Television: Out of the Box

Posted in Explore, Fashion, Fun, Museums, Television by C.

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Where: The Paley Center for Media

Location: 465 North Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills

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If you’re in the area looking for something fun and inexpensive to do on an otherwise uneventful L.A. weekend between now and 2015, take a trip to The Paley Center for Media (after a stop at Sprinkles for a cupcake fix, of course!). They are currently hosting an exhibition highlighting 60 years of Warner Bros. Television. Television: Out of the Box, takes guests outside the confines of your TV screen and into the actual series. Costumes, props, scripts, set re-constructions, photos, and (sorry to say) a pretty mediocre audio tour welcome you as you walk into the mid-sized gallery space.

Enjoy the legendary history of how now famed Warner Bros. Television Studios came to be through a visual journey of its beloved sitcoms, prime-time dramas, and even the first stints of reality based programming. Spend some time analyzing just how small Jennifer Aniston’s waist really is as you look closely at one of her trendy Rachel Green ensembles, smile at the huge collection of staff badges for everyone from George Clooney to Angela Bassett as they solved the medical conundrum of the week at County General Hospital on ER, hang out at Monk’s Diner (minus Jerry and the gang), then sing-a-long karaoke style to some of the most well-known opening credit sequences from your favorite shows.

“In West Philadelphia, born and raised…” (Don’t even get me started. This song will be in my head all day!)

In short, it’s an entertaining way to spend an afternoon. The staff was extremely friendly and passionate about all things TV. What most impressed me is how vast the catalog of WB television programming actually is when you take it in collectively. Some of the shows that made my childhood and teen years were thanks to the production arm of Warner Bros. Television. Without them, Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Sisters, Gilmore Girls, Living Single, ER (though I gave up a few years on this one before it actually went off the air), Tiny Toon Adventures and Animaniacs among others were staples in my life for many years.

A note about the audio tour: while I know how much work goes into creating any form of media, especially these types of tours, this one is pretty bland, but it is free if you want to check it out to prove me wrong anyway. The equipment that the center uses desperately needs an update, and overall I found the level of the content to be pretty surface and un-engaging.

Otherwise, what a treat! If you make to it to the exhibition between now and 2015, please drop me a line! I’d love to know your thoughts.

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{Rachel Green Costume / Friends 1994-2004.}

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{Cast signed final shooting script / ER 1994-2009.}

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{Lynda Carter Costume / Wonder Woman 1976-1979.}

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{A nod to all things WB Animation. I loved Animaniacs!}

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{And your host (me!) hanging out on the famous Central Perk sofa from Friends.}

17May2013

Highlights

Posted in Accessories, Breakfast, Film, Food by C.

It’s my first week back into the “real world” after a short break. It’s been pretty chaotic getting back into the swing of things, but as the week comes to a close I’m beginning to find my stride again. When I think about the highlights of my life lately, I think about how much one can accomplish if you just put one foot in front of the other and get it done. By nature, this is equal parts easy and difficult for me to do. I very much have the personality that I like to meet any challenge and won’t back down until it’s to my satisfaction, but there are those times I let procrastination settle in – particularly when it’s something I don’t feel like dealing with anyway. For example?

…My air-conditioning. Since I moved into my own place (away from the constant breeze of west side living), my A/C has been deciding to work properly only when it feels like it. The problem is that I’ve been letting it behave that way for a year. I finally got to a place after a 100 degree preview last weekend of what’s to come and decided that it was time to address it with my landlord once and for all. Of course, when they came to test it to see what the trouble was, it worked swimmingly (don’t you hate when that happens?). Despite this, I told myself I was not going to accept it any longer, even if it meant having to press the issue. I was now in a space to deal with it and when I’m in that space, nothing can stop me (blu-hu-ha-ha-ha!). I marched downstairs and told my landlord with a polite, but firm tone that I wanted it replaced. They changed it the next day. Mission accomplished.

On a different note, you might have noticed a little make-over to All that Glitters this week. Thanks to my friend Tonya over at Budget and the Beach, I’ve been thinking a lot about our recent lunch where the talk was all about blogging. More to come as I develop a new creative and visual approach to my site. I’m so excited to share my ideas with you!

A few other smiles that made my week (that interestingly involved breakfast food on two occasions)?

