school's out

Laguna Beach...where I wish I was right now.

Today was the last day of school where I work and despite the fact that I will continue working over the summer (at a different school) it was fun to be around the kids as their excitement abounded. Do you have fond last-day-of-school memories?

Relaxation and Rompers

Anderson Valley, CA

Hello friends! It's definitely been a stressful last few days, with the impending end-of-school-year at work, trying to figure out what I'm going to do with myself in life, and Dusty's car getting bashed in yesterday by my neighbor. Anyway, I've been trying to find ways to relax. So far these things have included (many of which I've discussed in previous blogs):


1. Drinking copious amounts of ice tea.
2. Reading a novel.
3. Thinking about how sooner rather than later I'll be up in the Redwoods/Anderson Valley with Dusty, drinking tons of wine and forgetting about  my troubles.
4. Drinking tons of wine. 
5. Yoga (which I'm actually sore from!).
6. Taking naps. 
7. Petting my cat. 
8. Eating small quantities of Nutella on a spoon when all else fails.


Have you been stressed out lately? How do you unwind?

romper madness

Also, as some of you may already know, I decided to get a romper last weekend, which ONLY turned into a disaster. I've come to the conclusion that I simply don't have the right body type for one. I really wish I did though because they are so adorable! How do you feel about the trend? 

Off Color Rant

A Matisse Sketch

This is definitely off topic of what I would normally write about on my blog (I try to stay away from anything political/offensive in any way). That said--I never realized how many well known and renowned writers have been featured in Playboy. I decided to research the subject after I found out that the author of the book I'm currently reading had been featured there... and I think I have a new found respect for the magazine, especially old school (as opposed to "The Girl's Next Door") Playboy. Fahrenheit 451 was serialized in Playboy before being published as a novel--WHAAA'??? You're probably more learned than me and already knew that but WOW! What do you think? Is it simply chauvinistic idolatry of a narrow minded interpretation of attractive women or a smart and symbollic middle finger to the censorship gods? Both?

Big Family, Pretty Houses

lovelovelove

As anyone who knows me knows, I am obsessed with pretty much any show that Bravo puts out. Which is why it should come as no surprise that I freaking loved (the season just wrapped up a week or two ago) their new show, 9 by Design. The show chronicles the lives of a the Novogratz family, Mom and Dad have a home design business (Sixx Design) as well as seven children together. AMAZINGNESS. Did you tune in? What do you think of their design aesthetic?

bleary eyed and bridal gowns

Yaaaaaaawwwwwn. I am super tired today for no reason, happy Monday and all that. Earlier today I was on glamour.com (I like the blogs), and I happened upon this slideshow of wedding dresses. Normally I'm not the sort of girl to get giddy about wedding crap, honestly I plan on having a VERY low profile wedding, but I fell in love with the first dress featured (the lace Angel Sanchez one).  Thoughts? Hope you're having a good day!

French Toast

I have a question for you-- what are your feelings on French toast? I used to think it was sort of gross and that it just tasted soggy, however last Sunday my dad made some on sourdough bread (maybe that was the difference) and it was divine. What's your favorite breakfast treat?

Wine Find

If you're having a dinner party, or just looking to get tipsy off of something that doesn't taste like sour grapes, an oak tree, or as Dusty and I experienced a few weeks ago---the far from pleasing taste of what could only be described as a mixture cat pee and grapefruit, I would highly recommend this wine (available at Vons and Pavillions as well). It may not be the cutest of bottles, and at nearly twenty dollars a bottle it has a less than cute price, but for an occasional treat it's certainly worth it. Have you tried any good wines lately?

Summer Reading and Diuretics

Hello darlings! I hope that your weeks are off to a fabulous start. I've spent the majority of my day eating excessive amounts of watermelon and guiltily reading Amy Sohn's new novel, Prospect Park West. It's certainly not Dickens but it's also more than a few steps up from Danielle Steel. I've really just started the novel, but so far I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for light summer reading and are the sort of person who can't stand bad writing. What books have you read lately? P.S. If you're feeling bloated watermelon is a natural diuretic---it really works; I've been peeing all day! (Sorry if that was TMI) :-/

"Earth laughs in flowers." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last weeked Dusty surprised me with a vase full of roses from his backyard. The gesture was incredibly charming, and the flowers were better than store-bought. What sweet things have your "honeys" done for you? Also, don't you just love the above painting by Picasso. I love how simple it is (so much so that I have a framed print of it in my bedroom). :-)

The Smell of Summer

If any of you enjoy summer as much as I do I'm sure you'll love the breezy scent of Pacifica's Malibu Lemon Blossom solid perfume. It smells like happiness. You'll also be pleased to know that it's a 100% cruelty-free product.

