busy + big plans

Hello there, blogger-verse.

Its been a while, no? Maybe a little too long.

Life has been crazy busy. I don't remember the last time in all this summer haze that I've been so busy. I started a new job last week, which had/has me working from 2 - 10:30 PM everyday. Well, okay, everyday isn't completely true. Last week it started off as 8:30, but that changed after the first or second day. Plus I was let off early once or twice. But at least that's what it's supposed to be, 10:30.

This week I work monday/tuesday 'til 10:30, day off on wednesday, and 8:30 on thursday/friday. What is it that I do, you may be asking. I am a Keelber elf. Sort of. I make gingerbread houses all day long. 

Not too fond of my new job, to be honest. Working in a 80 degree+ bakery for about 8 hours every (week) day is exactly what it sounds like: hot, sweaty, and gingerbread-y. While my new co-workers and friends get to "slave" in the room next door, assembly. They have the grueling job of folding/taping boxes, putting kits together and in the boxes, shrink-wrapping, and playing with, I mean, cutting bubble wrap. Thankfully, however, that will soon be my job. Let me explain.

Friday night the batches of dough we (me and my new friend/co-worker Katie) were making wasn't satisfactory. But you see, Katie has been working over at Gingerbread Traditions for quite some time now, at least since last summer. So, apparently I was the problem in this little equation. The day before I was told that I wasn't mixing correctly, which affected the dough, so then I switched back to measuring out the ingredients, but still, it just wasn't working out. My boss told me, in the nicest way possible, of course, that I basically suck at my job. That was pretty awkward. And a bit surprising too, I thought I was doing pretty well considering the lack of training I had received! But oh well. Now I get to work in the heavily air-conditioned and much more fun room! 

Although I feel really bad for Kendall, whom I switched positions with. At the same time, she's only committed to working for two weeks, and the first week is already over. So it's her last week, but still, it wasn't really a voluntary thing, and I feel kind of terrible that she has to endure through the crappy room. 

Either way, I'm hoping that this will be my last week as well. I have neither confirmed nor denied whether or not I'll be working during the school year officially to my boss, but as of now I'm leaning towards a 'no.' Except I can't say anything until I find another job. Luckily, I've already found two other ones to apply for as replacement. Thank you, Craigslist! 

Overall, work has been consuming my life. At least I get paid, though! Even with all the stupid taxes. My gosh, I hate the government right now for taking my hard earned flippin' cash! And I mean, I've already spent my paycheck (in my mind) on the following things: a new iPod Touch (which I need desperately, not exaggerating at all), Photoshop Elements, concert tickets, and maybe a new camera. 

That's all up in the air right now, though, so we'll see what happens.

As for now, I'll continue my sweatshop of a job and avoiding the reality that is senior year. Ugh.

Wish me luck?

heart,

taylor :]

life

Life is actually really great right now. Actually, though. I think I'm in a really good place. 

It's strange what one day can do, how so much can change in your demeanor and mentality. It's not as though yesterday was this cathartic day or anything, realistically it was just a normal monday. But at the same time it wasn't.

I had a job interview in the morning, although I think it was more of a formality, because the job I wanted was really just replacing my friend who will be going off to school in a week. So I don't think that they were actually looking for people, seriously looking, but I mean, I still had to come in just for them to make sure I wasn't crazy or anything, haha :) 

Anyways, I got the job, and I'm pretty excited! I'm now a 'Keebler Elf' as my friend, Katia (the one I spoke of above), coined. I get to make gingerbread houses/men all day! And starting this monday I'll be working from 2-8:30 PM for two weeks. You know what that means? Money! Which means shopping! 

It's gonna be weird having money. I've already picked out a thousand things I don't need that I want to buy because, well, I can! I am very excited by the idea of not being broke all the time :)

What else happened yesterday? Hmm. Well I started working out again. Finally. I've been meaning to since the beginning of summer, and that never happened, so I'm glad that I actually got my big butt (actually, I do have a rather large butt, haha) off the couch and up to the rec center by my house. It felt great. And soreness is the only type of pain that comes with satisfaction, in my opinion, and I'm feelin' it a bit today. I'm committed to keeping up this working out, this time. No excuses. 

I guess the only other pivotal part of my day yesterday actually occured in the early hours last night. You see, I'm turing 18 in less than 90 days.. which is so so so weird. And I have a lot to get done before then, so I starting making lists. Lists of things I need to do today, this week, and one more long-term goal. Except I actually feel like I can accomplish all of it, which is a pretty rare feeling in the sluggish summer.

Basically, life is really really good :) I think if I continue of this path, senior year will be fantastic. This morning I was thinking about how I felt at the beginning of junior year, and it's the complete opposite to how I feel right now. I specifically remember going and talking with one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Kumprey, who taught me advanced algebra my sophomore year. I can't write the exact words I said to him, I don't really remember how I phrased it, but I remember how I told him that I felt as though the rest of the year would feel like the first day of being a junior: like I didn't know what was going on, and I was kind of just there. I remember how he remarked that that didn't sound too good, and I shrugged and told him it was the truth. And that's exactly how that year felt. It was terrible. 

It's crazy how much things can change in just a year. Although, change is the only constant; it was bound to happen.

heart,
taylor :]

I am such a 1950s housewife

This morning I naturally woke up at 6:30, and since that almost never happens (especially during the school year), I decided not to fight it.

After killing about a half an our of my time with reading the sunday comics, I decided to make some pancakes. But not just some regular, mix pancakes, no, no, no. The ever-so-yummy buttermilk pancakes from scratch. I know, I'm an awesome daughter/sister. It's true.

