Finishing Touches

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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Blend

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

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

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. ||

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  • 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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WAR / Photography

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Location: 2000 Avenue of the Stars #1000, Century City

I walked into this exhibition expecting at the very least to be emotionally challenged when coming face-to-face with the realities of war violence in a very direct and visually compelling way; to see a side of photography that I have never personally explored outside the occasional graphic or heart wrenching photo released in the media.

WAR/Photography: Images of Armed Conflict and its Aftermath is the newest exhibition at The Annenberg Space for Photography that examines the imagery of war and its consequences. 75 photographers whose lenses have captured war as early as the Mexican American War in 1847 to the Libyan Civil War that ended in late 2011 are profiled.

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What I appreciated about this moving experience, was the structure in telling the narrative. Rather than displaying photos together by specific wars, the curators opted to tell the story of conflict, collectively, as an arc. As such, the presentation begins with the advent of combat, disclosing images that illustrate the exact moment that provokes a war; to memorials and remembrance, sharing the aftermath of destruction, death, and survival. Between these concrete bookends of beginning and end, the show spends time forming a powerful narrative arc by navigating areas such as: recruitment, rescue, the fight, daily life, post-traumatic stress disorder, medicine/triage, prisoners of war, refugees, impact on children, how faith/religion are handled, and even burial procedures among many other dynamic themes.

One of the first questions that came into my mind when I was first introduced to WAR/Photography, was why? Why do these photojournalists put their lives and mental well-being on the line to capture an image during live combat? Do we really need such graphic and melancholy pictures to know that war and violence is inherently bad? This is not to disrespect those who do choose to pursue the honorable career of war/military photography and have died in the process or any subject highlighted in the photos, but merely an honest thought that crossed my mind when approaching the content. I found my answer when watching the 30 minute short documentary complimenting the exhibition that loops in the main gallery space. When one photojournalist said that his aim was to “personalize war”  in an effort to “mature society” a light bulb went off in my head. The point, of course, is not only to document what’s happening (this I knew); but to visually humanize faces, names, family members, lives, cities, countries, people. This makes absolute sense to me. It’s a raw portrait of humanity.

Luckily, I watched the documentary before roaming the gallery. Having understood this fundamental observation for war photography straight from their mouths, I looked at the images in front of me with new eyes. Not to say that I wouldn’t have understood, appreciated, and respected the exhibition and its message without this explanation from the video; but I think getting to know some of the people behind the pictures and their purpose for risking their lives (and almost certain PTSD diagnosis) after having lived through such an ordeal for their mission to capture the story was inspiring.

I don’t know if it’s because it was the first set of photographs exhibited or perhaps because it’s still such a vivid memory in my lifetime as an American; but the 4 part picture series of the second plane heading toward the World Trade Center on 9/11, the North tower already in flames, capturing the exact moment that lead to the on-going War in Afghanistan, affected me immediately and set the tone for what would be a heavy experience as I made my way through the gallery.

I encourage you to see this exhibition. Beware, it’s graphic in nature – but an experience unlike anything you’ve seen. It’s disturbing, it’s infuriating, it’s moving, it’s humanizing. The exhibition runs until June 2nd.


{A trailer for the documentary complimenting the exhibition is below.}

The End

Today will be my final All That Glitters blog entry. I find that I’m just not passionate about writing anymore and feel my talents could be best used elsewhere. As they say, all good things must come to an end and I’m ready to move on to the next creative chapter in my life. It’s been a blast opening up and sharing my life and love of Los Angeles with you. Thanks so much for reading!!

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April Fool! (Okay, I admit I probably didn’t get you!)

Happy April Fool’s Day!

It crossed my mind to use April 1st as an excuse to play a practical joke on my landlord by intentionally writing my rent check out for $1.00. Some of us in the office even entertained the idea of all calling in sick to work today and then all showing up anyway. It might even be fun to call my brother and tell him I’m pregnant. While these aren’t the best practical jokes you’ve ever heard, the point is to be extremely careful of anyone who drops a bomb on you today. Don’t be a sucker and beware!

In honor of April Fools’ Day, I scoured the internet and put together a few fun practical jokes to share. Enjoy! But Beware!