The Daring Book for Girls

Have any of you ever read or flipped through The Daring Book for Girls? In a world where girls are frequently exposed to frankly a lot of crap I found this book to be a real breath of fresh air. Inside: Instructions on how to be a spy, how to whistle well, a multitude of uses for vinegar, and so much more! Buy it for any girl you love.

Sunday at the Park

Photographs of Irvine regional Park

Dear everyone (anyone) who reads (read) my blog. I'm sorry for not updating it ever (lately). Life had been somewhat stressful but now I'm back, and it's summer and I sure am glad. Happy Sunday everyone! I spent the afternoon at Irvine Park walking my dog and pedaling a surrey with my family. It was really lovely and a wonderful ending to a relatively stress-free weekend.

Healthy Supper

Tonight I decided to stay on the healthy side for dinner. I'm in the process of making a Bobby Flay recipe, featured in Bethenny Frankel's The Skinnygirl Dish, Spanish Spiced Rubbed Chicken with Mustard-Green Onion Sauce. I found the recipe online here, the only difference between the online version and the book version is that the book substitutes boneless, skinless chicken breasts for bone in ones (to make it lighter), I'm sure that either way is delicious. I'll be serving the chicken with a brown rice medley with mint, basil, and lemon as well as a salad with a homemade vinaigrette--yum! What are you making for dinner? 

Nightmares

Recently I've been having really vivid dreams, some of which are extremely frightening. Have you had any bad dreams lately? Any suggestions on how to prevent them? Last night I tried to think happy thoughts before going to bed and that seemed to help. I looked for suggestions online but they seemed mostly geared towards the under ten crowd... :-)

Monday, yoga, and hip hop

I'd like to do yoga in this bed!

I can't believe that it's already Monday again! I hope you're having a good day, if you've been feeling stressed lately check out this yoga in bed routine. It's really easy and nice at anytime of day. Also a big thank you to my dear friend, Allyn who put this song up on facebook. I can't stop listening to it, usually I'm not the biggest fan of hip hop but I find this particular song really beautiful and surprisingly relaxing to listen to. 

Savour Fare

I just discovered a new foodie blog, check out Savour Fare. I have yet to try a recipe from here, but it all looks amazing. Have you cooked anything delicious lately? Let me know if you try any of these recipes!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Today the kids at school took great delight in my reading of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett, illustrated by Ron Barrett. I'm sure that I've read that book literally hundreds of times and I still find it to be incredibly charming. The book has absolutely fantastic illustrations--read it to your nephew, cousin, niece, brother, cat, friend, grandpa, sister, kid, self. 

Update and Soup

Hello! I hope that your week is going well. An update on the caramel apple muffins I made the other day--they were delicious! Check out my post on muffins for info on where to get the recipe. Lately I've been feeling like cooking/baking all the time. I think it's because it's been a bit dreary outside. If you're in the mood for something truly scrumptious on a day like today try making this winter squash soup from Ina Garten's (AKA The Barefoot Contessa's) cookbook, Barefoot in Paris: Easy French Food You Can Make At Home. I've made it before and it's truly delightful, perfect for a rainy day (or any other day for that matter. ) Also the aforementioned cookbook is definitely worth investing in, I haven't been disappointed in a single recipe I've tried from it. 

Crescendoh

I'm sure that pretty much everyone who reads my blog already knows this but above is an art kit that I did that ended up on Jenny Doh's arts and crafts blog and website, Crescendoh. Please check out her website, there are really great craft ideas as well as a great deal of aesthetically appealing things to look at. 

Muffins

Every Thursday Dusty has a twenty-our hour shift at the La Habra Heights fire station and so as often as I can I try to send baked goods with him to share with his buddies. This last week I decided to make muffins so I made three different kinds: blueberry, cinnamon, and pumpkin. He told me that the guys really liked them (which usually means that Dusty really liked them too) so just now I made some caramel apple ones just for us. I haven't tried them yet but they really look delicious. I got the recipes from this cookbook and they'rce all been really easy to make. The other thing that I really like about these recipes is that each one only makes one dozen muffins, which is the perfect amount really (I don't think that I'd like to have 48 or so muffins around me at once). Do you like muffins? What is your go-to baked good?

