Certain Shade of Green

It appears that dress weather is upon us in LA and I am thoroughly enjoying the beautiful sunshine. I wouldn't necessarily consider this dress a spring staple, but it is one of my favorite go-to's because it's super versatile, comfortable, and fun. Here's a recent outfit I wore for a little lunch near the beach with some friends. Hope you are soaking up the vitamin D! 

 Express dress, UO belt, Vintage leather bag

 BCBG espadrilles

The East Side

As of late, my friends and I have taken a liking to East LA. Saturday night we went out for my good friend's birthday and had silly amounts of fun at Barbarella Bar in Silverlake. Regretfully, I did not bring my appetite with me but with menu items like fig bruschetta, mushroom risotto, artichoke pizza, and braised short ribs with polenta, I will definitely be going back to sample. The drinks were poured with a heavy hand and the atmosphere was perfect for a big group like ours to have plenty of space to eat and socialize. Lets just say, birthday girl Kathryn's bacon/chocolate and apple martini cupcakes topped off the night. 

 no caption necessary

some of the ladies

Ombre

I'm loving the ombre look for Spring. It took a bit for me to adjust to the grown-out/roots style, but I think it looks really fresh and soft and its a fun way to lighten things up for the change of seasons. As I'm sure most of us have, I've experimented with my hair color quite a bit in my young adult life. Red, blonde, almost black, highlights, you name it. But for the last few years I've been enjoying different variations of a warm brown. I like that with this new style I can keep my base color warm but still throw in some fun, sun-kissed tips and layers. Here are a few celebs sporting the look gorgeously.

 Hilary Duff

 Whitney Port

 Jessica Biel

Lily Aldridge

Elizabeth

Farewell to one of Hollywood's original beauties.

Elizabeth Taylor

February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011



Beauty Favs

Today is officially the first day of Spring!! The ridiculously rainy weather might not be a great indicator of the change in seasons, but being that this is Los Angeles, I know the sunshine is creeping right around the corner. I want to share some of my beauty favs for Spring, or really any time of year.

1. Bare Minerals Original SPF Foundation- I've been using this for over 5 years and it has been a great match for my sensitive skin. It's very versatile as far as coverage goes, and never looks cakey or unnatural since the powder form blends a lot better than most liquid foundations, in my opinion.
2. Nars conceler in Custard- I just purchased this concealer a few weeks ago and I'm really liking it. It blends so easily because although it is a stick concealer, it's pretty creamy. Sometimes if I'm in a rush or don't feel like wearing foundation, I will just use a little of this under my eyes and on spots paired with some bronzer and mascara and it instantly brightens my face and helps me look effortlessly polished.
3. Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush- I just recently learned that Tarte products are natural, organic, eco-friendly and cruelty free! Good ingredients, and a concern for the environment and animals make it a little less painful to pay $30 for a pretty, flushed look. This product is preservative free, antioxidant rich, and the flattering rosy shade lasts all day.
4. Too Faced Shadow Insurance- This eye shadow base is very light and works great to prevent creasing and fading pigment. A little bit goes a long way so 1 tube lasts forever.  
5. Benetint Lip Balm- This is another product with a really feminine rosy shade that can instantly brighten up your look. It's not overly glossy (I'm not a fan of a super shiny lip look) and it is pretty light and hydrating. I love this balm is Spf15 and a great shade so it can be worn alone on sunny days for protection and some color.
6. Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara- Like most of us have, I've tried dozens of mascaras in search for the perfect one. After finding this one from Maybelline, I've gone through at least 5 consecutive tubes and I've been really content with it! Just one coat leaves my lashes looking really full, thick and long without looking clumpy. Im sure it has a lot to do with the wand, but either way, I'm relieved to have found such a great mascara availiable for less than $8 at drugstores.

I would love to hear your feedback if you try these items, and feel free to let me know what your beauty favs are too!!

Because I'm Irish

So I'm really only technically about 37% Irish.. but I've always identified with this element of my heritage with pride especially on St Patrick's Day. Below is one of my favorite Irish blessings. Hope you are drinking a tasty green beer and enjoying the festivities!

Irish Blessing

May there always be work for your hands to do

May your purse always hold a coin or two

May the sun always shine on your windowpane

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain

May the hand of a friend always be near you

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Afternoon Photos

A few weeks ago on a lazy Sunday afternoon, the weather was beautiful and the sun wasn't far from setting, so photographer friend Othello and I decided to have a fun afternoon photo sesh. Below are a few of the pictures.

