The Way I See It...

Starbucks needs to bring these back. They equate to a Hallmark card for me.

In other news, I am squirming in my pants to go celebrate Meg's birth in Manhattan Beach tomorrow, relax Saturday, and vino taste with Em on Sunday. Oh ya, and looking forward to getting my ass kicked at Kettlebell class tonight too.

What are your weekend plans??

Happy Thursday!

xo,
L

Goat Cheese, Asparagus, and Lemon Pasta

While taking a [quick] break from job searching , I just so happened to stumble onto one of my favorite recipe sites: smitten kitchen. You only have to scroll through her laundry list of delish sounding recipes to start having your mouth water--from apple cheddar scones to sweet corn pancakes to pickled carrot sticks (don't worry, Ross, I'm all over those next!). She even features recipes by seasons- she and my good friend Melissa would get along.

Anyway, my mom and I have been on somewhat of a "health kick"- for us that means eating 100 calorie packs of Hostess cupcakes instead of going to the Susie Cakes and buying the shelf. It means a lot of substituting and not a lot of restraint (it's Weight Watchers, so we have to factor in ev.ery.thi.ng. that goes into a morsel, but with that said it's all about portion control and enjoying the foods you love while still making healthy choices).

via Bon Appetit.com

This pasta looks quite tasty. SK adapted her recipe from Bon Appetit, which always has hits in my book. It's spring-y, colorful, chock full of greens, and contains the healthiest cheese of all (hint: it Bahhh's instead of Mooo's). What's not to love? Measure out your serving of pasta if you want to really be good :)

Enjoy!

xo,
L

Bands, Beignets, and Bourbon St.: New Orleans!

To sum up my trip last week to New Orleans with Steph in one blog post would be difficult. I'll share a few highlights:

Enjoying Cafe au Lait and an almond croissant at Envie

1. Live Music.
Everywhere. Frenchmen Street is four blocks loaded with bars and restaurants and there was not one door open that didn't have live music pouring out. From all female jazz groups (Maison) to funky blues players (dba) this was definitely a scene to be seen. The hardest part was learning how to dance like a local and not feel like a grandma.

2. French/Spanish history.
It's apparent in the French Quarter anywhere you walk, especially in Jackson Square with the wrought iron gates, old Spanish placard dating the lush square back to the 1700's and the historic statue of Andrew Jackson himself. You feel it on the streets of the Garden District, where Magazine Street antique shops dot the sidewalks and the looming mansions hide in the shade of overgrown willow trees.

View of the Cabildo from Jackson Square

3. Food.
A culinary lover's paradise. Fried everything. Fried chicken, fried grits, fried shrimp, fried crawfish balls. French donuts (beignets are my new favorite treat) and hot chocolate. The traditionally 'Nawlins cuisine: Rabbit and sausage jambalaya, chicken and rice gumbo, fried alligator (yes, I swear we ate these!). Poboys: Pulled pork, bacon, and cheddar. Mmmm...Anything you want, you got it.

Fried grits topped with cheese. Dangerous.

4. French Quarter Nightlife.
Bourbon Street. Like Vegas, but Southern. Dancing til the wee hours and not feeling tired? Check. Random bartenders giving us Mardi Gras beads? Check. Hurricanes (no, not Katrina)? Check and check. It helps that the two hour time difference was in our favor so when it was four, it really felt like two.

Enjoying the band at Maison on Frenchmen St.

5. People.
Groups of young people playing music in the street with dirty bodies, no shoes, dreads, puppies, and banjos. Men riding around on a unicycle 10 feet tall. Fairly odd couples. Hobos, aristocrats (you may even spot Brad, Angie, and the gang), your average Joe and Jane...you will see it all in NOLA.

One of the best and most haunting experiences we had was visiting the Katrina museum. Very moving, emotional, and gets you right in the heart. It was the strong and brave people of NOLA that helped (and are still helping) rebuild the city and you can tell just how proud they are of their city for overcoming such a horrendous disaster.

via life.com

Overall, I think New Orleans is one of my favorite cities. There's honestly no place like it that I've ever been, and I can't wait to return. What are your must sees of NOLA?

xo,
L

Pursuit of Happiness

What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

Thinking about that one a lot as of late...Life is so short; we should fill it with as many things we adore as possible. If you can find things to love in your daily life, you're golden. If you can find a way (or ways) to make moolah doing aforementioned things- even better.

