This and That Christmas

This is my wonderful cousin (that also happens to beautiful, kind, and a doctor...not fair, right?!) and her crazy fun hubby. It was treat to get a call from them on Christmas day! As you know, the FaceTime thing is new to me but hooray Apple for bringing families together! I was telling them that FaceTime and Skype remind me of that old Carousel of Progress ride at Disney World. The last stop shows you a holidy family playing video games that they are in (Wii, anyone?), using a voice control oven (Siri?!), and talking to Grandma on the tv! Technology is cool, y'all.

That is my Christmas day outfit, including my lovely $.99 Goodwill sweater vest. Love it!

Shirt: Old Navy (here on sale!)

Vest: Coldwater Creek, Goodwill!

Denim: Forever 21, old (similar here)

This is the super sexy (early) 90's apron I inherited on Christmas day because my mother was thoroughly embarrassed that my dad still wore it and bought him a new "manly" one. Score!

That is the face of my cutie cute man who was pouting that we couldn't be together on Christmas day. Saddest/cute face ever, am I right?? Love him.

And have I mentioned he's a total goof? Still love him.

This is the most adorable dog in the entire world, that happens to belong to my family so I may be biased (but seriously look at that face), wearing his sweater because it finally (praise the Lord!) cooled down in Houston! What a stud muffin!

That is documentation of BFF night at our favorite local hang, Sharky's! Nights with Em are the best and we ran into some old friends from middle school- accidental reunion! We also tried watermelon margaritas for the first time. Imagine jolly rancher + margarita = YUM (if you are into that sort of thing).

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day with your family and friends! 

Now on the the next holiday-

What are your New Years Eve plans? I'd love to hear from you!

This Weekend, I...

Merry Christmas Eve!

This is my first time linking up with my dear friend Sarah for...

This weekend, I helped my twin brother, Parker (no we are not identical, har har) move in to his very first apartment! Since I've been out of the house for 6 years now and he has lived at home commuting to UH it seems not quite right to have an empty room next to mine at the house! But, its about time!! I'm excited for him to grow up a little bit now ;) hehe Love him!

Meet Parker. Yup, my brother is tough (and single, ladies!)

This weekend, I called up Brittany (a good Baylor friend who is now the assistant band director at my old high school) and we had a little afternoon adventure. Have you guys discovered the apps shopkick and checkpoints?? Seriously all you do is walk in to stores and turn the app on to get points that you can redeem for giftcards!! Pretty cool. If you are really ambitious (like we were this weekend) you can run around the store scanning barcodes for extra points. Its kind of like a grown up scavenger hunt! If you decide to try shopkick, leave a comment, because if I send you an e-vite we will both get extra points! If you want to try checkpoints, use the bonus code paigebrownflute for extra points when you sign up!

This is a photo from when I visited Brittany at a KHS football game last year!

This weekend, I got together with my BFF Emmi for our second annual gingerbread house decorating extravaganza! Last year I started this tradition as a way for Emmi and Drew to spend some time together. You know, the BFF has to approve of the BF (she likes him, don't worry). 

Here is Gingerbread Extravaganza 2011...

I should probably admit that Drew was the creator of the beautiful icing icicles.

Sadly, Drew could not join us for Gingerbread Extravaganza 2012 since he is in Wisconsin visiting his family.  So Em and I teamed up and made a teeny and adorable gingerbread village, complete with powdered sugar snow! I'm extremely proud, not going to lie.

This weekend, I got to FaceTime with Drew's family! I got passed around to say Hi Jeff, Carol, Poppop, Nikki, Bradley, Colin, Austin, and Boomer. They are such a fun bunch and I'm wishing I could spend some holiday time up in Wisconsin with them!!


Most importantly, this weekend, I got a lot of Winston snuggle time in! Love this little man!!

Visit Sarah to link up and share your weekend with us! 

FaceTime!

I'm not sure whether or not Drew knew I was taking snapshots of him while we chatted last night.... Tehe

This is a documentary of my first FaceTime experience that wasn't sticking my face in front of someone else's phone and waving. Isn't technology great?!?

Hi Babe!

Kisses for Winston!

Flute time!

Oh hey Greg.

Playing "Jingle Bells" for Winston.

Yaaaaay fluuuuurt 

K, love you byyyyye!



But seriously, isn't he the cutest?

-PB

Houston Christmas

Top: Ann Taylor LOFT

Skirt: H&M (from a trip to Belgium in 2010)

Shoes: Target (now on sale!)

Today's Christmas break activities included following Winston, shopping, and tanning. 

Ok, maybe not tanning, but it was seriously 80 degrees today!!! Not alright with me. Let a girl wear her tights, boot socks, and scarves, am I right? Suppose I can't complain about getting to bust out the super bright red H&M skirt that I don't feel comfortable wearing in any other season.

