Feeling inspired by...

...all those cookbooks! hooray design & lifestyle is a fab new blog I discovered, check her out stat.

Planning on whipping up something savory yet inexpensive tonight for the beau and me. Any suggestions? Thinking of classic rigatoni & meatballs or a homemade pizza.

Tomorrow we are braving the oncoming storm and setting out for the Gaslamp to watch the Aztecs beat play BYU. Excited to share a couple pitchers and chow down on some juicy burgers at Nicky Rottens with C&C!

xo,
L

Tait Campbell.

Want to see what talent looks like? Our good friend Tait is an a accomplished photographer, sushi eater, and cyclist (he recently placed first in two San Diego bike races). Holla, San Diego Bicycle Club!

I'm pimping him out to anyone who appreciates a good piece of art. He currently accepts most beers on tap, checks, or cash. If you want to hire him as your wedding photographer, thats fine too. He promises it won't be too awkward when he asks you to gaze lovingly at one another while lying on a grassy knoll.

Check him out.

Oh, and have a splendid weekend.

xo,
L

Things Olive Right Now

1. This living room, photo courtesy of Seesaw.
I love the blue rug, dark accent furniture, white couch, and especially that lovely standing candelabra.  So Beauty and the Beast. (Lumiere, is that you?)

    2. Francesca's Collections.
Never have I ever come across a strore where literally everything screams my name. Beaded coinpurses, my favorite Quoteables calendars and cards, and chic accessories are just a few of Francesca's girlie goods. (They have Carlsbad, Escondido, La Jolla, and two other San Diego locations.)

3. The blog, You Are My Fave.
I know it's in my daily reading list (see right sidebar), but this adorable and witty blog seriously is my fave right now. Love her.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Ukita handbag
Wanted the Hillier hobo forever & now I'm onto this little number. Want it. Need. it. Need job first.

5. The Breslin by RAEN Optics
I'm obsessed. How fun are these cat eye retro shades? So funky and glam. (32 month anniversary gift babe?) The San Diego company has a plethora of stylish men's glasses as well- they're Ross' faves.

Vino, Pasta, e Famiglia

Don't worry guys, I'll translate that for you: wine, pasta, and family. I thought a little Italiano theme was clever for this post. Now that that tricky stuff is over let's get down to business.

Tonight, Ross and I have the delight to go to his lovely cousin Lacey's abode. She and her husband Zac are playing host and hostess to us for the evening. We have been lured by the promise of wine, pasta, and games. And you know our love for games. See post here.

I'll come toting my new favorite red- and it's kind of a big deal for me that I'm actually bringing a red wine to share (usually I'm the girl who only brings her favorite Riesling and proceeds to drink the whole bottle because no one else likes it that sweet. Whatever). The praised bottle is Menage a Trois California Red- the name's a little frisky, I know. And it does have a frisky effect on those who imbibe it. (Doesn't all vino?) I guess we are celebrating National Wine Drinking Day a little late (it was 2/18), but better late than never, right?

Getting extremely excited to play some of my favorite 4+ player games- Apples to Apples, Taboo, and maybe even a little Scrabble if we decide to get into astuto (smart) mode.

What are your favorite red wines & group games?

Acclamazioni!
L



*Photo courtesy David Daniels Photography
*Acclamazioni= cheers.

Domestic Bliss

If you're like me, one of the biggest surprises about living with a significant other is the amount of time/effort spent divvying up or hashing out chore duties. If you're used to doing dishes this way (ie every day vs every meal), he's used to cleaning up that way (once a week major clean ups vs every day tidying up), and the list goes on. Especially if the two of you can be a bit stubborn at times, things can get ugly. And the last thing you want to argue over is the Swiffer. Of course after some time and effort, every couple should be able to make a system that works for them- a little compromise and patience for one another can go a looong way.

(If none of the above applies to you, then congratu-freakin-lations.)

