|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Shoes, Travel, Treats by C.

Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner! I can’t believe February has come and (almost) gone so quickly. Sadly, awards season is over. The Superbowl has come and gone. And Valentine’s Day now a memory. Despite all the events that the end of one calendar year so excitingly flows into the beginning of another, I’m excited for the changing of times. Spring brings sunlight until 8:00pm, blooming flowers, and fruit that subtly becomes all the sweeter as we make our way toward summer. Flip flops, dresses without leggings, iced lattes, and the need to be at the beach or outside as much as possible become the standard in my life. I can’t think of anything more exciting to look forward to.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

{Officially obsessed with Wendy’s Lookbook // my newest fashion blog addiction. She nails it every. single. time.}

{The best laugh I’ve had all week = a funny satire of our growing hipster culture.}

{High standards.}

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{Jonathan Adler Universal Smartphone Dock.}

{Like. Seriously.}

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{Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Rhinestone Thong Sandals…in either color.}

{Where I want to be right now.}

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{Strawberry & chocolate nachos // recipe here.} 0afc9f89c157bbdd60941a8934219043

22Feb2013

Highlights

Posted in Beauty, Breakfast, Food, Fun by C.

Much like the weather this week in L.A., it’s been a personal roller coaster for me full of ups and downs. Happy news, unexpected surprises, and even expected surprises (my first Birchbox made its appearance this week!) managed to brighten some of those less sunny moments.

Looking forward to a yoga class and Oscar Sunday this weekend, where I’ll be hanging out and watching the broadcast with the girls this year taking copious notes on best dressed. Have a beautiful weekend. Here are this weeks highlights:

VALENTINE’S DAY| roses

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{Flowers from my Valentine! xx}

FURNITURE| desk chair

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{My new accent/desk chair that goes oh so perfectly with my new parson’s desk! xx}

EAT| homemade strawberry pancakes

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{I’ve been on a serious strawberry kick lately, from frozen yogurt to putting them in pancake mix and then on top of the pancakes for added effect – I love strawberries. I can’t wait until they come back in season officially, but have been surprised at how sweet they are given it’s only February.}

BEAUTY| birchbox

{My first Birchbox arrived yesterday! It made me super giddy to see what was inside and I cannot wait to try out the new goodies. Look for an upcoming blog post on my first Birchbox, where I’ll review the products and share my likes and dislikes with you. I’ll let you know if this Birchbox craze is worth the hype. Stay tuned and stay beautiful.}

20Feb2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Breakfast, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Shoes, Television, Travel, Treats by C.

It’s been a roller coaster on the weather front here in L.A. Eighty degrees one day, rainy and cold the next. I‘ve often wondered the affect an environment has on its inhabitants. If you think about it: can it be pure luck that this city, known for its fickle nature, from the weather down to the very people that walk the city streets (myself included) is all happenstance? This might be a bit too deep for a Wednesday. Luckily, there are things that you come across that stick the moment you come into contact with them. Things that you know that you’re not at all fickle about. For me it usually involves cupcakes, a ridiculously expensive handbag, a large bag of Hot Tamales, when you have a good book in your hands, hear a new song or see a new film for the first time and know that you’ve just experienced something special. Here’s to finding those things that stick. And…

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

{Chunky necklaces over buttoned shirts // Full skirts as day wear // Badgley Mischka Provence One Piece Swimsuit.}

{French Toast with Homemade Fresh Strawberry Butter // recipe here.}

{Best video EVER: 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 minutes.}

{Oscar De La Renta’s fun, wise words.}

{I heart Mindy Kaling. The Mindy Project has been on the air for awhile now, but I took a short hiatus and returned to it recently, catching up on missed episodes and it’s been a welcome source of comic relief. I was also uber excited about Mark Duplass joining in on the fun for a few episodes. No spoilers! Did I mention that I heart Mindy Kaling?}

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{Mind wandering.}

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{Wine 101 for dummies // full article here.}

{Dreaming big.}

{Insert me here…with a tropical drink…in a pineapple shell…with an umbrella in it…thx.}

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19Feb2013

Homemade Pinkberry…Sort Of

Posted in DIY, Food, Fun, Treats by C.

I am a fan of frozen yogurt (and that’s an understatement). There was a period in time when I would go to Pinkberry most nights of the week telling myself I deserved it and after all, it’s only yogurt, right? Of course, we must always exercise moderation in our eating habits… and for the sake of our wallets. Then I got to thinking recently…

An average, medium-sized, frozen yogurt runs around $5.00 – give or take on your preferences and where you choose to get your brain freeze. I decided to take matters into my own hands and experiment in a less costly way to get my fro-yo fix. This is by no means a Martha Stewart-esque approach (I didn’t make the yogurt from scratch or anything) and it’s not at all rocket science to throw some toppings together, but if it inspires you to try creating your own versions of an indulgence at home, no matter how simple it may be, then I’ve done good.