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{The BEST pancakes I think I’ve ever had from Du-Par’s on 3rd street.}

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{Cranberry Orange Muffin and an Intelligentsia iced latte from Graffiti made my Sunday morning as we made our way to see Iron Man 3. It was an enthusiastic 2 thumbs up…for the muffin, the latte, and the flick!}

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{Enjoying a thoughtful handmade birthday present.}

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{May’s Birchbox is here!}

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{A super cool belated birthday card from a friend.}

Have a great weekend! Star Trek Into Darkness – TONIGHT! xx

15May2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Breakfast, Dinner, Food, Handbags, Lunch, Travel, Treats by C.

Exactly one week ago, it was raining here in L.A. I had my heater on curled up with a warm cup of coffee slightly bummed that it had the audacity to actually rain during most of my stay-cation. Two days ago, I walked outside headed to see Iron Man 3 and nearly melted at the nearly 100 degree temperature. I know compared to some parts of the world, we’re very blessed when it comes to weather and I won’t argue that. I learned what COLD was when I walked outside my cozy hotel room in Boston one week before Christmas a few years ago. I can still feel the prickles on my skin just thinking about it and have such deep respect for those that aren’t complete weather wusses like I am.

Aside from the fact that our electricity bills hit their peak in the coming months, gas usage seemingly goes the opposite in my experience. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used the “it’s too hot to cook” excuse and promptly took myself out to eat out of fear of turning on the oven. Seeing as how I’m now older (and ideally wiser) this won’t be an excuse for me anymore. When I stumbled across 20 Nutrition Experts’ Favorite 5-Minute Meals from Shape.com, I knew there were some real treasures to keep in mind; and while some of these recipes do call for oven use, The Everygirl’s 12 Simple Breakfast Recipes was a welcomed find. The point being, if in the near future you see me consistently using said excuse above as a reason not to cook (and I’m sure I’ll do it because I did last weekend), please feel free to forward this link to me as a gentle reminder.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

||Santa Fe Salad // Full recipe here.||

Toss together 3/4 cup organic greens, 1/4 cup pico de gallo, and 1/2 cup each rinsed and drained canned black beans and thawed frozen organic corn. Top with 1/4 sliced avocado.

||Baked Oatmeal //Full recipe here.||

Ingredients
1 -1 ½ cups of rolled oats
¼ cup of chopped raw pecans or walnuts/combination of both
¼ cup raisins, soaked in water for a couple minutes until plump
1 cup of Granny Smith Apples, cored and diced into ½ inch pieces
1 egg
1 cup of milk
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
A pinch of salt
Substitute various fruits and nuts based on preference

||Something to think about.||

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||Where I wouldn’t mind being at this exact moment.||

||Sole Society – Cassidy Medium Weekender// Deets here.||

||Bistro Electric French Press Coffeemaker. // Deets here.||

3May2013

Highlights

Posted in Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Life, Treats by C.

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Another busy but great week under my belt. Although, I feel like I haven’t had a chance to catch my breath lately and I’m exhausted. I’ve been getting to bed at decent times, eating well, and did stick to my yoga class this week, but I am in total need of a B.R.E.A.K.

The good news is that I am beyond excited for my mini-vacay next week. I really want to use the time to recharge and reflect on my next steps personally and professionally. I’ve even decided to write a list of goals (big and small) that I want to accomplish over the next year, something that I want to do in celebration of my upcoming milestone and to appease my “love-to-cross-things-off-my-list” O.C.D. personality.

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One big highlight within this week of complete chaos, was spending a quiet afternoon in the 90210 (window shopping only, of course). My boyfriend had never been and we wanted to check out the new ice cream craze so we rolled it into a short trip. Rodeo is such a fun street to stroll down and analyze: 1) who in the world can actually afford this stuff? 2) given the limited number of people who can, how do these businesses manage stay open and survive recessions? and 3) if I had the money, would I really spend $5,000 on a handbag? (If I were totally loaded – I could see I probably would, but would find it pretty surreal and strange when that day comes). My first purchase would be the classic Chanel Quilted Calfskin. The one thing we actually could afford was the ice cream and you can read more of my thoughts on the new Ice-Cream Lab here. I give it a year….tops.

This weekend will be all about celebration: prepping for my little b-day getaway and treating myself to a few splurges here and there that I’m still trying to decide upon. And in honor of Cinco De Mayo, at least one margarita and a trip to my favorite Mexican restaurant is in order.

Since next week will undoubtedly be a bit chaotic with birthday stuff and the fact that I’m giving myself some much-need relaxation time, you might not see me post everyday as usual. Rest assured, I’ll be back with lots to share with you!

