things I'm thankful for

ok, I realize this post is about 4 days too late, but I've been busy busy with wine making, movie seeing, and food eating all weekend. I'm thankful for tons of things this year so I'm feeling like this post is a "better late than never" situation. 

this year I'm thankful for:

Amazing family and friends

(I know the first pic is blurry but it's the only one I've got...deal)

the thing that keeps me glued to the tv every Tues and Wed night: So You Think You Can Dance? thanks for being so awesome.

Slatkin and Co candles= the sole reason that my apartment constantly smells of vanilla, cinnamon, lilac, and most recently, Christmas tree!

oh boyfriend blazers, I don't think I could possibly get enough of you.

and finally....migas from South Congress Cafe. I have no picture for this one, but believe me I'm completely thankful for migas, gouda potato pancakes, and refried black beans every Sunday morning.

currently coveting:

someone please buy this!

I'm currently having to fight the overwhelming urge to buy this Mabe Pearl Faceted Onyx ring from Editor's Closet

 and at $95.00 it's really a steal (compared to the original $237.00 price tag).  unfortunately (and this is truly unfortunate because I neeeeed this ring), I am sticking to strict budget this holiday season. Santa if you're listening, I've been a good girl this year, and if you bring me this yummy piece of jewelry I promise to make my bed every day, do the dishes, take out the trash, and whatever other chores may be required of me. pretty please?

open letter to Payless

I would like to preface this letter by stating that I don't shop at Payless...I just don't. I'm all for a bargain but I refuse to pay $25.00 for shoes with grandma heels and plastic bows. however!

dear Payless,

I can appreciate that fact that you've decided to add designers to your collection, (upping the ante for Target perhaps?) but why do you dangle these: 

in front of me on your website only to say "no sizes in stock" when I try to buy?! they're delicious, surprisingly chic, and I want them. Payless, I feel I have no choice but to break up with you. I was never really yours to begin with.

Love, 

Kim

tasty tidbits

this weekend, for the first time I tried gorgonzola cheese and....yum! I needed a delicious/easy to make chicken dish for Saturday night so I figured a gorgonzola cream sauce would be great with a pepper crusted chicken. so here is it....the recipe* for what was a fabulous meal:

what you'll need:

2 chicken breasts

1 small onion

stick butter

1 package pre-sliced mushrooms

small block of gorgonzola cheese

heavy whipping cream

ground pepper (you can get this in bulk at Central Market and it's perfect)

coat chicken on both sides with the course pepper. throw them on the grill, or a grill pan in my case. these are grrreat for a girl who, a. lives in an apartment and therefore is not allowed to have a grill and b. doesn't really know how to use a grill anyway (sorry dad). while chicken cooks, chop half of the white onion and about 1/4 of the mushrooms.  butter in a sauce pan on medium heat (I think I used about a tablespoon? I used one line worth) and allow it to melt. once melted, throw in the onion and the mushroom and let those cook until soft (you get a bit of a caramelized effect). once veggies have softened add heavy whipping cream (I prob used about 1/3 of the small container) and the cheese in small chunks. once chicken is done and you are happy with the taste and consistency of the sauce, plate and pour sauce over chicken. voila! you have dinner!

**you'll note that I do not use measurements...sorry folks I just pour 'til it looks right.

the list

as far back as I can remember my grandmother had one very strict rule regarding Christmas lists. it was as follows: pick up your pre-typed (on a type writer obviously) and turn in no later than Thanksgiving or you get nothing. of course she never really followed through with the last part but lord help you if you did not have that Christmas list ready on or before Thanksgiving day. earlier this week as my mother reminded me that I'd better get my Christmas list together asap...or else, and I went on to do the same to Issac, I realized that we've both turned into my grandmother. on that note I thought I'd share a few things on my must have list for this year. it's definitely a work in progress because as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am constantly adding to the never-ending list of things I need. 

I sort of love the simplicity of

 these rings from Etsy. they're stackable or can be worn one at a time.

it's time for a new wallet, and this marc jacobs uber-soft leather one is delicious.

I've been eyeing this Michael Kors "Jet Set" watch for a few months now. I've never in my life been into watches...until now. thanks mom.

must. have. these. boots. I found a cute pair of over-the-knee heels, but now my closet is screaming for a pair {or two} of flats like these from Nine West.

obviously the list could go on forever so this is just a start. what's on your list?

let's have some fun

two things: 1) I realize that I have been the world's worst blogger for the past couple of weeks and 2 ) I shall continue to be the world's worst blogger until tomorrow when I return from the unplanned hiatus and will have plenty to say (promise). so to tide you over please see below for Halloween fun from this past weekend. 

very appropriately dressed as an angel at work

this pumpkin took me 30 minutes to scrape clean...then I gave up and carved a regular pumpkin. said pumpkin did NOT win the carving contest at the apartment where I live...so mad.