Bib Necklaces

I've always loved accessorizing, and I think this look is especially fun for Summer. Bib necklaces can be a great accent piece when paired with a simple outfit, or help to create a super glam evening look. With various colors, textures, and styles to play with, it's definitely a trend I'll be experimenting with for the next few months. Click on the thumbnails above for more details.

Word

Patio Love

With Summer here and the new place being pretty close to the beach, I'm really looking forward to decorating the patio for enjoying morning coffee, dinners, and chats outside. Below are some images from Pinterest that I'm currently admiring and planning to use for inspiration. The space is small, but I'm definitely envisioning an herb garden, white string lights, and a bright piece or two for that fun, playful feel.

Gratitude

As I'm preparing for a new beginning in a new place, I'm feeling the need to express my sincere gratitude for the life I've had and the people and things that I've been blessed with in the home that I am leaving. Though there have been many times that I have taken it for granted, or even been resentful of still living in the 'nest' with my Mom, I am now reminded of so many things that I am thankful for.

• a beautiful home that has hosted countless parties and celebrations with family, friends, and loved ones passed.
• a place where I have transitioned and grown and learned to embody so many of the roles in my life; daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend, student, catholic, saleswoman, traveler, adventure enthusiast, happiness seeker, etc.
• the house where so many delicious meals have been enjoyed, and the place where I learned to bake and cook and take interest in the ingredients that I consume to nourish my body
• safe keeper of many beloved pets and precious belongings
• a warm place that has provided shelter through sickness, hardship, or loss.
• the home where countless memories will always be held

I could go on, but you get the idea. I suppose I'm feeling especially sentimental because now that I'm leaving, my Mom seems to be pretty serious about selling the house and downsizing. I'm trying to stay positive on the matter, although I must admit that I've hoped I'd never have to part with our beautiful house for good. Below are a few shots of some of flowers and produce currently making great progress in the backyard.

 Lilys

 Baby Bell Peppers

 Baby Zucchini

 More Lilys

Tomatoes



Chelsea and Liz and Chuck, Oh My!

While packing up my life for my move (bittersweet, indeed) I’m discovering that I’m possibly most neurotic about the safety of my books in the midst of all the shuffling. Are they boxed properly as to not get creased, or bent, or ripped?? What if something spills on them and they get watermarks?? It’s pretty funny actually because they are technically replaceable, yet so special to me in sentiment that I forget that I could easily get a new copy of any lost or damaged books.

Reading for 'pleasure' is really something I've come to enjoy more the last couple of years. I found that while I was in school, I could never finish the books I picked up since I usually ended up feeling guilty because there was always something I should have been studying for my classes. Some of these gems have been gifted, some were bought, some were loaned (and never returned...woops!), but regardless they are all sort of like friends that have taught me something, or shared a story, or provided a new perspective or just a good laugh. Below are some of my favorites, in no particular order. What are yours?

Current Obsession

As you may have noticed, I love food. But I also love trying to put the right things in my body so I feel healthy and at my best. This week, I replaced my morning coffee (which is often really strong and leaves me feeling a bit jittery and anxious by mid-morning) with a veggie/fruit smoothie! I'm loving it because it's actually super tasty, really refreshing with the current heat, and very easy to make.

I've been blending spinach, blueberries, a banana, 1 Tbs. of ground flax seed, vanilla soy milk and ice. I found the recipe here. Supposedly drinking this deliciousness regularly has great effects on the hair, skin, and nails.. which makes sense because flax seed is loaded with Omegas 3, 6, and 9, and blueberries and spinach are both superfoods that are loaded with antioxidants.

It takes minutes to whip up this tasty treat, and I feel great knowing that I'm starting my day off right with some fruits and veggies (which makes me feel better about my sometimes not-so-healthy lunches and dinners that come later.)  See the finished product below. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Hello July

Hello friends!! I want to apologize for being away so long. The month of June was pretty hectic at work, and with my free time I was allover Craigslist, Westside rentals, and visiting apartments in search of the perfect place to call home. My future roomie Kate and I did finally find a great little place in Brentwood. We move in a few weeks and I couldn’t be more excited! I know that’s not a good enough excuse for neglecting the blog, but it was a pretty exhausting project as I'm sure most of you can understand.

But now I’m back and I’m really looking forward to some fun summer posts filled with food, travel, friends, and all the awesomeness that comes with this season.

I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July weekend! I spent mine visiting the man in Texas. It was very hot, but still a perfect 3 day weekend in such a lovable state. (Is it me or is Texas just oozing with character?) Below are some of my favorite moments captured by Instagram.

My plane landed last night in LA around 9:30pm, and I must say that I witnessed such a beautiful sight as the city was covered in fireworks as far as I could see. While I do wish I snapped a picture of it, it was quite lovely just to take a moment to soak it in. I felt happy to be home in LA, and more importantly proud to be an American.

Amigo the longhorn (who I rode/sat on for 2.5 seconds)

 Local Beer Tasting

 Live Music @ the Stockyards

 Tex.Mex

 (my first) Fried Green Tomatoes and Fried Pickles

 Live Bull Riding @ Billy Bob's Honky Tonk, Fort Worth

Mr. Cash's Pawprints in the Cowboy Hall of Fame



When in TX...