It's the small things

We've been in our new house now for 7 weeks. Boxes are unpacked and most everything is in its place. Except for the pictures. They've been leaning against their intended walls for almost 6 weeks.

I was starting to think we'd never get around to hanging them, and that houses with wall art were an urban myth. Oh me of little faith.

When I got home tonight, I couldn't believe my eyes. There were 3 pictures hung in the kitchen thanks to my husband. You may be wondering why I'm so excited about 3 pictures, especially when there are about 20-30 more that still need to be hung. Well, I'll tell you; it's the small things that keep me going. A win is a win, and I'll take what I can get. Plus, I'm secretly hoping the others will magically hang themselves out of jealousy or something. A girl can dream.

A little retro flair for the kitchen

Above our stove, a little cheesy, but I like it

I think it looks good here

Another shot, our living room is to the right

Our first date restaurant menu, this is to the left of the fork and spoon

Red Pants and No Shirts

I've had these pants for about a month. At first, I was so excited to get them. Then, I realized I don't have very many tops I like to wear them with. So far, I've only worn them with black and chambray, and always with animal print shoes.Any suggestions on how to make these more versatile would be greatly appreciated!

These pics were the best I could do; I was running late, which seems to be the story of my life lately. Yes, you do see a toothbrush in my mouth in some of these pictures. I'm very passionate about oral hygiene.

Jeans: Target, Spring 2012 (similar here)

Shoes: Target, Fall 2008ish (similar here)

Shirt: J.Crew Factory Summer 2011(similar here)

Belt: NY& Co Fall 2008ish (similar here)

Shirt: Old Navy 2007ish (similar here)

Shoes: gifted from a friend (similar here)

Belt: NY& Co Fall 2008ish (similar here)

Google...what is this?

Sunday, while watching a Teen Mom marathon (don't judge me) I wondered whether Farrah was still dating Daniel. (don't pretend like you're not wondering the same thing) When you have a question, what do you do? Google it of course!

My intended search phrase was "is Farrah still dating Daniel?" I typed "is" and then google suggested these terms.

Google, what in the world is this? I am not concerned with other people's sexual preferences. Clearly, I only care about pseudo celebrities and their relationship statuses. Don't get it twisted.

Grab a button!

Want a button? Click here and take your pick!

High Five For Friday!

TGIF! I know I always say that the week has flown by, but I earned Friday fun this week.

Per the usual, I'm linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday. Here are 5 highlights from my week. But, before we get to that, I need to share something. Did you know professional lobbyists make about $17,000 a month. I think we're all in the wrong profession.

1. This little girl has serious style. I'm 27 and I've never looked this cute a day in my life
2. The.best.dessert.ever
3. My favorite Chardonnay
4. We had a date night
5. I finally found a shirt I like to wear with my red skinnies

Pics

I'm working on a button. What do you think? Suggestions?

All Things Pretty & Cinnamon Bread: Yes You Can

 Today, I'm joining the All Things Pretty Linky Party and bringing you a cinnamon bread tutorial.

I'm not a cook. Ask my husband; he will corroborate. I'm always uneasy about making things from scratch, and I like my kitchen to look unused. Thus, I leave cooking and baking to professionals. However, I stepped out of my comfort zone and made this cinnamon bread. From scratch. If I can do it, you can do it. Say it with me, "yes I can!"

My boss's assistant gave me this recipe (I swear she's one part angel, one part Betty Crocker). She assured me this cinnamon bread could be made by anyone, including me. She was right. In an effort to make the bread lower calorie, I changed a few of the ingredients. The original recipe is in black; my changes are in pink. Here's what you'll need:

1/3 cup sugar (splenda)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tbsp baking powder (2 tsp cream of tartar, 1 tsp baking soda)
1 cup sugar (splenda)
1 cup milk (vanilla almond milk)
1 egg beaten (egg white)
1/3 oil

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x5 loaf pan and set it aside. Combine flour, 1 cup sugar, and baking powder.

Add milk, oil, and egg to the flour mixture.

Stir until just mixed.

Pour 1/2 mixture into loaf pan. Sprinkle cinnamon and 1/3 cup sugar on top.

Pour remaining 1/2 of mixture in loaf pan. (I also sprinkled a little brown sugar on top)

Bake for 40-50 minutes or until done.

Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes before removing from pan and placing on cooling rack.

Enjoy!