Crockpot Chicken Chili

Crockpot Chicken Chili, originally uploaded by You dress like a librarian.

One of my goals (you know, besides getting a job) is to cook some different recipes this semester and to use up the huge store of ingredients I have (since I will be moving in July, job or no job).

I always always have bags and bags of frozen chicken breasts in my fridge. They are cheap and easy to work with- I always have a few thawing in the refrigerator. My standby quick dinner recipe is to quickly marinate one in oil, balsamic vinegar, and Trader Joes' 21 seasoning salute for 30 minutes and then bake it. Good, but totally boring.

I love chili but don't really mix it up- I either make a delicious vegetarian 3 bean chili or beef chili. So when I saw this recipe I thought: "Yes! I can mix up my dinner menu and use up the boxes of plain old chicken I have in the freezer."

This Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili recipe (with accompanying jalapeno corn bread recipe) is easy and delicious. I'm glad I ventured out.

Now I have to go as the chili is almost done, the corn bread is cooling, and I am in need of a second beer. I still have a few more weekends of being a grad student and I tend to enjoy them!

I think I may also venture into making this chocolate chip cookie in a mug.  Yum!!

Snapshot Day

Snapshot Day, originally uploaded by You dress like a librarian.

Via Flickr:
Pink floral infinity scarf: American Eagle
Blue button down: American Eagle
Skinny jeans: American Eagle
Brown pointy flats: Xhilaration

It is ALA national library snapshot day- libraries take photos, interviews, and record stats to document a day in the life of the library. I've been taking photos of the library all morning so it felt a little tiresome to take my own photos. But here it is: a day in the life of a library grad assistant (hopefully soon to be reference librarian!).

Blue bird

Blue bird, originally uploaded by You dress like a librarian.

Via Flickr:
Aqua Cardigan: J crew
White ruffle tank: Old Navy
Gray Skirt: J Crew
Black tights: Target
Brown belt: Target
Brown pointy flats: Xhilaration
Heart bird pin: Etsy

I love this cardigan and I love this color. My future house might end up painted entirely in aqua/turquoise. It's like a robin's egg or the sea. It's a great color.

In other news I got another interview, this time at an academic library. The job itself is interesting but I am still pulling for a public library job. One gripe is that there has been a serious lack of adult reference jobs in pub libs in the midwest lately. If I see another children's librarian job I might scream. Come on adult reference librarians- retire!!

If this keeps up I might have to just go into libraries I want to work in and talk myself up around the water cooler, Funke style:

Double V

Double V, originally uploaded by You dress like a librarian.

Via Flickr:
Cream v-neck cardigan: H&M
Green v-neck tee: Mossimo
Navy skirt: J crew
Gray socks: Forever 21
Brown Boots: Call it Spring
Owl Necklace: Forever 21

V-neck tee shirt + V-neck cardigan? Why not!!

So I have 5 weeks left of this semester. That is crazy scary!! I am pumped to be done with school but I will miss my current job as a grad assistant. I like consistency the most so my biggest struggle is dealing with not having something consistent after the summer. Applying for jobs is tough all over: emotionally, mentally, spiritually. It hits you everywhere.

Put a bird on it

Put a bird on it, originally uploaded by You dress like a librarian.

Via Flickr:
Teal cardigan: J Crew
Gray tee: Mossimo Supply Co.
Jeans: American Eagle
Gold flats: Mossimo Supply CO.
Bird heart pin: Etsy

Best part of the day: when the barista saw my bird pin and just immediately blurted out "Put a bird on it!" We then talked about our mutual love for Portlandia while she was making my latte. Awesome!!

The best part about being a grad student is having lighter work days amidst the crazy days: today I just had a meeting and light reading to accomplish so now I get to watch the Food Network and prep the ingredients for some delicious lemon raspberry muffins I am making my mom for her birthday!

Pumpkin and apples

Pumpkin and apples, originally uploaded by You dress like a librarian.

Via Flickr:
Rust cardigan: Mossimo
White ruffle tank: Old Navy
Red Skirt (thrifted): David N
Brown Wedges: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Not exactly spring colors but at least it's not that same old green cardigan. My goal was not to wear that cardigan. My alternate goal should have been not to take a picture after my bike ride so my skirt wouldn't be wrinkled but you win some you lose some!

Other than that, things are quiet: no appealing jobs to apply for, work projects almost finished, and typical weekly reading for class. Same old same old. Sometimes the life of a librarian is predictable and sometimes crazy- I like a mix of both!

Cardigan with Plums

Cardigan with Plums, originally uploaded by You dress like a librarian.

Via Flickr:
Book: Chicken with Plums
Olive jackie cardigan: J Crew
White yoke dress: Old Navy
Brown belt: Target
Brown wedges: Kenneth Cole Reaction

Looking over my Flickr page....apparently I am obsessed with this cardigan. I just did laundry this weekend so it was so temptingly clean looking I picked it again!

Anyways, besides repeating cardigans, I am repeating life: class, work, and job apps. But it's not so hum drum- I get to buy the newest psychology books for the library (based on Choice Reviews) and it has been fun reading about all of these new books.

I've also been reading Game of Thrones. OMG. Still so good. I am still surprised that I love it so much that I have been getting into bed earlier than usual just to read it! Life can never be dull with good books.