Exam period is OVER

{Sweater: H&M, Cami: Garage, Jeans: American Eagle. This was my outfit yesterday for my last day of studying!}

Yes. That's right. I'm done. Done like dinner, {or in my case, breakfast - it was an early exam.}
 I would say that I'm officially done my four years of university, but I have an extra course to finish over the summer that is seriously hindering my ability to express my excitement by screaming "I'M GRADUATINGGGGG!!!" while running maniacally across campus. Like I saw a guy do yesterday. It looked ridiculous. And liberating.

For now, I will just have to remain contented by the fact that there is less than two months before I can make that same sort of spectacle of myself. Of course, campus is usually very quiet over the summer so there probably won't be many people around to see me acting like a crazy fool. Dang.

Warning: This is an image heavy post.

{Dress: Spank, Cardigan: Gap, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Vintage}

I had such an amazing weekend. The weather was perfect, I finished all my final papers early, and had no real plans. As a result, I chose to meander around the market on Saturday.

{I don't know what this street performer was doing, but he was quite the comedian.}

{A grey heron. Just chillin'.}

{I named him Mr. Turtle. I'm clever like that. A child then came by and started throwing bread crumbs at him. He did nothing. The child huffed away and said "Silly Goose. Doesn't he know I'm giving him food!" I almost corrected the child to inform him that he was a turtle, not a goose, but I held my tongue.}

Anywhooo... I will now continue to eat my strawberries and watch a program entitled, "Wild About Prince Harry." Awesome.

Who else is planning on watching the Royal Wedding? I. Cannot. Wait.

My Weekend Adventures

My weekend as a whole involved a lot of time spent with good food, great friends, and just enough time spent far away from the library. On Saturday myself and the people above (coworkers that have grown into some of my closest university friends) went pottery painting and then out for dinner. I chose a big bowl to paint in blues and yellows, perfect to brighten up my breakfasts. They need to be fired in a kiln, but I can't wait to see the final result when we pick them up in a week.

{Dress: Tommy Hilfiger, Cardigan and Shoes: Gap}

Sunday was spent watching a playoff game for the NHL at a pub on campus, with much the same crowd of awesome company. I had a salad and yam fries {the best yam fries EVER} as the table tried to teach me how hockey works. Even though I'm Canadian, I still don't fully understand the game - but please don't tell or I may lose my citizenship. After the game I took a slow walk home to marvel at all the gorgeous flowers blooming around campus.

All in all, it was the perfect study break weekend for me to recharge before I return to my exam-and-paper-writing routine. I hope you all had a great weekend as well!

{spring has sprung}

Here come the scissors...

{Cami: PacSun, Cardigan and Jeans: American Eagle, Shoes: Target, Belt: Aritzia, Necklace: Forever 21}

I got a haircut today. I love my hair, I really do. I love how fast it grows, how manageable it is, and the color it turns from the sun in the summer. However, after receiving notes from coworkers that say things like, "Your hair is like Narnia... Magical!" {they were joking} and having - on a number of occasions - drunken strangers at the pub reach over to me and start touching my hair {they weren't joking so much} I thought it might be time for some trimming and shaping. It's also very possible that it doesn't look all that different to you, but believe me, missing three inches feels very different to me.

I felt it was necessary to get out of the luon-pants-and-hoodie uniform I've been sporting around the library for the last week, so I changed it up today. There are two things I enjoy about this outfit:
First - this cardigan. I got it four or five years ago and consistently forget about actually wearing it, but when it comes time to clean out my closet every spring, I can never bring myself to put it in the donation pile.
Second - my owl necklace. His name is Otis. Sometimes I talk to him. You know, asking his opinion on an outfit I see in a magazine or whether I should eat that third doughnut... Normal things like that.


Since I've done nothing but study, write papers, and submit job applications all week, I'm allowing myself a 'free day' tomorrow to go pottery painting with my coworkers! What are your weekend plans?

From the Oven: Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

There's nothing better than good ol' chocolate chip cookies. The last time I made these I was told that I should quit whatever career path I was on and open up a bakery instead. So, I now share with you my standard recipe for these little wonders that can make any occasion into a part-ay {ok, well maybe just in my world then...}

2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 c. butter, melted

1/2 c. granulated white sugar

1 c. packed brown sugar

3 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 c. semisweet chocolate chips {sometimes I like to change this part up, like using smarties or white chocolate instead}

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt, then set bowl aside. In a larger bowl, combine butter and both sugars with a whisk. Add in vanilla and eggs and whisk until fluffy and well-combined. Slowly add in flour mixture - at this point, I like to change out the whisk for a wooden spoon. Stir in chocolate chips.

Place tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a non-stick baking sheet, roughly two inches apart. Bake cookies until golden on the edges, but still soft in the center, about eight to ten minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for ten minutes before transferring to wire rack. Cookies may be stored at room temperature for up to one week.

This recipe makes about three dozen cookies.

Book List: Catching Fire & Mockingjay

Since posts regarding my study habits everyday for the next three weeks will inevitably prove to be insanely boring {both for you, and for myself,} I've decided to use this time to play a little game of catch up on this blog. I have a stack of books I've read over the last term that I've been meaning to post about, and just haven't had the opportunity - until now! So you can expect more posts on readings and baking {since playing around with new recipes seems to be how I'm spending my study-free evenings} and fewer posts on daily outfits. For now at least.

