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?

New Bag Obsession

This amazing wallet was featured in a Lucky giveaway recently and I had to see more.

So off to the Hester van Eeghen web site I went. I love the different shapes of the handbags and all the color!!! I want this one!!!










Featured: Stair Wallet $215 and Harmonica Bag $775





Photo credit: Hester van Eeghen

Snaps from a Holiday Weekend

And another holiday weekend has come to a close....

My weekend was very balanced...I cleaned, cooked, baked, read, watched movies, and went out.

Friday night was spent cuddling with G. by the fire and watching movies as it poured outside.


Saturday night, we went to the W Hollywood to celebrate a friend's birthday.


Sunday I made these Funfetti cake pops (inspired by my friend, Karen).


And all weekend I enjoyed my new Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case!!!!



What did you do?!




Photo Credits: The Living Room at W Hollywood: latimesblog.com. All others: L's List.

Triple Threat- Hot Chocolate

I realize that when the temperature is 50-something degrees outside, it's not that cold....like at all. But to us in LA, it constitutes a cold winter's day! Today I went out and got some winter rainy day staples: firewood, wine, ingredients for homemade vegetable soup, baking materials--and makings for a great cup of hot chocolate!



Inspired by the amazing "Cocoa Trio" at Seattle's Best, I made a lower-calorie version of one of my favorite treats!

I used:

Powered Hot Chocolate: 80 calories
Whipped Cream (15 calories/2 tbsp): 45 calories
Shaved Chocolate (1 block of Hershey's chocolate shaved with vegetable peeler): 40 calories
Chocolate Stick: 80 calories

Total Calories: 245


(Compared to a small Cocoa Trio at 400 calories)


It came out so good that I made G. one, too! Although I have to admit, it's pretty difficult to mess up chocolate and whipped cream!


Happy Friday!!!!!!



*My Mug (Top): PhiloSophie's

Grammy Favs!

Not to be mean, but most of the red carpet looks at the Grammy Awards scared me this year! However, I thought these ladies looked stunning:





Who were your favs?



Photo credits: www.instyle.com

A Quiet Saturday Night in Malibu

Last Saturday, G. and I decided to go to Malibu for dinner and watch the sunset. It was cold and cloudy, but I was thankful to be eating outside rather than shoveling back East!