foodie friday: sweet tooth

Yesterday was my roommate's birthday, and with birthdays come sweets. And lots of them.  For Lisa, I decided to forgo the normal cake route (because she makes the best ones anyway), and picked up a chocolate tart and some macaroons in various flavors and sizes.   I also drove Jasmine to the airport, and she gave me some macaroons to thank me!  So, needless to say, I've had sweets on the brain (and in my belly) ever since.

image via little oven

In an attempt to contain myself (I need to be able to fit into a bridesmaids dress next weekend, after all), I thought I would share with you some of my favorite local spots to get a fix.  A stop at any of these places is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Bottega Louie, macaroons
Essential Chocolate Desserts, cake balls (the beau surprised me with these once, and I'm now obsessed)
Lemonade, mini cupcakes (the red velvet is my favorite)
Coolhaus, ice cream (started as a truck, and opened a store last year)
Bouchon Bakery, macaroons
M Street Kitchen, cookies
Jack 'n Jills, crepes + muffins
Manhattan Beach Creamery, ice cream (you can make your own ice-cream sandwiches!)


I'm still crossing my fingers that Lake Street Creamery will return one day....what's better than trying crazy ice cream concoctions (like "pancake breakfast" with maple syrup, bacon bits, and peaberry coffee) from a truck?

Do you have a sweet tooth or are you more of a salt lover? My mom was definitely a person who craved salty rather than sweet--it made eating with her great because I had the dessert all to myself! Have a lovely weekend!
xx

stella & dot preview

This week I had the honor of attending a fashion and accessories preview hosted by a major PR company, BWR.  I was able to see brand new collections from both established and up-and-coming brands, while indulging in a mini-manicure, ice-cream sandwiches, and a candy bar--which included take home bags.  I wanted to share a few collections that stood out to me.  First up is Stella & Dot, a well-known jewelry brand that I have been infatuated with since I first pulled some pieces for a shoot this year.

Stella & Dot makes perfectly executed statement jewelry, with some lovely dainty pieces also scattered throughout their collections.  While some pieces can be a bit costly, the brand has many affordable ones as well.  And when I saw this year's Summer and Fall collections, I knew this would be a brand I could rely on for quality jewelry without draining my savings account.  Here are a few of my favorites from the upcoming collections.

Clockwise from top left:
Palamino Necklace
Eleanor Bangle
Jules Ring
Bello Bangle
Renegade Cluster Bracelet
Secret Garden Cuff
Olivia Bib Necklace
Kaihari Bangle
Tempest Necklace
Carrie Bangles
On The Mark (arrow)
Gitane Tassel Necklace

How perfect are these to add some oomph to easy summer dresses and basic tees?
xx

singin' the blues

[zara blouse {similar here} and shoes, j-brand pants, clutch- gift from my aunt and grandmother, michael kors watch, bracelets- david yurman/street vendor, rings- madewell/family heirloom, rayban aviators, mac morange lipstick] 

My oh my has it been hot in L.A.  June Gloom? Not lately. I am praying it stays like this because I'm loving every minute of it! For the rest of the week I'm wearing nothing but sundresses.

The only kind of blues I'm feeling are the ones in my outfit.  I never thought I'd be into a monochromatic look, but once I had all these pieces in my closet, I knew they were made for each other.  Now I'm dreaming of other combinations--like an all white ensemble for summer.  Perfect for a meeting or happy hour...or when the two are combined.  I'm just sayin', if all work involved wine, I'd be fine with that.
xx

inspired

Do you ever have those weeks that just sneak up on you? I blinked and suddenly it's almost July.  And I'm still trying to figure out how it happened.  I expected this week to be a slower one, but much to my pleasant surprise a lot of meetings and events have popped up for work--with some time for fun too.  I love when weeks balance out like that.  Here's some inspiration to help you coast through to the weekend.

photo via sincerely jules

 Julie's breezy + laid-back style. I've never seen someone pull off neon so effortlessly.

photo via cup of jo

 I'd happily wear this around L.A. like it's my job.

photo via j-crew

I have been eying this green beauty ever since the Spring J-Crew catalog arrived on my doorstep.  Oh, how you taunt me you gorgeous bag, you.

