Wrap It Up

One extra day to make things happen

I feel like this extra day in February is here just for me. Like it's the universe's way of allowing me one last day to make February right, because quite honestly, February teetered a little onto the wrong side this year.

The only way to describe it without being melodramatic is this: I felt like life was an especially persistent gust of wind blowing in my direction, threatening to knock me off of my magic carpet in the sky, which is what I've felt New York has been so far—a magic carpet ride. 

I felt like life was an especially persistent gust of wind blowing in my direction, threatening to knock me off of my magic carpet in the sky, which is what I felt New York has been so far—a magic carpet ride.

This month the shine of finally making it here wore off. That's not to say I've become unimpressed by New York, because that's just not likely to happen. I mean, it is New York. What I mean is the adrenaline, that initial excitement of being here, was swapped out for real life s**t. 

And I let that real life s**t overwhelm me and run amok. But not today, my dear sweet girlfriends, not today. I'm going to wrap this month on a high note, starting by saying hello to all of you babes who were so kind as to check in on me. Y'all are the best, and I'm damn sure March is going to be, too. 

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Let's Talk About Love, Baby

No romance? No problem! Celebrate love on your own terms.

Valentine's Day is the notoriously pink and red holiday that celebrates l'amour, amore, L-O-V-E, baby. Only, it seems the kind of love that gets all the attention is romantic love, which is a real shame, because there are so many other types of love out there. As I've gotten older, I've realized that these are the loves that are just as worthy of celebrating.

1. Family Love

I am a firm believer in telling your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and so on that you love them as often as possible. So why not in a special way on a day allotted just for loving? I'm sending a card to my mom back home this year since I won't be there with her.

2. Food Love

More faithful than any romantic partner is food. Take Valentine's Day to enjoy one of your favorite meals at one of your favorite restaurants or splurge on that one spot you've been wanting to try for forever. Either way, you won't be disappointed.

3. Friend Love

In all honesty, Galentine's Day is the only reason I get excited for Valentine's Day. The relationships I have with my friends literally get me through some of my toughest days, and I love having this day to celebrate with them.

4. Self Love

And, the greatest love of all, as Whitney Houston put it, is learning to love yourself, and I'll be using this Valentine's Day to do just that. For my #selflove day, I'll be treating myself to a new book and fresh manicure.

So, girlfriends, what are your Valentine's Plans?

Doing It

Here's to never thinking "I wish I could do that" ever again

I could not be more grateful that I live in a world where I can wear a leopard print fur coat in everyday life. Actually, a more correct statement would be: I could not be more grateful that I have the confidence to wear a leopard print coat in everyday life.

"I'm at a place where if there's anything I wish to do, I just do. Maybe it's being in the city or new sense of self taking over."

For far too long have I been the girl looking over longingly at someone wearing some over-the-top but still lust-worthy outfit thinking, "I wish I could do that." I'm at a place where if there's anything I wish to do, I just do. Maybe it's being in the city or a new sense of self taking over.

And I encourage you to do the same. Because sometimes, you just need to throw an unnecessarily extravagant faux fur jacket on over a simple gray dress and booties, and god forbid you don't just because you don't think you can pull it off.

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Late Girl's Guide: Italian Roasted Veggies & Sausage

I have never wanted to eat my veggies as much as I do now

January has come and gone, and I'm still holding onto my resolve to eat better. That includes making sure most of my meals have a huge helping of fresh vegetables. In an attempt to make veggies exciting and flavorful, I tried my hand at roasting some of my favorites.

Roasting them in a light seasoning intensified their flavor, without much work on my part. If any of you are vegetarian, vegan or whatever else is out there these days, the sausage is totally optional, but the flavor payoff is still there.

Ingredients

Mushrooms
Bell Peppers
Grape Tomatoes
Olive Oil + Salt + Pepper + Parsley
Sweet Italian Sausage

Steps

1. Clean and prep veggies. Season with spice blend. 

2. Bake peppers and tomatoes for 35-45 minutes at 450 degrees. With 20 minutes left, place mushrooms to bake, flipping the other veggies for an even roast.
3. Pan sear sausage until edges are brown.
4. Plate your veggies, top with sausage and enjoy!

The LATE GIRL'S GUIDE IS A SERIES OF QUICK, SIMPLE RECIPES AND HOW-TOS FOR THE GIRL WISHING SHE HAD JUST 15 MORE MINUTES.