Journal Entry Number 4

Hi everybody! Sorry for the extraordinarily late update! Ever since school started I seriously don't even have time for anything. Between homework and working and sleeping, I can finally be considered a loser with absolutely no life. But I feel like I always knew I was one, deep, deeeeeep down inside. I actually have some homework I vowed to do at 12:00, and the most I've done is simply download a reading assignment. I haven't even read one word.
So where to start?! School began in early September, and I have to say, I am NOT enjoying my senior year. Seriously- I have more work than I've ever had in my life- including junior year which is supposed to be the hardest year. I can't even wrap my mind around how much work I have to do, its just ridiculous. I mean, I'm a senior. I am not supposed to be doing stuff. It's just... awful. And I know I'm being a drama queen and exaggerating, but I simply cannot get over the amount of crap I'm doing this year.
Aside from the fact my school year isn't starting off the greatest, my birthday was on the tenth of this month! I celebrated with my family and close friends the day before at one of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants, and my best friend, Jacob, got my the Ray Bans I've been wanting for the past two years. I was so so so excited and am so happy, I love my Jacob :)

Nick, me, Elaine, and Jacob

The next day, on the actual day of my birthday, I went to lunch at my favorite Thai restaurant with my sisters and mom. Then I went to my best friend Bahars cousins wedding! I was her "date" and I was also there with Heliya, another friend of hers who is so sweet. I met her lovely family and we danced the night away, it was so much fun.

Two of the prettiest things in this pitcure- Heliya and my Ray Bans.

Bahar was such a gorgeous maid of honor.

I also talked to my best friend (I have a lot of best friends if you couldn't tell) Megan three nights ago. She moved to Montana, and I haven't talked to her all summer long. But I was so so so happy to hear her voice and being able to chat with her like old times completed my week. I miss her more than anyone can ever imagine.

And now I am here typing, when instead I should really be doing my homework. And I have work later tonight. UGHH my life revolves around school and work now. Summer, why'd you have to leave?
Till next time,

                                                    


Caroline

Calm Surroundings

Last night I couldn't sleep to save my life. I have a feeling part of the reason was because I was so overly bloated from eating pho with my two best friends, but I just haven't been able to sleep well this entire summer. So as it started to hit 5:00 in the morning, and I'm still tossing and turning in my bed, I hear my dad downstairs get ready for his daily morning fishing. I used to go with my dad all the time when I was younger, but now that I'm grown up I was never really interested in it anymore. But for some reason today I thought, "I can't sleep and I'm bored outta my mind. Might as well come along for the ride."
And so I went downstairs to tell my dad I was going with him. At first he tried to tell me to stay home and sleep, but I knew that wasn't going to happen, so he finally agreed for me to come.

This morning was absolutely beautiful. As soon as we got there, I had to take a minute to let everything set in. The quietness, the sunrise, the water, and the fresh morning air. Well, it was downtown so it wasn't exactly the freshest, but it was still wonderful. I really wish I would have worn my sports bra because I would have gone for a morning run.

I sat on the bench for the first half hour, admiring the beautiful view and taking pictures. There were also a few other people fishing, two of which were my dads friends.

Can you see my pops? Hahaha, probably not.

During that hour sitting in front of the water, it kind of made me realize how precious life is. The view just cleared my mind and had me thinking that life shouldn't be full of stress and wonder. Instead, people should just take a step back and evaluate their life, and see what they can do in order to improve it and get where they want to be. Anybody is capable of making a change, and with determination and motivation, anything can be achieved.

Afterward, I went power walking along the area, greeting everyone who was doing the same. It was quite nice, and it was a good way to get my exercise in for the day.

I think I'm going to come here more often with my dad. It was so peaceful and I felt so good about everything. The beauty of nature is truly amazing, it can make you view life in a completely different perspective. I definitely recommend you guys go out and enjoy what nature has to offer, it truly is like therapy for the mind.

Till next time!

-Caroline

A Fashion Post... whaaat?

