the lovely dove

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for having a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, a steady job and, most importantly, wonderful, loving, hilarious friends! Oh, and a new man that makes me smile :)

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Even though it is so easy to whine about the things that we want or need, or just all around take things and people for granted, let's take today to remember what we have and count our many, many blessings.

xoxo,

Image via we heart it

Just 'cause...

2011-11-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

I'm about to go get myself another cup in fact... to help me get over this "hump" day. Hope you're having a good one!

xoxo,

Image via pinterest

Meaningful words

2011-11-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

"I really care about you."

Funny how five little words can mean so much.

Hearing them felt like someone hugged my heart.

These were pretty nice to hear, too:

"You make me so happy."

"I want to make you feel special."

"I can't wait to see your beautiful smile."

Yep, I think he's a keeper. :)

Image via we heart it

A new set of wheels

2011-11-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

You read that right! On Sunday, baby got herself a new set of wheels! Woo hoo! :)

Ok, here's the back story. On Friday, I was rushing out the door, running late as usual to a work meeting, and hopped in my car, a beloved black 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier that was my older brother's first (and only) car.

Beloved it may be, but when I went to start the engine, all I got was an odd vhmmm sound. Not even a hopeful click click click. Thus, I promptly went back inside and had my dad drive me to my meeting. (Only slightly embarrassing.)

I later had my dad and younger brother check out the car to see what was wrong and it turned out my battery was fine. But my starter was dead. A call to the dealer said a new starter would run me about $435 in parts and labor. This, coupled with the fact that I already needed new tires and have long been in dire need of a new car, made the decision for me: Time to go car shopping!

Fortunately, I'd been looking on and off for months, comparing different options in the "affordable small car" category. Many got vetoed on looks alone, I'll admit. Hey, if I'm spending thousands of dollars it better be pretty! Though highly rated, the Ford Fiesta felt like a tuna can. (Or sardine can? Either way, not good.) And I didn't like the handling of the Chevy Cruze. The Ford Focus was a bit out of my price range, as was the Mazda3...

Last year, when Hyundai redesigned the Sonata, I was totally smitten (as were automotive critics). But again, a bit out of budget. So when I learned that Hyundai similarly revamped their more affordable Accent, I was intrigued. On Saturday, I test drove the car at my local dealer and felt instantly comfortable behind the wheel. I liked the stylish exterior, the surprisingly roomy interior, the amazing mpg: 30 city, 40 highway! But I didn't like that the only Accent sedan on the lot was a Mocha Bronze color. Fast-forward to Sunday, the 'rents and I return to the dealer, ask if they can get the car in blue from another dealer (who we didn't want to deal with because of shady reviews), and a few hours later I am the proud owner of a new 2012 Hyundai Accent in Clearwater Blue!

I felt super nervous at the dealership-- I never bought a car before! But I have to say, the sales staff there made it a pleasant experience. They've already called me twice to see how me and my Accent are doing. And we're doing great! I love my new wheels and I think I made a good choice. Now, when it comes to donating my Chevy, I have no doubt I will shed a few tears-- I well up just thinking about it-- but that's another story for another day...

Till then, a few more photos!

What do you think? :)

2011-10-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hazel feeling festive!

This past Saturday I celebrated Halloween with friends at a house party. I dressed as a sexy Coastie (aka, member of the Coast Guard!). Pictures to follow... But today, on actual Halloween, I dressed up for the office lunch party in what I'm calling a bad-ass cheetah costume (It was a last-minute get-up-- just grabbed an animal printed dress out of my closet. And then another reporter came in with the same idea. Twinsies!). I didn't feel like going home and changing before doing the blotter, which means right now I'm sitting in the police station lobby... in kitty cat makeup! Full on whiskers, baby. LOL. What can you do what duty calls?

What are you doing to celebrate Halloween? Or did you go to a spooktacular party this past weekend? And did you dress up for work today? :)

Super late update (as in two weeks after Halloween!) but here's a few photos!

Me and my bestie. Marielle was an adorable penguin (she was obsessed with all things penguin as a kid). Her "costume" is actually a dress from Hot Topic! She let me do her makeup for the night. :)

Me and "Lt. Dangle"-- you know, from Reno 911! He sure knew how to work those booty shorts and 'stache!

This is me at my office party, with my former editor, Kyle-- who came to work dressed up as my new editor, Scott! LOL.

Work friends. Karma, on the right, always has the most kick-ass costumes!

Views of New York

2011-10-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Lexington and 53rd Street

Prince and Lafayette

Obsessed with these "finger-painted" views of New York by Jorge Colombo. Don't you love how the lights just glow? I almost feel like I am taking an evening cab ride through the city.

Images via 20x200

Waves Weekend

2011-10-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday felt like going home.

Home to college, that is!

This weekend, my alma mater, Pepperdine, held its second annual Waves Weekend. Though current students are more than welcome to take part, the event is a way to get alumni to come back to campus for a little reunion and a lot of fun. Since I only live about 45 minutes away from Malibu, it was a great excuse to visit and reunite with some old friends.

I was especially glad to see one of my best friends, and sorority sisters, Kapua! She actually works on campus and she doesn't live too far away from me, but our busy schedules make it hard to connect. (But she just moved much closer to me last week, yippee! So I'll definitely be seeing more of her more often!)

We've got spirit, yes we do! Orange and blue are Pepperdine's colors. Kapua bought that hat, which is obviously too big for her, for her boyfriend. He's not an alum, but he has Wave pride whether he likes it or not!

I graduated in the spring of 2007. In some ways it feels like forever ago, and in other ways it seems like just yesterday. But walking around campus, I become acutely aware of how much has changed. New additions to the plaza, a renovated HAWC (basically Pepperdine's student union) that now serves hot food... I guess I'm glad to know my tuition, which I'm still paying in the form of loans, is going to good use! I just wish the campus would have been this nice (it's always been beautiful) when I still went there! Isn't that the way life goes...

Joslyn Plaza

The Theme Tower

I didn't attend the first Waves Weekend. But I can say without a doubt that this year's was better by far! This year, Malibu-born songstress Colbie Callait headlined the concert in Alumni Park. (Last year the park played host to Dwight Yoakam. Now, I like country music, but... no. I have no desire to see Dwight Yoakam!)

I absolutely adore Colbie. Her music just puts me in a happy mood. And she is wonderful in concert-- even better than the CD, I'd say! I have her first album, "Coco," but now I'm wanting to go pick up her latest, "All of You," and maybe even her second, "Breakthrough." Here's a few shots from the show, the ones that didn't turn out super blurry :)

The first song Colbie sang when she stepped on stage is my favorite: "Realize"

Me and Kapua taking a break from singing and dancing for a photo opp

Not pictured in these photos are some of my other lovely Alpha Phi sisters. I was so happy to bump into several of them-- Kelly, Sandra, Shenaya, Brittany-- and catch up before watching the concert.

Afterward, Kapua, her boyfriend and I decided to get some grub at Kabuki in Woodland Hills. I had never been but it was delicious. I got a light appetizer-- mixed tempura! Not so "light"-- and a lychee martini.

Oh, and I learned two things. One, that I actually really enjoy edamame. And two, this is the expression you get when you ask me to "do" Samantha from "Sex and the City." :)

Hope you had a fabulous weekend, too! Tell me, if you went to college, where did you go? And do you often revisit your alma mater?

xoxo,

Me & my Guitar

2011-10-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hi there, folks. I have some exciting news to share: Last Thursday night, I bought myself a guitar!

Though it may seem like an impulse purchase, I have dreamed of learning how to play the guitar for ages. Many years my Christmas or birthday wish lists have included “blue acoustic guitar.” And every time I watched someone playing a guitar, blue or not, I pined away.

When I saw my friend (and former sorority “big sis”) Abby’s Facebook status a few weeks ago that said she was going to begin taking guitar lessons, it just reignited that flame. I hopped on the Guitar Center website and began searching through all the brands and models—some I had lusted after before and others that were new to me. I had decided that it was time to stop wishing, to stop saying, ‘oh, I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar’ and just do it. There’s no time like the present, right? It was time to make my own dream come true.

So on Thursday night, that’s just what I did. I convinced my brother Patrick to come with me to my local Guitar Center for moral support but even still I was a bit overwhelmed by all the choices. When the employee helping me placed a contender in my hand, I wasn’t quite sure what to do. I didn’t know any chords to play or even which strings were which notes! But my Ibanez acoustic-electric guitar (with transparent blue sunburst) looked good and felt good, and I had read glowing reviews online. Ultimately, it won out over the also beautiful Epiphone Hummingbird (with the heritage cherry sunburst design) and, tucked inside a new cushioned case, the Ibanez came home with me.

This past weekend I started fiddling around with my new instrument. After looking up which string is which note, I successfully tuned my guitar! Then I watched a few tutorials on YouTube and learned to play a very basic version of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”—albeit, very slowly. One step at a time…

It is bittersweet that my older brother Jeremy isn't around to help me through this learning process. He was a natural talent when it came to making music. He would create funny songs about me and my stuffed animal while strumming on his acoustic guitar and I remember there were many nights he would stay up late playing on his electric—until my mother came up to his room and told him to stop because the younger kids were trying to sleep! If he were here, I know he would have me jamming in no time. But his memory serves as a source of motivation to keep at it even when it gets tough, as I know it will! Sure, I sing and read music and used to play the oboe, but the guitar is a whole other animal.

As I am still very new to this whole guitar thing, any and all tips are welcome from those veteran guitarists out there! I'd love to hear your thoughts-- what most helped you when you were starting out? Am I crazy to think I can learn without taking formal lessons?

Photo taken by Patrick. He wanted to make sure I gave him proper credit. :) Thanks bro!

Hello, autumn.

2011-09-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

***

Happy first day of autumn, lovelies! It still feels like summer here in Southern California, but there's been a couple days recently where, if the wind blew just right, I got the distinct sensation that fall is coming. I know that once we say goodbye to September, October will usher in the new season quickly. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather and the chance to pull my cozy sweaters, boots and scarves out of my closet. What else is on my fall loves list? Mugs of hot cocoa and Pumpkin Spice lattes, jack-o-lantern picking and carving, costumes and trick-or-treating... just to name a few. So here's to a fabulous fall filled with cold-weather adventures-- and finding someone to snuggle up against to keep us warm. :)

***

Fall sidekick

2011-09-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

The gorgeous russet color. The adorable gold sparrows. The plentiful pockets, inside and out. I just love this bag! Designed by Marc Jacobs, wouldn't it be the perfect carryall for fall?

Twin tragedies forge new perspectives

2011-09-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, tragedy struck our nation in a sudden, profound and devastating way.

Our world was forever changed.

Ten years ago, tragedy struck my family, in a similarly heartwrenching way.

My life was forever changed. On April 26, 2001, my older brother, Jeremy Weed, was killed in a drunk driving accident.

Driving home in the early morning hours, my brother’s friend fell asleep at the wheel. When his Ford Bronco veered right across the 101 Freeway and careened into an illegally parked tractor-trailer, the driver survived unscathed. Jeremy was killed instantly.

We all know what happened Sept. 11 of that year.

Planes hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists slammed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and— due to brave passengers who retook control of United Airlines Flight 93, whose intended target was presumably the Capitol or the White House—a field in Shanksville, Pa.

I remember going to school that morning, a junior at Simi Valley High School. My peers and I were glued to the TV screens, watching the newscasts in shock and horror.

Later that night, I sobbed as we viewed the replay. Watching the Twin Towers fall—my own personal loss still fresh in my heart and mind—I cried for all that had been taken from me and all the pain and suffering now inflicted on those across the nation, particularly those in New York City. I knew that pain all too well, the kind that leaves you eternally asking “Why?”

Crisis can make us better or worse as people. In the wake of Jeremy’s death I gained new perspective, and I like to believe I’ve become a stronger, more compassionate and more empathetic person.

The same can be said of our country in the days following 9/11.

United by tragedy—and yes, anger—we bonded together and held each other up. Confronted by fear and hate from abroad, patriotism had perhaps never been so high. The stars and stripes waved from porches and Porsches.

After a tragedy people sometimes say that “time will heal all wounds.” But those who have lost someone, especially in a sudden and senseless way, know the truth: Time just makes it easier to bear the pain. The sharpness, the sting, fades. But the memory doesn’t, nor does a longing to be able to change the past, to bring back what we’ve lost.

Unfortunately, sometimes the lessons of disaster also fade. It’s nearly 10 years later and our nation is, in many ways, more divided than ever. But anniversaries bring an opportunity for reflection—to consider the past and remind us of the way to move forward.

Jeremy’s life was cut far too short at just 26 years old—he was the age that I am now.

It is my aim to live a life that he would be proud of.

Likewise, while Sept. 11, 2001, was a dark day, I hope this 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks will spur us on to live in a way that will honor the spirit of those who lost their lives, those who risked their well-being to save another, those who have gone overseas to fight for our freedom and those who helped pick up the pieces and rise from the ashes to rebuild.

Courage, selflessness, love for country and thy neighbor, and resilience in the face of adversity— that is 9/11’s legacy, today and every day.

This story ran in the Sept. 9, 2011 edition of the Simi Valley Acorn.

Scentsational

2011-09-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Stella The Print Collection by Stella McCartney

Chloé by Chloé

Lovestruck by Vera Wang

I don't own these, never even sniffed them in person, but I want them-- just because they're beautiful!

Wouldn't they look gorgeous sitting on your vanity?

Confession time: Have you ever bought a perfume just for the way it looks?

I have!

Jennifer Aniston's eponymous fragrance

I was sucked in by, yes, the celebrity label. (Who doesn’t love Jen?) But I was also captivated by the jasmine-spiked scent’s description and the lines of the perfume’s bottle—said to be inspired by the flow of a Frank Gehry building and the fluidity of a cresting wave.

Luckily, it worked out. The bottle is lovely. And while Jennifer Aniston is not my favorite scent, it is a nice departure from the other florals in my collection with its earthy, beachy base. And a little goes a long way—one spritz and I feel like a field of night-blooming jasmine is following me around all day.

Time to share! I'd love to hear if you've ever bought a fragrance simply for its aesthetics-- and which one caught your eye!

xoxo,

A quick getaway

2011-09-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, loves! Right now I am getting ready to make an early escape into the weekend... I'm taking a mini vaycay to San Diego!

My bestie, Marielle, and I are driving down south this afternoon to visit Greg, an old friend from high school. He's a fun-loving guy so I know this weekend is going to be an absolute blast! After living in SD for two years, he knows all the best hangouts. His favorite is Pacific Beach, which I don't think I've ever been to... but we will be acquainted soon enough!

So what do you have planned for this long Labor Day weekend? Are you getting out of town for a quick getaway too? Or are you sticking close to home for relaxing staycation? I'd love to hear.

Now, I better finishing packing!

Images via we heart it, here and here.

SJP to the rescue!

2011-08-29T23:35:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I'm in love with this look.

Glamour was asking its readers today if the ensemble Sarah Jessica Parker wore to the premiere of her new flick "I Don't Know How She Does It" is a DO or a Don't. And I say wholeheartedly, "DO!"

She looks like a sexy superhero! A couture fashion goddess! Now, I'll admit, no mere mortal could pull off this daring Giambattista Valli gown and matching cape-- in fire engine red, no less. But I applaud a little risk on the red carpet. Movie openings, galas-- that's the time for celebrities (and wanna-be's with an invite) to have fun with fashion, not to play it safe. And yet, I'm often let down by lackluster looks that are in desperate need of a shot of attitude.

Luckily, we can count on a certain crimson-clad, cape-draped superwoman to spice things up.