D.I.Y. // Homemade Pinkberry…Sort Of

Ingredients: I couldn’t find the Pinkberry-ish Tart flavor that I was looking for at Whole Foods, so just went with this vanilla flavor from Stonyfield for my experiment. Add in some strawberries, chocolate chips, granola, or whatever your favorite toppings are. Voilà!

15Feb2013

Highlights

Posted in Breakfast, Cocktails, Dinner, Explore, Film, Food, Fun, Independent Cinema, Inspiration, Television, Treats by C.

It’s been a rough week where I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting – something I think we all need to do every once and awhile. Aside from the realization that it’s time to make some major changes, I had moments to smile about as well. After all, there’s always something to be grateful for. Here are a few of them.

Have a nice weekend. 🙂

TEA| jin patisserie

Purchasing my favorite loose leaf green tea from Jin Patisserie to take home to make a soothing cup anytime I want.

WATCH| downton abbey season one

Finally joined the Downton Abbey fan club. I sat on my couch for 2 days straight absorbing the complicated lives of a 20th Century British aristocratic family and their mischievous house staff.

VIEW| clear skies

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A few rainy days yielded fresh air and a clear, blue, beautiful L.A. sky which I happily appreciated on the way to yoga class.

DVD| celeste & jesse forever

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A very thoughtful gift that made me super happy – my favorite film of 2012, Celeste & Jesse Forever is now apart of my DVD collection!

EAT| breakfast for dinner

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Sometimes you just need a movie, a magazine, and breakfast for dinner to make an ordinary Monday night, something special.

VALENTINE’S DAY| gift

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A little something I gave to my valentine.

13Feb2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, DIY, Fashion, Film, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Treats by C.

We’re in the midst of the week of love! I know Valentine’s Day can be a bittersweet experience for many of us. Either you’re madly in love and totally buy into the tradition, single and fabulous, single and not very happy about it, attached but wonder where your relationship is going on this milestone day, or totally reject the idea that love should only be celebrated on holidays. I, for one, identify with the category that believes love should be a festive experience all year long. Sure, I don’t mind being treated extra special on Valentine’s Day, but would much rather prefer those flowers, to be taken out to a nice dinner, “I love you’s” or a thoughtful handwritten card to come at surprise random times just because it’s Monday or I’m having a rough day. Regardless of what your relationship status says on your Facebook timeline, know that there is always something to love, at any time of the year, for any reason. And if by chance you still can’t get over the fact that Valentine’s Day sucks after that sentiment, sit tight – it’ll all be over after tomorrow.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

{Look at this face! Tell me you’re not smiling right now?}

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{Michael Kors // Hamilton Large North South Tote. W.A.N.T.}

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{The Fast 6 extended trailer and my brown eyes met recently and it was love at first sight. Yes, I’m proudly OBSESSED with the F&F series! Eye candy, how I wish I could really drive on the 405, witty dialogue, high octane action, stylized film-making, and Paul Walker? Umm…yes, please!}

{Soul.}

{Perfume bottles as vases.}

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{D.I.Y. glitter mouse pads // How to = here.}

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{Words of wisdom.}

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{Mara Hoffman // Beaded Chiffon Dashiki Maxi Dress.}

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{Gold sparkle french tips.}

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{Skinny Chocolate Parfaits // recipe.} skinny-chocolate-parfait

6Feb2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Music, Shoes, Television, Travel, Treats by C.

If you really stop and think about it, there are so many awesome, inspirational, entertaining, thought-provoking, exciting, deliciously superficial, silly, glamorous or happy things that happen around you everyday if you just open your eyes. I’m opening mine! In addition to the posts dedicated to sharing my personal highlights celebrating the things in life each week that made me smile (you can read my most recent Highlights here) – I’ve decided to start a new recurring blog post to share all of the random things big or small that came into my world, said hello, winked, then either promptly turned it upside down, inside out, or made me give a good “ooooh!” Here’s to having your world ROCKED by a little bit of everything with eyes wide open.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

{God bless the person who heard the cries of so many Sex and the City fans who’ve been going through Carrie Bradshaw withdrawal. This new series follows a 16-year-old Carrie prior to becoming the sex column writing fashionista strutting down 5th Avenue in 5-inch Manolos. Fun!}

{When I’m ready for my big walk down the aisle, I’m taking a cue from Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere fame and hiring these guys! Instead of your traditional long form wedding video, Shark Pig takes a highly stylized approach to immortalize your big day by shooting on Super 8mm film and editing it into a music video inspired montage creating something magical and timeless. You HAVE to check out Emily’s big day and see their work. Enjoy!}

{Words to live by…}

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{Insert me here…NOW. Thx.}

{I needed a full day of chill out music earlier this week and I knew Porcelain Raft’s Drifting In and Out was the vibe I was looking for. Hello Pandora and my new Drifting In and Out Radio Station. Set just the tone and mix I was looking for.}

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{Mixing my love of cupcakes and popcorn into one yummy treat? Yes, please! The next time I’m in Union Square in S.F. I’m stopping at American Cupcake for their Pink Popcorn Cupcake.}

{Bar carts as side tables.}

{Well said glitter girls (and boys).}

5Feb2013

Making Progress: A Graffiti Coffee Update

Posted in Explore, Food, Fun, Treats by C.