I know, I know, I never do these. But I was all dressed up for a wedding this past Saturday and thought, you know, why not?! So I present to you my fashion blog post :) I dont think I'll be doing too many of these, but every once in a while it should be fun! Lets go ahead and get started :)

Top: Marshalls
Skirt: Nordstom Rack
Tights: Nordstrom Rack
Heels: Nordstrom
Belt: Steve Madden
Head Band: Forever 21
Earrings: Forever 21
        
   

I hope you guys enjoyed this very random post! Have a wonderful day :)

-Caroline

Journal Entry #3...?

I remember I used to do these little journal entry things, but then I forgot about them and I started to call them updates but I decided to go back to its original name :) No one probably cares, but that's okay.
So this past Saturday I was asked to do the makeup for a bridal party, and of course I accepted! My best friend Kayla was going to be the maid of honor for her grandparents vow renewal, isn't that sweet? I ended up not even going to sleep Friday/Saturday night because I usually fall asleep at three AM, and I had to be ready by 6 AM. So as I was laying in bed, I decided to stay up the entire night cause my brain refused to turn off. So I got up, put on some makeup, did my hair, and while I was at it, filmed a video for the sake of it. And then Kayla came and picked me up, and then we made a quick stop at Starbucks and headed to her house where the rest of the bridal party was waiting for me to work my magic. And since they were all already so naturally beautiful, my job was insanely easy.

Pretty girls :)

So I did 6 people hair and makeup in total, the three bridesmaids and their lovely moms. And since my makeup was already done, all I had to do was put on my dress and heels. So after everyone was done getting ready, we headed out to Kayla's grandparents house where we helped pick up some stuff for the reception, and then we drove to a park close by where they all took photos. Her ginormous family consisted of about 10 aunts and uncles, and like, 15 cousins. It was so cute seeing all of them together and it was a beautiful day, I'm sure the pictures turned out gorgeous.

With Kayla and her adorable brother Chad

After the photo session, we headed over to the church. We waited around for about an hour and a half and then the ceremony began. It was truly beautiful and so amazing that they were renewing their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary. I hope to reach that mile stone one day :) Congratulations to the very happy&beautiful couple!

After more photos, and more photos, we headed over to the reception and I was DEAD. Seriously. I hadn't eaten in over 15 hours (and my number one fear is starvation), I was tired due to the fact I hadn't slept in over thirty hours, and my feel were in pain. I was dozing off just sitting at the table. No joke. I ended up sitting next to Kaylas grandparents on her dads side, who were so incredibly nice and lovely people to chat with. They sure knew how to make me laugh. Kayla and the rest of her siblings and cousins were sitting at a table reserved for the bridal party, that's why i couldn't sit with her. But honestly, I was so tired and hungry that I couldn't care less. I just wanted to sit, sleep, and then eat. After about another hour of waiting, the reception finally began and everyone made their entrance. Everyone was shouting at Kayla's grandparents to kiss, it was so adorable :)
After getting my plate of food which I devoured in ten minutes, I was satisfied and had the energy I was lacking all day. I felt great, a little whoozy, but that's because I only had one contact in as the other one had ripped earlier that day. Stupid Acuvue Oasis contact -__-
After I was done with my meal, Kayla had pulled up a chair at her table so I could sit with her and her family. But then they got up as soon as I sat down, and they began to tell their favorite memories about their grandparents on the microphone. Im not going to lie- I teared up a bit. It was just so sweet. I hope my future grandchildren do this for me...
Hahaha, and then they sang a lullaby and after that they sang 'Rhythm of Love' by the Plain White T's, one of my favorite songs ever. It was so incredibly cute, ahhh I couldn't get over it. Oh- and many people were thanking me and telling me how great of a job I did on the makeup and hair. I felt so appreciated <3
And then the night was over, and after cleaning up a bit, Kayla had to take me home. She's leaving for college about three or four states away, so it was really sad ): I'm most likely not going to see her or her family anytime soon, and I adore her family so it was really bitter sweet. After saying good bye to everyone, we headed on home. But she and Tony (her brother who was in the car with us) were craving slurpees from Seven Eleven, so before we went to my house we went over to the Seven Eleven up the street. Apparently, the slurpees were really watery, so they decided to get Vitamin Waters. I insisted to pay (it was only three dollars lol) and as we left the store they thanked me and I was like, "Don't even worry about it. Thank you for picking me up and taking me home."
And then Tony was like, are you serious? You got up at 6 in the morning to do their makeup, you have nothing to thank us for.
And I was shocked, because Tony is usually either teasing me or making fun of me (in a joking manner-most of the time) so I was like, "Are you actually being appreciative, Tony?"
And he said, "Pfft. No."
And I was like, "Well thats too bad. I was going to ask you a serious question but I guess I shouldn't anymore."
And of course he was trying to get me to tell him but I simply kept my mouth shut. And they Brian McKnight's 'Back at One' started playing and it was on Tony's Ipod (haha) and we were all singing along and all of a sudden I just turned around and said, "Alright, I'll just ask you. If next year I don't have a prom date, do you think you..."
And he nodded his head and said, "Yeah, no problem. I'll find a great friend for you."
wompwomp.
And Kayla was like "Ohmygosh Tony, seriously?"
And I (at the same time) said "Asshole".
And then he started laughing and he was like, "I'm just kidding, but yeah Caroline, I'll be your prom date if you don't have one."
And then I was relieved. And I dont really know what happened next, but I just remember it was funny cause I was laughing. And for those of you curious- we're the same age. We're going to be seniors this upcoming year :) But we don't go to the same school, we actually go schools that arent even remotely close lol.
And then (I feel like I said that over 15 times) Kayla got my house and parked so we could go outside to take pictures since we didn't take any at the reception. She looked so beautiful.

