can’t wait, you can buy the items at each of the links.

Beauty

Hey guys, I wanted to share some of my favorite, easy hair ideas. Read on to try them yourself!

Variated Dutch Braid
I’ve gotten SO many compliments on this style and the only tools you need are a hairbrush/comb and 6 bobby pins. All you have to do is brush your hair into two equal segments. Then braid each one in turn, holding onto the end as you fold the braid up onto the back of your head and pin into place. Fasten tightly against the scalp with a second bobby pin per braid towards the bottom, and add a bobby pin behind each ear to tuck excess hair into place. Voila! That was easy, right? And if that’s too blah for you, add a jeweled headband, bandana, or braid or twist your bangs, as well.

Topknot
Before trying this one out, invest in a bun doughnut in at a store like Claire’s. Try to find one that is as close to your hair color as possible, and match the size to the length and thickness of your hair. So besides this, you will need a hairbrush or comb, hairspray, about 8-10 bobby pins, and two plain hair ties. Once you have all the materials, brush your hair backwards so that the part isn’t visible. Then, turn your head upside down, and use either the brush or your hands to gather your hair into a neat high ponytail (on top of your head but not too far forwards) and smooth out any ridges. Turn your head right side up again and once again, smooth out any ridges. Use a hair tie to fasten. Now, slide the bun doughnut over the end of the ponytail and pull down to the base, leaving the hair to hang out of it. Here comes the tricky part: splay your hair over the doughnut evenly so that the entire doughnut is covered. This can take a while depending on how thick your hair is. Once in place, stretch a hair tie over the whole thing, twist the ends around the base, and pin them in place. Now pin any stray lumps or flyaways as well as bangs down, and spritz the entire thing with a light mist of hairspray. Beautiful, right?

Braided Bun
A little more complicated but nothing DIFFICULT. All you need is a hairbrush, 6 bobbies and a hair tie plus additional accessories if desired. So, first, brush out hair along the part. Simple enough. Then, create a small braid on the side with more hair while holding the end up in the air. Release onto opposite side and pin. Now form a large twist along the left side of the head and pin. Brush back the crown of the head a little bit, just so it doesn’t look messy. Once that’s done, just French braid the right side and pull into your basic folded bun (close to the nape of the neck, the kind you make when you’re lazy). And finally, attach your accessories, like sparkly barrettes or pearl twisters.

Hope these inspire you some!