How does she do it? :)

So tell me, what do you think of SJP's look? Fierce and fabulous, or fashion overkill? As a die-hard "Sex and the City" fan-- I'm watching first season TV reruns as I type-- I am firmly in the SJP-can-do-no-wrong camp, but I'd love to hear what you think!

xoxo,

Image via Glamour

Manifesto

2011-08-22T00:33:00.000-07:00

A little inspiration for your Monday. Actually, a little inspiration for every day.

Manifesto Poster by Holstee, via UPWoRD (Thanks, Lori, for sharing!)

Stones, beads and bangles, oh my!

2011-08-16T23:32:00.000-07:00

Last post was about cute clothes, this one's about fabulous accessories.

Welcome to my world. I'm a perpetual Internet window shopper!

Even though summer is almost over, I couldn't help but show you these colorful, natural beauties from Ruche. And I have no doubt one could work these into a fall wardrobe, if one so desired. Let's keep that summer lovin' feeling all year long!

Adela Coral Beaded Necklace

Pure Sentiments Bangle Set, Akila Wrapped Bracelet and Manukau Harbour Beaded Bracelet in Ivory

Thunder Bay Beaded Necklace in Brown

Stone Canyon Necklace

While I'd love to add any and all of these to my overflowing jewelry box-- especially the Stone Canyon Necklace-- I already purchased this necklace and this ring from Francesca's, my new favorite boutique. So I guess my accessories quota is filled. At least for the month. :)

xoxo,

Lookie Lulu's

2011-08-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

When I saw this top while browsing Lulu's new fall look book the other day, I instantly fell in love. It's light and flowy with ruffles and a unique print-- it just screams me!

Until I saw the price that is. $113!! Talk about sticker shock. I may spend too much money on clothes, but if I'm going to drop a C-note, I better be getting a couple items, not just one blouse! I don't even spend that much on jeans.

Despite this disappointment, the rest of the Crossing Sunset look book is definitely worth a flip. Here's a few of my fave ensembles (note: It looks like not everything is available online yet, but we can still look and drool, right?):

Love this boxy jacket with a flouncy skirt.

Aren't those oxfords adorable? (These are pretty cute too, and maybe more wearable.)

I'm kind of obsessed with WkShp's tees (I have this one and want this one) and this Rising Sun Grey Crop Top is pretty fabulous, especially with the Mink Pink Mozambique Print Maxi Skirt. So easy and breezy to throw on for a casual weekend running about town.

These fringe shorts are amazing! Not sure I could pull them off in real life, but I love them on the model all the same. I'm totally on board with the fringe trend and have eyed many a fringe purse. And I have a scarf that looks just like that feather-printed sheer vest.

Even though this is a fall look book, the photos still seem warm and sunshiney to me. And really, in Southern California, our summer seems to last until October so that's alright by me. :)

xoxo,

Status update

2011-08-10T23:46:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I'm hoping this post doesn't make me come off sounding like a lonely and bitter witch.

But, as I was about to post about more stuff—which, don’t get me wrong, I love me some pretty stuff—I thought that maybe I should write about what’s really on my mind.

And then after writing it all out, I debated actually posting it because, well, it's not easy for me to be so open and vulnerable on here.

Still, I’m guessing there are some of you out there who will get how I feel. So here goes.

It seems I am at the age where everyone I know—friends, acquaintances, coworkers, former high school classmates, you name it—is getting engaged, married or knocked up. Well, the better way to put that would be to say they are starting a family.

Now, I know that this is the normal course of life. I’m a 20-something, approaching 30, these things happen. But I think certain platforms like, ahem, Facebook, make me hyper-aware of the situation. Every day it seems people are updating their statuses with life-changing news. Look at my sparkling new ring! Check out my wedding pics! Isn’t my darling baby darling?!

But don’t misunderstand. I am thrilled for my friends when I hear this type of news and when I write “Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!” I am completely sincere. Really and truly. But there is this little nagging part of me that wonders, “When will that happen for me?”

Even proclamations of, “I got my dream job!” or “Just closed on my new home!” can elicit that kind of inner, heart-sinking response from me.

I wouldn’t describe it as jealousy. Just a feeling of not being where I wish I was—the sort of ache that keeps me up at night when those self-defeating, woe-is-me thoughts creep in.

And yes, a tinge of loneliness. I am lonely. (But I am actively warding off a turn into bitter-ville.) My ex and I broke up six months ago and although we are still friends and talk often and hang out—a kind of odd relationship that is hard for people to understand—sometimes you just want someone to hold your hand, you know?

There it is. I guess I’ve been feeling a bit sad, a bit restless and a bit stuck. I’ve probably driven my best friend crazy with these feelings of insecurity! But really, I’m sure there are others out there who feel or have felt like this. How do you shift your negative thoughts and get out of a funk?

I know everyone has their own path to follow and that many of the things I’m looking and hoping for will happen when the time is right. But I'm also a believer that sometimes you have to take the reigns of your life and make a change when you’re not happy or to get where you want to be. Change is something I tend to avoid like the plague, but I’m thinking it’s high time I become more of a risk taker.

So here's to being patient but enjoying the ride, and being proud of my own life (thou shall not covet, right?) while taking baby steps forward to make tomorrow more like my dreams.

xoxo,

Love-ly photos via we heart it: 1, 2 and 3.

In the genes

2011-08-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, while browsing a selection of dresses on sale at ASOS, I noticed an interesting pattern emerge. Many of the frocks I was flocking to were by the same designer: Vero Moda. Not long after making this realization, I came upon another: Vero Moda is a Danish fashion house! Being that I am half Danish, I was quite tickled by this discovery. (My mother's parents emigrated from Denmark-- she was actually born in New York, not long after they got off the boat! At least, that's how I tell the story.)

Not that I need any excuse to shop, but this fact motivated me to purchase the two Vero Moda dresses pictured above: the Printed Dress with Elasticated Waist (not a very sexy name, and out of stock online, sorry) and the Floral Frill Waist Dress.

Though Vero Moda is new to me, it's not exactly new to the fashion scene. It made its mark by using beautiful babes Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen in their marketing campaigns. According to the house's "about me," Vero Moda focuses on quality, affordable and inspiring clothing with a range of dresses and tailored garments that embrace the essence of current trends while still maintaining a practical edge.

Sounds like the kinds of designs I'd like to fill my closet with!

So today, I revisited ASOS to take a peek at what's new in the world of Vero Moda. And I was absolutely smitten with their floaty chiffon dresses, sheer billowy sleeves and adorable-sometimes-funky prints-- all with the perfect touch of the 70s, which is so on trend this season. Below are my faves:

Folk Print Chiffon Dress

Contrast Lace Tiered Dress

Deco Bird Print Kimono Sleeve Chiffon Swing Mini Dress

Long Sleeve Polka Mini Dress

It is so hot outside with temperatures climbing into the 90s and fall seems so far away right now, but I think each of these dresses would look fantastic with some opaque black tights or a great pair of camel-colored boots. I may have to scoop up one or two... Hey, what can I say? It's in the genes. :)

Have you made any fashion discoveries lately?

xoxo,

Hello, again

2011-08-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hey there, blogland! No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. Even though, I will admit, it almost appeared that I had. If I didn't live at home, my mother may have sent out a search party.

Instead, she asked a few weeks ago, "Have you quit blogging?"

Nevermind the fact that I'm still always a bit creeped out when she asks about my blog (sorry, Mom!), I answered incredulously, "Noooo! I'm just busy!"

Which is partly true. I could blame my absence on work. That's my tried-and-true excuse. But if I am totally honest, I have just been feeling uninspired and completely unmotivated when it comes to blogging.

But I have missed it. I've missed you! My bloggy friends and your supportive, kind, and even funny words.

So here I am, back to blogging. Let's start slow, shall we?

I thought I'd share with you this package I received in the mail today. Have you heard of JewelMint, the jewelry line created by actress Kate Bosworth and her celebrity stylist friend Cher Coulter?

I've been a JewelMint "member" since February-- which means my inbox has been inundated with emails about my personalized monthly showroom selections as well as limited-time deals-- but I didn't make my first official purchase until last week. I had been eyeing the Piet Mondrian-inspired necklace below since seeing it in Lucky magazine months ago and when it was featured in a 2-for-1 deal with matching earrings, I couldn't resist any longer.

Modern Love Set

I ordered last Wednesday and a chic black package showed up at my door this afternoon. I have to say, JewelMint puts a lot of effort into their packaging-- and I appreciate that extra touch. Check it out:

The inner cards describe the pieces: "Modernize your look with this 30" gold plated geometric necklace. Light olive, camel, and grey fabric insets are delicately framed to create a truly sleek piece."

The matching earrings are 2 1/4" long and made of the same materials.

The colors are darker in person than they appeared online, but I still love it. The tones will work great with my summer wardrobe but easily transition to fall, too. I have to say, I don't think the jewelry is particularly high quality-- though I don't see it falling apart either. Definitely a step up from Forever 21! But I don't think I'd consistently spend $29.99 a month to get a new piece. The only reason I bought this was because of the 2-for-1 deal and an extra discount code I found online.

So tell me, what do you think of monthly subscription services like JewelMint? Worth it? Are you a member of any?

I'm also a member of ShoeDazzle, but I haven't purchased anything yet. There's lots of cute and sexy shoes but the heel heights are all too tall! Since I'm nearly 5'9" I try to stay at or below 3 inches. But what should I expect from a company launched by Kim Kardashian? :) I always say I need to start a line of sassy kicks for tall girls.

As always, thanks for reading! I pledge to do better with blogging... (Girl) Scout's honor!

xoxo,

top image via we heart it

Feelin' sassy

2011-06-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you that I bought myself a bright red lipstick? (And I used Marilyn Monroe's birthday as an excuse?)

Well, late last night I was feeling a bit bored and decided to put on aforementioned lipstick, which I had received a week or so prior but had not yet tested.

I slicked that baby on my lips, added a little black eyeliner to really get into the Marilyn Monroe-mood and then this happened:

Yep. You can't leave a bored Carissa unattended with makeup and Photo Booth. Silliness will inevitably ensue. All while crooning to Natasha Bedingfield's latest CD, "Strip Me," and a little Adele thrown in for good measure.

Now, about the lipstick. It's Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in Underage, which as you can see is a bright crimson. It's a bit pricey at $18 (I usually satisfy my urge for new lips products at the drugstore, though I did fall prey once to a gorgeous gold tube of YSL lipstick that put me back 35 bucks) but it had such glowing reviews on Sephora that I couldn't resist. And while I have plenty of pink lipsticks and glosses, I didn't have any true reds in my collection. Plus, who can say no to that awesome tattoo-inspired packaging?

Thankfully, the lipstick is worth every penny. The color is a bit shocking in the tube but I think it looks very flattering on and could easily be dialed down with some balm or gloss. But what I love most is that it delivers rich, saturated color that didn't dry out my lips and didn't budge during my singing-modeling sesh :) I'd say I had it on for at least two hours and it looked like I had just applied it when I finally went to wash my face and hit the sheets.

And perhaps most importantly, putting on that spicy red lipstick made me feel sassy! I'm planning on going out dancing with the girls tonight to celebrate a friend's birthday and you can count on my new, red, look-at-me lips making an appearance. I'm really going to paint the town red!

What's made you feel sassy (and perhaps a bit silly) lately?

Lipstick photo via Amazon

Uh oh...

2011-06-14T21:24:00.000-07:00

I better hit the gym quick because I just bought this...

Retro Push-up Halter Top and Foldover Scoop Bottom, in carabi dot

Man, I must have been feeling bold to buy a bikini! Too bad I couldn't purchase the model's body and her perfect golden tan to match.

Oh, well.

But I did pick up some yoga pants to help encourage my jiggly self to get on the treadmill.

Yoga Foldover Crop Legging and Yoga Foldover Legging

But... I also bought this.

Paisley Cover-up

Just in case. :) Plus, it's pretty!

I can't believe summer is here! Schools are out, temperatures are creeping up ... and I'm having a shopping spree with my Victoria's Secret card! Haha.

Hope you're having a wonderful week~

Shoulder envy

2011-06-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Shoulder envy, as in, I envy whoever has this on their shoulder!

The above image-- featuring the new Kristin Op Art Ikat Print Satchel and Kristin Ikat Large Wristlet-- popped up in my inbox today and I was instantly smitten. I just love ikat! It's fun to look at and fun to say. And we all know I love Coach, so it's a match made in purse heaven.

Not to mention, the soft colors are perfect for summer and will go with just about everything in my wardrobe. Now all I need to do is save up a couple hundred dollars.

But first, one more decision: hippie, satchel or hobo? I think I like the hobo shape best...

Just dreamy.

A new 'do

2011-06-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I FINALLY got a haircut!

Nothing major, mostly a trim-- about two inches all around plus a few long, face-framing layers. Even still, my hair feels so light and small. I think I was more attached than I thought! Honestly, I don't even remember the last time I got a haircut. It has to be at least two years ago, but maybe even longer (I shudder to think!). In photos from four years ago, my hair is very blonde and above my shoulders. Now it cascades over my chest, even with a few inches missing. I had been diligently growing it out since seeing photos of myself pre-Locks of Love, when my hair was the length it is now. Those shots-- taking during a cruise on spring break, where I look infinitely happy and relaxed-- instantly made me miss my long hair and I had refused to get near a pair of shears ever since.

I was in desperate need of a fresh look, though, to get rid of the dead ends that were literally beyond repair, no matter how much deep conditioning I did. And I'm really happy with the way it turned out. Before, my hair just hung there, all one length. "High school hair," my stylist called it. I never thought of it that way before, but yes! That's exactly what it was. Just a few snips gives me some movement and I think the entire 'do looks more polished and well kept.

You'll notice I didn't change my color. I'm still pondering. My hairdresser suggested doing a color weave, like I've done in the past, but this time adding a warm buttery tone along with a shade of red to create a sort of strawberry blonde effect. Like I said: Still pondering :) I'm having trouble committing to going red! (Even though, some people already consider me a "red head," as I have been called such several times lately. I think it's deceiving angles and sunlight that must create that magical effect.)

One more thing. I decided to try a new stylist this time. There's nothing wrong with my former one. I had been going to her nearly all my life-- well, at least since junior high, and that's when what my hair looked like began to matter! But I thought a new set of eyes-- a younger pair, with a bit more modern sensibility-- would do my tresses some good.

And my referral came from my former editor! His wife did my hair. If you live in the area, I definitely recommend checking out Jenny at Claudio Marino Hair Design, 20929 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. If you are interested in making an appointment, just send me an email and I'll give you her number. (Oh, and she does Brazilian Blowouts-- one of her specialties, she said.)

Now, I just need to take Hazel in for a haircut. She's looking awfully fluffy! But awfully cute. (I hate to cut her hair even more than my own!)

When's the last time you got your hair cut?

Happy Birthday, Marilyn!

2011-06-01T23:39:00.000-07:00

I know the day is almost over but I couldn't let it slip away without wishing a happy birthday to one of the original glamour pusses, Ms. Marilyn Monroe. Can you believe she would have been 85 years old today? I stumbled upon these images earlier, which showcase a star in the making, and my breath was taken away. How stunningly gorgeous is she? I mean, she always looks good in any of the many photos that have been released, but she just looks so young and fresh and full of life here-- ready to tackle the world!

These photos, taken by LIFE photographer J. R. Eyerman, show the 22-year-old starlet in her early-career days, when she was still a newbie in Hollywood and her locks weren't yet that platinum blonde she later would become known for. Eyerman captured these photos in the fall of 1948, following Marilyn through the showbiz training-- acting, singing, dancing-- that would one day make her an icon.

Below are a few of my favorite photos (don't mind the arrows), but you can see the entire 18-image collection (and get the story behind the photos) in the LIFE.com gallery.

