happy weekend!

I believe I've already mentioned this once, but this week has been beyond crazy.  Needless to say I'm definitely looking forward to this weekend.  And with rain in the forecast, it looks like it'll be a relaxing one. It's also the beau's big 2-5 tomorrow, so we'll be celebrating!

photo by angela + ithyle via design love fest

Here are a few things from around the web that kept me inspired this week:

Tips for rocking spring trends on a budget.
Maya Rudolph always seems to make me cry from laughing too hard.
Some cute puppy love (My roomate just got a kitty, so we're currently establishing puppy + kitty love).
A ballerina's dream.
This has me craving summer and the beach.
Katie Rodgers' work is so unique!
More tips for wearing brights this season--love how wearable these are.
I can't stop looking at the amazing pieces on this affordable shopping site.
A bar cart needs to be in my next home.
These little homeade pizzas will definitely be my next kitchen adventure.
iPhone cases are the ultimate accessory.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!
xx

scarf print

[zara blouse {similar here}, bdg jeans, michael kors heels, rebecca minkoff bag, michael kors watch, bracelets: david yurman, lia sophia, cc skye, and madewell, jewelmint ring, polo ralph lauren glasses, opi nails]

Anyone who knows me is well aware I have a scarf addiction.  My collection is so large, I have to put half of them in a tub under my bed.  So needless to say, whenever I spotted this scarf print shirt at Zara...I absolutely had to have it. And the bag? I've been coveting a Rebecca Minkoff bag for a while, and had been planning to splurge for one as a treat to myself.  But lucky for my bank account I found this one for under $100. Holler.

I'll be honest and say I felt straight out of the '70s in this outfit (especially since I strayed from my usual curls).  And I loved every second of it.

I hope everyone is having a great week!
xx

weekend snapshots

Last week was one of those weeks that dragged on, and at the end of it I still felt unproductive.  Luckily, on Friday my company gave all employees a half-day, and I was able to regroup.  The entire weekend was spent relaxing, which was convenient because the past couple work days have been insane.

I took the beau on an early birthday surprise "staycation" this weekend. We went to Shore Hotel in Santa Monica, where (thanks to one of my amazing former co-workers), we were treated with an ocean-veiw room.  The modern space was very cozy and accommodating, and we spent most of our time there sipping cocktails on the balcony.  Easter Sunday was just as tranquil with movie marathons, mimosas, and mass amounts of chocolate. I gave up all sweets for lent, so needless to say I had quite the stomach ache toward the end of the day.

Cheers to a new week, friends!
xx

sweet salmon

Back in February, I shared this Honey Dijon Salmon recipe, and have been dying to try it ever since.  Finally, time was on my side this week and I was able to give it a whirl.

[ingredients: salmon, dijon mustard, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and orange juice]

I prepared the salmon in the morning before work, and it marinated all day.  When I came home, I just popped it into the oven and it was ready to go in about 12 minutes.

While the salmon was baking, I made a quinoa pilaf for a side dish.  I prepared it on the stove-top according to the package directions, and threw in sliced carrots and broccoli along with some favorite spices after it simmered for a few minutes.

The honey dijon marinade gave the flaky salmon the slightest sweet flavor, which I absolutely loved. I wish I'd covered the filet a bit more evenly with all the ingredients, but the overall result was still a bit hit!  I highly recommend this for a quick, health dinner. Salmon recipe first spotted here.

Bon appetit!
xx

a little laugh

I hope this quiz from Refinery 29 brings a little extra laughter to your day.  I originally spotted this here on a tough day, and it's still got me giggling. I've actually been lusting over the PS.1 for a while but it will forever be out of my price range (read: I will never pay that much for a bag). I think the "bitch lips" Chanel scenario is by far my favorite though. Which is yours?

I hope everyone is having a great week! I have a recipe to share with you tomorrow (provided it turns out well), and some very exciting news that I've been bursting to share for weeks.
Until then!
xx

tuxedo

[french collection blazer-gift {similar here}, target tank and pumps {similar here}, bdg jeans {last seen here}, clutch from lavish in crested butte, michael kors watch, cc skye ring, polo ralph lauren glasses, opi nails]

A blazer is my favorite way to dress up a simple outfit (I've done this before here and here).  Lately I've been enjoying ones with a little extra pizazz--like this tuxedo blazer from French Connection.  My lovely editor gave it to me a few months ago and I always feel so sophisticated in it.

My roomate Lisa has been in London visiting our friend Kristin for the past couple weeks, and she finally comes home tomorrow.  We're all so excited to see her! You can read all about their adventures here and here.  She's returning just in time for the amazing weather that finally decided to grace L.A.

I'm off to Malibu this morning for a meeting.  Staring at the ocean from my car window doesn't seem half bad to start off my day. Happy Tuesday!
xx

snapshots

 Jessica Simpson wedges--my favorite for Spring!

My family posing with our newest addition, a sea doo, at Grand Lake in Oklahoma. My brother Garret really thinks he's something here with this flexing pose...

Lobster bisque and bread--filling and delicious!

 My newest purchase--an authentic Rebecca Minkoff bag, scored on sale. My mom would be so proud!

 Enjoying a rowing regatta with the beau.

Pepperoni pizza, cheese ravioli with walnut Gorgonzola sauce and prosciutto, and Chianti from Mamma Mia's in Pacific Beach. One word: amazing.

 Enjoying a little sun at the regatta.

 My favorite pup rolling in the grass and chewing his ball. Such a little multi-tasker.
Photo shoot fun with my friend Lauren, who photographs most of my outfit posts for me.

This weekend was a pretty crazy one. My boyfriend is a rowing coach and his kiddos participated in the San Diego Crew Classic this past weekend.  This was the first regatta I'd ever been to, and I was so excited to finally see my man in his element.  The only downside is we didn't get too much downtime, and my fair skin is fried from the sun, despite wearing sunscreen and a mineral powder with spf.  But of course we managed to squeeze in some delicious food, wine, and the aforementioned movie to celebrate my mom's birthday.

I'll be sharing a new outfit tomorrow, and a recipe I've been dying to recreate on my own. I'm making it a personal goal to break out of this cooking lull--I keep reverting to old favorites instead of trying new things. No more friends! Here's to a week of productivity and adventure.
xx