Wednesday, September 28, 2011

What I'm reading: September

Ok, first of all, I can't believe it's the end of September already. Seriously?! Here is what I've been reading:

Lunch in Paris. I love learning more about Paris (I need to go back!) and so to satisfy my yearning, I picked this up. Elizabeth describes how she met and fell in love with a French man and ends up moving to Paris. I love the descriptions - good and bad - of the city. A fun, fantasy read. I loved vicariously living through her and learning more about the city I adore. Plus, the recipes sound yummy (and pretty difficult to try!)

Another Paris-themed read: The Paris Wife. This is a fictionalized account of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife. I didn't know too much about Hemingway's life, but I loved learning more. It takes place in 1920's Paris, and you get to feel like you're in an extended version of Midnight in Paris. I didn't want it to end. 

I also finished up the Hunger Games trilogy. I really liked it! They were quick, interesting reads. I won't give away too much here, but you should check them out. 

Sunday, September 25, 2011

#9

#9 on my 24x24 list was to have a technology-free day. No phone, no internet, no tv. Here is the story of how I spent my day 99% technology free:

So other than one quick facebook message to confirm plans for today, I spent the day disconnected. And I got SO much done. Turns out you can be pretty productive without going online all the time. Here was my day: washed my car, cleaned up and rearranged my room, cleaned out our pantry (scary), baked cookies, washed my sheets, vacuumed, went to the post office, and got lunch. It was nice to get a lot done, but also nice to spend the afternoon reading and taking a nap. I think I might have to disconnect more often. 

Friday, September 23, 2011

Happy Autumn!

It's the first official day of fall (according to the calendar, not according to the thermometer). Fall is my very favorite season, and I can't wait to eat pumpkin-flavored things, wear scarves and boots, and drink hot tea. Until then...here are a few noteworthy things:

I've been feeling ever so slightly under the weather all week, so I've been forced to skip the gym for 4 days. I finally made a return today because I was noticeably more stressed all week. Funny how much better exercising makes me feel, body and mind. 

I made this mac n cheese last night for my Thursday night dinner. Mmm mmm good. Cheesy, creamy, rich...but the best part is we already had all the ingredients on hand. 

Dear Ryan Gosling
Marry me. 

These videos make me so happy. And travel-hungry. 


Thursday, September 15, 2011

Clutched


Soooo, remember this post where I drooled over the giant floppy American Apparel clutch that was suddenly everywhere? And I thought about diy-ing it? Yeah, that didn't happen. After discussing it with my mama (queen sewer) she talked me out of it - I think partially out of lack of confidence in my sewing skillz (she's right on that front) and her fear that it would become her sewing project rather than mine (she's definitely right on that front). So the clutch continued to haunt my fashion dreams. While perusing etsy (seriously where does the time go when you're on there?!) I stumbled across clutches that look pretty darn similar from a store called Clutched. I quickly popped a clutch very similar to the one above in my cart. Mine is gray with a yellow zipper. It got here yesterday and I'm so happy! I can't wait to take it out for a night out on the town. 

And it was cheaper And I supported an individual rather than skeevy AA. Win all around. 

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

San Diego

This past weekend, my cousin and I headed to San Diego for a girly weekend (where we watched lots of football, drank beer, and ate nonstop, haha). 

We stayed at Hotel Indigo, near the Gaslamp District. It was a super cute hotel. Our view:


We ate lunch at a cute pub, then walked around the Gaslamp District and went shopping. Then we rested up at the hotel (ok, ok I took a nap!) Then we headed up to the rooftop bar for a great view of Petco Park (too bad a game wasn't happening)


And some yummy sangria.


That night we went to the Yardhouse and split a beer float (mmm). Then we headed to the Tipsy Crow (I think we just liked the name) and relaxed with some drinks. 

The next day we ate at a small restaurant and then said farewell to the neighborhood. We stopped by Balboa Park for a quick walk around and then drove around Coronado Island. Then it was back home! A wonderful weekend that went by way too fast. Neither of us had spent much time in SD, but we both fell in love. Ready to go back!


Thursday, September 8, 2011

Hi again

Soo....I know I've been a little absent from the bloggie lately, but, hey life happens. I've barely unpacked my suitcase in the last few weeks (first SF, then Las Vegas last weekend, and on Saturday, my cousin and I are headed to SD) and I've also (finally!) dived into the Hunger Games and haven't come up for air since. All I have to offer you right now are 3 pretty pictures from my tumblr:



Hope to have more later!