I love the mix of grace, attitude and casual realness in these photos. I've always loved Marilyn just for the fact that she was such an incredible sex symbol and yet she wasn't a toothpick-- she had curves and she knew how to work them! She oozed confidence and I could definitely learn a trick or two. I really want to watch some classic Marilyn films now... "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" or "How to Marry a Millionaire" or maybe "Some Like It Hot" ... Do you have a favorite?

And while we're playing favorites, which other silver screen sirens are you a fan of? Old school or new school, I'd love to hear!

P.S. In honor of Marilyn's birthday, I purchased a bright red lipstick for myself that I plan on wearing fiercely, most likely with a smoky eye but perhaps with some heavy, black liquid liner too, a la the timeless beauty herself. Don't you love how I can find any excuse to purchase makeup? :)

P.P.S. This is my 300th post! Woo hoo! I'm sure it would be a lot higher if I posted every day, but hey, you gotta pick your battles.

Arms

2011-05-11T01:24:00.000-07:00

For your Wednesday: A sweet new song by an artist I love, with an adorable video to match. Watch. It will make you smile. Oh, and Christina Perri looks prettier than ever, don't you think? (Love her tattoos.)

Here's hoping Hump Day will go down quickly and smoothly and slide us into the weekend soon... Cheers to that?

xoxo,

P.S. The lyric video is pretty fantastic, too. That's how I first heard this song two months ago. Really makes you listen to the words.

Mother's Day Brunch

2011-05-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

My momma, holding (and wearing!) her Mother's Day gifts

All you moms, grandmas, moms-to-be and, well, anyone who has ever loved like only a mother can, I hope you had a wonderful day!

To celebrate Mother's Day, my family went to brunch at The Cheesecake Factory. The restaurant was a bit hectic and there was a few mishaps with food not coming out correctly, but the server was great in fixing everything and he even comped a couple items on the bill. And the food, once corrected, was pretty darn tasty! (Though it put me in a food coma for the rest of the afternoon!)

Instead of going with my typical Sunday brunch order of Eggs Benedict, I decided to try something new: Baja Chicken Hash. Imagine poached eggs drizzled in hollandaise sauce sat atop two crispy tortillas and a hash of chicken chorizo, potatoes, poblano chiles, corn, peppers and onions (hold the cheese!). I would describe it as almost a Mexican-style Eggs Benny, so I guess I didn't go too far outside of my comfort zone :)

After we ordered our breakfasts, I presented our mom with her gift. Now that she has opened it, I can finally blog about it!

Last weekend, I scoured Etsy looking for a Mother's Day gift. I literally searched through all of my favorite shops but I couldn't find that just-right thing. I found one necklace that I was thisclose to purchasing but then decided to spend a little more time searching. After a few minutes, I stumbled upon a new-to-me, New York-based jewelry shop called Delezhen. I instantly fell in love with the beautiful jewels and delicate designs. Everything is very feminine and perfect for spring. After much hemming and hawing over three different pieces, I decided to go with this colorful, faceted jewel necklace with freshwater pearl accents.

Faceted Bezel Set Multi Color Sapphire in 22k Gold Vermeil Necklace

with Freshwater Pearl Accents

I thought it looked pretty and special but could also easily be dressed up or down. I also thought it kind of looked like a Mother's Day necklace in a non-obvious way, with the three stones representing me, my younger brother Patrick and my older brother Jeremy.

(As a side note, Masha is a fantastic seller! I was worried the necklace wouldn't get to me in time since I ordered it Monday morning, but she sent me a message letting me know she would put it in the mail that very day. I actually got a shipping confirmation before I got that message! And my package arrived Wednesday. Couldn't have asked for better customer service. Plus, the necklace was even prettier and more dainty in person.)

Since my mom wasn't wearing any jewelry, I had her put her new necklace on right away. It went perfect with her turquoise sweater! You can see it in the top photo, but here's a close up:

We also got her an oats-and-honey scented candle in a nice white, lidded pot (like this one), which will look perfect in our recently redecorated blue-and-white living room. My brother picked out the fragrance. We both thought it smelled like breakfast-- how appropriate!

Speaking of Patrick, here he is! It's not often I get him to smile in a photo for me! (He's been dieting and exercising and he's lost a lot of weight-- 40 lbs! You can really see the difference when you look at this old photo.)

And here's my dad too, giving me one of his goofy faces.

Haha, nice dad! And here's me. Cheers! (I think I still look a little sleepy, but that mimosa perked me right up!)

What did you do to celebrate Mother's Day? I'd love to hear!

xoxo,

In the mail: Made by Hank

2011-05-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

A roundy-bottomed tough ruffles zipper purse

This is on its way to me.

Isn’t beautiful?

I’ve coveted a Made by Hank pouch for quite some time now. But they always sell out so fast!

So when Etsy suggested this beauty to me on Sunday afternoon, I couldn’t resist. I fell in love with the happy, avocado-and-sea glass color combo (it reminds me of the color scheme in my college dorm room!) and snapped it up immediately.

Although it was an impulse buy, I know it will definitely be put to good use. I am becoming increasingly annoyed with the fact that I can never find my lip balm or glosses in the bottom of my abyss of a purse. I’m always fishing around, hopelessly searching for my Burt’s Bees tube, while driving-- one hand on the wheel, one hand in my bag. Not very safe and this spring-perfect pouch will solve that problem stat.

Anyone else made an impulse buy lately? Don't leave me hanging!

P.S. I am totally in love with the Philadelphia-based shop's roomier purses too. I am literally drooling over this navy and white ikat print crossbody bag as I type. Gorgeous!

Life stories, preserved

2011-05-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

StoryCorps has made me laugh and cry once again*. This is such a sweet and funny story about the life of a strong-willed lady with no regrets. I literally laughed out loud while watching the animated short last night and a minute later I had tears in my eyes. I love StoryCorps for its mission to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs the chance to record, share and preserve the story of their lives. What a gift for the families who participate and a gift to all of us who have the opportunity to listen. It may be their story, but it is all of our history. Beautiful.

You can check out StoryCorps' YouTube channel here and learn more about the Brooklyn-based nonprofit here.

*I fell in love with StoryCorps for the first time after watching "Danny and Annie." If you watch it, have a tissue handy. You'll need it.

Frolicking birthday fun

2011-05-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Warning! Excessive but cute picture post to follow! :)

Yesterday was my baby girl's birthday. Yep, Hazel turned 3 years old. I can't believe how time flies! I still remember the day we got her, all two-and-a-half pounds. She was just a pocket-sized pooch back then. She's not much bigger now and she still acts like a puppy at times-- with her baby face, easily excitable temperament and similarities to the Energizer Bunny-- but as my friends joked, now she can drink!

Since her birthday fell on a Monday, I didn't have much time to spoil her. (Not that she is deprived by any means!) But luckily, she had a super fun weekend. On Saturday, she had a playdate with Abbey, the furry child of my married friends Ryan and Steph.

Though Abbey tends to be a bit skittish and is even known to bark at unknown dogs, the two pups hit it off right away. And Hazel looks like Abbey's little sister, don't you think? So adorable.

At first they hung around Steph and Ryan's apartment, mostly sniffing each other out. After they were thoroughly acquainted, we leashed up and went for a walk to the park. Now, Steph told me that Abbey has this funny habit that she always does on walks, especially to the park. She sniffs around and once she finds the perfect spot, she paws at the ground. Before you know it, she is rolled over on her back, shimmying and shaking around. It is so odd but so hilarious but Hazel never does this.

Well, when Abbey first began to take part in her favorite park pastime, Hazel just looked on in confused amazement. But next thing I know, she's joining in! Now, I know that Abbey may engage in this behavior for more sinister reasons (such as she smells another dog's scent and wants it on her) but since Hazel had never done it before and was clearly just following Abbey's influence, I let her roll in the grass to her heart's content. (Luckily, Hazel doesn't get grass stains!)

And I, being the proud mama that I am, took far too many pictures of the strange cuteness that ensued...

I think she looks like she's giggling in the last one...

Having so much fun, she didn't realize she was on a little hill!

Eventually, she decided to take a break and let the wind blow through her hair...

After a long walk around the park, we humans and our canine companions made our way back home. Despite the exercise, Hazel and Abbey kept playing together for another hour and a half, chasing each other around the living room and pretend fighting. Hazel also stole Abbey's stash of toys, bringing them out one by one. The little thief! Before we said goodbye, we made sure to put them all back. But Hazel still left with a new best friend.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek at Hazel and Abbey's playdate! Hazel may be another year older, but I think she'll always be young at heart-- and keep me feeling that way, too!

Color wonderful

2011-04-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

Pretty Little Peacock Dress

Modern Azteca Print Dress

Spanish Nights Printed Dress

I am giddy just looking at these vibrant, festive frocks. Can you imagine how it would feel to slip one on? I would twirl and twirl and twirl...

Missing you

2011-04-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day at work. In some ways that's a good thing. I wasn't allowed to really dwell on what this day means. But I also didn't have time to visit the cemetery, which I feel a bit guilty about. Not really guilty I guess, I just wanted to go. But I know Jeremy wouldn't mind. He would understand.

Today is the 10th anniversary of my brother's death. I've talked about it on here before and I know it is not exactly a happy topic, but I can't let the day go by without acknowledging it somehow.

Even though it is just one day, I've been thinking about this day for several months. I've long been aware that this would be the 10-year anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been that long. When I mentioned it to my best friend last week, she couldn't believe it either.

But more than that, I've also long realized that this year I would turn 26. I am the same age my brother was when he was killed. It's a bit surreal. I try to imagine myself in his place and I can't. He always seemed so much older. Now that I am his age, I can't comprehend it. I feel like I have just started to live my life and there's still so much more I want to accomplish. I guess it just reaffirms what I've always known. Jeremy was taken far too soon. He had so much potential, so much more to do and give and see and be. But the unpredictability of life stepped in and his time here was cut short. I'll never understand why, I've accepted that. It is what it is and you can't really find meaning in it. You just have to learn from it, grow from it and move on in the best way you can. And I think I've done that for the most part.

But no matter how many years are put between then and now, I'll never stop remembering. And I'll never stop missing my big brother. My goofy, good-hearted brother. It's funny, most times I feel "fine" about the whole thing. I think of him with only joy in my heart. It has been a decade after all. But then there's those other times that startle me with a whoosh of emotion-- sadness, of course, and a longing to be able to change the unchangeable. Times like right now, when I'm trying to fight the tears. I should just let them fall.

---

Jeremy, I'm sorry I wasn't able to visit you today. I was going to bring you a beer this year instead of flowers. I thought the rebel in you might appreciate that. Maybe I'll come out to sit with you this weekend. It's hard for me to do, but sometimes it's good to just feel it. Until then, know that you are in my thoughts today and every day, and everyone down here misses you. A lot. I love you forever.

Your little sis,

P.S. I'm disabling comments for this one. But if you got this far, thank you so much for reading.

Adore Adele

2011-04-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

About a week ago, I was strolling Barnes & Noble. On the store's radio was none other than the uber-talented Adele. They were playing her whole new CD, song after song. Each track I fell more in love.

I only recently discovered Adele. I had heard her songs on the radio, and I'm sure you have too-- the powerful "Rolling In The Deep" in particular-- but I didn't know who the singer was behind them. But once I found out, I wanted to hear more.

So back to Barnes & Noble. After hearing her voice while perusing the magazine racks I quickly made a beeline for the music section. There I found her first and second albums- titled 19 and 21, respectively. I hardly ever buy CDs anymore-- the last one I purchased was Kaleidoscope Heart, from my other musical girl crush Sara Bareilles, and I only bought that to get early access to concert tickets. No matter, I picked up both of Adele's CDs. I had to have them immediately.

Since then I have been listening to 21 on repeat. I can't get enough. I'm a little obsessed but I'm OK with that. Her voice is simply amazing. No tricks, no gimmicks, just pure artistry and emotion. I love that. My favorite song by far is "Turning Tables." (Though "Someone Like You" comes in at a very close second.) Adele's voice is beautiful but the piano is, too. Man, I wish I could play. Still, I love to sing it and I'm sure my family heard me belting it out from my room this weekend. Oh, Adele-- you make me happy.

If you haven't heard the British songstress yet, I encourage you to take a listen. You may just fall in love too. May I suggest this wonderful live version of "Turning Tables" as your introduction?

Or this rendition of "Someone Like You" at the 2011 BRIT Awards? (Side note: I am loving her makeup here. So pretty!)

Do you adore Adele too? Have you found a new artist that you just can't get enough of? I'd love to hear!

Album cover via Adele's official website

Good news

2011-04-20T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I have some good news to share! While being a journalist can be super stressful to say the least, it is times like these when I truly feel like all the hard work and time and effort that I put in really is worth it.

This past Saturday, I-- along with a few editors, photographers and the publishers of the paper I work for-- attended the California Newspaper Publishers Association's awards show and luncheon for its 2010 Better Newspapers Contest. (That's a mouthful, huh?) Last month, I found out that one of my stories had been selected as a first or second place winner in the Feature Story category for weekly newspapers with circulations of 25,001 and above-- the largest weekly category.

Well, when my former editor called me with the news I was pretty excited but I didn't want to get my hopes up. See, they don't tell you if you got first or second because they want you to come to the luncheon to find out. But the last time someone from my newspaper group won first place in feature writing was some 13 years ago! It was my now-managing editor, who back then was just a young "cub" reporter like myself. So you can see why I was a bit nervous, too. I thought, just tell me straight out the gate if I got second, don't make me wait only to find out I was second best!

Anyway, I went to the luncheon and the salad was delicious. Oh, you don't care about that? Well, when they began announcing the winners in the weekly division, my heart started going pitter-patter and my stomach was churning! The anticipation was killing me! I had to wait through 15 categories (general excellence, public service, investigative reporting, sports coverage...) until they got to me.

All of a sudden, my photo and story flashed on the screen and the announcer said my name. I WON FIRST PLACE!!! My table cheered, high-fived and was all sorts of inappropriate but it was great. I had the biggest smile on my face. I couldn't believe it. Even though I finally had the answer I'd waited weeks for, my hands wouldn't stop trembling for a good 15 minutes.

Though I would have been thrilled to have won in, say, the local news category, the fact that I won for feature writing truly means the world to me. That is where my passion lies-- sharing other people's stories, connecting on a human level and moving the reader, to action or to tears.

The award-winning (!!!) article is one that is particularly special to me. It is about a little boy named Cameron who even at 5 months old had a tremendous spirit and will to live. I was honored to talk to his parents and tell his story, and I'd love for you to read it if you have a minute. I've pasted it below as it ran in the Simi Valley Acorn on Feb. 5, 2010 (minus the address to send donations at the end).

Cameron's story: Growing up with a broken heart

Sitting in the living room of their Simi Valley home, Mike and Sandy Nash share snapshots of their 5-month-old son, Cameron.

In one photo, the infant’s fuzzy head peeks out from a bundled blanket. His blue eyes seem to sparkle and he is giving the camera his best toothless grin.

They say pictures speak a thousand words, but this image is deceptively adorable. For a baby with a broken heart, Cameron Nash looks like one happy little boy.

The truth is, his story has been marked by struggle. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), Cameron has endured more pain in five months than many people experience in a lifetime.

“People say to me, ‘I can’t imagine what you go through every day,’ but I look at my son and I say, ‘I can’t imagine what he goes through every day,’” Sandy said.

She and Mike learned something was wrong with their baby at her first ultrasound in March 2009.

“We found out we were having a baby boy and then about five minutes later we found out that he’s going to have a heart defect,” Sandy said.

