Turn up the Heat

14 Days of Love


Love is... Spicy!

Ready to turn up the heat this weekend? Are you freezing cold where you are? Well I will not tell you that I'm wearing short sleeves today! Or that there was a Chocolate Decadence fundraiser last night in my courtyard near work and I feared all the pretty chocolate creations would melt as they set up. No, I will not rub it in, that I will be visiting my dad's new condo in Naples, Florida tomorrow either. :)

But I will leave you with these jalepeno appetizer's I experimented with this past weekend in prepartion for Super Bowl bites this weekend.


Jalepeno Cheese Boats

I cut fresh jalepenos in quarters lengthwise and removed the seeds and ribs from the peppers to maintain the heat. Then grated some Emmentaler cheese (because I had it in the fridge, a Mexican mix would be tasty though). Then I topped with a little bit of panko crumbs, sprinkled some chili powder and salt, and quickly spritzed with some non-stick spray to toast crumbs. Then popped in oven at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes or so.

Warning: Only make if you can handle the heat.

Love

&

Spice!

Britney Makes A Come Back !

Britney Spears finally made a come back this new year with the drop of her new single "Hold It Against Me". The pop princess is finally on track and is set to release her new album "Femme Fatale" in about five weeks on March 15th.

During the past few years, Britney was infamously known for certain mishaps but she is finally shedding that image and returning to her throne.

Britney stated on her Twitter that this album is supposed to be "Sexy and strong. Dangerous yet mysterious. Cool yet confident! She also released t-shirts that fans can purchase on the online store.

Additionally, rumor has it that Britney is set to perform at the 2011 Grammy Awards on Feb. 13. Fans are eagerly awaiting her performance and are still inspired by Britney's strong persona.

Also known for her past Candies Line at Kohl's, fans look up to her fashion sense and are constantly influenced by her strong woman power. Her unique get-ups were also what inspired her last Candies line. Britney loves denim and most of her inspiration usually comes from her last musical tours such as Circus.

Hopefully, her new album will motivate herself and her fans to be "sexy and strong" in the way her album cover portrays herself. Fans and others alike should take this Britney aura and apply it to how they wear their clothes as that is exactly what Britney does.

Travel Thursday

14 Days of Love


Love is... Exploration

As a young girl, I grew up with bicoastal parents and my travel bug began at an early age. Not to mention, I spent many weekends with my parents taking leisurely drives through the Sierra Nevadas. I'd daydream out of the backseat of the car gazing out as foothills became mountains. I've wanted to roam the land ever since.  It may also be because my Mom didn't let me drive too far in my little red Fiat at 16, so when I ventured off to an out-of-state college, I put the petal to the metal and went on many of my own day expeditions, even driving cross the U.S. 3 times! I'm great with directions, if I've been somewhere once, I can remember how to get there again with minimal directions. You will find no GPS in my car!

I've traveled MUCH on my own, and discovered the real value of independent soul searching travel, which I HIGHLY encourage to anyone no matter what your age, or situation. It's like Mom always told me, "a woman should live on her own for at least a year before getting married," spending that time getting to know yourself, survival, and even dating yourself are great for your soul. I feel the same about travel, "at one point everyone must do at least one soul searching trip on their own". You can read a little about my first real soul searching trip here...

Sometimes when I look back at my travel photos, I've captured so much scenery, and very little photos of people or myself. But the pictures I do have are of me alone, and it makes me a little sad, but at the same time, very proud that I was adventurous and brave, going after what I wanted even though I didn't have someone next to my side. The important thing is... I went! I was never alone, I met friends, travel soulmates with a wanderlust heart like my own.

(An American Girl's First Crepe in Paris, read the full post here.)

Like they say, life is much better when you have someone to share your experiences with. That being said... love the one you're with, or love yourself! Those are the most important things when traveling, or else you won't enjoy your time. Whether you're solo, with someone special, or a friend... take the chance to create a memory! Life is short. Get out & Explore!

Love

&

Happy Traveling!!

P.s. I was featured Brenda's blog,  A Time for Being Human.

Head over to check out her post.