The question is then, what to do? I'm finding out it takes a lot of soul searching, many scratch your head moments, and plenty of late night chats with the one you love.

For those of you out there attempting the impossible dream, going back to school to pursue a career you've wanted all your life, or concocting that savvy business plan- HERE'S TO YOU.

xo,
L

Colorado Belles

I have been very fortunate to travel so much in the past eight months...Since I knew I wouldn't be getting back to Thailand anytime in 2011, I made it one of my goals this year to travel as much as I could domestically. I told myself if I had the money and time available, why not? There are too many places in this world I want to see and discover, and you never know when another opportunity will arise.

A couple weeks ago, Emily & I were lucky enough to stay with our friend from our Theta days, Emily,  just outside of Denver, CO. The beautiful Castle Pines neighborhood, never ending views of the snow capped Rockies, and amiable residents were enough to make me want to stay longer than the quick three days we were there. The brick downtown area was charming- even the best bars played a little country music- and the kind of place you look forward to haunting every Friday night (even if it is freezing outside).

View of the LoDo area of Denver (courtesy of BonjourColorado.com)

Boulder was even more my scene- the college area was just gorgeous set among the mountains & Pearl Street was a promenade oozing charm. We delighted in some authentic Nepalise/Indian fare at Sherpa's, wandered into the many shops, and planned our next trip back.

Next up on the travel radar? Uber-cultural New Orleans with Stephanie tomorrow! The only thing I am able to conjure in my head when I think of this famous bayou city is the town at Disneyland (note: just Googled it, and apparently it's called New Orleans Square--who woulda thought?) where the Haunted Mansion & Pirates of the Caribbean are located. I can only hope the real thing has streets filled with 19th century architecture, mansions overgrown with foliage, quaint shops and restaurants, and Jack Sparrow to show us around. Can't wait to try some authentic Creole dishes, practice my voodoo, and take in the lush Southern mansions next week.

(photo: trekexchange.com)

Can you tell which is Disneyland and which is the real French Quarter? Follow (and Like!) me on Facebook and find out...

xo,
L

Blue & White

When royal (deep, dreamy) blue and crisp white pair together in a design scheme you may think of either the French countryside a la 1945, your childhood home circa 1988, or AMAZING.

I am in the last category.

I have seen more than enough pieces of evidence within the past couple months to re-intrigue me in this picturesque color combo. Peering at pretty duvets at Pottery Barn, scouting for antiques at Urban Barn with Liz,  and glancing at this mornings Target flier is proof of my hunches: blue & white is back baby! And I can't wait to get my hands on some of the chic pillows, daring vases, and homey accessories and fill up our apartment (when we get one, cough cough). I hope Ross isn't opposed.

 Happy Sunday!

xo,
L

Grapefruit, Ginger, and Lime Mocktail

One of my favorite bloggers, With Style & Grace posted this juice recipe yesterday (photos courtesy of her as well!) and I thought it was the perfect blend of sweet & bitter. If you're not a ginger fan- put a teeny bit just to give it some of that distinct flavor. For those of us watching our waistline, this is a sweet treat that doesn't make you cringe with guilt.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tablespoons Truvia (zero calorie sweetener) – or use regular sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled then grated
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice – about 3 limes
• 1 1/2 cups fresh grapefruit juice – 4 grapefruits

Directions

In a small saucepan, on medium heat, mix together sugar, ginger, and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a glass cup or bowl – place in the fridge or freezer to cool.

In a pitcher, combine grapefruit and lime juices. Remove the ginger mixture from the fridge/freezer and strain into the grapefruit juices. Strain the grapefruit juices if you don't like pulp- don't strain if you do. Stir the ingredients and taste. Feel free to add more sugar or juices. Serve chilled with ice or add sparkling water to give it some bubbles.

