{lady luck}

I graduate in 19 days.

WOAH.

The panic is officially starting to set in. So much to do, so little time. As you have probably noticed, my blog has taken a backseat to the loads and loads of work/homework/group projects/life that seems to be taking over lately.

Stress levels are peaking, but I know that this will soon come to an end, and then I will just be sad. College has been a great 4 years, and I am excited to see what happens next.

I am also being followed. Lady bugs seem to find me wherever I go, which I can only assume is a good sign! Lady bugs mean luck right?

I could really use some right now...

{pucker}

For some strange reason, I love lemon bars. The tartness, flaky and buttery crust, and hint of powdered sugar always leave me smiling. A Martha recipe, these lemon bars kill the competition. Every time someone takes a bit, I get to watch their eyes instantly squeeze shut, followed by a puckering of the lips and a "WOAH". It is the kind of tart that makes the back of your mouth tighten just thinking about it! (Need a hint? Imagine the first time you ever tried a warhead.)

For the crust, pulse flour, confectioners' sugar, cornstarch and salt.

Add the butter which should be cold and cut into small pieces.

Pulse until it resembles course crumbles.

(Mine was finer then expected, but it didn't matter in the end.)

In a square pan, spray bottom with nonstick cooking spray.

Crisscross two pieces of parchment paper, which will make the bars easier to pull out.

Press crumbles into the bottom and slightly up the sides.

Bake crust for 20 minutes, or until golden brown at 350 degrees.

Bring out of oven, let cool slightly.

Lower oven temp to 325.

While it is cooling, make the filling. Beat eggs with an electric mixer in a large bowl, until thick. Beat in granulated sugar, lemon juice, baking powder, flour and salt. Pour over crust and bake until set. Takes about 20 minutes.

Let cool to room temp. and place in the fridge for an hour.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar, then enjoy!

Beware: your face may stick like that. Eat small pieces.

{FOR THE CRUST}

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold)

{FOR THE LEMON FILLING}
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (I used a little more, about 3/4 cup)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

adapted from Martha Stewart

{bunnies, chocolates and crafts}

Happy Easter

I hope you were able to spend it with your families or at least good friends. I spent mine with my mom, doing what we do best! Get ready for an EGGstremely long post, I couldn't possibly pick which ones to leave out.

Before:

Getting the dye ready...

And after!

{I couldn't help myself}

My mom even stumbled on an original Picasso. How lucky! Who knew he painted eggs.

{wishing I was celebrating easter in some warmer weather...}

Hope you had a great weekend!

{...is this real life?}

With less dentist, and more public relations.

{name tags}

Today was a great day for me and my career. Exactly 5 weeks from today I will be walking across the stage and accepting my diploma from WSU (well, it'll probably be an nice and empty leather folder). I have been thinking about my career in public relations for the past two+ years, researching and attempting to learn more about the cool companies I would like to work for.

{PRSA Jumpstart 2010}

I attended the Seattle PRSA (Public Relations Society of America) chapter's 'Jumpstart2010' conference and learned quite a bit. After interning in an agency last summer, it is amazing how much I feel like I already know about the field. Yes I did fetch coffee and lunch (only once I swear, and for a completely legit reason), but working in a smaller agency I was able to be so much more hands on during my experience. They let me call reporters, draft press releases, briefing documents, sit in on important company meetings and more. Day to day life was exciting, between the press kit stuffing, media list building, google searching and pitching. I even got to do follow up calls! Me, 20-years-old-no-experience-flying-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-eager-to-learn-and-happier-to-be-involved-Katherine, and I'm hounding reporters trying to get them to attend an event all the way in St. Louis.

It ROCKED.

This conference reminded me that I should not only be thankful I have had this experience when many have not, it also hounded some major principles into my head. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Don't just sit there.

2. Develop a tough skin.

3. Social Media is a top priority (obviously.)

4. Create relationships,

5. Don't give up. Try, try and try again until you get a yes, (or a VERY obvious no).

It made me realize that the only thing that is constant in this world is change.

Stay focused. Never stop learning.

{added bonus- got to test out the new power suit!}

{a change in season}

The winter season is coming to an end in Washington, and I am looking forward to some nicer weather! I have been wearing black for the last 6 months and am in need of a serious change. Don't get me wrong, I love dark colors. Deep purples, rich grays, and a car load of black pieces currently fills my closet. This past winter, my staple items revolved around dark skinny jeans, leggings, monochromatic knits and wrap sweaters. A good pair of black flats and of course my favorite Lincoln Park After Dark O.P.I. nail polish were worn almost everyday.

1. Beaded Shoulder Sweater - Forever 21 $30 2. Tie-Wrap Sweater - Old Navy $25

3. Drape Wrap Around Sweater - Alice and Olivia $300 4.Portolano Black Cashmere Gloves-Bluefly $44

5. 7 For All Mankind The Skinny- Piperlime $150 6. Lincoln Park After Dark- OPI $8

7. Cropped Leggings - Old Navy $8.50 8. Gold Owl Ring - Forever 21 $5.80 9. Black Flats - H&M $12

After graduation, I will have three full days to pack up my entire apartment, move it from Pullman to Seattle (in a Corolla? interesting.), unpack, repack, and start my multiple week vacation. My first stop is Phoenix, AZ! Look out sun, here I come! All things white, coral, turquoise and bright gold are first on my packing list.

1. Pintucked and Ruffled Dress - Forever 21 $35 2. Oversized Multi Stone Cocktail Ring- ASOS $21

3. Gold Lucky Horseshoe Necklace- Dogeared $120 4. Nadri Earrings- Nordstrom $58

5. Saahara Dusty Gold, Flat T Strap Sandal - Steve Madden $70

6. Drawstring Empire Waist Tunic - Forever 21 $18 7. Multi Circle Gold Bangle - Nathalia $28

8. Ariella Collection Faceted Ring - Nordstrom $38 9. Flare Linen Blend Pant - GAP $60

10. Getby- Nine West $79

If I was staying in Seattle, I probably wouldn't be ready for these outfits until the end of June/July. I'm so happy I don't have to wait that long!

{goodbye pullman}

I have officially graduated. No more teachers, no more books! Woohoo! Goodbye college, hello rest of my life!

{april fools... but really, 37 days!}