Im going to miss her <3

I, on the other hand, was so tired and so cold by the end of the night that I put on my Vans, pulled the shirt I was wearing earlier over my dress, wrapped my scarf around my neck, and had Tonys jacket on because I was freezing in the car.  So yes, I look like a strange... mess, is a nice way to put it, but I was comfortable so I didn't really care. And of course I had to take a picture with my maybe prom date.

I don't know why, but I laugh every time I think about what he said. Im laughing as I type haha.

And then I said my goodbyes to her. I know she is going to do so well in college and knock some pretty boy off his feet. She's such an amazing, beautiful, humorous, kind-hearted friend whom I am so blessed to have someone in my life like her. Her college-mates are so fortunate to have her as one of their fellow peers.
This part is funny. So after saying my last goodbye to Kayla in the car, I gave Tony a hug goodbye and he goes, "Caroline?"
And I was like, "Yeah?"
And he said, "Do you think I could get my jacket back? I mean, if you really want to you can keep it, but..."
And for some reason, I thought he was going to say something else. I don't even know what else, but just not that. And so I started laughing, telling him I completely forgot about it and handed it over to him, telling him it might be best if I give it back, just in case its a rental :p

And that's how my night ended. I miss Kay already, but I know we'll be keeping in touch and I know we'll be seeing each other in the winter too. I hope everyone else had a good weekend as well! Its time for me to go to bed, school is starting up in less than a month and I haven't broke free of my horrible sleeping habits /: Goodnight everyone!

