Buy This, Not That

Charles by Charles David Champagne Satin $124.95
Forever 21 Sateen Stiletto Heels $24.80

Ever since I bought these Michael Kors heels, I've had a weakness for satin platform pumps.   There's something so sweet and classic about this look and these pumps from Forever 21 are the perfect color for Spring. And at under $25, the price is certainly right.  I'm off to Forever 21 this weekend in the hopes of finding them.

Spring Activities

beach days

 a tropical vacation

surfing {via}

bike rides on the beach

Taco Tuesdays

picnics at the beach {via}

Now that it's officially Spring, I'm making a list of all the warm weather activities I'm excited to do.  I love this time of year for the sunshine, longer days, and warm temperatures but I also enjoy the overall lighthearted feeling that comes with the upcoming months.  Here are a few of the things I'm anticipating this Spring.  What are you looking forward to this season?

long bike rides on the beach
outdoor concerts on the Santa Monica Pier
movies on the deck (at Santa Monica Place)
surfing
beach days
Abbot Kinney First Fridays
Taco Tuesdays
forgoing blow dries and dealing with "beach hair"
sun dresses and sandals
eating dinner outside
picnics at the beach
a tropical vacation

Celebrating Gabe

Gabe's parents generously offered to host a dinner on Saturday in honor of Gabe for passing his boards.  We went to Hillstone (Houston's) and celebrated with spinach dip, bbq ribs, whoopie pies (seen here), candy blood, and Operation (thanks to Nate and Kristal).  It's always fun to see how proud everyone is of Gabe and his accomplishments.  We had the best time and I think we all feel a sense of relief for Gabe having this test successfully behind him.  A special thank you to Dick and Ginger for the celebration and congratulations again to Gabe!

Vanilla Whoopie Pies with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

As I've mentioned here, here, and here, I have a soft spot for anything involving Nutella.  And to quote Bunz, "How could you possibly make Nutella any better??  By adding butter and sugar and turning it into frosting."  Well, I couldn't agree more.  I used this recipe, substituting ground vanilla beans with vanilla extract and they were a big hit.  You're going to want to make these at home.  Trust me on this.

Champagne and Cake

As you already know, Kristal and Nate are getting married.  So when she asked me to attend a Wedding Salon bridal trade show at the London Hotel on Monday, I jumped at the chance.  Cake tasting, champagne, macaroons, candy bars, photo booths, and wine... does it GET any better than that??  As expected, we ate entirely too much sugar (and loved every minute of it), tasted some delicious wines, and brought home a ton of goodies and information for Kristal's wedding planning.

Ben & Jerry's Favorites

Since my first taste of Late Night Snack, I cannot get it out of my mind.  It sparked a conversation with Gabe about Ben & Jerry's all time best flavors (we're connoisseurs, of sorts).  We went through a phase where we were buying two at a time (each picking our favorite flavor) and when I finished mine, I'd move right on to his.  Because of this, Gabe now chooses not to get his favorite flavor and instead gets my least favorite, in an attempt to actually have some of it before I eat it all.  These are the flavors that make the top of our list.  What's your favorite Ben & Jerry's flavor?

Spring Sandals

 

1. Tory Burch Contrast Espadrille Wedge $165
2. Plenty by Tracy Reese Barbara $129
3. Steve Madden Fantasik $80
4. Luxury Rebel Lily Flat Sandal $100
5. Sam Edelman Grenna $100
6. Michael Antonio Driver $45

During the Spring and Summer months, I generally live in flat sandals and wedges (and flip flops, but I'm trying to distance myself from those).  When it comes to shoes, I can no longer subscribe to the "beauty is pain" theory and am more interested in shoes that won't torture my feet when we walk to dinner.  Here are a few of the sandals I've picked out that just might be comfortable enough to last me through the summer.  

Italian Wedding Soup

I've had Italian Wedding Soup out of a can a thousand times in my life, but I had never thought about making it at home.  Then I saw Nikki's post and couldn't get it out of my mind.  Since it was cold and rainy on Sunday, it felt like the perfect time to try it out and it was the perfect rainy day meal.  I used this recipe for the meatballs (I used ground turkey) and this one for the soup, substituting pasta with white kidney beans (per Nikki's suggestion).  I love finding a soup that's flavorful and hearty while still being healthy and this was all of the above.  What's your go-to rainy day meal?

Denim on Denim

Gap blouse, Anthropologie belt, Forever 21 skirt, vintage Coach bag, Rag & Bone wedges

I have to admit, I've never liked the idea of denim on denim.  There's just something about it that has always turned me off...until recently.  When I saw Carrie's post, I decided I'd give it a try and I'm happy I did.  It was comfortable, relaxed, and perfect for the 60 degree weather we've been having lately in Southern California.  I was recently lucky enough to win this awesome vintage Coach bag from Josie at With a Wink and a Smile and the rest is history.  The rich brown color goes great with denim and it's just large enough to hold the things I truly need (camera, phone, lip gloss, keys) without allowing me to throw everything I own in there (which is what I do with my huge bags).  Thanks again, Josie!  It truly is my new favorite bag.

Spring Wish List

1. Alice + Olivia Rolled Cuff Shirtdress
2. Juicy Couture Lace Shift Dress
3. Urban Outfitters BDG Primary Satchel
4. Tory Burch Eddie Ballet Flats 

As all the stores are being stocked with Spring clothes, I'm forcing myself to "shop my closet" and stick with what I currently have.  I've allowed myself a few exceptions this season including a midi dress/skirt, something made of lace, a bright bag, and a pair of nude flats.  What are you in the market for this season?

Late Night Snack

Hand packed pint

It's Gabe's new favorite ice cream too.

via

It probably comes as no surprise that I could not sleep until I found this ice cream.  Well, they finally stocked up the Scoop Shops in Santa Monica and I was there within hours to take home my hand packed pints (yes, that's pints, as in more than one).  And as you might expect, Ben & Jerry (and Jimmy Fallon) have worked their magic yet again, making probably the best ice cream flavor I've ever tasted.  Vanilla Bean ice cream, salty caramel swirl, and fudge covered potato chip clusters...need I say more?  It's the perfect balance of salty and sweet with exactly the right amount of clusters and swirls, and the clusters stay crispy thanks to the fudge coating.  Believe me when I say you must try this.  It's glorious.