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  1. Mixer, Mixer on the Counter Who’s the Most Feminine of Them All?

    December 27, 2012 by steph

    I just don’t get it. I would consider myself a modern woman. I am a 23 year old college student, I work in digital media marketing, I am currently wrapping up my honor’s thesis about voting behavior. I would like to think that I am in the “loop” as a young person and as a woman. I got engaged on Christmas Eve 2011 and shortly after I started to look into wedding planning, wedding registries, the whole subculture of weddings. I was completely overwhelmed. I didn’t care that much but there was this little voice that said “You should care more”. So, I tried. I tried to care more, I looked at every wedding venue across the state of Connecticut. I went to every wedding venue with my notebook in hand, filled with questions and corresponding notes. I was wrapped up in every aspect of it, thinking the more I delve into wedding world, the easier it will get. I was wrong. Something happened, I was looking at one of the 500 wedding/bride/fiance emails I get daily and there was a mixer. It seemed innocent enough, the coveted Kitchen Aid mixer that runs for about $300.00. To be honest with you, it jarred me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very pretty appliance- but I just couldn’t wrap my head around why it was so popular as a wedding registry gift. I mean how much mixing and cake baking do I do? To be honest, none. I never bake cakes. I hardly have time to make a proper dinner, why would I need a mixer? I wouldn’t. There it was though, this crazy wave of guilt or something that I didn’t want the mixer. I couldn’t explain it, but it really put the wedding into perspective. What I realized from that moment on, was that yes the wedding was nice but I want a marriage way more than I want the wedding.

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  2. Holidays Hovering Over Real Life

    November 22, 2012 by steph

    With Thanksgiving, I got to thinking about holidays. I got thinking about how silly they are. Every year Americans “amp up” for the holiday season, and everyone is so stressed! Holiday shopping, holiday cooking, family get-togethers, there is a lot that can go wrong. What the holidays show me, is that nine times out of ten I am acting the way I do for the sake of “tradition.” I use quotes because the traditions I seem to get wrapped up in, are the white picket fence of the winter solstice. I’m talking about that idealized version of the “American Dream” or in this case, the “Holiday Dream”. I am taking this holiday season to seriously put what is important into perspective. What’s important is that I finish my thesis, and chew a nice chunk out of it during this holiday “break”. So, just keep it in perspective. Enjoy the holiday flavors at Starbucks and singalong to your favorite Christmas song- but for the sake of your health, keep calm! It’s just another day.

    Category Food, Marriage | Tags: | No Comments

  3. Do You Have a Pair of Shoes That You Hate?

    August 13, 2012 by steph

    It was a rainy day in the middle of July. The air was thick, it was humid. Everyone was patiently waiting  for the thunderstorm to start. Rich peeked through the curtains in the living room. We could hear the thunder crack. The lightning brightened up the sky, even more than the sun could. The sky was like a portrait, the lightning a fresh rip let a sliver of light cut the picture in half. Rich gave my his sideways grin, “Do you have a pair of shoes that you hate?” Rich said. I scrunched my face and said “Yes, I think so”, grabbing my $7 running shoes and put them on, Rich was wearing his old sneakers and we made our way to the door.

    Wearing only a thin zip-up, I could feel the pitter patter of the rain. To be honest, the zip-up was for the lightning. I was afraid of the lightning. I kept checking the lightning making sure it was far enough away. I didn’t want to end up on the news the next morning because we were struck by lightning. I would always roll my eyes after hearing about people struck by lightning. I would wonder, “Don’t you know you shouldn’t be outside?” Here I was — outside.

    I realized Rich didn’t have the same fear I did. I was scared of being struck by lightning. Hitting me like a figurative bolt — it was a lot like how I saw relationships. No matter what the weather is like as long as you are getting through it together, then you’ve figured it out. Figuring it out is only half the battle. Maybe there’s two people out there who can figure it out until they are blue in the face — but they don’t want to get through it.

    Its not only that we wanted to get through it — we are getting through it. There’s not a day that goes by that I am not happy in my relationship (even if it is only for a second). What I learned is that it’s getting through the obstacles of life together is important. Lastly, I learned about the importance of having the right shoes!

