MOST fabulous | An L.A. Blog

The infamous legendary jazz singer, Etta James, died today at 73 from complications due to a long bought of Leukemia. The fabulous singer was known for hits such as "At Last", "The Wallflower" and "Something's Got a Hold on Me."

According to today's CNN article, James overcame a heroin addiction, opened for the Rolling Stones, won six Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. And rightly so!

"I sing the songs that people need to hear." says Etta. "You can't fake this music. You might be a great singer or a great musician but, in the need, that's got nothing to do with it. It's how you connect to the songs and to the history behind them."

Etta was survived by her two sons, Donto and Sametto and her husband, Artis Mills.

Below is a clip from probably one of her last performances where she sang "At Last" for Dancing with the Stars back in 2009. Though she was very sick, she still sang with soul.

dorky girl + bike helmet = awkward

2012-01-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

So I just bought a sweet new ride. A rusty old red Schwinn I picked up from a bike rental shop on the Santa Monica Beach. It was a steal.

And today, I took it out for its first spin all the way to the Melrose Ave bike shop to buy a combination lock and 'lil basket so my back doesn't get all sweaty from riding with my backpack.

But can I say...WOW. It was scary. SCARY. I am not used to this city biking thing. The only people who seem to master it are these badass boys wearing all black and huge headphones that shield their ears from the oncoming traffic because they are so keen to what's going on around them, they don't need to hear it. Does that make sense? Not to me either.

Anyway, I, am not that person.

Plus, my friends INSISTED that I wear a helmet. Not to mention the movie I just watched scared the crap out of me because the lead character dies from a biking accident.

However, helmets are UGLY. They are ugly y'all! Ugly.

So here I am, a 28-year old gal, riding while wearing my bright blue backpack and a scratched up old blue helmet I picked up at the Goodwill looking like a prized idiot. I seriously almost fell down on those dang sidewalks like five times in 30 minutes. It was humiliating.

I wanted to look like Zooey Deschanel in 500 Days of Summer! Not the scene of the girl in her awkward teenage years. I mean, I might as well have been wearing headgear. Okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic. But I didn't look cool.

Anyway, I finally made it to the cafe I wanted to work from like two hours later.

Guess I'll have to master these streets and somehow...make wearing a helmet look cool.
Yeah, that's gonna happen.

However, I heart my new ride!! Can't wait to name it. :)

james mercer from the shins, my soon to be BFF (that's a joke)

2012-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

So the stars have again aligned and I am probably going to be meeting James Mercer, lead singer of The Shins, on February 7th!!!

By meeting I mean shaking his hand, awkwardly asking for a picture that will probably turn out horribly (even if i spend two hours getting ready) and me noticing the wedding band on his finger while trying to make small talk and swaying back and forth to keep myself from exploding. This will happen as told. I can never play it cool around celebrities. Ask anyone. (But don't ask them, because they probably don't remember me.)

Explanation: one of my clients, The Hollywood Tower in downtown Hollywood, hosts private concerts on their rooftop with bands like Florence and the Machine, Vampire Weekend, Death Cab, Mumford and Sons to name a few. I don't know how I got this gig.

10 Things Angelenos Should Never Go Without

2012-01-16T01:45:00.000-08:00

As I just moved to L.A. from Bama about eight months ago, I have started to notice a few things that one should never go without in this crazy city:

1. Quarters. Almost every laundry machine in your apartment requires them. Plus all the parking meters in Culver City are still stuck in the 90s.

2. Cash. 75% of parking lots require cash to park there. Try to keep at least $5 in your glove compartment at all times. Also good for when the waiter won't split the check.

3. An extra sweater in your car for the days the sun decides to hide for a few hours or you're out late at night when the temp usually drops.

4. A cloth to wipe off your car on a regular basis. Because this is kind of the desert, the dust will immediately stick to your car right after you take it to the car wash. It doesn't play favorites.

5. Sunglasses. Especially to be worn indoors. At the gym. (This will make you look like a celebrity.)

6. Badass driving skills. The first few months on these roads I was nearly eaten alive by masochistic Mercedes Benz's and crazy middle-aged white women in Range Rovers coming out of Bristol Farms.

7. Ear plugs to avoid hearing you know what from the neighbor you share a very thin wall with.

8. An ability to fake it til you make it. This is basically the mantra of every single person in the world who's ever made it big. That or their dad faked it.

9. Multiple jobs. I'd say about 50% of all Angelenos have about three slashes in between their title description on twitter. Or something like this, "Actress/Painter/Physicist/Baby Clothes Knitter/Occasional Fire Breather".

10. Patience. No matter what, you will always run into something crazy. Especially on the road. A studio is taking up half the street to film a scene of some B-lister walking the dog, construction workers working during rush hour or some crazy lady forgot to gas up her car the night before (this of course NEVER happened to me. I would never forget something this important.)

Living in the big city is tough. But living in the Land of Fruit and Nuts (as my sister's Atlanta father-in-law likes to call it), is a whole other ball game y'all.

The golden globes down the road

2012-01-16T01:01:00.001-08:00

Text from dad: Are you at the Golden Globes?

My reply: yes dad, I'm sitting right next to Johnny Depp. Didn't you see me?

I love you dad!

Next year.
I'll be Chris Pine's date as I saw him at a cafe with a piece of fuzz in his hair once. I'm sure he'll ask me out because I was nice enough not to embarrass him by walking up to him and pointing it out.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

the shins have come back to us

2012-01-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

New single below.

Finally!!

an afternoon of fashion & kate bosworth!

2012-01-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

The fab PR company I work for is putting on a fashion truck event this weekend at the Hollywood Tower! Featuring jewelry by Kate Bosworth's JewelMint, discounted designer fashions, indie apparel, urban nail polish design and crepes by the Crepe N' Around food truck!

Taking place on the Hollywood Tower's gorgeous cobblestone street, this event is free and open to the fashion forward residents of LA. This Saturday, from 11am-4pm.

Come out!

Design*Sponge interviews Portlandia's Carrie Brownstein

2012-01-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

Check it out here!

monogrammed iphone covers

2012-01-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

Loving these monogrammed iPhone covers from Joss & Main!

Find your letter here for 29.95!

Babycakes Opens in Larchmont Village!

2012-01-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Found this in my inbox.

It has long been my dream to live within walking distance of BabyCakesNYC. Dream come true!!

BabyCakesNYC opened their brand new bakery in Larchmont Village last week! As it is just a mile away, can't wait to pop over there in the mornings for a gluten free biscuit!

And several months ago, I posted this ideal L.A. neighborhood wish list.
Surprisingly, almost all of it was checked off!

The Fairfax District:
1. BabyCakes --- check
2. Trader Joes --- check
3. Anthropologie --- check (at The Grove)
4. Non-sketchy second-hand clothing and bookstores --- check
5. A dog park (for my future golden retriever and I) --- check
6. Bike & pedestrian friendly --- check
7. Close to public transportation --- check (though I never use it)
8. Close to a good gym --- check
9. A community feel --- still workin' on this one!
10. Neighborhood arts events --- guess I'll have to plan one!
11. Tons of lovely outdoor cafes --- double check
12. Laduree --- maybe in the next five years!

What's on your dream neighborhood wish list?

Hot yoga

2012-01-04T23:50:00.000-08:00

It's four minutes before midnight here in LA and four minutes left to keep my commitment to blog every day.

Had my first official hot yoga class tonight (aka my real first time was last week where I showed up on a full stomach and almost tossed my Christmas cookies. I don't count that.)

And I have to say, WOWZAS! You go in this room that is over 100 degrees, the instructor walks in (buff and shirtless) and tells you to let go off all your inner negative feelings while you're sweating like a pig, bending over to hold your big toe and avoiding eye contact with the awkward body builder next to you, who keeps grunting like he's pumping 300 pounds (he wishes).

The instructor then tells you not to wipe the waterfall-like sweat rushing down your face as its your body's way of cooling off. Such a weird feeling to watch your body sweat like you're an orange being squeezed.

By the end of the class, you feel like you've run a 10k, yet you've never left the mat. You did all these moves, but rarely got your heart rate up. And yet, you supposedly burned like 600-800 calories.

I'll take it.

Namaste.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

alex rhodes fleeman

2012-01-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

One of the best things about living in L.A. is having INCREDIBLE professional musicians sing on the worship team at church. Recently married and Silverlake resident, Alex Rhodes Fleeman, is one of them. Amazing voice + sweet heart = love. Have a listen.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://alexrhodes.bandcamp.com/track/news-and-war"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;News and War by Alex Rhodes&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Want more? Check out her website here.

new years resolutions

2012-01-02T20:37:00.000-08:00

1. Dance every day.
2. Blog every day. (I know what you're thinking)
3. Finish reading the copy of Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close that I stole from my sister.
4. Not be afraid to dress like I really want to. Turquoise tights + red lipstick.
5. Wear my grandmother's long white gloves out for drinks at least once a month.
6. Take improv classes.
7. Get more things published.
8. Walk more, drive less.
9. Buy a sweet bike.
10. Stage more photo shoots.
11. Continue to work on my french.
12. Live like a glamour girl.
13. No regrets.

This Year's Style Inspiration: Katharine Hepburn

Theme song: Age of Consent by New Order (its kind of the theme song of my life)

the delphine

2011-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Working with the W Hotel for one of my clients and this is their FAB restaurant.

