HEAT WAVE

Loving these new looks from Madewell (If only my braid could look like that). We have been having a crazy heat wave in LA with temps in the 80's, which already has me thinking of springtime outfits and pastels. I know, I know, most of you are still dealing with 40 degrees and below. Any of these pieces above would effortlessly work for winter too, don't ya think?

SNAPSHOTS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

We only spent one night and day in San Francisco, but it was completely heavenly. At night we celebrated James' 30th and durring the day we just drove around the city, stopping when we felt inclined. We ate lunch at Tartine and then took a walk through Buena Vista Park. If you've never been, it's insanely beautiful and perched on a hill looking over the city. We ended the evening sipping hot cider and watching the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge. I do hope to make it back there this year, and hopefully for longer then one night.    

wearing:
f21 trousers
vintage loafers
vintage coach purse 

NEW FROM WEST ELM

1. Souk Rug $399 for 5x8
2. Salad Servers $14
3. Serving Bowl $34 
4. Shane Powers Ceramic Wall Planters $19-$69
5. Kilim Pouf $249
6. Boerum Dining Table $599
7. Hammam Stripe Hand Towel $8 each
8. Gold Flatware $29 for set of 5


Happy new year everyone! Have you checked out West Elm recently? There are so many new items I am loving right now. Now that there is a West Elm store so close to me, I can feel a trip coming on soon. I tend to get in a nesting mode after the holidays, which probably has something to do with the extra pounds I undoubtedly gain (did gain). I have been on a practically all vegetable diet since, but for now I am less interested in dressing myself and more interested in making my house look cute. Anyone else?  

SNAPSHOTS FROM OUR HOLIDAY

Since the year is coming to a close, I thought I would leave you with one last post. These past few weeks have been exactly what I needed. I have barely turned on my computer and I kind of love it. Although I must admit, I haven't been completely disconnected. I've been busy taking and sharing photos of our holiday on Instagram. All of these photos above were taken with my iPhone 4s. Isn't it amazing what an iPhone can do? It has really made photography accessible to so many. These were all taken in San Francisco and Marin, where we spent Christmas. I have yet to look through the photographs from my camera, but I am sure there will be a few worth sharing. 

Any fun plans for New Years Eve? We are still trying to decide. Neither one of us are feeling like getting fancy this year. The more I think about it, staying in with some delicious food and champagne sounds just perfect. I will be back to regular posting after the new year. I adore all of my sweet readers! Thank your for making this past year so incredible! Happy New Year!  xo
  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy holidays to all of my sweet readers! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones. It's my first Christmas with the boy's family and I am looking forward to new traditions, relaxation time and of course cuddles with James' three adorable nieces. 



HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY

Today is James' 30th birthday! Happy Birthday my love. Your 30's are going to be incredible, I just know it! I can't wait to see what's in store. 

Today we are driving up to San Francisco to have a birthday dinner with friends and family. It is not an ideal way to spend your birthday, driving up the 5 fwy but it will all be worth it when we get to the city. We decided to stay at Hotel Adagio for the night and then head up to Marin tomorrow. Even though it is only one night, I am so excited to be in the city. Do you have any fun plans for the holiday weekend? Are you traveling to see family or are they coming to you? 

WINTER WARDROBE

one. checkbox ex-boyfriend shirt $69.50
two. f21 hat $19.99
three. trailrider poncho $129.99
four. bonlook 'drink the kool-aid' specs $99
five. madewell prairie boot $198
six. steven alan francoise bag $299
seven. j. brand highrise skinny jeans $175


I have pretty much been living in a variation of this outfit the last few weeks. I'll throw on some camp socks for day and a sparkly necklace and lipstick for evening. I can't get enough of my Madewell poncho {an early xmas gift from my sister}. It is like wearing a socially acceptable blanket which is perfect since I just want to be cozy on these cold days.


Happy Hanukkah!

PRINCE CHARMING

Just a few snapshots from the boy's 30th birthday this past weekend. Believe it or not I didn't take many photos that night. Sometimes you just want to be in the moment rather than stuck behind a camera. His party was at the amazing gem of a place called The Prince. The decor is straight out of the 50's and literally has not been changed since then. For that reason I am a little sad that a late night photo shoot didn't ensue. Instead we ended the night in one of those karaoke rooms at a nearby place, singing our hearts out until 4am. Yeah, we had fun. 

SWEET. SWEETER. SWEETEST.

Sweet. Stripes Glitter Pumps $49
Sweeter. Topshop Glitter Pumps $110
Sweetest. Miu Miu Glitter Pumps on sale for $441


I hope you all had a mighty fine weekend! I must say I am completely exhausted. We had far too much fun celebrating this weekend, strangely none of which had much to do with the holidays. Good thing I get to sit at the photo studio and retouch photos all day. I don't think I could manage much else.

LATELY

Lately life have been a little overwhelming but also quite fun. It's been a busy work week for me and of course every party we are invited to happens to be this week as well {including James' 30th!). Oh well, before we know it we'll be up north for the holidays with lots of time to decompress. Here is a little look into my life of late and few things making me smile... 


