Avocados.

I'm a bit obsessed with them. They are just so yummy and I have been craving them constantly for a few weeks now. I've been eating avocado almost every day lately. I know avocados are high in fat, so it's best to eat just half at a time. (Helpful hint: keep the pit in the half you're saving - it will keep longer!) Although they are fatty, they are low in cholesterol and sodium and are high in dietary fiber,  potassium, vitamins K, C and E and folate, so they are actually good for you in moderation!

I love smashing up avocados to make guacamole, but they are good in salads, sandwiches and on toast too! (My current obsession is avocado/cream cheese/ sunflower seed sandwiches on multigrain bread.)

World's Greatest Sandwich

I LOVE avocado/egg sandwiches. I would add Siracha to this though. And probably use spinach in place of butter lettuce.

Avocado Apple & Arugula Salad

I haven't tried this, but avocado, arugula and honey mustard dressing sounds divine.

Black Bean Salad with Corn, Red Peppers, Avocado & Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette 

This looks like a fantastic side dish for summertime bar-b-ques and whatnot.

Hummus & Avocado Toasts with Roasted Tomato

These would be cute as an appetizer or at a cocktail party.

Mozzarelle Tomato and Avocado Salad

Mozzarella. Tomato. Avocado. Basil. Perfection. 

Fried Avocado

Not the healthiest of options, but delicious.

Baked Avocado & Egg

Ok, if you're going to make these you need some way to keep the avocado upright in the oven because it will tip over. We used a jar lid. Again, I added Siracha. A blog post on Siracha is surely in the near future.

Photo a Day

So I fell a little behind on my photo a days! But I'm back on track (pretty much).

18. A corner of your home

19. Funny

20. Before/After 

21. Delicious (cream cheese avocado sunflower seed sandwich)

22. Kitchen sink

23. Moon (Ok, I didn't actually see the moon. I usually don't.)

24. An animal (OK, OK, I didn't take this one on the proper day either. I'm slackin'.)

 

Choosing to stay positive.

I've been a little glum lately. I'm not sure why, except I suppose I'm just feeling a bit homesick. I'm pretty busy, and for the most part I'm content, if not truly happy, but I've been a little down the past few days. When I was 15 or 16 my dad had a talk with me about how we can't control what happens in life, or what other people do - all we can do is control how we react. I try to practice this in my daily life,  but sometimes it can be difficult.

So these quotes are more for my benefit than anything else, but maybe they'll inspire or motivate you all as well.

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be." - Groucho Marx

"The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either makes ourselves happy, or we make ourselves miserable. The amount of effort is the same." - Carlos Castaneda

"Things turn out the best for those who make the best out of the way things turn out." - John Wooden

"I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy in whatever situation I may be, for I have also learnt from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions and not upon our circumstances." - Martha Washington

 

Spring!

I've been a bad blogger lately, and I apologize for that. But I've managed to pry myself away from The Hunger Games series for  a few minutes to share my thoughts on spring with you folks.

It's been beautiful here in Chicago lately (not today, though). This past week it's be sunny and the temperature has been in the 70s every day! It's crazy, apparently. I've never been in Chicago at this time of year, but I guess the weather is usually not like this. I didn't even bring my summer clothes with me when I moved because I wasn't expecting to need them til June-ish. Luckily, H&M is just a short bus ride away and I've managed to buy a few cute items to hold me over until my mom ships my summer wardrobe over.

Here are a few spring style inspirations.

I love this for the transition between winter and spring. The polka dots are playful and the scarf adds a nice splash of spring color. The jacket and tights provide some warmth for those breezy days! I also love her eyebrows and makeup.

LOVE navy and yellow, as I think I may have mentioned before. I'm not crazy about the jewelry selection but I love everything else about this look.

This is actually a DIY project that I've been meaning to do, but I haven't found the boots yet.

Spring is the perfect time for canvas sneakers.

And messy hair!

I prefer light/bright/neutral nail colors in the spring and summer, as opposed to the darker colors I gravitate towards in colder weather.

Sunglasses! I broke mine on the move up here and have yet to buy a new pair. I'll need to soon, with all this sunshine we've been having. Plus, they're useful when trying to avoid eye contact with creepers on the street.

I actually own this dress, in navy with white polka dots. Love it.

Simple tank and a high-waisted skirt. Effortless. Love the yellow polish and ring too.

I love this Mad Men inspired floral look. Adorable.

Lace.

Perfect beach outfit. 

Most of these pictures came from my Pinterest. 

Photo A Day

11. Someone you talked to

(I forgot! Oops!)

12. Fork

13. A sign

14. Clouds

15. Cars

16. Sunglasses 

17. Green

Photo a Day

4. Bedside

5. Smile

6. 5 p.m.

7. Something you wore

8. Window

9. Red

10. Loud

Photo A Day

1. Up

2. Fruit

3. Neighborhood