EARTH DAY

Earth day is around the corner and growing up in Ojai, it was always an important celebration. We would plant trees at school and learn about ways to be kind to our dear earth. Between my hippie school and a mother who insisted we be an eco conscience family, I try to be as thoughtful as I can. You don't have to start composting or anything, but there are little ways you can do your part. One major thing I do and the easiest is ALWAYS use reusable bags. I have a a Baggu I keep in my purse for impromptu buys and I a few One Bag at a Time grocery bags in my car. At first it was hard to remember to bring the reusable grocery bags in with me, but force yourself, it is just habit and now I rarely forget. Another way to do your part is to buy eco friendly housewares and products. Here are a few sure to make you swoon...




3. Baggu Bag $8
6. Heath Aqua Glass $19 for 2
9. Naya Tova Sandals $140




*yes that is me modeling on the one bag at a time website. my dad took the photos.

HOW TO. TURBAN {TWO WAYS}

The turban has been my go-to for lazy days, when you just can't be bothered to spend a lot of time on your hair. It's a fun alternative to a hat, it's super easy to do and adds a little bit of polish to any look. I have had a few people ask me how I tie my turban so I made a little tutorial.
Turban with hair up...
1. Start out by folding your scarf into a triangle. Then keep rolling it until it is one long thin piece. See below.
2. Place the scarf on the nape of your neck and pull up the two sides to the top of your head.
3. Twist the two sides around each other one time.
4. Pull the two sides down to the nape of your neck.
5. Tie a knot and tuck in the loose ends. It should look like this...
Turban with hair down...
1. Fold the scarf into a triangle and place it over your head with the pointy end falling over your forehead.
2. Pull the two sides to the top of your head and twist them around each other once.
3. Pull the two sides down to the nape of your neck, tie a knot and tuck in the loose ends. Take the pointy part of the scarf over your forehead and tuck it up into the twist at the top of your head. It should look like this...
wearing:
vintage necklace
urban outfitters head scarf

MY SWEETEST DAY WITH LAUREN SIEBERT

Who: Lauren Siebert, TV Talent Booker and Producer/Lover of all things pop culture and pop music
Where: Here and There
When: Sunday


1.  The Hollywood Hills. I wake up and take a drive up into the hollywood hills to see my favorite view of the city and my "future house" up in the Doheny Estates. I like to keep my eye on the prize.

2. Massage at Westfield Century City. I head to the Century City mall and get a 30 minute for $30 massage by Kevin, my favorite masseuse. Kevin and his masseuses are set up right below the movie theater. It is the greatest massage I have ever had, time and time again. It truly is life changing.

3. The Beach. After feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to take on the day,  a group of friends and I head up the PCH. We stop to pick up sandwiches, snacks and cocktails from The Country Kitchen and The Country Liquor Store and then off to the beach. There is a beach entrance by Carbon Canyon that looks private, but it is available to the public. It's a narrow path between two stunning beach houses. That particular beach is so clean and I usually only see a couple of other people there. I love the breath taking view of the coast line and the dream homes that line the beach.  There is something about the view, breeze and fresh air that makes me love being here and taking a break from my neighborhood of West Hollywood for the afternoon.

4. Dinner at The Reel Inn. After the sun starts to set we head back down the PCH and have dinner at The Reel Inn.  The Reel Inn is a great place for fresh seafood, pitchers of beer, and no one minds you walking in sandy from the beach. They have picnic tables large enough to fit our whole group.

5. Drinks at The Woods. After everyone gets ready for the night, we all meet at The Woods to finish off our sweet day. I love the dim lit atmosphere, wood trimmings and it happens to be right around the corner from my apartment. It is small, but not too small and I have such cherished memories from there. And what's better than creating lasting memories with amazing friends.


{dream house photo by lauren, beach umbrella} 

CREATING A VIGNETTE

Have you looked through TradHome Magazine yet? It took me a couple days to get through the whole 347 pages of beautiful spaces. One thing is for sure, it will change the way you think about traditional deign. I couldn't help but notice how the designers styled the vignettes in each home. I love creating my own vignettes whether it's on my mantel, coffee table or console table. They tell people a little bit about who you are, and isn't that what your home should do, reflect you? I thought I would write out a few tips on how to display your favorite belongings in your own home...




How to create a vignette


1. Vary the height, size and texture of items.

2. Don't be afraid to mix eras. I love the way modern pieces look mixed with antiques.

3. Display taller items in back with smaller items in the front.

4. Add a little bit of nature. Always add a plant or flowers, it gives your vignette life.

5. Display pieces that mean something to you. Things that you have collected in your travels, sentimental items or even jewelry.

6. Utilize your book collection. Make sure to mix small and large books in with your objects, or create height by placing objects on top.




