Little Miss LJ

kittens make everything better

2012-01-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

Bad weeks call for wine, bubblebaths, and kittens. Thankfully, my good friend Erica just got a baby bengal, and she invited me over to hang out and play with the kitten. <3 Pretty much heaven. Isn't she precious?

She's so tiny! Only 7 weeks.

Anyway, she's not even MY kitty, but I just want to show off how adorable she is! I'm a proud kitten auntie. <3 What makes you guys feel better on an off week?

Tehachapi Adventures

2012-01-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my friend Alyssa and I ventured to a small town nearby called Tehachapi to get our of the house and do some exploring... I'd been a couple of times before to a small cafe there, and I've always enjoyed the small town feel there. It reminds me a bit of home, and after a few years of living in a bigger city, sometimes I just need that. I thought I would share a few pictures from our little outing.

There were so many cute little restaurants- I would love to go back sometime and try this one out.

How awesome is this little barber shop? Everything has a bit of a new old fashioned feel to it in downtown- I love that esthetic.

Adorable retro motel I totally want to stay at. Color TV and all, folks!

This is where we decided we'd stop by for some lunch- a cute old fashioned burger joint downtown.

Apparently they are renowned for their ostrich burgers, which they get from an ostrich farm nearby, but they were all out when we went in :(

The food was excellent, hot and fresh. I got a chicken sandwich and some zucchini and Alyssa got an Angus burger and fries. I'm drooling a bit just thinking of it.

Isn't Alyssa gorgeous?

There was a cute little museum with some artifacts from old Tehachapi that was quite interesting- look at this neat old carriage!

My dream typewriter <3

Thought this was quite funny/creepy- the amount of lashings required for bad behavior at school. Yikes!

Old medical texts and tools.

We had a great time exploring- and I hope to go back to Tehachapi soon. For such a small town, there is so much to experience and the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly. If I can't get a taste of home, at least I have this!

New Haircolor

2012-01-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today I was feeling very unininspired and "blah" for lack of a finer term, and I decided that a change was in order. I've had this box of brown haircolor for sometime and today came time to use it. I've been a redhead for so long, it can sometimes feel like my identity has been taken away from me when I go to a different color, but I like the way this turned out. Still quite red, but maybe a bit more mature and polished. What do you think? The above is the BEFORE, and here is the AFTER:

Parent's New Year's visit.

2012-01-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough this past week to have my lovely parents come for a visit from Colorado. I'd been missing them terribly, and it was a bit hard to not be able to spend Christmas with any family, so I'd really been looking forward to some quality time with them. We filled their visit with plenty of new adventures, lots of presents and tons of marvelous food. It was hard to drop them off yesterday as they left for home- but what a wonderful time we had! Here are some photographs of our adventures, I hope you enjoy them!

Immediately after picking my parents up, we started our adventure in Hollywood, California. We were all ravenously hungry, so we stopped at world famous Pinks Hotdogs for lunch. The line was tremendously long, but moved quite quickly. (thank goodness!)

There were a multitude of choices, ranging from simple chili dogs to celebrity inspired and endorsed dogs. We chose the Royal Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, Spicy Chicago Dog and Ozzy Dog. Also, onion rings and fries. The Ozzy Dog, my choice, was hellishly spicy but super nom. And the onion rings were to die for.

My mommy enjoying her chili cheese dog. She has some gluten allergy, so this was a rare treat for her!

I almost ordered this dog, simply because Lord of the Rings is my favorite movie, but I'm not really sure how to feel about BBQ sauce on a hotdog.

Hubby and I! It was bright outside (and 75 degrees... in December. I love California sometimes)

Me and Mom standing in front of a piece of the Berlin Wall in LA.

We continued our day at the La Brea Tar Pits, a place my mother has always wanted to go, but has never had the chance. It was my first time at the tar pits too, and it was very neat. We didn't get to go in the museum, because the line was insanely long, but we still got to view the tar pits and see the outside.

Lucas sitting on a very cool twisted tree.

The display outside was kind of sad- a mommy or daddy mammoth stuck in the tar while the baby cried out for it by the side. :(

After the tar pits, we went to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Graumman's Chinese Theater. We parked near this beautiful stripper shoe Christmas tree. Oh, Hollywood.

The famous El Capitan Theater.

<3 Hitchcock!

Mom posing in front of the Sherlock Holmes billboard, which we all saw together. What an amazing movie! I didn't think it would be nearly as good as the first, but it was just as good, if not even better.

It's kind of strange to notice that ladies from the 30's-60's have amazingly tiny hands and feet. So did the men, actually.

Can you tell I was excited? I am touching where Robert Downey Jr's hands once touched! Like... holding hands with him! Practically. <3

I wish there was some perspective in this picture for how tiny her little feet were. So sweet.

My dad's cowboy boot next to John Wayne's footprints. He loves John Wayne :) I adore that he did a fist print instead of a hand print. Bad ass.

The next morning, we did a belated Christmas morning together, our stockings hung by a non existent chimney with care.

I love our cute little pink Christmas tree <3

Holding one of my Christmas gifts, a Southern Cooking Christmas Cookbook. Most people who know me know that I adore cookbooks. I have since I was a tiny girl! I pretty much collect them.

My mom knit the most adorable matching hats for Lucas and myself. He was pretty stoked about his- he loves hats. They keep his little shaved head warm in the winter :P

I got this really neat zipper purse from my godparents. The whole thing unzips and zips back up! Isn't that cool? I was having a lot of fun with it, haha :)

My daddy holding a magazine from his stocking, American Cowboy! He's my favorite American cowboy ;)

Me and Lucas doing a cheesy pose by our tree :)

It's kind of tradition to go out to our local diner and my dad and I split Chicken Fried Steak. And my family ALWAYS takes pictures of our food before we eat it. It's a bit of a strange quirk to some.

See, I told you!!

The next day, we ventured to Newhall to go to William S. Hart Park. William S. Hart was a silent film star in the 20's who did cowboy movies. He has a gorgeous ranch and mansion you can tour for free.

On the way!

They had an area on the ranch of adorable little farm animals you can feed and pet. I was quite enamored with this potbellied pig. So fat! So cute!

Pretty chickens! I love their beautiful feathers, but to be honest, I am a bit scared of them. When I was a little girl, a rooster attacked me and scratched my face. I still have a bit of a scar. :( Mean rooster.

Turkeys... are ugly. But delicious. Was that wrong to say?

I really wanted to pet this deer, but the sign said he was very grumpy and not to get close to him.

My nest hair.

Mom as the next Vanna White. Watch out for snakes! We didn't encounter any.

The views from the top of the hill were absolutely gorgeous. Aren't my parents adorable, too?

Pretty flowers at William S. Hart's mansion.

He had this amazing Kodiak bear rug in his living room... I think given to him by his friend Wyatt Earp.

Here is a picture of William in his silent film days.

On New Year's, the guys were tired and silly and wanted to stay home, so my mommy and I got all dressed up and went out for drinks. She braided my hair and I loved it. I wish I could do that!

Taking pictures of our drinks- she had the most delicious pomegranate martini.

I had something called "A Drink Like That"- Grey Goose, Bacardi 151, DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker, DeKuyper Island Blue, sweet & sour, Sierra Mist and a splash of grenadine. It was... potent.

Daddy and daughter.
On our last day, we visited our favorite diner again and spent more quality time together. We visited the Ronald Reagan Library and then I dropped them off, tearfully, and said goodbye. Can't wait until the next visit!

new years

2011-12-31T09:47:00.000-08:00

In 2011, I:

meeting my idol, tiny even in towering heels, the most amazing and surreal experience of my lifetime. being picked up in the trunk of a beautiful creature creating a bond I never could have imagined, and taking the biggest leap of faith off a huge tower and swinging in a sense of wild freedom I'll never forget.

extracting stubborn teeth and being nursed to health by beloved family while i hallucinated heavily on strong drugs.

a place of prominence in the most beautiful wedding, so many tears of joy and a huge sense of pride, watching my sister (no in law, here) walk down an aisle of fairy tale petals.

meeting the most beautiful little girl and falling in love with her immediately, laughing as she wobbles delightfully around tables and kisses herself in the mirror. I would too, if I were that lovely.

so many adventures with the most wonderful new friend... drinking and hot tubs, beaches and parks, and my very first time in the most magical place on earth, riding every ride, noshing on slushies and churros, and running around like ecstatic little children.