To all my decaf-soy-2 shot-vanilla-mocha-frappuccino-no whip-latte lovin’ readers:

Ask and you shall receive! I won’t take full credit for this, but apparently the right people over at Graffiti read my post last August (and probably all of the ~~complaints~~ feedback on Yelp) and made some major improvements to how they do things. I stopped in for a pre-Superbowl party caffeine fix this past Sunday and was pleasantly surprised when I was….

1) …asked for my milk choice!?! And not just your typical 1% or 2% options, they even offered me almond milk (which I jumped on and thoroughly enjoyed)!

2) That cash only nonsense? Gone. They take debit, baby! Something that shouldn’t have ever been an issue in the first place and I knew wouldn’t last long anyway.

3) I’ve been here a handful of times in recent months and the very unnecessary valet parking service is seemingly kaput. Thank goodness. I’m all for high glam, but there is a fine line and this totally pushed it.

4) It also looks like we’ve hired an interior decorator, somewhat. It’s still very much a completely stark white and black palette with a minimalist flair; but I had to admit, I loved the new addition to a wall that just needed something. It’s become my new personal motto:

Graffiti went from a B- to a B+ in my book thanks to the improvements, but because 1) I don’t get the really random, huge, and completely misplaced painted portrait of Anne Hathaway on the wall; and 2) I’m noticing in the attire section on Yelp, apparently Graffiti has gone formal and a jacket is required? I’m assuming this is a joke, but if it’s not it’s a step back. Even the baristas are in jeans. Come on.

Now if I can just get them to re-think the name or work with it in a more concrete way – you can’t have a business called “Graffiti” with not one iota of color in the place besides the pastry case.

We’re making progress, people. But as they say, there’s always room for improvement. I’ll keep you guys posted (as I’m finishing my no fuss decaf vanilla latte from Coffee Bean).

4Feb2013

Cupcakes and L.A. Hipsters

Posted in Dinner, Food, Lunch, Treats by C.

Location: 3337 West Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake

I love when cupcakes just appear out of nowhere, when you least expect it, and didn’t even know you ~~wanted~~ needed it. My rendezvous in Silver Lake to try out the grilled cheese place getting a lot of buzz continued when I noticed between bites of my sandwich over lunch the number of people walking in and out of the shop next door. Most importantly, they were exiting with cupcakes boxes in hand. Talk about the universe always working on your behalf!

Simply put, I LOVE cupcakes (you can read my thoughts on some of my favorite L.A. places here, here, and here) and this couldn’t be a coincidence that Lark Silver Lake Cake Shop happened to be a mere 15 steps away. After devouring the best grilled cheese sandwich I think I’ve ever had, we headed over for an impromptu dessert fix.

Lark Silver Lake Cake Shop has all the fixings for a great experience. They display a large selection of cupcakes, cakes, cookies and goodies (even gluten free and vegan options) inside an inviting and charming establishment. In fact, it was so welcoming (and to be quite honest we were just dying to eat dessert by that point) that we sat in the well-dressed interior space and devoured our frosted covered carbs right there.

The Berry Shortcake Cupcake hit my tongue 30 seconds later and my mouth did the happy dance. Let’s just say it was a sexy experience: white cake filled with “Crème Patisserie” topped with a whip creme frosting and a strawberry.

{Berry Shortcake Cupcake – before.}

{After.}

The City of Silver Lake and its small business owners are going to love me because not only am I fully endorsing that you get over to Heywood for the best grilled cheese in town, you have to complete that experience with a trip next door to Lark for dessert.

Here’s to killing two birds with one stone!

31Jan2013

Sun. Snow. City. Subs.

Posted in Explore, Food, Fun, Lunch, Travel by C.

Location: (A frozen) Big Bear Lake, CA

One of the most enviable things about living in L.A. is that you can hit the beach one day, enjoy city life the next, take a step back and melt into the calm suburbs the following day, then head to the mountains for some snow action if that bores you. I even came up with a nifty (and cheesy) new thought when you break it down: Sun. Snow. City. Subs. = L.A.

A glance up at the distant snow-covered mountains a few weeks back and an upcoming long weekend that also happened to be around my boyfriend and I’s anniversary, seemed like just the right time to leave the sun and the city to play in the snow. A drive up the winding mountainside; and we were in the charming, quaint, and snow-covered Big Bear Mountains 2 hours later.

{Driving up.}

The plan for the day was simple: enjoy the drive and a change of scenery, walk around the small town, have a nice lunch (the Peppercorn Grille was amazing), check out some of the shops, smile, and head home!

While it’s been pretty cold (then randomly warm) in L.A. over the last few weeks and I knew it would be rather “chilly” being up in the mountains – my body was not all ready for the sharp temperature drop during the day because I’m such a wuss when it comes to cold weather! Thus, I didn’t even attempt to go tubing this time around.

Here are a few more photos from the day. We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful one. Enjoy!