{crumb cake muffins}

WOW! It has been such a long time since I've posted anything. And the month I've been absent has flew by with me being busy looking for a new apartment. I know what you're thinking, how can that take up a month of your time? But it truly did...spending time during the day, then again at night to follow-up on the weekends, exhausting! It was definitely an experience but one that I don't want to experience for quite some time. I can say for the most part I am settled in and absolutely love our new place. Even more excited to get back to blogging. Boy have I missed it!

In my search to find cute little things to add to our new place I found these pink silicone flower shaped cupcake holders. ADORABLE! So yesterday morning I woke up wanting to bake in the lovely kitchen. We couldn't have asked for a better kitchen - spacious, lots of room to work and tons of light. To toast off to the new place, please enjoy the crumb cake muffins. They were delicious....my roommates thought so too ;)

{You can't see here, but I layered the batter and brown sugar toppings, instead of just adding
it to the top - I recommend}

{Right out of the oven}

{Waiting to cool down}

{Do I say anything more}

Have a lovely Monday!!!

{spring/summer checklist}

Now grab a pen and paper and jot down some of this season's basic shirts. I think all of these are very essential as warm weather is around the corner. When you're out shopping don't always pick black and white, I know it's so easy but so safe. Spring and Summer is all about color. And don't forget to grab prints too, perfect for layering. Once you start checking off your list you'll be happy that you will have a closet full of this season's best.

Happy Shopping!

{griffith observatory}

Despite thinking it was going to rain all day Sunday, it ended up being a beautiful day so we went to the Griffith Observatory. This was my first time and talking to a few people there, it's even better at night. 

The Observatory from afar.
 Love the idea of packing a lunch and bringing a blanket as you can see there's lots of space. Dogs were playing catch, kids chasing each other and lots of runners & bikers.

I was amazed at how green everything was, I've been told it won't look like that come June.

Infamous Hollywood sign!

The houses, the trails, the hills - need I say more.

Beautiful view of wonderful Los Angeles!!!

Great end to a lovely afternoon. And after that we went to an Oscar party with all the best finger foods, wines and desserts. Sundays like this are hard to come by and I truly enjoyed it.

{source: my Nikon D3000}

{yay the weekend}

But boo, it's going to rain...100% chance at that. That only means I get to snuggle inside and work on some much needed DIY projects or do some lovely baking. Is weather permitting you to stay inside too?

Well I think my weekend picks might leave you wanting to go thrifting. The army-influenced trend is not only a perfectly laid-back choice for the day or weekend, it's also neutral enough to work with almost every style....boyish inspired to the most feminine.

I love that some of these pieces are a wardrobe's necessity because it has that sexy I-borrowed-my-boyfriend's (fill in the blank) vibe. With boxy shapes you can add authentic patches or embellish the shoulders. And for those girly girls, have fun with a mini dress/skirt and heels, for a unparalleled girls get-together.

Have a great weekend!

{spring = jackets}

Spring is upon us, which for most of you that means no more snow and for me that means no more rain. Regardless, I am ecstatic that it's only 17 days away. That first day its nice I'm sure you go straight to everything you haven't worn in the past 6 months. And if you're like me, you'll probably gravitate to some of those summer dresses and tops. So to not look completely ridiculous or get too cold add one of these charming jackets. I have a variety already, but I think it's so adorable to add the pink or one of these one of a kind pieces to break up the monotony of basic jackets. Yep! I love, I need and I want.

{images:yesstyle}

{so comfortable}

This weekend was a bit of relaxing, watching the end of the Olympics and spending a day in the sun in sunny LA, very lovely. Am I the only one thinking that this morning came way too quick? I want to crawl back into bed and pull the covers over my head. Then I wake up with a cup of tea and a Elle magazine at my side.

{source: unknown}

Enjoy your Monday! I'm off to get inspired. The post from Friday still has me jotting a ton of ideas down. I saw this pic this weekend too, adding it to the folder. And possible next DIY project. I'd add chain to intertwine with the ribbons and lace.

{Emma Cassi}

{weekend is here}

My friends, what are your plans for the weekend? I have a few ideas up my sleeve. I'm thinking I'll ride my bike (actually rent one since I don't have one) down the Santa Monica pier. I've been wanting to do that since I've been here. I've also wanted to walk up runyon canyon, heard it's a great workout. And last but not least maybe take a trip to Ikea especially after seeing the office below. I actually still have a gift card from Christmas to use.

While working in the men’s department at L.A’s Ron Herman, Tonia Kim got the attention of the store’s buyers after they saw her impressive jewelry creations. They quickly placed an order for her pieces. Contemplative about her career path, Tonia moved to Chicago for law school but returned to her true metalworking passion upon graduation. Soon after, Toki Collection was born.

After studying metalsmithing, casting and stone setting, Tonia began creating her nature inspired collections, further mastering her acute technique. Her handcrafted pieces are made primarily of oxidized sterling silver and 10k or 14k yellow and white gold. Such beautiful pieces.