This article, I found on the ever informative Yahoo makes a ton of sense. Economics: the key to happy couples division of labor quotes that "splitting the dishes, laundry, vacuuming, and other household chores may seem fair, but an unbending line right down the middle can lead to more friction, not less, because no one is good and fast at all things. But when couples adopt the economic principle of “comparative advantage,” which says it’s not efficient to take on every task you’re good at, only the ones you are relatively better at, couples can gain time for the things they really want to do."

Granted, no one wants to mow the lawn or pick up Scruffy's poo in the yard, but if one partner likes to spend more time outdoors than the other, then those chores would be designated for them. Same goes for cooking and post-dinner cleanup: if one partner is the better cook- they cook, while the other (who may be quicker at cleaning up those grungy pans after) does the dirty work. For us, Ross is simply better than me at laundry tasks- he has a serious case of SFP-Severe Folding Particularity- and loves for things to be organized (and Lord knows I don't want him to refold after I spent 20 minutes doing it already). It's all about allocating time and resources to do chores you are better/faster at, so that the time you do spend together as a couple is better spent.

The book that the article is based on is Spousanomics: Using Economics to Master Love, Marriage, and Dirty Dishes.by Paula Szuchman and Jenny Anderson, but I think a better name for it would be Cohabitationomics (as many couples do live together and have the same issues as married couples, duh). Take a peek at the article and let me know what you think!

xo,
L

Snow Days

As my dad chauffered my brother, three of his friends, and me up the windy road to Palomar Mountain in Northern San Diego County, he cleverly remarked that we live in one of the only places in the world where we can drive an hour from the ocean, heading east, and arrive on top of a mountain piled high with snow. In addition, we have a major metropolitan city that is buzzing constantly, as well as a plethora of deserts and lakes for when we need a little relaxation. San Diego truly offers the best of the best. 

After a few stormy days down here, we finally were able to reap the benefits up on the mountain. Aside from a few white Christmas' in Northern California when I was younger, middle school snowboard trips, and a ski lesson when I was four that I'd rather forget (I was "too cold" so I stayed in the lodge and drank hot chocolate all day- I deserved to be left in Big Bear), I don't make it to the snow often. So, I was excited to don my puffy black vest, snow boots, and wooly headband and rough it up with a few 8th graders. 

Notice the one glove? Channeling MJ with that one. (Ok, I needed my right hand to show my dad how to work the camera)

Andrew getting his sled ready...

We got there around 10am when the powder was still fresh and not trampled on. And there was a LOT of it. We trudged our way back through the thickets of trees to find our first spot for sledding. We went down a few steep hills, and one smaller hill with a jump on it (definitely caught some air and my knees got the brunt of it) laughing the whole time. Playing in the snow does not get old, whether you're 4, 14, 24,or 51 years young.

Yours truly plowing down the hill...

Three hours, a couple bruises, and one hurt leg later (sorry Andrew) we made our way back down the mountain, stopped at Wendy's for some chili and Frosty's, and convinced my dad to listen to "that damn rap radio station" the whole way home. It was a good day.

View from the road, heading back down the mountain.

I hope everyone had a nice long weekend!

xo,
L

Rainbow Brite

I'm not one of those people who loves the rain. I do, however, enjoy rainy day activities (ie: games and reading). It is also kind of nice to not feel guilty for staying in on a Friday night to catch up on episodes of The Office and Modern Family. The one other thing I always try to look for after the rain is a rainbow (cheesy, I know). So, if this weekend is too grey and gloomy for you, and there's no real rainbow in sight, look to these six colorful things for a rainy day pick-me-up.

RED: Grandmother Paula's Red Velvet Cake

Paula Deen and cake recipes can do no wrong in my book. Get your umbrella, head to Albertson's to stock up on the essentials needed for this tasty treat, and get to baking! (This recipe yields 16-20 servings, so save some for family dinner on Sunday night.)

