We All Scream for Ice Cream…well, not anymore.

As promised, I have a few big announcements to make. I’ll make one today and one tomorrow. This one is kind of sad, for me. Not for you, so don’t worry. You see, apparently it’s common for your allergies to change as you grow, um, older. And that it’s common in your late 20’s to develop a new allergy or for an old allergy to change. Well, since I am now officially in my late 20’s (ouch) it seems I have become a statistic. Yes, I do believe I have a food allergy. To dairy.

Dude, dairy is in everything.

At least all the good foods.Cheese, Milk and yogurt are the obvious culprits. But chocolate, chips, bread, butter, sour cream, cheeseburgers, donuts and cupcakes, nachos, cheese fries, Alfredo and Stroganoff sauces, waffles and pancakes, and some cereals. I seem to find something new everyday. I could deal with all that, there are some fine substitutes out there for all those things. But then I realized. The worst one.

No Ice Cream.

WHHHHHYYYYYY?!?!?

Now there are some great Coconut substitutes, Trader Joe’s has a great one. But nothing beats real ice cream. Even then I thought, it’s going to be okay. This is easy, it’ll just be like going on a weird diet.

Wrong.

This is a substantial life change. I think it hit mister and me when we were out and decided to stop at a Greek restaurant for lunch. They have the best Gyros, and we were both so excited until I remembered, No Feta, No Tzatziki. I got a salad, with olive oil and gyro meat. And then I got a cocktail.

It hasn’t been easy, and it’s not going to be easy. But I’m about three solid weeks free of dairy and I feel amazing. I feel so good that I finally realize how long I’ve been sick. Really I’ve been feeling some symptoms for about a year, but they started getting increasingly worse 4-5 months ago and finally about 2 months ago I really took note and decided to change something.

I have yet to go to the doctor and get this confirmed. I have an appointment soon, and we’ll figure it out from there. Instead of immediately going to the doctor, I called my two best friends who have their own food allergies and asked for their opinions. They told me their experiences, and I took their advice. Plus, those tests are flipping expensive! I just wanted to have an idea of what it could be before I went in.

So there is one of the big announcements. I’ll make sure to talk about this more, and share some stories with you guys. For now, just watch this clip from Portlandia.

Allergy Pride.

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Ooooh…Heeeey!

Hi guys! Just me, popping in for a quick hello! There is SO much to tell you, and I will most definitely be catching you up on the goings on that have been going on the past few months.

Things have been happening. In big, real life changing ways.

Seriously.

But today I have a recipe to share with you. Because It’s delicious and easy, and because Monday’s are hard, and just because I love you, I made you homemade Bailey’s. Yessir, homemade. And vegan, if you’re into that sort of thing. It’s super easy and the perfect cure for a case of the Monday’s. Add it to your coffee or cocoa, serve straight up over ice, or even sneak it into some baking, which I totes did, and it was amazing. Stay tuned!

Enjoy!

Inspired by: Oh She Glows

Just like Bailey’s, but Homemade Irish Cream

by Jessica Scott

Keywords: beverage

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Ingredients (about 4 cups)

• 1 can light coconut milk
• 1/2 cup almond milk (vanilla or original)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup strong coffee
• 3/4 whiskey, and a generous splash

Instructions

In medium pot whisk together coconut and almond milk. Add in brown sugar and whisk to combine. Bring to a low boil and stir frequently. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until it cooks down and thickens slightly.

Remove from heat and add coffee and whiskey. Stir to combine.

Store in sealed jars. The whiskey and espresso settles, so shake or stir it up before using. Store in the fridge. Should last about five days, like that’s likely.

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Project 365: Week 3!

Hello all! Sorry about the radio silence this past week. I got hit with something nasty and was unable to do anything but sleep and watch trashy tv. But real life called last night and said if I didn’t show up I would be fired. Needless to say I have a very busy week ahead of me. I just love a good game of catch-up.

Here are the things I was eternally grateful for this third week of 2012:

15/365: Cheesy Sweet Potato Fries. All the flavor, slightly less guilt.

16/365: Snow Day.

17/365: Organization tools. My life savers.

18/365: Date Night. Chinese food and movies in bed.

19/365: Girls night in. Something that was much needed after my week.

20/365: My necklace. The heart pendant was a gift from Mister on our first Christmas together. The Opal pendant was a gift to my mom from my dad many moons ago.

21/365: My quilt. It was made by my grandmother and it is one of the warmest things on the planet, it’s also fun and colorful. I love it very much.

Have a great week everyone!

 

Get Ready to Organize Yo’self!

One of my goals for 2012 is the same as one I made for 2011…okay there are a few of these. Like eating healthier, working out, drinking less…blah, blah, blah. But there is one that I am determined to achieve this year: Being more organized. Oh yeah, it’s going to happen.

