act your age

Today, I... wrote a freelance article, filed my taxes, cleaned the bathroom, fact-checked, a lot, and made myself dinner. I also took a break to play Just Dance 3. 

In the past month, I've already celebrated three birthdays, and there are many more to go. Many of my friends are turning 24. And despite the fact that 24 is the same age I will be in just five short months, it sounds old. I thought I'd have more things figured out at 24, that I'd actually know what I was doing, and that I'd be a lot more secure in my "adult" life. I highly doubt I will be. But I've realized that I was wrong to assume such things anyway. I was talking to my friend Steph (pictured above) about it. Sure, I'm still somewhat naive and I have a blast playing games targeting 15-year-olds, but I am aware of what direction I am and want to be headed in, professionally and personally. I'm more secure in my beliefs than I ever have been and I take full responsibility for taking care of myself. No matter how young or old I am, I'd say we all strive to accomplish the above at any age.

Tomorrow I might be celebrating another friend's birthday with plenty of cocktails and dancing. Yet I know that I'll also be thoroughly enjoying her (hopefully chocolate-based) birthday dessert beforehand just as much, like I always have. Happy weekend, darlings. Oh! And happy national chocolate cake day, too.

pinterested, are we?

For Christmas this past year, I received something I'd been hoping for for quite a while: an invitation to Pinterest. Since then, I've become nothing short of obsessed. It's just so... beautiful (and you know how much I enjoy indulging myself with such sights.) I hesitated to join Twitter, I'm still resisting FourSquare, but I love using my virtual pinboard to organize and share gorgeous inspiration when it comes to things I'm most passionate about. It's no wonder, I've always appreciated scrapbooks and collages so much more than most.

Because I'm not always traveling, it's nice to have not just a list, but a visual reminder of the places I'd like to visit in the future. Seeing them in their unique splendor satisfies me now, and excites me for the amazing experiences to come.

Being as I'm hardly a chef, having a place to compile the wonderful recipes I come across daily is essential. Next up: banana bread pancakes, chickpea & feta salad, baked eggs with leeks, lentil meatballs, and chocolate mousse.

Since I never did become that interior designer, it's such a treat to collect snapshots of rooms and decór I'd love to surround myself with someday. This dream home of mine will be complete with a home office like this, bookshelves galore, a huge, welcoming kitchen, and a stylish, comfy bed.

I am an artist at heart. I could live in an art museum and I really can't wait for the day when I will be able to purchase paintings of my own. Until that time, I'm thoroughly enjoying collecting these lovely prints in unexpected combinations.

With my creative passions in mind, it should be no surprise that fashion appeals to me, too. Just because I don't go shopping often, doesn't mean I don't look for fresh outfit and accessory ideas. And yes, it is also serves as a closest wish list.

Though I've never been the kind of girl that envisions her "future wedding," I am definitely a romantic, and I so admire these charming and creative party ideas.

And finally, one can never have enough well spoken wisdom:

"Be curious, not judgemental." "It is a risk to love. What if it doesn't work out? Ah, but what if it does." "Take your pleasure seriously." "Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good."  "Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams." "There's always room for ice cream."

pizza, the vegetable

Last November, Congress called pizza a vegetable. Or did they? As a Washington Post blogger explained, the debate was actually about how much tomato paste equated one full serving of vegetables. Either way, it's a bit ridiculous. But I will say that I believe pizza to be healthy. Or at least healthy enough. Seriously, just think about it: crispy thin crust; fresh, flavorful tomatoes; mild buffalo mozzarella; and simple, picked-off-the-plant basil. What's not to love?

I love pizza, but the good kind, from an actual pizzeria. I could do without the silly named pies topped with pounds of oily cheese, salty tomato sauce, and greasy meats. I have no need for overpoweringly doughy crusts. (Sorry, Chicago.) I'd also be happy to never, ever taste non-fat--or even low-fat--cheese, again. Though I'll admit I do appreciate a whole grain crust. Depending on the day, I either crave a somewhat authentic slice with seasonal vegetables, or one prepared margherita-style, as described above. I enjoy it this way and almost always alongside a salad.


 A random post, yes, but being as we're about one week away from the last day of January 2012, I've been reflecting on my first meal in the United States this year. You wouldn't happen to be a pizza-lover too, would you?