Tomato-Basil Soup

Yesterday it was cold, dark, rainy and breezy in LA.  So on my way home from work, I decided to make something warm and comforting.  I used this recipe for the soup and made my own little mini-grilled cheese sandwiches.  It was a delicious combo and helped get us warm and cozy for the night!

Oscars: Sparkle and Glamour

First off, I must confess that I did not get to watch the Academy Awards last night as we do not have a tv and when I tried to stream it, sadly it was not free.  However, in looking over what everyone wore, I noticed the trends--all white, sparkles, mermaid style, strapless and glamour.  I did not love Gwyneth Paltrow's dress and cape (like most people went crazy over) and I thought Angelina looked terrible.  Here, are a few of my favorites though, and surprisingly most are actresses from Bridesmaids.

Ellie Kemper is gorgeous in that Armani Prive gown
and I love that clutch with it!

Kristen Wiig is beautiful with her hair color, gown and
maroon nails to compliment.

I don't think Michelle Williams could ever not
look adorable. The shade of color is perfect
on the Louis Vuitton gown and I LOVE the bow.

Mila Jovovich is glamorous in her sparkly white
gown, red lip and hair--very Tinsel Town.

And for my favorite look of the night....

Rose Byrne is stunning in the single strap Vivienne Westwood black sparkly dress, her peep-toe Jimmy Choo's, bangs and bob. LOVE her!

A Morning Reflection

 Sometimes in life you tend to get in a boring routine and you need to do something to snap out of it.  Since my work schedule is often opposite that of my husband's, I decided to wake up and walk to coffee with him on his way to work.  Afterward, I ran a few errands without a car (gasp!), my first time "walking errands" and exploring by myself.  The city is so beautiful and full of energy! It got me out of my funk and inspired me to be okay with the fact that I am 26, with 2 college degrees and feel like I have no idea what I'll be doing in 6 months from now.  I live in an amazing city with my best friend and our silly little bird and I couldn't be happier!

Taken 4 years ago<3

Sebas and I<3

Vegan Mexican Quinoa

A few months ago, I made a Mediterranean Quinoa bowl seen here.  I wanted to change it up a bit and decided to make a Mexican Quinoa bowl.
Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

1 red bell pepper

1/4 onion

2 zucchini

2 cups kale

1 can black beans

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 tbsp olive oil

cumin

cayenne pepper

2 limes

avocado (optional)

While the quinoa is cooking, mince the garlic and let it simmer with olive oil for 2 minutes on medium low heat.  Then add diced zucchini, kale, cumin and cayenne pepper (to season) and sautee for 5 minutes.  Add in the rinsed black beans and cook for 5 more minutes.  Meanwhile, cut red bell pepper and onion to put in the food processor to make a sauce.  Squeeze limes on the veggie mix, then mix quinoa, veggies and sauce together well.  Top with avocado and ENJOY!

Tuesday Tunes: {Honey}

Honey:: a sweet and sticky substance made from the nectar of flowers (by bees).  Also, an endearing nickname for a loved one and the topic of many great songs.  Here are some of my favorite songs inspired by or featuring "Honey".

Just Like Honey--The Jesus and Mary Chain

Slow Like Honey--Fiona Apple

Honey, Honey--Fiest

Honey and the Moon--Joseph Arthur

Honey--Moby

Wild Honey--U2

Sugar, Honey, Honey--The Archies

and a junior high classic...

Honey--Mariah Carey

A Week in Instagram

Best tacos and tamales! 

Loving green.

We put lights above our bed to match our neighborhood.

DTLA<3

Sunday brunch and Bloody Mary's

Late night tea and conversation with friends.

Walking tours of the neighborhood

Our Valentine's Day night.

The Roaster at Handsome Coffee.

Happy hour drinks, food and so many laughs in DTSD with my bestie, Yanessa

Follow me on Instagram to stay posted: alisialynn

On the Street

{Forever 21 Buttondown, U/O Pullover, H&M pants,
BP Flats, Anthropologie Bag}

{Steve Madden Tuxedo Oxfords (old), U/O Pullover,
Urban Renewal Bag}

Valentine's Day {Pin}spiration

Happy Valentine's Day!  This is my first as a married woman and I actually do not have to work!!!(as a server I have worked the past few years).  We normally do not celebrate it anyway, other than staying in with a drink and watching a romantic comedy together--perfection!

How do you plan to celebrate??

Sources: 1, 2, 3 , 4, 5-my instagram, 6-our wedding<3

Rosemary-Walnut Shortbread Cookies

 Happy Monday everyone! I had a fun-filled weekend of drinks and visiting with friends and exploring downtown with the husband (pictures to come later this week). Oh and I also made these cookies in honor of the upcoming Valentine's Day.  I used this Martha Stewart recipe and they turned out quite delicious!

Valentine's Day Manicure

My sweet friend, Yanessa (click here to see her blog) sent me a stocking stuffer for Christmas with nail polish and a lovely bracelet with my two favorite things...sparkles and the color yellow.  I was able to use all three colors of the Face for J. Crew Stockholm set to create my little Valentine's Day manicure. <3

CURRENT/ELLIOT Spring 2012

I recently discovered CURRENT/ELLIOT from looking at other fashion blogs and saw their new lookbook for Spring 2012.  I love the feeling of the melancholy-The Virgin Suicides-vintage inspired shoot and the fact that while looking through it, Air's "Cherry Blossom Girl" kept playing through my head.