Hey Cats!
I have BIG NEWS. I have decided to move from Blogger to WordPress! I'm hoping to start blogging a lot more over the summer, and it will be easier to do so from WordPress. Also, I was wanting to change some things on the blog that weren't possible on Blogger. So from now on, visit me at http://sweetcats01.wordpress.com/! I have many crafts and recipes I'm planning to try out this summer, so be sure to check in!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Recipe-Easy Alfredo Sauce
Hey Cats!
The other day I was looking for something different to make for dinner, and I had leftover whipping cream from another recipe. So naturally, I thought of alfredo sauce. I really enjoy alfredo on pasta, but it's really rich so I don't eat it very often. Also, I thought it was going to be difficult to make, but it was actually really easy! I found this recipe on Pinterest, but adapted it a little by using ingredients I already had! Here's the original recipe http://ericagilliam.blogspot.com/2011/11/homemade-alfredo-sauce.html. And here's my version!
You will need:
-4 Tablespoons of butter
-1 Cup heavy whipping cream
-6 Tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese (the original recipe calls for parmesan, but I had MJ on hand! I also want to try this with mozzerella!)
-Garlic powder to taste
-Black pepper to taste
Here's what you do!
1. First, melt the butter over medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Next, pour in the cream and heat until it is warm, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure you're still on medium heat, you don't want to burn the cream!
3. Then, whisk in the cheese! I added a little more than 6 tablespoons, because I love cheese. Whisk until there are no more lumps, about 1-2 minutes. I'm also hoping to try this recipe with a variety of cheeses.
4. Add the garlic powder and pepper according to your preferences. I added quite a bit to give it a little extra flavor, but make sure you start small and add a little at a time-once it's in you can't take it out!
5. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This thickens the sauce and allows the flavors to mix together.
6. Finally, pour it over your pasta and enjoy! Also, this is my new favorite type of pasta. It's called cellentani, and I love the fun squiggly shape. It also holds a lot of sauce, which is the best part of pasta.
I hope you give this recipe a try! It's really easy, delicious, and there's not a lot to clean up! You could make it a little fancier and add grilled or sauteed chicken and peas, cherry tomatoes, or anything else you can think of! Until next time!
The other day I was looking for something different to make for dinner, and I had leftover whipping cream from another recipe. So naturally, I thought of alfredo sauce. I really enjoy alfredo on pasta, but it's really rich so I don't eat it very often. Also, I thought it was going to be difficult to make, but it was actually really easy! I found this recipe on Pinterest, but adapted it a little by using ingredients I already had! Here's the original recipe http://ericagilliam.blogspot.com/2011/11/homemade-alfredo-sauce.html. And here's my version!
You will need:
.JPG) |
| I always buy the HEB brand-it's cheaper, and sometimes tastes better! |
-4 Tablespoons of butter
-1 Cup heavy whipping cream
-6 Tablespoons Monterey Jack cheese (the original recipe calls for parmesan, but I had MJ on hand! I also want to try this with mozzerella!)
-Garlic powder to taste
-Black pepper to taste
Here's what you do!
 |
| I feel Paula Deen would approve this recipe. |
4. Add the garlic powder and pepper according to your preferences. I added quite a bit to give it a little extra flavor, but make sure you start small and add a little at a time-once it's in you can't take it out!
I hope you give this recipe a try! It's really easy, delicious, and there's not a lot to clean up! You could make it a little fancier and add grilled or sauteed chicken and peas, cherry tomatoes, or anything else you can think of! Until next time!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Shopping Spotlight: Northgate Vintage
Hey Cats!
