Hello 2014

who said new year's resolutions have to be practical?

5 Things You Need To Make This Christmas

with christmas right around the corner, many of us are scrambling to find new recipes to impress the ever looming relatives. we all know tradition can be drab, so go ahead, be brave and throw aunt ethel's special green stuff recipe to the wind. i have found these are some perfectly acceptable replacements. 

can't get enough? my new favorite place to find sophisticated and innovative recipes is right here. thanks for saving my xmas day menu food52.

top to bottom
chocolate caramel shortbread bars
caramelized onion, squash and ricotta tartines
daube provencale
timpano 
gingerbread eggnog pumpkin pie

Get Up To Speed: My Current Spotify Playlist

"music is what feelings sound like"




playlist highlights:

silver screen
other side of the sky
elliot

December Mood Board

what i'm wearing this cold weather season. can't help but take advantage while it lasts.

Cozy Up.. Don't You Know It's Winter?

yes, it is true. i am back. 

Daily Dose of Inspiration: Kiss the Sun

"don't stop imagining. the day that you do is the day that you die."

listen: 

What I'm Listening To: Remix Edition

i discovered alt-j a little while back and really enjoy the low-set vocals and drawn out melodies. ellie goulding recently released an extension of her album halcyon, halcyon days, and one of the bonus tracks is an artistic remix of the alt-j song "tessellate." i instantly fell in love.




craving more new music? 
check out these recent releases (or soon to be) that are sure to be a good listen.

arctic monkeys- AM
arcade fire- reflektor
dr. dog- b-room
mgmt- mgmt 
grouplove- spreading rumors 

Shady Lady

     check out this new shades trend to get you through fall.
     must-have mirrored aviators.

5 (healthy) Things I Need to Make. Now.

1. avocado and egg breakfast pizza
2. summer veggie rolls
3. salmon with sriracha & lime
4. spaghetti with lemon, garlic and kale 
5. vegan oatmeal cookies

5 Ways to Utilize Hanging Lights

What I'm Listening To: Rhye

for when you need something calming.



i fell in love with the jazz undertones after seeing him live at outside lands. definitely a good listen.

Lazy Days: Saturday Morning

5 Remedies to a Summertime Cold

Wildfox Couture track suit/ Relax Throw pillow/ Emergen-C Vitamin Drink

getting sick during the summer can be a real downer, especially when the sun is going strong and your friends are off at the beach getting their tan on. the best thing you can do is take a few days of r&r...and try to stay cool. 

cold season decided to hit me early, so while i am stuck inside, fever and all, i thought i'd share with you some of my tried and true cold remedies, tailored towards the summer heat. take it from experience, drinking tea when it is 95 degrees outside is not enjoyable. 

• emergen-c: when you are sick, vitamin c is the best thing you can put in your body. it not only strengthens your immune system but gives you a boost of energy. emergen-c is my go-to drink when i feel a cold coming on, but if my body gets the better of me, i continue a strict regimen of two a day to keep myself sane and on the fast track to recovery. tip: i only add about a 1/4 cup of ice cold water, it is more concentrated, fizzy and easy to get down. 
• netflix: will be your best friend. when your whole body is aching and you can't move, fall asleep to your fav tv show, marathon style; or discover the endless selection of throwback movies from your childhood. being sick is a great time to reminisce. 
• comfy pjs: nothing softens the blow of a sick day like your favorite pair of pajamas. find something soft and worn in to make watching those netflix movies that much more fun.
• strawberry orange smoothie: eating while you are sick can be a struggle. with the flu comes a loss of appetite, but neglecting your body will delay your recovery! because of the hot weather, i tend to avoid tea, but whipping up a frosty strawberry orange smoothie gives you a healthy dose of vitamin c and feels great on a sore throat. oh, and it is easy to make too. 
• sleep: the best cure to a cold is sleep. if you are anything like me and have a million things running through your head at a time, being sick can really stress you out. i absolutely hate sitting around doing nothing. but take this time to appreciate that is something you need to do for yourself and it is perfectly acceptable to sleep from the hours of 11am to 5pm, trust me, it will help. 

