Lemon Rosemary Chicken

I whipped up some chicken tonight for dinner, & it was so good, I just had to write a blog post telling you all about it!! It was so super easy to make, & so delicious that I'm already looking forward to having it for lunch tomorrow!! I would have taken pictures, but I was too busy eating it...

Here's all you need:
~ Four Chicken Drumsticks
~ A glass of sweet white wine
~ Olive Oil
~ A lemon (cut into wedges)
~ Rosemary (fresh or dried)
~ About one-eighth teaspoon of Garlic Salt

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Place your drummies in a baking dish that's deep enough to allow them to be covered in the "juice" you'll be making. Sprinkle rosemary over chicken & set that dish to the side. Next, in a small bowl, pour your wine & olive oil (I used Sequin white wine & some rosemary-infused olive oil I'd made), then add garlic salt & mix together. Take your lemon wedges & squeeze some of the juice from them into your wine mixture, then arrange the wedges in the dish with the chicken. Pour the "juice" mixture over the chicken & put uncovered dish in oven. Let bake for 45 minutes. Remove dish. Eat.

And that's it!! Voila!!! Enjoy!! Let me know what you think!!

Love Love Love

Budget Makeup Love

Can we just talk for a minute about how great e.l.f. products are?! I started buying them because they're SO inexpensive, but I kept buying them because they actually are good quality. I love that the most expensive thing I've ever seen from them was a big $10 eyeshadow pallet around Christmas time, & it came with LOTS of colors to choose from. I buy a lot of their $1 items, like the brushes, bronzer, blush sticks. Recently, I bought the $1 tube of concealer, & used it for a show that night without even testing it first, because that brand has never disappointed. I really am impressed that I have found a brand that I can trust like that, & all for such a small price!! I live on a very small budget, & I usually check the e.l.f. section to see if they have  the product I'm looking for before I try any other brand. (Except mascara; I'm very particular about my lashes.) I figure it's not going to be a huge loss if the product doesn't work for me, given that usually don't spend more than $3 for any given item, but I've not yet found a product from them that I wouldn't buy again. I love budget-friendly products that actually work well!! 

Well, that's all I've got to say about that. 

What are some great "drugstore brand" products you buy? 

Love Love Love

Chicken Tortilla Soup - Slow Cooker Recipe

I discovered a yummy recipe yesterday, & since it turned out to be such a success, I just had to share!! I was in a hurry & had rehearsal, so I needed something I could throw on & go, & it would be ready by the time I got home. It's so simple & so yummy, you're going to love it!! All you need is:

2 cans Campbell's Chicken & Rice soup
2 cans diced tomatoes (I used the kind with little green chilies in it, to give it an extra kick)
1 can black beans
1 package taco seasoning (or if you don't like a lot of spice, only half a package)

Mix everything together in your slow cooker, add water enough to fill the pot, & turn the slow cooker on low. Let cook for at least an hour. Serve with crunchy tortilla chips.

It really is that easy!! Wish I had some pictures to show you, but it was so yummy that I just couldn't stop eating long enough to take a picture!! Haha.

That's all for now. Just a quick recipe!!

Love Love Love

Not So Confident I Can Pull This One Off...

Last night I had a lot of fun at rehearsal... until my scene came up. As we all know, I am unquestionably my own worst critic. I can't help but put a massive amount of pressure on myself about this show. I have been so excited to finally be able to play a role that's different from what I'm typically cast to play. And now I'm afraid I've bitten off more than I can chew. The skin-showing I can handle; that's not the problem. I seem to be having a problem finding the confidence I need for this one character. The last few months, emotional hell though they may have been, have somewhat forced me to instill a new confidence in myself. One that I've not ever had before in my entire life. That being said, I don't know why it's so hard for me to give this character the vivaciousness that she needs. I've been trying to walk into each rehearsal & "own it." But I'm still missing something. Missing a lot, actually.

Feeling like this makes me question pretty much everything about myself as an actress. I mentally & emotionally beat myself black & blue telling myself to step it up, worrying that I'm the weak link. I worry that I'm making the director, crew, & other cast members never want to work with me again. I worry that anyone who's spoken kindly about me as an actress will regret anything they may have said. I worry that I'll blow the whole show. 

I usually do this to a certain extent in any show. Always criticizing myself, always pushing myself for more, nothing is ever enough. Always worrying I'll bring the show down. Worrying that I'm the weak link. Usually my fears are evaporated by the time we open (for the most part, anyhow), & I'm free to relax & actually enjoy the performances. And usually I can partially quell those fears by telling myself that I always do this. This time, however, I'm worried that these fears may be valid. I'm afraid that I actually might blow this.

Especially after how my scene went last night. I'm not sure what it was. I was hormonal, hungry, & exhausted. I had somehow worked myself into a bundle of nerves. I acted like a fool. And then I just... sucked. I know, I know, everyone has those rehearsals, everyone has an off night. But I've had more off nights than good ones so far with this show. And as much as I've tried to step it up, I felt last night like I had completely lost myself from any path of decent work I may have been on. It's been upsetting me all day. Hopefully, I'll be able to step it up from now on, & really sell this role. I hope so.

