Benny and Joon

After a long week of early mornings, a new job, and my challenge to take a new workout class every weeknight, I needed an evening to lay in bed in my most comfy clothes and watch whatever movie I wanted (those who are married will understand the value of this).  I had never seen Benny and Joon and have wanted to watch it for so long! It was entertaining, heartwarming, and inspiring.  Joon's long floral dresses and oxfords with folded white socks made me reflect on my elementary school style (which I still love)! The scenery (beautiful Spokane), craftsman house, style and Joon's 90's eclectic room made this a delightful movie to watch. Oh and Johnny Depp is always a plus ;)

If you have not seen it, or it's been awhile, then do yourself a favor and watch it!

{DIY} Fall Leaves Garland

I saw a photo of this garland on Pinterest and decided to make my own.  It turned out to be really easy to make (I sewed mine while watching The Wonder Years on Netflix) and SUPER CUTE for fall decor in our home.

Materials: Felt, scissors, yarn and a sewing needle.
Cut out the leaves.

Sew the leaves together.

The end result with my desert boots. It is now hanging in our room.

Bits and Chains

My incredibly talented and gorgeous friend Dee finally created her own jewelry line.  She is an aspiring fashion designer and the jewelry reflects her own style-high fashion with an edge and always ahead of it's time.  Please check out her line and purchase if you like =)

Bronze Beaded Bracelet Set

White Ceramic Beaded Body Armor

These two were my favs!  Click here to see more.

Schodorf's Luncheonette

While I have only lived in Highland Park since May, the husband has frequented the area much longer since he works nearby and has a good friend out here. Back in February, he went to the new little cafe here in HP and raved about it. It is owned by the same family who owns Cafe de Leche, a well-known little coffee shop on York that brews Stumptown.  Since we have now been to Schodorf's a few times, I thought it was about time I shared it with all of you!

Located on York Blvd

It's rustic industrial interior is
pleasing to the eye.

Veggie Press (half-size)

As you can see, it looks great and the food tastes great! It is healthy, fresh and they have vegetarian and vegan options. Oh, and they have small batch sodas =)

Portishead

The husband and I just got home from seeing Portishead with some friends at the Shrine Auditorium. Beth Gibbons chilling vocals with the trip-hop beats, pulsing bass lines and piercing guitar rifts made the show exactly what I expected and more. Yes, a lot of the songs sounded just like the album, but seeing Portishead is about the experience and something I've wanted to experience for 10 years.

Singapore Sling

The couple we are housesitting for, is known for making amazing cocktails and they kindly left their very well stocked bar and some personalized recipes for us.  I have been wanting to try a Singapore Sling for quite some time and the husband decided to make them for us.  It did NOT disappoint!!!

The original recipe is nearly 100 years old:
1 oz Gin
0.5 oz Cherry Heering
0.25 oz Cointreau
0.25 oz Benedictine
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
0.25 oz Grenadine
2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Miso Soup

We have been housesitting the past week for some friends while they're on their honeymoon in Greece (so FUN...and I'm jealous).  I have been wanting to make miso soup for quite awhile as I always order it when out for sushi, so when I looked in the fridge and saw they had miso paste, I knew now was the time. I followed this recipe but since I could not find Dashi, I instead used Vegetable Bouillon and shredded dried seaweed.  It came out delicious! All I was missing was a spicy tuna roll to go with it.  =)

Fun Finds

Happy Monday!!
 I am looking forward to a fun-filled week.  We will be exploring a bit, going to see Portishead (something I've been wanting to do for a decade now) and carving our pumpkins. I have a fun fall find for nails..enjoy!

OPI Rising Star nail polish &
OPI for Sephora Only Gold for Me Topcoat

Endless Summer

Considering we are well into October now, the weather has been crazy.  Last week we went from 90 to 60 degrees and rain within two days and this
week we are up in the triple digits!!! So we did what anyone would do, went down by the water to walk and enjoy the sun.

Top: Madewell, Leggings: U/O, Shoes: Steve Madden
Sunglasses: Ray Bans, Bag: Anthropologie

Photo Fun

Yesterday I did a photo shoot with my sister-in-law. She is building her portfolio and is already well on her way to being a great photographer!  Check out her website here.
Sera Saludes waved my hair and did such a good job! You can find her styling hair at Dry Bar in both Fashion Island and Pacific Palisades.

Top: American Rag, Shorts: Ann Taylor Loft

Dress: Forever 21, Sweater: U/O, Shoes: Clarks
Lipstick: MAC 'So Chaud'

Vegan Pumpkin {Bread} Cookies

This weekend, I finally was inspired to bake (our oven does not work right now so visiting my parents provided the perfect opportunity).  I made this recipe for Soft Vegan Pumpkin Cookies and they were a big hit! The consistency was kind of bread-like, hence the name.  =)

The end result with a pour over. So delicious!

Fun Finds

I have been searching quite awhile for a cute, but small enough make-up bag to keep my necessities together and safe in my purse.  I found the perfect bag on sale at Anthropologie and LOVE it!

Tuscan Vegetable Soup

With all this chilly weather the past two days, I have been so excited to start making soups.  I got this recipe here and let me say, this was delicious! So much so, that between my husband and I, we had none leftover.  We toasted some sourdough with the Smart Balance vegan butter and enjoyed!

I used the food processor to dice the garlic and onion.  Then I chopped zucchini, 

celery, carrots and added Anaheim peppers for a little spice. 

The chopped spinach and tomatoes I added in after the broth was broiling.

Sauteing the veggies and spices in olive oil

The end result. This was truly SOOO good!

                                                                            -Buon appetito!

Rainy Day

Finally, our first day of fall rain here in LA!!  My favorite things to do on rainy days are lighting fall scented candles, reading, listening to music, watching movies, drinking coffee or English tea (reminds me of England), and baking.  Once the rain stops, I love going for a walk to splash in puddles and breathe in the fresh air! Whats your favorite thing about the rain?

Desert Boots

When it comes to shoes, I am definitely less "girlie" than the average girl: heels on special occasions only and even then, I sometimes wear flats.  Fall is the season for boots and these dessert boots were a must-have this year (even though I have been wanting them for over two years now).  I am so excited to pair them with cuffed pants and sweaters!

Clarks Desert Boots in Beeswax Leather

Fun Finds

I am a little crazy when it comes to nail polish (I probably have more colors than your average nail salon). I normally buy OPI, Essie or other higher end nail polishes, BUT I have found a new love.  This new color by Wet n Wild has captured my attention and made for "funfetti" type nails. And the best part...it was only $1.99!!!

Wet n Wild "Party of Five Glitters" with
Sally Hanson "Innocent Nude" under.