Are you tired of me ranting on about Blood Oranges??

Well this is the last installment of my Blood Orange Season post.

I thought about trying to do an Asian Inspired Orange chicken recipe. I thought it would be fun, but alas…it called for Potato Starch…and I just didn’t have time for that search. So i searched around for something easier, something some what healthy.  Food 52 is becoming my favorite place for easy dinner ideas. I had a moment this week where I was politely told that I consume too much fried foods. I took it with grace because it was true…i do need to chill, but what? Give up my wings? No way. These wings are baked, while Chicken skin isn’t healthy…it’s called baby steps people. It’s not deep fried right!?  This sauce or glaze is super tangy and still sweet, and with a hint of crushed red pepper it gives it a kick.

The recipe is simple. Starting out with chicken wings, salt and pepper them after you have patted them dry. No additional oil is needed because roasting them on high heat will make the skin blister. Giving it that “hot wing” effect.

You’re supposed to turn them every 15 mins that they are in…Now…I actually appreciate my eyebrows enough not to singe them with the heat….and I forgot. I turned them the last 10 mins in, and it came out fine.

If your a spice dare devil sprinkle a little more red pepper on top before serving.

These got a stamp of approval from my mom and uncle.

I love them as well and it def feeds my Blood Orange Love, and Chicken Wing Fix.

_Elle

Imagine it’s Sunday (even though I posted this on a Sunday) and you’ve made yummy breakfast…or you’re a 9 AM lush and you think…What would go with these delicious pancakes?…or What would soothe this hangover? Well Duh, Mimosa’s …I mean it’s practically taboo to drink early in the day unless it’s Bellinis or mimosas….and of course Blood Mary’s (which I think are totally gross by the way). These Blood Orange Mimosas are refreshing and tart and have a little extra bang because of the Cointreau that was added and personally optional. Of course I took one for the team and tried both versions. Without is just as yummy.

The recipe is here, but in my opinion Mimosas are best when you pour as much as you like. I personally like mine more on the fruity side. Although there is an actually recipe, I poured half Blood Orange Juice, one fourth orange liqueur, and  one fourth prosecco. Everything should be cooled, or else you have a hot drink…and that is NO fun! So there you have it, a yummy bubbly mimosa.

_Elle

So clearly looking at me, you can see I’m not Irish. When has that stopped anybody from celebrating and drinking Shamrock Shakes? I’ve actually never been out during St. Patricks day. This year I probably won’t go out anyway, for what? I have Baileys here, and ice cream for Milkshakes…in addition i’m not that much of a party animal to go out on a Sunday.

Maybe you’re hosting a party or going to one. This would be great to take with you or serve. You can make  adult chocolate milk, or any of these drinks with it. I think it would wow your guest and friends with something fresh, and strong. The recipe is here, and I stuck to it pretty much to the tee.

I topped mine with a little cocoa powder and espresso powder.

Then I made a milkshake with this after I took the picture!

_Elle

In the past week I’ve seen bloggers unsurprisingly open up more then normal about the state of  ”blogging”. I’m not surprised because they do it a lot, and I’m always here for it. Half of the time I agree with it, and then a part of me has other feelings. Blogging is somewhat of a business these days. Sure there are plenty of blogs out there that are still bonifide and original, who have no intentions. They simple want a space to express their personal style, their favorite things, and their inspiration.

There are blogs out there who are solely out to make this part of their main income. There are amazing blogs and shitty ones dare I say. Relax…my idea of shitty has nothing to do with appearances and a lot to do with content and orginaility. You have blogs that are so forced with their links and C/O items and you wonder…okay girl “we get it” . I don’t knock too many people’s hustle, do your thing!

With the state of the economy and jobs many young ladies, and gents are making their own way. I mean who didn’t dream of actually having their say in Fashion? Even if it’s in the confines of the cyber world? Even if they only reach 5 people a day or 5000. I love it all, the good the bad and the ugly. For me blogging was always an outlet that half of my friends aren’t aware of. I was fine with that, it’s my space to talk about things that might be silly to people I knew personally.
While I agree on some of the setiments of bloggers like Christina . The consensus seems to be that folks aren’t visiting other blogs any more, and they are focusing on their own Personal space in terms of blogs. While I say, do what you want. I could never stop enjoying blogs. There are so many out there, there are so many ways to find inspiration, and to make something your own. What’s super easy is to box all these amazing bloggers in the same area and say that none of them are inspiring. Now I don’t want to get off topic. Most of the blog post, tweets, and debates I’ve seen lately revolve around girls with funky dunky attitudes once they get a few hits on their sites. I can attest to this…and it’s annoying. I mean I had a blogger blow me a kiss recently at an event….a fucking kiss like I was a crazed fan or something. I could be delucional for taking offense that at 26 another women has blown me a kiss instead of actually speaking to me, or waving. Maybe it was the 10 or so necks who turned and looked at me like I was “an adorable puppy” when she did it. I felt defeated for some reason…..anywayyyy.

