Someday...

I’ll whip up this decadent, yet easy Australian dessert (courtesy of my sweet old roomie).

San Francisco will be home, again. Close to family and friends, whom I miss dearly.

I’ll carry a pretty bouquet of flowers as my Daddy walks me down the aisle.

And live in a beachy-chic house with lots of kids and a dog running around.

But right now, today? I have that Friday feeling... you know, that light, airy, anything-is-possible short of attitude, when two full weekend days lay ahead, ready and waiting?

So for now, I think I’ll just soak this feeling in and enjoy these moments. Enjoy today. Cheers to a present, in-the-moment sort of weekend, if you know what I mean!

{images via here, here, here, and here}

A Thought For Thursday

{image via here}

Twilight Concert Series

Last week we spent a magical evening with a few friends on the Santa Monica Pier enjoying the Twilight Concert Series. We stopped off at one of our favorite happy hour joints for a glass of Prosecco and their signature Gold Rush cocktail (two must-try's!). Then made our way through the hot, balmy night toward the growing crowd on the pier to sip a glass of wine and enjoy the free music. On our way home, we each grabbed a slice from one of Santa Monica's best pizza bars... a wonderfully relaxing Thursday night, sure to be repeated before summer ends!

{all photos: my iPhone}

On Finding Your Place

A surprise birthday bash and a “finance fiesta”. Two long morning runs. A bike ride to the beach. Fresh gladiolus from Trader Joe’s on sale for only $1.99. A few games of beach volleyball and a refreshing dip in the ocean. Topped off with a ‘congratulations’ champagne toast and roast chicken dinner. 

This jam-packed weekend was full of lots of friends and fun. K and I feel like we’ve finally come into our own here in sunny Los Angeles. It really does feel like home, as we’ve hit a comfortable stride that makes me feel easy-going and light (I know, a big shocker! for this type-A, control freak). Here’s to a great week :)

{image via My iPhone}

Hello Friday

+ officially joined my first book club and conveniently have already read this month’s book, a real page-turner that I would highly recommend.

+ my favorite J.Crew sandals are on sale in stores… planning to go pick up another pair this weekend.

+ Wednesday marked what would have been Julia Child’s 100^th birthday - some fun lesser-known facts about the legendary cook and chef :)

+ had a blast last night at the Twilight Concert Series on the Santa Monica pier (can’t believe it’s the first time we’ve attended!).

+ Ina’s Rossini Cocktail looks delightful and refreshing– thanks for sharing, Oprah!

+ one ambitious little girl and her lemonade stand for a good cause… check it out.

Have a wonderful weekend! xo.

{image via here}

My Very First Beach Cruiser

The last time I got a bike I was about seven or eight years old and it was Christmas morning. My dad took my brother (who, despite being four years younger than me, is incredibly athletic and coordinated, so he, too, was ready for a bike with no training wheels!) and I outside so we could take our new set of wheels for a spin. I remember it being an absolute blast and thinking that I would want to ride my little pink bike forever and ever... until of course, just days later, said brother decided to hop on my bike and proceeded to take it for a swim in our pool after cutting a corner a little too close (so much for that incredible coordination, huh?!). He ended up being just fine, although soaking wet, and he even claimed to have given my little bike a good wash in the pool ;)

Anyways, the past weekend I got my very first beach cruiser (complete with the cutest wicker basket!) and I absolutely love love love it!!! I haven't had a bike since I was a little girl, but all of the excitement quickly flooded back to me as I hopped on and rode towards to the beach. We popped on to the strand and enjoyed the hot, sunny weather in Santa Monica and Venice. It was a blast :) Complete with a quick pit stop for an ice cold, fountain diet coke and my favorite Toll House cookie sandwich!

{Photos: my iPhone pics}

The Secret O' Life...

“is enjoying the passage of time”.

Wise words by none other than James Taylor J

Thanks, Dad, for passing on your love of James to me. Isn’t it a lovely ride?

{image via here}