Ah. Enough pity partying. It's back on the horse. I'm off to spend my Friday night primping. Feeling pretty leads to confidence, after all...

Love Love Love

I Am A Twenty-Something Young (Southern) Lady

I added the "Southern" part in the title because in the last couple of months, I've used the word "y'all" without even noticing at first at least three times. Anyone who knows me knows that this word is not one that I've ever used. It's been strange. I must be finally accepting my Southern heritage. I suppose "y'all" is a part of Southern Belle vernacular, right?

After dealing with all the drama these last few months, & finally starting to move away from it & into a better place, I've been re-doing a lot of things. Example: My apartment. I figure it should look like a place an adult would live. So, I've been doing a lot of de-cluttering. Lots of cleaning. My stupendous mother bought me some Princess House dishes that I've been pining after for years. I've added a couple of things to the walls. (A picture in my bedroom & a whiteboard in the kitchen.) I've completed a couple of crafty DIY projects to make my cute little apartment a little homier, & I have a little list of things I have yet to do. (In order to complete those, I have to either find the money to buy the materials, or find the time assemble them.)

A little wreath I made for my front door!! 

I've started assembling a "big girl" wardrobe. This is something I've been talking about for a while, but I've finally jumped on it & cleaned two bags of shoes & clothes out of my closet. I ordered a couple of super cute pieces from Hope's & A Cut Above. It's still got some work left, but my wardrobe is coming along. 

Also, I started classes again!! This is the most exciting thing to happen. I can only take one class at a time & they will either have to be online or night classes. I've been out of school since late 2010, & I'm finally starting to work on my degree again. It may take me until I'm 90 to graduate, but I'm getting there!!

As much getting-together as I'm trying to do, it still occurs to me that I'm no where near actually having it "all together." Every now & then, I get upset & think of myself as a mess. But I usually come around & recognize that I'm not in a place where I should have it "all together." Whatever that even means. This is the time when I'm supposed to be figuring out what having it all together means. It's okay to still be figuring things out, to not know the answers, or not have a great deal of savings. What matters is that I'm happy, that I'm trying to better myself, & that I'm living life. Sometimes I have to remind myself that most people my age are doing that same thing: just figuring things out. We're all new at this. I'm a twenty-something. I'll learn. And I'll have fun while I do!!

Love. Love. Love.

"If I Look Back, I Am Lost."

It's been a while since I've posted a new entry. Since my last entry, I've been dealing with A LOT. A lot of drama, a lot of bull, a lot of unexpected & absolutely unnecessary problems, most of which I'm still not ready to talk about in any sort of length or detail. I've dissected & analyzed with a couple of close friends many, many times, & the entire situation still makes no sense. So, long story short: MAY SUCKED.

For the most part. 

I always try to keep a positive outlook about things, & I am oh-so-grateful for my parents & friends who were so kind to me last month. I seriously might have starved without them. It's such a blessing to have such sweet, wonderful people in your life, & I cannot even begin to express my gratitude. 

I am so glad to have May behind me now. I am doing all I can to make June a much better month. All last month, I kept one phrase in my head to help me get through pretty much everything (workouts, bad days at work, all the drama, etc.), & that phrase was: "Keep moving forward." However, in the last couple of weeks or so, I've needed some extra strength. I found a new mantra to keep, & I enjoy it so much that I'm thinking of making a piece of decor for my apartment with this quote on it: "If I look back, I am lost." It's from (nerd alert) my favorite Daenerys chapter in A Game of Thrones, by George R. R. Martin. Maybe it's just because I read that chapter when I did, or maybe it affects everyone this way, but those words gave me chills & I felt a small bit of strength every time I read them. This could also be explained by the fact that I get way too caught up in books, plays, movies, shows, etc. Nevertheless, they had a huge impact on me. That has become my mantra, at least for the time being. "If I look back, I am lost."

Loves.

Trying to Stay Afloat

Well, guys... I officially have no more budget for May. I have no idea how I'll be buying food or gas until June. I missed two days of work last month for a best friend's wedding festivities, & went home early a few afternoon & missed one other day because of the week-long tension headache I had. That tension headache has now returned because... (drum roll please!!)... my paycheck was short about 200 bucks. I paid my rent & power bill, bought gas once, groceries once, & renewed Lola's eye drop prescription, & now I'm officially broke. I have $30 I got from selling shoes, which will get me almost 3/4 of a tank of gas. I am totally freaking out, & it's taking a huge toll on my body. I stay nauseous most of my days, & my tension headaches have gotten pretty bad again.

I've been applying for some other jobs. I love my job & the people there, & I would hate to have to leave. However, lately I feel it's been made pretty apparent that there won't be any raises anytime soon, & I can't afford to live on what I'm making now. It feels right now like a no-win situation, & it upsets me very much.

