This weekend was on the mellow side. I was happy for it though. In fact, I purposefully didn’t pack anything too heavy onto my agenda and kept it open for spontaneous dinners and lunches, and visits with friends. The friend visits came when we decided to hit the road and do a big loop through a few cities. Along that route was one of “The 14 Most Beautiful Roads in the World.” Turri Road is famous, according to Buzz Feed…but since it’s just miles from where I live, I had to check it out.
Torn between logic and passion, lies my dilemma in purchasing a puppy. I’ve been standing in the middle leaning a different way every day. Although I’m partial towards the puppy. It’s a commitment that requires a lot of time and attention. But, alas, I decided to go look at some dogs – at the pound since I’ve talked myself into adopting.
The day I planned to go look, my friend texted me. With. This. Picture…
She then followed up with these words, “I may buy her!” Randomly, she got her and named her new Mini-Dachshund puppy, Harley Jo. So Harley and I have seen a good amount of one another and she’s as cute as she is small. I love being her Auntie! And it’s actually been perfect for my dilemma. I have the joys of a little pup around while debating if I’m really up for one.
Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you…I realize now may not be an ideal time for me to get a dog, so, I went instead and purchased a Turtle!
I named the Turtle Earl, and he now lives in our pond with the fishes.
This is my kind-of pet! At least for now…
Cheers! -L
Although summer and its heat are leaving us until next year, it won’t stop me from hanging my clothes out to dry. This practice was instilled in me when I was barely learning how to do my own laundry. My mom would express the importance of hanging your ‘intimates,’ even though my intimates in HS were basically only bras. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize the importance of hanging most all my clothes to dry from jeans and sweaters to intimates. Although I’m very well versed and have made this practice a habit, I still need to get significantly better at making trips to the dry cleaners…In the meantime, I’ve noticed a big difference in the longevity and durability of my clothes. I think it’s important for most people to get into this habit, especially if you’ve veered from the $20 Forever21 items to the $75 and higher say, Free People, style :). I realize not all of you may have the luxury of mostly sunny days throughout the winter, so use an inside rack until the weather warms up. I made this clothesline last year, and it’s been awesome ever since. Thanks Martha!
The construction of this clothesline is very affordable and quite easy. All of the components can be found at your local hardware store.
I found this measuring cup at an antique store and had to buy it for the $2 they were asking. I finally found the perfect use for it!
Hope you and your clothes will enjoy this nice and semi-peaceful treatment. You’ll love the way your clothes smell fresh and light!
Cheers! -L
It’s officially fall on the Central Coast and with that comes warm lattes, boots, jackets, and hot, comforting meals. For my birthday my Mommy Dearest gave me this Le Crueset Pot! I was so excited to receive this and add it to my slowly growing collection. For my first creation in this monster “French Oven,” as it’s deemed, I decided to make Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup. I found a recipe and without the desire to invest a lot of time and money into stewing beef bone marrow, shanks, and fat, as a typical Pho would do, I took the easier, quicker, cheaper route…Here’s my recipe.
What You’ll Need:
{1 liter Vegetable Broth, 1 liter Beef Broth, 1/2 liter Water, 1 yellow Onion, Ginger, Pho Bouillon Cubes, 3 Whole Star Anise, Pho Noodles, Bunch of Cilantro, Mint, Bean Sprouts, Jalapenos or Serranos, Limes, Thai Basil, Tofu, Hoisin Sauce, Sriracha, Soy Sauce}
I started off combining all my broths, the vegetable stock, beef stock, and water and bringing them to a boil. The Pho noodles don’t need much time at all to cook and by that I mean like 5-10 seconds dipped into the broth and they’re done! So, after bringing the water to a boil, flash dip the noodles and then strain them out, while keeping all the broth. I then added the onion, ginger cubed into 6, 1/2 inch chunks, whole star anise, and Pho bouillon cube. I brought this all to a high simmer then placed the lid on the pot and let it do its thing for about 4 hours. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it’s only simmering, not boiling.There’s not much prep, in the meantime because all the other condiments can be plated when the broth is ready.
When the broth is about 10-15 minutes out, cube the tofu and throw it in so it will incorporate the flavors of the broth and warm up without getting too soft and soggy. Once the tofu is in, start plating the toppings. Slice up some limes, and chilies, leave the cilantro, Thai basil and mint on the stems. Throw some bean sprouts on the plate and you have all you need! Get your sauces out and put them on the side.
To finish, heat your bowls up and put some noodles in them. Pour over the broth and add your toppings as needed. Enjoy!
Cheers! -L
Over my birthday weekend I acquired a beauty product that I had been eyeing for a while. Benefit has these lip stains that are fabulous for minimalist wear that will last all day. I have the red stain and just recently discovered the coral color. My dear friend who discovered it with me was kind enough to buy it for one of my birthday gifts. I have worn it 2 out of the 3 days since. Probably a bit much, but it’s new, and I want to show it off! With these shoes, nails, lips and headband I liked the pops of coral while keeping the rest of the outfit neutral and simple.
{RAG AND BONE SHIRT, FREE PEOPLE SKIRT, RACHEL ROY SHOES, NYC ‘SPRING STREET’ NAIL POLISH, BENEFIT ‘CHA CHA TINT’ LIP STAIN}
I had such a great birthday weekend celebrating with all my friends and my dear brother. I felt so blessed to have the life I have with all the amazing, wonderful friends and family who are in it. Getting older is never a bummer when you allow yourself to have fun and laugh at any age!