ORANGE: Orange and white home decor

I adore the look of fresh, crisp, orange pared with a neutral such as white or grey. Nothing says Spring quite like bright hues. For my next office, I want this look...It's such a refreshing space to complete your most un-creative tasks (ie: work reports or bill paying).

YELLOW: Lemons as a centerpiece

I have always loved the look of fruit in a clear vase as a bold, yet simple centerpiece on a kitchen table. Not only do lemons have a shelf life of 2 weeks, but their bright hue is a beautiful statement that doesn't command too much attention- your spaghetti and meatballs should take front runner there.

GREEN: Longchamp Bag

Ahh...I love you, Longchamp. So nice for everyday (I wear my black one literally anywhere and everywhere) but is also stylish to wear out at night. I also adore green bags more than any other bright color because they punch up any outfit much more than your basic black or camel, but don't scream "LOOK AT ME!" like some other hues.

BLUE: Victoria's Secret, The Lacie thong in Matisse Blue

Since these are the only type of undies I wear (ultra stretchy+comfy+still sexy) I'm figuring it's time to add a new pair to the drawer. A girl can never have too many pretty underthings, right?

PURPLE: Essie, Foot Loose nail polish

This purple polish will take you right through these last dull days of winter and right through to a sunnier spring. (Click above to get it on Amazon for only $4!) Pretty and thrifty.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend- if it's sunny where you are then relish it! If not, enjoy your red velvet cake under a blanket.

xo,
L

Things Olive Right Now

1. Chocolate Dipped Macaroons:

Inspired by one of my daily reads, Could I Have That?, I am now going to try my hand at baking these sweet treats. One part coconut, one part chocolate, and wholly delectable. I can not wait to gobble these bad boys up.

2. Inside of A Dog: What Dog's See, Smell, and Know by Andrea Horowitz:

Any dog lover will adore this psychologist's take on what really goes on in the mind of Fido. Would be a thoughtful gift for a mom or pooch loving pal. Hint: Click the link to save 50% off on Amazon.

3. TOMS slip ons:

Obsessed with my grey pair. They're as comfy as slippers, yet still fashionable. In the past few days I've worn them with: boyfriend jeans rolled up, a white & grey striped dress, and jean shorts. Love their versatility.

 

4. This sweet poster------>















5. Lexophilia:

That's a condition I have- it means I love words. What are some of your favorite plays on words? (Olive ewe doesn't count :] ) My current fave: A bicycle can't stand alone because it is two tired.

Happy Thursday!

xo,
L

Lady Luck

Do you believe that some people are just luckier than others? Or is everything that happens in life just a coincidence?

I do believe some people seem to have good things drawn to them- with my old job, I felt that was the case. It could be a mixture of being at the right place at the right time, working smarter not harder, or a combination of other things. My managers were always fond of the saying, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." However, regardless of my success selling payroll deals, I was never the lucky one to win a 50" flat screen TV (cough cough, Chris), or an iPad (Sam) at our weekly sales meetings.

Well today, my friends, lady luck was on my side! I'm in a sales course through Allied and entered to win an iPad last month...and I just got notified that I won it. I'm beyond excited- not just for the iPad but because I actually won something. Now, I just need this Leopard Print Carrying Case Sleeve to complete my bad-ass accessory. Damn it feels good to be a gangsta.

Now I can play Words With Friends on a 9" screen.

xo,
L

Mean Burrito

Had to do a quick plug for my beau's new blog Mean Burrito...He just started it yesterday and already has wittier and more substantial content than most blogs that have been around the block. I'm not biased, I swear.

Mmm...I wish Santana's delivered.

xo,
L

Palm Springs

Out in the desert, 2 hours northeast of San Diego, and past what appears to be a thousand giant windmills, lies the oasis of Palm Springs. I hadn't been there in for.ev.er and Ross took it upon himself to plan a little 2 day/1 night getaway for us to celebrate the loviest of holidays- V-day.