Christmas shopping with my family is always exciting. We have this little thing we like to call "amnesia shopping."

I'm guessing that you are thinking "What in the world is amnesia shopping?"

Let me enlighten you:

Ever had trouble picking out stuff to buy for a family member? Ever heard a family member say "Ooooo, I like this!" and then not buy it? 

That is exactly how "amnesia shopping" was born. Basically...

1. Go shopping as a familial unit

2. Pick out stuff you like

3. Show mom/dad/brother

4. Take note of what they picked out

5. Leave the store

6. Go back and choose what you liked out of what they liked, and by the time presents get opened you   

    usually hear a lot of "Oh, I forgot about that sweater/book/necklace!" 

7. Everyone is happy!

Pretty fun, huh?

How do you shop for family and friends?

Thanks again to the amazing Sarah for her photo talents!!

-PB

Wish List!

It is completely unfortunate that I get weekly reminders of how I can not afford nor do I have the reason to buy all these lovely items that BHLDN has to offer. 

But seriously, if anyone wants to buy me a nice present this year, just browse the whole website and choose literally anything. They are fantastic!!

I wanted to specifically share the add for these beautiful dainty rings. I am a huge fan of the vintage dainty ring trend. I'm lucky enough to have an heirloom vintage ring that belonged to my great grandmother. What a treasure! If I had it on me, I would share a picture with you all- something to look forward to, I suppose!

This specific ring might be my favorite that BHLDN has in stock right now, but it is so hard to choose!

What is your favorite BHLDN item?

But in other new, I got to spend more quality time with my roomie yesterday, and we took a little trip to Kohl's.


Don't you just love their sales??

On top of having a great time with Christina, I scored this beauty! So excited :)

ELLE Lace Peplum Top in Ivory (find it here!)

Loving the specific ivory of this lace- a little bit cream, but with a hint of grey! Very vintage.

Also, check out that velvet bow! The color is just perfect. They also have the shirt in navy and teal as well!

Today I'm matching my new shirt with some burgundy skinnies and flats! This might be my favorite holiday look- although I'm still admiring that shiny LC by Lauren Conrad dress you see in the background of the picture.

What are you wearing this holiday season?

-PB

ARMY Strong

I am SO PROUD to share in the accomplishments of my hard-working and incredibly talented boyfriend!
Join me in welcoming the new, soon to be, Staff Sargent Drew Fremder! WOOHOOOO!!!

After graduating with his MM, Drew will head off to boot camp and upon graduation will be stationed in Ft. Myer, VA as a member of the Pershing's Own.

I told Drew that I am too emotional of a being for what his new job entails!- but what a high and honorable duty. His primary job will be to play "Taps" at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

To better explain the ritual and history involved, Drew sat me down to watch really great short documentary called "Taps." I highly encourage you to watch the video! I'm pretty much at a loss for words other than what I have already shared.

Congrats again to Drew, I could not be more proud of your hard work! Glory be to God for His provision.

-PB

Avocado crazy!

I'm not sure about you, but I sure am thankful for the avocado craze (and also, bacon).

Today I am excited to have an apartment dinner party with friends so caring that they make up a little non-blood related family. Wonderful!!

My contribution to dinner is, of course, guacamole! Can you believe that just a handful of years ago, I swore to HATE and to always HATE avocados-- I wouldn't even touch one. Silly, silly me, sure am glad I got over that one!

This recipe is fool proof. That is unless you mess it up (tehe). But the great part about this recipe is that everything is 'to taste'! Don't like something? Take it out! Want more of something? Add it!

Of course I need to give credit to my friend Andy Lott, who in time has developed this fantastic concoction of spices and was so generous to share his secrets with me!

**DISCLAIMER: I am not nor will I ever be a food photographer. Or a photographer in general. So, please no passing of judgement on my food photography skills, thanks!

You will need: avocado(s)
                      garlic salt
                      pepper
                      Cavendar's (or a comprable greek seasoning)
                      Tony's (everyone is familiar with Tony's...right?)
                      lemon or lime juice
                      salsa (take your pick!)

First I like to gather my ingredients- to make sure I don't forget anything, which is very likely to happen.

After scooping out the avocados, I like to use a knife to chop them up in to smaller pieces to make the mashing stage a little more managable.

(This is not the most beautiful avocado- sad! But it still tastes great!)

Easy on the garlic salt! It is by far the most potent ingredient. 

Lightly dust the top of the avocado with your garlic salt, pepper, Cavendar's, and Tony's. Andy's advice was to use more Tony's! I trust him.

I generally will add one light squirt of lemon juice and about two spoonfuls of salsa per avocado.

