|| 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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4Apr2013

Finishing Touches

Posted in DIY, Fun, Home Decor, Inspiration by C.

It’s been nearly a year since I moved into my own place. I can’t tell you how much I’ve relished this time in my life. No roommates to think about. No coordinating of schedules for kitchen and bathroom time. No worrying about other people’s guests, cleanliness issues, people stealing/eating your food, or bringing personal drama into our shared home. Move over, L.C. – my sophomore year of college should have been a MTV reality show with all the drama we had in our on-campus apartment!

Don’t get me wrong, as with everything in life there’s a time for certain experiences and I’m glad I had those periods in my life living with roommates. It was fun to have someone to hang out with, to chat to, or watch a movie with on an otherwise ordinary weekday night. But boy was I ready to step out on my own years before I could actually afford to do it.

Everything in my home represents me: dramatic dark wood furniture, lilac colored painted walls – with a large heather (purple) accent wall, lots of DVDs, books, candles, a little salute to Marilyn Monroe (after delving into her biography), vases of fresh flowers, and I’m a huge fan of wall quotes.

I’m just about finished with my apartment. While it’s not huge or expensively decorated – I love walking in the front door every single day. It’s cozy, it’s comfortable, it’s tranquil, it’s modern, it’s timeless, it’s me. There are a few finishing touches that I need (or things that I want to replace) to finally bring it all together. Here are just a few visual ideas that I’m playing with. Some are the actual item on my must-have list, while other’s are just examples that I love but intend to find something comparable.

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1. Nate Berkus Herringbone Black Lampshade // finishing touch: for my desk // $29.99

2. Threshold Mosaic Lamp Base // finishing touch: for my desk // $27.99

3. “Angel City” 5 piece Gallery-wrapped Canvas Art Set // finishing touch: for the large accent wall // $127.00

4. Jonathan Adler Universal Phone Dock // finishing touch: for my desk // $48.00

5. West Elm Espresso Wood Tray (rectangular – small) // finishing touch: for the coffee table // $32.00

6. Ethan Allen Corner Batik Area Rug (black & ivory) // finishing touch: for the living room area // $1,044.00

3Apr2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Breakfast, DIY, Fashion, Fun, Inspiration, Shoes, Treats by C.

As I have gotten older, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for natural things and natural beauty. Be it in the simplicity of a bright red fresh sweet strawberry; to the breathtaking colors and fragrance of a vase of stargazer lilies – life somehow feels more connecting and beautiful when you make it a point to take in and surround yourself with its natural resources.

Of course, when working with fresh produce in your meals or placing a vase of flowers on your desk to brighten your space, there comes a time when all good things must come to an end. As such, I find myself scrambling to not be wasteful by trying to eat all of the produce I bought at the farmers’ market and feeling a twinge of sadness when that vibrant vase of flowers begins to wilt and die. Such is the consequence of Earth’s natural beauty.

Suffice to say that when I can find ways to enjoy produce in bulk (i.e. fresh strawberry smoothies in the morning and in frozen yogurt for dessert) so as to not have to throw things out, I get excited. And when coming across Flores Del Sol’s dried flower shop on Etsy, it also sparked my interest. I hate fake flowers, but was inspired by this approach of using real flowers to create lovely dried arrangements. While this will never replace fresh cut flowers or a blooming bright orchid in my book – it is longer-lasting and more cost effective. Perhaps they’re worth a try. Here’s to celebrating natural beauty and natural resources as much as possible. This, among other things is….

what i’m lovin’ right now

|| Fruit and Oat Smoothies // source here. ||

Ingredients hearty-fruit-oat-007-comp-med109451_vert

1 cup quartered strawberries
1 sliced banana
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon maple syrup

|| Dried flower arrangements from Flores Del Sol // Etsy shop here. ||

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|| Words to live by // My new motto. ||

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|| Gold sugar rimmed champagne flutes // Source here. ||

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|| Everything about this photo…with no neighbors of course. ||

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|| Cozy off-the-shoulder sweaters over shorts. ||

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|| Get in my closet…please! ||

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|| Picture framed wall collages // Source here. ||

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27Mar2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

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

There was a time when this week meant something more than work deadlines, trying to get to the gym, the grocery store, getting my laundry done, and a car wash. Spring break always sounded so exotic to me. In part, because I would hear the plans of my peers for their week of unadulterated freedom that included short road trips or jet-setting to Cabo for some fun in the sun.

In college, spring break was always the first week in March, but we would also get a few extra days off around Easter. I went to school with a lot of wealthy students whose parents paid their way for everything. Spring break for me was looking forward to some time off from my classes, but I would still work and might drive home to Orange County to see my family for a few days. Unfortunately, I never could afford to do much more than that.

I remember the times I used to watch T.R.L. on MTV during spring break wondering what that experience would be like – where you pack your bags, hang out at a gorgeous resort, and live in a bikini for a whole week. In retrospect, I might have hated consistently being around a bunch of drunk people and would have much rather been at home taking naps, working, and reading (as was my typical experience). Then again, had I been able to afford those cliché spring break beach getaways, I imagine it would’ve been a lot of sleeping, partying, flirting with cute guys from different schools, lounging, and laughing mixed in with lots of unnecessary drunken drama. I’ll suppose I’ll never be 21 again to find out.

