Holiday Wishlist 2012: For Fun

the best, brightest (and gone-to-soon) show

iPhone case

my newest gaming obsession

more inspirational to travel

Holiday Wishlist 2012: Home Edition

'I Love This Town' letterpress print

something for the kitchen

the most modern, practical alarm clock

brass pig

a reminder that manners matter

If I Had Won the Powerball Last Night...

Someone in Missouri won the Powerball millions last night... but it wasn't me. #wimpwomp

But if it had been me, I would probably...

• Pay off my student loans. And, what the heck - help out my family with any of their debts too. 
• Travel, travel, travel. Europe with my family. Pacific Northwest trip with Joe. Rent an RV and travel the western US with my sister. Go to Patagonia. Greece. And that pink lake I saw on Pinterest. Or any place I saw on Pinterest. 
• Get some matching couches in my living room. 
• Buy a rug from West Elm and not even think twice about the price tag. 
• Buy all the nice kitchen stuff you can only get if you register for it when you get married (PS: I have a real issue with this. What if you choose to never get married? Does that mean you aren't entitled to have nice things?)
• Donate to animal rescue charities. 
• JCrew shopping spree. 
• Buy a teardrop camper. 
• Start shopping big houses in STL close to Lafayette or Tower Grove Park. 
• Buy that Samsung TV Joe keeps obsessing over. 
• Hire Jennifer Aniston's hair stylist. 
• Get a maid service. 
• And an intern for my life. 

Holiday Wishlist 2012: Style Edition

American Apparel tees. 

cable-knit sweaters in navy and cream. 

knitted infinity scarves. 

loose, printed cardigan. 

classic black flats. 

funnel-neck sweatshirt. 

Long Hair, Don't Care

Even though Pinterest is trying its damnedest to tempt me with 'lob' hairstyles, I am determined to keep growing mine out.

Going in tonight for a trim, some layers, possibly some side swept bangs. And then, investing in some good anti-breakage shampoo, argan oil and a sh!tload of dry shampoo.

via Holy Hair on Pinterest

Thanksgiving Side Dish: Caramelized Butternut Squash with Cumin and Paprika

Made this for Thanksgiving #1 this weekend and it was delicious. It was inspired by this recipe, but we decided to spice it up with cumin and paprika. Ended up with something that reminded me of my trip to Morocco.

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash (4 to 5 pounds total) 
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 
• salt, pepper, paprika, cumin

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. 
• Cut off and discard the ends of each butternut squash. Peel the squash, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into 1 1/4 to 1 1/2-inch cubes and place them in a casserole dish. 
• Add the melted butter and brown sugar. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, cumin and paprika. With clean hands, toss all the ingredients together and spread in a single layer. 
• Roast for 45 to 55 minutes, until the squash is tender and the glaze begins to caramelize. While roasting, turn the squash a few times with a spatula, to be sure it browns evenly. Taste for seasonings and serve hot.

Get On My Nails. Winter 2012 Edition.

On the search for dark blues, greens and burgundys + light neutrals this fall. Here's a tip, find the Essie color you like, and then skim the cheaper racks for the same color. Saves a buck, plus I find brands like Revlon and Sally Hansen don't chip as badly.