I quit a nasty habit, filling my lungs with smoke and making my whole body unhealthy... and I can't imagine ever going back.

touring my husbands high school and acting like kids the whole time... a grand party and seeing numerous girls crestfallen as I flashed my ring. Many glasses of wine later, we danced and laughed and sang and told jokes- either the life of the party or fools, such a good and happy night.

starting a presence in the online world- being exposed to so many beautiful and inspiring people who make me feel creative and unique- living in my own little world and completely satisfied.

so many brilliant folks in my life who make every day an adventure in a bright new world. thank you, every single one, for being part of my journey as you make it as surprising, as strange, and as radiant as it is. here's to 2012- may it be even more exciting, bizarre and bewitching. <3

Our Christmas Weekend

2011-12-29T08:48:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, for Christmas, my amazing husband took me out for a swanky weekend in L.A. as a Christmas present. We stayed in a fancy hotel, the most glorious and comfortable bed, we ordered room service, drank fine wine, and spent Christmas Eve by the beach at Santa Monica Pier. It was perfection! What can I say, he knows me well ;) I wanted to share a few pictures of our little outing with you guys.

Lucas ordered lamb during our room service, and I had a wonderful filet.

I absolutely swoon when my husband does romantic things like this- so cute!

There was also a cold bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for us upon our arrival. So yummy! The nut covered ones were filled with cheesecake, as well. Indulgence!

In the morning, we went to Santa Monica. It was so warm and sunny out! On Christmas Eve! I'm used to spending Christmas in Colorado, so 75 degrees on Christmas is pretty much a tropical vacation.

We thought this dinosaur statue on the Promenade was quite funny. He drank *way* too much last night.

Obligatory sunset beach couple picture.

We went to Bubba Gumps for dinner and had the most AMAZING cocktails. So delicious, and you get to keep the glasses for souveniers! Score.

My husband is so cute. :3

There is a big arcade on the pier, so we got a few handfuls of quarters and played some games. We KILLED House of the Dead.

Lucas terminatin'.

When we got back to the hotel, we relaxed with some wine and Cartoon Network.

Yeah, he's goofy like that :P

But I am too :P

I think we had a little too much fun playing with the rose petals.

On Christmas morning, we enjoyed some delicious waffles in the hotel restaurant.

Nom Nom Nom.

And then it was time to go home.... after an amazing weekend!

I hope you all had an amazing holiday as well, whatever you celebrate. I know we did! My parents are now here in California for a visit and I'm having a blast. It's always so great to see them, and I know we'll have lots of fun adventures too!

<3LJ

2011-12-22T23:48:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by the lovely Melina to do a fun little questionnaire. Check it out and see if you were tagged by me!

Rules:

1.You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things

about themselves on their blog.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for

you in their post and create 11 new questions

for the people you tag to answer.

11 Things About Me

1. I live in Southern California, but hail from a small town in Colorado. I'm a mountain girl at heart!

2. I am incredibly allergic to most cats and dogs. Also, cigarette smoke, which is interesting considering I was a smoker for some time. I quit this past April and feel better than ever!

3. I skipped kindergarten and graduated from high school a year and a half early. I was an autodidact through high school and only attended a fashion design class and theater at public school.

4. I've always wanted to pierce my nose, but I am plagued with many metal allergies (I can only wear 14k gold or higher, and even then sometimes it will give me hives)

5. I am trying desperately to finish my college degree in Anthropology, but school is expensive out here in California and all the good classes fill up FAST.

6. I'm kind of a geek. I'm obsessed with Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, I love video and computer games, I gobble up fantasy books and I am hoping to attend my second convention next year at Dragon Con in Atlanta!

7. I'm a natural blonde, but I've been dying my hair various shades of red since I was 13.

8. I used to be a figure skater. I miss it a lot sometimes!

9. My marriage is the best and hardest thing in my life. Getting married young brought up many challenges, but I'm a better, more fulfilled person because of it, and I am so blessed to have such a great husband.

10. I've struggled with depression for 5 years, but I get stronger every day and it no longer controls me.

11. I am adopted, but many would never guess it. So many people say I look just like my mom and dad!

Things I Love Thursday

2011-12-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

(source)

Santa cat is NOT amused.

(source)

In "Why didn't I think of that?!" news... Bacon Cinnamon Rolls. Yiss please.

On my road to healthy eating and exercise, I often feel like Stan in this American Dad episode. (<3)

Brookish7 has one of the most awesome Etsy shops ever. These are waffle sheets with fruit pillows (and a syrupy blanket!) I mean, seriously. Awesome. She also sells pizza sleeping bags. Not even joking.

(source)

Eggnog Jello Shots! Just in time for Christmas. You're welcome :)

(source)

This collection of photographs focuses on animal's eyes up close... so interesting how all the tiny variations in the eye make it look so peculiar when photographed that closely. Eyeballs are amazing!

I am MEGA obsessed with this great dress at Nasty Gal. So Sparkly!

Apparently these are chocolates... and I need them in my life right now! They are way too pretty to eat though, I think.

This picture made me actually LOL. Stealth cat FTW!

Elf FOREVER!!!

Skyrim Theme with Christmas Lights. AMAZING.

My mom declared yesterday that only geeks play Skyrim. I said, "Nuh uh, Lucas and I play Skyrim!!!" She just looked at me sympathetically, nodded, and said, "I know." LOL.

Holy Cow, this firefighter exam is beyond amazing. So cool!

The HOBBIT TRAILER! I almost peed my pants in excitement, not even joking. So thrilled.

other things that made me happy this week:

finding out my christmas present from my husband (more to come)//getting lots of cards in the mail//all the pretty lights around the neighborhood//making yummy treats//having a clean pantry and fridge for the first time in ages// having a husband who at least tries to take care of me and be sympathetic when I am sick//my kitten pajamas which I have worn pretty much constantly since getting them (our roommate asked me this morning if I am ever going to get out of pajamas and into real clothes..... no. No I am not.) //drunken phone calls to old friends//reminiscing with FB timeline

What made you smile this week, kittens?

What I Wore Wednesday- Kittens in Mittens

2011-12-21T10:51:00.000-08:00

This is what today's What I Wore Wednesday looks like... I will admit these pictures were not taken today, but it IS the same outfit, if I can even call it that. Hah! I look considerably less healthy today, with no makeup and hair a mess- Yesterday I had to go early morning into Urgent Care with a pretty severe kidney infection and get some bloodwork and IV's done. I was a sick little kitten!

I'm feeling so much better today, but still weak and very tired, so I'm just lounging around in my jammies for a while until I can muster up the energy to put some lipstick on and some appropriate clothes to run to the grocery store.

Santa brought me these cute jammies a little early for Christmas... and I'm in love. Totally obsessed and I never want to take them off. They are from Target and have little kittens cuddled up in winter mittens. They are so cute, and um. Cats. Yes. <3

Outfit Deets (LOL)

PJS//Target

Yes, that pretty much covers it.

Anyways, hope y'all are having an awesome week and getting ready for Christmas times! Woohoo!

Foodie Friday- Gingerbread White Chocolate Cookies

2011-12-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

So, recently I have been baking up a storm, making multiple batches of all kinds of delectable Christmas cookies. This recipe is one I found via Pinterest and just had to try. They are perfectly festive and the addition of the white chocolate makes them a little different and extra special. I'm not too much of a gingerbread fan myself, but WOAH these guys were delicious. And relatively simple to make, as well. Want to try them out for your Christmas festivities? I think they'd make an awesome hostess gift.

