Category Archives: Fun

D.I.Y. Glass Bead Necklace Repair

Posted in Accessories, DIY, Fun by

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I have this great necklace that I bought several years ago that wasn’t at all expensive, but it was something that I universally loved because you could wear it with anything to instantly dress up a look. Until I broke it. I took it in for repair. Was bummed at the terrible job they did. It lasted for one wear. And broke again. It’s been sitting with my other functioning necklaces broken for at least 6 months and I’ve been on the search for that exact necklace ever since. Enough! Sometimes a girl has to take matters into her own hands, especially when said girl happens to dabble in jewelry making. A hobby of mine that I seriously need to get back into and with the success of giving new life to my necklace, I feel completely empowered to push myself to test my mad skills. 🙂

D.I.Y. // Glass Bead Necklace Repair

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{Tools: Crimp tubes, glass beads, silver coated wire, crimping pliers, cutters, bead stopper clip, and a bead board.}

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{Use the bead stopper to accurately place crimp tube and thread bead. Use crimp pliers to close the crimp tube shut above and below the bead. Repeat as necessary.}

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{Measure evenly spaced bead placement using a bead board for accuracy.}

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{Once you’re ready to add your clasp (I went with a toggle clasp because it’s what I had) create a loop, add a crimp tube to it and use your crimp pliers to close the crimp tube shut. Open the toggle clasp ring and secure inside the newly created loop on both ends of necklace.}

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{Finished toggle clasp.}

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{After completing this project using the materials I already had on hand, I’ll likely update my wire choice to something sturdier and darker (like the wire choice in the “before” picture above), but this will do for the time being!}

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

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

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.}

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{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.}

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{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.}

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{Dreaming big.}20121230-061429

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

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Homemade Pinkberry…Sort Of

Posted in DIY, Food, Fun, Treats by

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 

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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. VoilĂ !

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Highlights

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

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 patisserie1-2013-02-11_08-42-48_927

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

1-2013-02-11_08-40-24_516Finally 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.

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

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

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.}

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{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

2013 Grammy Awards: Fashion Hits and Misses

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Fashion, Handbags, Music, Shoes by

Okay team, admittedly I totally dissed the Grammy’s broadcast this year by not watching any of the red carpet or the actual awards presentation. AND I have good reason! I spent most of the weekend sucked into the vapor of early British 1900’s life by indulging in the delicious mischievousness, and as a gal pal so rightly put it “20th century passive aggressive awesomeness!” with those crazy characters residing at Downton Abbey. After incessantly hearing about this show, I grabbed the first season and got to work on seeing what all the buzz about. Within 10 minutes, I knew I would dig it…and where I would be for most of the weekend.

Alas, the beauty of life these days is that you can catch all the re-caps the next day online minus all the commercials and boring speeches. So in salute to all things fashion, here are my top 5 hits and misses from the biggest night in music.

THE HITS

RHIANNA
LOVE everything about her look, super classy, a little showy and what a stunning color on her.
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TAYLOR SWIFT
Such a unique dress and she pulls the look together with a braided headband and dramatic cat eyes. Very 21st century Cleopatra.
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KELLY ROWLAND
This was a VERY daring choice and if you look closely, might be borderline too much, but she pulls it off and takes center stage because of it. Move over, Bey!
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 ROSCI DIAZ
Admittedly, I didn’t put two and two together when I first saw this picture (who is this?), but everything about her look is one of my absolute favorites of the night. Simple, sexy, classy!
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ALLISON WILLIAMS
Simply put, this is just a great dress. No muss, no fuss and she looks flawless.

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THE MISSES

ADELE
LOVE her, but the print on this dress and those shoes…
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FLORENCE WELCH
Again LOVE her, but those green turtle/alligator/scary spikes….
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Jennifer Lopez
The leg is distracting and the cut of the gown looks messy to me. I love a good top bun, but the pointy ones, I just can’t get into. Sorry J-Lo!
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KAT DENNINGS
Not a fan of the color, the fit on her chest (though she has a great one!), or her harsh makeup.
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TAMIA
The head cover, deep-plunging strangely shaped dress and it’s color, don’t make me love it. The clutch is cute!
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**Disclaimer: Since it’s obvious I wasn’t at this year’s ceremonies snapping high res photos, all pictures are courtesy of Yahoo.com! Photo sources are noted below:
Rhianna
Taylor Swift
Kelly Rowland
Rocsi Diaz
Allison Williams
Adele
Florence Welch
Jennifer Lopez
Kat Dennings
Tamia

Mixtape Monday

Posted in Music by

It’s a new week boys and girls and if you’re anything like me you have a strong belief that Monday is the devil. Okay, strong words. Monday deserves some love to (I guess). A wise person once told me that you can’t spend your life always looking forward to Friday – you’re just wishing your life away. Word.