By no means would I stop enjoying my hobby of looking at blogs because a few girls who make a little money from their blogs and let it go to their head stop me from enjoying good blogs. I treat blogs like little magazines. I love going through them all. I love pinterest, I love tumblr, I love it all, and you even label me a typical blogger. When i go meet up with other bloggers I ooh and aww over outfits, I take pictures, I network. I’m not ashamed at all. But to wrap it up. If you really enjoy blogging, enjoy it, and don’t concern youself with the next person. Who, where and what they are doing. If they have a crap attitude, unfollow them. If they are on a high horse…secretly hope that the horse suddenly goes Lame but by all means don’t let it stop you from enjoying a hobby. Yolo you know.

All week I’ve been looking at images, thinking about spring. Thinking about recipes, and outfits. There is still so much to be inspired by on blogs and sites. I below are a a lot  few things that are inspiring me as the weather changes.

Cute jackets as the seasons change.

Gorgeous Zara shoes Studs and Prints

Bold Prints for the Spring

Motivation to try my hand at Cinnamon Rolls after my last failure

Sorbets and Ice Creams for the Summer. I recently returned my Ice Cream Maker for bills and I think I might get another one.

Her outfit is all sorts of Badass…wonder where she is wearing this too.

last year I brought Flower bulbs and failed to plant them. I’m giving my front porch and backyard a make over this time around.

I found a place in Union Station to get internional magazines. So excited.

Recently I’ve been having dreams and flashbacks to childhood of me when I was obsessed with all things Egyptian.

Blueberry Ice Cream??? I’m hear for it..yes.

I had a conversation about Classic vs. Trends. And I was asked why are Polka dots still in. I love them, and I think it’s a Classic and will always been on trend.

Crazy Inspiration for my room.

Consider me Lovely in a DIY Tulle Skirt. I’ve been thinking about making Summer 2013 the Summer of DIY around here.

Michelle Obama, regardless of my political views she is my definition classic style. She looks amazing in this photo.

DIY Inspiration after seeing Ria in a harness . I wanted one but realized there are none in my size.

I feel like I don’t need to comment on these. They are simply the bomb. I hate my toes, but I’m willing to get in these and go for a few rides in them.

I always wish i lived in an area where pools on rooftops were a given…fun pools not the boring City run pools….but clearly this is a cat pool which makes it awesome in my book.

 Bold Blue make up on creamy dark skin. It looks amazing. I want to experiment with colors as it gets warmer.

And there, all the images that are inspiring me for the upcoming spring. Sorbets, Make up, Pastels, and the thought of traveling.

Have a good Weekend and live like it’s you’re last day this weekend!  Don’t do anything crazy though

_Elle

I’m not sure if you heard me the first time, but Blood Oranges are all that a bag of “insert your favorite food”. Juice was easy as we say in the aforementioned link, and so was this next recipe. I got a little creative with a recipe I found here. I made a few changes for the bloody occasion. (Was that too much?) If you say it in a British accent it sounds better.

I made this a round cake because I couldn’t find a loaf pan. What I did find wasn’t good for this. At least I didn’t think it would be. So I buttered a cake round and lined it with parchment and then buttered the parchment. It cut the cooking time in half though. I would recommend watching it in the oven though.

The pink glaze, is powered sugar and Blood Orange Juice as simple as that. Now that I think about it if you wanted to make this boozy, you could pour a bit of Orange Liquor in there as well. My first attempt at glaze was too thin. It was pretty, but It wasn’t thick enough. My best advice is 1 cup of powdered sugar, and pour in juice, one tablespoon at a time, and using a whisk to avoid any white clumps. You have to play around with it

This cake was spongy, moist, and just right. I also subbed the “regular” orange juice for Blood Orange Juice. I thought it would make the cake pink…Boo hiss, it didn’t. If you love citrus or pound cake then this has your name all over it. This would make a delicious Spring time dessert, or breakfast cake with Coffee, which I plan on doing this week.

