Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

There's something about frozen yogurt that just brings me to my happy place.  So the concept of serving yourself and sampling everything in sight is obviously a win-win to me.  Whenever I'm craving a "healthier" dessert, I turn to Menchie's Frozen Yogurt (similar to Yogurtland and Tutti Frutti, but closer to our apartment).  We love this place for all the delicious flavors and toppings (red velvet and cake batter top my list).  While Gabe would prefer a slice of pie over frozen yogurt, he always gets a good laugh over how much I can pack into one cup.

Zara Sale

Short-Sleeved Lace Dress $29.99 (reg $69)

Boat Neck Dress with Pockets $39.99 (sale)

Tulip Skirt Dress $69.99 (reg $169)

Long Sleeve Blouse with Bow $39.99 (reg $79)

Small City Bag $39.99 (reg $149)

Buttoned Wedge Shoe $39.99 (reg $99)
Round Bowling $39.99 (reg $149)

After months of "shopping my closet" I suddenly have the itch to go buy a few new items.  I blame all the great sales, especially the current discounts at Zara.  I'm not planning on falling off the wagon completely, but maybe one or two of these sale items wouldn't hurt (namely the blue blouse).  What sales are you currently shopping?

Cake Batter Cookies

I'm not being dramatic when I say that one of my favorite things in life is cake batter.  I love it in any form (ice cream, frozen yogurt, cookies, etc.).  And of course, sometimes I throw caution to the wind and even eat it straight out of the bowl when I'm making an actual cake.  There's just something so delicious and naughty about eating anything that tastes like raw batter.  These cookies are light, fluffy, and make me feel like I'm licking the beaters after baking a cake.  It really doesn't get much better than that.


Cake Batter Cookies (adapted from Allrecipes)
Ingredients:
1 (18.25 oz.) box yellow cake mix
1 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk chocolate chips
Directions: 
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-In a medium bowl, stir together the cake mix and baking powder. Add eggs and oil, then mix until well blended. 
-Stir in chocolate chips, or your choice of additions (I split the dough into two parts and did half with chocolate chips and half with colored sprinkles). Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto cookie sheets.
-Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.  Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Spring Jackets

1. Trinity Crop Sequin Jacket $50
2. Topshop Ecru Shoulder Detail Crop Blazer $110
3. Diane Von Furstenberg Melina Striped Jacket $275
4. Milly Paillette Jacket $314.99 (sale)
5. ModCloth Zip and Dip Jacket $54.99
6. ModCloth Indie Film Crew Jacket $54.99

One of the best aspects of living in LA is undoubtedly the weather.  While the majority of the country is experiencing freezing temperatures and snow, we've been having 80 degree days with plenty of sunshine.  I admit, these are the times I don't mind paying exorbitant rent prices and sitting in traffic for an hour to drive 5 miles.  Given the temperate weather, I have very few winter coats and instead stick with light-weight "Spring jackets" that can be worn year round.  I love that they're versatile and can easily fit into my enormous handbag when it gets too warm out.

Alice + Olivia

Reese Peplum Dress $367
Striped Skye One Shoulder Dress $198
Carla Twisted Dress $178
Alexandra Belted Dress $198
Katrina Rhinestone Dress $688.60 (sale)


I've said it before and I'll say it again, Alice + Olivia can do no wrong in my book.  I never get tired of the colorful/embellished/feminine look of their dresses and the timeless style they embody.  These are always the first to catch my eye when shopping for the perfect dress.  And since I have multiple wedding to attend this year, I just might have to add one of these to my closet soon.