Ingredients

3 cups flour

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp baking soda

pinch salt

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg

1/2 cup molasses

3/4 cup softened butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup white sugar

1 cup white chocolate chips

In a medium size bowl, combine your dry ingredients (flour, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.) Whisk until incorporated.

In another (large) bowl, beat your brown sugar and softened butter together until light and creamy.

Nom nom nom.

Now, add your molasses, egg and vanilla on low speed until mixed with butter and sugar.

Slowly add your flour mixture to your wet ingredients and mix until totally combined.

Now, lay out some saran wrap and flatten your dough into a little gingerbread frisbee. Cover it in Saran wrap and stick in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

After the dough is all chilled out, roll it in 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are just brown. Immediately remove from oven and press 5 white chocolate chips into center of cookies. Let cool, and enjoy!

Things I Love Thursday

2011-12-15T13:37:00.000-08:00

(source)

Gorgeous turquoise hair <3

(source)

These adorable kitten wraparound rings <3

This gorgeous pink fur coat- I want a faux one for this winter! So chic.

(source)

This adorable greyhound reindeer <3 Reminds me so much of Max in How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

This sweepy little fox <3

(source)

This waterproof planetarium that you can take into the tub with you! <3

(source )

Better than Sex Caketini.... ummm, yes please!

Oh Jason Segel, I <3 you!

I don't care if he's a monster... Tate is my favorite. <3

Adventure time!!! <3

This cute little lizard is kicking some major butt on this video game using his tongue! So adorable.

This 8 month old deaf baby just got a cochlear implant and is hearing his mommy's voice for the first time. SO sweet.

things that made me happy this week:

going out to dinner with my sweetie for the first time ages// playing insane amounts of Skyrim//chalk drawings with cute kiddos//bizarre cartoons//smoothies//healthy eating// exercise// baking lots of Christmas cookies//chats with my daddy over skype// weird dreams// cool weather//planning christmas fun

what made you smile this week, lovelies?

A Sad Thanksgiving Story... just a little late.

2011-12-13T15:09:00.000-08:00

I'm posting about Thanksgiving just a liiitttllle late. I mean, it's only almost Christmas. X) Oops! I finally uploaded these pictures and thought I would share our little Thanksgiving adventure and mishap and recovery with you.

We had planned to take a roadtrip down to Tucson, Arizona to commune with my family at my aunt's home. It was about 570 miles and should have taken us around 8-9 hours to drive there. I was so excited to see my aunt, my mom and dad and my brother- I hadn't seen my parents since early summer and my brother and aunt in much longer. Lucas was not as excited for the roadtrip and driving as I was- but excited to be with family.

Here I am, all ready at the very beginning of our roadtrip. We left at around 9 in the morning- so we were nice and rested for the drive ahead of us.

I was the chosen navigator for the first part of the trip, and I carefully reviewed our directions. We drove and drove and drove until we almost hit the California/Arizona border. I had just switched spots with Lucas and was in the driver's seat when disaster struck. My cruise control started getting wonky, wouldn't go on and the light started blinking wildly. No big deal, I can drive without cruise control.... but then our check engine light went on. Sensing something bad could happen, I woke Lucas from his nap in the passenger seat to alert him.

We pulled over to a small parking lot in the middle of nowhere. We didn't have the money (at all) to get the car checked out or fixed, and we certainly didn't have the funds to call a tow truck or get some kind of rental to drive the rest of the way. Besides, we were driving on Thanksgiving day, and nearly EVERYTHING was closed for the holiday.

We couldn't afford to get stuck in Arizona, because Lucas HAD to be back for work by Monday... and my registration for my car also was due to expire that Monday- so we had to be back in state and get my registration by that date. It was a mess. I called my parents and explained the situation, hoping they could magically fix it somehow. Unsurprisingly, they couldn't. They told us we needed to make a hard decision and be careful and do the right thing, and that they wouldn't be mad if we couldn't come. Lucas and I talked it over and decided it just wouldn't be smart to continue on, so we had to turn around.

I was SO sad. Maybe it's a bit silly, but I just sobbed as Lucas held me for a while pulled over in the middle of nowhere. We were tired, starving, had driven half of the way, and just had to turn around and go back. We didn't have anything at the house to make for Thanksgiving and I wasn't going to see my family. I was just really sad and disappointed. Lucas made silly jokes and tickled me until I cheered up a bit. We drove the long way home and tried desperately to find anywhere that was open and serving food at 9pm on Thanksgiving. We thought we were out of luck until we found ONE Jack in the Box drive thru open. We got some chicken sandwiches and ate them ravenously.

We finally made it home and immediately curled up in blankets and got some frustration out together...

.....Playing Gears of War 3. Duh.

The next day, we went grocery shopping with our meager budget and I pulled together the best Thanksgiving meal I could. We had roasted chicken ( the grocery was out of turkeys) scalloped potatoes, dressing, sweet potato fries, cranberry sauce, rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, chocolate cake and two varieties of wine.

I missed my family so much and was bummed we didn't get to have our planned vacation, but it was fun to start a new tradition with my own little family. We had full and happy bellies and were tipsy and happy all day. Thank goodness for happy endings!

Foodie Friday- Avalanche Bars

2011-12-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

I got this tasty recipe idea when browsing Pinterest one afternoon. I came across this

delicious recipe and just altered it slightly. I love rice crispy treats, but these are an insanely upgraded version with peanut butter, white chocolate and chocolate chips. And they have a festive winter name, too! I sent these to work with my hubby so I couldn't overindulge, and everyone gobbled them right up- they were definitely a hit. So yummy!

Want to try them? (yes, you do!) Here's what you will need:

3 cups Rice Crispies, or puffed rice cereal

11 oz bag white chocolate chips

1/4 cup creamy honey nut peanut butter (or just regular, if you can't find honey nut)

1 and 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, plus 2 tbs for topping

First, in a large microwave safe bowl, place the entire bag of white chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Microwave for 15 second intervals and stirring between until chocolate is totally melted.

Measure out your yummy peanut butter...

and stir it into your white chocolate. Doesn't that look delicious? It is.

Now, pour in your rice crispy cereal, marshmallows and 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Stir all together until well blended.

Now, in a greased 8x8 pan, press the mixture lightly into the pan with the back of a spoon. Now let totally cool ( I placed my pan in the refrigerator to speed the process)

Once completely cooled, cut your bars into squares and enjoy!

Things I Love Thursday

2011-12-08T12:50:00.000-08:00

This gorgeous hairstyle! I wish I knew how to do this.

This illustration adequately describes my party persona.

This vintage cougar sweater is made of awesome. So perfect!

I am in love with this nebula print skirt. So cool!

Awww, look at this sweet little guy and his strawberry hat. <3<3<3

This chocolate mousse cheesecake looks INSANELY good. Someone on pinterest said to only make it if you have someone to give it to, or otherwise, you'll end up eating the entire thing! I believe it.

Christmas cookie cocktail? YUM!

I love this DIY Newspaper Christmas tree... how adorable!

The holidays can be a stressful time... Thankfully, Elizabeth Taylor gave us some great advice.

Is it below freezing where you live? Go outside and blow some bubbles! Watch them freeze and shatter as they fall to the ground. Cool :)

You're welcome.

This video of ducks crossing the street is funny and cute. That is a LOT of duckies!

Things that made me smile this week:

my husband's cooking//riesling//playing way too much Sims//new magazines//spa days at home//buying gifts for friends//writing and receiving Christmas cards// watching the santa clause (one of the greatest christmas movies ever!)//visits with friends// having amazing family to vent to about stress//Lucas's silly drawings on the shower door for me//

What made your life happy this past week, my lovelies?