Their website just screams 60s Hollywood glam!

Brunch anyone?

How to Love Where You Live

2011-12-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like you want to move somewhere else? If only....

For most of us, moving is probably not an option. And even if it is an option, why should it be? Why not love where you live right now?

After moving to LA this past June, it has been hard to stay put mentally. Three months after being here I was over it. Yes it is LA, but after spending a year in Europe and most of my life in the South, my heart can quickly be somewhere else.

So this is my challenge to you (and me) for 2012 :: ♥ where you live.

Here are a few tips that have proven very helpful:
1. Be a tourist in your own town.
- Explore a part of town you haven't been to
- Stage a photo shoot in your favorite park
- If there are city tours, go on one
- Visit the local museum
- Write your own guidebook
- Where a fanny pack and carry around a big camera (partially kidding)

2. Read the local city magazine. This is a great way to gain momentum to try new restaurants or events going on. It reminds you that your city is awesome.

3. Watch the local news. We should know what's going on in our city.

4. Volunteer. Get your hands dirty. Not only will this get you off your rump, but its a great opportunity to serve and meet new people. Check out meetup.com to see what's going on in your city.

5. Cut ties with other cities. Treat your city like you would a relationship with someone. Don't look at your ex's facebook page when you're trying to get over them. Same thing with cities, don't constantly check the weather in Christmas-y New York or the local news in the last city you lived. Travel, yes? But constantly obsessing over a city you can't live in right now isn't going to help.

6. Go out. Do something. Attend a concert. Eat at a new restaurant. Get out of your house.

7. Put yourself out there. If you're not making an effort to make some friends, you're never going to stick around. Meetup.com has friend groups for everyone. Want to join a knitting group? Done. Like to dress up like Gandalf? There are 20 other people who do too.
So take the plunge. Meet new people.

8. And bottom line, if you don't like something, change it.

So whether you live in the world's smallest town or the nation's dirtiest city...I guarantee you, there's something there that you will love. Go find it.

Wherever you are, be all there. -Jim Elliot

the color run

2011-12-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

Join in!
Locations all over the US. Check here to see if its coming to your city!

SoCal run April 22nd.
So excited!!!Don't you just love stuff like this?

For more info, visit their website!

Insight for today

2011-12-13T12:15:00.001-08:00

Set attainable goals for yourself.

-Read a chapter in a book
-Make your bed
-Do some sort of physical activity for 20 minutes
-Call your mom
-Clean just one area of your house
-Go to sleep 30 minutes earlier

Coming into the new year we all have goals in mind. But the key is to not set impossible ones that you know you're not going to achieve.

So today, set one goal for yourself. Write down five attainable goals for 2012 and get started on them now! Why wait?

Be most fabulous in your own life.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Nancy Meyers is a liar. LIAR!

2011-12-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

So. I'm going to stop apologizing for not blogging. So I'm not apologizing.

And even though I like to consider myself a writer, no self-respecting writer would ever take advantage of the fact that he/she has 97 followers plus facebook readers reading their blog. So (mom), thank you for still reading. Don't freak out.

But mom, and whoever just randomly found my blog because my Julia Child post sometimes pops up on google, I feel like I owe you a review of how my supposed date went. (see post below)

Well, I'm glad to say, it didn't happen. I didn't realize til later that I had experienced a moment of pure insanity when I accepted. I do not live in a movie. I am not Kate Winslet in The Holiday when she takes out that sweet old man for dinner who had no intentions whatsoever. (Nancy Meyers was the director if you didn't catch that)

I shanghai'ed him at the last minute. Yes shanghai'ed. I never actually planned on going through with it. I guess sometimes I like to do things because it would make a good story.

Story told.

....

Thank you Tina Fey for this confidence of utter honesty.

From Bossypants,
Donna was an enigma wrapped in bacon wrapped in a crescent roll.

Well, that's not really about honesty. But she did write about her fleshy hands YMCA co-worker in a book. That's deep.

And in reference to the "How Shall I Tell My Daughter?" pamphlet her mother shoved in a box one day when she was about to become a "woman" (whatever that means), it read:
Dear Ginny, I finally got my "friend" today!! Yay!! Its about time! If I roller-skate while I'm MEN-STRU-HATING, will I die?

Ah, the little joys.
(thank you Tricia Lyn Scott)

...

Utter honesty will almost always result in your spitting out crappy tea-bag Folgers coffee onto your fake down comforter. At least that's what happened to me.

But I am not an enigma wrapped in bacon wrapped in a crescent roll.
I am an idiot wrapped in a 50 cent sticky bun wrapped in pistachios wrapped in shame.

I don't really know what that means.

80s dorks got it right

2011-11-17T13:47:00.000-08:00

If a guy I liked screwed up, then tried to win back my heart, this tactic would work.

sweatpants do work in public

2011-11-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning with that, I'm going to wear my sweats and messy hair attitude to my fave cafe for breakfast because I can. I don't plan on meeting anyone.

Well I did.

I love LA btw.

Anyway, two guys, around the age of 70 frequently come in my cafe for coffee in the mornings. Last time I saw them, I had a newspaper in hand and Tina Fey's book in the other. They seemed to be amused. (I was hoping to attract their attention anyway, because I like to talk to interesting people. They seemed interesting.)

And from what I could gather from vicariously eavesdropping, they work or worked in the entertainment industry.

So this morning, in I walk with the LA Times (though I only ended up skimming it), sweatpants, hair up in a messy bun, no makeup...you get the picture. I just rolled out of bed and I don't care. I want an omelet.

And they of course are there for their usual. Coffee, chatting, goofing off. As one does.

I walk up to them, "hey boys! how's it shakin?"
They remembered my name.

So we got to talkin about life, what we each do for a living. One of them was an actor (a very seasoned one from what I can tell. Think, Judy Garland was probably one of his exes.) The other, I'm not sure. Though he said he did not work in the e-business.

Anyway, long story short. Myself and Judy Garland's ex ended up talking about dating. And how people don't go on real dates anymore. And how it is just nice to go on one once in a while! None of this "hanging out business". (What is that anyway?!)

So...he asked me out.
"You like Mexican food?"

"Of course!" I said.

Then he asked for my number. None of us had a pen, so he just memorized it.
And made sure he had the right one before I walked out the door.

I'm going on a date with a famous 70-year-old actor whom I don't remember the name of.

See. Fabulous things can happen to you.
The key: talk a lot, wear sweatpants and carry a newspaper.

P.S. Now where is my Jack Black?

who can resist?

2011-11-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

LOVING Kate Spade's new multi-color video promo!!! Aren't you?

Also, can't wait to interview Greg Jardin for my latest article tonight! Greg is a freakin' genius and created this out of jelly beans....(yeah.)

I saw the premiere of this just last Wednesday and it already has 1,700,000 hits.
Yeah. I told him he's about to make it rain. He seemed doubtful, but I didn't.

L

two week hiatus explanation

2011-11-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

And we're back!

This blogger hiatus can only be explained by a recent career change. Woot!

You are now looking at LA's new freelance PR girl/writer!

In the mix....working events like a taping of the OC Housewives (their set was at one of the properties we do PR for), Fight Night this week at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, managing the social media for a lovely Parisian fashion designer (she designs luxury custom made scarves, yes) and interviewing up and coming directors for a LA new mag about to be launched online!

I have a ton of stories about the past two weeks, but now the question is....do I tell it? Now that I'm working in PR...but am also a journalist, I have to be highly careful about the way I paint things and people...unfortunately. But I will do my best to entertain and will just have to save the juicy stuff for the novel I plan on writing when I'm 33 (the supposed ripe age of when you are allowed to start on it).

In the meantime, get excited about this:

Hope y'all have a lovely Sunday!
We'll talk soon!

L

City Bird & Monsters Calling Home New Music

2011-10-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend.

On this unusually cold and foggy L.A. morning, I would like to write a little promo for two bands I saw this weekend on the rooftop of Bricks and Scones in Larchmont Village (the best little neighborhood in the city bar none.)

First, City Bird, an awesome indie folk band of which my lovely friend Jinah Kim sings lead vocals. Aka Fabulous. They just released their first CD. Check out their website here and their song below.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://citybirdmusic.bandcamp.com/track/stay-together-now"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Stay Together Now by City Bird&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

And the second, self-genred gangster folk oriental band, Monsters Calling Home. Stating on their website, they consider themselves as a "project inspired by stories of immigrant families and the wildly appropriate 90s TV show Ah Real Monsters." They'll be playing at the Nokia Theatre in November and are probably going to make it big. Check them out here! And their video below.

Like City Bird & Monsters Calling Home on facebook!

Have a fabulous day!

High Snobiety at its Best A Film by Walt Stillman

2011-10-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

Have you seen Metropolitan by Whit Stillman? Its FABULOUS!!!!! And available on Netflix Instant.

Taking place during a holiday break, several Ivy Leaguers gather together for their traditional schmoozing, boozing and debutante balls. And somehow Tom, the middle-class outsider, gets roped into it.

Top five reasons to watch it:
1. The script is just like Woody Allen's.
2. It was nominated for Best Original Screenplay in 1991.
3. They say things like "Urban Haute Bourgeoisie" and "Is our language so impoverished that we have to use acronyms of French phrases to make ourselves understood?"
4. It was based on real life events from Stillman's days as a broke Harvard man in DC.
5. The director used to run an illustration agency in NYC. I just think that's cool.