Long Beach Sunsets

Hello there friends! I am sorry for taking a hiatus for a while. Things have been stressful of late and when I have had free time i just haven't felt like blogging. I apologize to anyone who cares (mostly Farnosh). Spring is finally here and plants are in full bloom. I'm definitely a warm weather person so I am thrilled for the sunshine. Yesterday I enjoyed a lovely day with friends in Long Beach. At sunset I went for a walk and fell in love with at least twelve charming houses in the neighborhood. I hope that you're having a great day!

Even Mamas

Does anyone besides me remember (and love) the children's book, My Mama Says there Aren't any Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins, or Things by Judith Viorst? Pick it up at a library/bookstore/garage sale/your nephew's house and read it to a friend/your dog/yourself/a small child/your mom. 

Procrastination

when I'm old I can be a slacker 

I've been slacking in the school department lately. It's not like I'm doing badly or anything, I just feel like I don't have any energy for school work (even though I seem to have more than enough energy for everything else). How do you get yourself out of an unambitious rut?

simple pleasures and curtains

Art by Andrew Daniel

It's wonderful how just a small change can make you feel a million times better. The other day I got new curtains for my bedroom as I was getting sick of the dark ones that I bought last summer (it was 110 degrees and I was desperate for anything to cool down my space). I'm a light person and  they were blocking out all of the sunlight (I blame them for my sleeping in until nearly eleven last weekend). My new window coverings (purchased here) are cheery and allow the sun to bask my room in golden bliss---thank goodness. I hope that you are having a good week, and if something small is bugging you by all means find a way to fix it! 

Lazy Saturday

It's the weekend and I am in an incredibly lazy mood. I slept in this morning until nearly eleven (gasp!), have yet to shower (ew.), and have eaten only sugary carbs (ugh.). I hope that your morning has been healthier and more productive. I was invited to go to the beach, but frankly I don't feel like I'm in any state to be in a bathing suit and furthermore my bathing suit is in no state to be on me. I usually buy one good bathing suit from Victoria's Secret at the beginning of each summer and I haven't yet bought one for this season. I have been debating over which kind I want...suggestions? Tips? Have you bought a swimsuit for this summer yet? What are you doing today?

Hair and such

Today I had fun with my friend, Farnosh as she hair modeled for a friend of Dusty's sister who works at the Sassoon Salon at South Coast Plaza. Farnosh got her hair colored a deep red and I think that it looks fabulous. The girl who did her hair is looking for more hair models (willing to color their hair one tone, no multicolored highlights) so if you're interested contact me. It costs 30 dollars but is completely worth it considering the fact that it would normally cost WAAAAY more. I hope that you're all having a lovely day. P.S. Happy 20th birthday to my brother, Tom!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

You have to admit that this dog's cute!

I hope that you're having a great St. Patrick's day! I know that it's a little bit retarded of me but I really get a kick out of cute animals dressed up in costumes (hence, above). 

Clover Jewelry

Today I happened upon this Brooklyn, NY jewelry website, I love their designs! I decided to show you their "four leaf clover" design necklaces (above, available in the colors above as well as black, red, and yellow)  in honor of St. Patrick's Day. I hope you're having a great day!

Libraries

The front of the Central Pasadena Public Library

The inside of the Central Pasadena Public Library

When I was a child my mother was constantly taking me to one library or another and it was something that I was quite fond of. I must say that I hardly go anymore, mostly because everytime I've borrowed a book in the past few years I've forgotten about it and as such wound up with dreadful late fees. Do you go to the library? My favorite library to visit in Southern California is the Central Pasadena Public Library. Not only does it have a gazillion books but the architecture and surroundings are truly beautiful. If you're ever in the area I recommend you stop by, if only to walk around. 

Rebecca Taylor

I love the contrast of the handsomely masculine fitted blazer with the uber feminine florals!

I'm in love!

I recently discovered the designs of Rebecca Taylor (the name comes from one of the designers, i.e. Rebecca Taylor designs are not exclusively designed by Rebecca Taylor) and I have to say I am in LOVE with their flirty and ultra feminine Spring 2010 collection! If only I had 300 or so dollars to spend on one of their dresses! P.S. Aren't those shoes fabulously cute?!