image via could i have that

An interesting, summery twist on ice-cream sandwiches. The best part is that it's so simple, even non-bakers (read: I) could recreate them.

photo by jamie beck and kevin burg

A stunning Moroccan-inspired fashion shoot styled by the uber-talented Kelly Framel.

photo via popsugar

My new obsession--West Elm.  I've seen beautiful pieces of furniture and trinkets from the store online, but I never knew L.A. had one! Thanks to Jasmine for introducing me to a world of luxurious bedding and decor (with reasonable prices, I might add). I've already picked up a few things for a couple projects...hopefully they're done soon so I can share!

photo by Jim Shi via bizbash

While attending Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 collection preview would be amazing in and of itself, the carnival-inspired elements really made this event unique.  This mac 'n' cheese station is easily one of the most creative food setups I've ever seen.  Guests could snag a mini serving wrapped in a spinach cone from the ferris wheel, or build-their-own full cups with veggie bacon bits, truffle oil, jalapenos, scallions, or siracha sauce.  Needless to say, this has my wheels turning for future work events.

I hope everyone is having an inspired and productive week so far!
xx

monday funday

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope your weekends were filled with lots of sun, fun, and relaxation.  Now, Mondays aren't normally a day I describe as "fun." But I found quite the fashionable surprise today and I just had to share!

Asos is having a huge 4th of July sale! There are so many perfect options for backyard BBQs, beach parties, lake getaways, and whatever else your holiday consists of.  I scooped up a bright summery skirt, a clutch, and a date night dress (my anniversary with the beau is just around the corner).  Check it out here.

Who said Mondays couldn't be fun?
xx

{late} foodie friday: palihouse

A couple weeks ago, Los Angeles Confidential had an event at the uber-chic Palihouse in West Hollywood.  We actually had an event there last year as well, but now that I'm on the marketing side I got a real taste of what the venue has to offer.  The boutique hotel is by far one of the coziest places I've ever visited in L.A., and even though I was working (and loving it), I was secretly dying to kick back on one of the cozy couches with a cocktail and a truffled grilled cheese sandwich.

photos via

Along with the impressive decor inside, not to mention a lovely courtyard, the service at Palihouse is impeccable.  All the servers, bartenders, and obviously the marketing team I worked with are so friendly and accommodating.  Palihouse is ideal for small plates to share with friends--I'm dying to stop by when I'm not working and try more dishes.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! Despite what you have going on, try to take some time this weekend and enjoy a great meal or glass of wine with friends.  There's always time for that in my opinion. Thanks for reading!

xx

old habits

[levi's denim jacket, target tank, zara jeans, toms wedges, ray ban aviators, necklace- street vendor, michael kors watch, bracelets- david yurman/j-crew, rings- brandy melville/madewell/family heirloom]

When I was in college, I alternated running around campus in either Sperrys or TOMS.  Every person at the University of Oklahoma (the smart ones, anyway) figured out pretty quickly that comfy shoes were a must.  But who wants to sacrifice fashion for comfort? Not me.  I've basically made it my mission to have both.  TOMS came out with a wedge last season, and I'll be the first one to admit I was not loving them.  So when my friend Ashley, who works in the brand's eyewear department, mentioned the new wedge--I was incredibly apprehensive.  But she reassured me the new styles were completely different and much cuter.  And the second I saw these, I knew she was right.

Ever since they arrived at my door, these wedges have not left my feet.  They can spice up the most casual outfit and are easily the most comfortable pair of shoes I own.  I'm convinced I could attempt to run a marathon in these bad boys--if I ran marathons, that is.  Which I don't.

I hope everyone is having a lovely week--we're halfway to Friday, people! I'm celebrating by crossing things off my to-do list and enjoying a mid-week cocktail.  What are your hump-day plans? I'd love to hear!
xx

mexican palace

When the beau and I landed in Mexico, I had no idea what to expect.  I hadn't been there since I was in middle school, and no one seemed to understand us very well when we were trying to figure out how to get from the airport to our resort.  Full disclaimer--while I love to travel, the actual process of traveling really stresses me out.  I get very anxious and worked up, and flying gives me motion sickness a great deal of the time.

