Another Year has Flown BYYYYY...

And this girl couldn't ask for more.

When I think about all of the occurrences that have taken place during the past year, I cannot believe just how lucky I really am and just how much can actually happen within 365 days. Let us reflect on some personal highlights of 2010...shall we?!

[1] Jon and The Northern Lights took a trip to Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympic games and I got to watch him play via a live feed online - right on my couch. No cell service in Canada - longest 2 weeks eveerrrr.

[2] Our 3 year anniversary on St. Patty's Day. Luckiest day ever. Hands down.
[3] Moved out of the one bedroom apartment with my sis, downtown (bunk beds and all) and moved back into a studio to finish up my last few months of school.
[4] A NEW addition to the Barrick family: Breck James Barrick was born April 26th. It's so fun to see how much he's grown already!
[5] Countless interviews, while I was in school.
[6] Taking 5 classes and an internship. During the Summer. My last quarter in school.
[7] FINALLY found an internship after MONTHS of searching - as a Marketing Assistant for Ms. Erika Lyremark and The Daily Whip.
[8] Spent my last few months as the VP of Communications and Membership for the Fashion Forward club and planning events like crazy.
[9] Bailing hay at home, for MAYBE the last time - since we sold ALL of our cows before winter hit.
[10] My last Glamorama in the second row...EVER...or at least until I'm able to afford the $800 seat tickets.
[11] Spent an hour with Mr. William Clark in his studio, an amazing fashion photographer that lives in uptown.
[12] Took a photography class during my last quarter, TONS of work, but SO glad I did.
[13] Submitted my Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear Trend Forecast in the Summer 2010 Student Juried Show at AI, and won in the Management category. My works were featured in a month-long gallery exhibition.
[14] Jon started school at Augsburg - where he also plays hockey - and we moved into our first place together - FINALLY. I couldn't be happier with our decision. It's been great.
[15] Graduation and portfolio show took place at the end of September, where I took Best in Show for Fashion and Retail Management.
[16] Aggressive searching in the employment department and several meetings with some pretty important people to find a job in this shitty economy.
[17] Started a job, in October, as a Market Research Assistant for Leede Research..have learned so much already.

[18] My boy finally turned 21.

[19] Graduation ceremony (cap and gown day) took place middle of December - a day I'll never forget.

[20] Christmas marked a lot of firsts for us: Christmas cards, Christmas tree and our first big purchase - a massive, LCD, tv - now we just need a new entertainment center to fit the beast. One thing at a time.. ;]
[21] Finding out my family will be heading to Hawaii, in exchange for Christmas presents this year - What a gift.

Here's to a great year - Soo much has changed and I anticipate many more changes/happenings within just the next couple of months - - I am soo excited to see what the next will bring...
Have a safe New Year Eve all! and remember,
Stay FABULOUS.
Photo via weheartit.

offices...

are boring. as hell.

I am fortunate enough to say that I do, in fact, have an office at work - complete with doors, a desk, a phone, a stapler (amazing, i know), a window!, etc, etc. I know, lucky me, right?! No really, I could be stuck in a tiny, four-sided, cubical somewhere, but I'm not - we even have a cute little pond outside that doesn't freeze over during this time of year, simply because the 30 ducks are not going to take 'ice' for an answer. As I was sitting at my desk today, on the phone and on hold with some medical firm, just taking in the jazzy, elevator, youreonholdsowe'replayingthissoyoudon'tgetimpatientlyangry music. I found myself slipping into a daydream (me, daydreaming? noooooooo wayyyy) and staring at a yellow, Accent highlighter, until the A and the T seemed to melt from the plastic and dance with one another to a Mr. Miles Davis tune. Is this normal? God, I'm weird. Good thing today's my Friday...

PETA

is the shit.
I am in love with their I'd Rather Go..ads. Most of them feature celebs that share the same, deep passion for animals. The ads dominate simply because they are an advocate for animals that don't have a voice of their own. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Annnnd, it's amatuer hour, folks - faux fur is far from a fashion faux pas - looks like these celebs missed the memo...ish.

Pictures via Google Images.

The Most Wonderful Time. . .

of the year...FOR SURE.
Sure, Summer will always have my heart. As guilty as guilty gets, however, I partake in a yearly love affair with Mr. Winter, just because of Christmas. A seasonal one night stand, so to speak. SHhhhhh, don't tell. I am willing to look past his flaws for a few months out of the year - blizzards, car tows, hours of my life wasted in traffic, the toe-numbing cold and the list goes on...I try to look at the positives that the season brings - food, food and MORE FOOD, sweets (followed by endless gluttony), presents, time spent with family and friends, kisses under the mistletoe, toasty fires inside, appreciation for summer months, etc., etc., etc. For these reasons and more, I love me some Christmas vacaaaayyyy.

Lovely Christmas eve hors d'oeuvres.

 Trouble x 4.

 The cutest santa evvverrrrrrr.

