A Fresh Start

That was quite the "blog-cation" that I took! I can't believe it's been so long since I've written. I'm pretty sure no one is reading at this point. But that's ok. I've refocused and this isn't about getting readers and hits. This is about living my life, trying to enjoy each day, and giving myself a place to remember it all. If I can share funny stories and inspire you to go to different places, then that's an added bonus!

So much has happened since I last wrote. My long-term relationship ended. I went to Paris for a month to learn French (and absolutely fell in love with it). I moved to a new area of Los Angeles upon my return. I made a ton of new friends who have been my angels. I continued my French classes and began art classes. I explored new places in L.A. Fast-forward....

This weekend I went to a bonfire at Dockweiler Beach...

Today I had lunch with a friend by the harbor in Marina del Rey...

After lunch, he gave me a guitar lesson. Yes, guess who can jam to Macklemore's "Can't Hold Us" now?! By the way, I met this friend in Las Vegas one weekend. Who makes friends in Vegas? Well, I guess we do....  Can't have too many wild and crazy friends, right?

P.S. Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas!!!

Style Profile and Other Fun...

Happy Monday!

Three fun things today-

I was honored to be featured in today's Style Profile at Briannelee!
Check it out here!

I have a new favorite watering hole in San Francisco for future visits.
For a cozy hideaway for casual drinks and friendly service, check out The Brazen Head.

I have officially joined the scores of bloggers in the Downton Abbey obsession!
Might have to go as Mary for Halloween in October...

Hope you're having a great start to the week!

xo

Latest Read

As you know, I love to read. Lately, I've swapped my TV time for my Kindle. Recently, I finished The Hunger Games trilogy and now I'm reading The Paris Wife by Paula McLain.

Any book recommendations?

Oscar Time!

When watching the Oscars I always wonder which of the nominated films I would enjoy and should see. Below, I did a little round up of the darlings of the award season that I've had the opportunity to see--it might help you decide what to rent next!

The Artist

I really, really liked this film. I wasn't sure I would be into the silent film thing for 100 min. but I was totally engrossed! A classic story told by such gifted actors. I absolutely love George Valentin and Peppy Miller! (Played by Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo.) A must-see!

The Descendants

I don't really know what to say about this movie. I do recommend it...I just found it depressing. An emotional story. Impressive performances.

The Help

Usually I do not enjoy the movie-version of books I have enjoyed. This was not the case here. I think it totally did the book justice and it had admirable performances by all (hello, Octavia Spencer just won an Oscar). If you are not familiar with the story, it has a nice mix of serious situations and tones with uplifting relationships and comedic relief.

Hugo

I had no idea what this movie was about when I went to the theater. For those of you in the same boat, this is not an animated film (as I thought). The protagonist is a boy who lives in Paris in a train station. Very nostalgic and at times heartbreaking. Loved the 3D, but it’s not necessary to enjoy the movie. A little long, but a well-written story and great performances.

Moneyball

In my opinion, the best part of this movie is the performances. I also liked the tone and cinematography-very Social Network-like. Pacing was too slow for me.

The Iron Lady

This film was not nominated for best picture; however I decided to include it because Meryl Streep was amazing (not a surprise). I thought it would be a little boring, but it was really interesting!

The Tree of Life

Intense. If you like artsy films exploring life, this is for you.

Midnight in Paris* will be discussed in its own post! (I'm obsessed and it is one of my favorite movies. )

I still have to see War Horse and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close...any thoughts on these?

Dallas!

I recently started watching episodes of Dallas on DVD from Netflix. I wanted to know who all the characters were and the backstory before it starts again on TNT in a few months. SO obviously it’s a fun watch, but I am really into the fashion.

Loving the dress and scarf here...

And this halter dress...

The dress, the fur jacket, and the clutch!

Watching it makes me want an old-school phone again...

Book Signing with Lisa See!

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great long weekend! One of the things I did was attend a book signing with Lisa See. If you ever have the chance to meet her, you definitely should. Not only is she sweet and thoughtful, but a great speaker as well. Here is a copy of the book she signed for me pictured below.

The Willis

We all know I am a handbag freak.

I am loving the structure of the new version of Coach's "Willis" bag! Promptly added to wish list.

Photo Credit: coach.com