Highlights

Highlights Header ATG FINAL{A Saturday well spent at the museum.}

Though it’s still very much summer, I can feel the subtle shift to fall – well, as much of a “fall” as LA can muster. While we’re still about 3 weeks out according to the calendar, I can feel a more gentle breeze in the evenings, my A/C doesn’t need to be on every time I’m home, and those damn flowers are starting to fall off the tree and stick to my freshly washed car that’s just minding its own business in the parking lot at home. I’m not at all getting prepared for a complete change in season anytime soon though. LA typically channels summer until late October into early November (no joke). My boots and scarves will have to collect a bit more dust before I can find a legitimate excuse to break them out.

Until then, I’m more than happy to soak up the rest of summer. My summer bucket list is coming along, but I’m finding that I’m only at about 40% through it. The goal is to knock this up to 60% by the end of the holiday weekend!

Overall, a good week on my end. I spent most of it prepping a film shoot that we’re heading up to San Francisco for later this fall, then unwinding with a more nights than I care to share of “why am I watching this?” reality tv.

The highlights of life since we last caught up involved breaking the rules when it comes to yogurt, spending a relaxing Saturday at the LACMA, and heading over to the Sundance Theater in West Hollywood to check-out Mark Duplass’s new film “The One I Love.”

The One I LOVE ATG FINAL{“The One I Love” at the The Sundance Sunset 5.}

I’m a huge fan of independent cinema. It’s my absolute favorite type of film, behind a well-made feature-length documentary film, of course. I must say, “The One I Love” is…unique. It plays on what is likely to be a trend in relationship-based or genre-specific films, by not falling into one particular category at all. “The One I Love” is part comedy, part drama, and part sci-fi. This hybrid approach breeds a narrative that’s inherently interesting because you can’t quite place where the story is going. In some cases, this works, in others it doesn’t. This is a case where it worked…I think. I’ll admit, it took such an unexpected turn that you’re not entirely sure what actually happened, and it certainly didn’t help that it was left completely open to interpretation. This would be a case where I’d watch the film again with a more critical eye after the first pass to come to a firm conclusion. It’s available on VOD if you’re not in an area where the film is screening at your local cineplex. If you happen to catch it, let me know what you think…and what the hell happened!?!

So, onto the biggest highlight of my week! Let me preface that living in LA makes seeing a celeb around town a dime a dozen and because of the business I’m in and the all of the screenings/events surrounding the industry – there are few people that I actually get giddy over. This is not to brag, it’s just how it is. It’s actually frowned upon to freak out around celebrities when you’re just a “regular” (like myself) working in the biz. However, the big draw for seeing the film was that Mindy Kaling was moderating the Q&A along with Mark Duplass after the film! I would (and did) get a little giddy for her.

I, like almost every other normal 20-30 something gal in America, feel some sort of weird connection to her. It’s like you can actually picture yourself hanging out with her because she seems so authentic, funny, and down to earth. I’ve often stated on the blog pretty emphatically that we’re really BFFs…she just doesn’t know that. 🙂

Unfortunately, my camera died (what is it with me about not keeping my battery charged!?!) so I didn’t get any shots of her (except the exterior marquee and dinner that night), but trust me – it really happened! And p.s. she’s pretty damn cool in person.

harvest salad ATG FINAL{Taking myself to dinner before the screening – the yummiest salad ever from the Veggie Grill. Note the grilled peaches and pecans!}

With that, it seems this weekend will find me working on my summer bucket list some, and giving myself a much-needed mani/pedi. Oh, and I’m really starting to push it and need to tackle my laundry. Since it’s likely everyone will be out and about for Labor Day and not in front of their computers (if they’re smart), I’m not posting on Monday, but can’t wait to catch up with you again on Wednesday.

I look forward to a relaxing holiday weekend ahead. I wish you the same. See you in September! x

Yogurtland ATG FINAL{That time I totally just ate Yogurtland for dinner. Hey, it kills two birds with one stone: dinner & dessert in one! Less guilt.}

Words_ ATG FINAL{A gem I spotted on the walk to grab my Sunday latte. And they say LA is full of negativity.}

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5 Reasons This Week Will Rock

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It’s been awhile since I’ve done one of my oh-so-fun “5 Reasons” post. It’s a post I like to do every so often to help get me smiling about the week ahead. Who-hoo! We all know how I just (enter sarcasm here) LOVE Mondays. And while they’re not my favorite after a productive, fun-filled weekend, they too, still deserve some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

So, as I make a consorted effort to get excited about the fact that’s Monday (again, already) and transition back into the routine of the week – I’m looking forward to the little things. I think one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard time and time again is to “always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.” If I keep this concept in mind, while consciously treasuring and getting excited about the small things in life, I can’t help but think I’ll kick Monday’s ass (excuse my French).

