Lapka

It's 2013 kids, and the future is officially here! Meet Lapka. A beautifully designed personal environment monitor. It connects to your phone and then collects and analyzes data on ions, molecules, particles, and wavelengths in your environment to determine potential health hazards. It can also inspect food for nitrates. Crazy, yes? I totally want one - so very Jetsons. 

What will they think of next? 

Thursday's Tidbits

Judgments

Vancouver art and design student Rosea Posey crated this piece entitled Judgments. A photo of the back of a woman’s leg marked with skirt-length "decency levels," starting with a below the calf “matronly” on up to a hot pant length “whore.” Posey said: working on this project really made [her] examine [her] own opinions, preconceptions and prejudices about “slutty” women and women who choose to cover all of their skin alike.

So it got me thinking as well. It's difficult not to superimpose our own sense of what's appropriate onto others, but for the most part I try not to judge. Everyone's fighting their own battle, right? Plus, I've been known to wear a pair of short shorts, who hasn't? (and let's not get started on my ultra-low rise jeans phase from high school circa 2000.) Mainly, I think that as ladies, we need to stand up for each other - calling each other sluts and whores only makes it easier for the patriarchy to marginalize us as so. What do you think? 

Via. 

Bloglovin

Hey guys, guess what. I'm on Bloglovin now, stop by and say hi!

Image via. 

Wed Day

How do you and your love sleep? For me it really depends - if it's really hot out (a rarity here in SF) I'm like "don't touch me!" but since it's been so cold lately, I'm really feeling the spooning thing. I've been waking up all the way over on the hubs' side of out bed, poor guy, he's practically falling off the edge. Now lets add two kitties to the equation, it get's pretty cozy.

Whatever the weather, I find these photos "The sleep of the Beloved" both fascinating and haunting.  This photo series explores what happens to lovers while they sleep, is it simply sleep or something more? I think these photos are so beautiful. Few acts are more trusting than actually sleeping next to another person - you let yourself be so vulnerable. What do you think? Doesn't it make you kinda curious about what you and your love look like?

Images via.  

Menswear Dog

Menswear Dog is my new favorite fashion blog. Killin' it. Seriously, go see fo yoself.

Image. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Four ingredient DIY body scrub ...

Y'all know I love a scrub, especially this baby. But I go through it like candy, I use it every. single. day. So in an effort to save a pretty penny I decided to try making my own sugar body scrub. I didn't use a recipe per-say, but I did reference these two DIY's to come up with my own four ingredient scrub. Here's what you'll need:

• A Resealable Container
• Coconut Oil
• Honey
• Jojoba Oil
• Brown Sugar

I got everything on the cheep at Trader Joe's. Your proportions will depend on the size of your container.

I filled my container about 1/2 with coconut oil - bear in mind that coconut oil is quite solid so you'll have to scoop it out with a spoon, but it softens up and becomes much easier to work with. Next I added the honey, just a thin layer over the coconut oil. Then I poured on the sugar. I like a scrub to really scrub so I added quite a bit (almost filling the rest of the container  but you might want to add less depending on how gentle you want it). Next I covered everything with a generous layer of the jojoba oil and mashed it all up together. Easy, no?

I've been using this yummy, creamy concoction for a week now and am really happy with it. It's super moisturizing, nourishing, and smoothing. Plus all the ingredients are natural and (depending on where you buy them) are organic too, so you can feel really good about using it daily.

Think you'll give it a try yourself? If so, play around with proportions (less coconut oil if you want it to be less creamy for instance) to find a mix that works for you.

Image via yours truly. 

Party Popcorn

How many of you are going to be hosting an Oscars party? Food for thought, I think this recipe for Party Popcorn would be just the ticket ...

You’ll need: popcorn kernels, white chocolate chips, & sprinkles

Pop the popcorn in a large pot on your stove top, melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler, pour over poped popcorn, and gently them together on a large baking sheet. Once mixed, cover with your favorite sprinkles before candy hardens. You can use the traditional rainbow mix of colors, or customize to coordinate with your event's theme. Enjoy! 