“We should have known it would be a rollercoaster right then,” Mike said.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a congenital abnormality in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped, causing it to not pump blood as it should. Without treatment, the defect is usually fatal within the first week of life.

According to the American Heart Association, about 1 percent of babies born in the U.S. have congenital cardiovascular defects.

Because of the challenges that go along with a child who has a heart problem, the doctor asked Sandy three separate times if she was sure she wanted to continue with the pregnancy.

With a vision of Cameron one day running around with his big sister, Akina, now 2, Sandy’s answer was always the same: Yes.

“I didn’t think that it was my choice to take my son’s life away from him,” she said. “In my and my husband’s mind we have to do whatever we can to give him the best possible life.”

There are two major treatment options for babies with HLHS: a three-stage surgical procedure that reconstructs the child’s heart so that it can work using only two of the heart’s four chambers or a heart transplant.

On Aug. 14, when Cameron was born, he was taken immediately to Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Mike didn’t even get a chance to hold him. After a series of tests, the doctors decided the newborn needed the three-step surgery.

So at just 4 days old, Cameron went under the knife. The surgeons reconstructed his heart so that the right side would pump to both the lungs and the body.

“You can’t fix the anatomy so you fix the plumbing, so to speak,” said Sylvia del Castillo, a pediatric ICU doctor at Childrens Hospital who has cared for Cameron since he was born.

Cameron remained in the hospital for two months. His recovery was slow going as he had trouble learning to breathe and eat, and he battled acid reflux and a blood clot.

On Oct. 14, the Nashes’ little boy was finally well enough to come home and meet his big sis. But a month later, Cameron went into cardiogenic shock. His heart was failing and he had to be rushed to the Simi Valley Hospital emergency room.

Sandy and Mike thought they were going to lose him.

Cameron pulled through but he had to return to Childrens Hospital.

Mike said it’s been difficult to not have his son at home and to have to visit him at the hospital, especially during the holidays.

“You want to be in the spirit but it’s hard to get to feel that way when baby’s first Christmas is in the ICU,” he said.

There were good days and bad days, Mike said, and though Cameron made some progress, it was “torturous.” Each setback felt like he was “socked in the gut.”

After Cameron endured a seizure, dialysis, a metal stint put in his aorta, and a ventilator, the doctors started to talk heart transplant. But tests revealed the infant had too many antibodies and would reject a new heart.

So instead his parents looked toward the second step of surgery, which is typically performed at 6 months. The surgery was their only hope for Cameron to improve because his heart was simply working too hard—like running a marathon all day, Sandy said.

It’s a risky surgery, del Castillo said, especially for young, underweight babies like Cameron, but the procedure is critical because it takes the load off the heart.

After overcoming an infection, Cameron finally had his surgery last Friday at Childrens Hospital. Though he had a 50-50 chance of surviving, he went through it like a champ, del Castillo said, adding that many in the hospital never thought he’d make it this far.

“He’s a trouper,” she said. “He’s going to take some time, he’s teaching us patience. But we have a much better feeling . . . that he will be okay. He’s totally battled the odds.”

Though he’s still in the hospital and has at least one more operation in his future, Sandy said the successful surgery has given her family renewed hope.

The last five months have been stressful and heartwrenching, as Sandy and Mike juggle full-time jobs—she at Trader Joe’s in Simi and he at the Department of Water and Power—with being at the hospital and parenting Akina.

And the costs add up, too. Mike said Cameron has accumulated more than a $1 million in medical bills. Though they have good insurance, it doesn’t cover the expense of driving to downtown L.A. six days a week or keeping Akina in daycare.

Family friend George Annino, who met Sandy 10 years ago when they worked at the Westlake Trader Joe’s, is collecting donations for the Nashes.

“People can always use help, we all realize that, and Sandy, she is just a sweet person, she’s a great mother,” said Annino, an Oak Park resident.

In the face of adversity, del Castillo said the Nashes have shown amazing resilience and positiveness—just like their little boy.

“Until the doctors tell us we’ve done all we can do, we’re going to keep fighting, too,” Mike said.

Sadly, a little more than a month after this story ran, Cameron passed away. I did a follow-up story at that time. You can read that article here.

Even though more than a year has passed, reading these stories still brings tears to my eyes. But that is exactly the kind of affect I want my stories to have. I want them to pull at readers' heartstrings and make them feel, even if those emotions aren't always easy. No matter what, Cameron's story is an inspiring tale of perseverance and love and I hope Mike and Sandy know that their little boy had an impact-- probably on more people than they will ever know.

P.S. I wasn't the only award winner at work! My colleagues won top honors too!

Little Miss Four Eyes

2011-04-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

Some of you may not know this, but my vision is not exactly 20/20. This could be applied figuratively to my life but at this moment I mean it in the very literal sense. In fact, much to my chagrin, I recently had to get a stronger prescription. (My mother, although she can see, is "legally blind" and I dread the day that my own eyesight gets that bad.)

Many people, outside my friends and family, likely don't know I wear glasses because I very, very rarely wear them out in public. My purple Ray-Bans-- although not as hideous as the tiny, angular, librarian-esque frames I donned in middle and high school-- are primarily reserved for use at home, specifically late at night when I am in my pajamas in bed. They only grace my face outside if I have slept one too many nights in my contacts (a very bad habit of mine, I have to admit) and my eyes simply won't have it.

However, I would most certainly wear my glasses more often if I looked as cute as Anne Hathaway, who was the most lovely four-eyed creature on-- surprise, surprise!-- the red carpet for the Los Angeles premiere of her new animated flick, "Rio."

I mean, this is just not fair how adorable she looks! It's kind of gutsy wearing glasses on the red carpet, but she pulls it off gorgeously.

Granted, the overall aesthetics may not just be because of her natural beauty. Those tortoise shell frames got it going on, too.

Which reminds me that I've been wanting to purchase a new pair for myself, ones with a bit more vintage flair and personality. Mine are slightly dated, going on four years now I think, and the lenses are scuffed and scratched.

If I did treat myself to some eye candy, the first place I'd look is Warby Parker. Have you heard of them? You likely have since the company has been a darling of the blogosphere, but in case you haven't here's the scoop.

Warby Parker is a collaboration between four friends who wanted to provide an alternative to the overpriced and bland eyewear available today. Their fashionable frames retail for just $95-- a steal when you compare them to my pair, which cost upwards of $300. Plus, for every pair purchased, Warby Parker donates glasses to someone in need. How amazing is that?

I'm partial to colorful frames rather than basic black, so I'm loving:

Nedwin, in summer green

Miles, in amber or sandalwood matte

Wiloughby, in checkered revolver

Colton, in sandalwood matte

(or, if you really want to get some stares, in tangerine!)

Which frames do you like best?

And for all you girls with glasses, check out... The Girls With Glasses! (They've been a bit quiet lately but they've promised to be back in full force soon and I bet you'll love 'em. One half of the duo is Brooke White, who is one of my favorite American Idol finalists! I was rooting for her all the way on Season 7! :)

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

P.S. If you didn't see my last post, check it out. I have a fashion dilemma and I need your help! :)

Anne Hathaway image via Glamour

Crazy Little Things

2011-04-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

Of all the seasons, spring is my favorite. The warmer weather, cool breezes, chirping birds and blooming buds-- what's not to love, right? And it is just about this time of year when you can dig into your closet and pull out all those cute sundresses you stashed away during the chilly winter months.

It's also about this time that I start thinking about getting myself some new sundresses to fill my already overstuffed closet.

What can I say? I love dresses. And online shopping. It's an addiction. Moving on...

This all leads me to Threadsence. A few weeks ago they released their new Spring Lookbook (Vol. 2) titled "Crazy Little Things." Well, it sure made me crazy. Crazy in love. With about every single item, on every single page. Flipping through the virtual catalog, all I could think was, "Threadsence, why oh why are you doing this to me?" as I simultaneously imagined my bank account slowly (or quickly) draining. Ha! I'd already bought myself a few new things for spring so I felt a tad guilty lusting after more. Never satisfied, I am!

Well, somewhere the fashion gods are smiling on me. Somewhere, someone in the universe wants to fuel my online shopping and quest for the perfect-go-anywhere dress. Yes, I am a lucky girl because this week I found out that I won a $75 gift card to-- where else?-- Threadsence!

I entered a giveaway on Aimee's beautiful fashion blog, Song of Style, promptly forgot all about it because who really thinks they are going to win those things, and then, out of 285 people, I was randomly chosen!

That was most certainly the best email I got on Tuesday!

So, now the difficult task comes of choosing what to get with my prize. This is where you come in! I've collected a few of my fave pieces from the spring lookbook for your browsing pleasure. Tell me which ones you like best!

As Light As a Feather Scarf

Follow My Lead Lace Maxi Dress and Rugged Possibilities Denim Vest

Sunshine Burst Holey Tunic

Close to Comfort Cream Crochet Top

Kiss From a Rose Floral Cutout Dress

Chains and Spikes Necklace

On the Rise Floral Dress

I'm looking forward to reading your picks! And I'd also love to hear, what's your favorite thing about spring?

Happy weekend!

xoxo,

In Flight

2011-04-01T10:16:00.000-07:00

Untitled/San Fernando Valley; from Los Angeles 07.27.05

Golden State Freeway/San Fernando Pass; from Los Angeles 02.12.04

I am loving these photographs by Michael Light. Aren't they extraordinary? The light pouring from the horizon in each shot is just breathtaking. Both are of my fair city Los Angeles. I'm claiming it for the moment because these were actually taken above the San Fernando Valley, which is just a hop skip and a jump from my home. What a beautiful perspective of a town that, in all honesty, isn't necessarily known for its beauty.

This is what the 20x200 newsletter that introduced the editions had to say about the sister prints:

A pilot himself with a lifelong love of flight, Light hired a helicopter pilot to lift and roam with him above Los Angeles so he could hover over a rare sort of 4x5 camera—a Linhof Aero Technika—which uses roll film, allowing Light to shoot continuously without constantly reloading single sheets. Over the course of the project, he shot 900-some photos of the lights, the buildings, the streets, the trees and river below. On the ground—in the darkroom and on the computer—Light combined traditional film processing techniques with post-production work. Turning his negatives into digital files, Light smoothed out the film grain, moderating its interference with the haze and particles of light that you see glowing around the horizon.

If you don't already, I highly recommend signing up for the 20x200 emails... It is like getting a mini art tour in your inbox a couple times a week! Even though I can't buy all the prints that capture my heart, like these ones-- I simply don't have the space!-- I love being introduced to new art and new artists, and stealing away a few minutes from work to see the world through someone else's eyes, lens or paintbrush.

Hope you are having a wonderful Friday! The sun is shining and it has felt like summer the past few days... I can just taste the weekend!

26

2011-03-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Oh, life. Crazy, beautiful, stressful, sometimes-wonderful, but always-makes-my-head-spin life.

I swear, things have been so hectic lately I often feel like I barely have time to catch my breath.

All I've wanted to do all day is e-x-h-a-l-e... and yet, I can't. Not quite yet. Still more work to do.

BUT. It is my birthday, so even though I haven't posted in ages (since the beginning of the month, more accurately) I felt the need to stop in and say something.

Today, I am 26. I don't feel different. Better or worse. But I am older, that's one thing that is for sure.

Now, I am on the side closer to 30 and farther away from 20. Still, I think I have more than a few good years left in me :)

While I am chained to my computer tonight, I am hoping this weekend I can let loose and relax. And put on my dancing shoes! My friends will tell you, I always want to go dancing. And there's nothing else I really want to do to ring in 26. But we'll see. I'm hoping my friends have recovered from the quick weekend getaway to Vegas we took two weeks ago.

As for right now, I just got back from dinner. The fam asked what I wanted and, despite the fact that I have two more stories to write, I turned down the idea for takeout and we instead went to Macaroni Grill. Yum. This Dane could eat Italian every day. (I joke I must have been Italian in a past life. Pasta is in my DNA.)

Oh, and my parents (really, my mom) got me this beautiful embroidered dress from Ruche that I wanted as well as a pair of feather-like earrings that I hadn't seen online but love. So even though this hasn't been the best day or the best week work-wise, I have things to be thankful for.

And I am thankful. To be another year older. And, hopefully, another year wiser.

Cheers to that!

Hope you are doing well. Chat soon. (I won't promise, but I mean it.)

xo,

Adorable newsie cupcake that seems to be made for a journalist like me via we heart it

Lush looks

2011-03-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the March catalog for Anthropologie? The photography is as gorgeous as usual. I never expect anything less. But I am in love with the feeling of the images too. They have me dreaming of warm, lazy summer days, preferably in a tropical locale. They have me wishing for sunlight streaming through windows, using the light only to curl up in a chair with a good book. They have me wanting to throw on a breezy colorful dress that is perhaps too dressy but completely perfect for taking a stroll through a garden. Oh, and they have me wanting to dive into this impossibly cheerful ruffled bedspread. Sounds nice, doesn't it? :)

Well, if you haven't checked out the catalog yet, take a peek at these beauties, my favorite lush looks:

Wishing you sunshine, no matter what the weather outside or how hard the wind blows...

P.S. I got a 15 percent off discount card in the mail from Anthro, a little birthday present from them to me. So if I am really good, perhaps one of these lush looks will be mine. Which one would you choose? (If money wasn't an object, of course.)

Oscars Fashion

2011-03-02T00:40:00.000-08:00

Oh, Oscars fashion. You left me dazzled. Wasn't this year's red carpet simply divine? At least, I thought so. Watching the arrivals in the hours leading up to the 83rd Academy Awards, I found it hard to find much that I didn't love (hence the longish, photo heavy post to follow). Almost every star who walked out on the carpet looked fabulously glamourous-- just as they should for Oscar!

Still, I have to play favorites and so my picks for Best Dressed of the night are... drum roll please...

(If you've read my awards show fashion recaps in the past, you know I love color and so my choices won't surprise you...)

Jennifer Hudson in a shockingly good, electric tangerine Versace gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. If those recent ads weren't reason enough to join Weight Watchers, her Oscars look has me almost running to sign up. (Did you catch that? Almost running? Ha. Me. Run. Ha.)

Tied for fabulosity on the red carpet was the always smoldering Mila Kunis, who still looked hot even in a romantic lilac lace number by Elie Saab. Now, if I lived in a dream world and actually strolled down an awards show arrivals line, this I imagine is how I'd want to look. Fun, pretty, vibrant... and still smokin'.

Now, onto my long list of runners ups... I told you there was a lot to love!

Near the top of my list was Academy Award winner for Best Actress, Natalie Portman. She and her growing baby bump look so regal in this aubergine Rodarte gown. I heard some criticism of her "matchy-matchy" look-- note the Jimmy Choos and tassel earrings-- but I think she looked perfect and radiant... ready to accept an Oscar.

These ladies were equally stunning, all in very different ways.

Amy Adams sparkled in a midnight blue L'Wren Scott column gown, and I loved the contrasting pop of emerald jewels at her neck and wrist.

Jennifer Lawrence looked like a "Baywatch" bombshell in a form-fitting tank dress by Calvin Klein; her blonde flowing locks and bronzed makeup were just right, too.

Reese Witherspoon, one of my all-time favorite actresses, went classic in a black-and-white Giorgio Armani Prive gown-- which reminded some of the Valentino Julia Roberts wore when she won the Oscar for "Erin Brockovich" and others of, well, vintage Barbie. Both not bad comparisons in my book!

Then, there were those ladies who simply sparkled and shined...

How adorable to Hailee Steinfeld look in this Marchesa frock that she helped design? I swear, this girl knocks it out of the park every time. Don't we all wish we had stylists when we were in high school?

Also cute as ever was Michelle Williams in a simple but body-con Chanel sheath.