Things I Love Thursday

2011-12-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

(source)

Isn't this lake in Australia gorgeous? It glows due to a high population of bioluminescent microorganisms called Noctiluca scintillans. I would love to visit there someday!

<3 Adventure Time and Jake's life wisdom. So good.

(source )

Think I found my water bottle for an upcoming Zombie 5K! Or just a container for cocktails to sneak into the movie theater. Yeah, that's infinitely more likely to be used.

(source)

This Smoretini looks DIVINE. A definite "must try" for coming chilly winter days.

(source)

This is one of the greatest cosplays I have ever seen. <3

(source)

Reeses brownie cake? Ok, I'm drooling. How positively SINFUL!

(source)

This is an alarm clock that you SHOOT to turn off. Seriously, how cool is that? Need it. Need it now.

I think during this busy holiday season, we could all use a little help with our stress level. Here's 50 ways to cope :)

(source)

Look at this happy little owl! What a cutie pie.

This fortune cookie fortune. So true.

Love this adorable interaction with this little boy and otter at the zoo. They are having too much fun together! So cute.

Oskar the blind kitten with his first toys.... so sweet. His people gave him balls with bells inside, and he's able to play with them and chase them around perfectly with his heightened sense of hearing.

Other things that made me happy this week:

beating gears of war 3//long days at home with hubby//phone calls with friends// grocery shopping adventures//riesling//jericho//cup o noodles//man I am obsessed with American Horror Story! Anyone else?//pretty new nail polish color// december magazines and all their gift guides// beautiful weather when everyone back home is complaining about snow//naps//sugar cookies

What made you smile this past week, my lovelies?

2011-11-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

Hey lovelies! Happy Tuesday to all of you! I just wanted to let you know that I have a little guest feature up at my blogging friend Mel's blog today... check it out and give her a follow! She's the sweetest, most gorgeous gal and I'm proud to be featured on her blog :)

Only A Flight Away

Makeup Monday- Jackie Sparrow

2011-11-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

This post is pirate inspired, hence the goofy title. I actually wanted to name this post "Smelly Pirate Hooker", but felt like readers not getting the reference could be really dangerous... so I settled on something a little more PG. That way my mom doesn't have to freak out ;)

This is a bit of a grungy smokey eye which is simple, totally imperfect and sexy in that "I don't give a #$^@" way. This look makes me feel like a rockstar, or an action hero or a... smelly pirate hooker. Oh yeah.

Do foundation and concealer as normal.

Apply the gold shadow to your lid using a back and forth windshield wiper motion right up into your crease with a soft fluffy brush.

Line your upper lid with a charcoal shadow- I find that black is a bit too harsh, and grey doesn't define as needed- look for something in between if you can. Sometimes it helps to slightly wet your liner brush when doing this step so the shadow doesn't go everywhere. Blend the line out softly with the fluffy brush.

Now line your under eye with the same charcoal shadow. Dip the liner brush in the gold shadow and trace over the same line. This will soften and blend it out a bit.

Apply a carbon black mascara to upper and lower lashes, and ditch the eyelash curler for this look.

Take a shimmery bronzer and place it in the hollows of your cheeks and all the way up to the temple. Blend out, brushing in small circles until there are no lines visible.

You can just put on a bit of chapstick, or apply a golden peachy gloss to your lips for the finishing touch.

and there you have it! That's all there is to the look- perfect for a quick date night look.

Hope you enjoyed, and hope you'll give this tutorial a try! If you do, I'd love to see :)

3rd Anniversary

2011-11-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I'm astonished that it's already been 3 years, and sometimes I feel as though we've been together forever. Through all the laughter, tears, turmoil and joys, I'm so blessed to have had you by my side. I can't imagine a life without you- You are my best friend and love of my life. Happy Anniversary, my husband!

What I Wore Wednesday- One Woman Wolf Pack

2011-11-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

You can hardly see it, but I'm in LOVE with my nail polish I got in my November Birchbox- it's stunning. I usually don't go for blue, but this is the prettiest blue polish I've ever laid eyes on. It's called Noel from the Holiday 2011 collection by Zoya.

This is my first ever what I wore post including jeans! I'm quite nervous about it- I sometimes feel as though outfits with jeans are simply too casual to post on the blog, but this is often the type of outfit that I wear. I feel comfortable, casual and cool, and that's my typical style. What do you think about jean posts on blogs? Are they ok or just too casual?

I just bought this shirt from Urban a couple days ago... and I've been wearing it ever since. It's so soft and comfortable. The fabric is that perfect vintage wash, nice and thin and soft. It feels like my favorite tees that I've worn a million times.

I am totally embracing messy hair today.

Shirt// Urban Outfitters

Jeans//American Eagle

Moccasins// Minnetonka

Cuff// Gift from India

Makeup Monday- Electric Blue

2011-11-21T16:30:00.000-08:00

Foodie Friday- A Healthier Breakfast Burrito

2011-11-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hey guys! I know we're typically used to a sweeter and more calorie laden recipe on Fridays- and trust me, those are some of my favorites! I have a serious sweet tooth. However, if that's the only thing you know how to make in your kitchen, you're bound to put on a few extra pounds. So I decided I would share some healthier recipes on the blog to balance things out!

Here is one of my favorite breakfasts- I love breakfast burritos, but I've taken a slightly healthier approach to the typical fatty and starchy version you'll find in most restaurants.

Let's get started! Here are the ingredients you'll need:

1-2 eggs (depending on appetite)

Guerrero whole wheat tortilla

Garlic salt

Roma tomato

Laughing Cow light

Turkey bacon ( I use Eating Right)

Shredded 2% Sharp Cheddar (optional)

Salsa (Pace is the best!!!)

Dice up half of a Roma tomato and put into a bowl. You of course can use more if you like lots of veggies- also feel free to add onion and peppers for extra flavor, but I don't like them so I omit them from my burritos.

Crack some eggs into the bowl- 1 or 2 per burrito, I have four pictured because I made one for hubs, too!

Add a dash of garlic salt for flavor. Whisk together.

Spray a frying pan with some Pam, heat it over medium heat and scramble your eggs. I find the key to the best scrambled eggs is to heat them over lower heat and keep them moving constantly- don't let them sit in one place for too long.

Get your tortilla ready on a plate.

Spread your laughing cow wedge over the tortilla as evenly as possible. Now, put your scrambled eggs in the center of the tortilla.

Now, using the same pan (no need to dirty another!) cook up some turkey bacon to your liking. Yum!

Lay the cooked bacon on top of your eggs. Optional: sprinkle with a little bit of shredded cheddar and top with salsa. Salsa is an awesome way to add a lot of flavor without adding a whole bunch of calories. Now wrap it up like a delicious little burrito baby and slice in half. Sometimes I like to zap mine for 20 seconds in the microwave to ensure everything is nice and warm.

Now add a side of fresh grapefruit and enjoy! Sorry the picture is a little sad- it's a testament to how yummy this is! I started nomming it down before I remembered I needed to take another picture. Oops :)

I hope you guys enjoy this new healthy recipe! It doesn't taste "healthy" at all, I assure you. I am pretty much the pickiest eater ever and I LOVE this breakfast- I hope you will too.

Things I love Thursday- Steampunk Edition

2011-11-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s.^[1] Steampunk involves a setting where steam power is still widely used—usually Victorian era Britain—that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or more recently Philip Pullman and China Mieville. - Wikipedia

Steampug is the cutest ever! <3

I adore this girl's getup- absolutely perfect Steampunk costume! I snagged this off pinterest, but if anyone knows the original source, please let me know!

Game of Thrones fans will understand! By Foxwise.

Amazing corset from harlotsandangels

One of my very favorite steampunk novels!

This tutorial teaches you how to convert a nerf gun into your very own steampunk gun prop! So cool.

These gorgeous Alexander Mcqueen heels are the most glorious steampunk shoe ever- so pretty I could almost cry!

