Picnic!

I have always wanted to go on a "real" picnic. Like with a proper picnic basket and everything. I decided to surprise G. and take him on a picnic today. (I have been hiding this basket in our apartment for months!) Here are some shots from the day. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

No picnic is complete without a French baguette!

The park...

The view.

A little Kindle reading (of course I brought my Rebecca Minkoff case!)

A vintage dress and Nine West boots made for a breezy, comfortable outfit. This is one of my favorite necklaces. When I was eighteen, Mom gave me this antique perfume bottle and we made it a necklace.

Packing up...

(Basket-Bed, Bath and Beyond; Bag-Lancel; Cuff-Banana Republic)

L.A. Hair Salon

After years in L.A., many haircuts, and skipping around from stylist to stylist (I always left a little disappointed), I have FINALLY found my “home” salon!

I have been to Jazmine three times now and I have always left 100% happy. Ever since my first visit, I have been meaning to tell you about her! Not only does she do a fantastic job, but she’s fun! So if you’re new to L.A. or looking to switch stylists, I highly recommend her.

If you’re interested, here is her website for further information:

http://www.hotheadspasadena.com

P.S. The salon is moving to a new location within Pasadena in October so if you make an appointment, be sure to get the new address. I can’t wait to see her new space!

This is not a sponsored post.

Hiatus is Over!

So Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill have returned from a hiatus….and so have I! It’s been a crazy time, but I’m back now. Here’s what I’ve been up to if you missed me!

I got to take a few days away from work and physical therapy appointments to go to Cape Cod, MA for Brianne’s Wedding! (I was the Maid of Honor and I got to help design my dress!)

I saw an excellent production of Othello at the Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica, CA.

My local Border’s closed (sad face). However, I did stock up on some summer reading at 70% off. I need a break from library books. (Side-note: One book I didn’t get, but will be a must-read this summer is the new Sweet Valley High! I owe it to the 11 yr old me to see what happened to Jessica and Elizabeth!)

...And finally catching up on the fourth season of Mad Men!




Photo Credits (top to bottom): Wedding Day photo-L's List, Othello photo-powerhousetheatre.com, Sweet Valley Confidential photo-sweetvalleytenyearslater.com

How You Can Help

I've been reading online about how one can help the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. I found one particular article very helpful, which can be found here.

It includes a list of philanthropies that contribute in different ways so you can choose how you'd like to help. Both the Red Cross and The Salvation Army are two of the organizations that allow you to donate money specifically to the disaster relief efforts in Japan.

The Dreaded Hand Wash

This weekend I made myself tend to that pile of "hand wash only"s. You know the type: gorgeous beading, glamorous sequins, bright tights..... and inconvenient to wash!



It's okay though because I finally have a hand washing system that seems to work.

1. Add mild detergent to a basin or tub and fill with cold water (or whatever temperature the garment calls for). I use my tub. Do not fill the tub...only put enough water in the mix the detergent and soak the garment.
   

2. Swirl the garment around in the water until completely wet. Swirl in one direction for 1.5 minutes. Stop and swirl in the opposite direction for 1.5 minutes.
   

3. Gently rub any areas that need extra washing. Let soak for 15 minutes.
   

4. Remove garment from tub. Empty tub. Rinse garment with cold water. Add cold water to tub and dip garment in the water to ensure all detergent is removed.
   

5. Pick up garment from the shoulders and let water drain into the tub. Do not twist or wring.
   

6. Hang up garment or lay flat to dry depending on the care instructions. For sweaters, I roll them or blot them with a towel first to remove excess water.
   

7. For items to lay flat to dry: arrange garment in its normal shape on a dry towel.

Depending on the item, my clothes usually take 1-3 days to completely dry. I've found I always dread this chore, but it can be cathartic--like folding or ironing is for some.