-Caroline

My Career Aspirations

I guess you can say I'm an "aspiring" guru (harhar) but really- I'm not. And I know what I'm about to say is going to come off HORRIBLY cocky. But I personally believe its true. And so do many people I know. So. Going on with it. Okay.
I'm good at makeup. *SHRIEEEEK*
Okay, so maybe its not a big deal, or not a deal at all. But I know for a fact that I'm better than the average person at makeup. How? I've been asked to do makeup for proms, weddings, picture day, and numerous other events. I know, I know, just because people ask me doesn't mean I'm all that. But when I look at the finished product of my "creation" (bahahaha) I can't help but think, "Damn Caroline, what the hell are you doing working at a sandwich shop? You should be doing makeup for the runway!" Alright, perhaps not that far, but I know that I have the qualifications to do makeup professionally. And sometimes, its not about what people think. Its about what you think, and about if you feel you have the potential to reach every goal. But the important question is, do you have the drive, the determination, to get you there?
Now i'm not just talking about makeup. There are so many other careers I want to take part in. Why oh why must there only be one of me?! To be honest though, professional makeup is my back up plan. And I'd want to be a Celebrity Makeup Artist just so I can get a more dominant experience in the field. But truth be told, I really want to become a News Anchor. I plan on enrolling in journalism courses during college and also having it as my number one major. But then I have this awfully scary urge to attend law school, but I have to double check myself on that one because I've been watching waaaay too much Law&Order: SVU lately. I just get so much motivation from the show alone. But I have this horrible horrible fear of having someones life in my hands. I just think that's so much responsibility I have to bare. I don't know if I could handle that...
And then there's my dream of becoming a detective. This is probably the biggest dream of all. I would *love* to have a career as a detective. Thanks to the numerous amount of episodes I've watched of CSI: NY, Criminal Minds, Dexter, Psych, White Collar, Law&Order: SVU once again, and many others (see parents, T.V really does have an influence of children!-Not that I'm a child or anything...). But knowing me, since I have been myself for the past 16/17 years of my life, I think I'm too chicken to actually get out of bed at 3 AM and go check out a dead body. Thinking about it-typing about it even- makes me shudder. And then there are those crazy people who want to get pay back at the detectives who arrest them so what if they come and hunt my family down? *knocks on wood* Or what if I have to go undercover and something goes wrong? What if something really horrible happened to me? How do I recover from a traumatic experience? These are all the questions I ask myself, and it really makes me wonder if I have the capability to withhold so much... sadness, and pain. I think its the "what if's" that get to me the most though. As much as I would love to help bring justice to those who deserve it, I don't know if I have the bravery to catch the sonofabitch who ruined their lives. I think I need something to heavily impact my life for me to really have the ambition to pursue my dreams. We shall see.
BUT. If I don't ever fufill that dream, my second dream is to marry someone in that profession. So he can tell me all about his day, and how he helped bring closure into someones life. It'll be like hearing a Law&Order episode. No re-runs included.

-Caroline

Turkey Bell Pasta

Wow. Its been less than 12 hours and I'm already posting up a new recipe. That. Is. Insane. Hahaha, thankfully this is a full on recipe post inspired by the beautiful Mel who made a similar recipe called Farfalle Pasta Vegetable Salad, although my recipe is a bit more of a full on pasta.

Doesn't sound too appetizing, huh? Well I just came up with that name in three seconds, so don't judge. Hahaha, its not as weird as it sounds! Actually, its quite delicious! My sister originally wanted to go get something to eat from Chipotle or something but I suggest the idea of cooking dinner tonight. Not only would it be lighter on our wallet, but it meant I could actually cook and try something new! My sister hesitantly agreed (and this is the girl who had seconds, heh) and off to the grocery store we went. She gave me the honors to cook so I made the meal all by myself! I felt so grown up ^__^

Alright, lets get started with the ingredients. You will need the following:

• Bow Tie Pasta (or whatever you prefer)
• A Jar of Tomato Sauce (I like Prego)
• Ground Turkey (or beef, but Turkey is more lean, thus more healthier)
• Bell Pepper, Onion, Jalapeno, Tomato's, and Cilantro
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, sugar, garlic salt, etc)
• Tabasco (optional)
  P.S. If you're a vegetarian, easily skip the meat part.
  
  
  
  
  
  First thing first, get your vegetables ready.
  
  

  

  Cook the mean in a pan/skillet and wait 5-10 minutes for the meat to fully cook.
  
  The meat contained oil so I just lightly sprayed the pan and allowed the meat to cook in its own juice.
  
  While the meat is still browning, use the time to cut up all the vegetables.
  
  After your done chopping, pour the sauce into a pot.
  
