Oh man oh man… I can not wait for Friday. Wine tasting with my best girl friends, what could be better? As you can imagine, a weekend such as this requires a special wardrobe. I can get quite anal about packing, making lists and checking them twice, so I’ll probably be starting tomorrow. Here’s a version of some things I’ll be bringing with me.
No. 1 // No. 2 // No. 3 // No. 4 // No. 5 // No. 6
Jun 18, 2013
It’s felt like summer for quite a while here in LA, but it officially starts on Friday. The kids are out of school and hanging around our apartment complex during the day, we went through 2 boxes of popsicles this weekend, and I got sunburned on Sunday, so it’s officially summer in my book. Here are some tunes to get you outside and enjoying the sunshine.
Subscribe to the Summer Daze playlist here or by clicking below.
Just for fun, check out last year’s Summer Lovin’ Mix Tape! It’s still pretty good if I do say so myself…
I used to watch The West Wing after dinner with my parents every night. The subject matter and humor may have been mostly over my head (I was 12 when the show started) but I was fascinated by the fast paced witty dialogue and the idea of working with the President. I’ve been a politics junky ever since. I recently decided to re-watch The West Wing from start to finish (bless you Netflix). It was on for a long time, so I’m not very far into it, but already loving all the characters all over again. It’s so interesting to see how issues have evolved (or not) since the early 2000′s. Did any of you watch the show?
I spent a wonderful Father’s day with my Dad yesterday. I know I’m lucky to have my father so close. The whole family went out to the Long Beach Flea Market (Dad loves a good swap meet), then the Aquarium of the Pacific (Dad is also a big fish lover) and then his favorite restaurant Slater’s 50/50. They make a 50% beef, 50% bacon burger and it’s pretty good… We were all rolling out of there at the end of our meal. This photo of the 2 of us was taken when I was about 2 years old at Bryce Canyon National Park. On this trip my dad decided I had gotten too big for the baby backpack.
Oh my gosh, this upcoming weekend is my Bachelorette trip to Temecula (Southern California Wine Country)! 6 of my very best girl friends and I are heading down there for great food, great wine, and some fun in the sun. My wonderful Maid of Honor has planned everything, so all I know is we’re grabbing dinner Friday night, wine tasting ALL DAY Saturday, and staying in for a old-school slumber party in the hotel suite Saturday night—pizza, nail polish, chick-flicks and boy talk. Any good girl movies we should bring? Also what Temecula wineries can you recommend? (P.S. this photo was taken at a dance party during ALT Summit!)
Jun 14, 2013
From now on Friday posts will be more than just an update on my weekend plans… I’m going to give you some ways to waste time! Here are 5 things I found and loved this week…
We walked to the subway from our house, took it to Union Station and walked to dinner in Olvera Street.
Colourcode – I played with this site for hours when I discovered it. Holy wow… Click the icon in the upper left corner, and you can create some really beautiful color palettes. Book mark this for the next project you do. You’ll thank me later.
Babylon Light – These light fixtures are incredible. I had one of those, why didn’t I think of that? moments… I would love to see if someone could do a cheap DIY for this. Any takers?
Ladybug plays with sprinkles – Seriously people, this is just about the most adorable thing in the world.
& Other Stories – Found this beautiful site the other day. It’s not the best as far as getting me to buy something (kinda confusing) but I scrolled through the homepage in awe for a good hour.
The Summery Serape – I’m obsessed with this idea. We’re going to the Long Beach flea on Sunday, and I really hope I can score A. a vintage serape for cheap and/or B. a stool that needs a make-over. Wish me luck!
Jun 13, 2013
I don’t know about you guys, but my dad loves bacon… and chocolate. So what better gift than bacon chocolate candy?! I actually came up with this idea while at Target where I found this awesome bacon silicon ice cube tray. I don’t think these kinds of trays work the best for ice cubes, but they make excellent candy molds. Scroll down for the full DIY.
What you need:
2 8oz containers melting chocolate (I bought the kind you use to dip fruit)
Candy mold – like this bacon ice cube try
1 pound bacon – cooked crispy and chopped into small pieces
Foil candy wrappers
What to do:
Melt your chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments until smooth. Add 1/2 pound bacon pieces to each 8oz container and mix together. Spoon into molds and freeze for about 10 minutes. Pop candy out of mold and wrap in foil. Store in the fridge and enjoy!
This recipe made 28 pieces of candy. You could easily cut this recipe in half by only using 1 8oz container of melting chocolate and a half pound of bacon. We made a batch for both of our dads.
all photos by me for LoveCreative Blog
Let me know if you try this out. It’s easy and seriously delicious. My dad is going to be one happy guy!
One of the biggest hits at my bridal shower last month was a simple memory matching game. It was so popular, 3 people asked me to forward them the candy list and icons I made, so I figured I would share it with you as well!
my lovely bridesmaids running the game for my guests. photo by my dear friend Amanda Jean of Jean & Gene Creative
Here’s how it works:
Cover a piece of foam core with wrapping paper. Download and print 2 sets of the wedding themed icons I designed. Cut out the icons and arrange them randomly on the board. Number Post-It Notes 1-48 and stick them with push pins on the board.
