not-so-music mondays

In case you're looking to do something special for New Years Eve with your makeup, here's another simple, smokey eye look from Bobbi Brown.

finally, friday

A very festive scene from Christmas dinner at my Aunt's house

It's been a wonderful (and busy) past couple of days since Christmas. Now that it's over, there's the New Year to look forward to, but until then I will be unwinding/relaxing as much as possible and enjoying the last few days of 2013. I hope you too, will enjoy the rest of your year!

If you're in the market for a new pair of glasses, check out Barton Perreira, I'm swooning over this pair of frames.

I know what 2013 was like for me, here's a glimpse of what it was like for the world.

For me, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home and these are pretty awesome each in their own way.

Interesting, maybe in a few years Japan will have a mini Silicon Valley of it's own-- besides all the American companies that are already there.

Creativity is so cool.

music mondays

Happy Christmas! <3

a christmas eve night cap

I personally love a homemade or handmade gift, and this year for the holiday I made a "Christmas Eve Night Cap" gift to give, which in my opinion turned out pretty great. I made mini pecan tarts as I have for the past couple years, added homemade peppermint chocolate marshmallows, a few packets of hot cocoa, and peppermint schnapps (totally optional) to give the gift a more adult feel. I wanted to put them in cute little boxes, but alas, didn't have enough time so ended up using recycled boxes and gift baggies.

Hopefully this inspired you to come up with a cute gift basket of your own or for those of you that are looking for a last minute gift to give, maybe this solved your dilemma!

homemade peppermint chocolate marshmallows

Okay, let me start off by saying these peppermint chocolate marshmallows are the perfect holiday treat. Perfect.

Homemade marshmallows are hands down far superior than any store bought kind. My first experience making them was a few years ago and happened to be one of my early blog posts. It was then that my eyes were opened to the world of marshmallows. I don't normally gravitate towards eating them, buying, or cooking with them. On the occasion I will fancy them in my ice cream, or once in a blue moon when I have a s'more, but that's really about it. The idea of them doesn't get me excited, rather making them, well, my eyes light up... at the thought of them being fresher and fluffier, the endless flavor combinations you can try, the soft and tender pillowy-ness. And to boot, they are just too darn cute. They're going to be a perfect addition to my Holiday gift baskets (post coming soon).

I used this recipe for the peppermint mallows, but split the candy into two same-sized pans and used just shy of a full teaspoon of peppermint extract instead. Immediately after making the peppermint batch I went right into making a chocolate batch and put about 3/4 of the candy on top of one peppermint pan (I put the remaining 1/4 into a separate pan for mini chocolate mallows). Immediately after I spread out the chocolate I carefully pry the other peppermint mallow from it's pan (make sure to put foil in the pan first and it will be much easier) and place it on top of the chocolate (press gently) to create a white and brown striped marshmallow. It's important to put the last peppermint layer on immediately after this step so all layers "meld" and stick together, this will ensure that there are no visible seams. Wait about 4-6 hours (the recipe says longer, but I've always done it sooner) and cut with a lightly greased pizza cutter, then toss in the powder sugar/cornstarch mix. Tip: I like to use a 1:1/2 ratio of cornstarch to powder sugar because I don't like my coating too sweet.

I think the next step in my marshmallow adventures will be making them sans the corn syrup and with just sugar instead. Have you tried it this way? If so let me know how you liked them!

**Update: The marshmallows taste great on their own, but I tried it in a cup of hot cocoa tonight and it was so, so good.

music mondays

A Christmas Song, that isn't so Christmassy.

finally, friday

I thought this tree was pretty rad. It's Glassybaby's Christmas set up at their new Sacramento Street store in San Francisco, and I must say it's pretty creative. I've come down with a cold so I'm trying my hardest to get rest and up my intake of liquids to get better for the busy weekend I have. Hope you are having a lovely day and an even better weekend!

This video has been floating around the interweb and if you haven't seen it, it's with Conan, Ice Cube, and Kevin Hart. Pretty freakin funny.

These photos of the day serve as a great reminder of all the things happening elsewhere.

These are the kind of selfies I like.

This year, try baking your favorite Holiday cookies with whole grain.

Decorating for the Holiday season with succulents-- super cute!

It's sad to hear we could no longer have fish to eat one day... that's why we need more Marine Protected Areas (MPA) and California is celebrating year one of it's MPA's.

ice cold

I take for granted living in the Bay Area where the weather is pretty moderate compared to other areas of the country where they really get the four seasons, but this past week it has been insanely cold for us. So cold that I don't even want to head outside to do anything. Luckily, it's supposed to get back to it's normal winter weather (for us) which I couldn't be more pleased with.

On another note, I love an outfit that has a bit of masculinity to it and this one is just that.

Charter Club cashmere sweater (men's), Brandy Melville tee, James Jeans, coat from Japan, Alfani booties

holiday party looks

If you celebrate Christmas, it's only two weeks away, can you believe that? As we inch closer and closer, people are rushing to get their loved ones gifts, busy decorating their homes, and attending many a Christmas party. I've thrown together three looks that I'm loving for this Holiday season and are perfect for just about any Holiday party you'll attend. I'll be attending my first Holiday party of the season tomorrow and while I haven't quite figured out what to wear I know I'll use these as inspiration and hope you do too. Happy Holidays!

music mondays

finally, friday

For a couple years, every year my bf and I would go over to Half Moon Bay to pick out and cut down our own Christmas tree at this farm, but let's face it, it's not something him or I wanted to keep up with every single year. The first year we didn't go, the bf's housemate came up with this tree made of books and for the past couple years we've continued doing it. Why not save a tree and make one out of something that was once a tree? Have a happy weekend!