Check it out!

bjork's biophilia

2011-10-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Bjork and I have had this on and off again relationship ever since I watched that episode of Gilmore Girls where Jess asks Rory if Dean would ever appreciate a snowman (or woman) that looked like Bjork. Then they ended the episode with this awesome Bjork song that pretty much sold me. Amy Sherman Palladino has always had good taste.

Why is she most fabulous? Well, because she's different. And her cool electric vibe-y voice provides a most excellent soundtrack whilst battling the crazy, angry LA traffic. (Thank you KCRW.)

Sample her latest release, Biophilia, here on iTunes. So good!!!

i heart bicycles

2011-10-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

So I put this together because bicycles are the MOST fabulous means of transportation these days. These photos are a representation for my little obsession. I took them while backpacking around Europe...Amsterdam, Barcelona, Salzburg, Oxford, Paris...and the one at the top left is Santa Monica beach.

Bicycles are the best!!!

its the jcrew blog y'all!

2011-10-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

So I've definitely been a little too obsessed with the jcrew blog. MOST fabulous!

It is complete with...
1. playlists
2. interviews with designers
3. posts about amazing places around the world
4. and of course, fabulous inspirations from the trendiest preppy clothing line!!

Here are some photo montages from some of their posts...

a post about the most fabulous city in the world (Paris)

outfit ideas...

art by Richard Haines

Snapshots from Saint Petersburg...

more Russian inspiration...

Click here to check it out for yourself!

Btw, all photos are credited to JCrew!

Inside the Real Tower of Terror

2011-10-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

source: wikipedia

Yesterday, I had the rare privilege of seeing the inside of the historic Hollywood Tower. Also known as, the inspiration for Disney's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride.

Now before you get all, "oh my gosh, was it haunted?" Not at all. At least not at first glance.

Originally built in the famous stock-market crashing year of 1929, the Hollywood Tower is currently in the National Register of Historical Places and was built by architects Cramer and Wise in the French Normandy Style. (aka MOST fabulous)

Anyway, a new friend of mine lives in this fabulous locale (along with many famous employees of the entertainment industry) and invited me over yesterday for a coffee and chat on the terrace.

Upon entering, the lobby looked like it belonged on the set of Sunset Boulevard and smelled of incense and Elizabeth Taylor. Playing in the background was music that sounded like it was coming from a gramophone. And the antique elevator? Wallpapered with a black and white chandelier print. Yeah! Chandeliers.

There are like four terraces, private concerts by people like Florence and the Machine, an exercise room with another chandelier, an AMAZING clubhouse and a fabbbbbulous pool, need I say more?

Click here for a full photo tour.

Also, they recently finished the new addition, La Belle Tower. GORGEOUSSSSSS. Here are a few pics. OMG. I know.

Anyway...the LA Times is about to run a story on it WITH an interview with my friend who lives here. So...I'll have to link you to that MOST fabulous link soon.

And...my friend introduced me to a very cute actress who lives here who....is letting me help her decorate her place!! I'll try to post pics. I promise!

Ta-ta!

Photos via Curbed

The African Anteater Ritual The Single Greatest Dance Scene in 80s Teenybopper Film History

2011-10-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you former geek turned McDreamy for making a MOST fabulous historical movie scene such as this.

I must say, I have frequently used this dance move at many a dance parties. Ahem...scaring some...impressing others...all the while totally engrossed in making something totally lame into totally fame.

Watch and learn.

How America Kept Running Remembering Steve Jobs

2011-10-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Jobs with the computer that taught us how to play Oregon Trail. {source}

This week we lost one of the most innovative inventors of all time. Steve Jobs.

Steve brought us from the dark dark ages of ms-dos to high gloss. He set the standard for what will be instead of what others are. Yeah he had your typical high-power CEO personality, but he did what most businesses weren't doing, he kept America running.

He bribed our struggling bank accounts to stand outside the Apple store at 3am to wait for the next iPhone. He made us spend .99, then 1.29 on a song we just had to have for that moment. Then he made us drool over the iPad even though we already had a Macbook, iMac, iPhone and iPod. How did he do it?

Simple. He didn't try to keep up with the competition. He just kept inventing. And inventing. And inventing. And you know what? He wasn't really a businessman. He was a freakin genius.

Below is a compilation of some of his greatest quotes.

Thank you Steve, you were most fabulous.

faubourg st. denis, the french castle in my neighborhood

2011-09-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Faubourg St. Denis is probably the most gorgeous apartment building in L.A. And so happens, just a few steps away from my non-castle, old-hotel-turned-apartment-building with more character than a Jane Austen heroine. But that's what makes it great.

With an average condo price tag at about $1 million, this French-style apartment building has been inhabited by celebrities like Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy) and people who like to wear fancy sweat suits while walking yippy dogs.

Sometimes I look inside the windows of the apartments facing the street.

Here's a peak::

Oh and guess what? One of their penthouses are on sale right now for about hmmm....$1,395...zero zero zero. Its complete with extra high ceilings, a 28ft skylit entry, dark wood floors, white linen walls, detailed mouldings and a stone fireplace. A STONE FIREPLACE! The building also has a spa, pool, gym and sauna.

So I think I'm ready to move in. You?

(photo & info source)

new blog! make sure to check it out!

2011-09-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

See post below for details!

Oh and tonight I'm meeting Grace Bonney from Design*Sponge at the Anthropologie book signing!!! So exciting! And I'll be posting all the fun details on my blog tomorrow. So feel free to check it out!

Love y'all!

beverly hills alabama

2011-09-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

So...

After weeks worth of not posting anything, I have decided to launch a new blog! I tried to integrate my love of France and the fact that I was working in Beverly Hills into the same blog, but it just made sense to do two separate ones.

You can follow my new blog at: http://bevbama.tumblr.com/

Thanks y'all! Hope you are doing well!

Love,
Leah

at monsieur marcel

2011-09-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Today I found Paris at a little family-owned wine & cheese market, Monsieur Marcel, tucked away inside the farmer's market at The Grove.

Unassuming. Filled with aisles and aisles of things like imported Italian pasta, jarred truffles, flavored French espresso syrup and a cheese & wine selection to die for.

I of course, stumbled into a 45-minute conversation with the store clerk/San Fran native/actor named Tim who said if he went back to visit his family in Melbourne, he'd stay there, about his chat with Tarantino and how San Fran is awesome because it has places like Cafe Zoetrope, Coppola's Italian cafe where recently-wed daughter Sofia & Sean Penn hang out. (I'm so moving there after L.A.)

Then I bought a fourth pound of mimolette (of which I ate in its entirety before I got home) and a little white chocolate truffle that didn't even make it out the door.

Now I have to save up for the $30 wine tasting, where they give out $30 wine gift certificates. Not sure how that adds up, but it sounds right.

photo credits by thelagourmet and examiner.

on my way to the bank

2011-09-17T14:25:00.001-07:00

I spotted this cute little hotel at the other end of Crescent Blvd on my walk to the bank in this morning! So cute.

They have a little patio and what looks like small restaurant inside too. Cant wait to go back and check it out!

in art by sarah atkinson

2011-09-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

I'm slightly obsessed with this piece of art at Z Gallerie by Sarah Atkinson. Its screams Paris!
Isn't it lovely?

Also by Ms. Atkinson...

on madison avenue

2011-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Sound the medieval trumpets! Ladurée, Parisian home of le macaron, has come to the Americas! New York specifically.

And I thought it would never happen.

Ladurée, my most favorite cafe in the ENTIRE world (this is not an exaggeration...ask my friends), moved into the Upper East Side locale last month. And apparently, all of New York was there to line up outside, down the street and around the corner. But you can't blame them.

Ladurée is where dreams are made. Or at least, the childhood dream where a British butler named Alfred (Alfy for short) called you madame and served you bonbons and chocolate milk.

Thank you God for...

So...until you can make it to one of these fabulous cafes, you can visit the land of colorful treats and french wallpaper here, on their website. Every day. :)

Photo credits.

on crescent blvd

2011-09-15T23:12:00.001-07:00

Today I found Paris on Crescent Blvd in Beverly Hills outside a neighborhood cafe located next to my parking garage.

a new tv girl

2011-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hello loves.

So first let me say, I did not go to to Fashion's Night Out. I know I know. I was like, "but I promised my readers I would go!" But I just needed to get out of Beverly Hills (since I work there every day).

While I was sitting in Starbucks waiting for it to start, the foreign businessman sitting next to me basically started a fight with the 30-something dude who seemed like he was taking a picture of him. Then he tried to get me all involved by attempting to get me on his side. So I just got in my car and left. Drama in Beverly Hills! Who knew?

Instead, I went to Trader Joe's, bought some frozen chicken patties, went home and watched two episodes of Switched at Birth on Netflix Instant. (Pathetic, I know.) Then I attempted to organize the pile of junk I have sitting in the corner of my very small apartment. That happened.

Anywho, enough about that...have you seen the pilot for New Girl? Its on iTunes!

My review:
Hilarious! I had some doubts, but the acting was really quite impressive!

Zooey was adorable as always. But she wasn't carrying the whole show either. The other guys (her roommates) were awesome! And at the end of the episode I was like, "aw man, its over? More more more!" So I kind of have high hopes. At least for one season anyway.

Though...they're gonna have to do something about those print ads. Not really that cute. Maybe Zooey can design them something.