  • Shooting photos for James' 30th birthday invitation. What a cutie! 
  • Anniversary flowers that just keep getting more beautiful each day.
  • Enjoying butterscotch rosemary and salted caramel ice cream at Neveux Artisan Creamery.  


  • Spending a Sunday vintage shopping with one of my best friends. 

Happy Weekend! xo


AN APPLE A DAY

Since it's been a busy week for me and blogging has fallen to the wayside, I thought I would share some photos that I never got around to posting from Marin. We are actually headed back there in less then a week to spend the holidays with James' family. Can you believe Christmas is only 10 days away? Eeee I sure am excited!     

  

SWEET SOUND // VOLUME 5 {A CHRISTMAS MIX}

1. Darlene Love // Winter Wonderland
2. Otis Redding // White Christmas
3. The Raveonettes // The Christmas Song
4. My Morning Jacket // Please Come Home for Christmas
5. Happy Xmas (war is over) // John Lennon
6. The Ronettes // Sleigh Ride
7. Mariah Carey // All I Want For Christmas
8. Zooey Deschanel & Leon Redbone // Baby it's Cold Outside
9. Fiona Apple // Frosty the Snowman
10. Lex Land // Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas

{listen here}

Oh yeah, that's right- it's time for a Christmas mix to get you in the holiday spirit. This one's a mix of old favorites and newer indie covers. Please enjoy.  

COCKTAIL TIME

Since it's that time of year when cocktails are flowing, I thought I would share two of my current favorites. 
I first discovered the 19th Century at Raines Law in New York City two years ago. Ever since then it has become my absolute favorite cocktail. I only know of one bar in LA that serves this drink and it's a wonderful little speak easy called Varnish. Since this drink can be hard to find, I make it at home for my friends. I promise it's sure to impress!  
The Aperol Spritz is a new discovery and something I find myself craving a lot. Aperol is a slightly bitter orange liquor and combined with the sweetness of the sparkling wine It ends up being such a refreshing cocktail and so easy to make. It is an aperitif, so it would be lovely to serve before a meal.  

GUEST POST // 5 FAVORITE DINING ROOMS

I am so excited to be guest posting over on Amber Interior's blog today (you may remember when I shot her stunning home for Glitter Guide). She asked me to compile five of my most favorite dining rooms and let me tell you it was harder than I thought. There seem to be a few common themes in what I am drawn to- high ceilings, long tables, modern chairs and of course a fabulous light fixture. Head over to Amber's blog to see what I chose and why.

JUST BREATHE

I've got crazy week ahead so I am trying to remember to do just that. I don't handle stress well. When things get busy I can get too wrapped up in work to eat, or take computer breaks. It's not good, I know. I'm sure all you freelancers can relate. On the bright side, this week is sure to be a ton of fun. I have a few holiday and birthday parties to attend, including my boyfriend's 30th. Yippee!

WINTER DREAMING

1/2/3/4/5/6


It's hard to believe that winter doesn't technically begin until December 22nd because it feels quite wintry here in LA. It has been in the 40's at night and all I want to do is curl up with a Pendleton blanket and some hot cocoa {like that lavender hot cocoa above, yum!}. Any fun plans for the weekend? I am looking forward to finishing my Christmas shopping and watching one of my favorite holiday movies- Love Actually.

Happy Weekend! xo   

GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST // PART 2

Mom. Complete Nells Compass Candle Collection $140 for a set of 4. These are my favorite candles. Each one smells incredible, your mom is sure to love them. 
Niece. Pink Suede Moccasins $60 Just too cute!
Dad. Bob Dylan Photograph by Guy Webster $250 Give the gift of photography from my dad to yours- His website is filled with iconic photos your dad is sure love. They are all printed on archival paper and signed by him of course! 
Work Friend. Leather Mouse Pad $25 If you have to be at a computer all day, you might as well look at a stylish mousepad like this. 
Grandma. Glitter Picture Ornament $6 Insert a photo of the family and she is sure to treasure this sweet ornament. 
In Laws. Arrowhead Personalized Stationary $50 for 25 This stationary is so simple and pretty. Get it personalized with their name or initials. 

GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST // PART 1

Mom to Be. Baby Animal Prints $25 each. These prints are so adorable. I love the idea of grouping a few together for a nursery wall. 
Brother. Beer Making Kit $39.95 It's beer, it's interactive. 
Best Friend. Gold Flatware 36 Piece Set $59.99 I have this flatware and I love it. You can't beat the price either. 
Hostess. Set of Vintage 1950's Ornaments $12 Showing up to a holiday party with a set of these vintage ornaments would be so sweet and thoughtful.
Sister. Drawing with Vintage Photo by Spencer Studio $350 This beautiful drawing with photo was made by my amazing friend Lauren. It would be such a treasured gift for someone close. 
Newlyweds. Custom Silhouette Mugs $65 Give your newlywed friends mugs with their mugs on them.