    Category Marriage, Wedding | Tags: | 2 Comments

  4. Today Was a Fairy Tale…

    April 15, 2012 by steph

    Last week I tried on wedding dresses for the first time. It was so much fun, and I can’t wait to do it again, because it has to happen at least two more times before I make my dress decision. I went in there having an idea of what I wanted but I wasn’t 100% sure. There was one dress in particular that my mom wanted me to try on, but I was persistent that it just wasn’t my style.

    After being adamant that I did not want to try this particular dress on, I finally decided I would try it. What happens next, is the part I hate. I loved the dress. I loved that stupid dress so much it became a top contender, it is in the top two.

    Here’s the thing, this isn’t only about wedding dresses. This is what is going on with me in regards to what I am going to do in December when I graduate. I have no idea.

    The Plan:

    -Graduate in December 2012 with a Bachelors of Science (Political Science Major).

    -Get a full time job.

    -Go for the MBA degree part time

    -Go to Law School eventually or a PhD

    So there is the plan I am just going to get through these next 7 months. A lot can happen in a day, so hopefully I will know where to go soon!

     

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  5. Eggplant “Lasagna”

    April 15, 2012 by steph

     

    cheese heaven? yes please.

    Anything that includes cheese and sauce is usually going to end up in my stomach. This is no exception! Instead of using lasagna noodles I used eggplant slices. Even though I am not a vegetarian this is a great vegetarian dish, and a healthy twist on an old favorite!

    Ingredients:

    -2 large eggplants (1 to 1 1/4 pounds each), sliced lengthwise 3/4 inch thick

    -3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for baking dish

    -salt and pepper

    -1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese (1 2/3 cups)

    -3 large eggs

    -1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

    -2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)

    -1 jar (16 ounces) store-bought marinara sauce (2 cups)

    (Like I usually do…I eyeballed the ingredients- so I use the ingredients as more of a guideline than a rule book, but I suggest to do whatever you feel comfortable doing! )

     

     

    oozing with cheesey goodness!!!

     

     

    Directions:

    -Preheat the over to 450 degrees.

    -Place eggplant slices on baking sheets, I needed 2. They should not be on top of each other, or overlapping.

    -”Sprinkle” oil on both sides of the eggplant slices, as well as salt and pepper to season.

    -Let them bake until they get golden brown, then turn them to the other side. They should be in the oven for about 25-30 minutes.

    -In a separate bowl mix ricotta, eggs, parmesan, salt and pepper, and oregano. For the salt and pepper, do not go overboard, I used about a teaspoon for each.

    -In the baking pan you are baking the lasagna in, spray it with PAM or coat it with oil.

    -Place a layer of eggplant slices on the bottom of the pan. Make sure that they all touch each other, so it makes a tight bottom layer to cut through for later.

    -Add the mix of ingredients from the bowl, then add a layer of the marinara sauce. I used about 1/4th of the jar of marinara sauce.

    -Place the remaining eggplant slices on top of the the mixture and marinara, then use your remaining sauce on top of those slices. I used about 1/4th of the jar of sauce again- I did not use the full jar, only half. Use what you feel is necessary.

    -Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.

     -Bake until golden brown, and bubbling. Should take 20-25 minutes.
    -Wait 10 minutes to cool down.
    -Enjoy!

    eggplant lasagna :)

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  6. Healthy Brownies

    April 15, 2012 by steph

     

    Healthy Brownie! Looks as good as it tastes!

    I love cooking! Nothing is more fun than cooking…except trying new and interesting recipes. I tried making these ‘healthy brownies’ and they came out great. I first heard of the recipe as a weight watchers recipe, and I thought it would be fun to try. There are 3 ingredients.

    -any kind of brownie mix

    -1 can of black beans

    -water

    -THAT’S IT!!!!

    So what you do is take the black beans out of the can and wash them well, I like to wash them enough times until the water is clear. Then put the beans back into the can and fill the can with water. After that throw the water and black beans into a blender, and puree the beans until they are as chopped up as possible. Then, take the brownie mix out of the box and put in a bowl, add the bean and water puree, and then put in a baking pan. Follow the directions on the box for the amount of time and temperature the brownies should be in the oven. That’s it! And I have to say they were absolutely delicious! I did not tell anyone the ingredients until after the first few bites, everyone was amazed! Enjoy!

     

    Easiest, Tasty-est Brownies EVER!