However, I am trying my best to keep a positive attitude about everything. Nearly everyone right now is going through some sort of financial hardship. Besides, whenever I feel like I'm going to starve, I have loving family & friends that help me out. This isn't the end of the world. Like I always tell myself when things start looking this way, "Things will work out." It's so simple, so reassuring, & nearly always turns out to be true.

It's easy lately to feel down on myself, with the inability to say how I'll be filling my car up or eating in the last part of the month added in with the break-up. My self-esteem is wavering; one day feeling like I can do anything, feeling utterly & completely worthless the next. It's the result of several variables in my life. I am thankful to have the support system I have. Loving family & friends, who keep me more in the up than the down. I am thoroughly blessed.

And of course, Miss Lola, who seems much more playful lately. She is happier that I'm home more now, I think. Yesterday, I was sick all day, & she stayed right by my side. We snuggled through hours of naps, & she brought me some toys to play with when I was awake. She was taking care of me. Haha. With a caretaker like that, it's nearly impossible to stay upset for long!!

I'm off to have dinner & do some sink laundry.

Love Love Love

"Can You Spare Your Leftovers?"

This evening, I had the pleasure of having dinner with a friend I haven't seen for quite an amount of time. It's really only been a couple of months, but considering that we used to spend nearly every weekday evening having dinner together & then lived together for a few months, that's a long time for us. We grew to be very close over the past year, & since I've moved into my cute little apartment (that I'm still totally ga-ga over & am currently trying to spruce up, by the way) we've not been able to see one another as often, & as a result have grown apart a little. Nearly an hour was spent chatting & dining on delicious Dreamland ribs before he had to leave for rehearsal. After bear hugs & "I miss you so much"es were exchanged, I walked to my car across the street, tomorrow's lunch of leftovers in hand. 

It was as I was unlocking my car that a van slowed down. It made me incredibly nervous when the man driving said, "Excuse me, ma'am?" I quickly threw my purse & one leg into my car & looked over to him. "We're traveling gypsies. Can you spare your leftovers?" 

This took me aback. Traveling gypsies? Does this guy think I'm an idiot? was my first thought. Then I thought about how disappointed I would be with the Lean Cuisine I'll have to buy for lunch tomorrow (& how I wouldn't get to treat Miss Lola to the bones I had saved & put in my carry-out box for her) as I handed the man my box & smiled "I don't see why not!" He & the woman in the passenger's seat seemed so grateful. They both said "Thank you, ma'am!" before they drove off. 

Now, I'm perfectly aware that they could have been totally lying, just wanting some free food. I even had a twinge of regret as I drove away, thinking Those people are totally laughing at what an idiot I am right now... But I would rather they think I'm a moron because I showed them a small kindness, as opposed to thinking I'm a bitch because I was greedy with the two ribs I hadn't eaten. Whenever I'm in need, someone always takes care of me. I'm aware that two ribs aren't much of a contribution, but it was still better than turning away. 

Every time someone asks me if I can spare any money or I see a homeless person on the street downtown, I always think back to my first visit to Chicago. My sweet friend Matt & I were staying with some friends of his for a weekend. We had been out that night, first picking up Chinese (seriously, best sesame chicken I've ever had), & taking it to another friend's place to eat & let them catch up for a bit; next, we went out to a few bars with a friend of his. When we got back, we had to park very far away, & we were carrying with us our leftover Chinese that had been sitting in the car while we were out. Right as we got on the block where we were staying, a homeless man asked us if he could have our leftovers. This being my first real interaction with a homeless person, I looked to Matt. Matt, looking more to protect me & get me inside than anything, told him we were planning to eat it later. The man mumbled something I thought was a thank you as we continued to our door. I thought I'm probably not going to eat the rest of this. Matt was unlocking the door as I turned around to give the man my food, & when I turned the man was walking very quickly towards us, nearly in a full run. Right at us. Matt grabbed me & shoved me inside before quickly locking the door & hurrying me up the stairs. I was nearly in shock. I understand that there may have been something mentally not connecting with him in that moment, but I thought This man is so desperate for food that he nearly attacked us to get it. I was terrified & heartbroken all at the same time. I can't even imagine being in that situation. 

Since that night, I've always felt a need to help people in that position. There is a theatre company in Chicago called Will Act For Food. They produce plays while working to help the homeless. I adore that idea. Ever since I first read about them, working with them has been on my bucket list. Last year, during my first show in Birmingham, I was speaking to a super precious lady, also in the show, about that company. I told her that I had wanted to do something along the lines of that here in the Magic City, even if it was just a one-time thing, but that I couldn't find anyone else interested in doing that same thing. She said she was, we planned & talked over the run of the show. Since then, we mention it every time we see each other, but so far nothing has happened, due to time/scheduling constraints. Hopefully soon, we'll be able to make it work. I want to help people, & these are people who need our help.  

I know this post was long, & I apologize. I just had a lot to say tonight, I guess. 

Thanks for reading, dearies!!

Love Love Love!!!

I really do mean to update this thing more often. I just got the Blogger app, so maybe I will. That's it for now.

Loves.