Have a great weekend! xx

1May2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Books, Fashion, Film, Food, Fun, Treats by C.

Happy May! Sweeter (and cheaper) fruit, BBQs, birthdays, and blockbuster flicks are here! Of course, I’ll maintain my film school cred and squeeze in a good indie here and there, but this time of year brings big budget movies and I’m not ashamed to say that I totally buy into them (well, sometimes). While I’m very much looking forward to Richard Linklater’s return to Jesse and Celine’s romantic journey in Before Midnight; I’m beyond stoked for Iron Man 3 this weekend, Star Trek: Into Darkness a few weeks later, and my personal CANNOT-wait-to-find-my-booty-in-a-theater-seat-cradling-the-largest-tub-of-popcorn-ever: Fast & Furious 6 (yes, you read that right!). Memorial day weekend is going to rule!

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. The perks of spring conditions and impending summer life bring me to what should be an important reminder to all of us: sunscreen. I thought I would kick-off May’s love fest with a little video I came across discussing 5 myths about sunscreen and SPF protection. Apparently, that expiration date I keep ignoring on my can of Aveeno sunscreen sitting in my cabinet right now is legit. So while I’ll be tossing that out, now having yet another excuse to hit Target (and walk out with 6 other random things I really didn’t need)…

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| 5 Surprising Myths About Sunscreen and SPF. ||

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Breakfast, Fashion, Food, Handbags, Inspiration, Shoes by C.

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I saw this photograph on Wendy Nguyen’s blog last week and instantly fell in love. The composition, the lighting, the location of her petite frame and full skirt inside the celebrated Urban Light instillation at the LACMA grabbed me immediately. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this instillation photographed or featured in films. It’s to the point of being over-exposed. This was done in such a sophisticated and unassuming manner – it was a breath of fresh air. To be completely honest, I was so drawn to it, I would even have this blown up and framed for my apartment if I could. I suppose aside from a purely artistic position, the photograph represents how I envision what an ideal life might be: whimsical, adventurous, quiet, massive, and bright; while dressed like a modern day princess.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

157782_01 || Finger Bling // MAWI Flower Gemstone Ring in Pink. If you know anyone that has an extra $400 lying around. ||

|| My new motto every weekend until Fall 2013. ||

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|| Hand Candy // Brown Leather Clutches.||

|| Good Morning! // Bacon Wrapped California Omelet Bites. ||

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|| Hello Lover! // Paging Carrie Bradshaw // Manolo Blahnik “Kioko” Jeweled Sandals. ||

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|| An Uncomplicated Life. ||

|| Where I wouldn’t mind having dinner tonight with 15 of my closet friends. ||

23Apr2013

The Maxi

Posted in Fashion by C.

The weather hovered above a high of 80 degrees much of the weekend and happily found me getting my vitamin D fix at Elysian Park one day for a birthday together and at the beach the next. As I took in the sunshine-filled weekend, I noticed a popular trend among us ladies and found myself fondly smiling at the return of the maxi dress. Stylish, comfortable, and available at any price point; long airy dresses are perfection to have in your collection as the temperature rises. It’s also a very versatile piece. Grab an over-sized handbag and your favorite sunnies during the day; and throw on a jean jacket or sweater for chillier evenings. If you’re on the shorter side you might need wedges to give you a boost in height (so you’re not tripping over the dress), but if you’re tall like me – I’m a huge fan of show-stopping flat sandals (and a fresh pedicure).

Suffice to say, I was so inspired by the return of the maxi this weekend, that Sunday found me at Diane’s in Manhattan Beach, taking home 2 new dresses, and even better, they were on sale!

In salute to the maxi, here are a few closet cravings to feast your eyes on. I added #1 to my closet this weekend!

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1. Diane’s Beachwear // Halter Maxi Wrap Dress // $28.00

2. JCPenny // Print Maxi Dress // $40.00

3. Macy’s // INC International Concepts Dress, Halter Paisley-Print Maxi // $99.50

4. ShopBop // Monrow Granite Jersey Maxi Dress // $68.60 (on sale!)

10Apr2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Dinner, DIY, Fashion, Food, Fun, Home Decor, Inspiration, Treats by C.