We didn't want to spend too much moolah on a room, considering we wanted to be by the pool most of the day and out most of the evening, so we settled on the kitschy Caliente Tropics Resort. (Resort is an interesting choice of words for the joint, but we loved it nonetheless!) The place is decked out in Polynesian themed decor- tiki torches by the pool, a bedspread adorned with palm fronds, and little bamboo accents in the bathroom. The pool area where we sipped adult beverages at noon was big gigantic- I think there may have been turf and a putting green out there somewhere- and the jacuzzi was ahhh-mazing. (Really though, it was the perfect temp- usually I have to get out after 3.4 seconds because it's too hot.) 2 thumbs up for our love nest du joir. 

We called for a cab to take us "downtown," which consists of 4 blocks of shops, bars, and restaurants and began our night. We started out at Village Pub, where happy hour was in full effect. I forgot it was a Monday night, so was stoked to get my Salty Dog for three bucks. We people watched there, then stopped for a dance at a Mexican restaurant as a live band played "Wonderful Tonight" before heading to our 8:15 dinner reservation at the dimly lit Matchbox. 

Matchbox is everything Palm Springs is not...filled with younger folk, heavily romantic, and not at all over-toured. We sat at a two-top on the balcony amongst other love birds, and decided on drinks. I, not realizing the drink menu proudly offered two sections for martinis- "Manly Martinis" and "Girlie Martinis"- ordered the Birdcage (flawless canary vodka, pomegranate, sweet & sour, sprite) off of the Manly section and then felt awkward. I still went with it, not to be duped by their marketing ploy. I was glad too because it was probably the best martini I've ever tasted. Being known for their wood-fired (as in, in the oven for 3 seconds) pizzas, we gobbled up the oven roasted tomato, burrata, and basil 14 incher. So good. Ross took off a little of the basil on his slices, but I devoured every bite of mine. I'm seriously considering getting a pizza stone to recreate the deliciousness. We also shared the warm goat cheese, tomato, bacon, and orange salad which was also extremely tasty. Matchbox=perfection. 

Pizza, you are my weakness.

After dinner, we went back to the aforementioned Mexican restaurant, which we figured out is called Las Casuelas. Not gonna lie, we spent the next hour and a half dancing with the other patrons (cough cough, the 60+ crowd) to the live band and had the best time ever. They played everything from happy Motown tunes to slow jams from the 70s, and everything in between. He even played some Van Morrison at my request. The lead singer had the voice of Neil Young- it was almost eerily similar. It was a perfect way to end Valentine's Day- with other folks in love and dancing the night away. 

Yep, that's the said band- Hot Rox.

2/21/10 UPDATE: Skimming through this month's Sunset Magazine, I was pleasantly surprised to find Caliente Tropics Resort made the mag's Top 100 in the West list. See the blurb here. (P.S. The article quotes the cost at $105/night but we got ours through Travelocity for $69. Steal!)

xo,

L

V-Day Cravings

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I'm off to Palm Springs with my sweetie to bask in the sun, go on a hike, loll by the pool, and drink some bubbly tonight. In my absence, I wanted to write a quick sendoff to all of you out there. Whether you're happily single or cozily coupled up, any one of you can enjoy these current cravings of mine. Drop a hint to your man, or treat yourself to one of these 5 goodies.

1. Pottery Barn: Pocket Watch Clock- various sizes, $29-$59
2. fresh: Sugar Lip Treatment, $22.50
3. Erin Condren: Life Planner, $50 $37.50
4. Banana Republic: Peacock Earrings, $49.50
5. Betsey Johnson: Tea Party swimsuit, $228













*Image credit goes to my valentine.

Have a love filled day!

xo,
L

etc.

I have spread my dreams under your feet, Tread softly because you tread on my dreams. W.B. Yeats.

Irony at its finest.

I wish I had all the answers.

