Summer in the City

Forever 21 dress, J Crew Belt and bracelet, Tiffany & Co necklace, H&M ring, Nordstrom clutch, Nine West pumps, Ray-Ban sunglasses

While it didn't reach record temperatures in Santa Monica this summer, last weekend was actually sunny and relatively warm (highs of around 68 degrees). Gabe and I were able to walk to dinner on Sunday and enjoy being outside without sleeves. As I mentioned here I've been enamored of florals lately and decided to wear this Forever 21 dress before it officially became too cold to wear it without a jacket (which I fully intend to do this Fall). In fact, I've been pulling out all my summer dresses and sandals and wearing them as often as possible lately before summer's over. Is there anything you're trying to squeeze in while the warm weather is still upon us?

Santa Monica Place Opens

It seemed like everyone in L.A. was there on Sunday.

La Sandia

Sonoma Wine Garden

Handbag section of Bloomingdale's

more handbags

After much waiting and anticipation (as I mentioned here), Santa Monica Place finally opened on Friday! Aside from the crowds and additional traffic in my neighborhood (I live just a few blocks away), I couldn't be happier. I went to the Bloomingdale's Insider opening on Thursday evening and then to the rest of the mall on Sunday. The architecture is gorgeous, the layout creative, and the views from the rooftop dining deck are unbelievable! Gabe and I have often wondered why there aren't many restaurants in Santa Monica with ocean views and/or outdoor patios and this has both. The Bloomingdale's was on the smaller side, but had all the essentials, including an amazing handbag section. I enjoyed exploring the new mall (CB2, Michael Kors, Kitson, BCBG, Coach, etc.) and was delighted to be able to walk there! Gabe was at work when I visited the center, so I decided to wait for him to eat nachos on the La Sandia patio. Rest assured that we'll be back very soon for the nachos and the Sonoma Wine Garden. If you live in Los Angeles, I strongly recommend checking it out.

Owl Accessories

1. Shari Whacks Owl Necklace $76

2. Forever 21 Petite Owl Necklace $4.80

3. Forever 21 Owl Be Your Friend Necklace $7.80
4. Forever 21 Owl Division Earrings $4.80

5. Asos Chubby Owl Stud Earrings $8.42

6. Forever 21 Owl Head Ring $3.80

Suddenly I'm seeing owl accessories everywhere. Growing up on a farm, we often spotted owls around our house and I always found them intriguing. Along with representing wisdom, they are known to symbolize mystery, intelligence, and good fortune. I've recently added some owl accessories to my wardrobe, my favorite being #1 which was a birthday gift from Whitney and Jessica. I love wearing jewelry with meanings behind it and the owl is just that. What are your favorite meaningful accessories?

Artichoke Pesto Penne

I served it with a fresh garden tomato Caprese salad.

What would I do without my food processor?

Served with whole wheat garlic bread

I blame the consistently gloomy summer we're having for my recent daily pasta cravings. Over the weekend, my mom and I had a girls night in with dinner, wine, and a movie. It was the perfect way to spend a Saturday night and my first attempt at making pesto. This recipe uses Italian parsley and artichoke hearts instead of basil, which made it more mild than other pesto recipes. It was easy to make and tasted incredible. I substituted brown rice pasta and added shrimp and we absolutely loved it. What do you crave when it's gloomy outside?

Artichoke Pesto on Wagon Wheels (Giada De Laurentiis)
Ingredients
1 pound wagon wheels pasta (recommended: Barilla)
1 (8-ounce) pack of frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
1 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed down
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2/3 cup grated Parmesan

Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Meanwhile, in a food processor combine the artichokes, parsley, walnuts, lemon zest and juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Run the machine to finely chop all the ingredients, stopping the machine a few times to scrape down the sides. Then, with the machine running, drizzle in olive oil. Transfer the artichoke mixture into a large serving bowl. Stir in the cheese. Add the warm pasta and toss to combine. If needed, add the reserved pasta water 1/4 cup at a time to moisten the pasta and create a sauce-like consistency. Serve.

Weekend Blouse

Target Merona blouse, Forever 21 denim shorts, key cocktail ring, and mesh clutch, J Crew belt, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Michael Kors wedges (last seen here)

The Forever 21 double finger key cocktail ring I mentioned here.

As I mentioned here, I've recently started converting my work blouses into weekend attire. On Sunday I paired this Target Merona blouse (that I bought five years ago) with my casual cutoff denim shorts from Forever 21 (thanks for the style tips on the cutoffs, Nikki and Carrie). I threw on my Michael Kors gold wedges, my double finger key cocktail ring, and a gold mesh clutch and felt successful in reviving a very old item that I had never worn outside the fluorescent lighting of the office. I've decided that sunlight brightens the mood of this top.

Buy This, Not That

Lulu's Who Holds the Key Ring $11
House of Harlow Key Ring $45

As I mentioned here, I've been going through a bit of a "key phase". It started with necklaces and now it's shifting toward cocktail rings. This House of Harlow ring is amazing, but I'm not sure my phase will last long enough to justify the price. For now I found this Lulu's ring that I love even more for it's distressed vintage feel. I actually just bought a double finger key cocktail ring from Forever 21 (couldn't find it online, so check in the store if you're interested) that looks identical to this Lulu's ring for only $4. Stay tuned for pictures in tomorrow's post.

Farmer's Market

fresh seafood

lemon cucumbers

enormous avocados

my fabulous mom

My mom visited me over the weekend and we had the best time. We spent the weekend walking around Santa Monica, relaxing at the beach, eating amazing sandwiches at Bay Cities Deli, and buying fresh produce at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market. We were in awe of all the beautiful fruit and interesting vegetables and enjoyed being outside in the sunshine. I loved being able to spend time with my mom and share my with her my typical summer weekend.