Image and recipe via. 

Monday's Mantra

Truth. Cheers to a new week and to making our own happiness. xo!

Image via. 

Happy Weekend!

Oh man guys, this week was a killer - maybe that's just how short work weeks go. In any case, hello weekend, I'm so happy to see you.

What do you dears have planned? February is shaping up to be a very busy month, so this is my last calm weekend before the storm - it should be a fun storm, but a storm none the less.

Whatever you have planned, I hope you all have a restorative few days. Meet me here Monday? You won't regret it - xo!

This is amaze balls.

While we're on the topic of self esteem, check out this TED Talk.

Put your fashion know-how to the test.

Is there a wrong way to drink alcohol?

My favorite coffee - state side at least.

Spend less, clutter less.

I'll be happy when...

An amazing foundation round up.

I cannot wait to see this movie.

There's no crying in space.

The non alarmist guide to the flu.

Image via. 

Cheers, It's Friday!

Now, this is my kinda beer.

The Beer Float

For 4 beer floats, you’ll need

• 1 pint of dark beer (like a chocolate stout)
• 1 small tub of chocolate ice cream
• 1 container of raspberries

 Put a couple scoops of ice cream in each glass. Pour beer over ice cream. Garnish with fresh raspberries, serve with a spoon and a straw. Enjoy!

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

Emerald green is definitely having a moment - but if it means beautiful baubles like these, I'm on board.

49ers Bouquet

So in an effort to be supportive of the hub's loves - this is my red & gold 49ers bouquet. Red peruvian lilies, red tulips, plus golden tipped tulips. Who ever said I didn't like sports?

Image via yours truly, more bouquets here. 

Thursday's Tidbit

So I post about make-up quite a bit round these parts, goodness knows I wear it. It's part of my routine, I shower, I brush my teeth, I put on my make-up. Almost every day. But why? It's not that I feel bad about myself without it, or feel that I "need" to wear it - I just don't necessarily feel "ready," not totally "done." Plus I think make-up is fun, I enjoy it. To me, it's all part self care and being well groomed. Obviously it's all personal, some of us might be comfortable with less (or none), while some may really have fun experimenting with much bolder looks.  

I bring this up because recently the Times' Room for Debate column posed the question: Does make-up hurt self esteem? My short answer is: no. Wearing a little lipstick or mascara (and liking it) doesn't mean that I don't like myself without it, or feel that it has anything to do with my value one way or another. I see make-up as an accessory, not as a defining characteristic. How about you? Do you think make-up affects self esteem? Or are they separate issues?  I'd love to know! 

Image via. 

Nick Knight

I'm loving these melting flower paintings by Nick Knight: a subversive twist on the traditional still life. What do you think, love it? Hate it?

Via. 

Wed Day

Shared interests. Do you and your partner share hobbies? The hubs and I share interests, but not "hobbies" per-say. We both enjoy a good movie, hike, museum, and cat meme. But he's a beer guy, I'm a wine girl (and yes, I do consider "wine" a hobby), and it's not like I expect him to come to a yoga class with me. For the most part this is a good balance; however there is one point of contention: football.

Don't get me wrong, I fully support him enjoying football, I don't mind him watching it all weekend, I'll go to the bar to watch it with him every now and again, heck I've even learned a few rules, but I don't love it. He loves it. I don't. This is a fact. I'm okay with it, but for some reason life would be better in general if I loved football. This may never happen, so we'll have to continue to exist in a world that's just slightly less perfect than it could be - if I loved football.  :-) Va bene, what can you do?

I must admit, though, that even for my lack of loving football, I am pretty excited (mostly for him) that the 49ers are headed to the Superbowl. Let's go sports!

How about you all, what hobbies or interests do you share (or not share) with your love?

Image via. 