As you know, there's no place I'd rather be than College Station. While it is one of the best college towns in the south, (this is in Southern Living, not just my biased/correct opinion) it isn't exactly the "Retail Capital of Texas". There are some great little boutiques around town, but my personal favorite is Northgate Vintage. Right across from campus in College Station's "bar district", Northgate, this precious shop is tucked away between a pizza parlor and a Starbucks. In fact, if you were just strolling the sidewalks, you might walk right past it without even noticing. But don't do that! Go up the (slightly terrifying) spiral staircase to a wonderful, uniquely-decorated, space and you will find yourself in absolute vintage heaven. It's a small store, but it is filled with beautiful pieces that your closet is begging to be filled with. Begging. In the fall, they have perfect maroon pieces for gameday in the SEC (an increasingly formal event), in the winter they have a great selection of vintage sweaters, and now they have wonderful bright-colored, lighter pieces for spring! They also have a men's section, but I don't shop for men, so if you do, you should go check it out and get back to me. My favorite thing about Northgate Vintage, however, is their jewelry. Jewelry has become a recent obsession of mine. It can add variety and interest to your wardrobe, and dresses up otherwise basic outfits. The jewelry at Northgate Vintage is always in step with the current trends, but still unique. There is something for everyone, from classic stud earrings to over-the-top statement necklaces. And it's super affordable, most of the earrings are $6-$7, and the necklaces are $11-$15. So that means you can buy a lot and not feel bad about overspending! I have purchased a few baubles from Northgate Vintage this year, and they have made countless appearances in my wardrobe ever since!
These gold earrings were my first purchase from Northgate Vintage, marking the commencement of my obsession. I bought them in the fall when gold and chevron was all the rage. They are a little bold, which is not what I would originally gravitate towards, but I have loved them! I've paired them with a sheer maroon and white top for gameday, a blazer and boots for dinner, and a simple tank and skirt for going out!
Next we have these adorable little clothes hanger earrings. I saw these and knew that I had to have them! I also bought my sister a matching pair for Christmas, and she loves them too! The fact that they're clothes hangers conveys my passion for fashion, and I love the touch of whimsy from the mismatched pearls and rhinestones. I wear these with anything and everything! I'll throw them on with a t-shirt and leggings for class, or if I'm wearing a shirt or dress with a busy pattern. They have also become my go-to earrings for silver jewelry days.
As you know, there's no place I'd rather be than College Station. While it is one of the best college towns in the south, (this is in Southern Living, not just my biased/correct opinion) it isn't exactly the "Retail Capital of Texas". There are some great little boutiques around town, but my personal favorite is Northgate Vintage. Right across from campus in College Station's "bar district", Northgate, this precious shop is tucked away between a pizza parlor and a Starbucks. In fact, if you were just strolling the sidewalks, you might walk right past it without even noticing. But don't do that! Go up the (slightly terrifying) spiral staircase to a wonderful, uniquely-decorated, space and you will find yourself in absolute vintage heaven. It's a small store, but it is filled with beautiful pieces that your closet is begging to be filled with. Begging. In the fall, they have perfect maroon pieces for gameday in the SEC (an increasingly formal event), in the winter they have a great selection of vintage sweaters, and now they have wonderful bright-colored, lighter pieces for spring! They also have a men's section, but I don't shop for men, so if you do, you should go check it out and get back to me. My favorite thing about Northgate Vintage, however, is their jewelry. Jewelry has become a recent obsession of mine. It can add variety and interest to your wardrobe, and dresses up otherwise basic outfits. The jewelry at Northgate Vintage is always in step with the current trends, but still unique. There is something for everyone, from classic stud earrings to over-the-top statement necklaces. And it's super affordable, most of the earrings are $6-$7, and the necklaces are $11-$15. So that means you can buy a lot and not feel bad about overspending! I have purchased a few baubles from Northgate Vintage this year, and they have made countless appearances in my wardrobe ever since!
 |
| The beginnings of an extensive collection. |
Next we have these adorable little clothes hanger earrings. I saw these and knew that I had to have them! I also bought my sister a matching pair for Christmas, and she loves them too! The fact that they're clothes hangers conveys my passion for fashion, and I love the touch of whimsy from the mismatched pearls and rhinestones. I wear these with anything and everything! I'll throw them on with a t-shirt and leggings for class, or if I'm wearing a shirt or dress with a busy pattern. They have also become my go-to earrings for silver jewelry days.
These grey chandelier earrings are also something I wouldn't normally buy, but they have proved to be new favorites as well! Grey is a new favorite neutral of mine, so I love how these go with lots of different outfits. As of right now I've only worn them once, with a cotton dress with a small light pink and cornflower blue floral print, a blue jean jacket, and boots. I tried them on, not expecting them to match, but they did! I also plan to wear them with a cute cream, lace peplum top I just purchased!