It's the Little Things

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As part of my New Year's Resolutions, I've been trying to focus on enjoying the little things in life.  Those things that usually come and go before we have a chance to acknowledge their presence or the impact they have on our day.  It's funny how often these things happen when we're open to seeing them.  These are a few of the "little things" I've been enjoying lately.  What's on your list?

a hug from a loved one

checking everything off my "to do" list

finding the perfect shade of lipstick/gloss

coffee

a sincere compliment 

an afternoon snack

a fabulous outfit

comfortable shoes

a feeling of accomplishment when you've done something notable

finding money in the pocket of your jeans

a phone call from an old friend

laughing so hard your stomach hurts

Happy Friday

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As always, I feel a sense of relief that Friday is finally here.  I'm looking forward to a weekend filled with sunshine, happy hour with friends, a dinner date with Gabe, a facial, and maybe even a trip to the beach.  What do you have planned?  Have a great weekend!

Summer in January

Julie Brown dress, Urban Outfitters top, Banana Republic flats, Vintage clutch, Ray-Ban sunglasses

The weather in L.A. has been gorgeous lately-sunny, clear, and 80 degrees.  While I'm tempted to throw on all my sun dresses and sandals, something feels awkward about wearing summer clothes in January.  Last weekend I decided to remix one of my favorite maxi dresses by layering it with this plaid shirt (last seen here) and loved the look and versatility of the combination.  It worked well for easing me into the warm temperatures and hopefully by this weekend I'll be ready for complete summer attire (weather permitting).

Gjelina

 mushroom toast with crème fraiche and truffle oil

 mushroom, goat cheese, and truffle oil pizza

 gnocchi with white wine and parmesan

 butterscotch pot de crème with salted caramel

We had a great time celebrating Whitney's birthday over the weekend at Gjelina in Venice.  The interior is beautiful with dark wooden beams, dim lighting, and cobblestone floors.  We sat on the courtyard which felt earthy and rustic with its fire pit and Mediterranean vibe.  The food was phenomenal. The two standouts of the night were the mushroom toast with crème fraiche and truffle oil and the butterscotch pot de crème with salted caramel.  This is definitely one of my new favorite LA restaurants and I can't wait to go back again soon.

Forever 21 Shoes

1. Velveteen Stiletto Heel $24.80
2. Suedette Stiletto Ankle Bootie $29.80
3. Suedette Heel Bootie $27.80
4. Rosette Ankle Strap Heels $22.80
5. Retro Oxfords $24.80
6. Studded Ankle Wrap Bootie $32.80

I can't help but notice that Forever 21 has recently stepped it up in their shoe department.  Much like their clothing and accessories, they've always displayed cute shoes at affordable prices.  However, I've always been one to believe that cheap shoes and horrible pain go hand in hand.  But suddenly I'm seeing girls wearing these and pronouncing that they're comfortable (as charmingly demonstrated by Carrie, Anna Jane, and Alicia).  I'm now changing my tune and planning on scoring a great pair of shoes for less than $30.  Here are a few of my favorites.  Do you have any shoes from Forever 21?

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!  I'm spending my long weekend celebrating Whitney's birthday, riding my beach cruiser, shopping, having coffee with girlfriends, outdoor dinners with Gabe, and enjoying the beautiful 80 degree weather we're having.  I'll be back tomorrow to tell you more about it.  I hope you're having a great weekend!

Wardrobe Essentials

Today, I'm guest posting at Ashley...Plus Three while Ashley and her family are on a fabulous vacation in Cabo!  Come check it out!  Here's a copy of my post.

pretty dresses in fun colors

great fitting jeans

button down blouses

a classic pump

over sized sunglasses

denim jacket

the perfect maxi

As the new year begins, I'm continuing to "shop my closet" and revamp the items I already have in order to save money and take advantage of the clothes in my closet.  Of course I love adding items to my wardrobe, but I've recently decided I have more than enough and shopping my closet has forced me to get creative with outfits to make them feel new again.  These are a few of my wardrobe essentials that I wear repeatedly-mixing and matching in different ways.  What are your wardrobe staples?

great fitting jeans
pretty dresses in fun colors
ballet flats
classic pumps
button down blouses
basic tees
flat boots
scarves
denim jacket
over sized sunglasses
the perfect maxi dress

an over sized handbag