To be perfectly honest, I’m struggling a lot lately with the concept of perfect timing. There are three big things in my life that I know without a doubt that I want to do right this exact moment, but somehow keep putting off for the proverbial “right time.” As they say, “there’s never going to be a right time.” The conflict I have is also thinking about the proverbial saying “that everything is as it should be.” So I ask you: if there’s never going to be a right time to chase your dreams and goals, yet everything is as it should be, which philosophy do you subscribe to?

This does not imply that I think you should just sit back and let life happen because that’s how it should be. Nor does it imply that I think forging ahead and ignoring the pace of the universe is the answer either. I suppose the bigger philosophical understanding is knowing when to stop waiting for the perfect moment because that’s how it should be. Perhaps it’s as simple as when these two universal truths intersect that you have your answer. Aside from the realization that I believe my “intersection” has come and big changes are on the horizon for me, I’ve also been having other philosophical understandings… in many not so deep nor complicated ways.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| Wise words. ||

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|| The perfect casual LBD. // American Vintage Jacksonville Dress. ||

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|| 50 Shades Wall Art. // Christian Grey. // Anatasia Steele. ||

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|| Ice Cube Tray Sushi. // Homemade & no rolling required. // Recipe here. ||

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|| Urban Outfitters’ Gallery Coffee Table. // Deets here. ||

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|| 17 Apps You Can’t Live Without. // Deets here. ||

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|| Restoration Hardware iPhone Gramophone. // Deets here. ||

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8Apr2013

Dressed in Mint

Posted in Accessories, Explore, Fashion, Fun, Shoes by C.

If you haven’t noticed, mint green is THE hot color of the season and I’m totally into this particular chroma trend. While I do like to keep an eye on all things fashion and indulge daily in fashion blogs (Wendy’s Lookbook is my addiction right now), I’m not one to go out and personally buy a lot of expensive stuff that lasts one season (but talk to me in a few years when I’m loaded). In fact, I have a love/hate relationship with shopping in general. In a nutshell, I love the idea of finding the perfect piece and adding it to your collection. I certainly adore fabulous clothes, handbags (my fav!), shoes, and jewels as much as the next girl; but if I were to be perfectly honestly with you, I hate the physical process of shopping. In particular, the trying things on in a fluorescent lit dressing room only to get frustrated that it looks better on the mannequin than you part. Ugh.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate a good fashion trend. I can’t think of a more refreshing salute to spring than the subtle yet vibrant shade of mint. And since I don’t have anything in my collection representing this craze, I’ve been dreaming of fun, yet affordable ways to incorporate this beautiful color into my look. I have a feeling this color might last longer than a season. Perhaps it’ll inspire ways to find you dressed in mint as well.

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EARRINGS| Mineral Teardrop Earrings // Francesca’s Collections // $12.00

CROPS| Pilcro Stet Slim Crop Jeans // Anthropologie // $98.00

MANI/PEDI| Essie Turquoise & Caicos Nail Polish // Ulta // $8.00

SUNDRESS| Ribbed Dress with Metallic Belt // Forever 21 // $29.80

FLATS| Dolley 03 Mint D’Orsay Pointed Flats // Lulu’s // $21.00

SUNNIES| Hepcat Shades // Madewell // $55.00

5Apr2013

Highlights

Posted in Explore, Film, Food, Fun, Shoes by C.

Boy, did this week go by fast. So fast, in fact, that some of my things to do…went seemingly undone. I managed at the very least to give myself a spring pedi before rocking my new sandals and finally stopped talking the talk and joined the Brita family (yes, I was a slave to bottled water). No worries though, sometimes you just need to take it easy. Something that doesn’t come naturally to my slightly O.C.D., perfectionist-driven personality. I have to say, one of my favorite nights this week was simply coming home making my famous (Pinterest stolen) baked garlic chicken with a chopped side salad for dinner and settling in to watch Lolita, one of Stanley Kubrick’s films that I wanted to catch-up on after checking out the current exhibition at the LACMA a few weeks ago.

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While the week went by fast, it halted altogether when I heard the sad news of Roger Ebert’s passing. My heart raced as I absorbed the headline and was instantly transported to when I used to sit and watch him agree to disagree (or agree to agree) with Gene Siskel and later Richard Roeper on Sunday nights “At the Movies.” With much bias, I tended to trust his judgement whenever he gave a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” in his film analysis. I was deeply saddened when I realized the balcony really is closed. Rest in peace, Mr. Ebert. From one film enthusiast to another, I always enjoyed being “At the Movies” with you.