Jon and I's very FIRST Christmas tree, what a looker!

The Ultimate Social Experiment

"So when you think no one is watching, do you step in, step up or step away, we ask - what would you do?!"

As you have all probably realized, I watch quite a bit of tv and I feel like most of the shows I am infatuated with are reality, or smutty talk shows (Jerry Springer, Steve Wilkos, etc.) Again, not exactly sure why, I just find them so gosh darn interesting, as well as entertaining - of course! There is nothing that gets me more worked up, however, than hearing Mr. John Quiñones say that opening quote at the beginning of every What Would You Do? episode. In my opinion, ABC struck gold when they produced this show - an ethical, hidden camera (according to their website) masterpiece (according to me), that throws testing situations at unknowing subjects AKA normal human beings AKA you and I. Some of my favorite scenarios include Baby Left in the Hot Car, Pregnant and Drinking, Abusive Boyfriend, Forced into Polygamy and MANY more.

Needless to say, I am OBsessed with the show. Although these, particular, fictional situations may be staged, similar situations - if not identical - are happening in our society on a daily basis. There is often a Social Psychologist that appears on the show and comments on what is taking place and why. . .As a lover of social psych., I think it's great that ABC is out there, with cameras in hand, making sure we're all behaving ourselves and watching out for one another. Because, once that day comes when no one gives a crap - it'll be the end. Since the show travels all over the place, it wouldn't hurt to be prepared - as if you haven't already spent your life preparing, right? Let's hope so, but in the meantime, here is a quiz I found on ABC.com- test yourself and your ethical views: What Would YOU Do?!?! Quiz. OH...and if you haven't catched an episode yet, I HIGHLY recommend it - OBviously.
Photo found here!

As I sit in traffic. . .

for a good 2 hours longer than usual, gridlocked and going 5, yes I said it, 5 miles/hr. on the freeway....
All I can think of is my happy place, a place that I drift away to often - that looks exactly like this:

As shocking as it is, I will be meeting my HAPPY place in a little less than a month! Never has this girl even been on a plane! ANNND, only in my dreams (more frequent during the winter) have I ran through white, warm sand and clear, blue waters. Instead of buying Christmas presents this year, my family has decided that we are long overdue for a vacation (and they think that it's only a matter of time before weddings and kids come along - it might be our last chance, so to speak), sooooo we are going to HAWAII! This picture is actually taken minutes from where we're staying. Needless to say, I'm soooofuckingexcitedddddd! A little bummed, because I really enjoy buying presents for people and, of course, getting them in return. :) However, I know the memories that will be made during a week in the sun will be those to cherish forever, and MUCH more valuable than anything that one could find under the tree.

Graduation Dayyyyyyyy.

I'm a big girl now - evidently.

This past Friday, December 17th, 2010, I walked across the stage and received my pretend diploma (I was already mailed my diploma a couple of weeks ago). I officially graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion and Retail Management from the Art Institutes International, MN and had my portfolio show at the end of September, so it was a little weird to be back, but not really...I felt like participating in the ceremony was something that I had earned and I knew I couldn't nooooot walk. In the end, it is truly a day I will never forget - almost like spreading the yummy, buttery icing on the cake that I had been baking for about 3 years now. Also, it made graduating from college seem a little more real, since it really hasn't even sunk in yet - but it helped. Since September, I have been working as a Market Research Assistant for Leede Research - a small marketing research firm in Plymouth, MN. I am learning a ton and brush shoulders with Fortune 500 clients on a weekly basis. I'm still keeping one eye out for something that pays a little more - but for now, this girl needs all the experience she can get and can't get too picky with the slow economy.

I am looking at the Ph.D. Pyschology program at the U of MN - Having already missed the application deadline for December 1st, I figure, if I truly want to go back in a couple of months - I can start preparing - studying for the GRE/GMAT - getting together recommendation letters, etc. Grad. school preparation/acception is no easy feat, but as of now, I cannot stop thinking about it, so it will most likely happen. Until then - this WOMAN is now in active pursuit in the employment department - get ahold of me. :)

Catch a falling star.

Put that thing in your damn pocket. and never let it go. Last night, on my late-night drive home from work, suburb-to-city, I could have sworrrrrrrrrrn i saw a falling star. Could have been a reflection from one of the thousand car lights, but I'm goin' with my gut and saying it was INDEED a falling star. Living in the city, as opposed to the country comes with a few trade offs - Don't see too many stars here, with all those bright lights. Nonetheless, it put a smile on my face and a wish in my head. Imaginery or not, keep fallin' (or not really) little guys...

PostSecret

. . .best idea evvvvver.