The Presidential Inauguration

Did you all watch the Presidential Inauguration? I caught the tail end of the ceremony and then re-watched the speech - what amazing vision. The Times called it "an assertive Inaugural Address that offered a robust articulation of modern liberalism in America, arguing that 'preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action.'” President Obama went on to outline a vison for our country which includes advancing gay rights, preserving the social safety net, and (finally) acting on climate change. Plus, how poignant was it that this took place on MLK day to boot? 

Regardless of your political beliefs, I think there is one thing we can all agree on: Beyonce is fabulous. More evidence - like you needed it. 

Images via & via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

Do you keep a well stocked fridge and pantry? The hubs and I cook quite a bit, and I firmly believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home, so I do my best to keep all the necessities on hand. That being said, it's easy to lose track of what you have waay back in the pantry, or to get flustered at the store and forget a critical ingredient. Luckily, the Everygirl put together this handy-dandy list of items to keep stocked so you'll be prepared no matter what. Boom! 

OILS, VINEGARS,  SAUCES, & WINE

ketchup

extra virgin olive oil

sesame oil

vegetable oil

balsamic vinegar

red wine vinegar

white wine vinegar

chicken stock

soy sauce

marinara sauce

wine (red, white, or both)

canned diced tomatoes

DRIED HERBS

cumin

basil (can also be bought fresh)

rosemary (can also be bought fresh)

thyme (can also be bought fresh)

smoked paprika

dried oregano

fresh nutmeg

curry

red pepper flakes

cinnamon

kosher salt

sea salt

fresh ground pepper (not pre-ground pepper!)

BAKING GOODS

brown sugar

granulated sugar

confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)

baking soda

baking powder

pure vanilla extract

honey

PERISHABLES

lemons

eggs

fresh garlic

salted butter

unsalted butter

whole grain mustard

garlic powder

all purpose flour

onions

Images via tom schierlitz. 

Monday's Mantra

Happy MLK Day everyone - here's to a very wise man.

via.

Happy Weekend!

Ello loves - happy three day weekend to you all. What do you have panned? I'm gearing up for a wild and crazy ... staycation! I love a weekend away, but there is something really nice about a low pressure long weekend. I see happy hour, brunch, a football game (enjoyed in a dive bar of course), a puppy party in the dog park, and maybe even a mani pedi in my future ... I told you, it's gonna be crazy. 

I hope you all have an awesome three days and I'll see you back here monday - xo!

It's so COLD in Southern California - HA!

Have you ever taken this personality test? (I'm an ENFJ)

Starbucks is going green.

Amazing places.

Happiness boosters.

I wish I'd known before moving to SF.

A room within a room within a room ...

This sounds delicious.

Modern etiquette.

Makes me happy.

Image via.

It's almost the weekend ...

cheers! Shall we have something sparkly?

Violet Ombre Cocktail

Ingredients:1 tablespoon Creme de Violette4 ounces chilled sparkling wine


Directions:Pour the Creme de Violette into a tall flute.Slowly and gently, pour in the sparkling wine.

Bottoms up! 

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

Pumped-up kicks. Last weekend, in a moment of weakness (or brilliance - you decide), I went out and bought these bad boys. Yep, high top high heeled wedge sneakers. This is my attempt at being "sporty."

I feel pretty good about it.

image via yours truly. 

Snuggly

I'm a very tactile person. Lately, I have been so drawn to sumptuous yummy fabrics (faux fur, I'm lookin' at you). What could be yummier and more decadent than a sinfully soft furry blanket? Not much, lemme tell you. Inspired by this room, and my current preoccupation with faux fur, I recently ordered this blanket (in lynx). Amazing and beautiful. Soo, snuggly. I have a new found infatuation with my bedroom.

Image via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

Sometimes debt feels like an unavoidable part of life - an (almost) universal condition. Between student loans, wedding costs, car payments (so I hear), and credit cards most of us will be saddled with some form of debt at some point. While it's not something that anyone enjoys, it is something that can be managed. It's a problem like any other that just needs to be tackled. If you're feeling overwhelmed, the Everygirl has some great tips on getting into the right mindset. 

