10 Things (Around the Web) on Tuesday: 2

Here are 10 things I’ve been loving online recently!

1. I’ve posted about my love for TOMS before. But I just have to say that this app where you can virtually try on their sunglasses using either a picture or your webcam, is super awesome!
2. Alissa posted a SNAP recap the other day. I really want to make attending a blogging conference (like SNAP or Blissdom) a goal in the next few years!
3. I’m loving this Australian magazine, Frankie! Their recent issue includes an article about historic redheads… yes please!
4. I love this app/website that helps you find interesting things between destinations. Perfect for planning a roadtrip!
5. I saw these Dip Dye Cupcake Liners on Pinterest and they are so adorable! Definitely doing this the next time I make cupcakes!
6. I also want to make these little graduation cap pops for my sister’s grad party!
7. This home tour is adorable! Especially the bedrooms!
8. I love Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.. and this crochet pattern is awesome! I’m going to have to try it.
9. I love this list of Gifts in a Jar!
10. I love this blog post about New England Eats! Have you had Woopie Pies or Anadama bread before?

virtual coffee date: post-birthday edition

Hello friends!

If we were having coffee this week, I’d tell you that I’m so excited for a new month. April will be a fresh start as far as goals and projects are concerned.

I’d tell you that I feel “funky”. I’ve been sick off and on for most of 2012 so far, and the past week or so I’ve definitely felt a bit off.. and not my usual self. Part of me is that I think my body is retaliating against me for how badly I treat it (rarely exercising, eating junk food, ect.) so starting a new month where I can focus on new goals is exciting. I also think it could have something to do with the one or two days I forgot to take my medications.. oops!

I’d tell you I had a lovely birthday, full of yummy foods and good well wishes from friends, as well as a few gifts from family!

I’d tell you that I was late to join the bandwagon of “The Hunger Games” fans. I started it on Tuesday, although it’s been sitting on a bookshelf in my room for months now, and just finished it today. It was AMAZING. If you want to know more about how I felt about it, check out my Goodreads or my book blog. My lovely friend/soul sister Lizzy is going to lend me the next two books, and I’m hoping to get a chance to go see the movie sometime soon too.

I’d tell you that I signed up for April Package Pals, hosted by Jamie of C.R.A.F.T. And just as with my Oh Hello Friend exchange buddy, I’m so excited. I felt so connected with Jas, and my buddy for this exchange I’m already seeing how much we get along! I also started shopping today.

Now I’m going to go do a little bit of this! I’m doing a bowl-a-thon tomorrow so I want to get a good nights rest.

What did you do this weekend?

P.S. Oh, and don’t forget that there are only a few days left to enter my first ever giveaway with ModaMama!

I cooked dinner for my family the other night…

I’m not really a cook. I hardly ever cook, to be honest. When I lived on my own in an apartment my sophomore year of college, I was lucky if I made myself something decent to eat for dinner most nights of the week! I think there were probably a lot of pizza ordered that year, considering we lived across the street from Domino’s. But, I made dinner the other night, including going to the store to buy all the ingredients. I was very very pleased with it!

Found in Glamour Magazine January 2011 issue.

Jerk Chicken Chili

Makes 6-8 bowls. Keeps well.

From Pam Anderson’s Perfect One Dish Dinners and tastes better with time! (And no, not THAT Pam Anderson.

• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 3 tbsp. Chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
• 1 large rotisserie chicken, off the bone and shredded (about 6 cups)
• 1 quart (32 oz) chicken broth
• 1 (28 oz) stewed tomatoes
• 1 (16 oz) each black beans and white beans, both undrained
• 2 tbsp. chopped jalapenos
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 oz. semisweet chocolate (I have never included this.)

1) Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, thyme, cinnamon and allspice. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2) Add chicken and stir to coat with spices. Add broth, tomatoes, beans, and jalapenos, bring to a boil, cover partially, reduce heat and simmer to blend flavors, about 20 minutes.

3) Stir in garlic, cilantro, and chocolate. Turn off heat, cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve and enjoy!

Make it. You’ll be happy you did.