{photos via TradHome}

DAY/NIGHT

I have totally fallen in love with Brook&Lyn's surrounded double roped necklaces. I envision them being the perfect addition to practically every outfit...
ONE. Petiole Romper $250
FOUR. Straw Bag $44
SEVEN. Kain Silk Dress $295
EIGHT. Trap Ring $16
TEN. Aqua Clutch $38

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE BAKE SALE FOR JAPAN

The bake sale for Japan was a huge success! We practically sold everything and there was A LOT. Drum roll please...we made a total of $2,369 {including a couple donations}. Half will be going to The Red Cross Japan Relief Fund and the other half to Shelterbox. 

It was so fun to be together and reach out to the community. My fleur de sel caramels were a hit if I do say so myself. I even bought back a bag for myself as well as one of the adorable terrarium donated by Lauren's neighbor. Everyone's baked goods and sweets were out of this world delicious. I was also so impressed by the packaging. Everyone really made their treats look special. 

Thank you to everyone who came out and donated or supported the sale. Thank you to Lauren, Lilly, Kate, Owen, Marwa and Lizzette for making it a day to remember! Make sure to check out Lauren's blog and Lilly's blog for more photos...     


wearing:
club monaco top
joie Pants
urban outfitters head scarf
vintage necklace first seen here
stud earrings like these
rayban clubmasters 
mps flats

MY SWEETEST DAY WITH ALISHA BLANCHARD

Who: Alisha Erin Blanchard, Photographer/Mother of Milla Luna
Where: The Westside
When: Friday

 1. Bread and Porridge. My sweetest day starts earlier than I'd like but hey that's life with a 2 year old! I hear my daughter happily yell "good morning" at 7am & a pitter pattering of feet running in to cuddle with us. Since this is MY sweetest day & not just an ordinary one I let daddy make breakfast for the wee one while I luxuriate in the shower & wait for the babysitter to arrive...heaven!! At 8am when the the epic sitter arrives my husband & I head out to our fave breakfast spot in Santa Monica called Bread & Porridge & I order the most delsih latte on the westside & the super Florentine omelet. After slowly enjoying each bite & quiet uninterrupted conversation (never will take that for granted again!) with the hubby we head out for a hike.

2. Hike. I must say LA gets a terrible reputation for smog but when you're up in the hills the air is as fresh as any untouched part of the world (or at least it feels like it). Our favorite spot to hike, even up to my 9th month of pregnancy was Los Liones, It has an incredible view once you've made it to the top. We start slowly but the coffee kicks in so we make it midway quickly & stop to rest & take in the stunning 180 degree view of the pacific & our beloved city. There's a great bench to sit on & ponder the view. Then we take the trek to the top to burn off our breakfast.

3. Abbot Kinney. After the hike, we deserve a massage! We head over to Lamai Thai Massage on Abbot Kinney where the old Thai ladies walk all over you (literally), stretch and bend you like a pretzel all for $40 bucks! After leaving in a relaxed coma we walk over to Jin Patisserie for a snack & tea. I love the outside garden where you seem to be away from it all. We nosh on little snacks & decide to take home a truffle or two for later. The husband is reluctant when I go in to Principessa boutique for some much needed quick retail therapy. They have a great selection of the basics and an edited version of trendy items.

4. Nap on the Beach. Its time for a nap! I'm reading a great book but never get to read more than 5 or so pages so we decide to relax on the beach. How lucky are we?! We drive down to the Marina Del Rey where the beachfront along the alphabet streets offer the most serene environment for napping. We spread a blanket out & plop down just close enough to hear the lapping of the waves. Ahhhhh.

5. Piccolo. It's time to go home & shower and cuddle with my girl. After getting ready & hearing about Milla's adventures with the babysitter we're off again! Our last stop is Piccolo to meet our nearest & dearest and chat over lots of wine & yummy food! They serve up authentic Italian homemade pasta & dishes that foodies love. The best part is that its cozy & right on the beach. The night ends early and of course were in bed by 10....tomorrow starts early after all.

 {photo of alisha by me, abbot kinney}
 

BLOGOVERSARY


Happy 1st Anniversary Sweet Thing

  
wearing: 
zara top first seen here
h&m skirt
loeffler randall kylie heels
f21 and jcrew bracelets
wishbone necklace like this
wendy mink ring

I just can't believe it, Sweet Thing turns one today! A little over a year ago, I was needing a creative outlet. Photography just wasn't cutting it. I wasn't inspired by who or what I was shooting, I was just going through the motions. I had a dream one night that I was supposed to be a blogger. Yeah, cheesy I know. But to be honest I didn't read blogs, so I am not even sure how the idea got in my head. Oh how things have changed. A year ago on this very day, Sweet Thing was born {named after my favorite Van Morrison Song}. At first I just wanted to share beautiful things with my friends and family. Eventually it took on a life of it's own and has been slowly building ever since. I have never devoted more of my time, energy and heart to anything before. But that's because I have never loved my work quite so much. Blogging has been the greatest gift of my life and the relationships I've formed with my readers and other bloggers has a lot to do with that. Thank you for visiting and for your insightful and loving comments. I adore you. OK, enough of that sappy stuff. Happy 1st Anniversary, it's time to celebrate! xx

KALE SALAD

If you follow me on twitter you might have heard me talk about the delicious kale salad from one of my favorite restaurants in Venice, Gjelina. Lilly even mentioned it in her "sweetest day!" One of my friends made it for a little get together a few weeks back and it was so good, she inspired me to try it myself. I have made it practically every day for lunch since...

