Food For Thought

I can easily partner bananas and peanut butter on a piece of white bread any day of the week (as mentioned in this post), but that doesn't exactly say "I'm a grown up" now does it? This chicken and roquefort sandwich combines flavors of blue cheese and arugula on a fresh baguette bringing me one step closer to becoming a great home chef.

*Recipe found in Cooking Light Magazine & online here*

Have a wonderful weekend, and be sure to eat something equally as delicious!

Love @ First Click

When I first saw this floral Erdem dress from the Spring 2010 Collection, I sighed with delight. Perfectly feminine and colorful, it sums up the season and everything I love about it. This wide shot doesn't give the dress justice, but a simple click via style.com zooms you in to see the details of Erdem Moralioglu's creation. The tiny flower buds and leaves appear to pop off the dress giving the illusion of a field of violets, daisies, and roses.

With photos capturing detail like this, sitting front row doesn't seem so far away.

There's No Place Like Home

Perhaps lounge wear doesn't give off the most fashionable vibe, but it sure does keep you comfy and cozy. After a long day at work and a chilly night to follow, that's exactly what I want and need. My current routine goes something like this...

a) Arrive home.
b) Put the heater on because I'm a wuss with cold weather.
c) Get my "comfy clothes" on.

Here's some items that I could easily add into my "comfy clothes" designated drawer.

1. No Place Like Home Tee @ $28
2. BDG Cozy Pullover @ $38
3. Love in Paris Pajama Set @$12.80
4. Blue Free City Sweatpants @ $148
5. Live & Love Boyfriend Hoodie @ $176

Ahhh. 6pm can't come soon enough. Who's with me?

Lunchtime Giggles

Because every Tuesday needs a little laugh...



Today feels like one of those days where you just can't seem to get going, yet the clock keeps ticking. Maybe a little laughter will help get me into gear.

Welcome Back, Sunshine

Rain, rain has gone away. I know it'll be back another day. Until then, Malibu here I come. While I might have overestimated the warmth of the sun, my new printed dress was dying to have a day out of the closet. Note to self, blue leggings for next time.

Aqua dress, Tommy Hilfiger blazer, sequin+beaded slip-ons (flea market find), spiral bangle (unknown/gift)

Have a spring purchase you are eager to bring out of the closet? I know I'm not alone :)

*Pictures (and new banner) courtesy of Best Boyfriend in the Entire World.*

My Central Perk: Crave Cafe

Living a hop, skip, and a jump away from a great cafe is one of the benefits of my place. Crave Cafe, open 24 hours 6 days a week, is perfect for those random cravings no matter what time of day. I like to think of it as my very own Central Perk, a la Friends. If only Rachel worked behind the counter...

Whether you want a bowl of Cookie Crisp, a panini, crepe, or even frozen yogurt, their chalkboard menu has you covered. My pick for today's visit? Bread pudding with melted chocolate chips and nutella swirls, accompanied with a cafe latte.

Don't leave without taking a red velvet cookie, either. Words can't describe.

Something in the Air

Smell is an amazing sense. Whenever it's good you never want the lingering aroma to fade, and so was the case yesterday when my nose became affixed on a perfume that was brand new to me. After a little investigation, I discovered it was Miss Marisa, a perfume oil made by Ebba Los Angeles.

Their scents don't stop at Miss Marisa. There's 11 others, that my nose is dying to sniff out, and their fragrance sampler kit is perfect for that. And with a description like this, I don't think you want to miss out either. "Wisps of Plum Blossoms and Cassis romance Fresh Mint and Waterlily, in a dance for the senses."

And in other news, this is my 100th post! There's no turning back now, and I'm so excited for the next 100 to come and whatever the future holds for my nook in the blogosphere. Thanks for all the support!

Cascade of Color

The Golden Globes have all been passed out to their respective winners, and I'm sure your best dressed pick is still fresh in your fashion loving mind (January Jones for me). From subtle pastels to bold hues, color is the simplest way to pay homage to your favorite looks of the night. Here are some picks that take note from the blues, reds, and pinks worn by three well-dressed ladies that don't even need an introduction.

Blues:
Dress from Lulu's
Robert Rodriguez Dress

Reds:
Jill Stuart Dress
Shell Necklace from Forever21
Feather Earrings from Forever21

Pinks:
Cynthia Vincent Dress
Marc by Marc Clutch
Lotus Ring from Forever 21

What color did you love on the red carpet?

Shelter from the Storm

Yesterday was the first of many rainy days here in Los Angeles. In fact, the weather reports are showing a definite 100% chance for rain in the next few days. After braving the stormy weather, awful drivers, and flooded streets outside, I enjoyed the rest of my day nestled in my apartment all warm and dry. In an effort to avoid cabin fever, here's a few things that kept me occupied.

catching up on my magazines

a home manicure & polish

netflix movie & munchies

Tomorrow it's back to work for me, but I'd love to know what's keeping you busy while you shelter from the storm (rain or snow).

A Picnic in Pictures

Yesterday might have started off rainy, but the sun couldn't resist shining, in true So-Cal fashion. My apologies go out to those of you still bearing the winter cold. With take-out from Panini Cafe, we headed over to the park to enjoy their Caprese Di Parma and Chicken Paninis, alongside the sunshine and fresh air.




What's your lunch choice for picnic days? I'm already planning my next one.