As they say, perspective is everything…even when it comes to Monday.

Here are 5 reasons this week will rock…

#1.  After 3 MONTHS of one of the most torturously comedic cliffhangers ever, The Mindy Project is back and they’re rightfully apologizing for such a lengthy hiatus with a 1 hour spring premiere. Will Mindy and Danny finally get it together and admit they have the hots for each other after their kiss in the sky? The point is – don’t bother me this Tuesday night between 9:00pm-10:00pm. I’m unavailable.

(p.s. If someone were to ever ask me who I’d want as my famous BFF, hands down, it would be Mindy Kaling. Rashida Jones, a close second.)

#2. What will surely be a nice addition to my week? Looking for something in my purse and actually finding it. For almost a month now my now defunct make-up bag kept popping open. Every make-up brush, tube of mascara, and lipstick I carry was always in the bottom of my purse. I finally went to Target and treated myself to a new make-up bag. I can’t wait to have the pleasure of seeing the bottom of my purse again. (Hey, it’s the little things, remember?)

#3. I love pasta. I also love anything that I can come home and whip up after a long day in no time. On one of my solo nights in this week, this super simple Pasta with Fresh Tomato dish will be on my dining agenda over old episodes of Ally McBeal on Netflix. Win. Win.

#4. I’ve been hearing manicure miracles about Essie’s All in One 3-Way Glaze. This formula is your base coat and top coat in one, while strengthening and providing a high shine. Ladies claim that your mani/pedis last longer, with no chipping or dullness. An at home spa treatment this week using this new gem is in order. I’ll report back on if it’s worth the hype.

#5. A mid-week date night with my boyfriend at one of our favorite theaters, some candy for sure, popcorn perhaps, and this incredibly interesting documentary on street photographer, Vivian Maier. Finding Vivian Maier, follows the story of a nanny who secretly had a passion and talent for photography. Her photos, unearthed in 2007, shortly before her death in 2009, are making a huge buzz on the art scene, labeling her one the best photographers of the 20th century. The film delves into the life and times of a woman who clearly preferred anonymity and secrecy, while being a mystery herself. This should be a good one. Here’s the trailer:

Cheers to another Monday and week ahead! xx

Highlights

This week has been pretty high and low for me. Things have been going very well at work. I had an amazing performance review a few days ago and feel like I’ve gotten to a place professionally where I’ve worked my booty off enough to prove I’m ready to take it up a notch and my boss is in complete support of that. Yay!

However, physically I’ve been extremely lethargic. I just haven’t had any energy lately. Simply put, I’ve been dragging. Headaches keep coming and going, my allergies are insane thanks to all the pollen in the air, and I wake up tired most mornings. No bueno. So I’ve been spending the last few days trying to figure out what’s off balance with myself and my life lately that’s causing this prolonged fatigue.

Well, I try to get to bed at a decent time and usually get my 8 hours. Admittedly though, I’m the lightest sleeper ever. Every noise wakes me up and there are times I’ll wake up 3 times in the middle the night – but this hasn’t been too much of an issue lately. I make a good effort to eat well, though there’s always room for improvement. And off the bat, I’ll admit where I have been the absolute worst is in my exercise habits lately. Outside of my yoga classes, I know I should be doing more cardio. I try not to stress myself out too much, but this is a weaker area for me and my perfectionist disposition. I drink plenty of water, but something that I stopped doing that seems to make a difference is taking vitamins. This has been my train of thinking on the issue.

So I did what any normal person would do and Google’d it. 🙂

I read WebMD’s Top 10 Ways to Boost Your Energy and instantly found areas where I have been having no-no behavior (like skipping meals). 😦

So the long holiday weekend will be spent resetting some my behaviors to work on my energy levels; seeing the most anticipated summer blockbuster on my list, Fast 6 (no laughing!), and getting some errands done. I hope you all have a relaxing and fun-filled Memorial Day weekend! xx

Here are some of my week’s highlights:

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{ Mindy Kaling’s book has been making life a bit funnier.}

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{Seeing Sarah Polley’s New Documentary, Stories We Tell.}

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{New changes coming on my blog. Doing a little research first.}

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

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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