This steampunk laptop is insanely good. SO MUCH WANT.

LOL- best quick description of the genre ever? I think so.

Check out this amazing steampunk inspired mobile home... so fantastical!

I love this "Clockwork Kitty" by collageOrama!

Such a pretty jacket from Pyramid Collection

Love love love this picture from Model Mayhem.

Are any of you guys steampunk fans or aficionados? Hope you've enjoyed this post!

2011-11-17T00:02:00.000-08:00

I'm so pleased to finally share the Package Pals project with you guys! Package Pals was an awesome project hosted by the ever so lovely and talented Gentri Lee where bloggers were set up with someone across the country, got to know them, and sent fabulous packages to each other!

My amazing partner is Melissa of Simply Melissa Ashley- I knew from the moment I first visited her blog that we would become great blogging friends! We share many of the same interests and have a similar style and aesthetic, so I was even more stoked to send and receive a package. We both put together a box of fun gifts, some random things and some things that represented our hometowns or areas. Melissa's box was so thoughtful and absolutely perfect for me- even though we only had a short time to get to know each other, I feel like her package could have been from a very old friend. Blogging is amazing and I'm so thankful for the relationships it has opened up for me- including my new friendships with the beautiful Melissa and Gentri Lee. What amazing gals! Thanks for being a part of this amazing project with me :)

Without further ado- here are some of the things that I got in my lovely package- be sure to check out Melissa's blog as well- she's a photographer and has gorgeous photos of our boxes and also what I sent her :)

A huge thanks and *hugs* to my package pal- I lit my candle last night, put on your mix and started Tuesdays with Morrie- I love it and can hardly put it down. You're the best! <3

What I Wore Wednesday- Dirty 80's

2011-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

When hubs and I went outside to photograph this outfit, he told me I looked like a dirty 80's girl. Was I wrong to take that as a compliment? This outfit is a little laid back, a little dressed up, a little girly and a little grungy. I feel very "me" in it, and very comfortable. I also love this shirt and think of it fondly as the best 5 dollars I've maybe ever spent.

Outfit Details

Shirt//Forever 21

Skirt//Urban Outfitters

Tights//Target

Shoes//Payless

Ring//Vintage, my grandmother's

Necklace//City Birds Nest

Sunglasses//Street booth in Italy

Makeup Monday- Skywishes

2011-11-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

If any of you get the title reference, cookies for you! <3 Here's today's makeup look, which I think is fab for us green eyed ladies- really makes them pop. Which I think is a gross phrase to use, jus' sayin. Who came up with that? ;)

As always, if any of you try this look out, I would LOVE to see the results! Let me know what you think:) Hope you all are having a marvelous Monday!

<3LauraJane

Foodie Friday- Smores Bars

2011-11-11T16:55:00.000-08:00

Sticky, gooey, messy, chewy... aren't smores the best? Cooking them outdoors with a warm fire and friends is of course, ideal... but when you're lacking the campfire, try these! They are so delicious and terribly sinful- but very worth it.

Ingredients

7 graham crackers

1 and 1/3 cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

pinch of salt

1/2 cup softened, room temperature butter

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

2 large (4.25 oz) Hershey's Milk Chocolate bars

1 and 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff

First, heat your oven to 350 F. Grease an 8x8 inch pan and set aside.

We're going to need to to crush those yummy graham crackers into a fairly fine powder- I put my grahams into a gallon ziplock, sealed it, and used a rolling pin to finely crush them, but you can you a bag and a hammer, or really whatever method you would like :)

In a smaller bowl, combine your finely crushed graham crackers, flour, baking soda and salt.

In a larger bowl, cream together both your sugars with your room temperature butter until creamy and fluffy.

Add your egg and vanilla and blend until combined.

Add your flour mixture to your butter mixture and on a low speed, mix together until totally combined- your dough should be a bit crumbly looking.

Separate out half of your dough and put the other half aside. Using one half, press the dough into the bottom of your greased pan

Lay your chocolate bars side by side on top of the dough.

Spread your marshmallow fluff on the chocolate layer.

Now, with your other half of dough, you can either manhandle it to get it even on top of the marshmallow layer, or you can use this handy little tip: Put your dough into a gallon zip lock baggie and flatten it out with your palms or a rolling pin to about the same size as the dish.

Now cut open two sides of your bag so it opens like a book.

Now you can flip your dough onto the top of your marshmallow layer easily- some of my dough crumbled a bit, and it's not perfect, but no worries! It still tastes amazing :)

Pop those yummies in the oven for 30-35 minutes to cook, and take them out and let them completely cool before cutting into them.

And enjoy! Look at how gooey and melty and delicious. NOM.

I slightly altered a recipe I found at Baked Perfection- whose Smores Bars look about a thousand times better than mine, but I still thank so much for the idea to make these delicious treats!

Things I Love Thursday

2011-11-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

This living room on Revelment is inspiring me to invest in a chevron rug... I love the look of everything in this picture!

Show Me Your Money Face kinda cracks me up. So weird!

I am lovin this beautiful druzy copper geode ring by MidwestAlchemy!

Obsessed with this gorgeous mountain home flooring- this belongs in my dream house.

Hot cocoa just got a LOT more fun...

This hair is making me swoon, hardcore.

I'm considering investing in this dress from Victoria's Secret- it looks so comfy and cozy!

Ahaha! This LOL cat definitely made me lol... I love thin mints, but I don't feel thin after eating them, either :(

Having a garden like this someday is one of my heart's desires.

This Marceline cosplay is so spot on. Perfect!

Little baby hedgehogs getting a bath! Aren't they precious?

This is a little old, but if you haven't seen it yet... you need to. Jimmy Kimmel sent a challenge out to the parents of America to tell their kids that they ate all their Halloween candy and tape the results... which are hilarious and precious, to say the least.

What else made my life joyful this week:

Going to my first con- Comikaze in LA (pictures to come)//getting my house all clean and beautiful//eating healthy and delicious foods//healing skype chats with my mommy//playing gears of war with my hubby//getting my caricature drawn for free// a girl telling me that she loved my face...awkward but really sweet <3//chilly fall weather//

What made you guys gleeful this last week?

What I Wore Wednesday- Black and Blue

2011-11-09T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, looking back on this outfit I'm just not sure I like the cardigan tied... what do you guys think? Should I leave it tied or just wear it loose?

Outfit Details

Dress//Target

Cardigan//Wet Seal

Shoes//Forever 21

Tights//Target

Ring// Vintage, my grandmother's

Necklace//Vintage, my grandmother's

Music Monday

2011-11-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

1957- Milo Greene

Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men

Ivy & Gold- Bombay Bicycle Club

The Girl- City and Colour

Sea of Love- Cat Power

Enjoy these tracks- they've been keeping me inspired this week and I hope they help you too :) I hope you each are having a wonderful start to your week!

<3LauraJane

Foodie Friday- Spiced Slow Cooker Pecans

2011-11-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

These spiced pecans will blow your mind! They are made in the crockpot, so they are super simple. You basically just dump in the ingredients and stir- that's it! No skill required. These are so tasty and I think that they would make an excellent gift packaged in pretty little containers :) I will definitely be making these again for Christmas! Want to try? Here's what we need:

Ingredients

16 oz pecans

1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp allspice

Heat your crockpot on high for about 20 minutes beforehand.

Pour your pecans and melted butter into the hot crockpot and stir.

Add powdered sugar and mix until pecans are well coated.

Cook on HIGH for 15 minutes, stir, turn the crockpot to low and cook 2-3 hours on low setting, stirring occasionally until your pecans have a shiny crunchy sugar coating.

Mix your spices in a small bowl and pour over your pecans, mixing until all pecans are coated.

Enjoy! Yes, it's that simple- so there is no reason you shouldn't try these out! You're going to love them!!

I slightly modified a recipe found here.

