top 10 reasons fall is better than summer

For all of you summer lovers, I apologize in advance. This girl has never been much of a summer fan (insert gasp here). I'm sick of dripping with sweat everywhere I go and having to run my air conditioner 24/7. So, in true David Letterman style, I've composed a top 10 list for why I think fall is better than summer.

top 10 reasons fall is better than summer

10. 95 degree weather with 85% humidity is long gone

9.   the clothes: boots, sweaters, tights, flannel, corduroy, wool socks etc.

8.   apple picking and apple pie

7.   football games with friends

6.   hot chocolate and caramel apple cider, preferably consuming both in the same day

5.   pumpkins: pie, scones, candles, the pumpkin patch, jack-o-lanterns...you get the idea

4.   the holidays: turkey day, halloween decorations, crafting with mom, sparkling cider

3.   reading just seems more appealing

2.   fall leaves: the colors, the crunch, the piles

And, the #1 reason fall is better than summer is...wait for it, wait for it...shaved legs and perfectly painted toes are no longer required! (I love a good pedicure but all the summer body maintenance is exhausting, not to mention expensive)

images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

sweet potato black bean burritos

 

Earlier this week I finally made a recipe from Pinterest I've been wanting to try: sweet potato black bean burritos. They were absolutely delicious and fairly easy to make. Plus, they're super healthy and a great way for me to eat more veggies (I always struggle with that food group). 

The recipe made a lot more food than I expected and the vegetable filling is actually really great all by itself without a burrito. I froze a portion of the filling for later use so we'll see how that works out. I would highly recommend trying this delicious recipe!

Sweet Potato Black Bean Burritos

Ingredients

2 whole Sweet Potatoes, Peeled And Cubed Small

2 whole Jalapenos Diced

1 whole Red Pepper, Diced Small

2 teaspoons Olive Oil

1 teaspoon Cumin

1 teaspoon Chili Powder

1 pinch Salt And Pepper

1 can Black Beans, Rinsed And Drained (15 Ounce Can)

½ cups Fresh Cilantro, Chopped

2 teaspoons Fresh Lime Juice

2 cups Shredded Cheddar

1 package Burrito-Sized Wheat Tortillas Or Wraps (6-10 Count)

Directions

In a bowl, toss your raw veggies in olive oil and season with spices. Place in a large baking dish and roast in 425 degree oven for 20 minutes, tossing around halfway through. (20 minutes wasn't long enough for my sweet potatoes to become soft. I'd suggest 30 minutes.)

Let cool. Add your roasted veggies to a can of rinsed black beans. Add cilantro and squirt of lime juice. Combine gently. At this point, mixture can be stored for later use.

Warm your wheat tortillas or wraps in microwave according to directions on package. Spray a casserole dish with nonstick spray or olive oil spray.

Add two to four heaping tablespoons of vegetable and bean mixture to center of wrap. Top with shredded cheese. Fold over, fold in sides, place in pan and continue to roll the others. Place into your baking dish, seam side down so that they stay together.

Bake in 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Baking this way will make the tortilla wrap crisp. For a softer burrito, spray burrito with nonstick spray, then wrap in aluminum foil and bake for same amount of time.

Makes about 6-10 burritos depending on the size of your tortillas.

Tip: Premake your burritos and wrap them in aluminum foil. Keep in refrigerator for 3-4 days for a quick lunch or dinner!

recipe source

wednesday wisdom: the olympic creed

1948 Olympic Games - London

The Olympic Creed:

"The important thing in the Olympic games is not winning but taking part.The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well." - Baron de Coubertin

In light of the 2012 Olympic Summer games currently being held in London, I thought it fitting for this week's Wednesday Wisdom to honor this grand tradition. I did some research to find out more about how the Olympics came about and the history behind the Olympic creed.

The man to which we owe the sentiment known as The Olympic Creed was named Pierre de Frédy, Baron de Coubertin. A french educationalist and historian, he created the Olympic Creed based on the following philosophy:

 The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle, the essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.

Today, Coubertin is largely considered the father of the modern Olympic Games. He began his efforts to establish an International Olympic Committee in the late 1890s. While others during and before his time had experienced some success establishing Olympic-type competitions within their own countries, Coubertin was the first to advocate international competition.

The International Olympic Committee was officially formed on June 23, 1896. Later that same year, the first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece.

Click here to read more about Baron de Coubertin and the modern Olympic Games.

Click here to see more fantastic images from the 1948 Olympic Games.

image via

last weekend of July...