But yay. A new show starring our favorite girl!
So the TV world isn't completely hopeless.

fashion's night out

2011-09-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be attending & covering LA's Fashion's Night Out on Rodeo Drive!

FNO is "a global initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and put the fun back in shopping. For one night only, designers, celebrities, models and fashion editors from cities from Manhattan to Milan to London to Los Angeles will stage exciting, one-of-a-kind events in stores open after-hours to the public." (source)

Stay tuned for pictures and stories!

ma cuisine

2011-09-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my friendly friends out there!
As you can see, I've made a few changes to my blog! More to come.

But first, let me update you. That fabulous job with the online fashion job didn't work out. Suffice to say, I should never say, "dream job and online start up company job posting I saw on Craigslist" in the same sentence. Yeah.

In other news, I'd like to share that sometimes, I hate being a girl. Today I started crying out of nowhere just because I couldn't find my camera cord. One time in my university costume class, I started crying because I couldn't sew on a button. The boys who took the class with me just stared at me, then stared at each other, then looked down at their laps. It was awkward.

Poor boys. Don't they know that we're just a mess? There's simply no explanation for our behavior other than the fact that Eve took the apple from the serpent.

Alright, enough chit chat, here are the much anticipated pics of my kitchen!

a view from my living room

Now onto my living/bedroom!

outfits!!

2011-09-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

I love love love these looks from J. Crew! Don't you?

the day i met jake gyllenhaal

2011-08-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today I met Jake Gyllenhaal. It was pure magic.

I was at Urth Cafe in Dtown LA about to head out before I realized I wanted to order another drink. And in HE walks.

My friend told him to go ahead of us since we didn't know what we wanted. So he did.

Then I noticed who he was! His head was shaved, he was wearing a dark heather gray t-shirt, cargo shorts and sandals. Hmm....what to do next?

So I just walk my little self up to the counter where he was ordering and asked the cash guy if they had almond milk lattes. And since he was still ordering (I probably interrupted him....I'm not sure at this point), the cash guy asked, "are you two together?"

I pause. My mind goes blank.
Are Jake Gyllenhaal and I together? Do I even have to be asked that question?

But I just casually say, "oh, no".

Then he looks at me...I look at him.

"Sorry." I said kind of giggly.
"No worries." says Jake as he kind of smiles awkwardly (knowing that I knew who he was).

He then pays and walks to the pick-up area while I'm trying to just play it cool.

Normally I would have flirted with the guy a little and said something like, "um, I don't know. Are we?" Then he would have laughed, and said, "hmmm....maybe we are. Put hers on my tab too." Then the rest would have been history.

This however, did not happen.

After I put in my order, I walk over to where he's standing, hands shaking. I try to make casual convo with my friends, but everything sounds totally lame. I keep thinking to myself, "he's going to start talking to me any second now, right? And say something like, 'hey I'm really into non actors right now, lets go on a date!' "
What??? Why would anyone ever say something like that? I mean my fake conversation is even lame. LAME.

But I stand there, watch him out of the corner of my eye as he just leans himself against the wall, stares out into the cafe, and waits for his food.
Then he makes a little casual convo with the cafe workers, gets his green smoothie, soup and sandwich and walks out the door.

Then I jump up and down giggling & clapping my hands, finally getting out the inner-freaking-out-ness that I've been holding onto for ten minutes.

Jake Gyllenhaal spoke two words to me today.
We're practically married now. right? Yeah.

But I think I'll hold out for Adam Brody. :)

paper source fun

2011-08-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Okay so....am I the only one in the world who just discovered Paper Source? Because they are AWESOME!!!

Check out what I picked up the other day!! Isn't it cute?

Inside are really cute, blank weekly planners, a monthly calendar, check sheets, note pages and a little folder in the back for cute things!

I also fell in love with this beauty...

and these custom stamps!

Aren't they fun? I kind of want every single thing in the store.

Anyway, you can find all these great little finds here at their website.

In other news, I PROMISE to get you pics of my newly painted and decorated kitchen this weekend. I want to take pictures of it with my new camera, but finding the charger is going to take some work. Plus the paint needs a little touching up. Anyway, look forward to that friends!

Have a great Friday night! ;)

weekend finds

2011-08-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!!

So....look what I found at the Melrose Trading Post this weekend!!

Dining chairs that are soon going to have cute chair cushions made from vintage dress fabric and...the cutest little carry on yellow suitcase since ever!

And...my new desk! I'm going to mount a little wall shelf below my built in bookcase, put this briefcase on it, and voila! Its my desk! I can store my personal files in the accordion file thingy in the back and put my laptop on the books shown below! Then I'm going to store a few mason jars on the sides to hold pens and stuff.

Whatdya think?

And...I just painted my kitchen this crazy aqua blue!!! But I have to hang some things on the wall before I post pics. Hopefully later today since I'm off, woohoo!

Total spent on the chairs & briefcase (suitcase not included): $50
Total spent on paint for my place: $70

Total spent so far: 292.09
Total left: 207.91

I still have to hit up ikea for an expedit bookcase, better kitchen lighting & kitchen wall storage, and a new duvet, sofa slipcover....$200 left! It can be done. :)

kendra scott

2011-08-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a little shout out to the new jewelry shop, Kendra Scott, near Rodeo Drive that just opened up!

The owner, Kendra, is a Texas girl, and started her shop out of a spare bedroom in her house. Now she has a shop in Austin (where she is based) and Beverly Hills! And all the girls who work there are so sweet!

So if you're ever in the area, stop by! And you should get a custom piece of jewelry made at the color bar. Its so fun! Below is what I got yesterday. (thanks for the gift certificate friends!) :)

Hope you're having a good weekend!

pancakes, ahem...panties, projects & paris :)

2011-08-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Gluten-free flax pancakes with sinfully good cinnamon butter and bananas this morning for this Alabama girl.

And I--attempted--to make my dreamy breakfast in just my skivvies, since I now hold the power to wear whatever I want, whenever I want, in my very own little apartment. (And because I liked the idea of listening to Serge Gainsbourg while making pancakes in my undies. Blame it on this video.) But...I just couldn't do it. So I put on my skimpy boxer shorts instead.

But enough about that, how are you? Have you done anything new to your place lately? You know, after decor consulting with women all day, I find that even the smallest bit of change in your home can make the biggest difference! Even if you simply rearrange what you already have. Its a great way to make you feel like you live in a new place! Trust me.

Maybe that old bookcase needs a little love. Or a fun coat of paint on your dining chairs. I say, if you're on a budget, set aside about $40, go to Home Depot this weekend and buy yourself supplies for a little project. Its amazing what a new splash of color can do to lighten your mood!

Check out what these ladies did on Design*Sponge...

Or attempt to make something like this!

See? So easy.
Now go set your budget and get going! ;)

lessons from tim gunn

2011-08-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

So I feel like Tim Gunn has been saying to me all week, "Make it work!" Because I'm always finding myself making more lists of things I can't afford, rather than things I can.

I think a lot of child psychologists encourage parents to practice the either/or method with their children. For example, if a parent wants their child to eat fruit, say, "would you like an apple or a banana?" Rather than saying, "eat this apple." Then they feel like they have a choice in the matter. I've been trying to do the same thing to myself.

Would I rather spend $50 on a lot of groceries this week or eat beans and rice but spend $30 on that cute bookcase I saw on Craigslist? Budgeting is all about playing mind games. Even the word "budget" has a negative connotation. I prefer to use the phrase, "I'm spending my money wisely".

So with that, I haven't bought much for the apartment...yet. But I do have the funds for paint. So I'm starting there, then working my way up! Hopefully this weekend...

Btw, I think I'm going for a warmer gray color for the apartment...a color that makes me want to plop on my couch and turn on Gilmore Girls. :)

Hope you're having a great day!
Leah

P.S. You might like the Edith Piaf Pandora Station. (Its a combination of a Sunday afternoon in Central Park and dress shopping in Paris.)

color scheme

2011-08-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

So I'm...painting this week!!!!!

And I'm trying to decide between

BROWN GRAY

MOLESKIN GRAY

GRACEFUL GRAY

GRAY-BROWN

or COOL GRAY

thoughts?

My accent colors are black and white, gold and pink.
(photos compliments of Ms. Martha Stewart)

20 x 200

2011-08-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled upon this site, 20 x 200, with loads of prints ready to frame! All

These were particularly adorable...

by Shaun Sundholm

by Valerie Roybal

by Kate Bingaman-Burt

by Jane Mount

by Jessica Snow

by Amy Ross

And they all start at $20 a print! Hmmm....

So, I've officially been in my place for about two weeks now. And as I'm trying to conserve money and not buy anything but the necessities, I think its time to start buying now! Next week I'm going to start painting!! My color scheme is officially light gray (on the walls), white furniture with turquoise, black and white stripes and pink and gold accents. :)

Let's get this started!!

78-square feet

2011-08-10T08:02:00.000-07:00

So this morning I woke up remodeling my kitchen again in my head when I came upon this video posted on Apartment Therapy.

Luke, a Midtown Manhattan Architect, lives in a 78-square foot apartment where he designed his own Murphy bed/sofa, functional office (he works from home) and built in cabinet space to hold his clothes, microwave & bathroom supplies, and then shares a bathroom with three other tenants.

