What I Love Wednesdays

I want you to do something for me. Can you just close your eyes for a second and repeat this phrase 10 times? I mean, I really want you to go all out and truly believe the words, not just say them. Okay? Cool? Here we go:

"Today is Wednesday. Today is Wednesday. Today is Wednesday..."

Did you do it? Are you convinced? Not even a little bit? How about we just pretend it's still Wednesday, so I don't feel bad for making you wait an extra day for this wonderfully exciting post? Hooray! Happy 4th, America!


1. I love this article about the "perfect" body, because nobody's really perfect! Being healthy is what matters, yo. :)

2. Here are some neat ideas for using up any old maps you may have laying around the house.

3. Don't let the word "vegan" put you off: these sandwiches can be enjoyed by veggies and omnis alike!

4. This applies to everything in life, but what does it apply to for you? Do you have a specific goal in mind?

5. We often spend time focusing on plenty of other healthy habits, but sleep is one that needs practice and attention too.

6. What an awesome spice chart to help you figure out which spices go best with certain foods! You could even print it off and laminate it for your fridge!

7. Hilarious books to brighten your day! (Especially if the list of sci-fi/fantasy ones I posted doesn't tickle your fancy.)

8. Cool idea! Bring your lunch to school or work in a mason jar! Reusable, easy, and helps control portion sizes too!

9. Try this workout if you're looking for a new way to get active and tone up some trouble spots this summer.

10. It may be a little late for this year's celebration, but you have plenty of time to hone your skills on this cake for next year's Independence Day!

What I Love Wednesdays

I know, I know. I skipped my "What I Love Wednesdays" post last week, but in all fairness, it was a rather busy week. You see, I did this funny thing on Sunday... I graduated from college!! Yep, it's official. I am now a proud owner of a Bachelor of Music degree! My diploma is hanging up in the living room, but it seems so surreal. I'm really done with school?! Hard to believe. Anyway, let me share some really great things with you today. I'm super excited! I hope you are too.


1. I adore this blog! It is so inspirational, especially when you're having a bad day or need a little motivation to get things done.

2. Larabars are amazing. But this raw recipe for homemade Larabars? Yeah, it might be even more amazing (and cheaper!).

3. How's that New Year's fitness resolution coming? I recommend trying out pilates! And you can even do it in the comfort of your own home!

4. Like Foodgawker, except vegan!

5. A little controversial, I'm sure, but this is hilarious.

6. It might not technically be pumpkin season, but in my mind, it's always time for pumpkin.

7. The newest addition to my cleaning supplies. With 4 dogs and 3 cats, this is such a lifesaver!

8. New challenge: making this vegan.

9. I have become fascinated with this concept lately. I'll let you know how my own experience turns out.

10. Baby birds hatched in the nest on our front porch!! They're so cute.

Oreo French Silk Cake

Wow, it's been a while -- I've missed this little corner! Sorry I haven't been updating as regularly as I'd like. School is absolutely ridiculous right now. Seriously. My senior recital is in 2 weeks and I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Despite the horrendously long to-do list I still have in my back pocket, though, I am awfully excited! It doesn't happen very often that someone gets a whole concert devoted to them! Stoked. I also have another 4 recitals/concerts coming up that I'm playing in, in addition to an all-school ballet! Whew. May 6 can't come soon enough.

Anyway, that's what I've been up to lately. I hope you can forgive me for my lack of posting. That being said, I have a lovely cake to share with you today! Granted, I made this cake months ago, but I never got around to sharing it, so I thought this would be the perfect chance. It is just gah-juss!

If you've visited the wonderfully inspiring blog of Baker's Royale, you may have noticed her take on this pie-cake, and that would make all the sense in the world, since that's whose version I decided to try! I really didn't make many changes, since the original is so easy and beautiful as it is, but I left out the maraschino cherries (the store was all out) and I used almond milk instead of whole. I also should have heeded the last portion of the directions about refrigerating the pie-cake long enough, but I got too impatient and the inside was a little too mushy for my liking (aka it melted). Oh well! Now I know what to do for next time! Let me know if you decide to try this. It's marvelous.

Oreo French Silk Cake
adapted from Baker's Royale
makes a 9-inch cake (serves 8)

• 24 Oreos, crushed
• 4 Tbs unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 C cornstarch
• 1/2 C granulated sugar
• pinch of salt
• 3 C almond milk
• 3/4 C dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• 1 Tbs vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 C whipped cream (Cool Whip or homemade)
• 1/3 C crushed Oreos

1. Crush the Oreos in a food processor, blender, or plastic bag with rolling pin. Set aside 1/3 C for the top layer. Mix remaining Oreos with melted butter. 

2. Press mixture into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 350F for 7-10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, whisk together cornstarch, sugar, salt, and milk. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and place over simmering water, without touching, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally (or use a double broiler).  Pudding is ready when it coats the back of the spoon. Add chocolate and vanilla, stir to combine.

4. For the whipped cream layer, gently combine 1/3 C crushed Oreos and whipped cream with a spoon.

5. Assembly: Pour chocolate pudding over cooled crust. Chill 30 minutes. Spread whipped cream layer on top of chilled pudding layer. Decorate as preferred. Chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 460 calories; 23.9g fat; 28mg cholesterol; 308mg sodium; 59g carbs; 4.1g dietary fiber; 34g sugar; 4g protein; 137mg vitamin A; 0mg vitamin C; 161mg calcium; 3.3mg iron