 F21 dress, Nordstrom blazer

 U.O headband, vintage ring, Sally Hansen Insta-Dry nail polish in Lively Lilac

 Michael Kors Watch, F21 bracelets



Simple Things

It has become a sort of week-end reward for me to indulge at my favorite sushi restaurant for lunch on Fridays. I've eaten my fair share of sushi (its really everywhere here in LA) but in my opinion, none really compares to Brothers Sushi on Ventura Blvd. in Woodland Hills. The staff is always super friendly and fast, and the chefs always greet customers with warm "hello"s, "welcome"s and "how are you"s from the sushi bar even while they are busy whipping up their delicious rolls and sashimi plates. Their fish is insanely fresh and flavorful, and there is always reggae music playing that helps to create the wonderfully mellow atmosphere that is Brothers. Since lent began this past Wednesday, I won't be eating meat on Fridays until the end of April, so I will definitely be frequenting this tasty little sushi joint in the next few weeks. Below are a few of my favorites.

Healthy little sprout salad that they serve while you wait for your food

Sauteed garlic shrimp roll.

Kerry Roll (this roll can be enough for a meal)

Complimentary orange slices for desert

Turkey Meatloaf

Ive always been a huge fan of comfort food. Growing up, meatloaf was undoubtedly one of my favorites. I know meatloaf isn't for everyone, but this recipe is definitely a reoccurring dish in my house because its ridiculously easy, healthy, and filling. I even took it to a Thanksgiving potluck I had with a bunch of friends last year and it went over really well. Paired with some potatoes and green beans or spinach, and you've got yourself a tasty home-cooked meal!

Turkey Meatloaf

• 1lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 cup red pasta sauce of your choice (my favorite is Classico's Italian Sausage pasta sauce. The sausage and chunks of bell pepper add a ton of flavor)
• 1 egg to hold it all together
• 1 small onion (or half a large) chopped

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until even throughout, and then press lightly into a loaf pan. Pour another cup of the pasta sauce (or ketchup if you prefer) on top and bake in the oven for an hour (sometimes I add an extra 10 minutes or so) Give it a bit to cool, slice, and enjoy! 

I Believe

I believe...That a birth certificate shows that we were born, a Death Certificate shows that we died, and pictures show that we lived! Sit back, relax, and read slowly..
I Believe… That just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do love each other.
I Believe… That we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe… That no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe… That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.  Same goes for true love.
I Believe…. That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe… That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe… That you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I Believe… That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe… That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I Believe… That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe… That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe… That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down, will be the ones to help you get back up.
I Believe… That sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I Believe… That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.
I Believe… That it isn’t always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe… that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief.
I Believe… That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe… That you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
I Believe… That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe… That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.
I Believe… That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe… That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I Believe… That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe… That it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe… That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

Simple Things

It's Friday night, and I am perfectly content staying in, eating pizza, and watching old (but still fabulous) Sex and the City episodes. This week felt like it was at least 10 days long, so I cant wait to have a lazy evening at home and catch a full nights sleep. Below are a few of the things that made me happy this week. Hope you have a lovely weekend!

My favorite soup to make when the weather is a little chilly. I love the flavor of the lemon and the chicken together. Recipe found here (I usually add a lot more carrots and spinach than the recipe calls for, and I use rotisserie chickens to make it extra easy and flavorful)

My 13 year old 'kittens', Cinders and Smokey who somehow make my bed more inviting and are always so accommodating when I feel the need to smother them with affection.   

Adele's new album. So good. Love her. Buy it.



Maya

Today in the office I was reminded of a quote that I've always liked for its straightforward message and simple advice. Since March is Women's History month, I thought now would be a great time to share a wise saying from one of the many incredible females who have left their mark in time.

"The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."

-Maya Angelou

Also, here is a sneak peak at a recent photo shoot I had with Othello Silla . More pictures to come!

Sister

Its been a couple months since I've seen my sister, and I think a trip up to San Luis Obispo, California where she lives is in order. Between work, multiple projects, and social agendas, we don't get to chat or see each other as much as I would like, but sometimes just knowing shes there if I need her is enough.

Then

Now

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost"

-Marion C. Garretty