Bringing Cubby Back

image via flickr

We were all introduced to cubbies in elementary, those little squares that we called our own. Stuffed to the brim and labeled with our name, it held all our childhood necessities like lunchboxes, nap time blankets, and Velcro tie shoes. It was a simple way to keep items in the right place, and instantly we learned about organization. It would be years before we incorporated that word into our vocabulary or even fully understood its meaning, and thank goodness for that. Ignorance is bliss.

In my own home, my entry way nook has wicker baskets for shoes and magazine files for incoming and outgoing mail. They're simple storage ideas that have helped my clutter stay where it should be. Besides, there's something nostalgic about having my own cubby... once again.

Here's some other great ways storage cubbyholes can be incorporated into your own home. All courtesy of flickr.

found here, here, and here

Site to Love: Nasty Gal

I'm always looking for new sites to shop, and Nasty Gal is my latest discovery. Let's just say in one visit, I'm hooked. With a nod to punk style, it's got it's fare share of studded items, which is reason enough to love it. However, if punk isn't exactly your style choice, the site has a lot more to offer. Look past those studs and leather leggings, for cardigans with a twist and dolman sleeved tees for layering.

Here's some of the items I added to my wishlist from my last visit.

Charcoal Blazer
Silver Chained Bracelet
Beaded Sweater Dress
Studded Heel

Like Mom Used To Make

There's nothing like a homemade chicken soup to aid a cold, and that's exactly what I needed with all my sniffling and sneezing these past few days. Without the luxury of a Mom at home, I had to venture out on my own with this one. This particular recipe is Caldo de Pollo, a Mexican style chicken soup with an assortment of veggies, chicken, cilantro and a spritz of lime. It's hearty, delicious, and simple to make, even while on cold medicine.

I used a mix of a family recipe and this one for the specific cooking instructions.

*Start off by bringing your chicken to a boil. I used 6 drumsticks. Make sure there is enough water to cover the chicken. Add more, if needed, to keep it covered.
*Add a quartered onion and a couple pieces of garlic to the water.
*When chicken is cooked, remove onion and garlic.
*Add all chopped veggies. Carrots, zucchini, potatoes, and corn. Add any that you love. Cabbage is traditionally used, but I left it out of mine.
* Add 1/4 cup of rice.
* Add Knorr Caldo de Pollo seasoning & salt to taste.
*Bring to boil then simmer for 15 minutes (or until veggies are cooked).
* Add cilantro in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
* Squeeze some lime on top.
* Eat and enjoy!

In other news, congratulations nfmgirl! You are the winner of my first giveaway! I'll be emailing you to get your address so we can get the item out to you a.s.a.p! Last but not least, special thanks to AllModern.com.

Hello Moto

We might all desire the Balenciaga Motorcycle Jacket, but rent takes priority for the majority of us. Well, at least it should. That's why the fashion world invented Forever 21. Lucky for us, the budget friendly go-to company has us covered with different twists on the classic biker jacket.

Find them all here: Twill Moto, Belted Jacket, Classic Zippered, Quilted

$30 vs.$2,600? I'll take that any day. Which style is your first pick?

Inspired by Water and Sky

Every year like clockwork, Pantone unveils their color of the year. That one shade that will make a big splash in the worlds of fashion, interior design, and beauty. Ladies and Gentlemen... drum roll please...2010's color of the year goes to Turquoise. The press release describes the meaning of the color as, "... believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky."

image via flickr

So refreshing and calming, no? It's inspiring me to book a Caribbean cruise right now! While it should be a couple weeks before we start seeing a lot of the color in spring shipments, I eagerly await the chance to dress, accessorize, and paint my nails in the color of 2010. How about you?


Full Pantone press release here, if you are interested.

All Modern Giveaway

Nearly three months have passed since moving into our new apartment, and the next key step is to personalize. Little knick-knacks and accessories may take years to fully accumulate, but I'd say we've got a nice little collection started.

While we recently purchased some dining room furniture, I would have loved to know about AllModern.com's sister site Dining Rooms Direct. It's a great resource ranging from breakfast nooks to barstools. Now, if you are in my boat and need accessories, AllModern.com is a great resource for modern and decorative home accents. Which is why, I'm very happy to announce my first giveaway is with them!

One lucky reader will receive this CAKE Node Bowl from the site. My hope is that, whether you use it as a fruit bowl, dining room furniture accent piece, or whatever your heart desires, it adds a finishing touch to your own home. But wait! You have to enter first...

Just leave a comment and your email address by January 8th 2010 8pm Pacific Time. For additional entries, you can twitter about the giveaway. Just make sure you leave me an additional comment explaining that you have done so.

Details of the giveaway go something like this...
1. You have to be a follower via Google Friend Connect. Meaning your little picture should pop up on the right. Please, make sure you are there.
2. This is for U.S and Canadian residents only.

Thanks All Modern! If you're interested, be sure to check out All Modern Pet and All Modern Baby for tons of other great items for your little ones, animal or human. :)

See Ya 2009

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a blast ringing in 2010. For those of you that might have had a bit too much bubbly and aren't feeling 100% today, what's a better way to recoup than by watching a great movie? I've compiled a list of some of my favorites of this past year, so grab some popcorn or your favorite hangover remedy and enjoy. Whether you want a love story, documentary, action or comedy, I've got you covered.







Enjoy your weekend, and I'll see you back here on Monday for my first giveaway!