Tuesday, February 28, 2012

BLONDES


"This is California. Blondes are like the state flower or something." - Beverly Hills 90210


(I would like to dedicate this post to my former college roommate, who -has an affinity for black cats- and has perfected the art of being blonde...yes, it is indeed an art.) 


All the peroxide in the world could not turn me into a blonde and even if it did I would look awful. Based on what I have learned from the blondes in my life it takes a lot of maintenance to keep up those golden locks...but I'm still jealous. I'm so bored with my brunette hair right now. As much as it pains me to say  it, sometimes, it really does look like they have more fun.


(photos from pinterest)









Thursday, February 16, 2012

BOOK LOVE

"We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret. Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived." -Little Bee


To everyone out there who hasn't already read Chris Cleave's, Little Bee, I highly recommend it. It isn't a book that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy or having you laughing up a storm (although it does have funny parts). It simply changes you. For me, it reminded me that there are actually people in this world with REAL problems. The world is far from perfect and Little Bee doesn't sugar coat that, which I appreciated. This story is amazing and if you haven't read it yet, please do. :) 

Monday, February 13, 2012

LAST MINUTE VALENTINES GIFT


Still no Valentines Day gift for you significant other? Why not wake them up with a homemade breakfast? Try these: Raspberry Chocolate Chip Pancakes from Joy the Baker. Click the link to see the recipe. 

(photo from here)

SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEET

I secretly love Valentines Day. So many people see it as a "Hallmark" holiday or a bad excuse to eat candy and buy overpriced roses. I see it as an opportunity to share a nice meal or a fun evening with a person you care about, whether that be a boyfriend, husband, friend or family member. To me, Valentines Day is just a great excuse to celebrate the bond you share with someone. You don't have to give over the top gifts or go to a fancy dinner, in fact sometimes the smallest gestures are the nicest. So why not make something yummy for the special person/people. Pick their favorite dessert or try one of these: 




Chocolate Pudding Pie
Recipe from Smitten Kitchen found: here


Cheesecake
Try 1 of 26 Cheesecake recipes from Martha Stewart: here


Vanilla Bean and Cocoa Nib Meringues 
Recipe from Joy the Baker found: here


Flan
Recipe found: here

Guinness Chocolate Pudding
(just because it looks so cool and has NOTHING to do with the day haha)Recipe found: here



Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Instructions found: here


Jacques Torres Chocolate Chip Cookies
New York Times best cookie recipe found: here
















Sunday, February 12, 2012

SLEEPY SUNDAY


Today was a sleepy kind of Sunday. I got to sleep in, walk Ernie, hang out by the pool, and watch movies with my boyfriend. It wasn't a very productive but it gave me a good chance to find some good posts from around the web to share with you. Enjoy!


This Lasagna looks delicate and delicious. I can't wait to try making it (without the veal)

A way to improve your relationship in 5 min . I don't know if I could do this but it's an interesting concept.

Some pretty flats for spring!

Somewhere I would rather be. LOVE the pool.

Tutorial for the ultimate fishtail braid, mine always end up lopsided :(

SMASH is an awesome new show produced by Steven Spielberg.

Check out how this elephant got contact lenses. Amazing.

In honor of Valentines Day, the 25 most romantic movie quotes.


(photo from my private collection of Ernie photos)






Saturday, February 11, 2012

GROCERY BAGS FOR A CAUSE

The Feed Foundation has come up with a way to help us grocery shop eco friendly while feeding hungry kids around the world. Grocery bags like these and other products ranging from teddy bears to baby clothes are available here and the proceeds go to providing food and necessities to kids in need.

PS- Grocery Stores in Santa Monica have gotten rid of plastic bags for good and now charge a small fee per paper bag. So best bring your own!!!

(photo credit: The Feed Foundation)

Monday, February 6, 2012

GREEN TEA BREAKDOWN


One of my New Years Resolutions was to drink more water and green tea instead of coffee. The benefits of green tea seem to know no end, from preventing cancer and dementia to boosting metabolism (as long as you don't load it down with harmful sweetners and sugar!). And the best part of it all is it's super affordable and available at every grocery store. 

(photo from here)