Makes about 2 cups of juice.

What are your favorite healthy concoctions (other than Diet Coke, of course)?

Enjoy!

xo,
L

Girl On Girl

*No, it's not that kind of girl on girl...get your minds out of the gutter, ladies!

Over the past couple of weeks, I have had a few conversations with my girlfriends that only confirm what I've felt for awhile: past college, it is dang hard to make new girlfriends.

In my experience, my best post college pals have been colleagues (thank you ADP). Of course, you always make friends through other friends since girls tend to hang out in packs, but I'm talking about real good friends...the kind you would call to go to Target with, the kind you'd go on jogs with, the kind you'd gossip with.

Most friendships, like many romantic relationships, just happen- through a roommate, significant other, work, etc. But what if they don't? For instance, take my friend Stella*--she is single, works alone, and doesn't live in a place that requires neighborly interaction. What does she do to get in that precious gal bonding time in? Obviously, meeting a guy is a different story, but you can't just go up to a girl in bar if you want to make friends!

So where do we make new friends without being creepy? Can you actually make a new friend without sounding like you're hitting on them?

New friends

xo,

L

*name has been changed to protect the innocent

Things Olive Right Now

Mahattan & Hermosa Beach Inspired

1. Mediterrano, Hermosa Beach

This lovely restaurant on the Hermosa Beach pier serves unique tapas and other small bites alongside red and white sangria for a memorable dining experience. Seven girls, three pitchers, and ten plates later we left full and happy.

2. Roundhouse Aquarium, Manhattan Beach Pier

Why yes, holding a starfish, peering at mini sharks and creepy eels, and admiring gigantic tuna IS possible before noon on a Sunday. For free!

3. Mandarine, Manhattan Beach

For the style savvy gal who doesn't have a wad of cash to blow on her wardrobe. Picked up a few items after seeing the price tages were all in the $20-40 range. The comfiest tees, prettiest maxi dresses, and enough fedoras and accessories to keep you spruced from head to toe.

4. Simmzy's, Manhattan Beach

With only four select items served for breakfast, Meghan and I were skeptical. Could the bacon and cheese breakfast panini and veggie scramble really satisfy our Sunday morning cravings? Yes, indeed. The scramble was chock full of sun dried tomatoes, avocado, potato, mushrooms, onion, and cheddar with a dollop of sour cream. Heaven on a plate.

5. Hermosa Pier

A long stretch of boardwalk leading out to the ocean...Chock full of bars, restaurants, and shops for your weekend pleasure. Waterman's was the hit of the night, and the DJ took our requests happily.

P.S. Head to [olive ewe] on Facebook and 'Like' it if you haven't already, por favor! :)

Here Comes The Bride

I'm so excited to be helping Ross' beautiful sister Bree, plan her upcoming December wedding. The Anthony gals and I went over the first wedding planning checklist this afternoon and threw out ideas left and right. So many style ideas, inspiration boards, and color schemes to consider for her winter nuptials. Looking forward to a lot of DIY'ing, crafting, and planning in the upcoming months!

Another wedding that's been on my mind lately is one of my best friends', Keira, who is marrying her soulmate Jim, in July. Can't wait to stand up there with you K! And 9.10.11 is the big day for Miss Pearson- what a wonderful year 2011 is shaping up to be.

Fittingly, I wanted to give homage to some of my favorite wedding blogs for today's post.

(P.S. Even if you're not engaged, these sites are still beautiful to look at. Some of the photography and wedding stories are pure joy.)



Love the decorations from this Miami wedding.


Once Wed
Style Me Pretty
Snippet & Ink
100 Layer Cake
Green Wedding Shoes

What are your favorite wedding blogs? Any DIY projects as far as decor goes that you'd recommend?

Here's to L.O.V.E.!

xo,
L

Twenty Something

Twenty everything.

For most of us in this stage of life we grapple with self identity, direction, and big decision making on a daily basis. I don't know one close friend who hasn't asked herself lately where she's headed. Do I really love my job? Is this what I want to pursue? Is he the one? Where will I live?