Its pretty impressive.
Makes you think, wow, do I really need all my stuff?

a sky blue full day

2011-08-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, I am reporting to you live from my messy living room with an extremely full stomach because I just ate a large portion of amazing sweet potato fries from LuLu's on Beverly and running late for tonight's dinner date with mutual friends. Alas, I am still writing...because I can. I have internet in my new apartment people! Just thought I should celebrate.

In other news, Kate Spade has again, proved herself to be amazing with August's new color campaign: blue. Thus, making us all swoon over her new fabulous handbag designs and beautiful inspirations that are simply meant to brighten that sky blue day. Or at least, create one.

G2G!
(yes, bringin back the old school instant messaging terms...what ever happened to AIM?)

the rental fixer upper

2011-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

So I've always wanted a place I could renovate or fix up, but without the commitment of buying a place. Especially after watching too much HGTV. (I'm sure you can relate.)

But after a quick chat with my apartment manager this morning about possible plans to renovate the kitchen, he informed me that any adjustments I made were going to be on my tab. But he did give me permission to do whatever I want, which is cool. But unfortunately, I won't be increasing the value of something I own, just making it look cuter.

So....here's the plan. Invest in things that I can take with me, but still do a little spruce up to other things just to make it work. Right now, my plan is to stay in this apartment until I pay off all my debts. But since that might take a while, I'm going to make it work on a dime! Plus, since I'm paying for it, I get to choose what I want.

And all it really needs is a new fridge (aka decent Craigslist find), new floors (I'm thinking black and white laminate tile), a new coat of paint, new lighting, new knobs, something to cover up the ugly white counter and new wall storage. Then I might add in a small corner desk area. Got any suggestions?

Here's a few cute kitchens I've been looking at for inspiration...

More to come...stay tuned!

P.S. After I get off work, I'm going to credit these pics accordingly! :)

Apartment unity

2011-08-05T09:18:00.001-07:00

Another idea I had this week...

Organize my apartment building to come together and fix up our pool area. It's in pretty bad shape.

But with a little elbow grease and a small fund, we can make that area look so beautiful!

It's a narrow pool that divides our two 20-room buildings and has a gate that faces the sidewalk. All we need is some flowers, maybe a community garden area and better pool furniture. Nothing a group of tenants can't do together!

Anywho, the rest of the neighborhood is gorgeous and historic. We need to catch up!

I'm also going to suggest to the landlord that we plant some vines on the sides of our building. Its terribly plain. And since vines are pretty cheap (we'll have to find the kind that doesn't poison the wood), it would be a great option.

So I'm adding that to my long list of projects!

I bet your neighbors would be interested in something like this!

L

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

coffee charged and mind racing

2011-08-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

So...you know the feeling when you walk into a fabulous shop full of colorful finds and beautiful creations and your mind is just racing with the possibilities of what you could do with it all?

That's the way I feel about my new place. I can hardly sleep I've got so many ideas!!

But in the meantime, I'm searching veraciously for a freelance writing job so I can pay for all these ideas. And thus am wired with coffee this morning because I've spent the past hour guzzling hazelnut coffee and typing faster than a coked out hamster on a plastic wheel.

So while I seek to fund my imagination, here's a fabulous Design*Sponge interview/tour of New York graphic designer, Dana Tanamachi's place to check out asap. Photos by Eric Ryan Anderson.

Happy Thursday!

Gilmore girls

2011-08-02T22:05:00.001-07:00

Gilmore girls is awesome on DVD. Especially when you don't have Internet or cable yet. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A work in progress!

2011-08-01T22:19:00.001-07:00

Second night in my new place and I think it's coming together!

A friend of mine who's also really into decorating came over tonight and helped me rearrange the place to where it's completely functional!

Check it out. (nothing is decorated of course...so visualize with me. Also, lost my iphone 4 a few weeks ago and was forced to downgrade to an iphone 3! So pardon the atrocious photo quality as well! am I a snob or what?)

The living area:

The bed area (to be divided bt couch by an open cube-type bookcase!)

The dining area and desk (pardon all the boxes!)

The kitchen:

La bathroom:

There's a lot to be done, but so much potential! With the help of my friend, we actually divided the space into three functional sectionals with plenty of room for entertaining and with a double bed and a table for four!

All within 330 square feet and space to spare! Can you believe it?

So next step, paint! But I'll need to put a little money aside for that. So in the meantime, free stuff searching on Craigslist tomorrow on my day off and packing!

Goodbye for now! And remember, with a little creativity and a workable budget, you can make anything fabulous!

L

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Move in day!!!!!

2011-07-31T20:42:00.001-07:00

Yay!!!

So after a full day of moving in and signing papers, I'm officially a first-time single apartment renter!!!

Stay tuned for pics!!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

last night in the boys house

2011-07-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

So...I have to say, I'm a little said to be leaving the boys lair tomorrow. Mostly because I won't be living the same life as Zooey Deschanel in her new show (one heartbroken girl moves in with 3 bachelors...you do the math). Yeah, its ridiculous.

Many cute & adorable boys have been in and out of this house for the past two months...talented musicians to techy daredevils with hilarious scar-ridden stories. But the ones whom
I'm going to miss the most are the sweetest boys that I have been so privileged to call roommates. They have treated me like such a lady! Oh to scream and say, "I just need a strong man to kill this oh so horrible spider! Who will help me?" And then have at least two guys run to the rescue. (I actually did this once, kinda. But then was shamefully made fun of because I didn't want to kill the dime sized little thing.)

But living with boys has taught me many things. (Especially since I grew up with all girls.)
-Boys love to watch a lot of television. But don't feel bad if you cancel their taping of Jon Stewart so you can watch House Bunny (don't you just love Emma Stone?)
-Boys actually like to do laundry. So make sure you get your clothes in before they know its available.
-Boys are low maintenance.
-Four boys can share one bathroom and still get along.
-Boys don't have periods. So you don't have to worry about them messing up your cycle.
-Boys don't like to chit chat. The minute they get out their phone and start texting, stop talking. Cause they ain't listenin'.
-Boys want to be respected. So if you accidentally break three of their cheap bar glasses because they can't hold up when you tip them over, tell them.
-Boys will defend their bros til the day they die. For example, if one bro is about to get a parking ticket, the other bro will run like a cheetah to stop them. (awwww)
-You think boys are bad communicators with girls? They are bad communicators with other boys too. So don't feel bad.

But you know what's the best thing about living with boys? They're boys. And when you're the only girl in the house, you get alllll the attention!

......goodbye boys!....
hello grown up life all by myself!!

Btw, I'm delighted to say that Kate Spade's amazing blog, The Weekly Spade, just came out with a LA bike tour!! I can't wait to do it! Check out the fun tour here.

Her map:

friday!

2011-07-29T23:57:00.000-07:00

It's 11:54 PST and I just don't want to break my consecutive blogging streak!

So here it is. My blog post for today.

Sunday is the day!!! I know. I'm pathetic.

DIY, To Dos & Ta Das

2011-07-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

I'm loving this b+a from Design*Sponge today. I've been seeing a lot of pieces like this on Craigslist too. So easy and so cute!

Also, loving this month's new issue of Matchbook. Oh to be a contributing writer for this fabulous mag! And they're only a few hours away! Hmmm....

LOVE!!

Okay, today's ideas/to dos (or else I'll forget them):
-throw a block party for my new street
-throw a little apartment party for my building (they are two 2-story buildings) at our little pool that joins us together
-host a traditional english tea with friends (and hats and an old record player with billie holiday playing)
-organize a neighborhood writers club since a bunch of writers/producers/directors live on my street
-start a little production company with my distant cousin I just met (who happens to live in LA.) Were already in the process of writing/directing a few short films! (vintage inspired of course)
-launch online girls travel e-zine with friends I met in France by the end of September
-move in apartment this sunday!
-stop spending money I don't have :)
-meet Zooey Deschanel and Sofia Coppola before I turn 30

ideas...ideas!

2011-07-27T23:27:00.000-07:00

So today, I couldn't help but try to arrange all my furniture in my head at work. And apparently I was in Lala land (literally and figuratively), because I completely forgot about a few clients who came in and was told later that they left without saying goodbye. Oops. Gotta get my head out of the clouds!

Anywho...I'm not sure if I should tell you this, but...a friend of mine just told me that she was invited to go onto the set of Zooey Deschanel's new show The New Girl!! She's an aspiring set decorator and works at Anthro and just met their set decorator who invited her to come see the set and meet everyone!! I of course begged her to take me with her. She doesn't know if I can come with her yet, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up since meeting Zooey has been a huge goal of mine since I moved here. (And meeting Sofia Coppola.) We'll see! (This announcement btw, if positive, will come with many exclamation marks...just a forewarning...I will die, I will just die!)

Okay, so here's some my ideas...

I'm thinking of finding something like this to double as a desk/dining for six table:

And something like this for my everyday dining table:

But pairing them with cute french chairs....

What do you think?

Oh I can't wait to move in this Sunday!!

I mean seriously, I'm 27, and have been wanting my own apartment since I was an 18-year-old college freshmen! I went to school in this really small town, so literally, I would drive 45 minutes to the nearest Barnes and Noble just so I could spend hours reading interior design books all day. Am I crazy or what? Yeah, I think I'm a little over the top...

Anyway, four more days!! Ahhh!!!!

Oh and stay tuned for a little more site maintenance. Since I might meet Zooey, I need to make my site extra special just in case, right?

fun finds!