Mandy Moore looked elegant in a nude, crystal-encrusted Monique Lhuillier gown (which, I have to say, looked much better on TV than in this photo).

And Hilary Swank, who is not usually a fave of mine, won me over this year with this fun and feathered metallic number from Gucci.

Thanks to the eternally gorgeous Oscars co-host Anne Hathaway, the fashion surprises didn't stop once the celebs went into the Kodak Theater. She had eight-- including her red vintage Valentino bustle gown she wore pre-show-- wardrobe changes. What girl wouldn't love playing dress up in these designer frocks? (I think my favorite is the first, the burgundy silk Atelier Versace gown.)

via Bitten and Bound

Unfortunately, her counterpart's sudden wardrobe change wasn't as fabulous. Moderately funny, but not fabulous.

Poor James. I had high hopes for Franco but he was just so lackluster, I half expected him to fall asleep. Luckily for Anne, it made me appreciate her over-the-top enthusiasm that much more. At least with her I could tell she was actually delighted to be there.

So... what was your favorite fashion moment from the Oscars? Or favorite moment in general? Admittedly, the red carpet was, by far, my favorite part. I can't lie. But there were some genuine speeches that left me tickled and pulled at my heartstrings (sometimes simultaneously, like Luke Matheny's). And I loved seeing the PS22 chorus close out the show with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Those kids rock my socks.

Oh, and while there were many nominated films I have yet to see ("The Fighter" and "The Social Network" to name a few), I really want to go check out the night's big winner now, "The King's Speech." Though, it will probably come out on DVD before I find the time... story of my life.

Images via here, here, here, here, and here

A quick hello!

2011-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

what better way to welcome March than with an adorable girl and pastel balloons?

Hello, everybody! Just popping in real quick to give a big, warm thank you to all the lovely ladies who left such sweet comments on my last post. You guys truly lifted my spirits and made me feel cared for and loved. Thank you thank you thank you. While I still have had a few moments of feeling sad and lonely, overall I am feeling much better. It is mostly being busy with work-- a blessing in disguise-- that has kept me away from here. But I can't wait to catch up with you all once I get a bit more time! I have been dying to post my fave Oscar fashions-- you know how I love a good pre-awards show red carpet. So look for that (hopefully) later tonight.

On another note, I can't believe it is March 1! Where is the time going? Well, no use looking back at wherever February went... welcome spring (it is hiding somewhere behind the clouds) and welcome March, my birthday month! :)

Hope you are having a wonderful day! (I just finished my second mug of hazelnut-flavored coffee and a sugar-crusted apple turnover... so other than the deadlines hanging over my head, I'd say I'm doing pretty good :)

xoxo,

Image via we heart it

Breaking up is hard to do

2011-02-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

Wow. Being the breaker-upper is not much better than being the breakup-ee.

As some of you may have gathered from my last post, or from my facebook status change last week, my boyfriend and I broke up.

I’m the one who did the breaking. It was something that I’ve needed to do for a long time. Safe to say we both saw it coming and yet we both didn’t really want to do anything about it. I finally made the move.

We were together almost four years. It would have been four years April 15.

Like I said, I know it was the right step to take but it wasn’t easy. Despite my own feelings, despite my friends’ prodding, I put it off and off and off because I was afraid. Afraid of being alone. Afraid of losing a friend. A best friend, really. Afraid of how I would feel after. Afraid that I wouldn’t find anyone else to replace the empty feeling in my heart that I knew would only get bigger once I actually said the words that needed to be said: I think we should break up.

And I had never broken up with anyone before. (I was the one who was completely devastated-- several times I might add-- by my high school-into-college boyfriend.) I wasn’t sure what to do or how to say it.

As far as breakups go, this one was … nice? I don’t know the word. Calm? I simply said that things weren’t working out and that we both deserved better-- to find someone who truly makes us happy and gives us what we need. I didn’t feel it was necessary to delve into all the things that I think he has done wrong. Or how he hurt me. What would be the point, really? I knew that once I got those words out-- I think we should break up-- there would be no going back. Nothing he could do to change my mind. Pointing fingers wouldn’t solve anything and we still have a dog together that we both love. And mutual friends. We will still occasionally talk and see each other so I wanted to make the breakup as “nice” as possible.

I think he did, too, because he didn’t get defensive either. As sad as this fact might make me, he pretty much agreed with what I said. It would have been nice if he had tried to fight for me, but I knew going in that wouldn’t be the reaction and it wasn’t. Which is exactly why I knew it all needed to end. So it did.

Luckily, last week was as busy as usual and work kept my mind off of what had happened. Valentine’s Day was a Monday and I had a horrific City Council meeting to attend. (Horrific because it lasted six hours. Longest meeting of my life!) I had meetings almost every night last week in fact. And those deadlines to meet. But then the weekend came and bam! Everything I didn’t want to think about has hit me. The rainy, gloomy weather didn’t help either.

I never really talked about my relationship here and in general I try not to get too personal, but I decided to write this all down because I just called the ex and it left me a bit rattled. I called because he still owes me some money and the bill is coming up this week. (Another reason I did my best to keep the split amicable.) I was slightly dreading calling him but it was harder than I imagined it would be.

The moment I got on the phone with him and he asked me how I was, it took all the strength within me not to burst out crying. My voice cracked a little and I had to cover my mouth. I didn’t want him to know that I was hurting. It was me, after all, who did this. Surprisingly, for an ultra-emotional girl like me, I didn’t cry that much during the actual breakup. But this weekend, in the privacy of my room, under the covers of my bed, tears have soaked my pillow, coming down heavy like the rain outside.

I still know that I did the right thing. For both of us. But it still hurts. My heart aches because I miss my friend. Heck, I miss my dog. And I hate feeling so incredibly alone. Thankfully, my best friend just returned my call and I’m already feeling a bit better, just being able to talk to her and let out all these emotions swirling inside. Writing it all down has lifted some of the weight, too.

Today, the sun broke through the clouds and I know that this internal storm will also pass. Until this weekend I wasn’t letting myself feel the pain and I’ve realized that even though the breakup was expected and needed and my own doing, it is still okay to feel sad. I spent the last four years of my life loving this man, even if he didn’t love me back the way I needed. I shared my hopes and dreams and fears with him. He saw me laugh and he saw me cry. He was there to talk to when I had a bad day. He was there to go to dinner with and see the latest movie. It’s hard to lose all that. So it’s okay to be sad.

I’m going to let myself feel that for a while and then I’ll get back to the regular, cheerful programming. If you made it this far, you’re awesome. Thanks for reading.

xoxo,

Saw this photo today on Etsy and it seemed to capture my feelings. Find it here, by tamgutlich

The right hands

2011-02-15T22:46:00.000-08:00

A heart is a funny thing.

It can be so strong

for the people it loves

and yet those are the very ones

who can break it so easily.

Still,

when held in the right hands,

a heart can be so full

and so light

all at the same time.

So while

it may not be smart

to keep giving away my heart

so freely,

I will keep on giving

until the day that it finds

the right hands.

penned Feb. 2, 2011

felt again Feb. 12

still feeling today

Image via we heart it

Mailbox pretties

2011-02-13T12:30:00.001-08:00

Happy almost-Valentine's Day, my loves! Sorry I have been so MIA... I have been busy busy busy, as usual. But I just had to share with you these cute Valentines I made for The Stationary Place's first-ever handmade Valentine swap!

I met Lyndsey at Dionne's SoCal Blogger's Bee on New Year's Day, which I never posted about-- sorry! It was amazing of course. Nothing less with Dionne as the organizer. (I mean, just check out this Chocolat-themed Valentine's party she threw. I am in awe. Who wouldn't want to be invited to that party?) Maybe one of these days soon I will post about the incredible goodie bags us SoCal bloggers received... so many wonderful artists represented in that bag!

Anyway, like I was saying, I met Lyndsey at the meetup and soon after discovered her blog, dedicated to all things paper. When she announced she was having a handmade Valentine swap, I couldn't resist joining in the fun! Here's a closer look at my creations:

Now, I can't take all the credit for these adorable greetings. I used a kit from my favorite stationary store, Paper Source. Still, I made them my own by adding a few extra hearts here and there and on the interior. And of course the message inside was all my own. I hope the ladies who received them loved them as much as I enjoyed making them!

So, did you send any Valentine's this year? Don't you miss those grade school days when you would bring Valentine's and chocolates for the whole class and drop a little sweetness in each of your friends' pouches? At least, that's what we did at my school...

Hope you are having a sweet, love-filled weekend!

xoxo,

Nailing it

2011-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Happy almost-Friday everybody! I wanted to post a quick update today about a project I've been working on. It's called Project Stop Biting My Nails. :)

Remember how I told you that one of my New Years resolutions for 2010 was to stop biting my nails?

And then how just a few weeks before the year was up I realized that I hadn't accomplished that seemingly simple goal and decided to really and truly stop? (So I could say I did successfully meet at least one of my resolutions!)

Well, I've stuck with it and I'm happy to say, I have nice, long(ish) nails! Even through the stress of work and another editor change (Monday was a doozy to say the least), I haven't bitten all my hard earned white tips off.

Even happier, I received that free Zoya polish I told you about (except Kelly, she's still on backorder). Since I've always been a nail biter, I'm not so skillful at painting my nails. But practice makes perfect, right? Here's the colors I've been wearing:

For the past two weeks, while waiting for my three free to arrive, I was wearing Zoya's Laurie, a pale, sheer, creamy pink. Since I am so fair and have cool undertones in my skin, this polish is almost my perfect nude. It would be great for a French manicure, too.

Because Zoya received tens of thousands of orders during their three free promotion, it took a long time for them to get the polishes shipped. And I really needed some products to help me maintain my no-biting policy. So I ordered Laurie and Zoya's Color Lock System, which comes with remover, base coat, top coat and "HurryUp" drying drops. I have to say I love the remover-- it works so fast and has a fairly nice scent for nail polish remover! It's not overwhelming like some can be. I'm also in love with Zoya's base coat, called Anchor. It does what it says and dries within seconds.

I finally received Edyta and Isla-- two of my three free-- last week and I was so excited to paint my nails last weekend. But I was a bit too tired to be bothered. However, Laurie was starting to lose her luster-- though I have to say she did hold up well; hardly any chips!-- so I made the time last night to try out Edyta. (Which I am guessing was named after the sexy Polish dancer on "Dancing with the Stars." The color does remind me of her.)

Here's the results:

Though my dad and brother thought it looked black and "goth" at first, I showed them that in the light, it is actually a dark green with shimmering gold. I think it's unique and pretty. What do you think?

I'm so proud of myself for actually committing to this "project" and not relapsing into my bad habit. It's nice to be able to give myself a manicure and not worry while taking notes during an interview if the person notices my gnawed on nails.

There's only one problem: Now I want to buy tons of nail polish! Like I needed another beauty product to be obsessed with, right? Well, I have my eye on a few other shades: Ibiza, Charla and Julieanne. And I'm lusting after Zoya's entire spring collection, Intimate. (I especially want Marley!)

I probably would have quit biting my nails a lot sooner had I known how many beautiful nail polishes are out there! Thanks, Zoya, for the motivation.

SAG Fashion

2011-01-31T21:15:00.000-08:00

So, I totally forgot about the 17th annual Screen Actors Guild awards. Like, it didn't even occur to me that they were on until about 11 o'clock last night.

No!!! was my immediate thought.

And then I realized: Wait a second. All I really care about is seeing what people wore. Thank you, Internet.

So I browsed. I oohed and ahhed. There were a few ughs in there, too, as always. But, I'm too nice to point out the fashion that failed. Instead, I've compiled here the fashion that, in my opinion, was fabulous. Take a look and let me know what you think! (to see bigger, click the photo!)

Ladies in Red

I adore Mila Kunis in this belted, flowy Alexander McQueen dress. It is romantic yet edgy and young at the same time. And her wavy locks and trademark smoky eyes are the perfect fit. She looks cool and a bit sassy, just as I imagine her to be.

And Tina Fey, well, I just applaud her! She has been known to find herself on the worst dress list; but she looks stunning in this red lace Oscar de la Renta gown. It hugs her in all the right places and the embellished bodice adds a bit of fun to a dress that could otherwise be too serious for the comedienne.

Shining brightly

Critics debated whether her crisp white Azzaro column sheath was a bit too tight for her baby bump, but I think Natalie Portman looks gorgeous. (The $2 million in Tiffany jewels doesn't hurt, either.) And I even heard criticism of her hair, that it was a bit too severe. But I don't mind the pulled back look-- because just look at that skin! Flawless! Glowing! Pregnancy is doing Portman good.

Onto Julia Stiles, who, I have to say, looks better than ever. This is how I would want to look on the red carpet. Seriously, that faded navy-and-white Monique Lhuillier gown makes her look lit from within, don't you think? And her hair is great, too. I love the tumbling golden ringlets over her shoulder.

"Glee" starlet Lea Michele abandoned her usual show-stopping ball gown for a sleeker style. Her shimmering sliver Oscar de la Renta dress is sexy but not over the top, and the combination of dewy skin, nude lips and just-rolled-out-of-bed hair completes the effortless look.

Fun & Funky

I've probably mentioned it on here before, but I love color on the red carpet. Don't give me black and boring. Give me fun and funky! I give kudos to gals who take chances when it comes to fashion and I think these risks paid off.

Claire Danes is bringing spring early in her floral belted Louis Vuitton gown. The ruffles at the bodice gives her a little oomph where she needs it and the pops of pinky-orange on her lips and tips-- ahem, nails-- are an unexpected but fun contrast.

Hailee Steinfeld, of "True Grit," is the new face of young Hollywood, and the new face of fabulous young Hollywood fashion. Two awards shows in a row she has nailed it, looking fresh, pretty and age-appropriate (she is only 14 after all). Hailee looked picture perfect in cream at the Golden Globes. She went an entirely different direction this time in a magenta, black and tangerine-striped Prada dress but again, picture perfect! And so cute. I kind of want to wear a shorter version of that dress this summer.

Soft & Nude

Now these weren't my favorites but they are getting honorable mentions. Lea Michele's "Glee" co-star Heather Morris looked sweet and chic in a strapless, crystal embroidered, peachy Romona Keveza dress-- proving fair girls can go nude.

Also looking ethereal was Angie Harmon. The train is perhaps a bit overboard, I'll give you that. But I can't help but love her feathery ballet pink Monique Lhuillier gown. So frilly and feminine and hey, I'm a girl's girl.

Daper dudes

Fashion isn't all about the ladies. Check out these handsome fellas: Justin Timberlake in a Simon Spurr tux and James Franco in a Gucci suit. But really, who am I kidding? I don't care about what they're wearing. Take it off boys! Ooh, sorry. Got a bit carried away there. I'll simmer down...

A different approach

"Modern Family" hot mama Julie Bowen showed the boys how it's done in a Catherine Malandrino paintsuit. You may knock her choice but you gotta give it to her for guts. In a sea of gowns, Julie wasn't afraid to stand out-- and her body is smokin'.

A forever do...

Finally, I'm throwing in the classic, forever beauty Betty White-- pictured here accepting her SAG award for Best Female Actor in a Comedy Series for "Hot in Cleveland"-- because 1) we should all be so lucky to look this good at 89, and 2) she is the reason I missed the awards to begin with! Besides the fact that I forgot, I was too busy watching her and my new girl crush, Jennifer Love Hewitt, in the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "The Lost Valentine." Betty had me blubbering like a little baby. It was the sweetest and saddest love story ever. If you see it on while flipping through the channels, you should watch. You won't be disappointed.