Tip: To make hand washing clothes less tedious, sometimes I place a card table or TV tray in the doorway of the bathroom and play my iPod or my portable DVD player on it. (I don't want electronics near a full tub of course so that's why I have it in the hallway!)

Up next on the to-do list: spring cleaning and my taxes! How about you?

Designer Shoe Giveaway

Happy Tuesday, My Lovelies!

I apologize for my absence. I’ve been involved with some other exciting projects that have taken me away from posting. But I’m back! And back with great news!

My friends over at Shop It To Me are having a fabulous promotion. They are giving away one of the following pairs of shoes:

-Chanel flats

-Christian Louboutin stilettos

-Manolo Blahniks

-Jimmy Choo pumps

And the winner gets to choose! Don’t miss out!

Here’s how to enter:

Become a member. For members to enter, just click here. For each friend that a subscriber gets to join Shop It To Me, the subscriber will receive an additional entry! Good Luck! XO

Birthday

We turn not older with years, but newer every day. -Emily Dickinson

We are always the same age inside.-Gertrude Stein

Tomorrow is my birthday! So I probably won't be posting again until Sunday. Have a fabulous weekend my darlings!

XO

I don't even know her...

but I'm so excited for Georgina! She had her baby today! Yea!!!

If you want to stop by her blog to congratulate her, you can click here.

Whoa, Heidi

Dear Fellow Watchers-of-The-Hills:

Can you believe the news about Heidi? 10 plastic surgeries in 1 day? I guess you can see the pictures and read the full story in People on Friday. While I certainly don't judge her for having all that work done, I really wish she would lay off for medical reasons! It just seems like a lot to put your body through-and high risk. She is beautiful as is in my opinion.

One report on the radio said that she had the surgeries in order to perfect her look before her album drops. I heard some samples of the tracks from the self-produced album this morning. I think it sounds like anything else these days-not in a bad way. It's like dance music/over-produced pop. Has anyone else heard any of the songs?

I totally went on a tangent, but my point is finally here.....I think it's great that she's making things happen for herself. Producing your own album is definitely taking control of your career which I admire!

Have a good day!

Another Year...

These are a few photos from 2009 of things that made me happy. It's so easy to feel down after the holidays, but there is so much to look forward to! I really believe this year is going to be amazing!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today I am grateful for:

1) Wonderful boyfriend with whom to share adventures.

2) Fabulous friends (including blogger friends ;) ).

3) A supportive yet dramatic family that always keeps me on my toes, but whom I love more than anything!

4) A paycheck.

5) I get to go home for Christmas.

6) I am blessed...I see many people waaay worse off on a daily basis at work.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday...I'm still hiccuping :(

I get the hiccups when I laugh too much.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!

XOXO,
L.

It's Almost Thanksgiving!

I'm sure many of you are getting ready for Thanksgiving. I LOVE this time of year-although I admit I enjoyed it more on the East Coast (it is more festive and my family is there). Anyways I wanted to share some of my favorite things about Thanksgiving with you:

I always loved making holiday crafts as a kid at Brownies or at school.
And who doesn't love A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving?!And even though it can get a little boring, it's not Thanksgiving morning without the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!



Photo Credits:
(Top to bottom)

bestkidswebsite.com
williams-sonoma.com
marthastewart.com
parents.com
ilovecartoons.com
newyorkology.com

The Sexiest Man Alive

So People came out with their "Sexiest Man Alive 2009" issue and guess who received top honors:

Johnny Depp.

Love Johnny, but he has already graced this cover.

My pick is...drum roll please....

Ryan Reynolds!

He's funny, sexy, cool, and those abs!!!





On whom would you bestow this title?




Photo Credit: AccessHollywood.com

Needing a Little of This in My Life

I looooooove dogs, but with my hectic schedule it's not a good idea to get one right now. If I could get a puppy today, I'd get a Labradoodle!I saw the most adorable Labradoodle ever while having lunch in Westwood Village one day a few months ago. I have seriously been stalking this dog ever since. She is so sweet!

