Spring Go-Tos

Spring is a weird time for dressing, I think. Too cold for sandals but too warm for boots. Too chilly for sundresses but too sunny for sweaters. So, inevitably - every year - my Spring go-tos pretty much look like the ones above. Jeans + Tees + Cardis + Scarves = Just Right. (But I really, really can't wait for the sundresses.)

Burgers + Donuts

I don't know about you, but I like to spend my weekends eating. Burgers, donuts - you know, the healthy stuff. On Saturday night, Mason and I made our very first trip to Umami Burger, and it was pretty much life changing. Then, when we rose from our burger comas on Sunday morning, we decided a trip to Krispy Kreme would be a good idea. Today I started my new job in sweat pants because that's all that would fit. (Just kidding........sort of.)

Spring Inspiration

I know most of you have probably already seen this since it was posted on The Daybook today, but I couldn't resist reposting. I want every single piece of clothing, hat, and pair of shoes in this video. This, to me, is Spring.

New Opportunities

Wow - I can't believe it's been over a week since I posted here. I'm pretty sure that's the longest blogging break I've ever taken, and I do hope you'll forgive me! Life has gotten a little crazy lately, but it's a good crazy, so I'm not complaining.

The biggest thing thing that's kept me away? I got a new job! (Yaaaaaaay!) And even though I haven't started yet, I've been really busy training other people to take over my current position and doing all of that (not so fun) stuff that goes into making a move, but even that (not so fun) stuff can't get me down these days. I'm thrilled at the new opportunity I've been given, and the fact that it quite literally landed in my lap makes it even better. Sometimes you've got to believe things are meant to be, and this, my friends, is one of those times.

(Photos above from our impromptu celebratory dinner the day I officially accepted.)

Sweet Paul

How pretty are these photos? I could just sit and stare at them all day - and eat pretty food - because they make me want to make (and then eat) pretty food.

(All images above from the Spring 2011 edition of Sweet Paul Magazine. If you haven't browsed it yet, put it on your weekend to-do list. You won't be disappointed. And then put "have a great weekend." Because you deserve it.)

A Cat's Life

If reincarnation really does exist, please - pretty please - let me come back as a house cat.

Long Beach Mardis Gras 2011

A few shots above from our trip to Long Beach for the Mardi Gras celebration this past weekend. We were surprised by how cute the harbor is down there. With funnel cakes, ice cream sandwiches, plenty of restaurants and a boardwalk that circles all the way around the water, it's a really fun place to spend the day. We tried some new beers at The Yardhouse, shared a funnel cake, watched some live music and showed off our beads (which were some of the best!).

Then - last night - to wrap things up, we headed to one of our favorite Santa Monica bars for some crawfish eating, hurricane drinking and Fat Tuesday celebrating.

All in all - a great Mardi Gras 2011!

(By the way, how is it already Wednesday? This week has totally slipped away from me - but hey, only two days until Friday? I'm not complaining!)

Mardi Gras Fun

Down in the part of Texas where I'm from, this weekend is going to be ca-razy! Why? Because it's Mardi Gras! No, it's not in Louisiana, but it's only a few minutes from the border, and let me tell ya, those Southeast Texans sure know how to do Mardi Gras up right - beads, parades, cajun music and all!

My mom sent Mason and I a fun Mardi Gras package with the goodies above a couple days ago so we could take part in the festivities. The first thing I did after opening the box? Ate a gigantic piece of King Cake! (For those that don't know - the little plastic baby is part of the tradition. If you get it in your piece of cake, you're supposed to buy the cake the next year. You can read more about the baby and King Cakes here if you're interested.)

And, as it turns out, Los Angeles isn't completely lacking in the Mardi Gras department. After a little research, I found a celebration in Long Beach that looks promising. We're planning to head down and check it out tomorrow - if only so we can wear some of our new beads!

Have a great weekend, and "Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!"

To Ombre or Not To Ombre

To ombre or not to ombre? I can't decide. I like it on her but don't love it on her. Maybe I only like it when the very end is light? The ladies above look nice with it, but I'm pretty sure they'd look nice with shaved heads.

Hmmm... Don't think I'm going to be jumping on this bandwagon anytime soon.

What about you? Thoughts?

Homemade Ribbon Necklace

Necklaces above from JCrew

I've had my eyes on a necklace like the ones above for a while. I love the way they tie with a ribbon - such a pretty detail. But all of the ones I saw in stores were $40 or more, and sadly, that's out of my budget for a necklace. So, I figured it was time to get crafty. (Yay! Craft time!)

After a stop at trusty old Joann's for orange beads and gold/silver chain (I already had the orange ribbon - it's the same that I used here), I got to work and turned it all into this:



What do you think? It really was a totally simple (and completely cute - if I do say so myself) project - and this is just the first one! I plan to get waaaaay more creative with them in the future. I really like the idea of making one out of fabric flowers like in the top photo. Might have to give that a try next...

V-Day Shirt Gone Bad

WARNING: It's about to get crafty up in here!

Over the next couple of days, I'll be sharing some craft projects I've been working on - starting with this Valentine's Day shirt gone bad. (Sorry for the lousy photos - the light just wasn't working with me that day.)

Not long after I decided to get a new shirt for V-day, I stumbled upon this red iron-on glitter heart at Joann's. Imagine my delight. (I love glitter!) One trip to Old Navy for a striped tee later, and I was super excited about my little V-day project. That is, until the iron went and mutilated my precious little glitter heart. I'm not sure what caused it. It may have been my ironing skills - or my iron (I'm blaming the iron) - but after that the shirt was pretty much ruined. I shed a tear or two (I'm telling you - I was really excited about this project), and prepared myself to throw it all in the trash.

But wait! I had a few spools of ribbon lying around. I wondered if I might sew something over the melted heart to try and save the shirt. I gave it a go - and by golly, it worked!

It may not be the cutest shirt in the world, but at least I didn't have to toss it and I got a little sewing machine practice in along the way. *Patting myself on the back* Aren't you proud??

Spring Things

Items above from Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and American Eagle

It's March! And March = Springtime, right? (Yes, 60-degree Los Angeles, March = Springtime! You hear me??) I can't remember if the groundhog saw his shadow or not, but I do know that Spring must-have lists make me happy, so I thought I'd share mine with you. Chunky sandals? Floral dresses? Bright yellow skinnies? Yes, please!

Also, only three short weeks until I'm sipping green beer and wearing shamrocks with my favorite sister down in Texas - just one more reason why March is going to be fantastic.