blinging myself out?

I am truly a victim of temptation. After months of browsing around on the David Yurman website, my love affair with merely gazing at any of the three-pearl rings and bangles only grows with each day, making me sincerely crave a tangible item from his coveted yet grossly overpriced collection. However, this ring is the most semi-affordable bling at a crisp $350. I'm considering indulging in it after my internship ends, though I feel like I indulge a bit too much lately... ;-) All in good fun, though, right?!

After a morning spent at the judgment free zone (my new name for Planet Fitness -- the amount of times that quote is plastered all over the purple and yellow room is so much that I think it actually encourages judgment), I felt ambitious and created my own lunch concoction based off of a recipe ML whipped up while visiting her in South Bend. It's simple, delicious, and vegan, if that matters. =) The easily alterable directions are as follows: Cook up a can of black beans and bake one sweet potato. Mash 1/2 the beans and 1/2 of the sweet potato with chopped onion and garlic to taste. To make it a little healthier, I added some chopped carrots. If you have a food processor, use it to your hearts content, though hand-mashing is totally manageable. I like everything extra spicy, so I added some salsa for some extra sing, and a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to assist with solidifying the mixture. Once the substance (it will probably look like poop -- don't fret!) is nice and mixed, heat a skillet with olive oil as you place 4 patty-shaped scoops onto the pan. Cook on a low flame for a few minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown, and enjoy! I served mine on 1/2 an English muffin, and it was both tres filling and delish! As you can see, it's a very versatile recipe that I recommend you all give a go!

Post-lunch, Mom and I made a dual bargain trip: Marshalls and Costco. Granted, mine are not Christian Louboutin (some day!), but I bought an identical pair of Ralph Lauren patent pink pumps. I have so many friggin' black and white work dresses, so while these 4.5 inchers will destroy my feet and tempt ankle injuries, they'll bring some necessary oomph into my corporate attire. I also got two dresses to add to my growing collection of appropriate ensembles. I'm becoming quite the corporate lassie! Now, I must express my obsession with Costco. Buying in bulk is just the best, and Costco carries tons of yummy treats. In addition to the kitchen staples, we picked up a giant tub of ginger dressing (a la all those sushi places!), a log of goat cheese (my fave!), a five-pack of avocados, jalepeno hummus (arriba!) and a case of dried edamame. I have a strange love of grocery shopping, especially when it's at Costco prices. I already plan to make a monthly trip back home once I move out, if only for Mom's club membership! Just kidding... ;-)