Hot Yoga

Wednesday night I had the pleasure (actually a mix of pleasure and pain) of going with Emily to her favorite yoga studio, Yoga Tropics. I donned my new yoga shorts and had my purple yoga mat ready for sweat. Walking in, I loved the ambiance and the fact that they have showers for a post-workout refresher. Everyone was chatting it up outside before class- and by everyone I mean the whole gamut- 75 year old men with better bodies than me, hot 18 year olds wearing teeny bandeau tops, and everything in between.

The studio, located at 830 South Coast Hwy and H Street, is known for their hot yoga classes (aka Bikram), where the temperature in the room gets up to 105 degrees. I've done yoga before plenty of times, but never the hot (as in reallly hot and extremely sweaty) kind of yoga.  I have to admit I was feeling a little rusty when I started doing my Vinyasa and Downward Dog poses. All I could think was how badly I wanted to stay in child's pose forever...especially when the temp really started increasing. I just needed to keep reminding myself that I was releasing toxins and impurities, not having a panic attack.

At times, I got a little anxious, knowing that fresh, cool air was only 5 feet away. But, I did not relent. I stuck with the sweltering heat and succeeded! I only had to get my bearings by resting twice during the course- so needless to say, I was pretty proud of myself. The main thing with yoga is to concentrate on your breath- it really does center you.

Had to throw in a little yoga humor.

The instructor Elia, is amazing. He really knows his stuff. My favorite part was at the end (surprise, surprise) when we all just lied on our backs in the dimly lit studio and listened to him speak. I couldn't even tell you what he said- but it was so relaxing and positively motivating that it made the whole experience even better.

I definitely can see how doing hot yoga a few days a week can really put your body in amazing shape. All the sweat and strengthening moves did wonders (I was sore in the best kind of ways), so I'm looking forward to seeing what results it may have after a week or two.

Yoga Tropics has a great promo for first time students, which I gladly purchased- $10 for unlimited classes for one week. Considering one class is usually $16, this is a splendid deal. It's not advertised on their website, so if you go in you just need to ask for the new student special.

Learn more about Bikram yoga here.

Namaste!

xo,
L

Stereo Love

I'm already in a joyful mood and it's only 7:30am...this day will be a good one, I can feel it. A new Hill was added to our clan before the sun came up- congrats to my cousin Aaron and his gorgeous wife, Erika on their new baby girl- Ellie Louise. I can't wait to squeeze her! She also now shares a birthday with my brother- Andrew. I still remember when I was 10 and thanking the powers that be that I finally got what had been on my Christmas list since I was born: a baby brother. February 10th is officially a day for celebrating. Love you guys!

And while I'm feeling sappy and lovey, I wanted to share some of my favorite love tunes in time for Valentine's weekend. Get out your tapes & CDs and make an old school master collection of swoon worthy melodies for your sweetie.  Kudos to my own creative genius of a boyfriend for making me some of the best mixed tapes ever. Olive ewe.

Adam Sandler- Grow Old With You

Alice Cooper- You and Me 

Aretha Franklin- A Natural Woman

Asia- Heat of the Moment

Bryan Adams- Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?

Chaka Khan- Sweet Thing

The Eels- That Fresh Feeling

The Emotions- Best of My Love

Fleetwood Mac- Everywhere

Jack Johnson- Angel

Jay Z- Bonnie & Clyde

Lady Antebellum- Our Kind of Love

Marvin Gaye- Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing

Smokey Robinson- I Second That Emotion 

Stevie Nicks & Don Henley- Leather and Lace

The Temptations- The Way You Do the Things You Do

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill- It's Your Love

Van Morrison- Warm Love

Zac Brown Band- Free

What are some of your fave love songs?

xo,

L

Photo courtesy: Miss Nita on Flickr

Things Olive Right Now

I thought I'd start a weekly compilation of things I'm currently into. It's fun to look back on lists like these...Anyone remember their 3rd grade yearbook pages where you had to list off your favorite book, song, teacher, etc? Well, this is kind of like that. But weekly.