To help ease those Monday blues and transition into a new work week, I’ve curated a playlist of songs that will ensure you kick things off right with music that’s been making my life all the much sweeter. So log in to your Spotify account, hit play, sit back and relax, or get to work on those emails with this mix in the background perfect for vibin’ out on this beautiful (Mon)day. It’s Gonna Be A Good Day as BLO sings on track #10.

Happy listening and Happy Monday!


*If you like the mixtape feel free to subscribe to it on Spotify:

All That Glitters Mixtape Monday – 2.11.2013

Highlights

Posted in Accessories, Explore, Fashion, Film, Fun, Handbags by

Hello Friday! Very happy to see you. It’s been a week of exploring, trying something new on the blog-front, and a bit of splurging. I finally joined the legions of gals who’ve been raving about the Birchbox and treated myself to a new handbag I’ve been eyeing for weeks. Details below. I’ll be anxiously stalking FedEx.com tracking where my new goodies are in the world until they hit my doorstep. So excited!

Here are this week’s happy highlights. Have a beautiful weekend…

EXPLORE| chemosphere

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On a dreary Saturday afternoon we headed up to the Chemosphere house to see the L.A. landmark perched in the Hollywood Hills. I first saw this unique octagonal home in Brian De Palma’s Body Double (1984) and was struck by how unusual and cool the architecture was and wanted to see it for myself.

FASHION| superbowl sunday

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Sporting 49ers jerseys to a Superbowl Party for added festiveness. Since they lost, I’ll just leave it at that.

BEAUTY| birchbox

I’ve heard several girlfriends rave about the Birchbox and this week I joined in. For a $10 subscription fee and after completing a short profile, each month you’ll receive the best in beauty and lifestyle in sample size right at your front door to try out a range of new products. If you love your sample, you can head to the Birchbox Shop to purchase a full size version of your fav new product. The best part? Each box is customized to you. I’m excited to see what comes in a few short weeks. If you’re interested, check out the video above and register to join their wait list. It took me about 3 weeks to receive an invitation. Looking forward to my monthly surprise and exploring new products! I’ll keep you posted.

BAG| urban expressions

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My handbag splurge from Urban Expressions, this Sinclair Woven Hobo. I went with the cognac color. It’s perfect for all seasons and looks oh so chic on the shoulder.

Why I Want to be a Yogi

Posted in Explore, Fun by

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Have you ever come across those people that are insanely confident, well-toned, and relaxed like ALL. THE. TIME? Those people that take life as it comes, remain at peace, and look amazeballs (with the clearest skin and tightest ass) while they do it? See examples above if you need a visual. This is why I want to be a yogi.

I was first introduced to the practice of yoga about 7 years ago when I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Since then, I’ve experimented with several types of yoga: Hatha, Kundalini, Iyengar. I’ve been on a quest on and off (though honestly more like off) for years to really get to that place of centered-ness, to build strength, to tone my body, and to take the time to just focus and be utterly and completely present.

If you must know, I’m very aware of my issues weakness slight character flaw with focusing and admit that I’m borderline A.D.D. My mind is constantly racing with things that I have to do; things that are coming up; things that are upsetting me; things that I wish I could change;  things that I desperately want to do (like be on a plane to Italy right now and not look back);  things that have already happened that I can’t change; and things that likely will never happen, but I’m too paranoid to relax because the moment I do, everything will fall apart. Exhausting, huh? Tell me about it. I wouldn’t classify myself as neurotic, so much as needing to learn how to better balance, emotionally and physically.

Enter yoga.

I returned to practice last month after nearly a year off. I don’t know if I’ll ever be a stand on your head yogi, but I do love that whenever life gets complicated and you need to take a step back, that you can take a yoga class and be in a like minded space with others – it just helps. I like being around people that give a damn about their health, their bodies, their minds, and want to take the time to make the most of life and the vessel that carries them through it. It’s contagious! Simply put, I like that I’m doing something good for myself.

I’m turning the big 3-0 in a few months and I’ve decided it’s time to grow up. And when I say grow up, it’s time to find a more mature way of dealing with life and improving that imbalance. Not that what I’m currently doing is immature, but it certainly isn’t serving me.

I came across this article from Self.com that I hope motivates you (as it did me) to find that balance in however it may be lacking in your life for 7 exciting reasons.

7 Life-Improving Benefits of Yoga

  • A sunnier outlook on life 
  • Say goodbye to those pesky aches and pains
  • Sleep better
  • Better sex life
  • Insane confidence
  • Top to bottom all over body toning
  • A sense of calm

All of these reasons are good enough for me. I know I can’t be alone on this journey, so if you too want to be yogi – stop talking about it and join me! Please do let me know in the comments section what benefits or mishaps I should know about as I return to my regularly scheduled yoga programming.

*Image courtesy Self.com