Friday's Letters

Dear Kat, You are incredible and I love you as a friend and my photographer
Dear The Dark Knight Rises, Why were you such a GREAT movie?!? I can't stop thinking about you and I saw you on Monday. Much love
Dear Internship, I am learning so much and truly enjoy spending my time with you. Thank you for happening.
Dear Sebastian, You had better start behaving yourself or else your father wants to give you to someone with more patience for naughty little birds.
Dear Work, You kicked my bootie tonight, but thanks for the money $$cha-ching$$
(on that note)
Dear Next Vacation, Wherever and whenever you may be, I assure you, you are already needed and desperately wanted.
Dear Readers, I am so inspired by all of you! Thank you for your sweet comments and I love our interactions--any advice is always welcome! =)
Dear Friends and Family, You have been so encouraging and supportive of everything I am pursuing lately, thanks for that!

 

Sophisticated Sage

With so many things to do in LA at any given moment (well, until 2 am at least) it is nice to have an outfit that is simultaneously dressy and casual.  This dress is perfect for wearing to work or could be worn to drinks with girlfriends, a date with the man or any function really.  Dress it up or down depending on your shoes, accessories hairstyle and mood.  

{Dress: c/o Sugarlips, Clutch: vintage, Pumps: U/O,
Bangels: vintage, Necklace: gifted by YanessaB}

All Photos by Kat

Caprese Pasta

I love cooking at home, but sometimes it is difficult when you have a busy schedule and a lot of recipes can be quite complicated to fit in your time schedule.  This recipe is super simple yet delicious! This caprese pasta was incredibly flavorful yet light and was so easy to make even my husband could have done it (hehe-sorry Jon).  I used this recipe but I served it warm and added marinated artichoke hearts in order to give it a little extra flavor. YUM!

Tuesday Tunes: No Doubt

Growing up as a kid in nineties in Orange County, I (like most others) was obsessed with No Doubt.  I had two copies of Tragic Kingdom: one in my Discman and one in my boom box at all times.  I remember watching MTV and watching the "Don't Speak" music video and feeling the pain of her breakup with Tony (lame? maybe, but hey I was 10).  When I first heard "Settle Down" I didn't love it.  However, after giving it another listen and watching the video-it has really grown on me.  Continuing with their trend of using reggae and ska and moving into the world music sound, I should not have been so surprised by it.  BTW, how does Gwen still look sooooooo incredible?!?! Has she even aged?

Casual Crochet

{Crochet Dress: Anthropologie, Slip dress, sunnies and bag: U/O,

Sandals: Dolce Vita, Lips: Makeup Forever 40}

I realize that lately I have been somewhat absent in this blog community, but I assure you, I have not been lazy.  Last week I began an internship in order that I might learn new things regarding business, fashion and marketing.  It is only part-time and unpaid, but so far I am loving it!! However, I have still been working 4-5 days a week at the restaurant as well all while applying for teaching jobs, so I have been a bit busy.  This crocheted dress is one of the many purchases I have made so far this month from Anthropologie (thanks for my birthday discount card!) AND it was on sale.  Perfect for a casual day of brunch, too many iced coffees and great conversation!

A Mid-Summer Evening's Dream-Board

A Mid-Summer Evening Dream-Board by alisia-e featuring a heart shirt

J.Crew heart shirt / Enza Costa ribbed tank, $155 / Denim shorts / Madewell flat shoes / Proenza Schouler leather shoulder bag / MICHAEL Michael Kors leather jewelry / Marc by Marc Jacobs tech accessory / Karen Walker round sunglasses

If I could create the perfect outfit for myself for a July evening around LA, this would be it (the sweater would be tied around my waist until it got chilly enough it put it on). What would your mid-summer evening dream-board look like? Create one here and post the link so I could check it out!