Guests take turns trying to find matches. When they find one, they win a candy bar that goes with the icon!
Here’s the candy list:
Don’t forget to download the icons! I hope you have as much fun with this game as we did!
Jun 11, 2013
I have been craving icy popsicles like no other, so I’ve scoured the internet to bring you a round up of 20 pops that are sure to delight and satisfy.
Back in college my friend and I thought we were so clever when we made “gourmet” popsicles using fresh fruit and coconut milk… This list right here would have blown us away—sweet corn, rose petals, cheesecake, figs—the list goes on… take a look for yourself!
I think the first ones I’m going to have to try are the Red Wine Fudgesicles…. Holy YUM!
Which ones sound good to you?
Apricot Rice Pudding Pops // Coconut Mango Creamsicles // Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Pops // “Mounds” Ice Cream Bars // Creamy Chocolate Fudgesicles // Fig, Vanilla & Sour Cream Pops // Roasted Sweet Corn Pops // Chocolate Dipped Banana Pops // Blackberry Lime Cheesecake Pops // Blueberry Cheesecake Pops // Firecracker Pops // Chocolate Coconut Rum Pops // Red Wine Fudgesicles // Invisible Cookie Dough Pops // Banana Fudge Popsicles // Avocado Lime Popsicles // Watermelon Mojito Pops // Striped Ice Pops // Prosecco-Rose Petal Pops // Honeydew Mint Ice Pops
I started a new book last week, The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani. I’m not very far into it, but I can already tell this one is going to be romantic. It’s a love story between two young people set in the late 1800s starting in the Italian Alps and immigrating to New York City. So far it’s wonderful. Trigiani writes beautifully and really transports you to the frosty northern Italian villages, carved out of the mountainside. It’s a long book too—over 400 pages—so perfect for a summer vacation!
We spent all of yesterday working on wedding DIY projects, and by we I mean me, M, and 2 of my bridesmaids (best friends/bridesmaids in the world). We glittered 87 mason jars of varying sizes, and sanded and stained about 55 wooden boxes. Phew… I’m tired, but feeling so accomplished and grateful for getting so much knocked out in one day. Of course we still have plenty to do, but I’m checking those 2 items off the list. Look out for the mason jar DIY next week!
As we were working yesterday my friends and I were discussing the very real existence of June gloom here in Los Angeles. I personally kind of like the break from hot weather, and as you know, I really dig cold gloomy weather. I’ve been waking up and craving somber tunes and hot coffee, and then by noon my whole mood lightens and it’s time for upbeat music and iced coffee! Anyone else enjoy June gloom? And I’m curious, does this phenomenon happen in other parts of the country?
Jun 07, 2013
I’m not sure where this week went… but I guess it’s good being busy with work.
We’re getting started on wedding DIY projects this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited! Firstly because crafting with friends is always fun, but also I’m looking forward to knocking stuff off my to-do list.
Lots of celebrating in store this weekend with a bridal shower for a friend and a birthday party!
What about you guys? Any fun plans this weekend?
photo taken at the Huntington Desert Garden on Mother’s Day
Jun 06, 2013
During the rest of the year I don’t wear too much make-up, but in the summer I hardly wear any. Even when I go out at night I keep it as simple and natural as possible. I really love the bronzed healthy glow my skin gets in hot weather, so why cover it up?!
That being said, one of my favorite things to do is pick up new cheap beauty products from the drugstore, and lately I’ve found up some great ones! You can buy all of this (except the Pink body spray and maybe the Pixi nail polish) for under $10 at any local drugstore.
Victoria’s Secret Pink Spring Break Body Mist in Jasmine Lime 8.4 oz for $12 // Such a long name, but this body spray smells amazing. I picked up the 2.4 oz on sale for $8, but I couldn’t find it online. I tossed it in my gym bag but frequently pull it out for a spray in the morning. It’s such a refreshing, bright scent.
Pixi Coral Cabana Nail Polish for $8 // This was a gift from a dear friend. We are nail polish freaks and always gift each other new colors for birthdays and holidays. This color is super neon coral, which is awesome, and also has kind of a semi-gloss/semi-matte finish. It’s hard to explain, but it looks super cool.
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Coffee Cake for $8 // I think this was my favorite purchase. I picked this up when I forgot my makeup on a trip out of town. The texture is weirdly bouncy and creamy, but goes on like powder. The Coffee Cake color is a perfect natural bronze on me. I’ve been wearing it everyday.
Maybelline Full N’ Soft Mascara in Black for $5.50 // If you’re looking for a good cheap mascara, this is it. I have been wearing this off and on since high school. It can be a bit clumpy, so make sure you blot or comb it out.
Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti for $6.50 // This lipstick is no joke, bright orange. I bought it out of curiosity and actually love it. Maybe it’s just my coloring—coral seems to look good on me, but I know it’s not for everyone. I usually apply it very lightly and it doesn’t get too dried out.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF 12 for $8 // I bought this last year and used it all up, I need to buy some more. I always have a broad range of SPFs, starting around 30 at the beginning of the summer and working my way down to this one at 12. I love that this it smells like coconuts and goes on like lotion.
