Trick or treat

Happy Halloween! What are you all up to tonight lovies? We did a pretty good job celebrating over the weekend, so we may take a more low key approach this evening.

Mid-week Halloweens make me really wish we lived in a neighborhood with trick or treaters. You know we would kill it with the spooky porch decorations, damn, now I'm fantasizing about a house with a porch.

Image via. 

Wed Day

In honor of All Hallows Eve, check out this haunting mood board via Snippet & Ink. Lovely!

Owl Cookies

Aren't these cookies perfect for halloween? Slightly spooky without the siniser element that seems to get incorporated into everything this time of year.

CHOCOLATE CHIP MACAROON OWLS
adapted from Martha Stewart Cookies
makes 40 owls

5 cups unsweetened coconut
1-1/4 cup sugar
4 large egg whites
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8-teaspoon salt
40 bittersweet chocolate chips plus an additional 3/4-cup 

Cut your 40 chocolate chips in half and keep together in pairs. 

Mix the rest of your ingrediens in a large bowl, separate the mixture 60/40. Blend the remaining chips into the larger half of the coconut mixture. Use a spoon to scoop out equal portions of the coconut chocolate chip mix - roll into balls and line up on your cookie sheet. 

Now scoop out loose scoops of the plain coconut mix and wrap around the balls you've already prepared. For the finishing touch, add the chocolate eyes - slanted to make a scowl. Pinch the mix above the eyes to form the brow. 

Bake for 15 - 18 minutes at 325 degrees. 

Image and original recipe here. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Looking for fun and easy update for your favorite denim shirt? Just get yo self a pair of snazzy metal colar tips - boom. Instant upgrade.

DIY via.  

From the weekend

Oh man you guys, last weekend was one for the record books. Friday after work I headed to my favorite spa in the city to cash in on a gift certificate for an oxygen facial - such a treat! That was such a relaxing (and productive) way to start a weekend that was relatively non stop.

Saturday we celebrated Halloween, dressed as ... Axl Rose and Slash! I thought it was a couples costume success, how about you? We met up with some of our oldest friends and bounced around bars and house parties until the wee hours. Then Sunday we met up with many of the same friends at this pub to watch the Giants WIN the World Series!!! The city was electrified - tere were literally celebrations (and maybe a riot or two) in the streets. What an awesome weekend to be in San Francisco.

How were your weekends lovies? I'd love to hear!

First image via my iPhone, second image via. 

Monday's Mantra

Just a fun thought to kick off your week. xo!

Via. 

Happy Weekend!

Are y'all celebrating Halloween this weekend? We sure are. I freaking love Halloween, and I have a good feeling about this one. Hopefully I'll have some fun photos to share. Until then ...

Have an awesome time and I'll meet you back here Monday. xo!

What's your Dosha?

The New Yorker Presidential Endorsement.

If this doesn't make you angry (and terrified), nothing will.

Is Mercury in Retrograde? Always good to know.

My new favorite thing.

Aloha Mad Men.

The perfect fall outfit.

A fantastic way to put it all in perspective.

A compliment in a pinch.

I want to go to there.

Happy Friday

Let's have a drink ... a spooky one. How about a Vampire's Kiss?

Ingredients:

1 oz. Cranberry Flavored Vodka

1/2 oz. 100% Cranberry Juice

Sparkling Blackberry Juice or Soda

Frozen Berries

Method:

Add 1 oz. Cranberry Vodka and 1/2 oz. Cranberry Juice to glass and top with Blackberry Soda. Garnish with frozen berries. If you prefer a sweeter drink add more soda and less Cranberry Juice.

Imbibe if you dare. Muh-hahaha! 

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

This Fresh Sugar Face Polish is my new obsession. I have expressed my love for scrubs before, and this baby lives up to all my expectations. It's perfect for this time of year, sure to slough off any rough patches while leaving behind a subtle layer of essential oils so you are left dewy and soft. You just massage it onto your clean bare face, let sit for a few minutes, rinse, and boom, just like that, soft, glowing skin. 

While you're at it, why not try the Fresh Sugar Body and Lip Scrub too? Go to town. You'll be soft, supple, and sweet smelling from head to toe.

Let's Vote!

I vote because my great great grandmother couldn't.

The 2012 election is SO close. Are you registered? Are you planning to vote? I've actually already voted - I'm a permanent vote by mail-er, so it couldn't be easier. Civic duty: check.

Image via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

Liam Wylie

Wylie is a Canadian artist who takes found images, and then creates geometric patters with a little cut and paste action. With striking results I might add. I love the contrast between the natural images, and the unnatural patterns - yet, his pieces still have very organic quality. Beautiful, and really interesting, don't you think?

Via. 

Black & white pumpkins

Speaking of Halloween, how about these graphic black and white "no carve" pumpkins? The possibilities are endless, no?

Image via. 