St. Patrick's Day

Tomorrow, as I'm sure you're aware, is St. Patrick's Day. This means that you have free license to drink as much Guinness as you can and eat meat pies and/or corned beef and cabbage until your stomach is distended.


I haven't decided exactly what I want to do with the kids at work tomorrow, we've been doing some fun St. Patrick's Day themed crafts including a rainbow made of kindergartener's hand prints (adorable). Though I do know for certain that I'll be reading them Clever Tom and the Leprechaun, by Linda Shute. 


On a similar note, don't forget to wear green (lest ye be pinched)! If you don't have anything green maybe you should stop by Target and pick up this green, Isaac Mizrahi for Target dress (pictured above), isn't it adorbale?

Uberbaby

In the latest issue of Vogue, Brazilian supermodel/Tom Brady's wife, Giselle Bundchen shows off her new baby and her already back-to-fabulous body. Isn't that photograph beautiful?

Friendship

This morning at work as I watched all the kids play I thught about my childhood friends. One of my favorite quotes of all time is from the movie Stand by Me, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?" This has been so true in my life. Childhood friendships are usually based off of mutal interest-- be it soccer, tetherball, or Barbies; and are mutally beneficial-- no one likes to play alone and everyone likes to play with someone nice. One of the hardest things in life for me has been being able to take a stand with people and END toxic friendships/relationships. Obviously this isn't always an option (case in point-family members) but I do think that if everyone made the effort to have friendships modeled after those in their more youthful years we'd all be happier. Thoughts?

Record shopping, birthday wishes, end of weekend

It's Sunday night again---work in the morning and school in the later morning. Happy early birthday to my friend Michelle, who's birthday is tomorrow. Did you have a good weekend? On Friday Dusty and I went to Old Orange to shop for records and found some really great albums for cheap. You have to dig, but it's definitely worth it and it makes for a great date. 

Girl Power

So I just finished Kelly Cutrone's book and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised at how good/empowering it was. If you're a young (or not so young) lady in need of some serious girl power I suggest picking it up. 

Summer plans?

Believe it or not it's March, which means that spring is almost here which means that summer is really just around the corner. I really want to go up to the Redwoods again this summer; and Dusty and I need to get to New York ASAP to visit his younger sister, Erin. In between those two things I'm going to have to make time for statistics and work...how 'bout you? Do you have any plans for the warm months yet?

Grecian Dreams

Who wants to go to Greece with me? I'm dying to go! Where would you most like to travel to? 

Feathers

good feathers

bad feathers

How do you feel about feathers on dresses?  I must say that in good taste I think the look can be very chic.

Cookies

Happy Saturday! I just got done baking Clementine's oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for Dusty. I got the recipe from Dusty's mom who uses a slightly different recipe, adding in a cup of shredded coconut, upping the butter to a full cup and a half (2.5 sticks!),  and personally I also lower the amount of rolled oats to just two cups.  These cookies are to die for! Some other tips: chill the dough for an hour in the fridge or a 20-30 minutes in the freezer before baking and bake for just 8 minutes (if you have an efficient oven) the cookies will look undercooked when you take them out but let them sit for a bit and they will be heaven!

Foodie Find: culinate.com

Today I found what appears to be an excellent website for people who love food/cooking/healthy eating/eating locally grown fare. Check it out here. What do you think? 

Farmer's Markets

An image from a farmer's market in Portland, Oregon

I'm sad to admit that I haven't been to a farmer's market in quite some time. For some reason I've been dying to go lately! Perhaps it's the fact that I feel that spring is just around the corner and nothing beats delicious fresh fruit! Are you a regular at a farmer's market? Are there any good ones where you live?

Retro Trailer Park

One of the trailers at The Shady Dell

...and the interior

The other day I was reading the March issue of Sunset Magazine (I would highly recommend getting your hands on a copy), inside was an article regarding unusual places to stay on a trip. One of the places noted was The Shady Dell in Bisbee, Arizona. It's a retro-style trailer park (all of the trailers have been refurbished in 1950s-chic decor) and it's completely adorable. Prices for a night's stay there start at just $45.00 a night! Wouldn't that be a great place to stay for a night or two on a roadtrip?

World's Longest Cat

This is not the same cat but one of the same breed

Today I went to the library with my brother and sisters and saw the world's longest domestic cat. This cat was truly amazing, I kind of really want one! Apparently the breed ("Savannah's Magic") of cats likes water and enjoys playing fetch!