There you have it! My SAG fashion rundown. So, did you watch the SAGs? Do you agree with my choices? Who was your "Best Dressed" of the night? (Mine's a tie between Mila and Julia.)

Red carpet images via Yahoo!
Betty White photo via E! Online

And the winner is...

2011-01-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday, everybody! Hope you are having a good week so far. We're almost to Friday!

Well, it's that time. Time to announce the winner of my second-ever giveaway. Thanks so much to everyone who entered! And a special hello and thank you to new readers who played along, too!

Ok, without much further ado, the winner of my giveaway (as chosen by the classic names-on-slips-of-paper, put-em-in-a-cup, shake-shake-shake method) is...

..........

......

...

The lovely and fabulous and always inspiring Amber, of The Girl With The Red Hair!! Congrats girl!

I seriously couldn't believe my eyes when the paper was pulled. Amber was my very first commenter. My very first! But I promise, there was no funny business. My dad actually did the honors of pulling a name out of the plastic cup. My first words were, "Are you serious!?" Haha. It was meant to be.

Amber, I think I already have your correct address, but maybe shoot me an email just to confirm? Thanks, love! I'll put those goodies in the mail to you asap... I hope you enjoy!

And thanks again to all of you! If you didn't win, don't worry. Giveaways are just too much fun; I may have to host another one before I hit my third blogiversary :)

xoxo,

New fave... Ghost Whisperer

2011-01-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

Last week I discovered my new favorite show: "Ghost Whisperer."

I know, I know. The series finale was last year. Better late than never?

Here's what happened: It was, I want to say a Thursday night, and I was up late-- which is nothing new-- flipping through the channels-- also nothing new-- when I stumbled upon "Ghost Whisperer" on WE TV (Side note: I love "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera"!) "Hey!" I thought. "This is new!." So I watched. All it took was one episode and I was hooked. (The fact that they keep running marathons helped the addiction along, of course.)

First, I was captivated by the complete and utter gorgeousness that is Jennifer Love Hewitt. You'd have to watch to get the full effect but her hair looks absolutely perfect in every scene. I am totally envious of her waves. Anyway, Miss Love-ly (sorry, couldn't help myself!) plays Melinda Gordon, an antiques shop owner in a small town and she, oh yeah, just so happens to be able to see and talk to dead people. Or, as her grandma called them, "earthbound spirits" who have unfinished business with the living that is preventing them from "crossing over" into the light.

Second, I was entranced by the hotness and hunkiness of David Conrad, who plays Melinda's unbelievably charming, romantic and supportive hubby, Jim Clancy. Unbelievable as this perhaps too-good-to-be-true character may be, I'd totally play the damsel in distress to his prince and fall into those strong, toned and tanned arms. Just sayin'. Oh, and he has pretty nice hair, too!

Third, of the five or six episodes I have recorded and watched so far (most from Season 1), none have disappointed. They all suck me in and keep me clicking fast forward through the commercials to see what happens next. There's funny moments, cute moments and enough semi-spooky moments to keep things interesting. I will say though that "Ghost Whisperer" is most assuredly a "chick show." Which is not to say a guy wouldn't want to watch it (he likely would for other reasons, see: Jennifer Love Hewitt) but at the end of every episode I get a little choked up when the ghost imparts its final message, finds closure and crosses over.

I know. I'm such a sap! But I love it. I'm thinking I may have to go out and buy the series on DVD.

So, have you seen the show? First run or in late-night marathons like me? And have you discovered a new favorite show? I'd love to hear!

P.S. Time is running out to enter my giveaway! Do it! :)

P.P.S. While we're on the topic of Jennifer Love Hewitt, what did you think of her dress at the Golden Globes? I wasn't the biggest fan, though she did look romantic, soft and ethereal. Her hair and makeup on the other hand were perfection. Some things never change!

Top image via "Ghost Whisperer" facebook
Other images via the show's official website

Cleaning house

2011-01-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have spent the past four days trying to organize my life. From scrubbing down and decluttering my bathroom on Thursday (which took three hours, a bottle of 409 and half a roll of paper towels) to laundering my clothes and actually putting them away (in my closet and dresser, as the case may be). In between that, I went through some of the piles of junk in my room that have been sitting around since I moved home (more than six months ago, shhh). I found pretty funny stuff from high school (dance pictures, choir journal) as well as a few college journalism portfolios that I still can't bear to part with. But I did manage to throw away a garbage bag full of stuff and fill another bag with more clothes to give away. (I desperately had to make room in my closet for all the cute new clothes I've gotten recently!)

All of this took an incredibly long time and I am still not done, but at least now the counter in the bathroom is clean and clear and under control (aka, my brother can actually use it) and I can see the carpet on one half of my room! Haha. You may think I am exaggerating... sadly, I am not.

Anyway, I'm glad I was able to be productive this weekend. All this cleaning and organizing had seemed so overwhelming and I didn't know where to begin. But it wasn't so bad once I started. A good life lesson in general I think. A big project (or even a big decision) never seems so impossible once you take the first step.

Hope you had equally productive weekends! And if not, well, I hope you had tons of fun! :)

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway! There's fun goodies up for grabs!

Image via a new-to-me but wonderful site, Pinterest

Evergreen

2011-01-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

Is this not the most wonderful little windowsill garden? I am completely smitten! The cute snails (made by JooJooLand, owner of the garden) and the tiny bonsai tree... I want! Unfortunately, my windowsill is not this lovely and bright or big. So instead, I instantly saved the photo to my image file and set it as my desktop! Now it's like I am looking out a window when I am working at my computer. I know, I'm silly, but I had to change the snowy scene I've had as my backdrop since December.

Speaking of plants, do you guys remember my adorable Echeveria, Dondo? Well, he actually is perched--albeit precariously-- on my windowsill. And despite my black thumb, he's doing great! He's even grown a bit on top; there's a little bud that wasn't there before. So that's good news! Because with previous succulents, I pretty much killed them by now. Maybe I will eventually be able to get Dondo some friends and have a cute indoor garden of my own.

So how are things where you are? Aren't you glad it's Friday? (I am!) I've been hearing though that it is awfully cold and dreary where some people are. Is that what it's like where you live? Here in Southern California it doesn't much seem like winter anymore and it's not too chilly-- it has just been super windy! The tree in my backyard (that once upon a time produced nectarines) was even tipping over, so my parents cut it down. Super sad but it was rotted out. Still, other than the blustery breeze, it is nice and sunny here. (Sorry, I'm sure some of you are hating me right about now!)

Anyhoo, fill me in! What are your plans for the weekend? I don't have much going on at the moment-- though I would like to see "No Strings Attached"-- but I'm hoping my productive streak will continue; I spent three hours cleaning (more like detailing) my bathroom last night and I did my laundry! Not so exciting, but necessary.

Till then, have a good one. And thanks to all those who have entered my giveaway so far! For those of you who haven't, there's still time to get in on the fun-- just follow this link.

xoxo,

Garden found via You Are My Fave

Two years + a Giveaway!

2011-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

Big balloons for my blogiversary :)

Why, hello there! Life has been sooo busy lately! So busy, in fact, that I let my two-year blogiversary slip by on Saturday with nary a mention!

It's not that I forgot about it though. I most certainly knew it was coming and even marked it on my planner. I just didn't have the time to properly prepare to celebrate it. And by "properly prepare" I mean go out and get something to host my second-ever giveaway! Yay! I'm so excited and I hope you will be too when you see what goodies I have in store. (More on that in a minute.)

I just wanted to do something to thank all of you who stop by here regularly (despite my irregular posting!) to say hello and give such kind, supportive, insightful, encouraging and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny comments. Your little notes really do make my day so I'd love the chance to make one of yours by putting a sweet little gift in the mail to you.

When I began blogging two years ago, I never imagined what a welcoming and wonderful community I'd find. Many of you I consider friends and some I've even met in real life! And I look forward to meeting even more of you through your blogs. There are so many talented, creative and simply fabulous people out there... the blogging community is like an never-ending fountain of inspiration! I feel so happy and even blessed that I am a tiny part of it.

Ok, now onto the prizes :)

Yesterday, after laying out the newspaper, I got a moment to breathe and go to one of my favorite stores: Paper Source! There I picked up...

... an adorable, accordion-style mini desk calendar! This would add a bit of color and cheer to anyone's workspace, don't you think? It can be displayed stretched across a table top, as above, or it comes with a little easel to show one month at a time. And February is just so cute!

... a cheeky retro coaster set. When I saw these I couldn't help but laugh. They would be perfect for setting Cosmopolitans on, say during a girl's night in? My favorite: "I'm so happy it's happy hour."

... and finally, a Parisian notebook. When I saw its vintage-style map cover, featuring little pictures of landmarks placed on the crooked streets, I snapped it up off the shelf. I've never been to the City of Love and Lights-- but oh how I'd love to go! I figured this notepad would be a winner since bloggy people adore Paris. But really, who doesn't?

So, what do you think? Would you love to win? I kind of want to keep them for myself but don't worry, I won't. I know one of you will give them a lovely home :)

To enter:

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post! Easy peasy. Maybe tell me what you've been up to since work has kept me out of the loop for a week or so... Oh, and international readers: you can play too!

My only rule:

Since this giveaway is to thank my friends and readers, you have to be a follower. But it's so easy! Just click follow and--yay!-- you're done.

Deadline:

To give everyone ample time to enter, I won't pick a winner until next Wednesday, Jan. 26. And then I'll ship the prizes Thursday!

There you have it. My second-ever giveaway! I hope you'll play along! Before I go, one more time, thanks again for being here. Blogging simply wouldn't be the same without you.

xoxo,

Balloon image via we heart it

Scenes from a holiday

2011-01-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

A Christmas post, you ask? Yes, I know, Christmas is long gone and over with. But I finally downloaded these images onto my laptop and I just couldn't resist sharing the ones of Hazel. So I hope you'll indulge me a bit. I figure a little cuteness is bound to make anyone's Monday a little brighter, yes?

Hazel in her velvety red Christmas dress. It reminded me of the dress Belle wears in the winter scene in "Beauty & The Beast."

Unfortunately, Hazel wasn't much of a fan and didn't feel like posing for momma (though she did love this pillow! Totally not her gift but she sort of claimed it for a bit.)

The "torture" only lasted about 10 minutes, tops, and then I took the dress off. Still, she let me know she wasn't pleased with me. This is her giving me "the look" through some unwrapped presents. Even mad she's still cute!

Later, she tried to steal my gingerbread cookie. The little thief! But look at those eyes. It's hard to say no!

Oops, there's no Hazel in this shot! How'd this get in here...

There we are, a little family. I think we all look pretty funny but this was the only one of her looking at the camera!

Alrighty, I'll stop being a proud dog momma now. Hope you had a restful weekend and are having a good start to your week! I saw "Black Swan" with my bestie on Saturday. It was scary and creepy and intense... but good. I know it's gotten mixed reviews but I liked it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and when I got home I kind of tried to avoid mirrors. Ha! Natalie Portman was amazing and beautiful, of course. And it made me wish that I hadn't dropped ballet years ago (I always wanted to go on pointe). Have you seen it? What did you think? If not, what did you do this weekend?

Recent splurges

2011-01-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know what's with me this week, especially given that we just went through Christmas and I got plenty of gifts, but I keep buying stuff! This is a problem, I know, and I feel a little guilty about it. So, in a feeble attempt to wipe my conscience clean, I thought I'd confess to you my shopping sins.

First purchase this week:

Shop- Elephantine

Item- the chic and simple, but so beautiful, fay necklace.

I had my eye on this dainty piece since the moment Rachel added it to her shop. But I always talked myself out of buying it, convincing myself that I had enough necklaces. (But honestly, in my world there's no such thing as too many necklaces!) But when Rachel's newsletter showed up in my inbox Sunday announcing a 20 percent off sale (sorry, it ended yesterday) to ring in the New Year, I simply couldn't stop myself any longer! Isn't it pretty? There are so many others that I'd like to add to my collection, like this pendant necklace, a light and airy bracelet, and these rings.

Second purchase this week:

Shop- Sephora

Items- Urban Decay Naked Palette and Sephora's Glass Nail File

My justification for these purchases is this: I have heard rave reviews about the Urban Decay Naked Palette. (One of you first told me about it when I posted about this gorgeous Tarte palette, which I got for Christmas by the way.) One look at the UD palette and you know why people are gushing. Look at all those wearable shades! Plus, it comes with mini version of UD's cult-favorite Primer Potion. So why didn't I snatch it up in November? It was out of stock! That's how popular it is.

Well, as I told you before, I'm what they call a Beauty Insider with Sephora, which basically means they tempt me and test my willpower via email every week. They're always sending me new offers and codes! This week's deal: Enter 2011 at checkout and get two free mini products to celebrate the New Year. That's what got me browsing Sephora in the first place. When I saw the Naked Palette was finally back in stock I, again, couldn't resist! So there you have it. And why a nail file? To get free shipping, of course (I had to add a couple bucks to my order to reach the threshold). But it is a useful purchase. This will explain why...

Third purchase of the week:

Shop- Zoya

Items- Nail polish

Zoya polish in Isla (a rich, blackened red shimmer), Kelly (a neutral gray with soft blue and purple undertones), and Edyta (a dark metallic with hints of gold and olive)

I was watching new YouTube beauty guru Nancy and she mentioned that Zoya, to celebrate reaching 20,000 "likes" on its Facebook page, was giving away three free nail polishes; just enter FB2011 at checkout and pay shipping. Well, I am still doing pretty good on my whole not-biting-my-nails-even-when-I'm-super-stressed-out thing and I figured what better way to motivate myself and keep my tips looking nice than spoil myself with some new nail polish (and the aforementioned nail file)? Especially free polish! Each bottle is usually $7 and I paid just $6.95 for shipping. If you want to get in on this act fast-- the offer ends tomorrow! What do you think of the colors I chose?

Ah, I feel better now that I have gotten that off my chest :) Do you think I'll be forgiven for my shopping sins? Are they good enough to get me a free pass to retail heaven?

Please do share your recent splurges, too! Shopaholics unite.

Ok, full disclosure. I just realized this post doesn't even take into account my run to Kohl's late Monday night. I had $40 in Kohl's cash from my Christmas shopping that was about to expire and I wasn't going to let it go to waste! Someone needs to save me from myself. Or confiscate my wallet.

Hello, 2011.

2011-01-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again. Time to self-reflect. Time to set goals. Time to beat yourself up over what you didn’t get done last year. Ha! I’m kidding, kind of.

See, looking back at last year’s resolutions, I’d have to say that they mostly all still apply today. It’s a bit discouraging seeing that I haven’t made much progress in the past year-- though I have in the last two weeks stopped biting my nails. Right now I even have little white tips. It’s all very exciting. I hope this time it sticks!

Anyway, like I was saying, it is a bit of a bummer to look back and feel like you didn’t accomplish the goals you set out for yourself. But, there’s no point in dwelling. Just keep swimming! (Gotta love that Dory.) Perhaps I should print that 2010 post out and hang it on my bathroom mirror so that, while I’m brushing my teeth of all things, I’m constantly reminded of what my resolutions are. I really might just do that but while I’m not going to add a bunch of bullet points to that list, I will talk a little bit here about a few personal goals I’d like to work on in 2011.

In the online world, my perpetual resolution is to be a better blogger-- post more, comment more, you know the drill. But in general, I’d like to work on being a better friend, which can happen online but more importantly in real life. I work so hard at being a good employee and yet I still feel like no matter what I do it’s never going to be good enough. I think if I put my effort into being a better person, a better friend, that would be infinitely more fulfilling. And yet it is so easy for me to let the busyness and stress of daily life get in the way of doing the things I love and spending time with the people I love. I have found, particularly in the past year, that it is all too easy to neglect the things that make us who we are and make us feel good to concentrate on the things that we are supposed to do, demanded to do-- even if those things aren’t what build us up and inspire us.

