Graduation: UCF

Saturday was a very special day, not just for me but also for my brother and my parents.

My brother and I graduated from the University of Central Florida or UCF; Rosen College of Hospitality Management. It was a milestone that I could not see the end to for a very long time. I hated school. I wanted it to be over. I felt like I had been in school forever. Well when the time came for me to walk across that stage I started to tear up. I had finally finished something that I had been working very hard towards for a very long time. I will receive my bachelors degree in Event Management probably  in a few weeks. I will miss parts of school, the learning (which is a continual part of life), the people, the campus, and the college life in general. But it is time to move on...

This is the first picture I took after the ceremony! #siblings #bestpictureever and yes I just used hashtags to describe it... don't judge me. I am very proud of us both. And I know we are both going to be okay because we have a strong support staff (uh hum... mom and dad). Without those two this day would have not been possible without them. They are two loving parents that I am lucky to call mine. Thank you mom and dad! It has been a wonderful experience but it is now time to move on. Derek I love you and I am glad I got to share this special day with you!!

Peace out UCF it's been real. Thanks for the memories and the friends.

We are able to decorate our caps :D

"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of who you are." - Kurt Cobain... I love this quote because it is true. These words came from a man who was a rock legend and he never let any of that or anyone change him. We all long to find our own way in life; every now and then it is altered in ways (good or bad) and we allow others to alter our view on how life should be lived but we all long for our own path to take.

It won't be easy but I am ready for that path. It is time to move on and it is about damn time for me to find my own path.

xo

*My Thoughts*
School has taught me a lot... of course that's what it's supposed to do, but it has taught me about life, friendship, and of course event management.
I am soooo glad it's over. *wink*
I am very lucky to have had the chance to attend college.
Go out and pursue your dreams... any way you can!!

Apartment Hunting: Part 2

I am still in the process of finding a place to live, it is exhausting and stressful, but I am sure many of you already know that. After a few failed attempts and changing my area of focus I have found a few potential places...

I like this place because the front door is on the inside in a hallway. I also like the back porches and how they are set up. The bricking is a nice touch as well. However the windows seem small and I, personally, need a lot of sun light.

This place is Oaks of Spring Valley

I like this place because there is a lot of greenery around, the buildings are nice and I really like the patios. 

The Preserve at Spring Lake

This place is a lot like the first but it is in a different location. The windows are bigger, which is a plus. There is a substantial amount of greenery, but I didn't see a pool while driving around. I like the building style more.

Soo if you hadn't noticed all of these pictures were taken in my car because it was waaaayyy too hot out today; I did not want to keep getting in and out of my car... turning it on and off. I apologize for the picture quality.

Now beings the process of looking through those places so I can land on one place and put in an application. I will keep you up-to-date with the process.

xo

Recipe: Taco Dip

This is the dip that I was talking about from my Independence Day post.

My mom calls it taco dip... but whatever it may be called it is delicious. And I could eat it all of the time (in fact I am eating some right now *wink*).

I mean look at that cheesy, gooey, deliciousness!

You will need:

2 - 8 oz cream cheese
1 - 2 cans Hormel Chili, no beans
2-4 TBSP Salsa or Picante sauce
Lg. bag shredded cheese (I use the mexican or taco mix)
Nacho Chips

Now your cream cheese will need to be softened, then spread on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Mix the chili, salsa and some cheese (if you wish, I did not). Layer this mixture on top of the cream cheese. Top the whole lot with the rest of the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 min, until the cheese is melted. Serve with the nacho chips.

*beans can be added if you wish.

I like to use medium salsa to give it that spicy kick, but you can use whatever you prefer.

After it bakes it turns into this beautiful cheesy master piece *wink*

Now I know this is not at all on the healthy side, but it is okay to cheat once in while. I do my fair share of yoga and I have a new found interest in rock climbing, so between these two I can enjoy this yummy taco dip or a delicious burger  hehe

Now go on make this delicious dip yourself, the weekend is coming up and it is perfect for parties... however if you do make it snap a picture of it and tag me or hash tag it #kellystacodip

xo

Kelly

Sugar Mill Pancake Breakfast

De Leon Springs is where people go to find eternal youth by swimming in the crystal clear blue water of Ponce de Leon Springs, where I go to have all you can eat pancakes...

And you make them yourself.

Florida is truly a beautiful state with a lot of history behind it, Ponce de Leon Springs being some of that history. Juan Ponce de Leon led the first Spanish exploration to Florida; he, however, was in search of the legendary "fountain of youth". This spring is said to be this legendary "fountain of youth", so pop on over and take a dip... it's breath taking. This beautiful spring is surround by a state park that has canoeing and kayaking, a nature trail, a museum, and my  favorite part the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant where I get to make all you can eat pancakes.

Their menu is pretty simple... they have salads, different kinds of sandwiches, and breakfast items, but I go for the pancakes. The batter is stone grown and unbleached. They also offer gluten free vegan batter.

You are given two different kinds of batter, white unbleached flour and the Sugar Mill's own unique five mixture batter; which rocks and makes the best pancakes ever. You have the choice to add toppings but mom and I decided against that. We did get two eggs each and she chose a side of bacon and for me vegetarian sausage.

When our cooking supplies arrived it was time to get down to business...

This is a really fun thing to do. My mom and I enjoyed making pancakes and eggs together. This would be a really fun thing to do with a girl friend or even on a day date, you get to interact with the other person while creating amazing pancakes... pick a few toppings and create something delicious.

After brunch mom and I headed outside to walk around the spring to enjoy the nature and look at the history.

The famous fountain of youth... now I will be young forever *wink*

*My Thoughts*
I was not feeling too good on this adventure, I had a very bad headache and went home and slept.
Overall it was a fun day and I always enjoy making pancakes.