Daily Dose of Inspiration: Live Fearlessly

do something this weekend you have never done before. 

My Current Obsession: Geographer

electro and indie-pop rolled into one? you can't get much better.

kites is by far my favorite. check it out below. 

My Weekly Fitness Routine

go do something that makes you sweat

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finding a workout schedule that works for you is 3/4 of the battle of getting and staying in shape. especially in a world where your day to day activities vary, the lack of consistency can make it difficult to stay committed to your workout goals.

to help, i thought i would share what i have found to work for me. it is not much, but paired with a healthy diet and a little dedication i have stayed one happy & healthy girl. 

my advice to you would be to set aside at least 30 minutes a day to focus on yourself and fitness. you will be surprised how well the two mesh. whether it be a run to starbucks and back or a circuit of leg busting exercises in your apartment, that 30-minutes os sweating will keep you sane through the week. just knowing you are doing something to help your body not only clears your mind but boosts your confidence as well and with the added rush of endorphins, you will be glowing inside and out!


my week in workouts: 

monday: 20 minute run, arms & abs

tuesday: 20 minute run, legs & abs

wednesday: leg circuit, arms, abs & stretching

thursday: 20 minute run, arms & abs

friday: 20 minute run, legs & abs

weekend: outdoor activity, i try to either go on a hike or do yoga at the beach. 


fit tips and tricks:

• always warm up with some stretching or walking. you don't want to sprain any muscles!
• when running, interval training is the best way to lose weight fast. especially because i can only take 20 minutes on the treadmill, i run at higher speeds, alternating often. 
• in order to see long term results, slowly increase the intensity of your workouts over time. you should feel yourself getting stronger so do not be afraid to pick up the 7 lb. dumbbells instead of the 5 pounders or push yourself a little harder on the treadmill a few times a week. 
• stay hydrated! especially during the summer, it gets HOT. try drinking water with lemon and ice to change it up. 
• workout with a friend, getting off your bed is the hardest part, so if you have someone holding you accountable there should be no excuse. plus, it will just be more fun. 
• change it up and workout outside. take advantage of the resources around you and check out your local running clubs and donation-based yoga programs. it is also a great way to make new friends. 

when you're looking for some motivation (or just become a health-nut):

• fitsugar
• this fitness blog
• reasons to be fit
• my healthy pinterest board!

Style Muse: Pretty in....Black

"black is the new black." 

3 Foods You Should Grab Instead of a Pastry

"train your mind to see the good in everything." 

in order to prevent that post cinnamon swirl regret, try keeping these 5 health-ified sweets on hand as an alternative. trust me, your waistline and conscience will thank you. 

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we all know how delicious a blueberry muffin or piece of coffee cake can be with your morning coffee, especially when you are late and rushing out the door in the morning... sans bfast.

1. strawberry nutri-grain bar: only 120 calories and containing 11 grams of sugar, this sweet treat hits all the right notes without sending you into a sugar coma
2. fruit smoothie: try whipping up a sweet, creamy blend of frozen berries and soy milk to curb your morning sweet tooth. you will get all that sugary goodness without the carbs and the added bonus of antioxidants
3. peanut butter & honey pita: you cannot get much better than smearing pb and honey on a piece of whole wheat pita bread. it is a sweet and satisfying treat full of protein to keep you energized and focus until lunchtime. the only real hesitation involved is creamy or crunchy? 

E. A. T.: African Style Stewed Kale

i always buy kale with the intention of using it to do great things, try new recipes and jumpstart my healthy diet. but for some reason the poor bag always ends up left in the fridge, half full and wilting. this time i was determined to get creative. and this is what resulted. 

a spiced, creamy and rich stewed kale with an incredible depth of flavor. and even better, it took me all of 15 minutes to whip up. the keys to this recipe are the spices and peanut butter in the sauce. they are both easy ways to create dimension in a dish with only a few ingredients.

served over quinoa this african style stewed kale is a punch of flavor that will keep you healthfully satisfied. 

thank you to bon apetit magazine for the delicious recipe and delectable pic ♡

Heat 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter in a large sauté pan. 

Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until soft. 

Stir in 1 Tbsp. ground cumin and 1 Tbsp. ground coriander, then 1 28-oz. can of crushed tomatoes and chopped stemmed leaves from 2 heads of kale. Cover and cook until kale is just tender, about 15 minutes. 

Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and simmer for 10 minutes; season with hot pepper sauce, if desired. Serve over couscous or quinoa.

Too Big to Fail

just a little something to get you through the work day. 
your on your own for the weekend though. 

My Fall Concert Calendar

                                                                      

          grouplove
troubadour
sept. 17
* * * * * 
m83
hollywood bowl
sept. 22
* * * * * 
the xx w/ the chromatics
hollywood bowl
sept. 29
* * * * * 
youth lagoon
first unitarian church
oct. 4
* * * * * 
radical face
the masonic lodge at the 
hollywood forever cemetery
oct. 24
* * * * * 
iron & wine
orpheum theatre
oct. 31
* * * * * 
two door cinema club
greek theatre
nov. 2
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5 iPhone Apps You Don't Want To Miss Out On

Afterlight 
photo editing

• this photo editing app for your phone has an endless number of subtle filters to add just the right amount of edge to your photos. the textures and light effects make the app even more fun and for those of you who are fans of frames, you will be in heaven. oh and they make it easy to export to your instagram! 

Song Kick 
music discovery

• my go to music app, song kick organizes all of my music in one place. it downloads the artists on your iPod and notifies you when one of your artists goes on tour or adds a show near you. now i never have to worry about missing a gig again. 

Find My Friends 
mapping

• admittedly creepy but way too much fun, this app allows you to follow friends and locate them on a map. it may not be necessary for everyday use but for those trips to vegas, it sure does come in handy. 

My Fitness Pal 
health

• i love this app because it makes it easy for me to track my daily caloric intake. the selection of nutritional information is vast and accurate. my favorite feature: you can scan a barcode on a food label and the app will import the nutritional information so say goodbye to manual input!

SoundHound 
music

• i don't know about you but my slight obsession with music keeps me constantly on the lookout for new beats to put on my iPod. this app lets you hold your phone up to the speaker and will identify the song name and artist. too cool! now i don't have to worry about never knowing the name of a song. 

My Fall Wish List

with school starting up again, some new additions to the wardrobe are a must. here is what is on my fall wish list. 
my top 5 stores:

1. free people
2. urban outfitters
3. wildfox couture 
4. bloomingdales 
5. asos 

printed leggings
check out the great selection at asos OR, urban is always my go to. i recommend pairing these vibrant bottoms with white converse and a simple top to balance out your outfit. throw in a jean jacket or jean shirt for some texture and extra edge!

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leather jacket

this leather jacket from free people is real leather and has a built in hoodie, giving it a great "street" look. the best part? it unzips from the jacket so you are left with the classic leather jacket of your dreams.

*  *  *  *  *  *   

ankle boots 
ankle boots are my new favorite way to dress up without looking like i am trying too hard. they are easy to walk in and are extraordinarily versatile. i will wear them to work and out that same night. i love the taupe color of these ecote boots, they match everything. 

* * * * * * 

lace bralette 

everyone likes to feel sexy, and what better way to feel gorg than with this sneaky lace bralette. it goes great under anything, especially a slightly shear sweater or top that drops off the shoulder. free people has a whole collection that i die for.

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oversized sweaters
winter, spring, summer, fall; for me it does not matter the season, you will find me in a sweater. ironic that i live in southern california, where they are never necessary. there is something about their comfy, cozy but styled look that i cannot avoid. my favorite places to find oversized sweaters? brandy melville, free people and wildfox.