2011-07-26T18:28:00.000-07:00

So, after a successful day off of hitting up every thrift store I could find, I found this....

Isn't it cute?

Here's a close up.

Even though it was a little over my price range at $25, I couldn't help but buy it! I mean, when am I going to find something like this again?

And the lamp shade, I got at Ross for 5.99. Not bad eh?

I went ahead and bought a matching shade to go with another thrift store lamp I brought from Bama.

I love the weather vanes! Aren't they fun?

And...here's the place I bought the couch...

And this is where I'm going to buy some sweet vintage fabric to cover all these fun finds! (right down the street of course)

Check this out...all vintage fabric...woo hoo!

Also, paid my deposit today and got another preview of my new place!

Here are some "before" pics! (Pardon the random chairs.)

The closet (can't wait to put on a fun Anthro doorknob!)

The kitchen (and hilarious Texan horror movie director/landlord :)

It needs some light updating: flooring, new wall storage, paint...and a smaller microwave or separate shelf so it won't take up all the counter space.

And this is the stove it has now.

But...after I told Mr. Texan that I loooove vintage finds, he agreed to let me have this from another apartment instead! (its supposedly a classic!)

Moving in Sunday! Only five more days!

Total spent: $172.09

Total left: $327.03

P.S. Did I mention that Mr. Texas just used my apartment for a scene in his vampire movie? Haha. Yeah. Love it!

free bed!

2011-07-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

So...I got a free bed!! Now, before you say, "I would never do that in a million years", let me tell you, this bed is from a mutual friend and includes a full bed frame and mattress. So who can beat that?! I plan to add a nice feather down and luxurious sheets to make it less like someone else's mattress, and more like the best bed ever.

The frame is from IKEA. Looks like this.

But...with some of my new fabric, I plan on making it look like this:

or this!

Alright. Day off! That means, going to drop off my apartment deposit, officially signing the lease with my landlord (did I mention that he was a Texan independent horror movie director? Never a dull moment!) ....and thrift store shopping for the perfect dining table!

And...in a few weeks, I'm going to this. Its going to be AWESOME!!!!

TTYL!

P.S. Moving in next weekend!! Can't wait to show you the "before" pictures. :)

here it is!!

2011-07-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great?! I can't believe I got it for 100 bucks!
I think its actually more of a 70s-ish couch, than 60s. Maybe late 60s. I dunno. And interestingly, it has two generations of upholstery. The first (pictured above), I actually kind of like! And it already goes with my current bedspread and a few accessories, but that stuff is about to go. And then below, is what is was before. Yikes! But it is kind of fun.

Anywho, I'm going to cover it with this print. :)

And...from the West Hollywood fabric sale this morning, I bought $3 worth of fabric from a custom drapes/upholstery guy, who also gave me a tip on where to buy inexpensive fabric for my couch. Maple & 8th in the fashion district he said. Really cheap, great stuff.

Also, pictured below is what I'm going to use for my drapes. Four yards for 2.50! (and the rest was pretty much free!)

And I found this for a few throw pillows. :)

But the story continues...I then went to pick up my couch from that fabulous place I told you about. The King of Collectible, 100 South La Brea. And come to find out, it is not just an outdoor antique store, they are a m0vie prop rental place as well! Which explains all the diner furniture that looks like it belongs on the set of 90210 (the old one).

So of course I met the other owner, Nick, a very entertaining middle aged guy with brown hair, more red hair dye than a red velvet cupcake and a fast talkin' mouth full of hilarious stories about all the people he's met. One in particular, George Harrison's ex-girlfriend, who he said is now a homeless woman with saggy skin and wears sweatpants that are just barely hangin on to her thin self. He recommended a book to her, The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, that he also recommended to me. He said he later saw a copy sitting in her grocery cart/home.

But this book supposedly talks about a theory called, "Morning Pages", something the author started doing every morning as soon as she woke up. She would write down everything that was in her head for about 30 minutes, daily, and then after a few months, see what it became.

Sounds like a fun project! No?
Well, that's it for today!

Total spent: $133
Total left: $367

fabric sale!

2011-07-23T21:28:00.000-07:00

photo via pixiedustdecor

Tomorrow morning I'm hitting up a fabric yard sale to hopefully find the perfect b&w fabric for my new sofa! (Even though I don't know how big it is yet. But the sale starts before I can go pick it up, so fingers crossed that I actually get enough!)

But, I will be picking up my sofa later tomorrow, so if I find the fabric, I can start my first DIY project and fill you in with lots of fun pictures! (Btw, I'm doing all this without a sewing machine...so we'll see how that goes...)

Stay tuned!

Got a couch!!

2011-07-22T19:15:00.001-07:00

So after a really boring day of cleaning and dusting at my shop, I was sent home early. And since it's pay day, and since I'm wimping out on Bev Hills dumpster diving, I can buy furniture! Yay!

So my hunt begins. At 4pm, I get some cash to go antique shopping on La Brea before they close. At 417, I see the "low fuel" sign again and think I can make it.

Not a chance. At 418, my car...runs out of gas at an intersection in West Hollywood. 419, I call AAA, beg for gas asap while I try to usher people to go around me since they clearly didn't see my caution lights. At 440, the service guy finally comes, fills my car up with gas in front of everyone, and says, "next time, turn off your AC when you're on empty!" duh.

517pm. I finally get to La Brea to find something open...and then...heaven...

I find this awesome store, which pretty much looks like a 24hr outdoor antique shop, and completely go crazy happy.

So after drooling over practically everything, I find some help from the middle-aged British pirate named Baz, who says the prices are based on how much he likes me. Oh! Well, let me use my marketing skills! I tell him about 330 for 500. Hes not to amused at the 500, but graciously shows me around to point out pieces in my price range while he tells me that his shop is about to be picked up as a reality show. (of course)

And there it was. My new couch. 60s vintage. Great condition. $100!

So I...committed! Then after we swap stories I glance at my phone and realize that I only have 10 min left on my meter! I quickly pay him, get his card for the delivery info and promise to promote him on my blog!

Done. Paid meter at 605, sat for an almond milk latte at Susina and wrote this entry.

I have a couch.
And...high blood pressure.

Total spent: $130
Total left: $370

Pics coming very soon.

trendy trash

2011-07-22T07:41:00.000-07:00

So tonight...after work...I'm headed to the Beverly Hills dumpster! (Ah! Never thought I would say that.)

Who knows what I'll find!

Stay tuned...

antique tables

2011-07-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

So I stumbled upon these gorgeous tables via Craiglist last night and I want them so bad!!! They are only $40! Wouldn't they be so cute as a coffee table? Anyway, I wrote the seller and I'm hoping she'll sell them to me. We'll see...

Its tough out there in Craiglist land! Any tips on getting yourself noticed by sellers?

my first purchase

2011-07-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

So after eyeing this piece for weeks at work, I finally purchased it! When I first saw it, I knew it was the one. THE ONE. Like a Bella and Edward one. Okay, maybe not quite that dramatic. But this. Is. It.

I'm designing my whole place around this piece. (see some of the ideas in the post below)

So...
Total spent: $30
Total left: $470

To be continued...

a vision in stripes

2011-07-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

So here's the inspiration for my new place...

from Z Gallerie

Along with....

a black and white striped sofa

via ecrater

a round ottoman

to look something like via glamourai

and these...:)

julia child's kitchen

storytime

2011-07-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

I'm really inspired by this Atlanta nursery posted on Ohdeedoh. Isn't it cute?

Source and article here.

330 for $500

2011-07-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

source: weheartit

So as the days keep ticking by, getting closer and closer to my apartment move in date (yay!), I'm realizing...I have no money to furnish it!

But alas, there is Design*Sponge and Apartment Therapy with loads and loads of DIY ideas for those of us on a budget!

And I wanted to take a moment and announce to you, dear reader, that over a period of six months, my goal is to furnish my entire apartment for $500 or less. This is including a sofa, bed, dining room table and chairs, everything.

I plan to veraciously search for free finds on Craigslist (sans anything sketchy of course), hit up thrift stores, yard sales, friends giving stuff away, flea markets...and Home Depot for all my painting and fix-up needs. This is accountability for me, as I need to budget my money, and now's the time!

The goal: 330 square feet for $500.

It will be done! And I shall take you with me. :)

Stay tuned...

geriatrics paparazzi

2011-07-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today at lunch, while sitting outside my regular cafe (drinking a bottle of sparkling water that I can barely afford), a few paparazzi pass by following some girl with long brown hair, big sunglasses and a small shopping bag from Chanel. (So of course I know who that is.)

Anyway, one guy is filming her saying things like, "Beverly Hills looks good on you", while the other, a photographer about the age of 70, is taking pictures of her walking down the street. They stop a few stores down, say some more I'm-trying-to-impress-you things to her while she stares blankly into the camera, shifting her weight from one leg to the other. It was sooo interesting.

And I'm thinking, not who is this celebrity, but who is this old paparazzi guy? When I first saw him, I thought, "oh, look at that sweet old man trying to take pictures. Its probably his first time visiting Beverly Hills and all he wants is to take pictures of Rodeo Drive." But then I kept seeing him. Every day. With the same outfit. Plain white T, plaid shorts, one of those boxy tweed hats that the Jonas Brothers wear, and that same 'ole camera around his neck. Oh.