Let that sink in…can you see the Orange and Lemon Zest in there?? It is simply heavenly.

_Elle

The season is upon us…Orange Season….Blood Orange to be exact.

Blood Orange? You say? ” I don’t eat gang related fruit”

Blood Oranges despite the name are so yummy. Apparently they’re good for you too. I’m not here for that. All I care about is the sweet goodness of the “finest” orange of the orange family.

It’s you’ve never had one they have a tarty sweet taste, and a hint of berry like goodness.

As a blogger I do a lot of reading myself. I follow all of these blogs, too many. But I can attest that my love for Blood Oranges is similar to the love of Butternut Squash on Food Blogs. I mean at some point I have to wonder about the worlds food supply of Butternut squash when it’s in season. I mean I’ve seen it all when it comes to Butternut Squash on blogs. Soups, Salads, Fries and Pies. Me I like to keep it simple and roasted. I can’t say the same for oranges though. I love all citrus and I’d make recipes out of every last one of them.

This is my obsession, and waiting a whole year…it kills me softly.

Here we are….Blood Oranges again. I’m starting off simple. When I went to Rome, Blood Oranges were the “thing” It was the first time I had one. I had it with breakfast every morning squeezed like regular orange juice. They even had it sold in cartons like OJ here. I couldn’t smuggle it back sadly. When I started going to whole foods I found them. Along with all these other amazing types of oranges. I’m training off again haha.

Simple Orange Juice. Use a Juicer, or not. I’ve put some together below. I only suggest getting one if you really love Fresh Citrus Juices as much as I do. Or…you could be a gadget hoarder myself and plan on using it  3 months straight out of the year.

Global Prints, Ethnic Prints, Bold….whatever sits well with you. I love them all, and lately I’ve been super inspired by them. I think I might partake in my own collage below. A few of items are coming home with me for the spring. I was super inspired by so many of the looks below. Can I also say that I was a little bothered by the lack of women of color on Pinteret when I went searching for more looks outside of some that I found. Ladies we need to fix that. (hashtag your outfits).

Now back to business…

1,2,3,4

1,2,3,4

Clockwise

Isa Slouch Printed Pants

We Dream In Colour "Athena" Drop Earrings

Nila Anthony Clutch

(20% off with code "PSWO13 Until March 8)

Tebbe Tribal Wedge Sandal

Sabrine Rhinestone Necklace

Bright Global Print High Low Tank

ASOS Curve Shift Dress

Asos Curve Mini Dress in Scraf Print

Zara Wide Heel Sandal

Ikat Print Bralette

Joe Fresh Tissue Print Tee

Bead Embellished Sandals

Print Pants (Similar)

Art Deco Swing Bracelet

I hate to call things like this trends, but I hope it doesn't fade out. But I certainly think if you have good style, you can pull of anything well after everybody is over it. That goes for all "trends".  I think these looks can be pulled off by anybody. Are you a fan of Ethnic/Global Prints?? Have any favorites of what I curated??

_Elle

Whenever Valentines Day swings around I never know what to do. I’m 26 and I’ve never had a valentines but when it comes to all the reds and pinks, thinking about romantic evenings I still get excited. I think about what “if” what if I had a date and what would I wear. Where would I go, what would I order. “Do I sound crazy yet”? Anyway a secret part of me thinks about my first Valentines every time February rolls around . I feel like such a virgin talking and thinking about it -_- I guess because I am one.

On Valentines day I might be hanging out with my mom which …is sort of either creepy, pathetic, or cute.  Factor in my age and take your pick. I’ve put together some dresses for all. Whether this is your first Valentines or your 5th…..or even your 10th.  If it were me I know I’d step outside the box and wear some color, purples, blues, black. I’d pick something fun that I would dance in, and feel great in. So check out my choices. Which one is your favorite??

Are you looking forward to Valentines Day share a small story of how you and your Beau met, or what you plan on doing for you two’s special day! I’ll read them all in a British accent for optimal romanticness. (I made that up). Better yet, what will you be wearing!?

Sometimes it’s best to calm down and think about your next move.