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rings, rings & more rings

my current obsession, rings are the easiest way to add texture to your wardrobe. they are too much fun to mix and match, and over the past few months my collection has grown exponentially. try to layer with a variety of stone rings and knuckle rings. for a great selection of affordable options (so you can stock up of course) try urban or brandy melville.

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My Current Obsession: Washed Out

i can't seem to get enough of the instrumental, lo-fi pop lately. check out my latest obsession, the dreamy melodies make it easy to get lost in your thoughts. 

some of my favorite songs include:

*new theory- life of leisure

*far away- within and without  

*eyes be closed- within and without

Cures for the Monday Morning Blues

naps in hammocks, sparklers and some good old fashioned advice. 

Outside Lands 2013: What I Wore

these days it is impossible to go to a music festival without getting excited about what you are going to wear. as a southern californian i had to be strategic in my planning; 40 degree weather to me does not exist. in the end it all worked out, if anything the etherial music distracted me from the cutting wind. 

take a look at what i wore over the three days. 

day 1

day 2

day 3

My Current Obsession: Coffee with Honey

i have always enjoyed coffee, but in an attempt to keep things healthy i have picked up the habit of drinking it black. and some mornings that is just not the ish. 

so for days when i am craving a little something sweet, i add a bit of honey to my coffee! it is just the right amount of sweetness the all-natural way to get me moving in the morning. 

favorite cup of coffee: double shot espresso
favorite budget coffee: trader joe's french roast 
when i want to indulge: soy cinnamon dulce latte from starbucks 

Outside Lands 2013: What I Heard

Because I have so much to share about my three days in the wonderful sf golden gate park, i am instating a three part outside lands series. starting with the music of course...

you literally could not have dropped me in a more perfect place: non-stop live music, delicious local food and 65,000 people just as passionate about music as i am. for 72 hours i got to run around without a care in the world, clad in my staple wardrobe of boots, scarves and sweaters. i don't think my face has ever been so sore from smiling, my voice so hoarse from singling and my neck so knotted from swaying to the beat. 

the weekend started off with a chill vibe, my friends and i laying on the grass listening to the smith westerns in the background. the mellow crowd clattering around us set the stage for what was to come. 

music:
there is no way to clump all the music i saw into one category so i made three. here we go.

my favs: my favs are the classics, bands that i listen to on the reg and couldn't help but scream for when they came on stage. 

1. vampire weekend
2. phoenix
3. band of horses

suprised by: these bands i had researched and was ready to see and ended up being pleasantly surprised by. let's just say they have a special place on my spotify playlist now.

1. youth lagoon 
2. rhye 
3. zedd  

discoveries: you can't go to a music festival without exploring the music, with so many people playing my favorite thing to do was wander...and listen. 

1. smith westerns 
2. wavves
3. chromatics  

nontheless all of these artists should be added to your music library asap. i can help you out with that. be sure to check out my outside lands 2013 playlist below. 

oh and watch out for parts ii and iii (wardrobe and food will be involved!) 

Life Hack: Waking Up Refreshed

"sleep is the best meditation."

                                               -dalai lama

morning can be a rough time for everyone. so to prevent those mornings when your alarm clock slaps you in the face, try these fool proof tips for waking up refreshed and ready to start the day, slap free. i like to keep things simple in the morning, so some good old r&r the night before makes my life a lot easier.