What I am looking forward to is the day that I can actually take myself on an extended vacation to an exotic resort and sip margaritas all day minus the annoying drunk college students. The best part will be that I paid for it all on my own and, as such, it would be a much richer and well-deserved experience.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| Vacay inspired accessories. ||

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|| Banishing doubt.||

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|| Strawberries & cream crepes // recipe here. ||

|| Corner nightstands. ||

|| Prada arm candy. ||

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|| A little Easter bunny humor. ||

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|| How to decorate a cupcake by Stephanie Franz, pastry chef at my favorite cupcake shop – Cupcakes Couture. ||

20Mar2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Fun, Inspiration by C.

Happy 1st day of Spring! Unfortunately, my lattes are hot rather than iced lately, and I’m still grabbing leggings if I wear a dress. Needless to say, the weather (as usual) continues to be fickle and Spring seems to be making a fashionably late appearance. Foggy and chilly filled mornings stretch throughout the day and I’m quite bummed about it. I’m so looking forward to this season, and while my allergies aren’t, I have my vision set and I’m ready for the change. At the very least, I realize I should cherish these days because 4 short months from now, I’m certain I’ll be complaining to you about about the 95 degree L.A. sauna that I can’t escape and my electricity bill because of it. As with most things in life, I’ll just have to sit and wait patiently for the universe to let the changing of times happen as it should. In the meantime, I choose to focus on what’s making me happy.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| New motto. ||

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|| Inside Chanel: The Jacket // A short documentary on the creation of the legendary Chanel Jacket in 1954 by Coco Chanel, age 71. ||

|| L.A. Love ||

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|| 30 Things Turning 30 This Year // Read more here. ||

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|| How I plan to celebrate spring // Essie nail polish color chart // Click to enlarge ||

13Mar2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Breakfast, Brunch, DIY, Fashion, Food, Fun, Inspiration, Lunch, Shoes, Treats by C.

I‘m a firm believer in spring cleaning. Being that I’m ~~very~~ slightly O.C.D., I’m more the type to try (and sometimes fail) to keep up on this throughout the year because I absolutely, with a passion, hate (HATE) clutter. This season, I’m committed to really doing a hardcore spring cleaning cycle. I have clothes in my closet that I need to part with for your typical reasons. Jewelry in my jewelry box that I bought at Forever 21 years ago that now looks like it’s from Forever 21 (cheap). And of course, there’s a storage closet and old paperwork that could use a good sift through. I‘m by no means a pack rat. I‘ve even been told that for a grown woman I don’t have much stuff, which is how I prefer to keep it during my younger years. It means I can pick-up and move with the flow of life or to Europe at any time. Either way, we can all use a good purge. It not only feels amazing when you let go, but makes room for what the new season brings. One week until Spring!

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| How to rock the statement necklace. ||

|| Steve Madden Rise Wedges in mint. ||

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|| Ice Cream Lab // The new liquid nitrogen futuristic ice cream parlor opening this Friday in the 90210 // Read more here. ||

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|| Decadent tree houses. ||

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|| Gratitude. ||

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|| D.I.Y. – From picture frame to table tray // Read more here. ||

|| Lavender maxi dresses. ||

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|| Peanut butter, strawberries, bananas and granola wrap // Healthy options on the go // Recipe here. ||

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6Mar2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

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

I’ve secretly always wanted to just pick-up and move to Europe for at least a year (it’s a toss-up between Italy or France). I would channel Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love (minus the messy divorce) completely immersing myself in a new culture. I’d learn French or Italian, sit and write (or blog!) in cafes, walk to museums, sip cappuccinos, develop a hardcore appreciation for fine wine with lunch and dinner, have conversations with strangers, and eat croissants with a side of pasta all day long (not gaining a pound, of course). Needless to say, I was elated to read Vanessa Larson’s inspiring story of a gal who stopped talking the talk and did it. This isn’t a dream that I’ve given up on completely. I’m still pretty young, but find that as I get older, it feels like time is slipping away and I’ll be twenty years older looking back at a youth that I wish I’d taken better advantage of. It’s my personal biggest fear and would be my lifelong regret. I cannot think of anything more enchanting than following your dreams, and when seeing that magic happen for someone else, it re-enlivens you to pursue your own.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| …Following your dreams // Read Vanessa Larson’s story here. ||

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|| Two Penny Blue // Cambridge Blazer in navy. ||

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|| Words. ||

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|| 10 Minutes to happy hour // Sparkling White Peach Sangria // Recipe here. ||

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|| Chic storage // Sunglasses case to store cords and cables in your bag. Genius. ||

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|| See By Chloé // My next perfume splurge. // Those magazine scented pages do work. ||

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|| Blueberry Dessert Pizza // Recipe here. ||

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|| Birchbox Tutorials // How To: Curl Your Hair With A Flatiron. ||

27Feb2013

|| 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

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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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.