I love Ellen Degeneres and this video will keep you laughing throughout.

If you're in your late twenties you'll definitely get this.

I always knew I had a thing for color, some say I own five of the same nail polish color, I say they are all different. After taking this test and scoring perfect it's confirmed and a no wonder I love color so much (not speaking of my wardrobe though, ha).

Even more reason to try and avoid as much plastic as possible. Say no to plastic!

Such an inspiring story of a man swimming the Strait of Gibraltar for a good cause.

gift guide: for the girl who has everything

With Christmas just around the corner, I've basically finished my shopping with the exception of a few people and it feels good to be almost done, but I know there are those that are just getting started. Here's a few suggestions of mine ranging from low to high end prices, some very practical gifts and some luxury, and some for the fashion, food, home, or tech obsessed. I hope with all these bases covered you get some inspiration to buy for the girl(s) who has everything.

1. A nicely constructed weekender in canvas and leather. (Everlane, $95)

2. The perfect mini eye and lip palette in flattering colors for anyone. (Bobbi Brown, $30)

3. Minimalist wool coat with leather sleeves, or go for basic black or camel. (Aritzia, $350-$450)

4. Silpat silicone cookie sheet liners, excellent to bake on, and tucks away for easy storage. (Williams Sonoma, $21.95-$24.95) 

5. For the woman that loves a little glitz and glamour, you can't go wrong with this cuff. (David Yurman, $550-$750)

6. This little bluetooth speaker packs a punch, the sound quality makes you feel like you're right there watching your favorite artist live, can travel with you anywhere, and comes in a range of fun colors. (Photive Cyren, $49.95)

7. There's nothing better than a pair of boots that get better with age. (Frye, $288)

8. You can never have too many dutch ovens and this one is a real winner, it's French made, comes in an array of beautiful colors, and differs from Le Creuset and other brands from it's self-basting dimples on the lid, black enamel, and comes standard with metal hardware. I love mine and would highly recommend investing in one. (Staub, $338)

9. There's no one who wouldn't love these hand-blown, beautifully crafted glass votives and they donate part of their proceeds to charity. (Glassybaby, $44)

10. Warm feet never hurt anyone, especially during the colder months and these wool ones work with your body temperature to keep you more regulated. (Smartwool, $24)

11. A throw blanket is essential to relax in at home and I could not recommend this classic brand more for it's heritage, quality, and cool patterns. (Pendleton, $188-$228)

12. These candles are such a treat, why not gift her with ten of them from this adorable gift set? (Diptyque Candle Set, $130)

13. Personalized stationery is chic, unexpected, and something you wouldn't normally buy for yourself not to mention it shows you put some thought into picking the design. (Minted, $35)

14. Sure everyone has a reusable water bottle these days, but do they have this super sleek stainless steel one that will keep your drinks hot or cold for days? (Klean Kanteen, $24.95-$29.95)

15. Noise canceling headphones with amazing sound quality, DJ approved. Great for travel on noisy planes or trains and in the office to block out any distracting noises. (Audio Technica, $150-$350)

back to the basics

Brandy Melville tshirt and pants, Forever XXI cardi,  Dolce Vita shoes, Rouge Dior 862 lipstick

I have to admit, I like a good seasonal trend here and there, but when it comes down to it, my one true love, and something I'll continually return to is a good basic. Not any basic though, one that fits right in every spot, almost like it was made just for your body. One that fits so well it's like the designer knew your exact measurements and preferences to make a piece that hugged all the right areas, would hang off your body in the most flattering way possible, and lay just perfectly where it should. Ahhh, that is perfection... but it's not that easy to come by. This top and pant have the perfect amount of slouch and drape-- and bonus! are made in a super comfortable material. Regardless of my never ending affinity towards minimalistic outfits, it only felt right to keep this look simple and allow the fit to do all the talking.

november favorites

Happy December everyone! I've decided to throw a monthly favorites into the mix so you can see what I'm loving/wearing/using each month. So here goes November...

1. Brandy Melville tees (similar style here, but you can likely find mine in store) - these are soft, drapey, and such a flattering shape. I've been reaching for them almost on a daily basis.

2. Bobbi Brown Extra hand cream - rich, moisturizing hand cream that doesn't stay oily on your hands.

3. Bobbi Brown Full Coverage face brush - I used to use my hands to apply foundation, but this brush works wonders and keeps my hands clean.

4. Anastasia brow wiz - I've switched from a powder to a pencil for my brows and am especially loving the dual ended pencil and spooly brush on this one which makes doing my brows so easy.

5. Bobbi Brown Antigua palette - Not sure if you can find this palette still, but it's got all the basic colors I need for everyday.

6. Lip combo of Dior Rouge 862 Hypnotic Red and Makeup Forever lip liner in 12C - The perfect deep, dark plum lip. Can be worn a little sheer, or layered for intensity.

7. Coco Cafe - Coconut water and espresso. Two of my faves combined. Thinking about ordering a case since it's much more economical that way.

8. Noosa Yoghurt - I'm used to buying the regular sized cartons which I eat in two separate servings, so finding these minis (4 oz.) was awesome, they are the perfect single serving size. My favorite flavors are honey, peach, mango and passionfruit, but sadly these minis only come in the flavors of blueberry, lemon, and raspberry. Still delicious flavors though and even more perfect for on-the-go. Have you tried their newest flavor of tart cherry?

music mondays