New Pants and New Beginnings

Since I have last posted, I have moved to Los Angeles for a new program at school and am currently on day 6 of new life! A few days ago was the first day of classes and this was my outfit. I sported some suede-y, high waisted, culottes; a striped blouse with a lace cutout in the back; and some wooden and leather platform heels. I loved this because, first of all it was super comfy. The pants, which I got at Urban outfitters outlet for $10.00! The high waisted is very flattering and you just look like a lady boss when you pair them with a button down. I was very weary of the culottes trend because to me, they initially looked very unflattering with the wide leg and shorter hem. However, the fit in these sold me and I actually think the length is rather flattering! The outfit sticks to the rule of thirds, and the slim fit through the hips makes sure there is not too much volume. The blouse is thrifted from Buffalo Exchange and the heels are from T.J. Maxx. 

Since moving out on my own, I have had some ups and downs emotionally but I am overall really excited for this new chapter of life. But enough gushy crap, everyone leaves home sooner or later so I will be fine! Some things I have picked up and received advice about have been really helpfull (thanks Jessica!). Here we go: 

1) Make my bed every morning. This may sound like a no-brainer, but having my bed all tidy makes the room look so much nicer and pulled together. For me, it doesn't work to be carelessly messy so this little thing goes a long way. 

2) Get dressed right when you wake up. Often at home, I would either stay in my pajamas for most of the morning or immediately change into workout/lounge wear to do things at home. It was helped so much to just put on at least jeans and a fresh tee shirt and a little bit of makeup. Before, I would wait until I actually had to leave the house to wear something a little nicer and do my makeup. Now, I just feel better about myself and am ready to go! 

3) Stretch your food. I realized that if I make a big portion of my diner at night, I can take it for lunch tomorrow and maybe even have it for dinner again the next night. I know that sounds repetitive but it actually has been really helpful to cut time in the kitchen. (And although, my roommates have not said anything yet, I do spend a LOT of time in the kitchen as it is!)  For instance, the other day I made a kale salad from a bag mix from Trader Joes, some quinoa, and 2 pieces of chicken with taco seasoning. That night I had little bits of each, separate on my plate. Next day for lunch, I layered it all and made a salad. I had some salad left over, so for dinner I heated up some corn tortillas with cheese and put the salad in the there for tacos! So good. 

So these are some things that are new to me. I would love to hear any advice you have! 

Denim and Tomatoes (And Other Veggies)

Ok, $50 of organic gold was purchased that day and totally worth it! I love my local farmer's market, and I love the look that says, "I am casually healthy and super pulled together and flawless and I love strolling in the sun and not sweating" that so many bloggers emulate. I personally find that all a bit unattainable, but this is what I got. The main components of that style, is comfort, simplicity, and confidence. These are my favorite shorts I own, they are from American Eagle and they are a bit loose around the legs and have the perfect amount of distress. Confidence? Check. This chambray button-down, I scored at Buffalo Exchange and is so soft and has good proportions and slouch. Comfort? Check! I finished off the outfit with my pink Converse for a pop of color and comfort while I stroll with my veggies. Simple AND comfort. Double check!!! I am still trying to master the effortless, casual style, along with a healthier lifestyle. Eating more organic and locally grown foods has made it more exciting and encouraged me to stay on track...thus farmers markets rule, am I right? 

Tummy Tuesday - Breakfast Burrito

This tasty morning option is great for on the go and and can be made with just about anything along with eggs.

 Clockwise from top: Flour Tortilla, Basil, Corn off-the-cob, Green Jalapenos, Bacon, Trader Joe's Pineapple salsa, Heirloom Tomatoes, Pepper-jack cheese, eggs - I scrambled mine

 Start by heating up your tortilla on the stove for about a minute on each side.

 Start piling on your fillings, remember you'll be rolling this up, so don't be too generous with any one topping.

 Fold up the bottom bit and the roll up the sides.

Enjoy breakfast with a buddy!

Caribbean Night! - Hosting a Themed Dinner Party

 My friends and I love to have movie nights. And it's not one of those things where we say, "Oh yeah, girl, let's hang out, totally..." and it never happens. So when I got a hankering for some Pirate Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, I got excited for our Caribbean Movie Night. We pot-lucked a dinner party and after a couple hours chatting it up at the dinner table, watched "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl". Can I just say, awesome movie. That, I think, is one of the classics. So here's what we did to create that ocean breeze:

 -Festive Ceramic and Pebble Candle Center-piece made by Vicki

- Gold chargers for some pirate booty 

- Blue goblets like the Caribbean ocean

- An Elizabeth-Swan-style tea pot for Iced Coconut Chi Tea

 Post it on Instagram!

 On the Menu: 

(clockwise from the top) Spinach Salad, Fresh Pineapple, Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken, Jerk Chicken with Ranch Sauce and Green Onions, Trader Joe's Chimichurri Rice

 Add fruits to your water that go with the theme - 

Citrus and mint for our tropical evening.

Thank you Vicki for opening up your home and being such an amazing hostess! 

Next time, Star Trek?

Fancying A Cupa Tea

Top: Sway, Skirt: Target, Shoes: Target, Purse: Therapy, Lipstick: Cherries in the Snow by Revlon

Hey!

The other day, I took Mariana out for a (very belated) birthday tea party at a tea room down town. She had told me before that she wanted to go all out with the lipstick, and sunglasses, and the Hepburn-ness. So she channeled Audrey with with her little black dress, lipstick and effortless look. I got more of the era than the lady, note the French Twist. Anyway, it was so fun to go have tea and dress up! Have you had a tea party recently?

Bruschetta

       Bruschetta is possibly my favorite dish. I mean, if I had to choose one thing to live off of, it would be this baby. It's got carbs, veggies and fruit (because a tomato can't decide what the heck it is), and tons of flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks, large and small parties, or all by yourself. Guilty. What I have here is just a rough recipe of how I do it, but it is a really loose concept. If you don't care for strong balsamic vinegar, go a little easy and vice versa if you like "Hulk" strong. After you get the hang of it, do what feels right.  

 This compilation yields 3 bruschetta lover servings.  

 Chop two cups worth of tomatoes, any kind, and put in a bowl. Here I used classic cherry tomatoes, but I also really like baby heirloom because of all the lovely colors. 

 Add about 3/4 cup Balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the tomatoes. 

 Chop a handfull of FRESH Basil and add to the tomato bowl.  

Add salt and peper. Stir and set aside. Note: the longer the mixture sits the more flavorful it becomes. 

 Slice the baguette into 1/2 inch slices. 

 Place bread slices on a baking sheet and set your oven on to broil. 

Brush each bread slice with Extra Virgin Olive Oil to cover, but not dripping. 

Place sheet in the oven and broil until golden brown, about 3 minutes. 

 After the oven, put the bread on a plate/tray accompanying your tomato mix.  

Scoop a spoonful onto a toast slice and enjoy! Don't get too full now.