So this man, probably about the age of 68 or so, is a professional at this? I mean when I imagine a paparazzi, I picture a middle-aged overweight man with a scruffy beard and backwards cap from Joey's Automative. Not my grandpa.

But seriously, what is his story?

Has he been doing this for decades? Maybe he was the former paparazzi for Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra. Or...maybe he just decided one day after working years behind a desk crunching numbers that he would rather stalk people for a living.

I dunno. All I know is...I am intrigued...
I think I might try to talk to him next time and see what he says.

Helicopters & boobs

2011-07-09T23:29:00.002-07:00

Today I started off my day by shamelessly looking up the itinerary of the royal couple and ended it annoyed because all the helicopters circulating their place nearby was interrupting my night with Julie & Julia.

In between, I helped a girl with the biggest boobs I've ever seen buy an excessive amount of china that she just had to have even though we were already closed. I also did a fairly good job of avoiding our most hated customer who insists on running you around the entire store asking, "how much is that? And how much is that? I want that. Do you have that? Where is Benjamin? I want Benjamin. You new here." I literally suffered from heat exhaustion the other day after she ran me around the store like a bat out of hell.

But hey, at least it gives me something to write about.

In other news, I officially met the owner of Susina Bakery yesterday when the staff (of whom I've shaken hands with in their entirety) told her that I chose my new apartment based on the walking proximity to her cafe. She was floored. I mean this fabulous woman probably knows some of the most important people of Hollywood and she was stunned that anyone would do that. She then dubbed me their #1 fan (but was secretly thinking, notify security immediately).

- Posted on-the-go by yours truly

the royals in beverly hills tonight!

2011-07-08T07:14:00.004-07:00

Prince William & Kate are set to land in Los Angeles this afternoon for a four day trip of meetings, galas & maybe visiting yours truly at her store in Beverly Hills?

Attending a business event at the Beverly Hilton tonight (blocks away from where I work), maybe Princess Kate will feel the need to visit the shops on Beverly and come in my shop! Come on Kate, we know you don't need solid gold lanterns at your palace, you need our (royal) purple couch! Its totally your style. ;)

I of course am tempted to hang out wherever they might happen to be this weekend. But I think I'm just going to go about my regular schedule. Every time I "try" to see a celebrity, it deems unsuccessful. Though their consulate is "sort of" on my running route....hmmmm...

All I know is if she comes into my shop (not to mention the newly wed William whom we've all had a crush on forever), I don't know what I'm going to do with myself.

susina cafe

2011-07-07T20:01:00.001-07:00

So I have to tell you. I am completely and wholeheartedly in love with this bakery/cafe called Susina.

Located in the heart of the LA's antique district, Susina is most famous for its homemade Italian cookies, fresh fruit tarts, delicious lattes and house made croissants. Oh I am in love!

The minute you walk in, you feel like you've just been transported onto the the set of a Nora Ephron film.

In fact, the production designer for As Good as it Gets actually designed this very cafe! (Which is probably why I love it.)

Not to mention the many film directors, screenwriters and producers who frequent this cafe so much that they have a sign on each table saying, "Writers, please limit your table time to 3o minutes during peak hours 8-10am & 12-2pm".

To eat, I highly recommend trying the brie and dried cherry salad. Topped with a delicious maple vinaigrette dressing, the combination of the gourmet french brie and the sweet cherries over the garden greens tastes like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for those who prefer the finer things in life.

And for breakfast, I recommend trying the green omelet. Made with green pesto, avocados and goat cheese, this is an egg masterpiece! The goat cheese mixed with the pesto is tres tres magnifique! You simply must try it. Additionally, each breakfast entree comes with a side of herbed potatoes or fresh greens. Yum.

Also for those with gluten allergies, I recommend trying the soft baked coconut macaroons or the delicious little almond paste cookies that look like they belong on the Queen's tea table.

To drink, you simply must try the almond milk latte with sugar-free hazelnut. Not only is it low-calorie, but it is much better for you than cow's or soy milk. Accordingly, the creaminess of the almond milk makes it taste like it was made with half and half...but better! In addition, the sugar-free hazelnut adds quite a delicious flavor that doesn't taste like the dieter's horrible red-headed stepchild: aspartame.

As for the management, I met the delightful owner one day after mentioning that I had a gluten allergy and she was more than happy to point out several delicious gluten free options (including the ones listed above). Who knew? A simple bakery in LA does have options for GF's! Yay!

Susina is located at 7122 Beverly Blvd, right off La Brea and is open weekdays from 7am to 11pm and weekends 8am to 11pm.

They also specialize in wedding cakes and making dreams come true.

So quit Starbucks and visit Susina as soon as possible.

For more information Susina, check out their website here.

350 square feet

2011-07-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

So guess what?!! I signed for my very first apartment today! I've always lived with roommates, so this is the first place where I don't have to consult someone if its okay to put a painting on the wall. Yay!!

Its only 330 sq/f, but its in a fabulous neighborhood lined with trees, old houses (my bldg was a 1940s hotel turned into an apartment bldg), and around the corner from beautiful cafes, an independent movie theater and tons and tons of antique shops!!!

The apartment comes with hardwood floors, and tile in the kitchen and bathroom. The tile isn't much to look at, but the landlord said I could add in my own tile if I wanted. And could paint the walls any color I wanted. Hello fabulous apartment!

So...stay tuned for pics of my new place! I don't move in til the beginning of August, so it'll be a while before I post anything. But obviously until then, I will be in full inspiration mode! Below are some really cute apartments that are only 350 square feet! :)

source: treehugger

source: adrienne dePitera

source: mybluehydrangea

source: apartmenttherapy

things I learned from audrey hepburn

2011-07-02T08:07:00.002-07:00

Audrey in Funny Face

"Every thing I learned, I learned from the movies." -Audrey Hepburn

This morning I realized that I learned how to crack an egg from Audrey Hepburn's character in Sabrina. "One two three, crack!" she says to Linus (aka the debonair Humphrey Bogart). It really works!

But come to think of it, I think I've acquired much knowledge from some of the characters she's played. For instance, if an editor of a high-end fashion magazine comes into your store and wants to photograph you for their magazine (Funny Face), the best thing to do is, let them. Don't fight your whole way through it. But then again if you do, you might get a sympathy kiss (or whatever that was) from Fred Astaire. Eh? He did kiss her right? Or am I thinking of another fabulous movie?

Not to mention that, but it is important to always forget your house key (Breakfast at Tiffany's). Then you get a chance to make friends with your annoying (and annoyed) neighbor upstairs (who may or may not call the police next time you have a party) and...its another opportunity to run into...what's that guy's name again? Oh. Paul Varjak (aka hot).

Yes. Many many things can be learned. I should make a study of this.
I mean, things that happen in movies with Audrey Hepburn are exactly like real life, right?

Of course.

july matchbook out!

2011-06-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Ah Matchbook, what was life like before you?

Check it out here. :)

8 delicious low cal snack ideas

2011-06-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

So on my journey to become more health-conscious, I have switched from the standard three meals a day, to five to six small meals a day. Which in my opinion, is much more fun. You get to eat all day long!

But eating healthy doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste.
Below is a list of treats I have found to be particularly delicious and guilt-free. :)

1. Trader Joe's Plain Greek Non-Fat Yogurt & Maple Syrup
Quantity: 1 cup of the yogurt & 2 tbsp of the maple syrup
Total cals: 220, about 23 grams of protein!
Review: SO DELICIOUS!! I used to order this all the time at the fabulous cafe, Biscuit et Biscuit in Marseille. Its seriously an addiction. You can find these items anywhere, but Trader Joes sells the most delicious, low cal Greek yogurt I've seen in this city.

2. Almonds & Blueberries
Quantity: 1/4 cup of each
Total cals: about 190 cals
Review: this combo is delicious & almonds are supposed to curb your appetite, while blueberries are known to help with depression. So there ya go. Eating this combo will make you feel happy and self-controlled! Yes. :)

(source) -- This delicious bowl of yum is from a recipe that includes cream,
sugar and a whole lot of other high calorie additives.
I recommend just sticking to the basics. Fruit is sweet enough!

3. Fresh apricots & pistachios!
Quantity: 1/2 cup of pistachios & one apricot
Calories: about 218 calories
Review: Make sure to eat your apricot as ripe as possible. Also, pistachios are one of the best treats because you can eat a lot of them!

4. apples & peanut butter
Quantity: 1 medium red delicious apple, 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
Calories: about 165
Review: Can't go wrong with this delicious treat!

5. fruit smoothie
My personal recipe: blend 1 medium banana, 1/4 cup blueberries, a packet of stevia, 1 tbsp ground flax seed, 1/2 cup greek yogurt (try the Trader Joes suggested above), ice cubes
Calories: 215 calories
Review: Full of vitamins and fiber! Perfect for the healthy girl on the go!

6. sweet potato fries
My standard recipe: 1 sweet potato (dice it up like fries), 1/2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp pepper, 1 tsp salt. Bake it for 20-25 minutes on 400 degree. Voila!
Calories: about 160 calories
Review: Yum yum yum! Everyone I have ever made these for has loved them!

