Palm Trees//Summer Breeze

Last week it was way too hot in LA and while summer officially begins in a month, it came early this year.  I found this dress at Crossroads a couple of weeks ago and thought I would need to wait until July/August to wear it, but I was able to wear it sooner than expected.  I love the indigo blue palm trees and the 1920s style drop waist.  Paired with some Swedish Hasbeens that remind me of the 20s/30s, I felt like an F.Scott Fitzgerald character named after a flower or herb, so naturally, we went out and I ordered a gin cocktail.

Dress from Crossroads, Clogs: Swedish Hasbeens,
Anthropologie Sunnies, Yanessa B necklace

Insta-heatwave

Last week was a bit of a crazy week.  On Tuesday we celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary by grabbing late afternoon drinks at the Ace Hotel rooftop bar, then headed out west to Crossroads for some delicious vegan cuisine, and ended the night with some Scoops ice cream at home watching the Sopranos.  We also had my sister-in-law and her husband visiting from Boston and they happened to be staying with us on the hottest day of the year so far.  Last week's heat wave was ridiculous and as hot as it was outside, it was actually cooler than inside our second story, no a/c apartment.  Stranded without a car after work one day, I did the only thing reasonable and walked to the park with a throw and a book to sit in the shade and enjoy the warm evening outdoors.  By the time the weekend came, I was exhausted and ready for some relief from the heat so we drove to Orange County and took an afternoon nap with the sounds of the waves and an ocean breeze. It was perfect!

You can follow me on Instagram:  @alisialynn

DIY Lavender Soap

I must preface this by saying I am fairly new to DIY projects, but it seems the past few Mother's Days I have decided to make gifts for my mom and mother-in-law.  Two years ago, I made them terrariums (HERE), last year I made sugar scrub (HERE) and this year, I decided to make them lavender soap.  It was easier than I expected and I am super excited to get more oils and make other soaps for my friends and family. 

Ingredients:

soap base (glycerin or goat milk)

essential oils

mold for the soaps

dried flowers or herbs of your choice

Directions: cut the soap base into 1/2 inch chunks and melt in pyrex measuring cup in the microwave for 30 seconds (then add 10 seconds until all is melted).  mix in 1 tbsp essential oil for every 1/2 lb of soap base.  let it cool slightly and pour into mold.  add dried herbs and flowers and use a toothpick to move them around. put in the freezer for 10 minutes after letting it set out for 30 minutes. the soap should just pop out and you are ready to gift it!

Faded Palms and Stripes

Yesterday was Mother's Day and the weather was absolutely perfect for a backyard brunch at my parents house in Orange County with my entire family and both of my grandmas.  It is always so nice to go down and relax at home while just laughing all day with my siblings.  The day turned into an evening BBQ, a bike ride around the park and ended with everyone piled onto couches watching Frozen.   

Forever 21 shirt, Madewell jeans, Anthropologie shades, U/O shoes

Vegan Enchilada Bowl

Ever since my husband started eating vegan again, I have been trying to think of ways to alter some our favorite dishes.  I absolutely love enchiladas, but they aren't the same without cheese...and no, I am not a fan of cheese substitutes (give me the real thing or nothing at all).  This bowl was inspired by one of my favorite neighborhood spots, Sage in Echo Park.  Their Mole Bowl is so delicious and my husband's favorite so I decided to recreate it as an enchilada bowl.  It only took about 25 minutes and was so simple that it is now my go-to meal.

Recipe:
While the quinoa is cooking, chop up desired veggies and sauté in coconut oil with cumin and lime juice (I used onions, bell pepper, zucchini and cauliflower).  When veggies are nearly done, add black beans to the pan and then enchilada sauce.  Simmer over low heat for about 3-5 minutes.  Mix cooked quinoa and veggies together in a large bowl, serve, garnish with avocado and fresh salsa and enjoy!

Warby Parker Summer Collection

Last week, it was over 85 degrees in Los Angeles for six consecutive days.  Anyone who is a southern California native, knows that our endless summer is rapidly approaching and warmer weather is here to stay (at least until mid-November when our "winter weather" sets in).  This being said, I am so excited about the new Warby Parker Summer Collection.  I am sure everyone knows about Warby Parker and their Home Try-On program, but I recently learned that they have a Do-Good program where they will donate a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair that is purchased.  Since warmer weather has already arrived, I am currently in the market for some summer shades and love their new styles!! Here are a few of my favorites.

I love the wooden frame styles like the Ornsby (top) and the Cliff (bottom)

Banks in Sea Smoked Tortoise would be fun with a bright orange or coral lip

Quimby in Absinthe is from the latest Spring collection but I LOVE this style!

Since I also wear glasses for vision (thanks Dad) and I am in the market for new frames….these Haskell frames are the perfect color and shape!

You can view the new Summer collection HERE. 

Operation Cool Down

It has been so incredibly HOT in LA this week!  Like many places on the eastside, we do not have a/c and in the evening our house has been "cooling down" to 80 degrees.  All I want to do is go on a simple trip, somewhere by the sea, where I can just relax and take in the cool ocean breeze! Given my current inability to have a getaway, I have relied on post work margaritas to help me feel like I'm on a mini-vacation….salute!

...and Pinterest pictures of fun in the sun to keep me cooled down and somewhat sane.