1. skin: the key to glowing, clear skin is hydration, hydration, hydration. never skip washing your face and try to use a neutral, non-soap cleanser to get rid of that daily grime that accumulates (ew.) 
• what's the deal with retinol?
• the new powerhouse in skin care, retinol is a vitamin a based skin treatment that prevents anti-aging. but the benefits don't stop there. retinol increases cell turnover which gives you clearer, brighter and more evenly toned skin. basically, it's magic. derms suggest using a retinol cream nightly before bed. 
2. hair: to make your job easy in the morning, prevent major bed head by lightly braiding damp hair. you wake up with effortless waves. run anti-frizz serum through your hair in the morning and your ready to run out the door. 
3. sleep: believe it or not, the position you sleep in affects your skin health and appearance. prevent puffy eyes by sleeping on your back. so pile up the pillows, the elevation will help drain the fluids around your eyes. oh, and i know i sound like a broken record, but shoot for at least eight hours of sleep a night. we all have busy lives, but nothing screams refreshed like a good night's sleep. 

some of my sources: http://www.makeup.com/article/how-to-wake-up-pretty/, http://www.refinery29.com/retinol#slide-1

Daily Does of Inspiration: Coming at You Late

3 rules of life... i like to keep things simple. 

My Current Obsession: Apple Cider Vinegar

with so many weight loss and health trends going around it can be hard to keep up. but one trend that has stuck is that of apple cider vinegar. this tangy, sinus clearing supplement has a long list of health benefits that have actually produced results. check it out.

5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar You Need to Know About:

1. the slimming effect: apple cider vinegar is a natural detoxifier that regulates blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full longer reducing the urge for unnecessary snacking.
2. the balancing act: the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar balances ph levels in the body creating a better overall sense of well-being. need something to counteract that morning coffee- apple cider is your guy.
3. big hair, big ego: try rinsing your hair with some apple cider vinegar the next time you are in the shower. following your shampoo routine with this elixir will make it glossy, voluminous and healthier than ever!
4. tasteful treat: finally, apple cider vinegar tastes good! mix it into your salad dressings,put a dash in your smoothies for a tang and spice up your water with lemon and vinegar. 

my favorite way to enjoy apple cider vinegar is in my water. i add in some green tea and squeezed lemon, along with 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar. it satisfies my food cravings and tides me over until lunch. it is also my go to when i have an upset or bloated stomach. 

see what others are saying about apple cider vinegar! 

*lauren conrad & tone it up

*huffington post 

*refinery 29

Foolish Fridays...While We're Still Young

it's officially the weekend, what happens next is out of my control. 

Four Must Have Summer Dresses

1. free people ode to tea shimmer dress 

2. urban outfitters neon moon knit maxi dress 

3. silence + noise long sleeve dolman tee dress

4. the reformation ozone dress

Tips for Organizing Your Pocket Book

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keeping your finances organized and in check can be a serious challenge, especially when nordstrom's semi-annual sale is calling your name and that trendy new restaurant down the street just opened. but as a frugal college student or recent grad living on a limited income, it is important to remember the reality of life's expenses. the best way to make sure you don't end up in the hole is to know how much you are spending, what you are spending your money on and how much you are making. from there, you can create a budget making sure you don't miss out on dinner with friends at that new restaurant and ensuring you can splurge on a new top every once and a while (especially when nordstrom's semi-annual sale is on :)

check out my template to make tracking your expenses easy.

even better, have the internet do it for you. mint is a great free and secure program that syncs your credit card and bank accounts.

to get you started, here is a list of things you should be tracking:

• Necessary Expenses
• things like rent, electric/cable bills and groceries
• Personal Expenses
• things like shopping and eating out
• Income 
• track what money you are bringing in and where it is coming from

i also like to keep and want | need list. this helps me keep my purchases in perspective and prevents me from blowing my money on something i don't really need. 

**please note i am no sort of financial expert, i just wanted to past on some of my observations from personal experience. hope it helps!**

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"i've never been a millionaire but i know i'd just be darling at it." --dorothy parker 

Daily Dose of Inspiration: World Traveler

We Love Fridays

5 fun things you should do this weekend:

1.  go on a hike (and if your feeling nice, maybe you can bring your dog!)

2.  hit up the best sample sales 

3.  go to an outdoor concert/movie screening 

4.  sit and get coffee with an old friend 

5.  write down 3 things you want to change in your life. do them. 

San Diego Living: A Picture Book