There’s a balance to be found, for sure, and it is a difficult one to master. There shouldn’t be all work and no play or the other way around, though that way would definitely be more fun! But I guess what I want to strive for is that "timeless" adage: work hard and play harder! What a motto, right? I sound like a sorority girl. (Oh wait, I was one.) But, hey! I’m only 25. I don’t want to look back on my life and only remember all the sleepless nights spent toiling away at my computer. If there is sleep deprivation in my future-- and I know there will be-- I hope it is more often a result of dancing till my feet hurt or spending hours chatting about life with a girl friend, not stressing out over work. Here, here! (Cue me raising a champagne glass.)

My overarching desire for 2011 is this, and I’ve said it before: to be happy. I want to discover true happiness, in all its forms. I want to find what makes me happy and do those things more. If it means taking risks, then I guess this timid, afraid-of-change girl will just have to find her courage, too.

On the flip side, I want to find what doesn’t make me happy and then do my best to change it or cut it out of my life completely. I’m sure that exercise will be more difficult than it sounds but I really do believe joy is a choice and if you are letting things into your life that stomp all over joy, then really who is to blame for your unhappiness but yourself? So yes, finding, grabbing and holding onto happiness is my simple yet profound goal for 2011. Sure, to really stop biting my nails for good is definitely on the list again too, but I’m thinking that a happier me will be less prone to nail chewing, don’t you?

So here’s to a 2011 with more smiles, laughter and adventure. And here’s hoping your year is full of that, too.

xoxo,

Images via: 1, 2, 3, 4 + 5

Tick-tock... Goodbye, Twenty-Ten!

2010-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

Time is almost up on Twenty-Ten! Can you believe it? In just a few hours, a whole new year will be here.

It seems like 2010 went by in the blink of an eye. I'm pretty sure I say that at the end of every year, but this one really did seem to zoom by in a flash.

I can't say I'm all that sad to see 2010 go. This year was not my best year. Not my worst, but not my best. I was busy and stressed and sleep-deprived (ha!) with work, and I seemed to take a step backward when I moved home in May (of course you guys offered me awesome words of encouragement then. Thanks again!).

And while I didn't have any set plans for ringing in 2011, taking part in any sort of celebration tonight has kind of been ruled out. I'm finishing off 2010 with a cold. (Thanks to my editor, who was sick Wednesday when I went in to the office to lay out the paper. I woke up Thursday with a sore throat and a runny nose and since then I haven't much wanted to get out of bed.)

But I am optimistic. I figure, it can only get better from here, right? Come on, 2011! I have high hopes for the New Year. Maybe it's like rain on your wedding day? Perhaps a cough and a sniffle on NYE is good luck? Here's hoping.

No matter what, I am excited for tomorrow. I am going to be kicking off 2011 by meeting up with some wonderful bloggy ladies. Some I know, some I don't. I'm excited! See, things are already looking up...

Before I sign off for 2010, let me say thank you. Thanks for being here, for spending a bit of your time with me, and for always being so sweet and kind. Here's to a beautiful, wonderful, joyful and simply fabulous New Year, for you and for me! Have fun tonight, be safe, and I'll see you on the other side-- in 2011!

Cheers,

Images via we heart it, here and here (second one altered by me.)

Deck the Halls ~ Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T00:51:00.000-08:00

I just spent the whole day wrapping presents and listening to Christmas carols.

After a couple hours, the novelty of that wore off fast. Ha!

But really, no exaggerations, when I wasn't out helping my dad shop for my mom-- it's our very last-minute tradition-- I was at home, sitting uncomfortably on the floor, surrounded by rolls of paper, swirls of ribbon and a bevy of bows.

The Christmas music did make it better though. I love Christmas music. And singing along to Christmas music. Especially the classics sang by music legends. Like Nat King Cole. Bing Crosby. Frank Sinatra. Eartha Kitt. You know the ones. They all kept me company while I folded and taped.

Despite all the hours and effort, I'm excited for when my family will tear into all my hard work tomorrow morning. Only in a few hours really. It's already after midnight here... I hope they like their gifts!

Before I head to bed and listen for reindeer hoofs "up on the rooftop"-- see, still got those carols in my head-- I thought I'd show you what my house looks like at Christmastime. Like I mentioned in my last post, we didn't have a tree until about a week ago. Why? Well, because we recently got new, hardwood floors! Bye, bye carpet! You can sneak a peek in the photo above, and see a sliver of our new furniture, too.

Anyway, let the mini-house tour, well, living room tour, begin:

Every year my mom turns our staircase into candy cane land. I love it.

These bells were my mom's mom's. That would be my grandma. I never met her, unfortunately, but I hear wonderful things all the time. These bells are very special. And they hold our mistletoe. Kiss, kiss!

I have claimed the task of setting up the nativity set every year. See, this bit of Christmas decor is very special to me. My grandma, my dad's mom, hand-painted each piece. I am totally biased, but it is the most beautiful nativity I've ever seen.

I always set up the little animals differently. I can never remember what I did the last year. This time, the cow is peeking in from the side of the manager. But the stars of the scene never change-- and I always put in baby Jesus last.

Our fireplace-- that my dad designed-- gets dressed up, too. My mom hangs garland from the mantel and sets up all those little stuffed animals on the hearth; they're from her work (Starbucks!).

Oh, Christmas Tree! Sparkling at night. It's the real thing. We like the pine smell.

Reflecting in the mirror... Don't you love my snowman? I made that in elementary school. We had to bring in one of our socks for his cap! I remember being very upset back then that there wasn't one more black pom-pom for his mouth. I had to put a brown one in the middle. Even then I was a perfectionist-- and enjoyed symmetry. :)

Did you "deck the halls" at your home this year? What are your Christmas decorating traditions? Whatever you do, I hope it is wonderful. Because guess what? It's here! :) Merry Christmas, my loves. I hope your day is full of joy and laughter with friends and family. Because no matter what is under the tree, it is the people in our lives who are our true gifts.

xoxo,

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2010-12-22T02:21:00.000-08:00

Christmas at The Grove

... well, that is if torrential rain for days on end is your idea of what Christmas looks like. Personally, I'd prefer snow, but that's not going to happen here. So gray skies and raindrops it is.

Despite the gloomy weather, I'm slowly getting into the Christmas spirit. I'll admit, it has taken me a bit longer to really feel the season, if you know what I mean. It definitely snuck up on me this year. I think it is work and stress and the fact that my house didn't even have a tree until the end of last week. But with the decorations finally up and after sending out my Christmas cards and attending two holiday parties (one with the boy's family, one with friends), I am starting to come around.

Though the date never changes and I knew it was coming, I think I really realized Christmas is here about two weekends ago. (About the same time I started all my holiday shopping, ha!) On that Saturday, the boy and I spent the afternoon perusing the fabulous artists and creators at Unique L.A.'s third annual Holiday Show. I was on a mission to buy handmade and get a few people checked off my gift-giving list. Of course, I mostly saw things I wanted for myself! I bought the coolest, chunky (and pointy!) quartz ring by Kittinhawk and, like last year, I stopped by Danni's booth, Oh, hello friend, to say hi. Ok, and buy a few things. What can I say...?

Anyway, after browsing and buying for a couple hours, the boy and I were starving. Shopping sure works up an appetite! So we headed over to The Grove for dinner at Morels French Steakhouse and Bistro. It was our first time there and it was delicious. Expensive, but delicious. (I got the roasted tilapia served atop basil mashed potatoes with sliced tomatoes, zucchini and fried capers. Yum.)

But the best part of our quick trip, and what really kick started me getting into the holiday mood, was seeing all the wonderful decorations. From the huge, glistening Christmas tree to a "flying" reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh to a water fountain show set to classic carols, you couldn't help but feel a bit more jolly.

Want to see? ...

So, are you feeling festive this holiday season? Or have you been distracted, like me?

And, perhaps more importantly, who else still has more shopping to do? (Not to mention all my wrapping!) I know I sure do! I'm always finishing up last minute. That's what Christmas Eve is for, right? :)

Family bonding

2010-12-14T23:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, my brother and I are sooo different. What we think, how we act, what we like, what we do. Of course, most of our differences can easily be explained by the simple fact of gender-- you know, the old "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus" thing.

For example, while I would be just smitten to receive a brand new kit of makeup brushes, my brother would be overjoyed to get a shiny new set of ... tools.

Well, that last part is exactly what happened today.

Today was-- and still is for another half hour or so-- my little brother's birthday. (Though, as you can tell by the photo, he's not so little.) Every December, Patrick catches up to me. See, we are a year and nine months apart. Most of the time, our ages appear to be separated by two years. But on December 14 he narrows the gap. I'm 25 and today, Patrick turned the big 2-4.

(He, like me, has started to realize that anything after the "big 2-1" is really not all that exciting anymore.)

My brother is impossibly hard to buy for-- he either won't tell you what he wants or he will list a bunch of gun-related paraphernalia that is way out of my price range or comprehension-- and that frustrating fact is only compounded because of his birthday's proximity to Christmas. Not only do I have to come up with one fabulous birthday gift, a mere 10 days later I have to deliver another smile-eliciting, thrill-inducing present.

Well, I am proud to say that this year, I have done good-- so far.

Taking my father's advice, I bought for my brother a 24-piece 3/8 in. drive ratchet and socket set by Kobalt that comes in a handy blue storage case. Turns out my brother is always borrowing my dad's set to work on his car, so he was in need of his own.

(Let me just mention here that when I went to Lowe's to purchase said case, I was looking ultra-girly and wearing heels. I thought for sure some store employee would catch one glimpse of the wide-eyed blonde scouring the tool aisle, take pity on me and rush to my aid. No such luck. I know we live in the 21st century but really, I'm not afraid to admit it: I know nothing of tools. So next time Lowe's, help a girl out!)

I wasn't sure how the gift would go over since my brother is awfully hard to please but he ended up loving it! After peeling off the wrapping he immediately opened the case and started fiddling with the ratchet and trying out the sockets. He said it was "cool" and thanked me several times. I even got a hug! (And we're not a very huggy family. Yeah, I just made that word up.)

I was tickled pink that he truly liked the gift and I know that the socket set will get far more use than the beer brewing kit I got him last year (for Christmas I believe). That "out of the box" gift-giving idea is still sitting, well, in the box.

So I guess there's just one thing left to say: Thank you, 24-piece 3/8 in. drive socket set. You brought a sister and a brother, who are often worlds apart, together, if only for a few moments. You even got us to hug.

Patrick and I, circa 2008. I obviously need to force him to take more photos.

Wish list

2010-12-14T02:26:00.000-08:00

Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa is almost here! Have you been naughty or nice? (Maybe a bit of both?)

Well, hopefully none of us will find coal in our stockings this Christmas. Here's a few items from my wish list that I'd be happy to find under the tree:

Some new makeup brushes would be much appreciated. Mine have seen better days. And these ones not only sparkle, they are antibacterial to boot. (This makeup lover wouldn't say no to a beauty box made just for junkies, either.)

Fragrance that smells as good as it looks. (Marc Jacobs Daisy may be my perennial favorite, but I'm willing to give Kate Spade's Twirl a whirl. Both are fruity and floral.)

A hair treatment that would restore and replenish my dry locks, which are even more ravaged by the winter wind, would be quite useful. I've heard bloggers rave about Moroccanoil.

I'd love to light a candle on dark winter nights. This magnolia one would make my room smell like my grandma-- and I mean that in the best way possible.

Since the kind of digital camera I want is a bit out of my price range (and probably Santa's), this adorable Diana would be a fun new way to capture memories and give them a dreamy perspective.

I would love to add a few more easy-breezy tops that look effortlessly chic to my wardrobe. This sheer midnight blue one and that olive green camp-style one would look good in my closet.

Add to that a flowy floral lace number you can dress up or down.

New clothes need new kicks. I've had my eye on a pair of new boots with buckle details for awhile (like these) and a girl always needs more cute flats (like these).

My jewelry box is overflowing but I'm always adding more jewels and baubles to my collection. I heart these nature-inspired, hippie chic pieces: a double leaf ring, a sparkling feather necklace, and safari-themed bangles.

I've been using the same metallic, studded bag all year; it's time for a new model. This caramel-colored faux leather satchel would be perfect for every day.

And finally, because the New Year is almost here and I can't survive without a schedule, a 2011 agenda that is both cheery and functional is definitely in order.

There you have it. My wish list for Christmas. What I find under the tree Dec. 25 no one knows (except the jolly bearded man himself) but whatever it is, I know I will love it.

Your turn! What made your wish list this year?

P.S. If you'd like to receive a Christmas card from yours truly, drop me a line with your address at carissanicole {at} gmail {dot} com by Thursday, Dec. 16. I'd love to add you to my list!

Sending some cheer

2010-12-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

with every Christmas card I write...

I can’t believe Christmas is just a little more than two weeks away! Can you? When I think about it, I get butterflies in my stomach—mostly because I’m not anywhere close to being done with my gift shopping!

But putting that anxiety aside for a second, I am excited to continue one Christmas tradition I started (seriously) last year: sending Christmas cards! In the past I would faithfully buy cards but end up never sending them—and if they did get where they were supposed to go, it was because they got taped to the top of a present. Which is fine but we all know that the best part of a card is finding it in your mailbox, right? Especially since my postman usually just brings me tons and tons of junk mail and bills, I get a little thrill whenever I find amongst that stack a pretty envelope with a handwritten address from a friend.

Longtime readers will know that last year I offered to send anyone who was interested an old fashioned, signed-sealed-delivered holiday greeting. Many of you replied that you would like to be on the receiving end of my snail mail, and I was so happy to send them!

Last year I actually made my own cards, which was both fun and fantastic but also time consuming. Since I have gotten a late start this year, I doubt that I will be crafting my cards from scratch (though I'll likely jazz them up). But I’d still love to send you one!

So if you would like to get a cheery card from me, and I hope you do, simply send me an email at carissanicole {at} gmail {dot} com with your mailing address. I'll add you to the list!

And don’t worry, I promise to keep it confidential and never ever use it for anything except to send you a bit of holiday cheer!

Thanks for playing along!

P.S. This is totally open to international readers, too. I just hope it will get to you in time!
P.P.S. If you'd like to participate, I need to know your address by Dec. 16 at the latest! :)

Image via we heart it

Conundrum

2010-12-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

Ahh, the eternal question: To be a red head or not to be a red head? Well, at least that's my current conundrum. This photo of the ever-gorgeous-no-matter-what-her-hair-color Emma Stone represents my state of mind (state of hair?) perfectly.

Although red is always a popular choice in the fall and the color has been made even more trendy this season due to all the celebs trying out the look, I personally have been thinking of going red forever. Well, more specifically, I have been thinking of dyeing my hair red for several years now, and even added some red streaks into my blonde mane in high school (or was it college? I can't remember), but I have been particularly preoccupied by the idea for the past couple months.

Okay, full disclosure: I have two boxes of auburn-ish hair dye (Clairol's Perfect 10 Ginger in a Snap, if you'd like to know) that have been sitting unopened, unused, for oh, about three months. I haven't quite gotten up the courage to take the fiery plunge, let alone do it myself!

So tell me, what do you think of Emma's new look? (It is for her role as the goldilocks Gwen Stacy in the upcoming "Spider-Man" movie.) Like I said, I think she looks beautiful either way, though she is actually a natural blonde.

And perhaps more importantly, what would you think if I went ginger? I'd love to hear your thoughts! (My friends and co-workers have mixed feelings about it.)

Hope you are having a happy Monday!

