I have a crush.

 I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. Me? I enjoyed a bag of Starburst Jelly Beans (Just one of my many weaknesses) while falling in love. Yes. I fell in love last night. As soon as I got home from work, I got sucked into a marathon of the show Auction Hunters, which airs on Spike TV. I spent 6 hours enjoying the company of my jelly beans and my new crush, Allen Hoff. If you are interested in watching the show, I have posted the link here. 

Just remember...he is mine!

White Chocolate Truffles

I must admit, for the first time in a very long time, I am a little bitter about Valentines Day. (I am working on overcoming this emotion - but I thought I should be honest with my countless 3 readers.) To pick up my spirits, I decided that I would make a special Valentine's Day treat; but there was one catch, I did not want to go to the grocery store. So, looking through my pantry, I was quickly reminded of the 6 cans of sweetened condensed milk I purchase last week when it was on sale, thus leading me to one of my new favorite things to make. I now present to you, White Chocolate Truffles...

Cast of Characters: 

1 bag of White Chocolate Chips,
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk and 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract

Melt the chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk in large saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and then stir in the vanilla extract.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill for 2-3 hours until mixture becomes firm. Using a spoon, scoop out small portions of the ganache and roll into bite size balls.

Now is the fun part, use your creativity and begin decorating the truffles however you please. Me, since I did not want to go to the grocery store, I opted for things I already had: Red Sprinkles, Sliced Almonds and Candy Hearts.

This could quite possible be one of the easiest recipes I have followed in a long time; and the best part is, the possibilities are never ending. Enjoy!

Oh, I almost forgot...HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

Thank you for for being a follow and one of my friends!

Get your mind out of the gutter.

My friend Anna gave me a "desk warming" gift this weekend. It is an onion candle. I mean, who doesn't need a candle in the shape of an onion? OK, fine, I will admit it: Phallic? Yes. Awkward? Just a little. Funny? Duh! - Why else would I post it for everyone else to see?

Anna - Thank you for always providing so much laughter in my life. This candle is a wonderful accessorise to add to my new desk; it is also sure to provide moments of distraction this week as I am working on my Literature Review paper. (And of course, the distraction will be welcomed.)

Out with the old, and in with the new.

When I was home for Christmas, I was flipping through the December issue of Southern Living and came across an idea for a new desk. The desk consisted of an old door, fabric to cover the door, glass to protect the fabric and old sawhorses to set the new desk top on. As a new Grad student, I have been pondering the thought for a while of recycling my desk from college and finding a new one that would give me more desk space. This inspiration was just what I needed. So I took off , full speed ahead and ran with the idea of creating a new desk that would be one of a kind. With some help from my local handyman, Tom, the idea and inspiration became a reality. Below is the inspiration, my old desk and then my new desk!

The Inspiration:

The Old:

I promise, it was usually not this messy.

The New!:

Another BIG thank you to Tom who built such beautiful sawhorses for my new desk. They are the focal point of the desk and absolutely amazing; the desk would not be the same without them. There are even shelves for me to place baskets in order to help with filing and organizational needs.

I have had that bulletin board above my desk since freshman year. It has not left the room, but it is no longer over my desk. It also received a face lift with the design.

Fancy.

10 Reasons Why I Love My Mom! 

My mom did not have a very good day today. She had a root canal. From a daughter who unfortunately has inherited the poor dental gene from her, I am hoping to send positive thoughts her way through this blog and hopefully give her something to smile about today. So, in no particular order, here are 10 reasons why I love my mom.

1. She has many nicknames. Flash and Sparkle are just a few. Right now though, it's Fancy. Fancy Nancy.
2. She is the reason for all of my good looks. Because of her, I already know what I am going to look like when I am in my 50s, and boy am I lucky!
3. She does the Jerk better than anyone else I know.
4. She knows how to cut lose and have a good time.
5. She loves Auburn.
6. Her creativity is never ending...
7. She put up with me during my awful teenage years, and she still puts up with me today.
8. Even though I am 26, she always knows how to make me feel better by sympathizing with me when I have a headache, dental issues, run into doors/tables, etc...
9. Sometimes, she can be just as socially awkward blunt as I.
10. She was the original, proud owner of the Turn. She saw something special in that new 3 door car that was on display at Quail Springs Mall in 2001, and because of that, I am forever grateful. 

I love you Fancy - Hope you feel better soon!