Tuesday Tunes: Room 125 Productions

Okay, so last week my husband showed me these YouTube videos and I thought they were pretty much the coolest thing ever!  An art/media teacher in Lawrence, Kansas created an opportunity of learning and experience by creating the Classroom Sessions, in which famous music and film artists come in and discuss their beginnings and play and allow the students to film and produce these sessions (click here for their website and to learn more).  Famous artists such as The Head and the Heart, Damien Jurado and The Civil Wars have been involved in these classroom sessions.  As a teacher myself, I think this is incredible and provides such an influential real life experience to these high school students.  They are doing more than just learning about film and media within their own school, but have been working with their community to film commercials and learning about live filmmaking for famous musicians.  Such an inspiring lesson!

Fun Find: Flamingo Print Tee

I am in love with my new Flamingo Print Tee I got from Anthropologie.  It was a perfect top for a warm yet breezy Sunday walking around our neighborhood to try brunch at Artisan House. (ps-it was delicious and there was a little three-piece playing turn of the century Jazz--great brunch spot)

 BUT, back to the top.  On sale, lightweight, loose fitting and bright colors it is the perfect summer top! Such a fun find!

Watermelon Avocado Salad

It has been hot in Los Angeles this week! So yesterday in the late afternoon, I turned off the air and opened the windows for a nice summer breeze, put on French Cafe music via Pandora and made this salad (recipe here) for my husband and I as a romantic surprise when he got off work.  Paired with a glass of Pinot Noir, it was delicious and so relaxing to have a cafe experience in our own home.

Currently Obsessing: Black Cherry

Hi, my name is Alisia and I am an addict.  No, not addicted to drugs, or alcohol, or shopping...but as of late, black cherry.  When I was a kid, I always loved soda (I was only allowed to drink it at my grandma's house so maybe it's nostalgic) and my favorites were Cream Soda, Dr. Pepper and Black Cherry.  Now that I'm older, I sometimes treat myself to a small-batch soda and I always pick Black Cherry. Two weeks ago I professed my love for my new black cherry lipstick in a post here, and I'm happy to report we're still going strong.  I am obsessed with black cherry, whether it be soda, lipstick or nail polish.  Or all three at the same time while listening to Goldfrapp's "Black Cherry".  

What are you currently obsessing over??

Tuesday Tunes: The Cranberries

The Cranberries are incredible.  When I was in elementary school, I remember watching the "Dreams" music video on MTV and then hearing "Linger" for the first time on the radio when my dad dropped me off at school.  When Empire Records came out (which, by the way, is in a three-way-tie for my all-time favorite movie along with Casablanca and Scream) I remember hearing "How" for the first time and falling in love with the song.  Lately, I can't seem to stop listening to them.  
(BTW, isn't Dolores such a babe in that video above?!)

Birthdays and Bubble Baths

Ever since last Wednesday, I have had a pretty celebratory schedule! Last Wednesday was of course the 4th, in which we went to Orange County to spend time with family and play with sparklers.  Thursday was my birthday in which my husband and I went to brunch, then had a pool party/ rooftop BBQ.  It was so fun and thanks to all who came!! Then this weekend I went down to Orange County again and had a great time celebrating my birthday with my family, had drinks and girl talk with a long-time friend and ran around to Farmer's Markets, shopping and pedicures with my mom.  Such a good birthday! Of course, come Sunday night, all I needed was a relaxing bubble bath to get ready for this week ahead. I now have a Sunday night ritual: a drink, candles and a long bubble bath!

A Week in Instagram

Sunday brunch with live jazz, bloody mary's and friends at Perch

Reading a new favorite poolside

Husband rearranged all of our furniture

Eaton Canyon hike with Kat

Simple summer meals: fish tacos

HOME

City Hall flags-Los Angeles

Easy Like Sunday Mornin'

I love outfits that you can just put on, throw up your hair and add a quick lip color and make it work.  This outfit is perfect for a Sunday morning brunch this summer.  Simple, easy to walk in (and room to grow with your mimosas and french toast), and just bring a denim jacket if you're out all day and need to transfer into a casual evening outfit. 

{Maxi dress and crochet top: No Rest For Bridget, Bag: U/O Renewal,
Glasses and Sandals: U/O, Lip color: Makeup Forever Aqua Lip 17C}