Happiest Place on Earth

Summer used to mean long trips to visit my grandparents in Orlando. A couple days were spent at Disney World getting up the guts to jump on Space Mountain and riding Thunder Mountain more times than I could count. At night, I could be found propped up in the middle of their king-sized bed watching television with my dessert of choice, an ice cream drumstick. (Boy, was life hard then.) Funny how times flies, but summer still has the same fun appeal now even without being spoiled. Disney World is hard to come by, but here's a few things that summertime is sure to bring.

Ice cream truck decisions.
push-up pop or ice cream sandwich


any excuse to throw on some flip flops


Sweet tea brewed in the sun


Bocce ball in the park or on the beach

(all images via flickr. click image for details.)

Sally Sells Seashells

I dream of the days when I can escape to a beach house oasis. My getaways will be filled with sand between my toes, fish fry's for meals, and margarita sipping during sunset. I'll admire the ocean from afar (swimming isn't my thing) and bask in the sun (with the proper SPF of course). Until that wish comes to fruition, a little seashell decor inches me a little closer. At the very least, a touch of the beach will be a welcome change to my humble apartment with some pearl shell place mats and a couple decorative sand dollar pillows.

1. Placemats by Benson Mills @ $30
2. Measuring spoons (Anthropologie) @ $12
3. Treasure chest (RSH) @ $229
4. Shell dipping bowls (Williams Sonoma) @ $39
5. Capiz shell chime (Target) @ $19.99
6. Sand dollar throw pillow (Williams Sonoma) @ $168
7. Clam shell tealight holder (Williams Sonoma) @ $38

Summer of 69°

(F21 top, JBrand jeans, Gap sandals,
Anthropologie headband, Marc Jacobs bag)

I'm still waiting for the weather to rise into the 80's to fully support summertime with shorts and spaghetti strapped tanks. Stepping into the shade brings a slight chill, but with the sun shining bright I couldn't resist pairing this rosette textured tank, petal appliqué sandals and fancy new headband. My cardigan's absence means progress in the right direction. I'm warning you June gloom, don't even think about it.

Location Scouting

Having lived in L.A for almost two years, I still get a twinge of excitement when I spot movie locations, signed photos of celebrities taped on restaurant walls or the "such and such film was shot here" announcements like the one that greeted us yesterday at Callahan's for brunch (Zodiac was the film). While it's not nearly as recognized as Katz's Deli from the infamous "When Harry Met Sally" diner scene, it got me thinking about other movies I love and the restaurant locations that added to their charm. Perhaps one day I'll be able to see how they all compare in person, but for now the magic of the movies has won out.

Cha Cha Cha from "Shopgirl"
in LA's Silver Lake area



Paris' Cafe des Deux Moulins from "Amelie"



The Hitching Post from "Sideways"
in Santa Barbara County

Planning For No Plans

This weekend I'm keeping it low-key. Last weeks festival plans didn't turn out so well, so my goal is to have no expectations and mapped out ventures and see how it works out. That's a lot easier said than done, because as I write this I can't help but formulate some general ideas of what I'd like to do.

1. At our house, we've begun a Lost marathon starting from the first seasons, so I do foresee a good chunk of the show being watched late into the night.
2. Marathons lead to munchies, which might involve a recipe here or there to tryout.
3. Sunday brings to mind pancakes and waffles, and there's a restaurant that I've been wanting to try for weeks.

What can I say, I'm a planner. Hope your weekend is full of simple and fun plans too!

The Tribe Has Spoken

Incorporating a tribal look doesn't have to be all black and white graphic prints. An intricate bib necklace or earrings can add a subtle tribal touch with pops of red and turquoise. Rich warm tones, beaded textures, and stacks of bangles give you an array of options to play with. Just remember, welcoming a trend is one thing, but looking like you came right out of the jungle is another.

(click image for product details)

Sweet-Hearts

(Zara dress, heels and studded belt, rings from F21)

Yesterday, I found myself dressed head to toe in Zara. It's always the first store I stop in during a mall visit, and my arms are quickly engulfed with tons of fashionable options like flirty dresses, blouses, and an occasional strappy heel. Dwindling down the items in the fitting room is the hard part. It's a battle between all the things I want and what my bank account will allow, but I assume that's the story for most of us. I couldn't help but scoop up this dress with it's printed hearts and bow that give off an instant playful vibe.

What store is your first stop on a shopping trip?

