Tuesday, August 30, 2011

What I'm reading: August

I never like to consider myself a book quitter. I usually stick a book through to the very end. However...this month, I picked up Anthropology of an American Girl. And I became a quitter. (I thought if I could make it through Twilight, I could make it through anything - guess not) I tried, I really did. But I HATED this book. Boring, whiny characters, no discernible plot - I gave up on this one around page 200. To recover from that book, here is what I read:

A Summer Affair. Perfect beachy read. 

The Raising. I looked at this at Borders a few times before I actually brought it home. It's a story of a college freshman, Nicole, who tragically dies in a car accident. Her boyfriend, who was driving the car, is blamed for her death. He becomes haunted by the accident, convinced that she is still alive. As the story unravels, the mystery surrounding Nicole's death grows deeper. You meet a cast of characters whose stories overlap and intersect. I found the subject matter really interesting, and the author's writing was great. In particular, the last 100 pages or so had me really eager to solve the mystery.....and then I felt like the story hit the brakes. The epilogue didn't give a concrete conclusion, and the one that it seemed to lean towards didn't seem plausible without more explanation from the author. Even with that, I'd definitely pick up another book from her. 


Saturday, August 27, 2011

Jeans

I've been pretty devoted to skinny jeans for the past few years. Since I'm short, I feel like they flatter my figure best. Lately, however, I've been lusting after wide leg trousers. I know I'd have to wear some skyscraper wedges in order to balance out all that volume, but I want them, I need them. 


I'll definitely be pairing a less expensive version of these jeans with these wedges and my new mustard-colored sweater once the temperature dips this fall. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Weekend in SF

Last weekend I headed up for a reunion weekend in San Francisco with my college girls. I haven't been to SF since after freshman year of college, so it was fun to go back and play tourist. It was even better to see all my girls again! We're spread out across the state, but manage to get together every few months. It's always a blast with them. 

We hit up Pier 39 and saw the sea lions.


Saw Alcatraz (from afar).


Walked by Fisherman's Wharf. 


Headed up to Ghirardelli square....


...for the most delicious sea salt hot chocolate.


Later that night, we headed to my friend Nicole's house for a Breakfast at Tiffany's party. (Girl - you outdid yourself!) When she told me she was throwing this party, I kinda thought she was going to throw on the movie, order some pizza and call it a night (which is what I would have done), But she went above and beyond - check it out:




The next morning, we all had brunch (I requested mickey mouse pancakes!) then we headed home. Quick trip, but so worth it. Miss them already!


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Wanderlust

My cousin and I have a serious case of wanderlust. (Check out her super cute travel-themed tumblr) We love to travel, and I think our thirst for new places really kicked off with our trip to Europe in 2008. Ever since then, we've tried to explore as much as possible. The only problem is, we have champagne travel tastes on a beer budget. Until we strike it rich, we're content to soak up local culture (hence our recent trips to Dodger Stadium, the Getty, LA, etc.) We also try to get away for one weekend a year (08 - road trip up to Santa Cruz, 09 - Sequoia, 10 - Palm Springs). This year, we're heading to San Diego. Even though I've been a So Cal girl all my life, I really haven't explored San Diego all that much. We're only going for one night, but I'm really excited. I always have a ball with her. (And since we're both overpackers, it's like having twice the clothes to choose from!) Here is where we're staying (must admit, the rooftop bar pretty much made our decision for us). I can't wait! Any San Diego recommendations?


Thursday, August 11, 2011

Thursday night dinners

I've mentioned before that Thursday nights have been designated my nights to cook. One of my 24x24 goals was to branch out a bit more and learn to cook something new. 

I've been watching the Food Network during my workouts (oftentimes causing me to drool all over the treadmill. Thanks Paula Deen and your beignets). The other day I happened to catch part of Giada's show. She made some delicious-looking grilled veggie sandwiches. They seemed easy enough for even me to attempt. But I think I have cooking ADD. Every time I read a recipe that's a little too long, my eyes start to glaze over and I go "eh whatever, I'll just wing it!!" So I read the recipe, but ended up doing a simpler version. I only used zucchini since we had some growing in the garden. I also nixed the tarragon and thyme. I cooked the zucchini in a pan instead of a grill (they turned out fine). I mixed the ingredients, made the sandwiches, and crossed my fingers for a good reaction from the guinea pigs parents. Let's just say...I would have pictures to share with you, except we all wolfed these down way too fast for me to capture some. We all loved it (even my die-hard carnivore dad). I will definitely be making these again!


Sunday, August 7, 2011

#14

This weekend, I checked #14 off my list. Cousin, mom and I went to the FIDM museum. They were having an exhibit on the little black dress and an homage to Breakfast at Tiffany's. It was a cool exhibit, just wish it was bigger - there were only about 12 dresses there. Afterwards, we hit up Bottega Louie's for lunch and lots and lots of desserts to take home. Mom and I picked creme brulee, peanut better tart and macarons - delicious. 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Gray Malin





Loving Gray Malin's photography. Would love to have any of his photos blown up and hanging on my wall. Definitely check out his website or his spread in this month's Matchbook

Monday, August 1, 2011

Cambridge Satchel Co.



Ever since I saw one of these satchels at the Renegade Craft Fair, I've been obsessively checking the Cambridge Satchel website to plot which color I like best. I'm not sure I'm bold enough for a fluorescent one, but a bright pop of red or green is certainly a possibility. They would make the perfect fall bag (the start of which I'm eagerly anticipanting.) 

They also have steamer trunks and head boy badges....perfect to live out my Harry Potter dreams.