And you’re going to help me! I know that when I set up a challenge you guys are pretty awesome at keeping me in check and making sure that I follow through. There’s also a little part of me that hopes this inspires you too, and then we can all share our stories and sing songs and make cookies.

So here’s what we’re going to do:

Each month I’m going to organize a room in my house, obviously this won’t take an entire year since I only have 5 rooms in my house, 6 if you count the black hole known as the garage. Each week during that month I’ll be sharing some organization tips that I discover along the way.

Office, you're going down!

I’m also going to be sharing some of my tips for handling everyday life. We’re all busy people, and we all have days/weeks where we think it’s just not going to get done. Now I know that we’re all different, and we’re all juggling different schedules. I’m not expecting to solve all the problems, but let’s try some new things and see what happens.

Google calendar + to-do notebook=organizing bliss

You all know that I love to cook right? Well I’ll also be bringing in some tips and tricks I’ve found that help me to make homemade meals during the week. I’ll give you a hint: they involve loud music, cocktails and some quality time with some of my favorite kitchen appliances. Oh yeah.

Basically, we’re going to grab our golden lasso, put on some high boots and become Wonder Woman. Why not?

Now if only I could find that plane…

 

Project 365- Week 2!

Hello all!

I hope you’ve had a fabulous weekend so far, and if you are lucky enough to have tomorrow off then I hope you have a great long weekend.

Here are the pics from week two of something everyday that I am thankful for.

8/365: A mister that will make crazy concoctions in the kitchen with me.

9/365: Clean sheets on a bed I didn’t have to make. Apparently Gypsy is pretty thankful for this too.

10/365: Warm lunch on a very, very cold day.

11/365: Wintertime sunsets

12/365: Mister has my favorite mountain range as the screensaver on his phone. You know, in case I get homesick.

13/365: My neighborhood is pretty amazing. Every time I walk through it on my way home from school it reminds me that my life should be directed by John Hughes.

14/365: These are some of my friends, they’re in a band. When they play in town it’s always a good time. Something to be very thankful for indeed.

Have a great week everybody!

Friday Favorites: It’s about time.

Happy Friday!

Remember when birthdays were all about balloons and cupcakes? They were magical days where you got pancakes for breakfast and your favorite dinner and there was lots of cake. Ah, the good old days of youth. I think we should bring those back.

My birthday is coming up, it’s on the 30th, that’s the last Monday of the month. It’s also the day of my math midterm. Neither of these things make me think of fun and balloons. But I’ve been promised cake so at least there’s that.

Anyway. I found myself in a situation today where I didn’t have my phone within reach (gasp!) and I couldn’t see a clock anywhere but I needed to know what time it was. I was in such a pickle that I looked down to consult my watch, when I remembered…I don’t own one.

So I figured I would take the opportunity to ask for a birthday present from mister and finally get a watch. It seemed like the responsible and grown up thing to do.

Here are his choices, even though he already knows the one that I really, really want.

Wenger

La Mer Collection

Sprout

Sprout

Invicta

Which one do you guys think it is?

Have a great weekend!

 

 

A love letter to 2012

Dear 2012,

This year I’m going to do a few things different. I’m going to be a better version of me. I won’t let the things that stress me out control my life. I’m going to be more organized. I’m going to be a better friend and family member. I’m going to get my cards sent out on time, and my calls made.

I’m also going to eat better and take care of my body. I’m going to paint my nails and curl my hair. I won’t be afraid to be a little girly, not this year.

I’m going to make my own flavored vodka, something I’m super excited for.

At least I’m going to try really, really hard.

Watch out 2012, I’m putting up a fight this year.

And with the way we rang in the new year, I think we got off to a good start.

I know these are a little late, but I wanted to share some of my favorites from our night with family and friends.

These girls have known each other for a very long time, they just let me take photos with them at parties.

Mister and one of his oldest friends, Alex. We were at Alex’s parents house for the party. They always have great shin-digs. Do people still say that?

Me and Felicia, who is Alex’s fiance. Love her!

Mister and his buddies.

My friend Sarah and I, we like to ham it up for the camera. Imagine.

And finally, a New Years kiss.

Here’s to a Happy New Year!

Even if it is a little late.

 

 

Project 365!

I decided to give myself a challenge this year, I wanted something that was creative and fun and also a little challenging. I had seen a few other bloggers do a Project 365 and thought I would give it a try.

It’s pretty easy, and extremely difficult at the same time. Much like most things. Basically, you choose something to photograph everyday. You can choose a theme, something like your food, or you can just take a random photo of your day. I chose a theme, I mean of course I chose a theme. Have you met me? After careful consideration I chose…

Something each day that I am thankful for.

And you thought I was going to say Gypsy! I thought about it…

It’s already proving to be a challenge. Not because there are a lack of things in my life I am grateful for on a daily basis, it’s that I have to remember to photograph them. But I think I’ll get used to it. Some of these are bound to be silly, don’t we all have days where we’re thankful for simply having access to some fro-yo?