    Category Food | Tags: , , , | No Comments

  7. Wish List

    April 7, 2012 by steph

    I decided that I should make a wish list, this seemed to be like it would be a good idea before writing my philosophy paper, okay let’s be honest it’s instead of my philosophy paper. So I encourage you to make your own. I am going to share mine…

    -finish my thesis- and make it great.

    -graduate with my undergrad in political science.

    -get a master’s degree.

    -get my ph d.

    -learn to sing.

    -write more.

    -write like i used to.

    -be stronger (mentally).

    -be stronger (physically).

    -stand up for myself.

    -lift very heavy weights.

    -buy a house.

    -grow my hair out very long.

    -host holidays in my house.

    -keep a diary.

    -buy a fancy camera.

    -take great pictures.

    -run more.

    I will add to this, and cross off it. Your wishlist should be the same, some things stay, some go, it’s all part of this journey…

    -

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  8. The Look for Less…

    March 10, 2012 by steph

    I have been obsessed with the J. Crew Bubble Necklace, when I first saw it I wasn’t crazy about it, but with spring on the way it seems like a great piece to give my outfit that pop of color.

    The J. Crew Bubble Necklace -$150.00

    The necklace is so perfect for spring, and can turn a bland outfit into a great one easily. The only problem is I am definitely not spending $150.00 on costume jewelry! I am a college student with a part time job…and it’s costume jewelry, that just goes against my better judgement.

    Kate Spade Baublebox Bib Necklace $278.00

    I found this Kate Spade version as well, it’s beautiful, but at almost $300.00, I knew this wasn’t the “bubble necklace” for me. After obsessing over the necklace style, and the pop of color, I knew I needed a necklace like this, and I knew with a little of my researching skills I would be able to find what I was looking for…

    Basil The Cat Etsy.com Hand Made $45.00

    I found this necklace on Etsy.com and I had to order it! I am in completely in love with it! It looks just like the J.Crew one that I wanted to begin with and it was hand made to order, and a third of the price of the J. Crew necklace. Here is the link to the see this necklace, as well as this style in other colors.

    http://www.etsy.com/shop/basilthecat?ref=seller_info

    Category Jewelry, The Look for Less | Tags: , , , | No Comments

  9. The Look for Less…

    February 26, 2012 by steph

    I am in love with Tory Burch- she is incredible and lately the leather cuff is a trendy look. Last year Stella and Dot came out with their own version of it. I have this piece, and I adore it, you can dress it up or down and it’s a great everyday piece. The Stella and Dot version is $59.00 and the Tory Burch version is $95.00.

     

     

    Stella and Dot (right) Tory Burch (left)

     

    Stella and Dot- http://www.stelladot.com/sites/stephaniemallozzi

     

    Tory Burch- http://www.toryburch.com/SKINNY-CUFF-WITH-LOGO-STUDS/50005954,default,pd.html?dwvar_50005954_color=001&start=119&cgid=accessories-jewelry

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  10. Low Carb Pizza!

    February 26, 2012 by steph

    So I decided to make this low carb “pizza” really easy and delicious. Pizza without the guilt, what’s not to love?

    Easy Low Carb Recipe...Zucchini Pizzas!!!

    Zucchini Pizza Ingredients

    Zucchini (cut lengthwise)

    Olive Oil

    Pam Spray

    Canned Pizza Sauce

    Pepperoni

    Shredded Mozerella Cheese

    Steps

    1. Cut the zucchini slices lengthwise

    2. Spray a frying pan with Pam spray and set to heat on medium

    3. Put olive oil on the flat side of the zucchini

    4. Place the zucchini in the frying pan flat side down, cover with lid to keep heat in

    5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

    6. When zucchini is browned (not blackened) move to a baking sheet, they should be frying for 15-20 minutes, then they will be ready to be moved to the baking sheet

    7. With zucchini on the baking sheet drizzle olive oil on the zucchinis (make sure zucchinis are flat side facing up on the baking sheet)

    8. Add pizza sauce to each zucchini

    9. Add shredded mozzarella cheese to each zucchini

    10. Add pepperoni slices to each zucchini

    11. Place in the oven once it is heated to 350 degrees

    12. Keep in oven for about 20 minutes or until cheese melts

    13. Enjoy!

    Category Food | Tags: , , , | No Comments

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