I promise this will be the last post on my feelings…well probably not. I promise this will be my last post on super personal feelings.

This week has been rough. But so has the last 4 weeks. I felt defeated most of the time. I was able to enjoy myself a couple of times only to return to life in my house…with my mom and my cat. Don’t get me wrong I love them both. When the new year started I was excited. I had and still have big ideas, dreams and goals for the new year. But as I sat to write everything out I realize that I was missing the one thing that could make it happen….MONEY. As I looked at my credit…my bank accounts and my bills I felt like I was drowning. I sulked….sulked some more, thought about what I could do to change it. BINGO as mentioned in the previous post I started eying things around my room. Make up that was unopened. Shoes never worn, shirts that don’t fit. Things with Brand new tags….why had I really let myself get to this point!? Why had I spent all this money in the first place!? I started to wonder as I took all these pictures of items.

It seems like a very taboo subject in my community. Seeking help for issues, solving them, and not just giving it to the lord and pushing it to the back burner. I grew up religious, but as I got older I lost that, and religion was something that I greatly valued as a part of human culture, and history. Because there are so many branches and stories, and ideals of religion  to me the thought of religion is the same, the basis of it anyway. Which I still find very beautiful and enlightening.  At some point my mind programmed itself to putting my foot to the ground to walk, talk, and solve issues I was going through. I thought there is nobody to give these burdens to if I actually solve them and there are no burdens.  I was at a point where I didn’t really know what i believed in. In my family we were taught to push so much under the rug, and give it to god. But somewhere along that line my grandfather who can recite the entire bible, and quotes other religious books off the top of his head gave me a solid piece of advice. That prayer and meditation could be key, but that I should always focus on getting to the root of the problem, addressing it face on. So for me someone who was spending money like crazy because I had it only too look up a year or two later and literally be broke I took the reigns on my life.

My mom and I had a rough relationship growing up. I’ll just leave it at we didn’t communicate very well, we were oil and water. I promise I wasn’t a spoiled brat who just didn’t listen. My mom who I love  and can’t be replaced for did something that I couldn’t forgive for years. I believe that’s when I started eating out of anger, spending money on things that I thought would make me feel better, and number 1 stressing. That went on up until late last year. My mom and I started going to see a counselor solely to make sure my foster sister had a healthy environment to live in. As we went every week she started discovering that maybe mom and I had unfinished issues to resolve before we could let someone else in emotional and boy did we. Within the first 3 months we had gotten out years and years of stress, anger, and regret. I started to notice my blood pressure come down…as we went on we got really deep I’m talking Childhood 12 years old, sandbox deep my shopping habits started to dwindle. I started to look at what i had, and think about the things I needed. What good was it to have things but can’t afford to wear them anywhere!? Why have a Gucci Bag if the Debit card it held was in the negative!?  What good was it to have the bag and everybody think it was fake anyway!? What could I really say about this bag to explain my current situation and why I still had it!? Some people would think I was being too hard on myself. But I wasn’t…I think I was right. After speaking to a neighbor who made her own side business part time and who ended up paying all of her bills she gave me great advice. Don’t buy it unless you really can afford it. Don’t buy a bag if you have some other debt, the bag will be there. She told me to make smarted choices that would pay off in the end. She was right…but I didn’t really listen until it was too late. Websites like LiveVest.com and Operation Hope opened my eyes to why it’s really important to be financially stable, and in control.

Today as I sit with bills, past due car note, and a plan for my business I have to give myself and my mom a lot of credit for doing this. I have to be thankful for the many nights of the pep talk with myself on paper for training myself to see my worth. My mom and Ie e both are better people, and you know what last month I faced my spending habits head on. I answered calls from the collectors, i made arrangements, I signed up for Mint.com, manila.com and Freecreditreport.com. I stopped eating less and out of frustration. Most importantly I put my money where my mouth was, and moved my pride aside to ask for help from the people who I’ve supported and been there for. I was always taught never to help and support people to say they owe me. But some of you bloggers who I’ve always supported really came through for me! Especially my BLMGIRLS.

So without going too deep into more personal feelings I really want to say thank you to those who read my blog, text me, IM’ed me words of encouragement, who donated to my business license, those who RT’ed my Ebay sells, and those who actually bid and paid for their items. Thanks to each and every one of you. Thanks to those who prayed for me as well. I felt overcome with so much emotion when the first donation came in…then anger when Paypal took a cut….but then I was emotional again once I realized someone donated. All of the donations have been sent to a Savings account that I don’t have much access too and once I receive enough for my business license and some other permits I’ll be sure you let you all know when I’m officially a business owner.