7. homemade hummus with raw veggies
My standard recipe: 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, 1 tsp olive oil, 1 crushed garlic clove, juice from 1 lemon, 1 tsp cumin & 2 tbsp tahini (try Sabra's) and one medium red pepper cut up to dip! Yum!
Calories: about 272
Note: Feel free to add more olive oil. But its about 40 calories per tsp, so make sure to keep track of that if you're concerned. :)

8. cottage cheese & cantaloupe
Quantity: one cup of breakstone's 2% cottage cheese and 1 cup of cantaloupe
Calories: about 160
Review: Cottage cheese is one of the best low cal treats! But don't try the non fat. Its kind of gross. Cottage cheese is also great with warm ripe tomatoes and your favorite savory spices.

What are your favorite low calories treats?

zooey's guide to life

2011-06-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

Check out Ms. Zooey's Guide to a Happy & Healthy Life here!

So much fun!

Me, the glamour girl?

2011-06-30T00:18:00.001-07:00

So, I'm officially a delighted (working) sales girl at a glamourous decor store in Beverly Hills!

And every day, I walk from my seriously fabulous parking garage to the store, passing Cartier & Versace on my way, pinching myself & thinking, "my work zip code is 90210. 90210. One of the most, if not the most glamourous zip code in the world." I mean seriously, who am I? Who am I? I went to high school in Daphne, Alabama! Now I work in Beverly Hills!" (Not to be confused with where I live. That's a completely different post. Ha.)

And not only that, but at work, we have a lot of celebrity clientele. And we not only serve them, but we get to help them pick out stuff for their house. Stuff that will probably appear in some magazine. Stuff that one of our employees could say, "yeah, I talked her into buying that. Now she swears by it." This is crazy y'all!!

Speaking of which, I have been DYING to see someone famous. Seriously yall. (Okay, semi-seriously) But all I get is some random paparazzi guy stalking someone in a hat & sunglasses, getting into a ridiculously expensive car. How on earth is a girl supposed to know who that is? What do you expect me to do, read US weekly every day studying their facial profiles? I should think not!

Also, one of the standard BH trends: designer sweatpants, big sunglasses & a little dog. Knock me over the head, but when was it okay to wear sweatpants in public? I mean seriously, I think Coco Chanel turns around in her oh-so-fabulous wallpapered casket every time someone wears pjs in public. I mean, come on ladies. Lets change that trend. Please. ;)

Okay, so that's probably enough for today.

Toodles! (and I want a poodle!)

- Posted on-the-go by yours truly on her air mattress (who needs a bed when you need to make rent?) in Lala Land

are you a sweater girl?

2011-06-28T22:06:00.004-07:00

I found this while doing some research for a short I'd like to direct & write!

In other news...I am looking for a job as a writer in LA. Either online or in an office. So if you know of any openings anywhere, let me know! LA is a great city, and I would love to write about it! :) (guess I already am...:)

Yay for fabulous cities!

Top 10 Summer Flicks that Bring Us Back

2011-06-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

For those of you who grew up in the late 80s/early 90s, here's a list of recommended films to bring you back to the good ole days of ice cream trucks, sprinkler fights, backyard campouts and staying up all night reading the latest Babysitters Club.

1. Now & Then :: Christina ricci, thora birch, Devon sawa? Yes, please.
2. The Sandlot :: "how can I want s'more of something if I havent had anything?"
3. Hook :: Dustin Hoffman at his finest
4. The Goonies :: do I even have to say anything?
5. The Mighty Ducks :: "quack, quack, quack!"
6. Newsies :: It's Christian Bale, hello!
7. The Babysitters Club :: I mean, who didn't have a successful babysitting club that was so organized it had a treasurer?
8. Man of the House :: Oh yeah, johnathan taylor thomas. Doesn't get any better that that, right girls?
9. Flipper :: Elijah wood in a dolphin movie. 'nough said.
10. Rookie of the Year :: I don't remember who that cute little boy was, but he basically owned all those disney movies.

I recommend watching all these movies on a Friday night (TGIF) with pizza, coke (make sure it's caffeine free!), chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream & your best friend. :)

Happy Friday!

- Posted on-the-go by yours truly

summer reading list

2011-06-23T10:40:00.003-07:00

With the first day of summer having already taken place, I think its high time to create your summer reading list. Don't you agree?

Here are a few books on my summer reading list...of which I've divided into categories, just to make myself feel more educated. haha. Though these are definitely more fun than educational!

1. Biography/Best Seller category: Bossypants by Tina Fey.
I mean, who doesn't love Tina? She creates some of the most relatable characters. And makes me feel better about myself when I accidentally spill ketchup on my shirt. I just think, oh this is so something Liz Lemon (30Rock) would do. Then I feel better.

2. Education: True Prep by Lisa Birnbach.
From the author of The Official Preppy Handbook, this book gives you the how-tos on what it means to be preppy in the 21st century. And I definitely need a lesson! Check out the interview with the author here.

3. Classic: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Surprisingly, I've never read the whole thing! So this is the time. :) I mean, a book about the glamourous lives of people from the 20s? Yes, please.

Pictured: a clutch by Kate Spade. Unfortunately, this piece is not available anymore. But don't fret, there are other classic book options here. :)

4. For my career: How to Stop Acting by Harold Guskin. I started reading this a few months ago, great book. Now its time to finish!

5. Frou-frou read: The Overnight Socialite by Bridie Clark.

I came across this adorable read earlier this year, but never picked it up. I think summer is a perfect time to read something like this, don't you? I'm thinking... a day at the beach with my bike (of which I'm still shopping for!), strawberries, sparkling water (with lime of course) and this. Ah, c'est la vie. :)

Hello summer!

hollywood bicycle beauties

2011-06-20T10:44:00.001-07:00

In light of my current search for the perfect bike to cruise me around LA, I've posted these photos for inspiration. :)

If I'm honest I have to tell you, I still read fairy tales

and I like them best of all. -Audrey Hepburn

Never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun.

- Katharine Hepburn

If its true that men are such beasts, this must account for the fact

that most women are animal lovers. -Doris Day

Emancipation of women has made them lose their mystery. -Grace Kelly

Although no one believes me, I have always been a country girl

and still have a country girl's values. -Ava Gardner

I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened,

and I'm not afraid to look behind them. -Elizabeth Taylor

Be yourself. The world worships the original. -Ingrid Bergman

The only way to enjoy anything in this life is to earn it first. -Ginger Rogers

LA update

2011-06-17T14:01:00.003-07:00

Hey friends!

A few of you have requested to know more about how my acting career is going out here in LA. Though my personal life is probably boring, I'll go ahead and let you know anyway! Why not. Though I'm sure you're more interested in design stuff!

5 interesting things:
1. Just moved into the house full of sweet boys in central LA 2 weeks ago (master bedroom + master bathroom feels like a luxury when the 4 boys are sharing one, haha!)

2. I got a job working in sales for a decor store in Beverly Hills! And...I've been thinking about using this experience to launch my "day job" career as an interior decorator. Which would be a really fun, flexible job for an aspiring actress!

3. I'm dressing up as Marilyn Monroe for this movie I'm in tomorrow night. Its a short film about a costume party. Directed by the guy who just won the Student Academy Award for best narrative film. Graduate of the American Film Institute. Can't wait!

4. I had a lovely conversation with the former head of United Talent Agency the other day at a cafe in Bev Hills. Though we didn't exchange information, he wanted to meet me a year from that day in that very place to see how I'm doing. (they say your first year in LA doesn't count) -- haha. I doubt I'll ever see him again, but you never know! He knows my name. Though I'm kicking myself for not giving him my info!

5. I've enrolled in an acting class with Michelle Danner at the Larry Moss Studio in Santa Monica. Michelle has coached Zooey Deschanel, James Franco & Isla Fisher! So that should be fun.

Okay. That's 5 things that I hope are more interesting than they sound!

Hope you're having a fab day!!!

P.S. My personal, acting website will be up soon! I'll be sure to share it with you!

hello giggles by zooey deschanel!

2011-06-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

Y'all should check out Hellogiggles.com! It was started by Zooey Deschanel and her friends. So cute!

Check it out here.

free trip to paris? oui, mais bien sur!

2011-06-11T23:42:00.001-07:00

So the adorable blog, Oh Happy Day, is giving away a free trip to Paris for one week. Totally entering.

You should too! Enter here. :)))

a fabulous picnic

2011-06-10T12:24:00.003-07:00

Yesterday, a sales associate from Zara asked me if I knew of where she could buy a cute picnic basket. Thus giving me the idea for this post! (Btw, sorry I've been so MIA, but that will change soon!)

So I've compiled a list of five things you need to have a fabulous summer picnic!

1. Beautiful scenery. Try a park, the beach, something overlooking mountains or even a courtyard in the middle of a big city. Skies the limit! No matter where you live, you can always find something gorgeous nearby. Or maybe take a day trip somewhere! A hike and a picnic....c'est magnifique!

source: the sweet occassion

2. A durable, cute picnic basket. They're worth the investment! Make sure to find one that will keep your wine bottle and plates secure. Check out the local thrift store, on ebay or at an online store like picnicfun (product pictured below). Also makes the perfect wedding gift!

Pictured: Rendevous Picnic Basket for Four

3. The perfect picnic blanket or quilt. Try LL.Bean for something more practical or simply bring a tablecloth that you love. Though quilts are the best because they're cute and have plenty of padding!

Source: promo-wholesale

4. Gourmet cheeses, fruits, wine & bread. When I lived in France, the French always dined this way. I never once saw a pre-made turkey sandwich. They always dined with the most delicious looking food! Pack this way, and you'll want to go on a picnic every day.