Now for one of my absolute favorites. These teal teardrop oversized studs complete my life. Well, they nearly complete my wardrobe. I'm loving teal for spring and summer, and I'm thinking it will transition into fall as well! The teardrop shape makes them different from your average studs. I wear these with many different things, such as a blazer and boots, a solid black longsleeve tee and mustard jeans, and even dresses! They're beautiful and interesting, yet still simple enough to wear with busy outfits.
Don't you just love it when you find something that's been at the top of your wishlist forever? That's what happened when I found this light pink statement necklace. Statement necklaces have been growing exponentially in popularity, and it was seriously stressing me out that I hadn't jumped on the trendy train yet. I like this because it's not too extreme but it's still an attention-getter. I also really like the color, it's more versatile than I expected! I typically wear this with solid tees and a cardigan, both of which I hoard, so I have plenty of options. I'm also looking forward to trying this with my new peplum top I mentioned earlier!
I absolutely adore all of my baubles from Northgate Vintage, and I look forward to returning soon for another shopping spree! In addition to their merchandise, I admire this business because they give back to the College Station and global community. They have hosted numerous profit shares for organizations and sororities benefiting their philanthropies, and they carry products whose profits benefit people around the world, such as TOMS, bracelets and headbands made by women in third-world countries, and makeup that fights human trafficking. So, the next time you're down in Aggieland, stop by Northgate Vintage for a unique College Station shopping experience! Or check them out online or on Facebook!
Until Next Time!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
February is For Hearts
Hey Cats!
So a few weeks ago, my dad was telling me about an organization he saw on the news called Amazing Little Hearts (http://www.amazinglittlehearts.com/). It is a support group for parents and families of children born with Congenital Heart Defects, and I think it is an awesome, much-needed resource. As you may know, February is Heart Awareness Month, and this week, February 7-14, is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. This is something that is very important to me, because I was born with a CHD, pulmonary atresia. With pulmonary atresia, the pulmonary valve does not exist, and the blood cannot flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, causing the blood to be unable to become oxygenated. To be honest, I don't really know all the technicalities behind my heart defect because I was only a baby when I had my surgeries. To correct the problem, I had a series of three surgeries known as the Fontan Procedure, the first when I was born, the second when I was one year old, and the last when I was two. My family and I spent plenty of time at Children's Medical Center of Dallas and the Ronald McDonald House, and I am so thankful for both of those places. As for my recovery, I cannot explain it other than through God's grace and love. According to my cardiologist, whom I visit every year, many children born with pulmonary atresia and other similar CHD's are very limited in their physical activity. Growing up, I never really experienced any trouble that I can remember, and I took dance for many years, played one unsuccesful season of tee-ball, and took gymnastics classes. However, when I entered middle school, my parents didn't allow me to play sports like volleyball or basketball (which didn't really break my heart, see tee-ball reference) but I did try out for cheerleading and made the team. Throughout middle school and high school I was a cheerleader and was able to tumble, run around, and do stunts and jumps with the best of them. Yes, I had to stop when I was tired, which was a lot more often than the other girls, but that was okay. My cardiologist told me that she has never seen anyone with my defect be able to be as physically active as I am, which just completely blows my mind. While my CHD definitely limits me in some areas and is really scary sometimes, I am so grateful that I have it. I have learned to be very open about it, and it has taught me so much about myself, the fascinating organ that is so vital to life, being different, overcoming obstacles, and, most importantly, God's grace and love. Congential Heart Defects are not necessarily preventable, because they are birth defects, but thankfully they are repairable. This week, I will be praying for all the babies with CHD's and their families, and I would encourage you to do the same! Until next time!
