Ten Questions

Last week blogger girlfriend Charnele tagged me to answer a few Q's about myself, and since I love shamelessly blabbing, here are the answers. I tried to keep it short -- key word try. 

1. What's your worst habit?

I always underestimate how long it'll take me to do something. In my head I can do any given task in 30 minutes, which is often not the case. 

2. What do you put on your froyo (frozen yogurt)? 

Okay, I have a go to recipe: cheesecake froyo, strawberries, graham cracker crumbles and and a little whipped cream. It tastes just like a strawberry cheesecake!

3. If you had to choose between traveling 5 years into the past or 5 years into the future, which would you choose and why?

I would say the future. I have high expectations, and I'd be curious to see if 28 is what I'm hoping for.

 

4. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Why?

I don't think I would. I've grown to like Audrey, and I especially like that it's a classic name. I used to hate it when I was younger. I thought it sounded old compared to the Ashleys and Brittanys in my classes.

5. What song do you have on repeat right now? 

I am binging on Ariana Grande right now! They're just great pop songs to sing along with. Better Left Unsaid & Piano are my jams. 

6. What cause or issue in this world are you passionate about? 

I'm finding that as I get older I become more concerned about how children, especially girls, are taught and treated. Children will become adults with habits and beliefs formed from what they learn from us. Even the smallest actions can have a big impact on how they function and I want adults - parents, siblings, teachers, babysitters - to be more conscious of that.

7. Online shopping or in-store shopping?

In-store! I love the instant gratification. My patience is horrible. 

8. What style trend have you tried in the past that now makes you cringe? 

I used to be big on belting everything. Belt every sweater, every dress, every shirt. And oh, the elastic belts. The horror. 

9. What is one thing that turns you off about a guy? 

A bad ego is a huge turnoff. Guys who take themselves too seriously are the worst. Loosen up! Laugh at yourself! 

10. If you had to pick one fashion designer to be loyal to for 1 year, who would you choose?

So, a designer and not a store...hmm. My style is all over the place, and I rarely buy things based off the designer name. I love Christian Siriano's designs. He makes such feminine, colorful and downright pretty clothes. 

Camel & Denim Basics

If you only knew how many times I wore an oversized denim button up with some kind of legging, you'd probably be disgusted. But as a lazy college student, it's totally okay. 

With winter in full swing I've been layering like crazy. With the softest turtleneck ever and a polished camel coat, my lived in denim doesn't seem so basic. Let's be clear though, there's nothing wrong with being a little basic. 

photos by Kaye McCoy

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repeat pleats & polka dots

Every winter for the past three years, I've worn some variation of this outfit (ahem, proof). No matter how my style changes, pleats and polka dots will be a standby. So, don't judge if I outfit repeat. 

Besides, these polka dot tights are just playful enough to (almost) make me forget how dull and gray it is right now. The sparkly J. Crew bracelet also helps on that front. I need all the help I can get with that, really. 

photos by Kaye McCoy

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late girl's guide | cheddar garlic bread

I think I've established that I go carb crazy this time of year (you should see my last recipe). Yes to comfort foods.

This quick recipe for garlic bread is a guilty pleasure. I'd be lying if I said I didn't pop them like potato chips, but they also add a burst of flavor to a meal --I love them with soups.

1. Slice the bread and spread with butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder. 

2. Layer sliced or shredded cheddar and sprinkle just a little more garlic powder. 

3. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until  bread is crispy on the edges.

sweater forever

We all have that one sweater that feels like home. It's just long enough, just comfy enough and just warm enough. Long live those sweaters.  

Literally, though. I think I've worn this black & gray striped one so much that it's becoming threadbare. It's on its last legs. 

Really, I just need it to live long enough to get me through this winter. Is that too much to ask? 

photos by Kaye McCoy

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the problem solvers

Some days are just better than others. On those days where solutions are hard to find and I feel a little lost, I stick to my tried and true mood lifters: pink lipstick, stripes & a little sparkle. 

Adding a pink coat can't hurt, either. Paired with my favorite matte lippie, I start to feel like there's nothing too big for me to tackle. I should give a shout-out to a less glamorous problem solver of mine: back-up flats. God bless back-up flats. 

Some people have therapists for when they're feeling overwhelmed. I just have an amazing closet.  

photos by Kaye McCoy

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late girl's guide | kale & sausage pasta alfredo

I know a fair share of people who started the new year with diets in mind -- diets not including pasta. For me, when the weather is cold and gray, I crave comfort food, diet or not. 

This recipe includes some great fresh ingredients (hello, kale), lighter meat (turkey sausage), is easy to make and cures the winter blues. Well, mine anyway.

1. Prep - Slice the sausage. Wash and cut the kale bunches. 

2. Pan sear the sausage, seasoned with Italian seasoning and fresh garlic. Boil pasta on the side. 

3. Five minutes before the sausage is done, put the kale in the pan to cook lightly. 

4. When the kale, sausage and pasta are done, mix together in a bowl with alfredo sauce. 

oui mon cheri

Bonjour mes amours! Full disclosure, I had to Google that phrase because I don't speak a lick of French. This sweatshirt is making me wish I did, though. Elle est très fabuleuse, no?

It was fun pretending I was at a beautiful French cafe when I stopped into Jeni's, a fantastic ice cream shop in Atlanta, for a caffeine break. You know what they say: mais d'abord , le café!

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photos by Kaye McCoy

case of the blues

There's no way around it -- winter is here. We were spoiled in the south for a little bit there, but now, Mother Nature ain't playing no games. 

I'm coming to terms with the colder temps, but it's a sad, heartbreaking process. It takes me twice as long to get ready these days, mostly because I'm wearing twice as many layers.

It's not all tears and frostbite for me, though. With this coat and a cup of hot tea to go, I have what I consider a sure cure for the winter blues.

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photos by Kaye McCoy

everyday glitter eyes

You remember how I said there would still be some sparkle in my world even though the holidays were over? Well, this is what I meant! 

There are no rules that confine glitter to Christmas or NYE. There are also no rules that say that that glitter can't be on your face. Here is a small, sneaky way of making glitter a part of your daily routine. 

 

(above) Before the glitter, apply eyeshadow as you would normally. Lighter shade in the center, darker contour in the outer "V" corner. 

(below) Once you have your subtle base, it's time to amp it up by using a similar shade of glitter eyeliner over the lighter area. Apply mascara and you're set to sparkle.