P.S. My Monday has been very productive but it just got even better when the lovely Meagan of Mo Pie, Please informed me that I won her very first giveaway! Woo hoo! I'm so excited! The prize is two linocut prints from The Big Harumph. Go show Meagan and the shop some love for their generosity!

Photo via Yahoo! Movies

Edit (Dec. 13): Thanks for all the support, guys! If I go red, you'll definitely be the first to know! :)

Chill in the air

2010-12-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

It's been awful chilly lately. Not cold enough to snow, unfortunately-- I don't think that will ever happen here, in the basin of "perpetually sunny" Los Angeles-- but brisk enough to say "Brrr" when you walk outside. (Or simply squeal, if you're like me.)

This past weekend, while walking through a local outdoor mall, making a feeble attempt at starting my holiday shopping, temperatures got so low that I actually bought myself a new (and somewhat pricey) jacket at American Eagle. It's an olive green trench with a belt at the waist and pretty darn adorable if I do say so myself. It was totally an impulse purchase but, in my defense, I had been eyeing a jacket just like it. And I got 20 percent off. So there. :)

Anyway, this week the weather has been warming up, making that jacket virtually unnecessary come noontime, but in the mornings it is still nice and cool. And the nights still get a bit frigid and blustery. Perfect scarf-and-mittens weather. (I picked up a cute pair of soft, red gloves this weekend, too.)

I didn't exactly plan to spend this post regaling you with details about my weather forecast. More importantly I wanted to share the beautiful photograph above. It entered my email inbox the other day, courtesy my favorite "cheap" art website, 20x200. Shot by Joseph O. Holmes, it is called "The Sledding Hill (Dusk)." This is one in a series of photographs he has taken at Brooklyn's Prospect Park. Don't you just love the way the light peeks through the skeleton trees and reflects off the snow, creating this warm, gorgeous glow? I may be a California girl, but I'd love to go there. Now. (And have a snowball fight.)

So, let's make small talk, shall we? How's the weather where you are? Any snow?

Stay warm,

P.S. Holmes also shot two of my other 20x200 faves, also set in his hometown of New York City. I posted about them here. (I love this one, too)

Stuffed

2010-11-30T00:22:00.000-08:00

Yep, I posed with my pie. Yep, I'm a cheeseball.

Boy, oh boy, am I full! I feel like all I did this past weekend was consume mass amounts of calories. With a little shopping thrown in for good measure. Though, I avoided the mall on Black Friday and wasn't very successful in my gift-finding mission Saturday or Sunday, mostly because I was unprepared and didn't know what I wanted to buy anybody. But back to the food...

Like I said, the title of this post would most accurately describe the way I felt this past weekend: stuffed. You know the holidays are here when you see the circumference of your waist rapidly start to expand, right? Well, the overindulgence all started with a Thanksgiving feast on Thursday. Just check out this spread:

Turkey? Check.

Stuffing? Check.

Green bean casserole? Check. (Mixed veggies for my dad. The guy doesn't like green bean casserole. How can that be!?)

Chive mashed potatoes and gravy? Double check.

Buttery cloverleaf rolls? Mmm, check.

Sweet potato casserole with pecans? Oh-how-I-wish-we-still-had-leftovers check.

And don't forget the obligatory cranberry sauce and plate of olives and pickles. Or the wine. Pinot grigio for me, of course.

As you can tell by my plate, there was nothing on the table I didn't like. Though, I'm proud to say that you can actually still see some of my plate. Some years I fill every square inch and run out of room, piling this on top of that! This year I tried to practice restraint.

Just looking at these photos is seriously making me wish we still had leftovers. I would kill for some of that stuffing right about now! So so good.

Anyway, later came pie. Lots and lots of pie. Per usual, my mom went a tad overboard...

My mom baked apple, pumpkin, pecan and mincemeat pies. She is crazy, no? Mind you, we only had four people at our dinner table. Even still, I upped the insanity when I decided I just had to contribute something to Thanksgiving dinner. Given the fact that this was a very last minute decision-- as in 10 o'clock on Thursday morning-- dessert seemed like the easiest route to go.

More specifically, that Nantucket Cranberry Pie that I told you about the other day.

Luckily, it was so easy to make that when I dashed off to the store Thanksgiving Day all I had to grab was a bag of cranberries and some almond extract. Everything else I needed we already had in the pantry!

The teaspoon of almond extract called for in the recipe perfumed the whole batter with a nutty, sweet fragrance that reminded me of my mom’s favorite candy: marzipan. I couldn’t even help myself from using my fingers to help “clean” the bowl, it was that good. When I put my creation in the oven, I had high hopes. And I am happy to say it didn't disappoint!

Even with all the sugar, the cranberries retained their tartness, making for a kind of sweet and sour dessert. The chopped pecans added a lovely crunch and served as a nice counterpoint to the berries-- most of which burst but some hold outs stayed whole, giving the "pie" a rustic texture. I put "pie" in quotations because it doesn't have a bottom. It's more like a cobbler, I would say, with the fruit on the bottom and crust on top. But, when baked in a circle and cut into wedges, I think it definitely passes as pie. Speaking of crust, the top of the pie--which is made from a thick batter that you pour out in ribbons-- I would liken to a sugar cookie. It was golden and crisp on top but still moist and crumbly in the middle. And again, it tasted of almonds.

All around, I'd say my pie was a winner. My mom and dad thought so, too. My brother seemed less convinced. I pestered him to take a bite, which he said was okay, and then he returned his attention to his favorites: pecan and pumpkin. Personally, I was so stuffed from dinner that I only had half a slice on Thanksgiving. But when I heated up a piece the next day, you can be sure I ate every last bite.

Vanilla ice cream was the perfect complement to this tangy pie!

So, are you still feeling stuffed from Thanksgiving? Did your dinner table look like mine, with all the typical Turkey Day trimmings, or did your family and friends nosh on different dishes? I'd love to hear! (Though I'll make sure I'm not hungry when I read your comments!)

xo,

Reasons to be thankful

2010-11-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Although today is without a doubt a day of gluttony, it is also a day to give thanks for everything you have. To stop thinking about what you want, what you need and be satisfied--no, overjoyed-- by what you do have, right now. I read a quote earlier that said, "There is always, always, always something to be thankful for." And it's true. Even in the most trying times. Even when you are grinning and bearing it through another dysfunctional family holiday. Even when it seems like things can't get any worse, you can't be any more stressed out, you can't be any more unhappy. If you take a minute to stop and think-- and of course, this requires you to actually do that, to stop and smell the roses, as they say-- you can always find something to be thankful for.

There's the obvious: Just being alive. Having a roof over my head-- one I don't even have to pay for. (Thanks Mom and Dad!) Having food on the table, or at the very least a fast food drive-thru away. Having a job that, while it does push me to the brink of my sanity sometimes, I do love, and it gives me purpose. Being able to pay my bills. My health. (That awful cold is finally gone, hooray!)

There's the people who make life worth living. My family of course. We may bump heads at times, we may get on each other's nerves, but at the end of the day, we love each other. We have seen each other's flaws and yet we still love each other. Nothing's better than that.

And then there's my friends. Where would we be without friends? They make me laugh, are there with a tissue and a hug when I cry, will listen when I need to vent and support me when I share my dreams. Yes, I am very thankful for my friends. (And this includes you!)

I'm thankful for the boy. Our relationship is complicated at times--but really, whose relationship isn't?-- but he is one of my best friends and I'm glad I have him in my life.

And I can't forget Hazel. Oh, how I adore that little fur ball. She brings me such joy. When she greets me at the door, running and jumping and kissing, that monkey can erase even the worst bad day.

Like happiness, I believe gratitude is a choice. It is a way of looking at things. Is the cup half empty or half full? I will admit, it's not always easy to be thankful, and I have been guilty on a couple occasions of complaining too much and being, well, for lack of a better term, an ungrateful brat. But making that choice to acknowledge the day and what comes your way with gratitude is without question the most encouraging, uplifting and fulfilling way to live.

So, about that cup? Today, I say half full.

Images via we heart it: 1, 2, 3 + 4

Turkey Day is almost here!

2010-11-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Ever since watching The Pioneer Woman, aka Ree Drummond, kick Bobby Flay's butt on "Throwdown" last week (yay!), I have been over at her cooking site constantly, drooling on my laptop just looking at all her delicious-sounding Thanksgiving recipes.

If I had a spacious kitchen of my very own, I would definitely be making the Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Apples, and for dessert the Nantucket Cranberry Pie and the Pumpkin Cream Pie. Mmmm, they all sound so scrumptious, right? Alas, I live at home, and all my kitchen utensils are still packed in a box, sitting in the garage. And I can assure you that my mom will have so much going on in every corner of our smallish kitchen that there won't be much room for me to add to the frenzy.

Now, while I was rooting for Ree the whole way, I have to give some kudos to Bobby, too. His Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Spicy Caramel Apple Sauce and Vanilla Bean Creme Anglaise looked amazingly moist and decadent, a great way to end a holiday meal. Again, if I had the space (and the sanity-- the recipe is a bit complicated and time-consuming), I would add it to the Turkey Day lineup.

But you never know. Maybe I can carve out a space to cook and bake at least one of those dishes. For some reason this year I have an incredible urge to cook for Thanksgiving. Perhaps it is because I no longer have my own kitchen and I haven't done much in the way of cooking since I moved home.

So tell me, what are you doing for Thanksgiving? Will you be whipping up some dishes in the kitchen? Or are you letting someone else do all the cooking? :)

Whatever you do, wherever you go and whatever you fill your belly with, I hope you have a joyful Thanksgiving!

And as always, I am thankful for you. Thanks for being here,

Photo via we heart it via little reminders of love. Has nothing to do with the post really, but too darn cute not to share!

Fall faves

2010-11-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

***

Thank goodness for the weekend. Lately, each day has seemed impossibly, perpetually long, one stretching into the next, with hardly a chance to catch my breath or get some sleep. And with the end of daylight savings time two weeks ago, nightfall comes sooner, making it seem like there are even less hours in the day to accomplish everything on my to-do list. Not that darkness has ever been a reason to stop my work.

***

No, only the weekend does that. So yes, thank goodness it is here. It is cold, rainy and completely gloomy outside, but I’m not that concerned. I am enjoying the chance to just stay inside, lie in bed, read a magazine-- just be lazy, you know? And forget, at least for a little while, that all my deadlines are moved up a day because of Thanksgiving.

The other good thing about a day like today is that it actually feels like fall is here. For a while there, the Southern California sun made it feel like summer in September. It wasn’t until around Halloween that the air seemed to change-- the smell of autumn was finally on the wind.

Feeling that brisk breeze, I was reminded of my favorite things about fall…

***

One of course being that chill in the air. Where I live, it doesn’t snow. And more than that, it doesn’t often get cold enough to button up in a cozy coat. Now, I am a Cali girl and I do love warm days and sun on my skin. I’ve said many times how I disdain the rain. But, I also relished the college semester I spent in Washington, D.C. There from January through May, I got to experience the tail end of an East Coast winter, and I absolutely loved being able to wear my purple peacoat. (In a sea of black coats, I wanted to stand out. There was no question the blonde in the purple coat was from the West Coast!) The boy always gives me a hard time about wearing sweaters on even warm days-- I like to cover my pale arms!-- but now I can pull out all those long sleeves in the back of my closet without hesitation. And I’m thinking I may be in need of a new coat to welcome the season. This red belted plaid version is festive, yes?

***

Another fall favorite, along the same lines, is layers. Again, it’s not often that I can bundle up so I love how the cool weather makes tights and scarves a necessity.

***

But perhaps what I adore even more about fall fashion is the boots. Oh, how I love boots. Over jeans, with textured tights, I think they just make every outfit look effortlessly chic and put together. If fall were an outfit, Taylor Swift’s ensemble would be it.

***

Another of my fall faves is just as comforting as wrapping yourself in a big blanket or a cable-knit sweater, just in a different way. I’m talking about soup. I’m a big fan of soup but it is simply too hot to eat in August. But lately, it has practically become a food group for me. Our pantry is stocked with cans of Progresso. And just yesterday I treated myself to tomato bisque in a bread bowl. But the best is when my mom has a big pot of homemade soup bubbling on the stove, making the whole house smell delicious. My favorite is her chicken enchilada soup. It’s spicy but simple, creamy but healthy. (The recipe is from a Weight Watchers cookbook, I believe.) And anything with huge chunks of sweet carrots in it, topped with toasted strips of tortillas, is perfection in my book.

***

My final fall fave would be just about the best thing on a rainy day like today: hot cocoa. When I think of a perfect fall day, I think of leaves turning color outside, of families cranking up fireplaces that have sat idle for months, and of cold hands holding warm mugs of hot chocolate. With an abundance of marshmallows, of course.

***

Or a swirl of whip cream. Both are divine. Pick your poison.

Oh, and I can't forget to add specialty Starbucks coffees that only come out at this time of year to the list. Caramel Brulee Latte, anyone? I had my first of the season yesterday and it was just as amazing as I remembered.

However, with all this laying around, snuggling under the covers and eating I plan on doing (let's not forget Thanksgiving is in just a few days!), perhaps I should put hitting up the gym on my list of fall favorites.

Hmmm, maybe later, once the skies clear. For now, I’m content to just stay exactly where I am.

So tell me, what are your fall faves?

Hope you're staying warm and dry,

Tarte

2010-11-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am breaking my silence to post about makeup. I can't help it. As a Sephora "beauty insider," I occasionally get emails that tempt me to whip out my wallet and then practice great restraint when I put it back in my purse, and today's email touting "6 spectacular palettes" was no exception.

I saw this Tarte palette at the top of the lineup and the makeup obsessed girly-girl in me just about died. Just see for yourself.

Called "The Jewelry Box," this limited-edition Tarte palette is packed with 32 new eyeshadows, eight lip glosses, a mineral bronzer, a new shimmering powder, five deluxe long-wearing eyeliners and-- get this-- a detachable necklace.

An impressive beauty stash AND a layered, golden necklace perfect for holiday parties?! Be still my heart.

I want. I need. Ok, I don't need, but I want. 'Nuff said.

This is instantly going on my Christmas list.

Anyone else spied some seriously fantastic beauty finds lately? I'd love to hear. And please tell me someone else's heart flutters at the sight of this palette.

Oh, and happy Friday! :)

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, everyone! This afternoon, Hazel and I took part in the second annual Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade at Lemon Park in Simi. (Hazel was a princess at last year's inaugural event, remember?) It is a warm, beautiful fall day here-- the perfect day for a parade.

Hazel had tons of fun sniffing around, making new friends and making people smile. She did the sweetest thing: As we were walking the route, Hazel veered off the path and made a beeline for a woman in a wheelchair who was watching the parade go by. Hazel jumped up and said hi. It made the little old lady so happy. I have the kindest dog, I must say.

We later went around the vendor booths, which included one from our own vet, and Hazel got a few treats out of the deal. And isn't she just the cutest in her pumpkin dress? Not exactly frightening, but adorable, yes! (At least, in my biased opinion.) There were some great costumes this year, and lots of owners matching their four-legged friends. (Unfortunately, I don't have a pumpkin shirt in my closet.)

A few more pictures from the parade because I'm a proud mama and I can't help myself:

On the route around the civic center

Cooling off in the shade after the walk

My mom came at the beginning of the march to keep us company

Treat? Did someone say treat?

Hazel is thoroughly exhausted now, passed out in my bed as I type.

I hope you are having a wonderful day, whether you are painting the town orange tonight or getting ready for an evening at home passing out candy. I'm still not sure which one I am doing! Maybe I'll make some cookies until I figure out exactly what it is I'm going to do. :)

Have fun and be safe!

xo,