Step 1: Acknowledge your debt - get a celar picture of whatever it is you owe, be brutally honest with yourself.
Step 2: Forgive yourself - hey, you're not alone here. Universal condition, remember?
Step 3: Save up - you don't want to get into a pickle and have to run up a credit card you just paid down.
Step 4: Create a plan - figure out how much you can/need to pay each month, and actually do it.
Step 5: Remember "this to shall pass." Debt is temporary. You have the power to fix this problem.

Read the full article here.

Image via. 

Creamy Polenta with Mushroom Sauce

Mmm - I love polenta, but hardly ever make it. This recipe just might change that.

Creamy Polenta with Mushroom Sauce

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup polenta

• 5 cups vegetable stock

• salt/pepper

• ¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

• 2 tablespoons evo

• 8 ounces button mushrooms – stems removed, quartered

• 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms – stems removed, quartered

• 2 cloves garlic – minced

• 2 tablespoons roughly chopped flat leaf Italian parsley

Instructions:

1. In a heavy sauce pan bring stock to a boil. Salt. Gradually whisk in polenta. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking until polenta thickens - stir as necessary. Once the polenta is cooked through, stir in Parmigiano.
2. While the polenta is cooking, heat oil over medium-heat in a sauté pan. When pan is hot add in the mushrooms and cook until tender and done. Stir in garlic and parsley. 
3. Transfer polenta to serving dish, and top with the mushrooms.
4. Serve right away. 

Image and recipe via. 

Wed Day

Oh, just a little decor inspiration for any of you out there planning a winter wedding... 

diy wax paper candle holders 

winter blooms // gilded cake

golden balloons

images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

Cozy Sweater

I've been really into (faux) fur this season. I feel like it's everywhere right now - convenient  no? I'm also really into this sophisticated take on a cozy sweater. Belt a slouchy knit over skinnies, throw on a faux fur scarf or snood, and add some punchy accessories - voila! Comfy cozy and not at all sloppy. This just might get me through winter.

Image via. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

I've mentioned this before but it really is incredible how much you can change the shape of your eyes with strategic eyeliner. The images above are a great illustration of this.

Take a look at your face, consider your features, decide what you want to highlight, and go from there. The top left photo follows the basic shape of the eye - adding some flattering definition. By emphasizing the outside corners of the eye, and making the line a bit thicker in the middle (top right) you can both widen your eyes and make them appear rounder. Alternately, lining the inside corners (bottom right) can pull wide set eyes together. A winged line (middle right) will lift the whole face up, add a thin line along bottom lash line (middle left) to bring out (or create) an almond shape. While a thick line along the bottom lash line (bottom left) can lower eyes and bring balance to a long face.  There really are so many tricks out there.

Which of these techniques is your favorite? Do you have a go-to, or does it depend on the day?

Image via. 

Post Cleanse

Last friday I wrapped up a five day cleanse. The first emotion I felt was relief, honestly, then accomplishment, and then motivation. Completely braking out of my regular eating habits really gave me the opportunity to critically consider my normal choices. I'm proud I made it through, and while I don't intend to keep up eating (or not, let's be real) in such a restricted way, there are a few new habits I do intend to keep up.   

First of all, less wine on weeknights. I realized that it had become a habit to come home from work and pour myself a glass of wine to wind down while cooking dinner - while this isn't such a bad habit, I can be just as happy having a glass of sparking water or tea (and least on Monday through Thursday). Better for my liver and my waistline. 

Secondly, I have to acknowledge that I have a problem, even worse than the wine. Cheese. Yes. I am a cheese addict. But after going five days with out it, I somehow survived. So I'm thinking I can eat less of it, save it for a treat and really enjoy it. 

Oddly enough, I didn't miss dessert that much - I think I can manage cutting out some of the sweets, this does not mean that I'm giving up my dark chocolate however. 

