foodie friday: sotto

This week we celebrated my friend Lizz's birthday (and her upcoming move + promotion!) at Sotto in Beverly Hills. I'd been hearing great things about the quaint Southern Italian restaurant since I moved to L.A., but it was my first time visiting.

Sitting down at the lovely rustic table, I was a little nervous considering I couldn't understand a single wine on their expansive list (I couldn't tell you a single word of Italian), but luckily the sommelier had some great recommendations for us. Since we had a decent-sized group, I got to try quite a few things on the menu, which as you all know by now is my favorite way to dine. Every single thing I tried was out of this world--easily the best Italian food I've had. From handmade pastas and Neapolitan pizzas to a fluffy frittata, Sotto is certain to hit the spot for Italian lovers.

photos 1,2,3 + 5 via//photo 4 by me

Not To Be Missed:
small plates: baby kale and ricotta frittata, fava bean bruschetta
entrees: spaghetti, margherita pizza, whole wheat capunti
dessert: bittersweet chocolate crostata
+ obviously wine, but that's a given!

If you don't eat authentic Italian food often, this menu puts you outside of your comfort zone. There are multiple items, specifically the pastas, containing some sort of liver. I'll admit it was a bit off-putting at first, but I didn't try a single dish I didn't like. I ordered the Margherita pizza, and (as my former editor Kathryn assured me beforehand) it was the best in the city. If you're looking for a pizza or pasta fix, get your booty to Sotto. And call to invite me.
xx

the perfect outfit

[mossimo blazer via target, j-crew chambray top, zara jeans, jessica simpson heels, rebecca minkoff bag, ray-ban aviators, michael kors watch, bracelets- david yurman/tiffany's/stella & dot, ring from my aunt]

This is some groundbreaking news, people: I've found the perfect outfit. I'd wear this to work, dinner with my girlfriends, Easter brunch as I did this particular day, a date with the beau, or for any casual weekend outing (with an obvious shoe change to sandals; I'm not insane). It was the perfect outfit choice for a weekend of eating too much candy and celebrating the birth and life of my mom.

In more serious news, I'm keeping Boston in my thoughts + prayers. I feel blessed that my friends who live there are safe, but I'm praying for those who weren't so lucky. I will say it's moving to see Americans helping one another, but I wish it weren't under such horrific circumstances. I hope we can stand together as a nation and help the city recover.
Stay strong + positive this week, my friends, and thanks for reading!
xx

spring fling

[zara blouse {last year, but similar here}, express shorts, target wedges, rebecca minkoff bag, ray-ban aviators, michael kors watch, jewelmint ring]

I always forget how great this blouse is. It's a wild print, it's silky...and this past time I wore it a gay man told me I was reminiscent of a Versace spring ad. I'll take it.

The beau and I stopped in La Jolla over the weekend to celebrate my mom and drink wine by the sea. I simply can't get enough of these idyllic coves. While we typically just brunch and take in the views, I think next time we'll get in on some kayaking or cave action. I'm feeling the need for a little adventure!

Happy Wednesday, lovelies. What adventures are calling your name this week?
xx

happy birthday

Saturday was my mom's birthday. She would have been 53 years old. I'd like to say it was a perfect day where I smiled at our good times together and did things she would have wanted to do were she still alive.  While that part is true, if I'm being completely honest it was a really hard day for me. My sweet boyfriend took me around town and we ate mexican food (her favorite) and drank chardonnay (her other favorite) by the ocean, and it was wonderful. But I still felt a lingering emptiness, missing her more than usual.

While the sole purpose of starting this blog was to honor and celebrate the life of my amazing mother, I still have a difficult time being completely honest with how I'm feeling about losing her. I challenge myself to focus on the good times, and use this as a positive space to share happy memories, similarities, and pretty little things I know she would have loved.  But unfortunately it isn't always so easy to do so. There are days when I really, really struggle with the pain of losing my hero. Especially lately--I'm at that tricky time in my life (like all of us 20-somethings) where I don't have much figured out and I'm changing my mind all the time. There are so many days when I desperately wish I had her to talk to, to give me advice.  On those days I find a way to connect with her as best I can, whether by taking a walk and talking to her, perusing the web for Nike clothes, or planning for this blog.