Things I Love Thursday

2011-11-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Littlegoodall is making these adorable animal coats in some adult sizes! I need this fox coat more than I can say, it's absolutely stunning.

I'm in love with this gorgeous phonograph- it's so classic and beautiful.

This lovely little heart shaped succulent necklace definitely caught my eye- I'm having a bit of a love affair with all things succulent lately.

Isn't this little purse so romantic looking? I love the scroll the letter is written in.

I am drooling over this stunning gemstone ring by xVelvetx- it's absolutely magical!

I know that I must own these sandals by Durdica at some point in the near future. The detail is fabulous!

I adore this tree ring ring. That was redundant! Ha. Too bad this one is tiny, and wouldn't fit on any of my fingers!

The fox and the hound in real life... awwww! (source)

Aren't these feather cookies by Cookie Boy absolutely gorgeous? I bet they're yummy too :)

Oh man, will someone PLEASE take me to Eynort, Scotland? So so beautiful. (source)

This is definitely how I am feeling today, too, sleepy bear!

Baby piglets are the cutest EVER!

I must have a baby goat. Look at this sweet little guy playing and jumping around! I'm dying of cuteness.

Other things that made me gleeful this week:

halloween parties//last episode of game of thrones!//little kids stopping by unexpectedly to watch cartoons//pizza//carving pumpkins//word games with friends//spooky excursions and adventures//seeing footloose with my friend alyssa!//getting an amazing package from my package pal//yummy smelling lotion// rewatching lord of the rings for the 1938458234 billionth time

What made you guys smile this week?

What I Wore Wednesday- Wildflowers

2011-11-02T13:04:00.000-07:00

Outfit Details

Dress//Wet Seal

Cardigan//Wet Seal

Moccasins//Minnetonka

Purse//Target

Necklace//Sookie Says

A Foxy Halloween!

2011-11-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

This Halloween, I went as a fox! It was a bit of a mish mash of things that I owned, but I think it turned out alright! I didn't put enough effort in for a truly homemade costume, but I was pleased I didn't have to resort to a skanky costume in a bag of some sort :)

Sorry these pictures are so bad- I took them on my webcam right before I left for a Halloween party! Welcome to my dirty kitchen... ;) The adorable fox hat is made by awberry on Etsy. She makes all sorts of cute things, go check out her shop!

It's been a beautiful weekend in Southern California, the sunsets here are so pretty.

I went with my friend's family to a strange and slightly spooky graveyard where some of the first settlers of the area are buried. It's off the beaten path and not many people know of it, so it was cool to see! It has earned the moniker "Baby Cemetery" for the 3 baby graves it harbors.

People leave all sorts of offerings, toys and trinkets for the babies.

I'm fascinated by old graves such as this one!

Later on, we carved our pumpkins... after eating the guts. Just kidding! She didn't really eat them, that would be grossss!

I carved the kitty and my friend Erica made the cute haunted house! Look at those cute little bats!

I carved my own cute little monster pumpkin at home to set out to light the way for my trick or treaters.

I hope you all had a great Halloween night, I know I did! <3

Adorable Halloween Costumes

2011-10-31T15:12:00.000-07:00

Look at this adorable Woody costume!

Ahaha! Look at this precious crime fighting duo!

Baby Lobster! What's cookin, good lookin?

Chia Pet Boston Terrier! This one cracks me up :P

Cutest baby shark EVER! Look at that smile :)

The most adorable little Pooh dog! So sleepy.

This little Dwight may be my very favorite. How perfect is this costume??

This precious Audrey Hepburn costume is so cute I could just DIE! When I have a little girl someday... so doing something like this!

I can't help but feel like this Alex costume is a teeney bit inappropriate for wee ones, but this is still wickedly cool- I mean look at the look on his face! Such a ham.

This baby viking has me in stitches. Seriously, how adorable is that getup?

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, my lovelies! Have any fun plans for today? What are you going as, or what did you go as this weekend? I'm actually not a vampire today, I'm attending a party as a fox, but I don't have photos yet :) Whatever you plan to do to celebrate, be safe and have fun... and GET SCARY!

<3LauraJane

Foodie Friday- Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-10-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

These cookies are some of the most delicious cookies I've baked in quite some time. They are so moist and incredibly soft- almost more like little cakes than cookies. They don't spread much during cooking, and stay like fluffy little pillows and taste of pumpkin pie! The cream cheese frosting sends these over the top- I can hardly keep myself from gobbling these all up. Are you ready to try these delicious cookies out for yourself? Here's what you'll need.

Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup softened butter

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

pinch of salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

(I just barely tweaked anything from this awesome recipe)

Begin by heating your oven to 350 F. Get a cookie sheet out- but don't grease it! There's no need.

In a large bowl, cream your butter and sugars together until they are light in color and fluffy.

Add your egg, pumpkin and vanilla and blend together completely.

In a medium size bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt until well combined.

Slowly add the flour mixture to your butter and sugar mixture and stir until well mixed.

Drop by tablespoons full on your cookie sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of your cookie are golden.

These cookies are delicious as is, but they are even better topped with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting! Try it out!

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

3 oz softened cream cheese

1/4 softened butter

1 and 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

Stir all ingredients together until they are totally combined- and then ice your fabulous pumpkin cookies! ENJOY :D

Things I Love Thursday

2011-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

This floral headwreath by Bloom Design Studio is absolutely magical! I wish I could get away with wearing one like it all the time.

This cottage is basically my dream home. So cozy looking- from small rooms

I'm in love with this gorgeous journal by Leatherbound Gifts- look at that detail! So amazing.

"Money Tree" from Honestly WTF- an excerpt from the site:

"In several wooded areas around Cumbria and Portmeirion in the UK, people have been hammering small denomination coins intro trees for centuries. The practice is said to date back as far as the early 1700s, in Scotland, where ill people would stick florins into trees in hopes that the trees would cure their illnesses. In 1877, Queen Victoria wrote about visiting an oak tree with coins stuck in it in Scotland’s Highlands."

Little bits of beautiful handmade paper from White Dragon Paper- I want it! I have a serious thing for handmade, rustic looking paper. Nothing is better to write on!

I couldn't stop saying "Awww" out loud when I first saw this adorable picture by Mark Loper. So precious, right?

I think this "Walk in the Forest" necklace by Garden of Sypria is absolutely stunning- I'd love to own a piece like this!

I learned this amazing trick from A Small Snippet this week- did you know if you put a wooden spoon over a pot of boiling water, it won't boil over? I don't know how on EARTH this works... I'm pretty sure it's magic.

Haha, I'm in LOVE with this sign by Gelert Design- I WILL own this, and hang it above our front door. Perfect.

A recipe for Cheesecake Factory Honey Wheat Bread? Count me in, I LOVE this stuff! From Frieda Loves Bread.

This Halloween lightshow is AMAZING- check it out! I wish I had the talent to do something like this!

This cute kitten is loving this fish pond Ipad app! So funny.

These elephants are being reunited after 20 years- I think this is exceptionally sweet and touching.

cocktails and Lord of the Rings//getting a package full of delicious goodies from my godmother//catching up on Jersey Shore- total guilty pleasure//finding redhots at the craft store... and consuming mass amounts of them// redying my hair (no more roots, yay!)// fun halloween times with good friends// my awesome new fox hat from awberry//strange and magical dreams// my seedlings beginning to peek through the soil :)

What is delighting you all this week?

What I Wore Wednesday- Birthday Dress!

2011-10-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

My mommy sent this lovely dress to me for my birthday this year, isn't it pretty? She chose perfectly, and it fits like a dream. She has pretty good taste, I think!

Lucas always ends up taking way more pictures of my face than my outfit. I get frustrated with him sometimes, but actually, it's kind of cute.

This opal necklace used to belong to my grandmother- I love it so much. Opal is my birthstone as well, so it's doubly as special to me.

