jaunts and jerk sauce

So, my expectations for yesterday seem to have been a bit overblown. Not because I didn't have an amazing time, but because I spent the entire time focusing in on my friend, laughing, talking, and catching up with her, and ended up taking exactly 0 photos. Oh well. It was gorgeous though you'll have to take my word for it. The drive alone was trip worthy, down PCH past Santa Monica to Malibu, and then up a windy road through the canyon, I definitely recommend. Once we arrived at Topanga Canyon State Park we made the unfortunate discovery that the park is closed now, except for on weekends. Of course we didn't let that stop us, and ended up parking in a small dirt area next to the park and walking right in. Sadly, we didn't have much time as it was nearing sunset so we had to settle for a rather short hike (more of a jaunt we decided) but it was beautiful, and I hope to go again soon when I have more time. After the hike we changed our clothes in the car and then drove back to Santa Monica for dinner. We had planned at eating at a vegan Thai restaurant but when we got there it ended up being more of a to-go/counter type of place so we walked down the street and enjoyed delicious Caribbean food here, we both ordered the Salmon Negril, which is marinated in garlic and curry and then grilled and covered with a mango-pineapple-jerk sauce, sooo good. The only downside of the place was that they didn't serve alcohol, though you're allowed to bring your own in so I went down the street to a liquor market and bought us a bottle of white wine. Just to warn you though, we were charged one dollar for the two plastic cups we drank the wine out of. I hope you all had a wonderful Friday! What are you up to this weekend? Later today Dusty and I are going to the REI sale to look for hiking boots and then after we're going to hang out with my brother and his girlfriend and hopefully just drink some beer and hang out. Enjoy your weekend! Xo.  

(Photograph by Mitch Epstein, 1974 of some ladies hanging out (with a snake) in Topanga Canyon)

Breaks and Bridal Gowns

On Thursday Dusty and I are heading up to Sacramento to stay with friends for a long weekend. Thank goodness, we need the break! I'm really looking forward to being able to relax for a few days as school and life have been quite busy. What are you doing this weekend (I know, I know, it's only Tuesday)?


Also, please check out BHLDN, Anthroplogie's new bridal line, it's pretty much amazing. I know I already bought my dress but I'm obsessed with how lovely this gown is. What do you think?

Daily Dose of Cuteness

Photo from Daily Bunny

*Update, I accidentally went to the wrong "Daily Bunny" site, this one is much better than the last shared. (The link/picture are now different) :-)

My friend Ally just shared with me this blog called The Daily Bunny. On it are pictures of the cutest little bunnies you've ever seen. Please check it out if you're in need of your daily dose of cuteness!



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!

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!

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?