This Saturday I ventured over to the Randolph Street Market in the West Loop. I've wanted to go all summer but have been busy or out of town the other weekends it's been held. The market was amazing! There were so many neat items I wished I could have taken home with me. The vintage furniture was amazing (including the asking prices). It made me wish I had a bigger apartment and more money to furnish my place.

Aside from a plethora of furniture options, there was tons of jewelry, Schwinn bikes, vintage clothing, art, and household goods. Admission is regularly $10 but I scored a sweet discounted ticket for only $3 because I am a student. There are some perks for paying thousands of dollars for an education.

As I perused the different booths and vendors I stumbled upon an old books seller. Jackpot! I love buying books and am always on the lookout for great finds and deals. The seller had an impressive assortment of Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, Hardy Boys, The Bobseey Twins etc. I had a difficult time choosing which books I wanted to purchase. I only brought $20 with me to be sure I curbed my spending. Ultimately, I selected a copy of Winnie the Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner. They're copyright 1926 and 1928!

Other fun things that happened this weekend: 1) My J.Crew bubble necklace found for $16 via eBaby came in the mail and 2) I started reading The Hunger Games (I know, I'm a little behind the trend but better late than never).

The only thing that would have made this weekend better was if I'd gotten my butt to church today. I'm trying to be better about consistent attendance but I'm still falling short. I've got to do better next week!

I can't believe the start of August is right around the corner.

The Statement Necklace

Adding a statement necklace to your ensemble is an easy way to be on trend without spending a lot. There are plenty of wallet-friendly options that mirror the high-end versions you love.

Forever 21 and Target are my favorite places to shop for affordable accessories. I also recently discovered Bauble Bar. Their pieces are amazing! Anna of In Honor of Design also prompted me to search for deals on eBay.

I've been lusting after the J.Crew Bubble Necklace all summer but it's price tag of $150 definitely doesn't fit my grad student budget. After reading this post by Anna, I went to eBay and searched "J.Crew Bubble Necklace". I found a kaleidoscope of color options for under $20 including shipping! My yellow bubble necklace, which I bought for $16, should be here on Friday. Bauble Bar also has a great version for only $38.

Whether you desire a piece echoing ladylike simplicity or funky originality, here are several comparable necklaces sure to fit a variety of tastes and budgets. Check out my Pinterest board for even more options!

J.Crew - Bubble Necklace $150                   BaubleBar - Violet Princess Bib $38

 Forever Now - Kathryn Necklace $29.99                   Forever 21 - Horn Fringe Necklace $12.80

 Kate Spade -Moonlight Pearls Necklace $378      Forever 21- Pearl Rosette Necklace $14.80

Bauble Bar - Beaded Link Collar $44                   Target - Glass Bead Link Necklace $19.99

I wrote about statement necklaces for The DePaulia: Weekend Edition last week. Click here to read my article!

wednesday wisdom from zooey deschanel

You can't help but love Zooey Deschanel. She's so quirky, orginal, and adorable. I came across this quote from her and absolutely loved it. Enjoy!

“Being tender and open is beautiful. As a woman, I feel continually shhh’ed. Too sensitive. Too mushy. Too wishy washy. Blah blah. Don’t let someone steal your tenderness. Don’t allow the coldness and fear of others to tarnish your perfectly vulnerable beating heart. Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to truly be affected by things. Whether it’s a song, a stranger, a mountain, a rain drop, a tea kettle, an article, a sentence, a footstep, feel it all – look around you. All of this is for you. Take it and have gratitude. Give it and feel love”. – Zooey Deschanel

image source

wednesday wisdom: stephen r. covey

Earlier this week the revered Stephen R. Covey passed away.

Mr. Covey's impressive CV cites many accomplishments. MBA from Harvard University. Doctoral degree from Brigham Young University. Eight honorary doctorate degrees.

His most notable and well-known publication, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Forbes called it one of the top 10 business management books of all time. In 1996, Time magazine named Mr. Covey one of the 25 most influential Americans.

Although his accolades are many, I believe Mr. Covey's greatest achievement was the way he lived his life. He was successful because he put common sense into action. He took his own advice and shared his knowledge with others. His values were rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mr. Covey was a noble and great man. He was not perfect, but worthy of every accolade and praise. More would find happiness and fulfillment if they were to pattern their lives after his.

Two of my other favorite quotes from Mr. Covey:

“Independent will is our capacity to act. It gives us the power to transcend our paradigms, to swim upstream, to rewrite our scripts, to act based on principle rather than reacting based on emotion or circumstance.”

“How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.” 

Click here for additional quotes from Mr. Covey

New York Times article: Stephen R. Covey, Herald of Good Habits, Dies at 79

photo source