I also realized that I can power through the day on just one cup of coffee. I really enjoy the ritual of "running out for coffee" in the afternoon, but I can just as easily run out for a green tea, or a non-fat chai latte. :-) 

Lastly, I love veggies - I always have, but the romance has been reignited. 

Image via. 

2013 Golden Globes

A. Can we talk about how rad Tina and Amy are? Badasses. 

B. Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, my winner for most beautiful couple. That dress! Those shades! 

Also this article. Discuss. 

Images via. 

Monday's Mantra

Never apologize ...

Via. 

Happy Wekend!

What are you all up to this weekend lovies? I will be celebrating because I made it through my cleanse (thoughts on that later), but the highlight (I'm sure) will be dinner with one of my dear sweet friends from home and her husband Saturday evening. What do you all have planed? 

No matter what you do, I hope you have a fantastic few days. See you Monday and thanks so much for reading -- xo!

One of the many joys of appartment living.

The most astounding fact. Beautiful.

What Oprah wished she knew at 21.

My little sister sent me this, made me laugh.

The neuroscience of pick-pocketing.

Remember these catalogues? I had such a Jr High flash back.

More ways to easily cut calories from your daily routine.

A few super foods to help you with your resolutions.

Destiny's Child fashion throw back!

Martha, Martha, Martha!!!

If you can't say somethin' nice ...

Image via. 

It's almost the weekend ...

and I'm almost done with my cleanse - let's drink to that!

Italian greyhound with rosemary sugar

Ingredients 

1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary

1/4 cup sugar

1 -2 ounces gin (depending on the time of day)

4 ounces freshly squeezed pink or red grapefruit juice

Splash Aperol

Method

Combine the rosemary and sugar.

Rub the edge of a glass on a wedge of fresh citrus - grapefruit perhaps. Put some of the rosemary sugar on a plate and rim the glass.

Fill the glass with crushed ice. Add the gin and juice, and top with a splash or two of Aperol.

Swirl or stir gently - enjoy!

Image and recipe via. 

Friday's Finds

I'm loving this pretty glass jewel box by ABJ Glassworks - what a lovely way to display your treasures.

Via. 

Thursday's Tidbit

I was really struck by this article on the Huffington Post, decoding 10 behaviors of happy people. While I don't think that there is a single path to happiness, it is interesting to consider the commonalities that "happy people" share. These commonalities include building a strong social network, practicing gratitude, optimistic world views, developing strong coping skills, focusing on health, and working toward meaningful life goals.

Though I am generally a "happy person," after reading the article, I reflected on the times in my life when I haven't been so happy. It was interesting to find that durring those times there where "holes" in the happiness behaviors listed in the article. Maybe I didn't feel I was working toward my goals, or had just moved and was rebuilding my social network - whatever it was, once that area was strengthened, my happiness improved. So while there isn't a "recipe" for happiness, it's nice to know there are behaviors and attitudes we can focus on when we're feeling blue.

What do y'all think? Agree or disagree? Are there any behaviors you'd add to the list?

Image via. 

Product Review: Smashbox BB Cream

I'm relatively experimental when it comes to beauty and skin care. I've shared my basic routines here, here, here, & here, but I haven't really done many product specific reviews. So I thought what the heck, why not share some more of my faves (and not so faves) with y'all? First up: Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream.

So what is a BB Cream anyway? A BB Cream is basically a few-in-one alternative to foundation or tinted moisturizers. For instance one could combine liquid make-up coverage, a serum, moisturizer, spf, etc. The Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream is a primer, hydrater, sunscreen, and tinted moisturizer in one. It glides on smoothly and provides a bit more coverage than the average tinted moisturizer, but is still lighter than a proper foundation. Overall, I really like it. It's great for busy mornings before work when I want to cut down on a few steps. But for a night out, or a special occasion, I think I'll still go the primer / foundation route.

