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)

TGIF

Wow, I am so happy it's Friday! What are you up to today and this weekend? In a couple of hours I'm meeting up with one of my oldest and dearest friends who happens to be in town for a bit. We're going to go hiking in Topanga State Park and then have dinner in Santa Monica, which I'm super excited for. I hope to take some cool pictures and I'll let you know how it goes. (Photograph of an adult female Cardinal Jumper Spider (Phidippus cardinalis) by Thomas Shahan, check out more of his amazing photography here)

body image

   
     As some of you may already know, I've struggled with body image issues for years. I've always been a bigger person and though I'm currently at a "normal" weight now I still don't feel great all the time. Sadly, I think that this is something that pretty much all women can relate to. In the last couple of years I would say that I've become a lot more healthy in my mindset with regards to my body. However, the real turning point for me happened when I was at The Huntington with one of my friends about a year ago, she happens to travel the world for her job and was telling me that she felt the worst about her body when she was in the U.S. because she felt as though she was constantly bombarded with images of how she was "supposed" to look (by the way this friend happens to be a gorgeous size 0/2), and that in other countries women's bodies of all different shapes are celebrated. We happened to be walking through the cactus garden during this conversation and we stopped for a second to look at all of the different types of cacti, all different shapes, sizes, and colors. I remarked,  "All these cactuses are so beautiful, and you can see how each one is exactly the way it is for a reason." To which my friend said,
      "If only people could realize that they're the same way." And that is exactly it. Along the same lines, I recently read this article in Glamour magazine, written by Kelly Osbourne, which I think has some great advice on body confidence. How do you feel about your body? Have you struggled with body image in the past? I hope you're having a wonderful day! Xo. (Painting, Nude Woman Reclining, Vincent Van Gogh 1887)

survival kit #1

1. Bombay Sapphire Gin, for unwinding

2. Joe's Jeans Jeggings, so you can by stylish and comfy during tests

3. Jennifer Paganelli Pillow, for naps

4. Bodum French Press, for (obviously) necessary coffee making

5. Rag Bone yellow shirt, for optimism

6. Chance by Chanel Perfume, for when you don't have time for a shower

7. Michael Kors Watch, so you'll never be late

rad link wednesday

Happy Wednesday everyone! Once again, some rad links from around the web...

I would L O V E to see this rooftop exhibit.

This bookstore seems like a nice place to visit.

Did you like My Little Pony when you were young? Then maybe check this out.

These photos made me want to go to Montreal! All the food looks sooo good!

Everyone should watch this documentary! (Available on Netflix).

DIY fringe collar!

Two ways to wear high-waisted pants.

Is it s u m m e r yet???

One of my Pinterest boards...

Just because you need some cuteness in your life.

I hope you're having a wonderful week! Xo (Photo by ME)