What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

Posted in Series by C.

Four words have been on my mind lately: bikini weather is coming. In fact, it’s already arrived fashionably early in LA at a not-so-cool 98° today. I couldn’t be less prepared. How is it that I was just at The Grove nursing a latte and staring at the Christmas tree, now all too aware that shorts weather is upon us?

If you’ve been following along, this year in general hasn’t been too kind to me on the health front, from that lingering stomach bug I had on-and-off for months to my recent bout with the common cold (that I’m actually now fighting again! Ugh). I’m noticing a change in my body and how it’s more easily responding to illness (though to nothing at all serious, thank goodness). There was a point in time, I’d go years without catching a cold. Perhaps much of it is getting older and I have to accept that. On the other hand, I’m sure most of it is needing to adjust my lifestyle because I’m not 25 anymore. Admittedly, my exercise and eating habits have been slacking (I know, I know) and I’m certain that has a lot to do with it. Add a little bit of anxiety, a dash of stress here and there, and you’re likely to be even more susceptible to getting sick (at least, that’s when I tend to get sick).

I do make a conscious effort to eat healthily, keep hydrated, but by no means am I perfect (if you put a box of Hot Tamales in front of me…it’s over). Naturally, there are areas for improvement and this is likely the link between why I’ve felt and continue to feel slightly “off” recently. While we all know clean eating, lots of water, and plenty of exercise and sleep is the answer, sometimes it just helps to get a little inspiration and reinforcement. Enter: The Body Book. I started reading it over the weekend after seeing really positive reviews on Amazon and can tell this is just what I need to re-invigorate my focus on my body and it’s relationship to nutrition. I’m not all saying that you won’t ever see me at In-N-Out indulging in a burger every now and then (because trust me, you will), but what I am saying is that it’s time to spend some time fine tuning this area of my life. Of course, not vainly for the mere purpose of that aforementioned bikini weather (though it is a good motivator), but because I also want to feel better and work on my energy levels, placing more of an emphasis on treating myself better than I have been as of late.

Here’s to good health…and along with The Body Book…

Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now…

1-Desktop

The Body Book by Cameron Diaz | Amazon.com
Stuffed Avocados | FabFitFun.com
Raw Gemstone Chunky Necklace | Etsy.com
Hanging Chair | Pinterest.com
Words by Joanne Harris | WeHeartIt.com
The Secret to a Perfect Manicure | Makeup.com
Malia Booties | Blowfish.com

12Feb2014

What I’m Lovin’ Right Now | The V-Day Edition

Posted in Beauty, Food, Holidays, Treats by C.

As I think about it, there are several stages to the Valentine’s Day experience I believe many women go through. As a kid, you were ~~forced~~ encouraged to swap Valentine’s with your classmates, literally walking home with tons of cards and heart-shaped candy (along with the biggest sugar rush ever to your parent’s delight). In middle school, you sent candy grams to all your girlfriends, and they to you, as a mark of solidarity. In high school, somehow that all changed and you watched with disdain that only the popular girls somehow now got all the candy grams delivered right in the middle of English class. In college, you were just plain bummed to be single and/or annoyed by all the hoop-la so you holed up in your dorm room watching movies until this ridiculous excuse for a holiday was over. In your early twenties, Valentine’s Day became “Single’s Appreciation Day,” and you were as Destiny’s Child once said, an “Independent Woman” so you’d grab your single girlfriends and make your own rules (I don’t need no man!). And then one day, whatever day or age it may be, you meet your Valentine.

From there, it may revert back to the early twenties stage where you find yourself celebrating Single’s Appreciation Day again after a break-up; or perhaps after years in a relationship, it just becomes another day.

I think I’ve gone through almost (almost) every iteration of the typical women’s Valentine’s Day experience. This year, I happen to be on the team that has a Valentine and he’s always good about making it special.

While I’m aware, and in complete agreement with those that think, that love (and flowers, and chocolate, and kind words) should come more than once a year on a consumerist driven holiday, I couldn’t help but dedicate a little space to that thing we call love and all the hoop-la surrounding it.

Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now…the Valentine’s Day edition…

V-Day WILRN

SAY | 30 Ways to Say “I Love You” | Huffington Post.
BAKE | Skinny Pink Champagne Cupcakes | The Skinny Fork.
UNWIND | Jo Malone “Red Roses” Bath Oil | Nordstrom.
WEAR | Pink Knot Front Dress | Victoria’s Secret.
PAINT | Festive Valentine’s Day Mani.
COOK | 15 Creative Dinner Ideas for Celebrating Valentine’s Day | All Yummy Recipes.
CREATE | Personalized M&M’s | My M&M’s
CRAFT | D.I.Y. Frosted Vase | A Beautiful Mess.
BRIGHTEN | Pure Color Cheek Rush in X-Pose Rose | Estee Lauder.
SMEAR | The Kiss Lip Balm | Lush.
BUY | Handmade Valentine’s Day Cards | Sew Colorful Designs.
WATCH | The Top Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Day | Better Homes and Gardens.

Stay in Touch: Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin‘

6Nov2013

What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

Posted in Fashion, Food by C.

Six random things making me smile today. I couldn’t resist the Melie Bianco Winged Tote in particular. After going back and forth over “should I? shouldn’t I?” for the last two weeks – I gave in and went for the small splurge. It’ll be here in a few short days. Admittedly, my smile just got a little bit bigger. And party popcorn (with sprinkles, no less!) couldn’t be more fun. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe out in the very near future. Have a beautiful Wednesday. Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now..

Blend

Blueberry avocado muffins | gimmesomeoven.com
“Everything you want is on the other side of fear” – art print | Society6.com
Party popcorn | shewearsmanyhats.com
Ombré glitter nail inspiration | Kléofa.com.br
Melie Bianco Aria Winged Tote | dsw.com
Mohair Medusse Skirt | Datura.com

10Jul2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Fashion, Food, Inspiration by C.

Ladies, we all know and can agree that being “female” certainly has its perks (hands down, when it comes to shopping we got it made – have you ever gone shopping with a guy? It’s literally the exact same shirt in different colors?) but in all seriousness, its challenges. Pressures to fit into picture-perfect airbrushed magazine standards of beauty being arguably the greatest of them if you ask many of us. I won’t go into a rant about my personal thoughts about the challenges of being a woman in today’s world; but I will share something that resonated with me, perhaps because it’s from a male point of view literally stepping into a woman’s shoes. I came across this clip yesterday afternoon after I’d seen it posted a few times in my Facebook feed and watched it wanting to know what was causing a mini viral craze. It warmed my heart to see such vulnerability and compassion from a man, and not just any man, a “Hollywood” man. Dustin Hoffman said it best. Now if only we could somehow manage as both women and men to collectively shift our perspectives on how we value people. Honestly, I really couldn’t begin to even say how. The conundrum we’ve gotten ourselves into is pretty complicated.