So a few weeks ago, my dad was telling me about an organization he saw on the news called Amazing Little Hearts (http://www.amazinglittlehearts.com/). It is a support group for parents and families of children born with Congenital Heart Defects, and I think it is an awesome, much-needed resource. As you may know, February is Heart Awareness Month, and this week, February 7-14, is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. This is something that is very important to me, because I was born with a CHD, pulmonary atresia. With pulmonary atresia, the pulmonary valve does not exist, and the blood cannot flow from the right ventricle to the lungs, causing the blood to be unable to become oxygenated. To be honest, I don't really know all the technicalities behind my heart defect because I was only a baby when I had my surgeries. To correct the problem, I had a series of three surgeries known as the Fontan Procedure, the first when I was born, the second when I was one year old, and the last when I was two. My family and I spent plenty of time at Children's Medical Center of Dallas and the Ronald McDonald House, and I am so thankful for both of those places. As for my recovery, I cannot explain it other than through God's grace and love. According to my cardiologist, whom I visit every year, many children born with pulmonary atresia and other similar CHD's are very limited in their physical activity. Growing up, I never really experienced any trouble that I can remember, and I took dance for many years, played one unsuccesful season of tee-ball, and took gymnastics classes. However, when I entered middle school, my parents didn't allow me to play sports like volleyball or basketball (which didn't really break my heart, see tee-ball reference) but I did try out for cheerleading and made the team. Throughout middle school and high school I was a cheerleader and was able to tumble, run around, and do stunts and jumps with the best of them. Yes, I had to stop when I was tired, which was a lot more often than the other girls, but that was okay. My cardiologist told me that she has never seen anyone with my defect be able to be as physically active as I am, which just completely blows my mind. While my CHD definitely limits me in some areas and is really scary sometimes, I am so grateful that I have it. I have learned to be very open about it, and it has taught me so much about myself, the fascinating organ that is so vital to life, being different, overcoming obstacles, and, most importantly, God's grace and love. Congential Heart Defects are not necessarily preventable, because they are birth defects, but thankfully they are repairable. This week, I will be praying for all the babies with CHD's and their families, and I would encourage you to do the same! Until next time!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
13 Things to Look Forward to in 2013
Hey Cats!
First of all, Happy New Year! I hope you had a great time celebrating with your friends and family! I didn't do a lot, I just got dressed up and went to dinner with a friend, and then we ended up back at my house watching the Kardashians in our yoga pants and eating queso. And it was really fine with me. As for New Year's Resolutions, I don't really do those. I like the concept of having "goals" better than "resolutions" because I feel like it's more motivating. My goal for 2013 is to make a 4.0 at least one semester, or maybe both. So we'll see how that works out. Anyways, as of right now 2013 has the potential to be a fantastic year. Lots of exciting things are on my calendar, and I can't wait! Here are some of the things I'm already looking forward to:
1. Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl- This happens in three short days! I have been missing Aggie football, and I'm glad we have one more game before the fall. BTHO ou.
2. Spring semester starts in less than two weeks- Which means I get to go back to my friends in College Station in a little over a week! I've loved being home, but I'm ready to be back in my regular routine and use my planner and drink coffee every morning.
3. The Bachelor premieres January 7th- And I am dying. Sean was my absolute fave on the Bachelorette, because he loves Jesus and is a Texas boy, and I mean, have you SEEN him? omg. I think that if Emily had picked him she wouldn't be single right now, but whatever. I cannot wait to watch it instead of doing my homework every week.
4. Pretty Little Liars comes back January 8th- And we all know how I feel about that. Obsessed.
5. Emerald Green as Color of the Year. This is just so great. I love jewel tones, and I love green. I will be on a year-long mission for all things this hue, just so you're aware.
6. Kate Middleton is having the Royal Baby this year. I just love the Royal Family, especially Wills & Kate. Well, mostly just Kate. I mean, she is perfect and she earned the ultimate MRS degree, which is to be admired. I cannot wait for the next heir to the throne to come into the world, because I'm sure it will also be perfect.
7. The Great Gatsby premieres May 10th. I am literally beside myself about this one. It's one of my favorite books of all time, and I am obsessed. The story of fabulous city life in the 20's- perfect. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio is absolutely perfect for the role of Jay Gatsby, especially since he's put on a little weight since his Titanic days (but still, I'll never let go, Jack!) Sometimes when I get bored I watch the trailer and freak out about this upcoming cinematic masterpiece. Going. To. Die.
8. I will be halfway done with college in May. Eeeeee! I don't know how I feel about that, I kind of want to stay forever.