So I have this fantasy, though. This strange desire to make these pancakes for a group of teenage guys, my (nonexistent) boyfriend included. I don't really know why. I suppose because first of all, no one makes stuff from scratch these days, so I would impress them with my cooking skills (in reality I'm not much of a cook, but I can follow a recipe). Then my "boyfriend" would be all proud that his girl makes awesome food :) yeah, that'd be pretty great. And last reason would probably be the satisfaction of watching the guys enjoy the food you prepared for them, and for them to tell you that it takes really good.

I don't know, is that stupid? Actually, I don't even care if it is, it's a fantasy of mine. I like the idea of taking care of my man, if I had one, that is. Like a 50s housewife. She stays home, takes care of the children, cooks all the meals, and happily makes her husband a cocktail when he gets home from a long, grueling day at work. Yeah, it's a little archaic, and probably not in line with feminism. Not to say I'm a feminist, but I'm all for female empowerment. But either way, it just seems so... nice. I can't explain it really. 

Anyways, here is the recipe, if anyone out there reading this is interested. They turned out really really good :) Waayyy better than pancakes from a mix:

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together buttermilk, milk, eggs and melted butter. Keep the two mixtures separate until you are ready to cook.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. You can flick water across the surface and if it beads up and sizzles, it's ready!
3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, using a wooden spoon or fork to blend. Stir until it's just blended together. Do not over stir! Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/2 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

[Copied from here: buttermilk pancakes]

Enjoy!

heart,

taylor :]

is this real life?!

So here I am, watching Project Runway. It's a normal thursday night, right? I decided to check the latest posts from the blogs I follow, and see that one of them announced the winner to a recent giveaway I entered.

I click on the link and prepared myself for the disappointment of losing a giveaway, as I'm all too familiar with that feeling.

I had to take a double take, and sure enough, it said "CONGRATULATIONS Taylor!" THAT'S ME! AHHH!

This is the best day ever! Now I just need to figure out what I'm gonna spend that $150 on!!! ;)

I'm kind of a dress person myself, so I'm thinking I'll have to pick from one of these:

Hydrangea Jacquard Pleat Dress (my original pick)

http://www.jigsaw-london.com/hydrangea-jacquard-pleat-dress

Lace Trim Dress (in white)

http://www.jigsaw-london.com/lace-trim-dress

OR Silk Print Ruffle Trim Maxi Dress

http://www.jigsaw-london.com/silk-print-ruffle-trim-maxi-dress

Decisions, decisions. Right now I'm leaning towards the Lace Trim Dress, it would be perfect for senior pictures! :)

What would you get? Comment below!

Thanks again to Bubby & Bean for the awesome giveaway, as well as Jigsaw London! 

heart,
taylor :]

this song

I tried to find this last night when I was writing the music monday post, but better late than never?

Such a wonderful, uplifting song that's been used on a bunch of Olympic promos.

Gosh, just listening to it makes me feel happy and hopeful. 

Enjoy!

heart,

taylor :]

music monday #3

Hello everyone! I hope you're enjoying the Olympics so far! I know I am (go team USA!). 

I didn't want to skip out on posting my music picks for the week, as I did last week (although this entry will be a bit short). But I finally have a life again! Or at least I will for the next month before I have to go back to school. Bleck. At least it's senior year though, can't wait for it to be over!

This weeks selection is a bit more upbeat and fun. A few of my favorites from these particular artists :)

1. Eyes Wide Open - Gotye

I think that when people think of Gotye, they automatically think "Somebody That I Used to Know." Which is a really good song, don't get me wrong, but it's not their only song. 

All potential meanings aside (which get a little political for my taste), it's a wonderful song with a great beat.

2. Out Loud - Dispatch

This song always makes me think of my friend Jonathan. He actually introduced me to Dispatch, and although they aren't my favorite, they have a few gems of music that I quite enjoy.

Such a sweet, honest song that poses a simple question, would you call my name out loud? 

3. 7/4 (Shoreline) - Broken Social Scene

I have a deep love for Broken Social Scene :) A majority of their songs are just instrumental, and are great for setting the mood. Yesterday I had it playing in the background as a wrote a letter to Jonathan, actually. If you don't already have any Broken Social Scene albums, go and pick one up! I recommend the album that this song is on, Forgiveness Rock Record.

4. Foundations - Kate Nash

Don't you just love the sound of British accents? I know I do! 

This one by Kate Nash describes a pretty toxic relationship, purposefully irking each other for the satisfaction of pissing the other off. 

I love love love the chorus, too :)

5. The Girl - City and Colour

This is undoubtably the most beautiful song I have ever heard. I'm a huge fan of Dallas Green, and this is one of my favorites by him. 

I think if anyone ever played/sang for me this song, I would cry. Or die. Or both. If you just listen to one song on this list, it should be this one:

heart,

taylor :]

shameless self promotion

Hey I just met you,
And this is crazy,
But here's my Pinterest,
So follow me, maybe ;)


But actually.. you should totally follow my boards. Why? Because I have awesome taste in pretty much everything! :) 


Also, while we're on the topic of promotion, I need some help with blog formatting and stuff.


I would very much like to advertise for the various stores I love (ShopSosie, UrbanOG, ASOS, etc. etc.), but I can't figure out how to do that.. 


And the whole pages/tab thing confuses me. Not the actual making of it, but how to make it so every post you have labeled a certain way will end up on that page/tab. 


Perhaps I'm not explaining this well, here's an example: I write a post about how to dip/ombre dye t shirts (which will be coming soon, actually), so I want add it under my DIY tab (once I have one). How do I do that??


Please help?


heart,
taylor :]