Leopard Leopard Leopard

THURSDAY: DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
Recommendation: Bridgett, TREND Staff Writer
Blumarine: Spring/Summer 2011

Business Sassy

UCSD's Best Dressed
Discovered by: Bria, TREND Staff Writer

Name: Christine Fu

College: Sixth

Year: 4th

Major: Communications

Minor: Literature/Writing

Spotted: Center Hall

Navy Blazer: Gap

Basic Grey Tank: Forever 21

Pinstriped Pencil Skirt: Anthropologie

Mahogany Wedges: Piperlime

White Studded Wrap Bracelet: Michael Kors

Silver Watch: Tag Heuer

Funky Beaded Cuff: World Market

Leather Book-Bag: Nordstrom Rack

Q: So do you have any fashion inspirations?

A: I draw inspiration from a range of sources. I really admire the timeless appeal of brands and designers like Ralph Lauren and J.crew, but I also love some of the really bold and innovative style you see from companies like Opening Ceremony. I try (in vain) to emulate the style of women like Chloe Sevigny, Alexa Chung and Francoise Hardy. But if I could, I would live in Anthropologie; that place is the epitome of happiness.

Q: Whats the one piece in your wardrobe that you can't live without?

A: I would have to say my leather bomber jacket. Simply because it is so versatile.

Christine's overall look is the perfect balance of business and fun. Her pinstriped pencil skirt is professional looking, but the shorter length and the belt she paired it with keep it from being too "officy". Her adorable blue blazer with the cuffed sleeves also looks great. When choosing a blazer, you have to be careful that it hits you in the right place. If it hits you too high it can make you look boxy, and if its too long it can make your hips look wide. Christine is a pro and picked one that is the perfect length for her. When it comes to accessories, Christine knows how to add some funk to her otherwise conservative outfit. The bright yellow beads on one of her cuffs is a great accent to the shades of blue in her skirt and blazer, and adds a little something special. She also picked a great shoe. The brown leather and gold hardware matches her belt and book-bag, and the slight wedge gives her a little extra height to elongate the legs. All in all, she looks ready to kick-butt in midterms, and she is definitely going to do so in style!

Homemade Tea Biscuits & Tomato Raspberry Jam

14 Days of Love
Good Eats Wednesday


Love is... Comfort Food From Home

For Christmas, I asked my Dad for some of his jarred tomato goods that he processes each year from his garden in Tennessee. Thinking I would be getting stewed tomatoes or something along those lines, I was a little shocked to receive Tomato Raspberry Jam, although I must say I wasn't really that surprised since his creativity knows no bounds with his abundant tomato harvest. He has been making Tomato Wine for the past few years! Despite sounding odd, the wine is quite nice. So, I was impressed once again when I opened the jam with it's vibrant red color and it tasted like the perfect raspberry jam!

"It's very, very simple," he said. "You can make it few different ways- with raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon. I tried the lemon, but it wasn't my favorite. However, the raspberry and strawberry turned out very good."

Tomato Raspberry Jam
Makes 5-6 8 oz mason jars of jam.

4 cups of tomatoes
4 cups of sugar
1 6 oz pkg raspberry jello (can not be sugar-free)
2 tbsp of lemon juice (optional)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Place a kitchen towel inside bottom of stock pot. Place small glass canning jars inside and fill stock pot with water for room to boil for a minimum of 20 minutes to sterilize jars. Add lids to stockpot during last 5 minutes. While boiling, process tomatoes almost to puree in a food processor, (Dad used a blend of cherry and Roma tomatoes, or sometimes Sweet 100's). Bring processed tomatoes and sugar (equal parts) to a boil, stirring frequently for approx. 20 minutes. Dad's Tip: If mixture gets too foamy, add 1 tbsp of butter to bring down foam. Remove tomatoes from heat. Mix in package of raspberry jello. Stir.

Set another kitchen towel, pot holder, or trivets on counter. Being VERY careful not to burn yourself, use tongs to take out one jar from boiling water and set on cooling area. Scoop jam into jar, leaving about 1/2 inch from top. Take lid out of water with tongs and screw lid tightly with a potholder. Repeat. Lids will seal on their own.

I made some little heart-shaped tea biscuits for my jam, recipe found here.

For more info on the jam and jarring, visit here.

Love

&

Bon appetit!

P.s. Happy Groundhog's Day!

Blog Love

14 Days of Love

In case you haven't heard, I'm guest posting over at Blonde Episodes today...

Find out if you have a case of Blog Love over there...

Also, if you are planning on sharing a love story or love themes on your blog...

Tell me about it!

I'd love to link to your posts throughout the next 14 days...

It can be any love story!

Have a great day!