So the moral of me pouring out my secrets is that when things get tough it’s okay to be upset, it’s okay to be worried but know when to stop, know when it’s time to look your issues dead in it’s eyes and face them. Whether it’s issues with a parent, sibling, friend, work it out. You will be amazed at how your body changes, how your mind reacts and how you can use that other energy to better yourself as a person. We wouldn’t be where we are if life was perfect, and there were no hurdles. I’ve stopped looking at likes hurdles as some evil doing, because I know that it’s time time for me learn from my mistakes or learn how to deal with certain issues that are always going to pop up. It’s made me strong, it’s made me more aware. It’s made me and certain family members closer, so whether you’re religious or not you have to deal with rainstorms to get a rainbow as cheesy as that sounds. Sometimes it has nothing to do with the devil working overtime sometimes it’s needed period to help you, to test you, and to make you stronger.

Elle

Hey…

As I get older and look back on what I’ve done with my life since graduating high school I have had good memories and bad memories. I’ve always had a fear of failing and not living out my dreams. I remember growing up I wanted to do so many things, I was in so many clubs, Girl Scouts, Ballet, Karate, ….Saturday Academy (nerd). I had to sit down with my mom and actually cut out stuff on the weekend. At 26………..I realized I have that same mentality. I’ve tried my hand at finishing college, but most recently had a big road block, and while I feel insanely lucky to have a full time job, I yearn to work for myself and to be creative. I’ve even studied nursing and while science is literally ingrained in my blood I couldn’t stomach it  65% of the time. I could go down the list of things, but that’s now what this is about. While In Miami last year I found myself in deep thought as it rained the entire weekend I was there…I thought about my life, and my goals, and am I really doing what I want? Of course as I was staring 26 in the eyes

I’ve always revolved my dreams around goals that involve be being creative, helping others see the beauty in themselves, and most of all fashion , design, and cooking. Typical. Last year I spent 3 months training to become an business owner. The late nights of researching, window shopping, and studying businesses brought about tons of ideas. I completed that course, and I’m actively working on my business plan and speaking with people about a plus size swimming line for us Hip and Hippy Ladies…well all ladies for that matter. I ‘m both excited and scared that this is probably the longest thing that I’ve committed myself too, my boss knows I want to work for myself and become a business owner and he’s supported me throughout the entire journey.

This story may seem way off base according to the title…but it isn’t. In fact it’s all connected. You see,  while I work I have a separate set of bills like anybody else. As I sit in my room looking at all the nice things I’ve brought in the past years when my money was shall we say ….fruitful. Today none of that matters, the shoes (well some of them I’m not parting with my Prada’s No way baby), Handbags that I literally worshiped having, and clothes that I don’t need or wear on a regular basis since battling my weight issues. They need to go, and with that sadness comes happiness. I plan on using all the proceeds to purchase my business license, business registration , and Web Template on Shopify. I’ve put a few items on Ebay for sale. Selling my Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C would certainly pay for half of my $340.00 Basic Business License.  I have such big goals for this year and helping me by buying some of these items would be gratefully appreciated.I know I’m pretty honest of this blog, but I’ve never been this honest…I’ve never even been able to ask for 20 bucks on my bluest day let alone really asked for support in a goal that I am seriously devoted to.

So take a look at the items that I’m going to link up and even the smallest donation would be amazing. I’ve put a paypal button up. Oh MY gawd….I can’t even process posting it and asking for help. haha…my grandfather told me that it’s a catch 22 to have that as a trait. I believe him…sometimes my pride is so thick that I don’t want to ask for help…but I need to make things happen sooner rather than later!

Take a look at my Ebay Items.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.

Jessica Simpson Branco Cork Wedges

Nine West TailDrop Wedges

Green and gold Wedges! Perfect for Valentines

Fuchsia Satchel Crossbody Bag

Top shop Dalmation Smoking Slipper that fit like a 9.5

Here is my >>>>Ebay Store<<<< Go check out some other Items! I’ll be posting more soon.

- Thanks to anybody who bids, who’s supported my ideas, and anybody who wished me well-