month recap + greek yogurt hummus

well, it seems that september has come to an end. where did it go? as one of the busiest months i have had for a while, i think i just blinked and it was over. its been a month full of hard work with school and some fun. i am trying to enjoy every moment i have with my friends as a senior and still working on loosening up some. i still love living in my apartment! i had the best time hosting a wine and cheese party a few weeks ago and can't wait for my florida-weekend visitors on friday!

after a week that was equal to finals last week (3 tests, 36 hours), i packed a bag and set my sights on murfreesboro. a weekend at home was just what i needed. putting everything about knoxville away for the weekend, i had a really good time at home with my family (and even the zoo animals). the old soul that i am just wanted a simple weekend and that is what i got... pancakes for breakfast saturday, a farmer's market trip, a [heartbreaking] football game from the couch and a pot of taco soup were perfect. i got to see both grandmothers, cousin and family friends! though i always hate going back to knoxville, i will see my mama on thursday and then everyone else on friday so leaving wasn't so bad this time!

i have been wanting to share this recipe for quite some time but am just now getting around to it. oil free and super low fat, this hummus recipe comes together in a flash and is perfect for healthy game day snacking! dip with veggie chips, pretzels, or homemade pita chips!

greek yogurt hummus

2 cloves minced garlic

1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained

1/3 cup non-fat, plain greek yogurt

1/2 tbsp water

1 tsp lemon juice

1. put all ingredients in food processor or blender. pulse to get started and then blend/process until smooth. 
2. best served chilled. 

(slightly modified from Cook The Story)

have a happy monday, y'all! 

xoxo,

clp

weekend wants & an appetizer recipe

with studying comes online shopping... right?! not sure how they relate to each other but somehow during finals week, i always end up shopping online and finding things i absolutely have to have. maybe its all the studying that does it to me? so, without further ado, here are some recent finds from my favorite brands that are making my weekend want list! 

lilly pulitzer cruiser camp shirt

kate spade hutton tropical print lounge pants

j. crew patch pocket skirt in stretch cotton

j. crew tie-back tank in stripe

j. crew silk eyelet top

tory burch schaeffer flip-flop

j. crew embroidered floral racer dress

topshop crepe scallop hem top

tonight i am attending my first wedding shower as an actual friend of the bride - not a relative or someone i know through my parents. it is really strange but exciting to see a friend getting ready to be married and start a new chapter of her life! i contributed to the shower munchies with a favorite appetizer of mine courtesy of my lovely aunt! it is perfect for any occasion and i always rave about it when she makes it!

pecan-rolled cheeseball

2 8 oz. blocks cream cheese (i used greek yogurt cream cheese)

1 tbsp minced garlic

seasonings of choice - i used an herbs de provence blend 

chopped pecans, for rolling the cheese ball in

1. allow cream cheese to soften to room temperature
2. once softened, mix all cream cheese, garlic and seasonings of choice together and form into ball.
3. roll cheeseball in crushed pecans until fully covered. chill.
4. serve with crackers, pretzels, or chopped veggies.

i only have two days left here in knoxville for the semester... i am amazed at how fast this year has gone by. i feel like i have stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and am trying to do it more often. i have had to make grown-up decisions and do things that come with growing up. i have grown closer to and found my best friends both here at school and back at home, people i know i will be able to depend on for many. many years. seeing the seniors i have become better friends with graduate is bittersweet, as i know that will be me in just one short year. these last two days will consist of studying for my last two finals (hooray!), packing up the rest of my things, and making sure i see every last person one more time! i want to leave you with a quote that really stuck in my head after i read it. it is nothing special really, but it made me think of the things i have that i am glad i wake up for each morning, even if they do require work to maintain. 

"stay close to anything that makes you glad you woke up each morning"

have a wonderful first weekend of may and enjoy the spring weather! 

xoxo,

clp