Cheers! -L
I told you that I’d be bad at blogging while on vacation. However, it also extended into the first week I was home! I started a new job the Monday after the Sunday night we got back home, so last week was filled with adjustments. Meaning, I put blogging on the back burner. I hate doing that, but sometimes it must be done.
Now I am somewhat settled into the routine of working all week and can manage to incorporate a blogging schedule. I am going to start with a small recap of my adventures up North, to where I call home, and a place that will forever have my heart.
Most of my family (except my brother, which is very lucky for me) is up North in the Greater Seattle Area and a lot of them live where our cabin resides. I always make it a point to drive up there for a night no matter how jam-packed my schedule gets. It’s so peaceful and serene, comfortable and cozy, full of love and memories, while always making new ones. We can never stop laughing, stay up too late around the campfire and tell stories new and old.
{Top-Bottom: The view of the Pacific from our cabin, table grapes growing from a 100-yr old vine on our deck, seagull with a live crab. }
{Playing with photo colors, the sunset on a calm bay.}
{My Aunt and Uncle’s puppy, Lilly the Labradoodle, the outside deck of their home}
I didn’t nearly take enough photos of the majesty of this place or the people. I just get too caught up with family and fun! Have a great day, and check back soon!
Cheers, L!
Today was the start of my 12-Day-Vacation! I start off in SF visiting the Bro-ski, trek up to Seattle for family and friend get-togethers, then down to Portland for music with friends. I will hopefully be blogging along my little journey, however, don’t be surprised if it’s limited…I will try my best! After this vacation, I start at a new job and couldn’t be more excited. I am so lucky to have this time to see the people who I love, before starting a job I will love!
Traveling Days can be cumbersome and tiring. For me, I always want an outfit that is versatile for all temperatures, capable in retaining comfort after walking around all day, and able to withstand travel grime. Since this day I was only traveling within California, I knew I would be ok in wearing shorts, when usually I’d travel in pants or jeans…I love wearing a hat of some sorts as I never know when my curly hair will need to be commanded…Accessories are a must, especially since I refuse putting feather earrings in luggage, getting battered and squished…And I have come to learn that I need a bag which I can tote around all the necessary travel gear without it being a nuisance. This backpack (similar on website) from Target has provided me with such convenience while traveling that I’d recommend it to anyone!
Cheers! L
Happy Friday! I am excited for the weekend as it the last weekend in town before I go on vacation. It will be nice to relax and prepare for suitcase living, to garden, and to ring in the football season with a Sunday Gathering. With the weather cooling off, I know I will be wearing one of my favorite clothing items at least once this weekend. I have had this Free People Ruffle Zip-Up for years. It’s, like I said, one of my favorites. So, imagine my excitement when I am recently perusing the FP site and find it, again! I could not have been more excited. I highly recommend taking advantage of this item; it’s one of those things I wish I would have bought in multiple colors, and now I can!
{ Vans, Michael Stars Shirt, Free People Zippy, Hobo Bag, Target Necklace}
I’d like to leave you with this slightly dorky picture truly displaying the full look of this great item…
Cheers! -L
I talk about my garden a lot. I’m not entirely apologetic about it because it’s summer and I have a pretty rad garden. I’m in love with it and I like to talk about it! With that, I lead into my next little project…Rosemary and Mint Burlap Bouquets. These two, healthy, abundant herb plants I have are overflowing with goodness. So, naturally I feel I have to share the wealth. One day after quickly compiling these two herbs into a makeshift bouquet, I came up with a more thoughtful, personal way to give them as gifts to friends.
Start by gathering the supplies you’ll need:
~ Rosemary and Mint ~ Mason Jars ~ Burlap (of any color or style) ~ Ribbon/raffia/leather/or any sort of neutral colored ‘tie’ ~ Scissors ~
After your supplies are organized, measure out the burlap that will cover the Mason Jar; simply put your jar in the middle of the burlap, measure about 3 inches from the top of the jar. Cut the burlap into the square that completes those measurements.
After you have your square, measure your ‘tie’ device 4″ from each side of the jar top, take your ribbon (or in my case, leather), and wrap it around the neck of the jar, securing the burlap. After the burlap is secure, trim around the edge for any necessary length or unevenness.
Now, place rosemary and mint sporadically in the jar creating a nice, full fragrant bouquet! I finished my bouquets off with a tag in which I wrote two rosemary and mint recipe ideas…Rosemary and Mint Tea, and a Mint and Rosemary Sauce.
Cheers! -L
[Anthropologie Headband, Free People Top, Michael Kors Watch, Hobo Clutch, Free People Dress, Sam Edelman Sandals, Vera Wang Sunglasses]
After a day at work, we were headed over to our friends house to drop off garden sunflowers and Thai chilies. I had a few minutes to change, so I opted for something easy, cool (it was close to 90), comfortable, and slightly bohemian. My closet is heavily laden with Free People items and what I’ve come to love about these items is how versatile they are. You can layer and combine them, wear them on their own, dress them up or dress them down…(did you notice how I rhymed?!) I absolutely love this FP dress, but to wear it on its own, you have to be feeling excellent about your body. Not feeling entirely confident this particular day, I layered it with an ultra comfortable, baggy, bright FP top.
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend, everyone!
Cheers! -L
studio grey seattle 