Outfit Details

Dress// Nine West

Cardigan// Wet Seal

Tights// Target

Shoes// Payless

Necklace//Vintage, my grandmother's

Makeup Monday- Bronze Age

2011-10-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Products used

Primer// Loreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base

Bronze Shadow// Loreal HIP pigment in Visionary

Maroon Shadow// #2 in Wet n Wild Petal Pusher Color Icon Palette

Eyeliner// Loreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black

Mascara// Loreal Voluminous in Carbon Black

Lipstick// Loreal Colour Riche in Fairest Nude

Blush// Physician's Formula Shimmer Strip in Vegas Lights

Hope you guys enjoy! Happy Monday lovelies :)

Saturday Snapshots

2011-10-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful squash at Lombardi Ranch

Look at all these beautiful pumpkins!

My lovely friend Erica :)

This cute little llama kept yawning and making the silliest faces, and the little goat came over to nuzzle my hand, aww!

Giant sunflowers and photobombers!

This was my favorite Scarecrow of the bunch.

Llama kisses! This one nipped my arm when I stopped petting its nose to take a picture.

Cute little guy!

We tried to race the guys through the corn maze and ended up taking nearly every wrong turn on the way. In the end, we saw a "short-cut" out and fought our way through the stalks to get out. Turns out we aren't very clever at corn mazes! ;)

The pumpkins were absolutely endless!

Some giant ones were eating Erica alive!

Look at all these, how could I choose?

My lovely presents from Erica... I have the greatest friends!

We decorated gingerbread haunted houses while we watched 3 of our favorite Halloween movies (Halloweentown, Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus) and I think they turned out super cute. So much fun!

Yummy!

All Erica's cute bostons curled up to sleep on the couch with us.

Foodie Friday- "Best EVER" Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-10-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

I've got a little secret for you guys...

The chocolate chips in this recipe? Not chocolate chips at all. I ran out at the last second and ended up chopping some leftover candy I had sitting in the pantry. These little candies make the cookie that much more fun! They are great to begin with, but with the textural addition of this crisp rice laden chocolates, they are awesome. Everyone who tried these told me how amazing they were... see for yourself, you're going to love them too!

Ingredients

1 (18.25 oz) package of yellow cake mix

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup softened butter

3 tablespoons packed brown sugar

1 1/2 cups Willy Wonka Scrumdiddlyumptious chocolate pieces, chopped (or heck, any other candy of your choice)

Start off by heating your oven up to a toasty 350 F. This has a bonus of heating your kitchen area from the chilly fall weather- oh yeah. Spray your cookie sheet with a light coat of Pam.

Next, chop your chocolate pieces into small chunks.

In a large bowl, combine half the cake mix with your brown sugar, eggs, softened butter and vanilla. Mix on a medium to high speed 2 minutes until smooth and creamy!

Mix on a medium to high speed 2 minutes until smooth and creamy! Yum! :)

Next, pour in the rest of your cake mix along with your chopped candy pieces or chocolate chips.

Mix until combined, but be careful to not over mix.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto your cookie sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden on the outer edges. Let cool, and enjoy with a tall glass of milk!

Keep them all for yourself, or impress everyone with your serious cookie making skills- it's totally up to you :)

This recipe was slightly altered from a recipe in Cake Mix Cookies by Camilla V. Saulsbury.

Things I Love Thursday

2011-10-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

This beautiful quartz pendant necklace by Joyce

This tattoo at guyletatooter is so stunning. If I ever get a tattoo, I'd love it to look something like this- freeform and organic.

The greatest wedding photos of ALL TIME at Badass Digest. Why oh why didn't I think of that? SO good.

This cute dog licking a popsicle is CRACKING ME UP. Oh my goodness, look at that face! From Doggie Stylish.

Aren't these felted wool stone floor cushions amazing? They look so real! From Viva Terra.

Have you ever REALLY wanted to get your precious little feline a gorgeous set of armor to dress up in? Well... umm... here you go! From Unfinished Man. (What? Crazy cat lady? No, not you...)

These braids are so gorgeous, no? Someday my hair will be long enough to accomplish this style, I hope!

Oh my goodness, the geek in me needs this- a wand to control your TV and other household electronics. Change a channel with a flick, turn up the volume by twisting your wand and other functions. Man oh man I would have way too much fun with this bad boy from Think Geek,

This handmade journal by Medieval Journey is the sweetest little thing. Aren't the details to die for?

And wings... because why not? Aren't these wings by Whimsy Everlasting positively dreamy?

If you haven't seen "Star Wars According to a 3 year old" yet... you need to. This little gal is pretty much the cutest thing ever.

Corgi Flop nearly makes me die of laughter every time I watch it. Oh my god. So cute.

Other things that made my week:

the walking dead//tidelands//drinking zombies//planting new seeds in my garden//listening to beautiful new music//reading magazines//phone calls, texts, posts and gifts from the most amazing friends and family for my birthday//two sweet old ladies going on about how pretty they thought I looked in my Ren Fest get up//Lucas nearly selling me to pirates for booze//calamari oh god i want it now//buying my first bottle of alcohol at the grocery store, I'm finally an adult!//Churro ice cream from Coldstone//thank god for advil, tylenol and excedrin this week.

What made you happy or excited this week, dear ones?

What I Wore Wednesday- Renaissance Festival

2011-10-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

For my birthday, Lucas surprised me by taking me to one of my very favorite places- the Renaissance Festival! I used to work as a garland girl at the Colorado Renaissance Festival for my summer job, and the festival held my heart since I was a little girl. The smells of turkey legs and dirt and beer- elephants and roasted sugared almonds- it all transports me back home. I didn't even realize that we had a fair nearby this time of year, so it was a wonderful surprise to find out where we were going! I got all dressed up in my garb I still had from my job at the faire- I love dressing up in Medieval costume!

Outfit Details

Boots//Catskill Mountain Moccasins

Dress//Unicorn Clothing, Colorado Ren Fest

Leather Corset//a leather shop I don't recall the name of at Colorado Ren Fest

Feather Garland//Milady's Posies at Colorado Ren Fest

Necklace// my new treasure from City Bird's Nest

Music Monday

2011-10-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some beautiful songs that have been pleasuring my ears as of late- I hope you enjoy them!

Cosmic Love, Florence + The Machine

Home, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

81, Joanna Newsom

Skinny Love, Bon Iver

Wizard Flurry Home, Mariee Sioux

So have a listen, and enjoy! <3

Saturday Snapshots

2011-10-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

Arby's Beef and Cheddar and a Jamocha shake= HEAVEN.

Someone once got stabbed in the neck with a meat thermometer at this theater. We went to see Contagion there... it was horrendously boring, in my opinion.

Aren't these flowers so lovely?

My first legal drink at a bar, a Pomegranate Sunset at BJ's Brewery. Yum!

Skyping with my beautiful mommy- isn't she so cute? My parents got me a gorgeous little

Canon Powershot for my birthday, so I don't have to lug my DSLR around with me all the time. <3

Husband and I being silly. Such a bad picture of us!

Lucas always gets Chocolate Devotion at Coldstone. Yum.

Pretty birthday sunset!

I love my moccasins. I wear them EVERYWHERE. Also, we really need to get a new windshield.

Yum!

I got this amazing "Churro Caramel Crave" for my birthday treat. SO good.

Forget flowers and chocolate, my husband got me Four Loko! This flavor was terrible, though (green apple)

All in all, a wonderful birthday day! Thank you SO much for your well wishes, I have the greatest readers in the whole world! You're a bunch of sweethearts <3

Foodie Friday- Shirley Temple Cupcakes

2011-10-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

My mother was not the only one to point out the irony of choosing a non alcoholic drink to base my 21st birthday cupcakes off of, but I do love a good Shirley Temple. It's the kid in me! If you're a fan of this kiddie cocktail, you might want to try this cupcake. It's slightly healthier than your normal cupcake without any butter or oils that normally go into a cake. And it's easy peasey! Wanna try it out? Here's what you'll need:

1 box French Vanilla Cake Mix

1 can Sprite, 7-up or lemon-lime soda of your choice

1/2 cup chopped and stemmed maraschino cherries

1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice

Cut up your maraschino cherries into small pieces.