Kale Salad 
{from Gjelina in Venice, CA}
Serves 2
1 Bunch of Kale, stems and centers discarded, finely sliced
1 Bulb of Fennel, finely sliced
4 Radishes, finely sliced
1 cup Ricotta Salata, finely sliced
5 slices French or Sourdough Baguette {or any crusty bread}, toasted and drizzled with olive oil {you can sub store bought croutons}
Splash of White Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Lemon, juiced
1/4 cup Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste


Slice bread, drizzle with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, until crispy and golden. In a large bowl, combine finely sliced kale, a drizzle of olive oil, 1/4 of lemon and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale until it starts to soften, about 2 min. Then add the sliced fennel, radish and ricotta salata. Crumble toasted bread over the salad. Toss with the rest of the lemon juice, a splash of white balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste.




**massaging the kale in the oil makes all the difference

NESTING. LIVING ROOM

So as I told ya last week, my guy and I are movin' in this June. Yeah, we've got a few months to go, but all kinds of ideas are spinning through our heads. We both can't afford to go crazy changing everything all at once. It will have to be a slow process, with lots of craigslist searches. But it sure is fun to think about! I thought I would show you some recent photos of my living room and some of the changes we want to make...

I love my beautiful crystal chandelier, but we're wanting something a little more modern and playful. This bubble chandelier is just what we're looking for. 
2. Aiden Coffee Table $279.99
Ta-da, our new coffee table! We bought it a few weeks ago and with a 25% off coupon. What a steal! It looks way more expensive then it is. I love it more and more everyday. 
3. Glass Cloches $78-225
I would love these grouped together on a new credenza. They are such a lovely way to display something meaningful.
These floor cushions would fit perfectly next to our new coffee table. They are great when you need extra seating, but don't have room for a chair. And they add a nice pop of color.
5. Feather Tray $42
You might remember this from here. I think it's pretty clear I just love feathers.
6. Air Plants $6
These plants are beautiful and low maintenance. Love.
7. Credenza Contact for price
We are on the hunt for something like this to replace the table in our entryway, but man these guys can get expensive. I will just have to wait and keep patiently searching cragslist.
8. White Paint
Pinterest is awesome because it's how I discovered I was drawn to white spaces. Almost 80% of my home pins are of white rooms, so I decided it's time to paint the living room.
9. Kilim Rug $199
We both agree that if we paint the living room white, it would be nice to add some texture and color with a fun rug. The problem is we need a large rug to fill the space which can be expensive. This one is a little too small for us, but I sure like the pattern.
10. Bookcase $299
The red TV stand I have now is on loan to me from my friend, while we search for just the right one. This bookcase is not exactly right, but we would love to have something modern and simple that can hold the TV and some of our favorite books. 

BAKE SALE FOR JAPAN. LOS ANGELES


Like a lot of you, I've been feeling like I want to do more to help Japan. Lauren from The Sphinx and The Milkyway came up with this great idea to have a bake sale this Sunday with all proceeds going to The Red Cross Japan Relief Fund. 

I will be baking and helping sell, right next door to Steven Alan on Abbot Kinney in Venice. If you live in the Los Angeles area, it would mean so much to us if you would come down and buy yummy sweets or donate baked goods to be sold. 

**Interested in helping? You can help by spreading the word to your friends and posting this beautiful poster {designed by Lauren} on your blog, facebook or twitter. Every bit counts. 

**Interested in donating baked goods? You can bake anything you like: cookies, granola, candies, brownies, truffles, muffins, pies, cakes, bread, jam...! All is welcome! Please email me at sweetthingblog@gmail and I will send you info on where to drop off.

SMILEBOOTH

The Smilebooth photos from the Rue Magazine and Dwell Studio party are in, and wow there are some hilarious photos in there. Anne Sage and I were outfit twins, both wearing midi skirts and button downs and Bri Emery and I were practically wearing the same shirt. Great minds right?! One thing is clear, Tessia and I were having fun because we look pretty darn silly in most of them {hello last photo}...




