My Fair Lady

For reasons unknown to me, I am more of a tomboy in that I am much more comfortable in androgynous garb or pants/shorts and flats then in dresses or heels.  However, at the request of my husband, I am making an effort to wear dresses and skirts much more often then before.  For some reason, they make me feel more dignified and wearing them even improves my posture subconsciously.  I feel more proper and feminine and the crazy thing is, I actually like it. 

Dress: Anthropologie (last season),
bag: Anthropologie (last season), shoes: U/O

Penne with Spinach Sauce

Last week I had one free night of not working and had time to run to the store (our fridge was basically empty) and make this delicious recipe here.  The sauce had just enough flavor without being overbearing and it was pretty healthy as well.  I used whole 100% whole wheat penne with flax instead of enriched pasta and added fresh diced tomatoes to give that extra flavor and freshness.

After cutting up fresh spinach, add the hot pasta directly over it to slightly wilt it.
Use a little leftover pasta water to add to the sauce to thin it out
just a bit (Not too much)

Stir it all together, serve and top with fresh diced tomatoes
and fresh grated pecorino. 

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband, You have been so sweet this week giving me much needed back massages, for that I am super thankful!

Dear Restaurant Diners, Please remember, your server is a human being, please treat them as such.

Dear Sebastian, You are such a cute little bird and can be very loving, but you have been extra naughty and loud this week and this needs to change. please and thank you

Dear Body, Please decide to heal completely from last week's cold, despite me mistreating you by working 13 hours days on my feet

Dear Friends I got to see this week, Thank you for the fun times out and the laughs.  It was much needed and I cherish those times.

Dear Friends I have not seen in awhile, I MISS YOU. Let's please schedule a hangout date--there are a few of you and you know who you are. 

Dear Downtown LA, You are pretty dirty and sometimes scary, but I love calling you home

Nice Pins

On Saturday, I was working and served a table with a thirty-something Australian couple.  Once I dropped their check, the lady told me "You have really nice pins." I had no idea what she meant..I thought she was referring to the pen I gave her to sign her credit card slip.  We both cracked up after I confessed I was so confused (after all, it was just a standard ball point pen--nothing special).  My go-to slang for legs has always been stems (thanks to Clueless). Anyways, now that the weather is warmer and it is nearly summer, I am obsessed with legs. Here are some nice pins and motivation for me to keep working out and eating right!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Happy Birthday Husband!

Today is the birthday of my silliest, snootiest, most handsome and talented friend: my husband!  I truly am one lucky gal.  =)

A Week in Instagram

Hello and happy Monday!  In thinking back at this past week, I felt like all I did was work.  However, Instagram keeps me grounded and reminds me I did have some fun as well! =)  There was kite flying, beautiful walks downtown, fun decor at my new job (yes, that is a honey bear mobile over a clawfoot tub), hang time with Sebastian while he pruned his plumage, pretty spring flowers, summer dresses and play dates with Jazz<3 

While there was a lot of work, there was also a lot of play!

I Want: Rouge à Lèvres Noir

Dark lipstick, something I thought died away in the 90's, but is obviously making a comeback (as everything 90's is).  When I think of dark lipstick, two things come to mind.  One is Rayanne from "My So Called Life" who was always wearing a dark berry shade.  The other is from 7th grade when a friend and I grade got really into the band Orgy and we showed up at a birthday party wearing dark lipstick via Wet n Wild at a drugstore in 1997, it definitely was not too pretty. The first thought is much better to give as a visual.

There are two shades I am debating over.  They are both from YSL and really similar but one is darker.

YSL rouge pur couture noir laque

YSL rouge pur couture belle de rose

last two images via Nasty Gal

She is wearing the darker shade but with a fun technique to lighten the look and make it look worn-in.  Check out the Nasty Gal blog for the tutorial. I can't wait to try it myself!

Bittersweet Symphony: Reflections of an Emotional Weekend

"Cuz it/s a bittersweet symphony this life..."  This song has been playing through my head all weekend.  First off, my husband and I had such a good time just relaxing and enjoying each other down by the beach.  We got some long-overdue R&R, ate way too much, had a few drinks, went swimming, to the beach and walked without a destination.  We ended up leaving on Thursday night to see our families first and stay the night with them.  Friday we drove to the Aquarium of the Pacific and had such a fun time.  We then walked around the harbor, had HH food and drinks, walked more and went to out hotel in Newport.  Saturday we had some pool time before I had to get ready for my friend's funeral.  It was so weird as I had never been to a funeral for a friend yet in my lifetime.  It was beautifully done and was more of a celebration of her life starting with a photo montage, her closest friends and family talking about her and ending with the gospel being preached and 'Amazing Grace' being sung as her casket was carried out.  While it was so good to see friends I hadn't seen in years, it was bittersweet.  I had to leave before the burial and dinner to rejoin my husband for our dinner.  We had a great time at dinner despite a few setbacks and when he fell asleep that night, I could not for a few hours.  I did a lot of thinking and praying and came to the realization that this is life.  Death, celebrations, tears, joy, sadness, fear, love, loss....I experienced all these emotions within one intense day, but it was so bittersweet.  We are all here for only a brief moment and death is guaranteed to everyone.  This was a beautiful wake-up call. On Mother's Day, my mother-in-law also had to be rushed to the ER and as we prayed for her and waited to see her test results--again that song just kept playing in my head.  On our anniversary, my husband was feeling the crazy-intense emotions as I did the day before, but thankfully, she is in good health and hopefully the pain will be figured out soon.  (I know I just got much more personal than usual, but moments like these, you just need to share).  Anyways, as I start this week of battling a cold and my own thoughts at times, I know everything will be all right and as a reminder, Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve.

One Year Anniversary

One year ago today I married my best friend.  I know that sounds so cliche, but it is absolutely true.  In reflecting on this past year, I have never loved as much and simultaneously never been so challenged by someone in my life.  Marriage is interesting in that is so intimate, encouraging, and humbling.  All of your faults are sure to be pointed out in hopes there will be change and growth.  I am so thankful my best friend and I have the same morals and beliefs in that we both encourage each other to grow spiritually in the Lord and practically as functioning human beings living in Los Angeles.  I cannot wait to see what the next year has in store for us!