Reading this memoir for my book club- The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

Listening to old school jams- currently it's Third Eye Blind- How's It Going Be

Finding chic decor ideas for our next abode- Mirrored tray for pretty little things a la:

Lovely 

Working on my fitness- Trying hot yoga tonight with my longtime friend, Emily at Yoga Tropics in Encinitas...Wish me luck!

Taking our pup Annie on walks- She finds wonder in everything- from little white dancing butterflies to pine cones to a big yellow leaf swirling on the concrete. I think everyone should try and be more like this little Border Collie/Australian Shepherd. Did I mention she's a huge lover (she's obsessed with Ross- see below)?

Puppy love.

Happy Thursday everyone! Does anyone have fun plans this weekend?

xo,
L

Board Game Blues

If this post were a country song, it would be sung with lots of drawl, lots of twang, and reealll slow. Yes, I've got the board game blues.

For those of you who know me, you know I wouldn't be Lindsay without a true love for board games, card games, and everything in between (i.e. Boggle- not a board game or a card game). For those of you who know my beau, Ross, you know that games=one of our favorite past times. When we were backpacking in Asia, our one accessory always in Ross' little green backpack was our Rummy deck. Yes, it's sad but true- we are obsessed.

Now here's the dilemma: last night, after dinner we decided to play a game. Would it be Scrabble (which I dominate on 9 times out of 10), or would it be Boggle (where the converse is true)? Both seemed blah. And since we didn't have a 3rd and 4th player, the best games are out (Scattergories, Apples to Apples, etc.). That's when it hit me...Have the games that have been a part of our repertoire since we started dating finally lost their luster? We decided we may need a new game.

We racked the internet only to find too many options. Some pirates card game? Yet another word game? Every option looked dismal. The best one we found was an Ecuadorian card game called Cuarenta that tried to woo us with promises of "bravado and wit." Hmmm.

We settled on popping in a DVD instead- Barbershop.

Can anyone recommend any decent,competitive, and fun 2 player games?

xo,
L

Sushi, Shelter Island, and Superbowl...

What a busy (& happy) weekend it was...It started out with sushi with the boys at Umai Sushi in San Marcos. They have a plethora of rolls, and the best part about the joint is they make custom rolls. For someone like me who is still a sushi beginner, that's all it takes to win my approval. The boys (Ross, Tait, and Eric) shared about 10 different rolls, a few of which were the: Pizza Roll, Rainbow Roll, and Tiger Roll. I customized my not-so-scary shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado, and soy wrap roll. I think they threw some crab in there but considering I didn't notice until I was halfway done with my plate, it must have been tasty!

Saturday was spent at Shelter Island in Point Loma with the whole family. It was perfect weather for a day by the water. I made my famous berry salad with strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, almonds, onion, and bleu cheese drizzled with a raspberry vinaigrette and convinced people it was healthy.

It looks prettier pre-tossed :)

Aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, and a couple friendly dogs gathered here for a lovely barbeque, time out on my pop's boat, and to witness an epic ripstick fail. Ask me about that one.

Finally, yesterday's Superbowl festivities concluded the weekend. Some highlights: playing Thirteen in the park, finding out Brett Swain of the Packers played sports with my boyfriend growing up, eating delish homemade guac and carne asada tacos, the Volkswagon Passat commercial with little Darth Vader, my Feta, Artichoke, and Roasted Red Pepper dip (photo below), and of course, the National Anthem (it always gives me chills even if Christina did flub the lyrics!).

Recipe & photo from allrecipes.com.

Happy Monday!

xo,

L

A little bit of life.

Happy Friday! While some of my nearest and dearest are in San Diego, some are in San Francisco, a few are in random states, and one is in Tahoe (lucky!), I wanted to give a big shout out to all of you for being the amazing people you are. Thank you for being YOU!

Making a toast in plastic cups. Big smiles. Love my girls. 

And let's not forget the BIG picture when we set out for our weekend. Make it count!

Keep this in mind.

xo,
L