Wed Day

Couples Halloween Costumes, do or don't? The hubs and I have only done the couples costume thing twice before in our seven years together. One year we were Marc Anthony and Cleopatra, and then last year we were a cat and a dog ... maybe not our brightest moments. This year we're trying again; third times a charm? I have high hopes. On the other hand, couples costumes are notoriously bad, so we shall see. :-)

What about you - love or hate the matching costume thing? What's the best and worst couples costume you've ever seen?

Image via. 

Autumn Table Scape

Instead of my usual bouquet, I decided to take a more seasonal approach this time arround. Pumpkins + Crate & Barrel tea light holders = easy peasy.

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Whelp kids, we are in it - we are fully into autumn. You know what that means? Winter is coming, and with it the return of wintery make-up. Saturated nails and lips, like these, courtesy of the Glitter Guide:

Get the look: buff and moisturize, prime with foundation or concealer when you do your face, line your lips to prevent bleeding, apply a coat of lipstick, blot, apply another coat - viola! If you want a matte look, dust with translucent powder through a tissue. Keep the rest of your face fresh and bare - highlight, mascara, do your brows, add a hint of bronzer and you're good to go.   

Via.

Weekend wrap up

It was a weekend for celebrating. Friday night the hubs and I went to the annual Ad Ghetto Block Party in the Barbary Coast area of the City. Say what you will about advertising, but those folks throw a mean party. Then Saturday ze girls and I were off to the East Bay to celebrate one of our favorite's 30th with a back yard bash and a sleepover. Toasts were made, pumpkins were carved, bocce ball was played (and won), but the best part was waking up with a few of my best gals and making breakfast together. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm very lucky to have such sweet, intelligent, and funny ladies in my life - luckier still to call them friends.

How about you? How was your weekend? Fab I hope!

Monday's Mantra

Do what you do. Happy Monday!

Happy Weekend!

Oh man, we made it! Another busy week under our belts. It was a week for embracing new seasons and celebrating those who inspire us. This weekend the hubs and I are headed to this advertising shindig - fancy. Then on Saturday ze girls and I will be celebrating one of our dearest's 30th birthdays. I got a good feeling about this one.

How 'bout you? What do you have planed?

Whatever you do, I hope you have a wonderful weekend. See you monday -xo!

Apply liquid foundation like a pro.

Literature's most twisted couples.

Do you live like a grown up? (happily, we do)

Malala Yousafzai is a bad ass and my hero.

Presidents, branded.

How to write about Africa, I must remember this.

Write killer networking emails.

This flight attendant is the coolest.

Calm.com - a place to relax.

It's almost the weekend ...

have a drink with me?

Rhubarb Mojito
makes 1 small cocktail (so double up and make one for a friend too)

1 oz white rum
2 oz rhubarb syrup (recipe below)
5 (or so) mint leaves
1 Tablespoon lime juice
lime zest
nutmeg

In the bottom of a glass add a bit of nutmeg, lime zest, mint leaves and the lime juice. Using a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon muddle the ingredients. You want to really bruise and break up the mint leaves. Add the rum and syrup, give a light stir then top with ice. Garnish with mint and a thin slice of rhubarb.

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

This Untitled Piece by Luciana Rondolini is so rad. Can't. Look. Away ... 

Hero

Who inspires you? Who are your heros?  

After this post, I started thinking about the incredible women who inspire me, and decided to share a few here, because we should spend more energy celebrating each other. First up, Elizabeth Taylor. 

I obviously never met her, but I've always felt an odd connection. Sure, she wasn't perfect. Maybe she was "too much," maybe she made mistakes - so do we all.

She was a light, on fire, full of passion, and the courage to live a life by her own design. Plus, what a talent. If you havent seen Cat on a Hot Tin Roof or Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf - please do so immediately.  

She inspires me to laugh a bit too loudly, pile on the eyeliner, put on my lipstick, and not give a damn what anyone else might be thinking. 

The gospel of Elizabeth:

"The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they're going to have some pretty annoying virtues."

“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.”

"I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I'm not afraid to look behind them." 
"I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can't possess radiance, you can only admire it."

"I've been through it all, baby, I'm mother courage."

Image 1, 2, 3, 4.

Thursday's Tidbit

First Ryan Gosling coloring books, and now Rihanna paper dolls?
Okay, I'll go with it.

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bake

Oatmeal is definitely up there on my chilly-morning-comfort-foods list, so that was a selling point for the recipe below - I'm also really attracted to the idea of baking one big batch and then having a homemade "instant" breakfast for the week. Selling point #2, I might have to try this for myself next week. 

ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, divided
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup maple syrup (I used sugar free)
1 cup milk (I used skim)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup blueberries or raspberries, fresh or frozen, divided

directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.

2. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, half of the walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the syrup, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.

3. Spread the sliced bananas in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the berries. Sprinkle the dry oat mixture over the fruit in an even layer. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly over the oats.

4. Sprinkle the remaining nuts and berries over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is browned and the oats have set. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Image and recipe via. 