I am dedicating this post to one of my favorite blogs: PostSecret, which is - in their words - an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. The story of how PostSecret came to be, also appearing on their site, is very interesting. Once again, it goes to show, if you have an idea - push to make it a reality. Something that seems to be so simple. The concept is amazing, to say the least. As common people are willing to share their deepest secrets to the world and have no problem paying the postage. Have you ever told anyone a secret that you have been holding in and felt like you might explode? I KNOW this is why this project is so successful - the anonymous factor. As a loyal blog follower, I cannot wait to check out their weekly additions of new secrets. The postcards are, truly, works of art - and whether the secrets are true or not, it gives contributors that sense of pride knowing that they are a part of something bigger. Who knew something as miniscule as a postcard could generate this much interest? Human beings are fascinating, aren't we? . . .Makes me think of poptabs and The Ronald McDonald House Charity - GOOD stuff. Brilliant minds.

awe-inspired by argyle

images via weheartit

Screw guys. . .

I just wanna dance.
Last night, while at our most frequented destination of Brothers, in downtown Minneapolis, I decided that I had been long overdue for a good dance sesh. Once you get this girl going, she doesn't stop! I was involved in dance for years when I was younger and you best believe I thoroughly enjoy busting a move now and again. Of course, the jaeg bombs helped loosen me up a bit, but dancing is seriously a release for me. I miss it. My list is growing every day: Retail Therapy, Dancing Therapy, Food Therapy..... Good stuff.
One of my faves: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1M2UOFzhKk

Julie & Julia.

What a GREAT movie.

With the unplowed roads, it's a perfect day to sit inside, cozy up on my couch with some veggie soup, hot tea and a movie - just how relaxing does that sound? Days like these should never be an option - they are a necessity. Hands down. Unless your looking for a recipe to make yourself crazy, then I would suggest NOT taking breaks from time to time. :) If you haven't seen the movie, Julie & Julia yet, I highly recommend it. Not really knowing what to expect before I watched it, I am utterly suprised. Not only is it an interesting movie about Julia Child's fascinating life, but it also based on a second, true story about Julie, a woman feeling like she is going nowhere in her life or career, and is one year away from her 30th birthday - that must be a scary thought. After deciding that she is going to cook through Julia Child's cookbook and blog about every single recipe, Julie finds herself and takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, with her, in the process. She is simply the definition of personal branding and going out on a whim - doing something out of the ordinary - and getting recognition for it, even if there are doubters, naysayers, what have you (shout out to Ms. Erika Lyremark). I was also suprised to see the actual blog's link pop up, when I googled it ( http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/ )- which made it all the more fun. I am unsure if the story inspires me to cook through the entirety of a cookbook, but it does push me to blog more regularly.

What if....

It snowed ice cream?

I think I would be a little more welcoming to the snow. Usually I am ALL for it, however, that was when I lived in small town, Litchfield, MN. After moving to a much more metropolitan area, I have realized it's not nearly as fun. Today it took me an hour and a half to get home from work - it usually takes 20 mins. PURE madness. Jon and I are in the middle of our FREE Netflix trial - and I must say - it's amazing, so amazing, that we may just have to keep it around. Last night we decided on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - something light, that required little to no thinking. The scene when ice cream snowed from the sky, was my favorite and for some reason, it made me wonder why pastel colors (in relation to fashion) are considered to be more appropriate for spring and almost nonexistent during the winter. It also made me hungry - but that's beside the point. And now, a compilation of relevant images that flashed through my brain, the instant I thought this would make for an interesting blog post:

images via weheartit

Best Mashed Potatoes Ever?

....I know so.

We still have a ton of potatoes from the garden, this summer, stored in the cold barn - so, when I was home over Thanksgiving, my dad loaded me with spuds galore. I was trying to figure out some creative recipes to try out with them, so they didn't go to waste. I came to the conclusion that I was long overdue for some mashed potatoes, but didn't really know how to make them, creatively?, so to speak. I love http://www.food.com/, so I knew if I needed a recipe, I should check them out first. The answer, roasted GARLIC, and plenty of fattening additions - (half & half/cream, plenty of butter, sour cream, mmm). I came across this recipe: delicious, simple, best I've ever had - boom, no brainer.

What you need:

2 lbs potatoes
1 head of garlic

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1/4 cup of sour cream

4 tablespoons of butter

milk or cream, if needed
salt

pepper

 
What to do:

1] Separate head of garlic into individual cloves.

2] Toss in olive oil and wrap tightly in small piece of aluminum foil.
3] Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven for 45 minutes.
4] When the garlic has cooled to the touch you should be able to squeeze it out of the 'paper' shell of the individual cloves.
5] Mash the roasted garlic with a fork, or force through a fine strainer.
6] If you use a ricer as recommended below, simply rice the garlic along with the potatoes.
7] Peel and boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
8] Force the cooked potatoes through a ricer (recommended) or mash by your usual method.
9] Put the riced potatoes, garlic, sour cream, butter, and salt and white pepper in a mixer bowl, and whip at medium speed until smooth.
10] Add cream or milk to adjust consistency.
http://www.food.com/recipe/roasted-garlic-mashed-potatoes-the-best-youve-ever-had-68159