Thursday, May 5, 2016








Just some pictures from our Senior Luncheon and Mass.
I'm so grateful for everything that my high school has done
for me. I can't believe we're almost done! In just a few days, I'll be finishing up my very last classes then on to finals. Although it's exciting its pretty scary.



Dutch Apple Pie

Ingredients: 

   Streusel Topping:
      1.) 1/2 cup of butter, softened
      2.) 1 cup of flour
      3.) 2/3 cup of packed brown sugar
      4.) 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

   Filling: 
     1.) 1 can of apple pie filling (if you like to cheat a little)
     2.) 4 medium sized apples, peeled and sliced 
     3.) 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
     4.) 3 teaspoons of cinnamon
     5.) 1 teaspoon of nutmeg

   Crust:
     1.) Can of cooled, pie crust

Directions: 

1.) Combine streusel toppings in a small bowl. Use your hands or a small wooden spatula to mix together. Make sure the butter is actually softened, a little warmer than room temperature but not melted. This makes the ingredients mix together better. Mix until streusel crumbles form. It might take a while for them to form together, so be patient. 
2.) Follow the directions on the package for your pie crust if it is frozen or refrigerated. Once at room temperature, roll it out ontop of the pie pan you are using. Use slow, careful movements so the dough doesn't break. Set aside. 
3.) Preheat oven to 400º.
4.) Peel and cut the apples. Discard the core and peels. Put the can of filling in another bowl, and mix your apples in. I like to use the filling in addition to my own apples, because the filling has the saucy filling with the apples, which can be messed up easily. Put the additional cut apples make it fresh and crisp. 
5.) Add in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in with the apples. Mix well, and spread evenly over the pie crust. 
6.) Top the pie with the streusel crumbles, and put in the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. 

Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream :) 

Follow Your Heart

Today has been one of those hard days for me. I felt like a walking cloud of depression for most of my morning. But I took my meds, drank my coffee, and continued through my classes as if I were fine. I usually put on an act to hide the fact that I'm struggling...I don't want to appear weak.

One of the gifts that my father gave me for my birthday this year was a book called "Be Happy" with 170 ways to transform your day. I haven't really opened it yet, but I always kept it with me in my book bag. Today, I finally opened the book and flipped to the first page. Here is what it said:

Follow Your Heart

First, know your heart. It knows things your mind can't understand. Listen to it. Listen above the crowd. Be open to it. Let it guide you on the big decisions. Be true to it. 

"The heart has its reasons, which reason knows nothing of." 
-Blaise Pascal 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The short and concrete sentences, tell me to be blunt and just follow my heart. I need to do a little soul searching. This stood out to me, because I can't remember the last time I've listened to my heart. I'm so wrapped up in my own head and get lost in my thoughts far too often. It frequently sends me into a downward spiral. So, I am going to take the advice of this little happy book, and listen to my heart. 

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Key Lime Bars

Ingredients: 

1.) 2 cups of graham cracker crumbles (fine to moderately crushed)
2.) 2 tablespoons of sugar
3.) 1 stick (8 tsp) of butter, melted
4.) 1 can of Comstock Key Lime Filling
5.) 3 tablespoons of almonds, chopped (optional)
6.) 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut (optional)

Directions:

1.) Preheat oven to 360º.
2.)  Mix graham cracker crumbles, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until thoroughly mixed. A crust      should form and be malleable in your hands.
3.) Line an 8x8 or pan of your choice with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spray evenly with              cooking spray.
4.) Next, even spread the crust out on the bottom of the pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven, and bake the crust for 10 minutes.
5.) After the crust has finished baking, place it on a rack to cool. Once it is cooled, refrigerate the crust for 1-2 hours or until desired firmness.
6.) Once the crust has chilled for several hours, spread the key lime filling evenly on top.
7.) Spread desired toppings evenly over the key lime filling.
8.) Finally, refrigerate the bars for 3+ hours. This allows the filling to set and become firm. Cut and serve bars. Keep refrigerated.

Enjoy!! 

New Blog, New Me

Today I have decided to create a blog. I'm not quite sure what drove me to create one, but I believe it's mostly for my own personal entertainment. I really love to write, but only when its for pleasure and not some tedious assignment I have to complete. Writing is so powerful, you can use words to express anything you want! Take Adolf Hitler for example, and his creation of Mein Kamph. Yes, I know that is an generally negative example, but what better example to show how extremely important our words can be. A man was able to use a book that he wrote, to inspire people and control them. It is pretty terrifying actually. And then again, words are only word until people give them some type of meaning.

Anyways, I'll stop ranting about my fascination for the power of words. I want to use this blog as a way to express myself, and maybe inspire others to do the same! I have all of these ideas constantly swimming around in my brain, and it's time I finally give life to them. It will probably end up being my own personal archive of all of my favorite recipes, fun photos that I've captured of places I've gone and want to remember, and fun fashion and beauty tips for one of those Girls Night Out's that need a special make over.

Also, I would like to use this as a way to fight my battle with depression and anxiety. I am constantly searching for new ways to help get myself through my latest struggle, and would love to be able to use my own experiences to help others. I do a lot to be able to help the people around me and whoever I can, but this means of expression will help me too. It's been a long while since I've done something big for myself.

Love and positivity to all. Thank you for reading. xoxo