Luckily, the second I saw our hotel, all of that anxiety melted away.

photos via

The Barcelo Maya Palace in Riviera Maya is a five-star, all-inclusive resort.  As you could see from my recap, the water is as blue as you could ever imagine, and all the views were stunning.  I also loved all the interesting architectural elements the resort had to offer.

If you ever find yourself here, I urge you to dine at La Brasserie one night.  This is the one place we ate that really blew me away.  Everything I tried was fresh and flavorful, and the service was the best we had on the trip (well, besides Senor Frogs, but that's obviously a totally different experience).  La Brasserie offers a four-course meal, consisting of an appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert. 

Not to be missed:

-Oysters in Mornay sauce, served on the half shell with spinach

-Lobster Cappuccino (soup)

-Surf 'N' Turf: roast tournedos served with Hollandaise sauce and grilled baby lobster tail with shrimp butter

-Creme Brulee

The resort was so beautiful (and very large), that while we planned to have an excursion and venture to the Tulum ruins or swim with dolphins, we got caught up in relaxation and never even left the resort!  Most of our time was spent lounging in the pool or on the beach, visiting the swim-up bar, browsing the shops, and playing volleyball (which I'm unshockingly horrible at).

If I'm ever lucky enough to find my way back to this Mexican oasis, I plan to hike among the Tulum ruins, snorkle, and indulge in a beachside massage.  If only I'd had one more day...or two...

Have a lovely Tuesday, everyone. Thanks for reading!

xx

snapshots

I'm playing catch up, my dears.  Work took over my life last week (I'll be honest, I was into it), and I fell behind in everything else.  I made a quick dash to San Diego over the weekend for a banquet with the beau and festivities for our friend who is venturing to Italy for the next few months.

Tomorrow I'll finish catching you up on Mexico + other exciting things. Have a great evening!
xx

sunny in mexico

[bcbg dress {scored at the outlet in vegas}, target sandals, clutch from a boutique in santa monica, michael kors watch, bracelets: anthropologie, j-crew, madewell rings, ray ban sunglasses]

I kept it elegant and relaxed for a fancy dinner one night in Mexico.  Please excuse the frizzy hair...humidity and I have never been friends.

I have to run so I'm keeping it short and sweet today.  Happy Thursday!
xx

mexico snapshots

Sorry for the radio silence, my dear friends! As you know, I left for Mexico last week and as it turns out, wi-fi (even in a five-star resort, ironically), was ridiculously expensive.  So, although it was not by choice at first, I completely unplugged for a full week.  I didn't check e-mail, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, nor did I touch my blog or read any others.  I didn't even hardly use my phone--it remained in my room most of the time.  I have to say--it's what I really needed.  Just some good old-fashioned downtime with family and great friends.  After all, that's what life is all about anyway, isn't it?

I'll share more details from my trip this week.  In all honesty, I'm ready to hop on a plane and head back for another week! Have a great week lovelies.
xx

foodie friday: sonoma salad

Happy Friday, everyone! It's a sunny, warm day here in SoCal, and days like these always have me craving a light, tasty summer salad.  I've shared one of my favorite salads before, but here's another one I've been making as of late: Sonoma salad.  I originally tried this heavenly combination at M Street Kitchen, one of my favorite spots for dining and spending happy hour in L.A. The restaurant's version contains butter lettuce, beets, asparagus, and goat cheese--I typically also add seared ahi tuna for a little heartiness.

But ever since I ate my weight in beets as a child, I have no desire to touch them ever again.  So I adapted it a bit to create my own version of the Sonoma salad.

Sonoma salad
What you'll need:
-Greens of your choice
-2-3 stalks chopped asparagus
-Goat cheese, crumbled
-Meat of your choice (grilled chicken or tuna would be best)
-Dressing of your choice (raspberry vinaigrette is mine)

Feel free to throw in some beets or whatever else strikes your fancy (I bet nuts would be a great addition). This salad is great for a light lunch, and not only does it taste like a summer day should, but it will also help ensure you're still able to feel comfortable in that little bikini afterward!

I also want to note that this is my 100th post! This has been such an incredibly journey and I can't wait to see how far this blog comes in the next 100. Have a great weekend, my friends. Thank you so much for reading!
xx