  
  Go ahead and start seasoning away! I don't have measurements, I just eyeball. Garlic Salt is a must!
  
  And then add some sugar...
  
  
  And some salt...
  
  And once you're done seasoning add in the cooked meat!
  
  And using the same skillet we cooked the meat in, pour the vegetables in. You don't have to add any oil, the oil from the meat will help saute the vegetables and give it a kick of flavor.
  
  
  

  
  

  While the vegetables are cooking, go ahead and mix the meat with the sauce. If you happened to use too much meat (like I did) pour in one small can of tomato sauce to help even out the texture (Thank goodness I had one left!)
  
  After letting the veggies cook for a good 3-5 minutes go ahead and pour it into the sauce. In the back I have the pot of bow tie pasta cooking! I used the Barille Farfalle Bow Tie Pasta. My sister loves this kind.
  
  Add a few drops of Tabasco, but not too much because some people may not like the spice. But if you're just cooking this for yourself, go ahead and pour that stuff in!
  
  Add a little bit of basil in the mix as the finishing touch...
  
  Once the pasta noodles are fully cooked (I usually leave mine in for a good 12-15 minutes, I prefer the noodles to be thoroughly cooked) go ahead and strain it out.
  
  And fin! Go ahead and plate the amount you desire. Add garnishes like fresh basil or... something else. I just seasoned mine with more Tabasco cause I lalalalove it :)
  
  And that is all for my Turkey Bell Pasta post! I hope you guys enjoyed, its a good meal to cook for the family, not to mention its super delicious! My sister, brother, and I all had seconds! Or maybe we were just extra hungry...
  
  Either or, I'm very happy with the recipe and I hope you guys try it out when you get a chance. Thank you all so much for reading, have a good one!
  
  -Caroline
  
  
  
  
                

Vamped Up PB&J

*Yaaay for my first food post! I have a feeling there's going to be MANY more to come!*

      Lately, I've been feeling really inspired after reading so many food posts from wonderful bloggers like Mel and others. So I decided to hop on the band wagon and make a little "recipe" post as well! Even though my recipe isn't nearly as technical nor amazing as all the other ones, its still something at least. But seriously, mine is super duper easy. I probably shouldn't even be doing a post. But hey, I already took the photo's and I'm taking baby steps. Leave me alone.

Alright! So this is my version of vamping up a PB&J. Of course, nothing can beat the classic American snack, the infamous Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, but you can still make different versions of it! Its just a fun way to try something new, and if you have kids, this should be a fun little recipe they'll enjoy. So lets get started!

                                           You will need the following:
                             *Bread (I used Oroweat- I prefer wheat bread)
                        *Peanut Butter (I don't know what kind it is- sorry!)
                             *Jelly (Strawberry from Smuckers- classic)
                             *Trail Mix!

     First thing you want to is to do toast the bread. I always do this because I prefer my bread warm :p
                                  
     Then you obviously would spread the peanut butter all over. I feel really lame explaining this...

                    And here's the fun part! Pour some of your trail mix all over the peanut butter.

If you're a big PB lover you can go ahead and add a second coat to cover the trail mix, but I was fine with this. The nuts adds a nice crunchy texture and the m&m's and raisins are a nice surprise!

              Then spread the jelly on the other bread... kind of self explanatory... once again I feel lame...

And tada! You are done. With the remaining trail mix just go ahead and snack on those. Add a water or tea, some apple slices (not shown) and watch an episode of White Collar like I did!

Its a quick easy snack, maybe three minutes more than the average PB&J. This is optional, but when I'm done with my sandwich I stick it back in the over for about a minute, that way the m&m's melt and chocolate goodness mixes with the peanut butter.

I hope this post was enjoyable for you all to read! I know this "recipe" is beyond easy and really just self explanatory, but I felt like doing a post and I was making a sandwich and then I started taking pictures and then all of sudden they landed here on my blog. I hope you guys enjoyed nonetheless, can't wait to write another food post! And I promise it'll be more interesting :p

Till next time!

-Caroline