{wearing a club monaco top, h&m skirt, forever 21 and j.crew jewelry}

MY SWEETEST DAY WITH LAUREN SPENCER KING

Who: Lauren Spencer King, Artist, Grad Student and Blogger
Where: The East Side
When: Monday

1. Flower Mart. Monday is the only day that I don't have class. So, it is nice to take the day and do things that make me happy, inspire me, and refuel my creativity. I start my day out early and head Downtown. I have recently discovered the LA Flower Mart. It can be a little overwhelming, but I love to just wonder around and see what there is to see. I love the abundance and kinds of flowers in all possible colors grouped together in buckets, row after row! I have made it a ritual the past couple of years to always have flowers next to my bed. I think of it as a small, kind gesture I can do for myself, something that makes me happy every time I see them. And those little things are so important. So, I pick out a little bunch that calls my name.

2. Natural History Museum. Next I head to the Natural History Museum, and make a bee line straight for the Hall of Gems and Minerals, where I will spend the next few hours. They have an amazing collection that includes minerals, rocks, gems, ores and meteorites from all over the world. My grandmother always had these huge chunks of amethyst in her Japanese Garden and my mother was a silversmith, so I grew up around these objects, they have very significant importance to me. And now I collect them and draw much inspiration from them for my own art. I make sure to spend time with the flawless crystal ball, and visit the gem collection in the vault. The sparkles, colors and shapes take my breath away!

3. Philosophical Research Society Library. Then I head to my secret spot, The Philosophical Research Society Library, shhhh - don't tell anyone {wink}. This is my dream library; they house some of the rarest books and manuscripts in the world. Lately I like to check out books on Alchemy, Magic and Divination, and Healing. You have to read all books in the library, so I settle in at their big oak table and spread my things out. I bring my notebook to jot down some quotes, and ideas. It is so quiet and peaceful; I love it and usually stay until they close.

4. Elf Cafe. My last stop is Elf Cafe in Silver Lake, my favorite local spot. I meet up with my boyfriend and close friends and share amazing food and tons of laughs! Elf so cozy, it's like you are in your best friends home. They use fresh ingredients for their vegetarian fair, and it is always delicious! My current favorites are the Roasted Flatbread Shawarma, Roasted Beet and Braised Fennel, and a Rosewater Lemonade. YUM!


5. Home. At the end of the day I love coming home, taking a bath, and making a cup of tea. Then I cuddle up with my sweet pup, Ava (who is always oh so excited to see me), and watch my favorite movie about this city, LA Story!


{photo of lauren by me, gem, flower photo via the paris apartment}

COHABITATION

I've got some exciting news...this June the boyfriend is officially moving in! I couldn't be happier to share my beautiful home with him, but it's going to take a little getting used to for these reasons...

1. He is not quite as tidy as I am 
2. Sometimes our taste REALLY differs 
3. I have to make the house I have lived for five years a bit more guy friendly

In some ways I am thrilled to rethink my style and rearrange. You get stuck sometimes, in a certain "look" and change just doesn't occur to you or seems daunting. I am excited to have an excuse to get rid of some things. I am pretty sure I have drawers filled stuff that hasn't moved in five years. On the other hand, it is the end of an era. I have never lived with a guy before.

We have plans to paint a few rooms, change out some furnishings and combine our artwork. I do look forward to making it "ours." The best part {other than living with my love} is that I get to turn the extra bedroom into my office/dressing room. Yeah, pinch me. Having a designated place to work and get ready in the morning will mean so much to me. All kinds of ideas are spinning though my head. Here is what the room looks like now...



My design inspiration...


melanie acevedo/decor8/rue

I'll make sure to update you with photos as things start to change around here. I am warning you I might go a little office pinning crazy the next few weeks.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS

My love for the geometric continues. I keep finding myself drawn to these shapes whether it's fashion or for the home...

Three. Black Diamond Throw $185
Five. Halter Bikini $29.50
Six. Paperback Notebooks 3 for £9
Seven. Laser Cut Necklace $36
Eight. Zig Zag Pouf $299
Ten. Pendleton Organizers 3 for $25

RUE MAGAZINE. GET THE LOOK

Rue Magazine issue 4 came out last week and it is simply gorgeous. It just keeps getting better! I am completely in love with Noa from Featherlove's San Diego home {pgs. 142-165}. It is bohemian and cozy and I thought it would make the perfect "get the look." It was shot by Braedon Flynn who I got to meet at the Rue party this past Wednesday along with some of my favorite Rue ladies. Now I'm anxiously awaiting our smilebooth pics...
4. Dreamcatcher $10.79
5. Crosley Turntable $199.95
6. Koldby Rug $199
9. Persisk Rug $299
11. Louis XV Chair $583
13. Jackson Table $299.99
14. Constance Chair $299 for 2

{photos of Noa from Featherlove's home, shot by Braedon Flynn}


**make sure to check out my palm springs inspired guest post today on the lonely wife project.