Wed Day

Oooh, how about a wedding bouquet of ferns? Such a fresh take on the tradition; beautiful and feminine, yet somehow this feels more modern and interesting.

Image via. 

Fireplace

Chillier evenings leave me longing for a fireplace. Few things are nicer than cuddling up in front of a fire. I'm loving the wood floor and ceiling here against the stark white walls, not to mention the fur and marble touches - just add a good read and a latte.

Image via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Here are a few trends and updates I'm loving for fall ...

Navy nails, chambray, and army green  

Leather, cozy layers, and stacked arm candy

White jackets with touches of fur

Leopard loafers 

Braids, a flushed face, and rosie lips

What updates are you making for fall? 

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

Weekend Wrap Up

Hello Monday, here so soon? This past weekend just whizzed by, did it not? Luckily I had time for some r&r, as well as the usual weekend errands, and was able to squeeze in time with dear friends, a living room dance party, sushi, a mani pedi, margaritas, Halloween costume shopping, and a movie date with the hubs (we saw this movie - so engrossing). Whew! How was your weekend? I'd love to hear!

Image from my Instagram, follow me @LaurenAsh29. 

Monday's Mantra

Get. It. Cheers to a new week -xo!

Happy Weekend!

Hey kids! What are you all up to this weekend? After a way over scheduled few weeks, I'm looking forward to a bit of a breather, acupuncture  and some quality time with my girls this weekend. There may or may not be a pumpkin patch trip in my future.

I hope that you all have a lovely time no matter what you have planned. See you Monday - enjoy the link love!

At a loss for words? Use one of these.

Rethinking sleep - what's your ideal schedule?

I need this in my life.

Put your face on in 5 minutes!

Oh man, I love this city.

Are you trying to have it all?

Dare you not to cry when you watch this ...

or this for that matter.

Wishlisted!

Image via. 

Cheers, it's Friday

So it might be autumn up here in the northern half of the globe, but in the Southern Hemisphere summer's just gettin' started. Let's drink to them (and warmer times) ...

Lava Flow

Ingredients:

1 oz. light rum
1 oz. Malibu® coconut rum
2 oz. fresh or frozen strawberries
1 small banana
2 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
2 oz. coconut cream

Prep:

Blend the 2 rums and the strawberries in a blender until smooth. Pour this mix into a tall (Collins or Hurricane) glass. Rinse the blender, then blend the banana, the coconut cream, and the pineapple juice in blender with crushed ice until smooth.

Pour this mix into the glass with the rums very slowly and watch as the strawberry mix oozes along the sides of the glass like ... lava! If you feel fancy, garnish with a pineapple wedge and paper umbrella. Cheers! 

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Find

I love a bright punchy nail, but there's something about a deep dark nail that signals the changing season and makes me flutter. Bordeaux by essie is a flattering shade of ox blood (or wine, if blood freaks you out), flattering with just enough drama.

Image via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

Mmm - I'm so in love with words. It's a special kind of warm fuzzy when you can recall the absolute perfect word at the absolute perfect moment. I may or may not have lost a few (well spent) hours to this site.

I think the words we're drawn too are very telling about our personalities. What are your favorite words?

From the weekend

Like I said, this past weekend was a doozie! I thought this little City of ours would burst at the seams with all the visitors and extra activity.

Friday night was a much needed girls night in. We all gathered at Val's for vino, veritas, and a Ryan Gosling movie. Saturday, we hosted a brunch party (my favorite time to have a get-together) and then we all headed to Golden Gate Park for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Such a neat San Francisco tradition, it was my first time going and I don't think it will be my last. Then on Sunday we headed to a friend's place in North Beach to drink mimosas on their roof and watch the Blue Angels.

Luckily, I had Monday off for Columbus Day (thank you federal holidays!) and was able to catch my breadth (and clean up my apartment). Whew!

How was your weekend? Are you already dreaming of the next one?

Wed Day

The name game ...

So this topic is a bit big (understatement of the year). I've been married a little over a year now, and have yet to change my name legally. I'm not opposed to doing it, but it hasn't felt urgent. Last year I had a bunch of little New Years resolutions, but my main one was to change my name. Guess what my New Years resolution is for 2013 ... yep, you got. Change the name. But ... I'm not sure I'm ready to say bye to my maiden name.

I happen to LOVE my last name - I've got this whole alliteration thing going that I'm kinda into, plus it just feels so much more "me" than the hub's name, which feels so "him." Maybe the problem is that neither name really feels like "us." My plan still is to change it, specifically prior to having kiddos, but it still feels a little sad to me. Not to mention that the whole process of changing one's name is SO complicated; I get really overwhelmed every time I think about it, so then I just don't think about it for awhile. Maybe I should use a site like this to help the process along.

So tell me, what did you do - or what do you plan to do? Was it an emotional choice? Have you seen the Last Name Project?  I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories!

Image via.