9. My cousin is getting married in July! She is the cousin I have been closest to my entire life, and was my first best friend. I am so excited for her! Also, it's the first wedding I'm actually in, so I'm excited to be a bridesmaid!
10. I'm turning 21 in August! The last exciting birthday. After that, you're just old.
11. Catching Fire premieres November 22. Katniss Everdeen is my hero and makes me want to learn to do outdoorsy things. I read the entire Hunger Games series this summer, and I loved it, and I've been dying for the next movie. Dying.
12. Britney is finally giving us new music. Okay, so this isn't exactly confirmed (it's not even rumored), but I can dream, right? I mean, 2012 was a great year for the Princess of Pop. I absolutely loved watching her be sassy on X-Factor, and I think we're all more than ready for more Britney.
13. Another great year of life. While I'm excited about all of these things, I might be even more excited for the unexpected things that will come throughout the year. That's what makes life interesting and wonderful, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me in 2013!
Meow until next time!
First of all, Happy New Year! I hope you had a great time celebrating with your friends and family! I didn't do a lot, I just got dressed up and went to dinner with a friend, and then we ended up back at my house watching the Kardashians in our yoga pants and eating queso. And it was really fine with me. As for New Year's Resolutions, I don't really do those. I like the concept of having "goals" better than "resolutions" because I feel like it's more motivating. My goal for 2013 is to make a 4.0 at least one semester, or maybe both. So we'll see how that works out. Anyways, as of right now 2013 has the potential to be a fantastic year. Lots of exciting things are on my calendar, and I can't wait! Here are some of the things I'm already looking forward to:
1. Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl- This happens in three short days! I have been missing Aggie football, and I'm glad we have one more game before the fall. BTHO ou.
2. Spring semester starts in less than two weeks- Which means I get to go back to my friends in College Station in a little over a week! I've loved being home, but I'm ready to be back in my regular routine and use my planner and drink coffee every morning.
3. The Bachelor premieres January 7th- And I am dying. Sean was my absolute fave on the Bachelorette, because he loves Jesus and is a Texas boy, and I mean, have you SEEN him? omg. I think that if Emily had picked him she wouldn't be single right now, but whatever. I cannot wait to watch it instead of doing my homework every week.
4. Pretty Little Liars comes back January 8th- And we all know how I feel about that. Obsessed.
5. Emerald Green as Color of the Year. This is just so great. I love jewel tones, and I love green. I will be on a year-long mission for all things this hue, just so you're aware.
6. Kate Middleton is having the Royal Baby this year. I just love the Royal Family, especially Wills & Kate. Well, mostly just Kate. I mean, she is perfect and she earned the ultimate MRS degree, which is to be admired. I cannot wait for the next heir to the throne to come into the world, because I'm sure it will also be perfect.
7. The Great Gatsby premieres May 10th. I am literally beside myself about this one. It's one of my favorite books of all time, and I am obsessed. The story of fabulous city life in the 20's- perfect. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio is absolutely perfect for the role of Jay Gatsby, especially since he's put on a little weight since his Titanic days (but still, I'll never let go, Jack!) Sometimes when I get bored I watch the trailer and freak out about this upcoming cinematic masterpiece. Going. To. Die.
8. I will be halfway done with college in May. Eeeeee! I don't know how I feel about that, I kind of want to stay forever.
9. My cousin is getting married in July! She is the cousin I have been closest to my entire life, and was my first best friend. I am so excited for her! Also, it's the first wedding I'm actually in, so I'm excited to be a bridesmaid!
10. I'm turning 21 in August! The last exciting birthday. After that, you're just old.
11. Catching Fire premieres November 22. Katniss Everdeen is my hero and makes me want to learn to do outdoorsy things. I read the entire Hunger Games series this summer, and I loved it, and I've been dying for the next movie. Dying.
12. Britney is finally giving us new music. Okay, so this isn't exactly confirmed (it's not even rumored), but I can dream, right? I mean, 2012 was a great year for the Princess of Pop. I absolutely loved watching her be sassy on X-Factor, and I think we're all more than ready for more Britney.
13. Another great year of life. While I'm excited about all of these things, I might be even more excited for the unexpected things that will come throughout the year. That's what makes life interesting and wonderful, and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me in 2013!
Meow until next time!
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