Thoroughly mix and mash, to your textural preference, and enjoy!!!!

I hope you have enjoyed my super cookbook worthy terminology and mega cooking experience (Hah!)

This is by far the best guacamole recipe I have tried- Drew and his roomies devour it.

*maybe useful hint* The first time I attempted to use garlic salt in guacamole, I ruined it. Big time. If this happens to you (which I'm sure it wont!) try adding a can of shredded chicken (looks like a tuna can) and dish it up on sandwiches! This might actually be Drew's favorite meal that I make. Yum!!!


Do you have a super secret (or not so secret) yummy avocado recipe?

-PB

Thrifting Away!

Today I had the lovely honor of spending time with my roommate!
(One would think roommate = lots of time together, but then you get to factor in the grad school and the student teaching and the outside jobs and the blah blah blah and it is not enough time together!)

Boy, do I love this woman.

Did I mention she's engaged? In August I get to be in the wedding of two super wonderful people- Michael and Christina! I'm pretty sure its going to be a rockin' occassion. I'm excited.

This is a picture of my most precious roommate, Christina, and my favorite kitty ever, Adelle!

Today we decided to see if our local Plato's Closet would do us the favor of buying a few un-used items from us- and they did! Maybe not quite as much as I had hoped, but any little bit makes a difference.

Then, I of course turned around and spent the money that I made on new clothes! (Oops?)

Here is a quick snapshot of today's bargains:

Simple neutral striped boatneck T from Gap- $7!

Fun navy (darker in person) shimmer skirt from LOFT- $12!

How would you style my new shirt or skirt? What is your favorite bargain clothes venue?

One last musing! Welcome my little (from our music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon), Kate back to blogger! She is an incredibly intelligent Master's student at FSU studying musicology (super cool, right?!) and is also an avid reader! In her blog she records her musings and reviews of the books that she reads- you are sure to hear about some great reads!

-PB

Merry Gig-mas!

I made a very bitter sweet decision a few months ago. Yes, it was for the sake of $$, BUT I missed my last ever Christmas at Baylor concert!

Christmas at Baylor has always been one of my favorite concerts of the year- not only for the jolly moods and festive attire, but because of the collaboration between the Baylor Orchestra and our Wonderful choirs.

The concert always features Christmas classics, singing by candle light, spectacular choral and orchestra features, and congregational song! Fun, right? It's a lovely way to get in the holiday spirit.

This year, I agreed to play for the Dallas Baptist University's Christmas concerts, like I said, for the $$! I feel like a complete traitor Especially since the concerts were on the same weekend.

Nonetheless, there's just always something about the Hallelujah chorus from Handel's Messiah that just gets your blood flowing! What exciting and rich tradition we have, all thanks to a little baby born Ages ago to save our poor wandering souls! Thank you Jesus :)

If you haven't been to DBU, it is a beautiful tiny campus sitting on top of a hill overlooking a lake. It was decorated from head to toe, including this ginormous tree that I insisted we take a photo in front of ;)

What do you do to get into the holiday spirit? Are there any musical traditions you maintain from year to year?

Happy Weekend!
-PB

Coffee Secrets!

                   Sweater: American Eagle (thrifted- so lucky to snag up this gem!) Similar here at Target!

                   Vest: Marshalls (old)

                   Jeans: Old Navy

                   Boots: Kelly and Katie (old)

                   Necklace: Simply Vera at Kohl's (similar here)

Every application in the history of EVER, ok maybe just the applications related to school, are due December 1st. December 1st is this Saturday. Needless to say life is just a little bit crazy right now!

BUT, I remembered my grandmother's wonderful secret recipe for the best coffee ever, which I will share with you. 

Over Thanksgiving we were presented with brilliant coffee that reminded me of my Belgian coffee experiences (which are still the best coffee experiences I have ever had). Since my grandmother has spent a good amount of time traveling to European countries, I figured that it was something she had picked up along the way. I asked her about it nonetheless, and you will never guess what it was! Dunkin Donuts. From the grocery store. 

Now, the secret is a light sprinkle of cinnamon in the coffee grounds before it is brewed. Who would have though? Not me at lease ;) Delicious!

What are your coffee favorites?

Happy Wednesday everyone!

-PB

Thanksgiving with Luna

¡Feliz día de acción de gracias! ... or Happy Thanksgiving :)

As my Aunt Jean says, "You can't make a good gravy without a healthy amount of turkey grease!"

...

Now, my question is, can any amount of turkey grease really be all that healthy? Of course, of course, I know that nutritional health isn't exactly what my aunt was referring to, but still, that question just about sums up my feelings toward Thanksgiving cuisine in general.

Despite all that, my sister Hillary and I donned the requisite aprons in order to assist with the Thanksgiving feast preparations.

