Girl Crush: Joanna Hillman

Joanna Hillman is one of my many "girl crushes". She is the Senior Fashion Market Editor For Harper's Bazaar, US.  I love that she can pull off what almost no one else can.  Her style is very boyfriend inspired yet she always femmes it up with her accessories, shoes and handbags.  Her long blonde hair worn straight down or in a side braid, her signature red lips and ray bans make her simple yet intriguing.

One of her more feminine looks.

Looking fancy in black and sparkles.

An oldie but goodie.
I love the color combos!

Classy, consistent and stylish.

Mohawk Bend

The other night, I was not in the mood to cook and it was still pretty early so we decided to go to Mohawk Bend in Echo Park.  It has been open for two months now but everytime we have gone before it was super packed!! Luckily we got in no problem and enjoyed a couple beers (they have almost 70 on tap) and delicious vegan food!  I got the Able Farmin Pizza and the husband got the V is for Vegan Burger.  For drinks I got the Red Rocket Ale and Red Barn Saison and he got the Speedway Stout and Pliny the Elder. We even got dessert (something we rarely do) and it was great as well!

I love the red leather chairs, long curtains and
the colored glass tiles.

Seitan sausage, vegan mozzarella, peppers, fennel.
SO GOOD!

Vegan Cast Iron Chocolate-Chip Cookie!

We can't wait to go back and try more!  Check out their menu here.

"Dinosaurs Ruling the Earth"

So while fall has officially been here for almost a week now, the weather has not caught up yet.  Yesterday it was almost 90 degrees at our place so we decided to stay cool by going to the LA Natural History Museum (I had never been and we both had been wanting to see the Dino Hall AND it was a free Tuesday)!  The dinosaur exhibit was exciting and interesting and we both reminisced about once wanting to excavate bones when we were younger.  They also had a gem room, insect room, african and north american mammal rooms and spider pavilion (if you know me, you know that we did not go in that last one). I wore an outfit that was cool enough while outside and that would keep me comfortable in the AC.

T-Rex and Triceratops

Anthropologie top, U/O leggings, BP "Frankie" flats,
Anthropologie purse, Ray Ban sunglasses

Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

I am VERY new to cooking, but I am loving it so far! I was inspired by Native Foods' Greek Gyro Bowl and decided to try making it at home for the husband and me.  I used this recipe as a start but added my own veggies of choice and of course some pita and hummus to dip with it.  It turned out super good!

I used organic quinoa from Trader Joes.
(Anthropologie measuring cup)

Grilled tofu and herbs.

I chopped cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes, parsley
and steamed kale and broccoli for veggies.

Fun finds

On Friday I popped into H&M real quick to meet a friend and just browse.  When I saw these hair clips, I had to cave in.  First off, I am a sucker for anything gold.  Second, I love bows, birds and light coral colors.  Third, even though I'm sure two are shaped like belt buckles, I see an E which is the initial of my new last name. What a fun find!

<Only 5.95 at h&m>

Happy Fall!

Alas, my favorite season begins today! I love everything about it, from the crisp air, to the changing leaves, pumpkins (and pumpkin treats), earlier sunsets, bundled-up walks, scarves and sweaters, family time and delicious meals!!

P.S.L.'s are the only reason I go
to Starbucks.

Pumpkin soup.

Love the outfit!

For more fall fun and inspiration, check out my fall pinterest board

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Today is the official release of the Alexa Chung for Madewell fall collection.  She has been my style icon for over 2 years now and I am excited I can actually afford some things (unlike the Alexa Mulberry bag seen here). I LOVE the entire line, but here are a few of my favorites.

The carine dress

She is so pretty!

My favorite outfit! The thora cords and
graham crewneck sweater.

You can view the entire collection HERE.  Happy browsing!

aubergines and courgettes

Since it is nearly fall, I figured I would start a little early and make a pasta using some fall produce, aubergine and courgettes (eggplant and zucchini).  I got the recipe Here and just left out the cheese (we eat vegan at home).  It turned out delicious and in order to celebrate my favorite season, I prematurely had a pumpkin beer while making dinner!

Chopping. 

A great beverage always makes cooking
twice as fun!

Salad and pasta! YUM!

Pattern Bar

Last night some friends and I had a long overdue girls night.  We had dinner and then went to the new bar downtown, Pattern Bar.  It was super cute with a very simple theme of fashion (quite fitting since it's in the fashion district).  All of their specialty cocktails are named after famous fashion designers. I ordered "The McQueen" which was Gin, Elderflower Liquor and Passion Fruit garnish, but I added some bubbles to mine (Champagne cocktail style).  It was delicious!

I loved the ambiance and decor.

Gold Line

The Gold Line is great! It is affordable, easily accessible (in walking distance from our house) and from it you can head north to Mission St. (S. Pasadena), Old Town Pasadena OR south to Chinatown, Union Station and Little Tokyo.

Cheers!

Agua Fresca

My neighborhood is mainly Latino, so you can drive down the street and see many food places that sell agua fesca.  On a HOT day like today, I decided to make my own.  All you need is your fruit of choice, mint leaves, lime or lemon and agave nectar-it's easy and delicious!!!

Agua fresca de sandia y de pepino.
(Watermelon and cucmber) 

                                                                                                               ENJOY!

"It's too Darn HOT"

Refreshing watermelon and fun nails! 

Southern California is having a major heatwave right now, and if you live in Northeast LA, then you probably do not have central AC--yes, neither do we.  So while it is triple digits outside, it is 10 degrees hotter inside!!! Here are some fun tips in order to stay cool, yet still have fun.

Take your laptop, current read or a friend down to your local coffee shop
to be productive and stay cool. Cafe de Leche

Go to a park with your favorite book, find a big tree
and enjoy the shade and nature!

Go grab a cold craft beer from your favorite local bar. The York,
The Black Boar, Intelligentsia and the Coffee Table Lounge
are some great options! Or make a drink at home and drink it
on the porch (in the evening of course).

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you hydrate (however you choose to) =)

Highland Park

With the rollings hills, palm tree lined streets, craftsmen homes and wild parrots, it is easy to forget you are in LA.