We Didn’t Start the Fire:
“A friend has been visiting me in LA from the east coast. She left the morning of April 1 to go back home. When I returned from work that day I noticed she had left her cell phone charger and it was still plugged in. I called her and asked if she had left her charger plugged in. When she said yes, I told her my place had burned down and the fire department said it started where her charger was plugged in. I told her I had no insurance and all my things including my guitars and all my clothes were gone. I let this go on for about a minute before I asked her, ‘Do you know what the worst part of this is?’ She said no choking back the tears. ‘That it’s April Fool’s on you.’ She didn’t talk to me for a few weeks but now laughs about it.”
— David



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35354_OriginalPrank Your BFF
Go into the contacts in your pal’s cell phone and change the name associated with your number to a TV character, celebrity or person from her past. Send her ridiculous texts from your phone — she’ll wonder how Mr. T became an entry and why he needs her to join the A-Team. If your friend knows your cell by heart, this may be a one-trick idea. If she doesn’t , you’re in for hours of fun.


Highlights

Happy Good Friday and a good Friday it will be.

After a rather hectic week of “fighting the man” in various areas of my life, I’m so looking forward to the next three days off to recharge. I’m the kind of person that will fight when things need to get done and I won’t let it go until it is (I don’t care if it’s over a dollar – it’s the principle!). While I always try to retain a level of diplomacy and politeness – I have no problem calling, emailing, stalking, and generally speaking my mind when something needs to be addressed. One of my pet peeves in life is when another’s personality is quite opposite to this and they’re not being responsive. I like people who get *crap* done! (I really wanted to use the other word, but want to keep things PG here). 🙂

As cliché as this statement has become, I’m a spiritual rather than religious person. Easter as a young child usually involved a huge Easter basket and a special homemade dinner where preparations started earlier in the day. I also recall watching parts of  “The Ten Commandments” on afternoon TV – not fully understanding what the heck I was watching because it was so long and they “spoke funny.”

Sadly, as an adult, I don’t have a ritual for this weekend, but totally respect those who do. It’s always nice to take time out to celebrate and reflect on what you believe in. If I had a choice, perhaps I would tackle watching “The Ten Commandments” again (with the subtitles on for clarity) after a leisurely Easter Brunch at Cafe Midi.

Have a great weekend and whatever your beliefs, I think this is a good time, as ever, to reflect on them.

My week’s highlights as we bid goodbye to March…


TREAT| gelato

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{Indulging in a few bites of my guy’s gelato. You get the treat without the guilt!}


EAT| cafe midi

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{Finally, I had brunch at Cafe Midi – it’s my favorite new place.}


SPRING| flowers

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{My first floral purchase for Spring  // The Spring Project is now underway.}


SHOP| farmer’s market

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{I’ve been on a serious farmer’s market kick lately. I enjoy starting out my Sunday mornings visiting a local farmer’s market and stocking up on fresh produce for the week.}

(This week: Studio City.}


EAT| lunch

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{I was so proud of my homemade lunch concoctions this week (lots of salads), thanks to my farmer’s market visit.}


SHOES| sandals

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{So my Audrey Brooke Wedges were too narrow for my feet (the risks of online shopping).  I went in-store to exchange them for these adorable Unisa Lenni Glitter Sandals.}


DVD| zero dark thirty

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{A sweet gift for my DVD collection from the BF and one of my favorite movies of 2012.}



Birchbox Review: March

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When I opened Birchbox #2, I was already in a great mood having spent the day touring the Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown. I had received it earlier that morning, but wanted to wait until later that day to build the anticipation so I’d have something to look forward to (I was like a kid on Christmas morning!). To my delight, these 6 goodies were inside…

1. Stella Cadente Miss Me Discrete? Eau de Toilette // I was pleasantly surprised by this french fragrance. It’s very subtle with floral undertones that give off a light powdery smell. I found myself reaching for it frequently because it’s so appropriate for Spring and I loved spending my days lightly spritzed by this whimsical and romantically inspired fragrance. Aside from it being pretty pricey, this isn’t a scent that I think carries beyond this season – so while I plan to enjoy the sample, I likely won’t purchase the full sized bottle.

2. Twistband Headband  // Admittedly, it took me a minute to warm to this item. I knew it was a headband, but wondered why it was tied in a huge knot at the nape that looked kind of cheap to me. I suppose I’m used to thin headbands forming an infinity circle that makes it look well-made. Once I got past the knot and read up on why these were so special, I gave it a try. I loved it! I loved the pop of color it gave my look when I wore it, but most of all, I loved that it stayed in place and didn’t leave a huge crease in my hairline – complaint #1 when wearing skinny headbands! I’m on the fence about purchasing more in large part because of the cost. The sample band I got is fun enough to use without moving forward.

3. Benefit Benetint // In theory, I’m a fan of what this product was designed to do, provide a lasting natural tint to lips and cheeks. Unfortunately, because of my more caramel complexion this didn’t show up extremely well on my skin when I first used it. However, when I applied a few coats it did stand out more, but the tint didn’t seem as long-lasting as promoted. My thinking is that this would be perfect for more pale to olive skin tones.

4. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant // Good thing I read what this stuff was for because I thought it was a simple moisturizer suitable enough for use after washing my face. Turns out, the greasy, amber colored goo that came out of the packet with an “interesting smell” is more of a salve used for intense moisture of chapped lips, cuticles, or rough heels and sunburned skin. I did find this product to be awesome on my feet before bed and when I wanted some moisture on my lips, but this isn’t something I’d ever purchase. The greasy nature and smell don’t help at all. Some Vaseline and/or cocoa butter would do the trick – and not be so smelly.

5. Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream – The best part about this organic shaving cream is hands down the intense blueberry scent and soft skin post shower.  I didn’t feel the need to have to put lotion on right away as I normally do when I shave my legs. The one thing I couldn’t get over was that this product doesn’t lather. I’m used to that thick foam that develops when using my much cheaper (and still pleasantly scented) Skintimate shaving cream, and I realized that I like shaving my legs with that kind of texture. Even though I loved the scent, the natural ingredients used, and how moisturized my skin was after using Whish – I would never spend more than $5.00 on a can of shaving cream. This stuff is over-priced.

6. Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board – What can I say? It’s a nail file. Since I have a few of these already, it’s still unopened and unused at writing time. I plan to add this to my make-up bag in my purse for emergencies. I do like the cute floral design and appreciate the extra bonus in this month’s box – but there really isn’t much more to say than…it’s a nail file 🙂

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// Overall //

While some of the products are inherently great – cost is a huge factor for why I wouldn’t purchase anything full-size from the Birchbox Shop this time around. If I was in the mood to splurge, it would be for the Stella Cadente fragrance. I really liked the headbands, but there must be an equal alternative at a beauty supply store for half the cost. Don’t think of me as an unhappy Birchbox customer – part of the fun is simply in the experimentation and trying something new at low risk. Keep em coming, Birchbox. Until April, stay beautiful.

Please do share your Birchbox stories with me in the comments section below – it’s infectious to hear them!

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

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. ||

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|| Corner nightstands. ||

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|| 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. ||



Farewell Abbot Kinney

1-2013-03-23_11-48-36_651There was always one unassuming oasis resting on the chaotic Abbot Kinney Boulevard that I found myself at many times over the years. It was Jin Patisserie – a small, charming pastry boutique with an outdoor garden cafe. I spent several afternoons with a small pot of my favorite green tea, their delicious quiche, and a surprise sweet treat; enjoying the tranquil setting alone with a book and a smile on my face. Other times, it was almost always the first place I thought of when a friend wanted to get together for lunch because I adored introducing people to its unique charisma. This past weekend, I paid one last visit for lunch with my boyfriend and a friend to say goodbye.

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About three weeks ago, I learned from a L.A. Magazine article that due to the rising costs of leasing on the now extremely trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard – Jin Patisserie would be forced to close – a pattern that is spreading up and down the short strip as I type this post. While Abbot Kinney has always been one of the more popular streets in L.A.; known for its one of a kind, vintage inspired merchandise; high quality ingredient dining options; fused together by a laid back beach-y vibe – it was also home to many small original ventures that can no longer afford to keep up with its growing popularity.

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{my favorite tea – peche mignon.}

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{ham & feta quiche lunch combo.}

The silver lining to Jin Patisserie’s farewell to Abbot Kinney is that you can still order your favorite pastries and loose leaf tea selections online from their production kitchen in Culver City. And while Kristy Choo, its beloved owner, says that she’s looking for a new space to relocate – I cannot help but think about how it wouldn’t be the same. Perhaps it’s because I associate happy memories of the patisserie and the boulevard interchangeably. Perhaps she’ll find a way to create an even better oasis at an even better location. The fact that she managed to keep a successful business up and running in the restaurant fickle city of Los Angeles for 10 years is a celebration in and of itself.

While I’m not bidding farewell to spending many upcoming warm L.A. Saturdays strolling the sidewalks of Abbot Kinney personally, I’m saying farewell to my favorite part of it.

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{the day’s sweet treat – Macarons.}

Mixtape Monday // Friday Night Soundtrack

While on my way to the office a few days ago, Lady Gaga and her mantra to “Just Dance” came into rotation on my iPod while cruising down the 405 freeway, moon roof open, enjoying the L.A. sunshine. Instantly, it took me back to Friday nights circa 2007-2009.