Don’t worry, I’m not going to post these everyday. I’ll store them up and make one post a week, I think that could save us all.

So here we go:

Week One: January 1-7, 2012

1/365: Breakfast dates with mister, at very tiny tables

2/365: Gypsy for reminding me it’s okay to take it easy sometimes.

3/365: Food in the fridge, no matter how messy it is.

4/365: This is the view from the office I work at, this day I got a raise. Something to be very thankful for.

5/365: My Costco membership. A year’s worth of laundry detergent, trash bags, and rice? Most definitely.

6/365: The opportunity to study here. Kind of a big deal to a small town Idaho girl.

7/365: Making old friends new again over tequila shots. It happens.

 

 

Friday Favorites! New Years Eve edition…

Happy Friday!

Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, which means it’s time to gather with friends and celebrate the ending of one year and the beginning of another. Usually the mister and I stay home and make a nice dinner with a good bottle of wine and watch some movies. This year we’re going to a party at our friend’s parents house. They’re the same people we spend Fourth of July with so it’s practically guarantied to be a great time.

We’re doing our traditional New Year’s Eve together tonight, and we’re watching the last two Harry Potter movies. I still haven’t seen the final one, I got extra Kleenex at the store today just to be safe.  But I digress.

Even though this party is definitely something that I could wear my regular t-shirt and jeans to, I think it’s important to get a little fancy for New Year’s Eve. What better way to celebrate a fresh year but in a pretty dress with your hair done properly? It is a celebration after all. Even when we stay home we at least put our nicest comfy clothes on.

So for today’s favorites I thought I would share some pretty dresses that I think would be perfect for a little party.

Mod Cloth

Mod Cloth

Top Shop

Ruche

Ruche

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love every one of these beauties, but I think my favorite one is the bottom right berry colored one. It has a cape! I’m thinking of ordering it for my birthday, I think I’ll feel like a super hero in it. Bonus!

I really think these cute dresses would look great with some super trendy brightly colored or lacy tights. Kind of like these:

Polyvore

So bright and festive!

Whatever your plans are for New Year’s Eve are I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy yourselves to the fullest!

By the way, here are the links going clockwise:

1. Mod Cloth 2. Mod Cloth 3. Top Shop 4. Ruche 5. Ruche

And for the tights: Polyvore

Green Bean Casserole, the good kind.

There’s this thing that I make, it’s pretty awesome. I’m fairly certain it’s the main reason I’m invited to holiday dinners. For Christmas this year I was specifically told that I would be bringing my Green Bean Casserole. At Thanksgiving, my vegetarian friend ate some, realized there was bacon in it, and ate the rest in silence. Afterwards, he begrudgingly admitted to enjoying it after it was confirmed that there is indeed bacon included in this casserole. Yep, it’s that good.

I shouldn’t take so much credit. I got this recipe from The Pioneer Woman, and I have adapted it somewhat. But after trying it last year for the first time I knew that this was the recipe I’d be using for-evah. No bigs.

Your ingredients are simple, which I think is important around the holiday season. We don’t want to make something fussy if we don’t need to. This is also really easy to make ahead. You can put the entire casserole together the day before, sans french fried onions, cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready cover with onions and cook for 30 minutes. Amazingness, simplified. You’re welcome.

Just remember that if you’re trying to share this with someone, and you want to take a picture you’ll need to snap one fast. This doesn’t stay around for very long.

Enjoy!

Green Bean Casserole

by Jessica Scott

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Keywords: side Christmas Thanksgiving American

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Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 2 Pounds fresh Green Beans, ends trimmed
• 6 slices of Bacon cut into 1/4 in pieces
• 3 cloves of Garlic, minced
• 1/2 large Onion, chopped
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 4 Tablespoons Flour
• 2 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Half & Half
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
• 1 cup grated Cheddar Cheese
• French Fried Onions

Instructions

Cut green beans in half and start a large pot of lightly salted boiling water.

Blanch the green beans: drop them in boiling water and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes. Drain green beans in colander and run very cold water over them until they cool down and stop cooking. Allow them to drain, when they are done spread into bottom of 9×13 casserole dish or baking pan.

Add bacon to medium skillet and cook over medium heat. Cook for two minutes and then add onion and garlic and continue to cook 4-5 minutes. Until bacon is done and onions are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

In saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour into pan and whisk to combine with butter evenly. Continue whisking while it cooks for a minute or two more. Add half and half and milk. Continue cooking, and whisking, while the sauce thickens, this should take 2-3 minutes. Add salt, pepper and cayenne before adding the grated cheese. Stir while cheese melts. Once that has happened, remove from heat and celebrate that you just made your very own white sauce! It’s a totally important thing to know.

Add bacon and onion mixture to sauce, stir to combine. Pour over green beans and top with french fried onions.

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until sauce is bubbly and onions are golden.

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