Here we are in the process of stirring said gravy.

However, in order to take a gastronomical detour from the typical American Thanksgiving spread, I threw together some "Tomatoes Teruel", a Spanish dish that I thought would add some color to the otherwise monochromatic table. These tomatoes were delicious, and I had to share the recipe with you!

Ingredientes

• 
  3 very large ripe tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup Sherry wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons drained capers
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Preparación

Arrange tomatoes in single layer in shallow dish. Combine oil and next 8 ingredients in medium bowl, stirring to blend well. Spoon dressing over tomatoes. Cover and marinate in refrigerator 3 hours. Divide tomato slices among 4 plates. Spoon dressing over. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve.

Here is my finished product. ¡Delicioso! These tomatoes are a 

refreshing change as a vegetable side dish!

In other news, my sister just got a new kitten whom she named Heathcliff from the novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. He is as cute as can be, but definitely lives up to his namesake in temperament. He spent the week terrorizing my kitty Luna. The pictures that follow can sum up their relationship.

Hill and Heathcliff; perfectly happy.

Luna and I join the scene. Starting to look a bit apprehensive...

And there it is... the snarl.

Suffice it to say, we kept those two apart for most of the break. Regardless, it was a great time to be with family and take a break from work!

Hill and I both sported navy blue this Thanksgiving. I paired a casual Anthropologie tunic with some red denim similar to these from Urban Outfitters, while she belted a silk blouse from Banana Republic over some skinny jeans from Target. Add our white kitties to that ensemble, and we could almost be twins!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday with family and friends!

-J

Back to school...

Out of all the things I have to be thankful for, I still find it in me to wish that Thanksgiving break was just a little bit longer! I also with that Waco and my allergies didn't keep colliding head on. Any one out there have any wonderful home remedies? (This is coming from the allergie shot, netti pot, steroid nose spray girl...yuck!)

A fun sidenote to the end of this way too short break, is that Drew (boyfriend) and I now have a Nintendo DS (with classic games like Mario Kart) and sling-shots to add to our anything but studying collection! Before the video games and sling-shots our favorite past time was shooting each other with NERF guns. I highly recommend this form of aggression release for both parties ;) Last year I was the super cool new girl friend that bought him NERF guns for Christmas, which I'm pretty sure helped me to secure the title of "Best Girlfriend Ever"! Get your man a set of NERF guns- you won't regret it!!

Today's fashion section features one of my current favorite dresses! Dresses or skirts have become a staple of my wardrobe for Texas "fall/winter" since they are so versatile. This particular dress could be styled many different ways!

1) Add either a high waisted belt or a wide ribbon to accentuate the waist.
2) Add tights (which I should have done- check out those ghost legs!!!) with boots.
3) Add a cardi, vest, or blazer.
4) Wear flats for a more casual look or pumps for a more dressed-up evening look!

Boots: Steve Madden (here)

Thanks again to Sarah for the fantastic photos! If you enjoyed today's post feel free to leave an encouraging comment and subscribe! :)

-PB

Thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving week, all!

This week has been an absolute whirlwind- but whose hasn't?!

I am very thankful for the opportunity to visit my WHOLE family (26! 29 counting the animals) in Oklahoma.

I am very thankful for the lovely individuals that God gifted to me as family.

I am very thankful for a little bit of a breather from school!

I am very thankful for quality time with my puppy :)

What are you thankful for this year?


-PB

First Look!

PB says...

Today Julie and I went on our first photo shoot together! We are super pumped.

BUT, before we really get started here is a little background on PB&J:


I am an intensely preoccupied MM music performance student, while Julie is not only a musician but a Spanish lecturer at Baylor! We love fashion but have to work within the confines our individual budgets AND daily time crunches to create fashion forward looks that compliment not only our personalities but our busy lifestyles. Julie is 5'11 and I am 5'3, so you will find that we have completely different looks but also very complimentary styles.

Julie and I look forward to sharing with you!
Happy Sunday- hope you all had a lovely weekend.

<3 PB&J

Julie is looking deceivingly short (and LOVELY) on the left, and I am on the right! Thanks again goes out to Sar for the amazing photos!!!

Introducing- PB&J!!!

We (Julie and Paige) are VERY excited to start our new adventure-BLOGGING!

Inspired by our lovely friend, Sarah, we decided to create our very own blog.
We enjoy music, cute furry animals, glitter, travel, our loved ones, and fashion!

I (Paige) am a MM student at Baylor University studying flute performance, and Julie is a Spanish lecturer- also at Baylor. She is a WONDERFUL harpist and we absolutely adore playing in the Baylor Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra together!!!

Stay tuned for fashion and fun with Julie and Paige <3