I think Cristin who writes Eat Like Me has a Labradoodle also. Her dog cracks me up!

Sigh....someday.....



Photo Credit:
crosswordbebop.blogspot.com

Congratulations!

Congratulations!!!

Brianne got engaged this weekend...



as did one of my favorite bloggers, Jessica from What I Wore.

Love is in the air......Hurray!!!!!



Photo: Tiffany.com

Blog Award!

I have been nominated by Brianne of Briannelee for this fabulous blog award!!! Brianne is a Boston-based jewelry designer and a gifted vintage treasure-finder. She is also my BFF IRL.



Ok, here is the drill:

1. Remember to thank the person who nominated you! (and link to them from your blog)

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. State seven things about yourself that most people don't know.

4. Nominate 7 other Kreativ Bloggers. (and link to them too!)

5. Leave a comment on each of the lucky duckies' blogs letting them know.


7 things about me:

1. I have lived in Boston, London, and Los Angeles.

2. I have been learning to speak Italian for years and am still not even close to being fluent. Ciao Bella!

3. I secretly want to be a milliner (guess it's not so secret now!).

4. I haven't had ice cream in 20 yrs-but I eat frozen yogurt all the time...

5. I majored in Film and Television and I think that Sex and the City: The Movie is the best movie of all time. Seriously, it has everything!

6. I love argyle socks.

7. I am obsessed with lists and post-its.



Ok, now your turn. I tag:

Le Quaintrelle
Chanel Fashionista
Jeune Marie
30 and Counting...
la vie jaime
Style from Scratch
Not Your Average Ordinary

Win a Lucky Shops VIP Gift Bag!

Lucky Shops 2009 is quickly approaching! Every gal in the NYC area should be sure to get tickets for the event which occurs 11/6 and 11/7.

Why?

75% off designer duds
Complimentary cocktails
Giveaways
Limited edition designer pieces and more!!!

Lucky Shops is giving away one VIP gift bag to a Shop It To Me member. To enter, visit the Shop It To Me blog.

If you are not a member of Shop It To Me yet, you can join here.

Note: Prize can only be sent to a U.S. address.

Good luck!!!!!

Ahhh....goal setting. I had shared my goals for last week with you. How did I do? Just ok.

I brought my lunch to work everyday. Hurray!

I remembered to take my vitamins and supplements most of the time. Yea!

I exercised 1/3 of the time I said I would (i.e. once)! Err....

I did not try a new recipe. Oops!

So I'm going to do this again-but succeed.

I am also beginning a new budget. Many changes going on here, but positive ones! :)

What kind of goals are you all working on presently?

Goal Setting!

I went to a life coach seminar recently and I'm all about the goal setting! I really want to get back into shape. So this week I am going to exercise three times, start taking vitamins/supplements, and bring my lunch to work. Small steps, but realistic and doable. I also have to cook one meal using a recipe. Easy, right?

In other news, the season premiere of Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill and the premiere of The Jay Leno Show are tomorrow!!!! Hurray! So if we can just get through the work day....

I hope you all enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Photo: cookinglight.com

Tiffany for my Favorite Bloggers

I recently received the latest Tiffany & Co. "selections" booklet in the mail. I found myself thinking that many of the necklaces would be perfect for the girls who write my favorite blogs. So if I had the money, this is what I would get for each blogger:

Jessica from What I Wore:

She already has a signature anchor necklace in gold. As a fellow DG I know you can never have too many anchors so I would get in this in silver. :)



Chanel Fashionista:There were definitely other choices that would look cuter with her adorable wardrobe; but, I had to pick this as we both live in LA and must brave the traffic to shop!




Brianne from BrianneLee:My bff. This necklace is so cute and delicate just like her. It also would look lovely with all of her vintage finds.




Emily from cupcakes and cashmere:
Well it's pretty obvious why I would choose this necklace for her. :)