snapshots

I apologize for the lack of posts, friends.  Life took me by surprise and I needed a break from the cyber world for a while. But I'm returning to you completely rejuvenated and ready to share all sorts of exciting things! For now, here's a recap of the last couple of weeks from my phone's lens.

in the air on my way to michigan

my pup rocky before a hike

a card i bought for a friend who just found out she's pregnant

my aunt's front lawn in michigan

lobster risotto from comme ca 

mixing prints for a fun work outfit

an amazing read--i love this writer's style

rocky's new friend charlie 

about to land back home in los angeles

the best egg sandwich for saturday's breakfast

I hope everyone has had a great start to their week! Tomorrow I'll share my method for the perfect egg sandwich, stuffed with cheesy goodness.  

xx

keeping toasty

One problem with living in Southern California is how warm it is.  Now, I realize this might not seem like an issue to complain about. But whenever I'm about to make a little trip up to Michigan in the middle of February...it is.  I have been so spoiled by this gorgeous weather lately I almost forgot it was still winter.

Naturally, I'm finding myself in a bit of a packing crisis.  The sandals and lightweight shirt I'm currently wearing are just not going to cut it in the 30-degree weather waiting for me. Here are some looks and pieces I'm hoping will magically appear in my closet before my flight tomorrow...

photo via brooklyn blonde

photo via blonde bedhead

photo via could i have that

photos by bonnie tsang

1. I am obviously so into layering faux fur over another jacket. It feel so cozy and warm, yet so chic. I love how Helena layers these different shades of blue.
2. I need a good trench, like this one. I also love the dress in this photo. It adds some color and fun to an otherwise casual outfit.
3. The different textures in this outfit make it so appealing to me. Leather and cashmere, with a touch of sparkle? Yes, please. That's a combo to warm this girl right up.
4. I've been drooling over this casual sweater by just say native for days. It just looks oh, so comfortable. I basically want to live in it. I'm still bummed I missed the Rose Bowl flea market this month--that sweater could have been mine! Maybe next month they'll have something else cozy I can scoop up.

What are you coveting right now? Until next week friends, unless I freeze!
xx

colorblocking

[gap t-shirt, madewell skirt, michael kors heels and watch, david yurman bracelet, rings: nordstrom, caravan gallery in st. john, virgin islands, polo ralph lauren glasses, hobo leather wallet]

i love when my tattoo plays peek-a-boo in a great pair of shoes!

Recently, I've seen the Fall trend of colorblocking also pop up on blogs and the runways for Spring (here, here, here, and here).  These fashionistas wear the trend so well, but that much extreme color at once seems a bit unwearable, and honestly pretty intimidating to me.  I'm much more keen to wear a pop of color, rather than several from head-to-toe. With that said, I was thrilled when I found this skirt at Madewell over the weekend.  First of all, it's my two favorite colors in one piece. Now I couldn't be happier to rock this trend, my way.

Also, I'm aware it isn't Spring yet, but the 77-degree weather makes it very easy to pretend it is. Here's to the upcoming season and lots of fun bright colors!
xx

jewelry display

I am the most organized person ever when it comes to work.  But for some reason, I always struggle to keep that same mentality within my home.  It's something I'm working on.  A good example is the way I've stored my jewelry in the past: in their containers...in a drawer.  This was an incredibly insufficient storage method, especially since I gravitate toward the same few pieces on a daily basis. Digging to find them every day was becoming very annoying.

As of a couple months ago, I decided it made more sense to display my frequently-worn jewelry.  Technically, jewelry could almost be classified as art, so why not display those pretty pieces?

[bowls and flower vase from anthropologie]

This has been so much more convenient for me and I'm obsessed with all the pretty porcelain bowls at Anthropologie! I had so much fun mixing the different sizes and prints.

I have tons more jewelry I don't wear as often, which still resides in the aforementioned drawer. I'm planning to finally get all of that organized in the near future as well so stay tuned!
I hope everyone has a relaxing long weekend!
xx

celebration

[j-crew sweater {bought on sale!}, pashmina scarf, zara jeans, apepazza boots from buffalo exchange, michael kors watch, david yurman bracelet, nordstrom ring, sunglasses from a farmers market, lips: chanel rouge coco in superstition, nails: essie]

As I mentioned yesterday, I celebrated Valentine's Day by doing the obvious thing: wearing red jeans.  The best thing about these is that not only are they a bright, festive color, but they are so comfortable.  When I paired them with a warm scarf and my coziest J.Crew sweater, I basically felt like I was wearing pajamas.  So I decided to step it up a notch and rock my brand new, over-the-knee boots.

I bought these on a whim over the weekend.  I know, you're shocked.  I was so excited to find a pair that weren't insanely expensive, yet didn't look cheap.

flowers i received from my dad yesterday!

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and have a great week! If you're in LA, stay dry today.
xx

last-minute loving

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everyone, regardless of what relationship status you have, has a wonderful day filled with love.  Personally, I find today to be a bit of a hallmark holiday--I think we should all shower our friends and family with love any day of the year.  But then again, I can't hold too much angst over a day where it's socially acceptable to consume mass amounts of chocolate and sweets.

With that said, I have plans with my boyfriend tonight, and taking a tip from Parks and Recreation, I celebrated "Galentine's Day" with some of my ladies last night. Here are some lovely ideas I found around the web to celebrate the day:

photo courtesy of design lovefest

These e-valentines from Kate Spade are so whimsical and adorable--perfect for anyone you love!

photo courtesy of oh happy day!

In case you need something cute to put your friends' candy in.

photo courtesy of a beautiful mess

It might be a bit late for this one, but this DIY is too perfect for the holiday not to mention. Does this remind anyone else of the J.Crew sweater?

photo courtesy of could i have that

 These are way better than those awful conversation heart candies if you ask me. These too.

photo courtesy of a beautiful mess

Keeping this in mind for when I have kiddos one day.

photo courtesy of glitter guide

I love this idea for a themed girls night in! Someone start making the cocktails and I'll head on over...wearing my red pants, of course. It is Valentine's Day, after all.

And a Valentine's giveaway for good measure. I'll be sharing more love tomorrow (hint: it involves said red pants). Go big or go home, right? Have a lovely day!
xx

honey dijon salmon

There was possible drooling on my part when I saw this recipe. This is definitely on my radar! Lately I've been on the hunt for new recipes that aren't too difficult and this one definitely fits the bill. I'm hoping to give it a try within the next couple of weeks.

photo courtesy of the effortless chic

Honey Dijon Salmon
What you'll need:
-1/2-1 lb. salmon filet
-2 tbl maple syrup
-1 tsp honey
-1 tbl dijon mustard
-1/2 cup orange juice
-2 tbl brown sugar

1. Place washed and dried salmon filet in a small, shallow baking dish. Add all ingredients. Lightly rub filet to make sure it is covered equally with all ingredients...especially the dijon mustard. Cover and refrigerate for 1-12 hours.

2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Remove salmon from the refrigerator and transfer the marinated filet to a lightly oiled pan. Bake for 10-20 minutes depending on the size and thickness of your filet.

This would be phenomenal over quinoa, as Jen suggests, or rice and veggies. Not only does this sound delicious and filling, but also pretty healthy! Lord knows I could use that.  Living with skilled bakers is both a blessing and a curse, my friends.
Happy Monday everyone!
xx