I don't want this space to be a negative one dripping with sadness; that was never my intention or how I want these posts to come across. My hope is that I can give you all a chance to know her, and be inspired by her just as I was. Next time you're enjoying white wine, I urge you to raise your glass in her memory and toast the wonderful life she lived.

Happy Birthday, Mom.
xx

sneaky

[madewell blazer {last seen here}, target tee, j-brand jeans, steve madden sneakers, pashmina scarf, rebecca minkoff bag, ray-ban aviators, michael kors watch, bracelets- david yurman/tiffanys, ring- jewels by the sea] 

I warned you all it was coming. If you follow me on instagram, you already knew I purchased them. I've had these wedge sneakers stashed away for a few weeks now, waiting for the right time to unveil my unoriginal find. Actually, I wear these bad boys about twice a week now...but you get what I mean. My point is that I jumped on the wedge sneaker bandwagon, and I don't hate it (sorry, G).

I hope everyone is having a lovely week!
xx

brunch necessities

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of brunch. Pretty much any Saturday or Sunday I'm down to sit on a restaurant patio chowing down on some eggs benny and sipping champagne, especially now that the weather is warming up.  But as much as I love eating out, there's something even more special about a homemade brunch with friends.

image via pinterest

Full disclosure: my homemade brunches are usually thrown together at the last minute with literally no planning and no frills.  I text a few friends like an hour before, they volunteer to bring some ingredients, and we cook whatever we have on-hand (read: I flip a few pieces of bacon and focus on pouring champagne while other people cook). But a few weeks ago one of my co-workers invited some of us over for brunch at her place, and homegirl went all out. She'd gone to the flower mart downtown for impressive blooms, had created a bloody mary station, and labeled everything from the mixers to the homemade butters with pretty signs.

It was such a refreshing afternoon, and now I'm thinking a proper springtime brunch at my place is in order very soon. Here are a few pretty finds that have my hostess wheels turning.

1 martha stewart crafts labels//2 williams sonoma ceramic cake stand//3 target glass pedestal serving plates//4 ball mason jars//5 spritz striped straws//6 fresh spring flowers for the table

I love the concept of labeling any liquids or flavored butters, creating a drink station for screwdrivers or bloody marys with various mixers, or concocting a light and tasty punch. And don't forget the mimosas!
xx

foodie friday: the fat cow

The Grove was the first mall I ever visited in L.A. and I instantly fell in love. Not only did I love that it was outdoors, but the space has such a vibrancy about it. Between the slew of amazing shops, the fountain show, and the concerts or fashion shows randomly happening in the middle of it all, I didn't think it could get any better.

Enter The Fat Cow, a charming rustic eatery created by world-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay.  The newly-opened hub offers an array of classic + modern comfort foods crafted with fresh ingredients from local farmers and the Farmer's Market (which is adjacent to The Grove). I've only been a couple times so far, and I can already tell this will be a go-to spot. Bonus: it's super close to my office.

 Brussels sprouts pizza with pancetta

 Can you spot me? :)

Market salad + Fat Cow cheeseburger with bacon jam (love the branding on the bun!)

Along with the excellent food, I've been relatively impressed with the service thus far. The staff is all incredibly friendly and make you feel special, even if you're just walking through the restaurant.

Not To Be Missed

Brussels sprout pizza, Fat Cow cheeseburger (you must add the bacon jam--I wasn't sure what it was, but the server sold me on it and it was smokey, sweet, and perfection), market salad

On my next visit, I'll have to try the lobster mac 'n' cheese, obviously. Also, I've been averting my eyes from their dessert bar because of Lent, but everything looks absolutely incredible. It will definitely be one of my first stops after Easter. If you're in L.A. you should definitely check this place out! It's the perfect spot for a quick and easy lunch, especially if you can sit near the fountain on the patio.

Happy Friday, loves!

xx