Blend your lemon lime soda, cherry juice and cake mix on high speed for 2 minutes.

Add your chopped cherries and stir until combined.

Spoon batter into lined cupcake tin about 2/3 full and bake for 20 minutes or until slightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cupcakes and then ice with the frosting of your choice- and don't forget to top with a cherry!

The frosting I used was this:

1/4 softened butter

3 oz softened cream cheese

1 and 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbs maraschino cherry juice

but it was honestly much to sweet and heavy for this particular cupcake- I would use a cool whip frosting or something very light and not overly sweet to compliment the sweetness of the cake.

I love Jane Deere's recipe for Shirley Temple cupcakes- it's the one I used and just tweaked bits and pieces :)

There you go guys, I hope you enjoy it! These were a bit sweet for my taste- but if you have a real sweet tooth, try and it and let me know what you think :)

2011-10-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's my 21st birthday today, and I am SO excited- birthdays are the greatest, aren't they? My hubby is staying home from work to hang out with me, and take me to lunch and a movie. We have so many fun things planned for this weekend and I can't wait to share them!

I'm sorry I'm late on Foodie Friday today- my camera died before I could upload pictures... but I will have a cupcake recipe up later today, so watch out for it, it's a fun one :D

Things I Love Thursday

2011-10-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am totally in love with this butterfly necklace by Neile- and the colors are so perfect for autumn!

I'm crazy about this cute Bambi inspired eye makeup by Tereska H on Beautylish. I think it would be perfect for a doe costume of any kind on Halloween!

Look at this gorgeous vintage poisonous mushroom chart by Vintage Scraps- I want to frame this and hang them in my home!

This wire tree of life sculpture by Crows Feathers is so beautiful it almost hurts. It kind of reminds me of The Fountain!

I can't wait until my hair gets long enough for a proper hair bow! I adore this version, so pretty.

I pretty much NEED these oxford shoes from Ruche, aren't they lovely?

I am super sad that this GORGEOUS gramophone Ipod dock isn't for sale anymore at Potterybarn... I need to find one like it! A perfect blend of antique and modern, totally my style.

This veggie garden is absolutely stunning, no? It makes me want to start gardening again!

This pirate playhouse is undoubtedly made for children, but I need one for myself. Isn't it amazing? From Posh Tots. Too bad it's a teensy bit out of my price range...

Have you guys ever tried the fried Macaroni and Cheese at The Cheesecake Factory? As unhealthy as it obviously is, it's one of my favorite things in the entire universe. Here's a recipe to try making it at home from Chameleon Girls! I know I'll be trying it out...

Baby leopards are the cutest. Ever. The sounds they make are insane!

Ahaha! This is so adorable- what a cute kitty!

Other things that made me glad this week:

Opening early birthday presents on skype with my mom//game of thrones with my buddy// roly polys// playing "master chef" in the kitchen// homemade orange julius// the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever made//catching up on the last season of Bones (i sobbed when I watched the season finale)//my bestie sending me a note I wrote about my husband right before we started dating... so funny// great fall weather!

What I Wore Wednesday- Ruffles and Roly Poly

2011-10-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

Look at this cute little guy- I grew up calling this bug a roly poly, but my husband insists they are "pill bugs". What do you call them?

Outfit Details

Blouse//Kohls

Skirt//BDG Urban Outfitters

Cardigan// Urban Outfitters

Tights// Target

Shoes//Go Jane

Makeup Monday: Autumn Breeze

2011-10-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling so inspired by this new cool fall weather we are experiencing in parts of Southern California... I love it! The leaves are starting to change color from green to fiery reds, yellows and browns- and falling to the ground for me to jump upon to hear a satisfying "crunch". Woohoo! Here's an easy makeup look inspired by these gorgeous fall colors. I hope you like it!

Start with a prepped face- that means your usual foundation/concealer routine! I'm not going to go over that because mine is BORING... ;)

To get the best result from any eye shadow, but especially drug store or more inexpensive shadows, be sure to prime your lids first! This will give the eyeshadow a base, or something to "stick" to- making your shadows more vibrant, crease resistant and longer wearing. You can use a lid primer, or even a face primer or a bit of foundation in a pinch.

First, you want to apply an orangey gold shadow all over the lid. Don't sweep it on, but rather press it gently on the lid. This deposits more color and gives a richer color payoff.

Picking up a small amount of dark shadow at a time, use the same pressing motion to press the brown shadow into your crease and also the outer corner of the eye, making sort of V shape, see it?

Now you want to continue the gold shadow under the eye, from the inner corner of your eye to the middle part. Again, use a pressing motion to press the shadow directly under your bottom lashes.

Now, use the same technique to apply the dark brown shadow to the outer bottom corner, giving your eye some nice definition!

Next, apply a couple coats of black or dark brown mascara to your top and bottom lashes. Wiggle the brush slightly while coating your lashes to make them thicker and more luscious!

Now, choose a golden flecked blush or bronzer and sweep it from the apples of your cheeks (you can find the apple of your cheek by smiling big- the part of your cheek that pops out the most is the apple)

And sweep it all the way to your temple. I heard a good way to find the best cheek bone sculpting line on your face was to sweep from directly by your nostril all the way towards the top of your ear. This will help define your beautiful bone structure, or help you fake it! ;)

For your final step, apply a light pink or nude gloss to your lips. We want to keep it simple! A good rule of thumb is when you are playing up your eyes, keep your lips simple, and when you are having fun with lip color, go easy on the eye makeup.

And there you have it- a festive and seasonally appropriate makeup look! I hope you guys enjoy- and if any of you try this look out, I'd be stoked if you sent me pictures :D

Makeup Used

Orange Gold Eyeshadow// Wet n Wild Color Icon palette in I'm Getting Sunburned

Dark Brown Eyeshadow// Wet n Wild Color Icon palette in I'm Getting Sunburned

Lipgloss// Loreal Paris Color Riche in Soft Pink

Bronzer// Physician's Formula Shimmer Strip in Vegas Strip

Primer// Loreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base

Mascara// Loreal Voluminous in Carbon Black

Foodie Friday- Sugar Cookies

2011-10-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

This week when I was at the grocery store, I totally forgot to get any ingredients for Foodie Friday! I couldn't even believe myself. I didn't really want to go back to store and spend more money, so I decided to make something with ingredients I already had on hand. You might already have the ingredients for a tasty little cookie already in your pantry!

A great resource to use when you want to make something yummy but don't want to run out to the store is Super Cook- it's a website where you can enter the ingredients you have on hand, and it will pop out all the recipes you can make with those ingredients! Cool, right?

Let's get started making some easy and delicious Sugar Cookies!

The ingredients you will need are:

2 and 1/4 cups flour

1/2 cup softened butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 egg

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup confectioner's (powdered) sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

First, sift your flour and baking soda together into a small bowl.

Then, whisk your flour, salt and baking powder together until well mixed.

Take your softened butter and shortening in a large bowl and blend it on a low speed with your powdered sugar and granulated sugar until soft and fluffy.

Add your egg and vanilla and mix until blended.

Don't eat it, though it is hard to resist.

Shape into small balls the size of a key lime.

You can either flatten then with a glass bottom dipped in sugar...

These cookies will be light and crispy and pretty thin, good for dipping in milk, coffee or tea! Personally, I like my sugar cookies a little softer and thicker , so I made the next batch that way. Just take the same amount of dough and keep it pretty round without flattening it.

Yum yum, delicious! I love sugar cookies. You could also make a quick icing for these, but my household likes them without icing much more, so I just left them as is! They are absolutely delectable, I LOVE sugar cookies... do you?