Wed Day

Division of labor: how do you and your partner split up the household chores? After living together for a little over six years now, the hubs and I have fallen into a relatively established routine of responsibilities. I take care of most of the daily chores: I make the bed, do the dishes (primarily), do the (majority of) the cooking, dust, vacuum, mop, feed the cats, scour the bathroom, do the grocery shopping, and general tiding-up. Whew! That's not to say that the hubs just sits back, watches sports, and plays video games. He takes out the trash, compost, and recycling, changes the kitty litter (ew!), and does the laundry - he even hangs up all my delicates, which is pretty sweet actually. He also fixes things, gives the best back rubs, and is willing to run out on whatever errand I see fit to send him on.

This doesn't mean that we still don't have disagreements in this area, or that I don't get frustrated from time to time, but for the most part this unspoken system works for us. I'm sure we'll have to adjust what works as our family grows, but for now ... it's okay. :-) How about you, what works in your home?

Image via. 

Green Clean

I'm on day two of a five day cleanse. A much needed re-set after the holiday excess and last weekend's revelry. I've done similar cleanses before, and typically this is the hardest day to get though. Day one is novel, but by day two, the novelty has worn off, while your body hasn't adjusted to the cleanse yet. All you want is a cookie, and maybe some ham ... a ham cookie? Day three and four are considerably easier (oh man I never realized how satisfying lettuces can be), then on day five there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Then you're done. You feel cleaner, lighter, and ready to embrace healthier habits - you can put the traumatic experience behind you, and move on with your life. Until your next cleanse. Ugh, why do I do this to myself? I guess the short answer is that it's actually worth it, it's an amazing kick-start to the year, and it's really not that bad ... I guess. :-)

Have you ever done a cleanse? Would you?

In either case, wish me luck!

photo via yours truly. 

Tuesday's Tips & Tricks

How to stretch out too tight shoes: I have small, wide feet - this lovely combo has resulted in more blisters than I'd care to discuss (but my balance is fantastic). If only I'd known about this trick earlier. To stretch out a pair of too tight shoes you just need a pair of really thick socks and a hair dryer. Put on your socks and then the offending shoes, take aim and blast your shoes with the hairdryer, let your feet get nice and toasty - wiggle your toes around to really get in there, then keep your shoes and socks on as the shoes cool. Try your shoes back on without the socks - boom! They should be nice and comfy now. Still too tight? Just repeat.

image and tip via. 

Weekend Wrap-up

Hi-ho there, is it Monday already? But I feel like we just had one last week ... Eh, I guess I can't complain that much - this past weekend was actually pretty special.

Ze Girls and I in wine country

Friday afternoon I rented this movie (so fun!) and got a jump on my January Home Cure homework. A few hours later, the hubs came home to a full swing dance party of one. Once that wrapped up, we made dinner, then rented this movie, and called it a night.

Then it was time for Saturday's main event: ze girls and I were off to celebrate one of our own. That morning I resisted the urge to sleep-in, picked up our zip car, picked up my ladies, and we hit the road. We had decided to spend a rainy day in Healdsburg, a beautiful little town in the middle of wine country, just about an hour north of the City, in honor of our girl Di's birthday. We had a leisurely lunch at the lovely Barndiva, complete with candles, toasts, and well-wishes for the birthday girl. Then we bounced around shops and tasting rooms (mostly tasting rooms, let's be real) in the downtown area. Including a stop at La Crema, one of my absolute favorites wineries - you really cannot beat their chards and pinots (two of my favorite varietals). It was one of those rare days where everything comes together just perfectly. These ladies are such funny, smart, kind, amazing people. I could go on and on about how lucky I am to have them in my life, but I'll spare you the sap and just say that I am a very lucky gal. We had the best time. :-)

Rico & I - sweet boy

The next day was filled with football and video games (the hubs), cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping (me - wow, gender roles much?). But I also snuck in some QT with the kitties, received much praise for said cooking, and caught up on Downton Abby (or Downtown Alley, as the hubs calls it) - so, you could say a good time was had by all.

What did you do? I'd love to hear!

Photos via yours truly.