About a week after I posted about The Hunger Games, I picked up and read the other two books in the trilogy: Catching Fire and Mockingjay.
So. Good.
These two books delve deeper into the story line that The Hunger Games began. It deals with the repercussions of Katniss and Peeta's actions, ultimately throwing the entire world into chaos. The plot becomes complicated as Katniss struggles to understand her place within the revolution that threatens to both destroy and to save the ones she holds dear. And, as anyone would expect from a piece of teen literature, the love stories become increasingly muddled and twisted. I would be lying if I said that I didn't spend several very late nights engrossed in these books, concerned with the fate of each character and crying when tragedies befell them.
I usually try to read books that challenge me, but lately I've warmed up to books that are easier reads, but still offer captivating story lines. If you're looking for a book or series that meets this description, I would not hesitate to recommend The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay for your next read!

this is what studying looks like.

Lecture notes? Check. Pen? Check. Tea in a pretty mug? Check.
Nothing too exciting happened today, other than a meeting with a prof followed by hours upon hours spent in the library reading about the Civil War and Reconstruction.
Oh, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

And so the studying begins.

{Top: Plenty, Skirt: RW&Co., Belt: Aritzia, Shoes: Gap, Necklace: unknown}

Today was Day One of my exam prep time. Since my exam schedule is on the lighter side this term, as long as I study during the day, I get to spend my evenings relaxing and watching movies. Or doing a little recreational reading. Or blogging. Fun times!
I thought I'd get myself excited for my day in the library by "dressing for success." I think it's so strange {and kind of really awesome} how clothes can completely affect your mood and the outcome of your day.

I think my biggest challenge over the next three weeks will be staying inside to study when this is waiting for me outside:

{Doesn't this look like a fantasy world?}

Let's Get Classy

{Myself with my female staff members}

{My work besties and I}

{Dress: KenzieGirl, Cardigan: Gap, Belt: vintage, Shoes: Steve Madden, Purse: thrifted}

This is how I spent last weekend. At the end of every term, there is a formal in my residence area. It's a great excuse for everyone to dress up primp and proper, take pictures, enjoy a great meal together, and forget for a moment about the impending doom that is exam period. I thought I might share these here, especially since this was the eighth and final time I got to enjoy this little tradition. Bittersweet.

Photos courtesy of Michelle. She's the one in the cute blue dress.

{Hello, Buck-toothed Karla}

From the Oven: Egg White, Salsa, and Goat Cheese Omelette

Whenever I can't decide what to make for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, I go to this egg white omelette. It really is perfect for any meal of the day! It's easy to prepare, packed with protein, and simply delicious. I like to pair it with vegetables and fruit as well - here I chose an avocado with a little bit of cayenne pepper sprinkled on top. I also enjoyed some sliced strawberries on the side.

4 egg whites
A little salt, pepper, and dill to season the egg whites. {But you can really use whatever you like}
1/4 c. salsa
1/4 c. goat cheese {I like to use honey goat cheese because it gives the dish a slightly sweet flavor}
1 tbsp. capers

Cook the egg whites and seasoning in a pan with a little bit of olive oil until cooked, but not overly dry. Move onto a plate. Spoon on salsa, crumbled goat cheese, and capers. Enjoy.

Adapted from the Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast cookbook.

I want the country life

{Sweater & Blouse: Banana Republic, Jeans: Mavi, Belt: Kohl's}

My day began with me waking up very early for no reason, leaving me with a ton of extra time to work my hair into these Taylor Swift-inspired curls. I then ran some errands and cleaned my apartment while listening to nothing but Sugarland, non-stop. My day ended with an evening viewing of Sweet Home, Alabama. I think the fact that I've worn nothing but dresses for the past two weeks {with the exception of today, of course} has had something to do with my Southern Obsession.
Seriously, how much would I love to live in a place where I could wear cowboy boots and dresses everyday without getting judging looks. Answer: so much.
Would anyone like to offer me a job in a place where dressing like a cowgirl is the norm? Anybody? Really, no takers?
Dang.

the perfect springtime evening

{Dress: Old Navy, Button Up: H&M, Belt: thrifted, Bangles: JCrew, Shoes: vintage}

Since yesterday was our last day of classes, and the three week long exam period doesn't start until Monday, today was spent frolicking in the sun, hanging out with great friends, and a visit to a nearby social house for dinner and drinks. We felt we really needed to make the most of the days we have left together that won't be spent studying or packing. 

I love that I've had the opportunity to not only dig into my collection of dresses as of late, but that I'm also able to go outside without wearing tights. The only thing I need now is a bit of a tan. BecauseI'mAsPaleAsCasper. However, since my summer plans do not consist of anything but finishing up my last three credits and beach time, I feel that acquiring a tan is a fairly attainable summer goal. I suppose another goal would be daily postings on this here blog. Oh, and finding a job in my chosen profession. That last one is actually kind of a biggie.

What are your summer plans?

{I love these bellinis, simply because they are adorned with a fuzzy peach candy}

It's the last day of classes!

{Dress: Spank, Cardigan: American Eagle, Belt: vintage.}

Today is LDoC. I cannot believe my fourth year is actually coming to an end. I also can't believe it's been an entire week since my last post - I suppose that may have had something to do with the fact that classes were ending. I finished my last class about an hour ago, and now I get to go out and enjoy an outdoor concert with my friends in the sunshine. I'm lucky I get to enjoy the beauty that is spring right now because, unlike others, my self-induced exam hibernation period doesn't start until next week. 

I love this time of year.

Since it's thursday, after all, I really only have one thing to say for today's Awkward and Awesome:

- Last Day of Classes. Awesome.

{check out that blue sky!}