With a view of Chicago’s skyline, Tonia works from her spacious city studio. She is inspired by her worldly travels, organic found objects and her experimental discoveries. Committed to protecting the environment, she uses recycled precious metals from eco-conscious refineries
{images/article: stylesight}

Don't you love her space? I want my home office to look like that. Completely organized, colorful and full of inspiration.

Have a lovely lovely weekend! See you Monday :)

{spring sunglasses}

For as long as I can remember I have always had a gang of sunglasses. With most things I love sunglasses and better yet, you can never have too many. When walking past a sunglass vendor I'll look from the corner of my eye as if I'm not paying attention. That right there is a sign of a problem. But since I'm such a sucker I usually find a pair especially when they're cheap :). Over the course of the last few weeks I've been eyeing a few that I want to be my staple pair for the season. Which ones will they be? Hmmm! Ok, it's your turn. Do you like sunglasses as much as I do?

{stripes & lace}

Now lately I've been talking about all the feminine, pretty and girly things that I gravitate to when I'm shopping, i.e. lace. Yes an ongoing topic for at least a little bit (I'll have a new obsession soon), but how cute is it to add stripes? It definitely adds the element of comfort too. So perfect for spring, an outfit from day to night or for a weekend trip. Put on some heels and a touch of color, you'll be sure to turn heads. LOVES IT!

{tgif}

Have a wonderful weekend friends, it's been one heck of a week - WOW! So this weekend should be very enjoyable. I'm really looking forward to it. It's been so nice this week that I'd love to get outside to continue this lovely weather but I think it may be a lil rainy. Boo! Do you have any big plans? Be sure to enjoy whatever you do. Until Monday, I leave you with this. My new shoe obsession of the week. I definitely deserve to splurge on these.

P.S. Isn't it amazing how you can talk yourself into buying anything? I'm so good for that.

{Zara ankle boots, took pic with iphone}

{stylecaster}

It's Fashion Week in New York and as sad it makes me feel that I am not at all the festivities, I am keeping myself up to date here. StyleCaster is a fashion community of all kinds of fashion related articles and information. I've been obsessing over the report cards. Writers basically give their personal opinion of the designers while jotting down notes and giving a letter grade at the end. Neat, right? Definitely check it out.

{All The Pretty Birds}

I find this fit to be so adorable and appropriate while attending a days worth of fashion shows especially with the unreasonable cold temps. Definitely me! More NY street fashion to come...

{flea market shopping}

Ever since I've been here, which hasn't been that long I've been wanting to go to Melrose Trading Post aka flea market. So yesterday was the day....a beautiful 80 degrees too. As I didn't know what to expect, I gave myself a very limited amount of money to spend as I can get out of control. This was my favorite find and let's just say, I'll be back. If you're in LA and haven't gone, I recommend.

>

And my friend got this one, I absolutely adore it. I'll be borrowing this for sure, if I don't keep it for myself. :)

{happy weekend}

Well until Monday I leave you with my weekend picks and some spring pick me ups...Ooo la la. I am really into the soft color palette with anything feminine, girly, whimsical, etc. It's a perfect weekend to pair these items for a night out on the town. I added the ballet flats for a more casual look or if you're going to be more low key.

While out shopping last weekend I couldn't get enough of all the new spring looks. I know I keep saying that, but I really mean it. I pretty much wanted everything. While my mom was trying on shoes, I got distracted somehow & made it over to the M.A.C and Chanel counter. The colors are fantastic! Here are a few of my faves.

{Chanel nail colors: Particuliere, Tendresse, Inattendu }

{MAC lipglass: 3N, 2N, Light that fire, Feeling dreamy}
I got a lipglass off the Viva Glam collection as the colors resemble the ones above. However what I like about mine is that 100% of the money goes to the AIDS funds to support the fight against AIDS. So that in itself is a reason to buy. {Check it out -Viva glam V1} Love it!

{MAC balm: Feelin good}

{MAC lipstick: Spiced Tea, Siss, Warm me up}
I wanted the Spiced Tea but it was sold out, womp! So I got Gel AA9, very similar just with a little more frost...probably liking it better actually.

Okay! I'm off to start my weekend, I hope you have a lovely one! But before I go...RIP Alexander McQueen. The fashion world will forever miss you!

{i'd die}

These shoes/clogs are to die for. I saw this here, a blog I look at pretty often and immediately had to post because like her, I have to know who makes these (or find something very similar). Can you keep your eyes and ears open for me? Once I find, I'll be sure to post with an outfit.

{southern comfort}

WOW! What an amazing weekend! My sister and her RENT crew have been living in a beach house that sits directly on the beach. Hard life, I know. So I took full advantage of walking about 20 steps to the ocean. Water was slightly cold as I only put my feet in but nonetheless nothing short of incredible!!!

{Wearing: Zara dress, JCrew hat, Aldo shoes}