I was in my mid-twenties, single, going out with the girls to dance, dance, dance the night away! While it certainly wasn’t every Friday night that I ventured from the west side into Hollywoodland, there was a time when this was how I kicked-off my weekends. There was something about dressing up, having a cocktail, and checking out the hot spots with friends that I just didn’t want to miss out on. I knew it was a time in my life that I should take advantage of and experience it as best as I could (even when I’d rather stay in with take-out and watch a movie) because I knew the older I got – the more things would change. I consider myself a social drinker (I’m too nerdy to be a party girl) so I would only have a drink or two max because that wasn’t my agenda for being out. It was to be around the music, check out the scene, and enjoy being young in one of the greatest cities in the world.

I have fond memories of the first Hollywood club I ever went to, Vanguard on Hollywood Boulevard. Subsequently, I remember the times I visited Ritual that later turned into Halo (that is now called something else), Green Door, and The Highlands among others.  Some nights the music was on point and everyone was having a good time, other nights the music was terrible and I wanted to go home but refused to because I had already paid $20 for parking! 🙂

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{During this period, I also went to Vegas a couple of times for a long weekend or to The O.C. on Saturday nights to hang out with friends there occasionally. I came across this Vegas photo taken at TAO.}

Since then, those nights are far and few in between. I’m still young, don’t have any children or huge responsibilities outside myself, and sometimes I do miss these types of girls night out to blow-off some steam; and mostly, because I L.O.V.E. to dance. Of course, I meet-up with friends for a drink or for dinner, but it’s been some time since I’ve hit Hollywood or Cahuenga Boulevard in search of some fun on a Friday night.

There are certain songs that take you back in time the moment you hear them again after it’s been awhile. For me, hearing that song took me back to a particular night where 4 L.A. girls hit 3 clubs in one night trying to find the right place to “Just Dance.”

In honor of those nights, I’ve curated a short playlist of 12 songs that was the soundtrack of several Friday nights. Where does the time go? Enjoy!


{If you dig it, subscribe to this Spotify playlist here: All That Glitters Mixtape Monday: 03.25.2013}



Highlights

My life has been filled with so many stories and so much storytelling this week. Aside from the amazing Stanley Kubrick exhibition that I saw recently, I’ve been immersed in three other narratives that have not only entertained, but brought out my deeply contemplative personality.

I‘ve been delving into “The Up Series,” a documentary that checks in with a group of British people once every seven years (beginning at age 7). I’m just now catching up on the other parts of the series in order to see the most recent installment at age 56. Meanwhile, any time I’ve spent sitting in traffic has been accompanied by an audio book, Iyanla Vanzant’s autobiography “Peace From Broken Pieces.” I’ve been on such an emotional roller coaster listening to her story and it’s made me really stop and think about my own life and how my experiences have shaped how I now am as an adult. And finally, because I love a good fiction read to satisfy my imaginative side, I’ve been spending lots of down time absorbed into Stephenie Meyer’s, “The Host.” I’m halfway through and should make it just in time for the film’s release next weekend. 

Interestingly, as I absorbed these narratives this week – ranging from autobiographical to purely science fictional, they all somehow intertwine in theme. What I’m learning is that it’s amazing how we grow and change, yet remain the same at our core. As a result, it’s those  demons we struggle with as we move about our day-to-day because of those established core characteristics.

While I spent a lot of time engaged in stories, I managed to come up for air to have a very productive week. Taxes are done, I took a more challenging yoga class (for which I’m now feeling the sore effects), my goal to incorporate more fresh fruits and veggies into my diet is going well, and a few spring inspired happenings paid off in small ways.

Have a great weekend.

This week’s highlights…


SIP| coffee & milk

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Prior to checking out the Stanley Kubrick exhibition, it was a nice treat to grab an iced mocha from the LACMA’s on-campus coffee shop, Coffee & Milk, and sit outside in the sunshine for awhile. I had my reservations about the place when I was told they don’t offer vanilla/flavored syrup so as to “not affect the flavor of the coffee” but I could order a mocha instead – which in my mind is still considered flavoring so I didn’t quite see their argument.  Anywho, after doctoring it up some myself (more sugar and milk was needed) – I forgot all about that nonsense and got ready for an exciting day ahead – caffeine fix in place.


SHOP| farmer’s market

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A stop at the farmer’s market yielded great rewards on the produce front that I’ve been happily enjoying all week.


EAT| tavern ham & vegetable salad

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A memorable lunch earlier this week. The best part? The champagne vinaigrette dressing. Yum!


GIFT| flowers

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The gift of Spring from a friend that brightened my day.