Simplifying

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Have you noticed the re-design going on, on the blog? I changed up the header and some icons to make  the overall look more simple. I loved my navy and mint theme, but it also felt a little cheesy to me. I wanted something more streamlined that was still fun! I want the focus to be on the posts and content, not everything going on in the background. 

vs.

What do you guys think? Do you like the new look? I'm still working on it a bit and want to get a new picture up. I like where it is going though! 

xo annie

Bites of My Life

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Last week was a good one. I'll let the pictures do the talking. Good times at work, with friends and family, good food and good weather! I also have some "bites" of things I'm loving lately!

{Bites of My Life}
{right to left}
-Easy taco salad made with leftover chicken and cabbage.
-I can't go home without making a stop at Chirps and Cheers. The cutest stationery store in the world, and the scene of my first job!
-A poached egg over oatmeal is becoming my breakfast staple. With a couple dashes of hot sauce, you just can't beat it.
-Summer nights call for a round of bocce ball. My parents won...
-The New Yorkers heading off to a wedding, loved having them home this weekend!
-Happy 55th Pops!

{Bites of what I'm lovin'}
{images via Pinterest}
-Boho braid. Perfect for hot summer days.
-Horizontal stipe walls and a photo gallery for a focal point.
-Need to make this strawberry cake. For your birthday Kathleen?
-My jeanie suit, as my dad called it. My oldest sister brought home this American Apparel romper this weekend. I couldn't take it off, so I had to order my own.
Lastly, if you haven't heard OneRepublic's new song "Counting Stars," take a listen. I can't get it out of my head, but I don't mind one bit!
Enjoy your last week of June!
xo annie

Snickerdoodle Bars

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I whipped up these yummy cookie bars with the intention to take them as a treat for "board game night!" Board game night was a fail and ended up not happening, so I was then stuck with a full pan of cookie bars. Not really a huge issue because they were delicious and I easily could have eaten the whole pan myself. Luckily, I persuaded some friends to come over and help me out! 
The bars are an adaption of the classic snickerdoodle. In my opinion they are even better because they are drizzled with a sweet glaze! Someone mentioned they tasted like a cinnamon roll! Now how good does a cinnamon roll cookie sound?

packaged up and ready to deliver to co-workers!
I had favorited the recipe on my Food Gawker page forever ago, so I was excited to finally try them out! You can find the recipe here. I recommend eating them fresh out of the oven or heating them in the microwave so they are warm and the glaze is a little melty!
xo annie

Wishy Washi

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Those of you who know me well, know I have an addiction. An addiction to washi tape. If you have never heard of this wonderful tape, listen in. This japanese tape comes in all different sizes and patterns and is to be used on pretty much everything! I use my tape to hang up pictures, to seal handwritten letters, to package up fresh baked goodies, etc. I have a serious issue when it comes to washi tape. I can't help but pick up a couple rolls whenever I see some. My collection continues to grow, and I'm not mad about it.

washi tape-one of the better things to come into my life
Some of my favorite ways I've been using washi tape lately is by decorating my light switchboard,  decorating my laptop as well as my computer and phone charger, trimming the edges of my iPad and of course decorating my binders and agenda. I also love making little flags out of tape and tooth pics to adorn cupcakes or baked goods! The possibilities are endless with this stuff!  

my recent washi tape projects
I have a serious love affair with this stuff. You can buy it at my favorite store Chirps and Cheers, on Etsy or online here.

xo annie