Strawberry Fields Forever

This past weekend, I ventured out to the California Strawberry Festival with high expectations to devour loads of sugary treats incorporating my favorite fruit. After several hours in traffic and unpredicted parking lines, I begrudgingly payed my admission fee and was welcomed by hundreds of other patrons waiting in line for mediocre foods at outrageous prices. Let's just say, it's not the quaint, hometown feel I had pictured in my head all week. For now, I'll have to inundate my dessert recipes with strawberries to make up for my festival disappointment.

the classic strawberry shortcake

chocolate covered berries
with varying toppings

the simplicity of strawberries and cream
with chocolate sauce

I welcome all of you to do the same :)

*all images via flickr, click image for source*

The White Stripes

It's become routine to see nautical stripes trickle into stores come February and March for spring shipments (year round if you're shopping Ralph Lauren). Instantaneously classic, the stripes are hard not to associate with a red lip and bow, but I chose to downplay the shirt with gold accessories and a dark-washed boot-cut. Don't be surprised if you see it again paired with a khaki short and a splash of red or with a floral skirt to play into the mix-matched pattern trend.

(Lux striped shirt, Hudson jeans, Naturalizer heels,
Marc Jacobs bag, vintage earrings, 3 misc. rings)

Hey Chambray

As the weather heats up, any excuse to stay cool in the Valley heat becomes a top priority. Those fabric choices that kept me cozy and warm in Fall seem almost unbearable when the weather shifts, and lightweight jersey cotton and chambray are my new best friends. With the denim on denim look popping up everywhere, I like to think of chambray as a more romantic and feminine option. These options include spaghetti strapped rompers and handbags inspired by the fabric's pale blue shade. Bring on the heat, Sunshine!

*In other news... if you're on Facebook, I'd love to have you as a fan of my life in style here!

Comfort Food

I'll admit, I'm a bit needy when sick. Perhaps it stems from being an only child, but I might as well have a bell to ring from my cove of sickness. Not to sound too dramatic, my location is mostly the couch and my list of "demands" tend to always include food. Anything from wonton soup to a $5 footlong, my stomach doesn't discriminate, much like that of a pregnant woman.

Last night's wish? Chocolate ice cream with kit-kats. Gummi Bears were my first choice, but I guess all the 5 year old's got there before me.

A nice alternative to my Theraflu and cough drops.

On the Hunt

If it was up to me, every Sunday would include a visit to the Pasadena Flea Market. This time I brought along my boyfriend, who when he wasn't shooting this footage was finding random little things to buy (a 1930's postcard from his hometown and vintage match boxes) among all my clothing, jewelry and home trinket hunting. Here's a look at my second time out to the Rose Bowl. This might not have been my day, but with a place packed with this many people it's certainly not going anywhere. Besides, third time's the charm.

P.S. I Love You

This Sunday there's nothing more I wish I could do than to spend it with my mom on Mother's day. If only Florida wasn't 2,500 miles away. Instead, I'll have to reminisce with old pictures that remind me of the past 23 years of her constant love and never-ending support (plus those 9 months in the womb and the 24 hours of labor she won't let me forget about). There's more memories than I could write, but here's a few I'll always cherish. Some big. Some small. Each just as special to me.

*Catching up over the latest episode of Gilmore Girls as a teen.
*Putting me through private school as a single mom.
*My birthday cake and bedspread always representing my latest Disney infatuation
(101 Dalmatians, The Little Mermaid).
*Letting me cry on her shoulder.
*Showing me the practicality of power tools and home repairs,
even when I didn't care to listen.
*Her comfort when my childhood fear of E.T was too much to bear.
*Singing along to "We Didn't Start the Fire" and "Fast Car".
*Teaching me the meaning of unconditional love.

Happy Mother's Day Mom.
I can't wait to add more memories to the list.
love you. love you. love you.

p.s. Please don't cry.

Shoe Loves You, Shoe Loves You Not

Keds continues to roll out classic styles, as seen in their latest Century Collection. Each month, a new sneaker inspired by decades past, will be available exclusively on their site. May's style represents the 1930's, a decade categorized by American hardship with a looming war and impending Great Depression. Designed with a distressed sole, the vintage look serves as a nice contrast to the petal pink color option I'm loving for summertime. How charming would they be with a beach cruiser and an ocean view?

*also available in black and natural white

Ole, Ole!

There are a few certain recipes that I always remember being prepared in my grandparent's kitchen, and ceviche was one of those dishes. Most kids would put their nose up to any fish dish, especially one prepared in such a way as ceviche, but I was never a picky eater. In fact, there are certain stories that involve me scarfing down oysters on the half shell as if they were chicken nuggets. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, I put together this recipe last night (with the addition of shrimp). All the components have been marinating and cooking in the fridge, and I can't wait to devour and enjoy after my work day.

Cross Your Heart

While taking a stroll to a neighborhood restaurant last night, it came to my attention that I've been walking out the door with this bag every single day this past week. There's something special about the simplicity of throwing on a lightweight cross-body holding only my true necessities. It's a nice change from an oversized hobo that easily becomes a clutter magnet, not to mention a shoulder ache waiting to happen. With tons of different crossbody styles, it wouldn't hurt to see what other options there are on the market.

all via Urban Outfitters:

Adjustable cross-body bag by Kimchi Blue @ $38
Bucket bag by Kimchi Blue @ $58 (also in red)
Malababa pouch purse @ $198

Deux Lux "beauty pink" bag @ $48