There are so many questions, and it's up to us to find the answers. I hate when people say, "Don't worry, once you find out what you want just go for it!" Well, the hardest part is figuring out what you want, so what do you do then? I thought this piece by Ryan O'Connell, How To Be A Twenty Something, speaks volumes about the stage of life (which, by the way, is arguably a whole separate identity period- they say it should be infancy, childhood, adolescence, 20-something, then adulthood). We are at the cusp of adulthood but may not have everything figured out yet...And someday, my friends, hopefully we all will.

“Good friends are like stars.... You don't always see them, but you know they are always there”

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-Be really attractive. Your acne is gone, your face has matured without having wrinkles and everything on your body is lifted naturally. Eat bagels seven days a week, binge-drink and do drugs: you’ll still look like a babe. When you turn thirty, it’ll become a different story but that’s, like, not for a really long time.

-Reestablish a relationship with your parents. You don’t live with them anymore (hopefully) so start to appreciate them as human beings with thoughts, flaws and feelings rather than soulless life ruiners who won’t let you borrow their car.

-Go from eating delicious food at your parents’ house to eating Ragu tomato sauce over Barilla noodles. Develop an eating disorder to save money.

-Move into an apartment on the corner of Overpriced and Dangerous. Sleep on a bare mattress with an Ikea comforter. Your mother talks to you about buying a top sheet and a duvet cover but feel like you’re not mature enough to own something called “duvet.”

-Work at a coffee shop but feel hopeful about your career in advertising, writing, whatever. Remember that you’re young and that the world is your oyster. Everything is possible, you still have so much to see and hear. You went to a good school and did good things. Figure if you’re not going to be successful, who the hell is?

-Date people who you know you'll never be able to love. See someone for three months for no other reason than because it’s winter and you want to keep warm by holding another body. Date a Republican just so you can say you dated a Republican.

-Eventually all these nobodies will make you crave a somebody. Have a real relationship with someone. Go on vacations together, exchange house keys, cry in their arms after a demoralizing day at work. Think about marrying them and maybe even get engaged. Regardless of the outcome, feel proud of yourself for being able to love someone in a healthy way.

-Start your twenties with a lot of friends and leave with a few good ones. What happened? People faded away into their careers and relationships. Fights were had and never resolved. Shit happens.

-Think of yourself at twenty and hanging out with people who didn’t mean a thing to you. Think about writing papers, about being promiscuous, about trying new things. Think of yourself now and your face looking different and your body feeling different and how everything is just different.

-Form the habits that will stick with you forever. Drink your coffee with two sugars and skim milk every morning. Buy a magazine every Friday. Enjoy spending money on candles, smoke pot on Saturdays, watch the television before bed.

-Move into a bigger apartment on the corner of Mature and Gentrification and finally buy a duvet cover. Limit your drug-use. If you find yourself unable to do so, start to wonder if you have a problem.

-Have your parents come to your place for Christmas. Set the table, make the ham, wear a sophisticated outfit, This will all mean so much at the time.

-Think about having children when you stop acting like a child. This may not ever happen.

 

Maybe this is assuming too much. Maybe this is generalizing. Maybe society uses age as an unrealistic marker for growth. Maybe. Still feel the anxiety on your 30^th birthday and think to yourself, “Oh shit, I’m no longer a 20-something.”

 

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xo,

L

Nature inspired.

After a lovely weekend in rustic Colorado this past weekend (more to come on that soon), I've been craving anything nature inspired. This home of creative genius duo Shauna Alterio and Stephen Loidolt radiates playfulness meets woodsy meets chic. I fell in love with their unique forest scene wallpaper and the kitschy deer book stands. Even the bathroom makes you feel like you're a part of the great outdoors.

(All photos found on Design Sponge.)

Where are some places you love to retreat to when you're needing a little bonding time with nature?

xo,
L

Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich

I have never been one to shy away from breakfast sandwiches, despite the calories, grease, and probable MSG content. Egg McMuffins? Love 'em. Starbucks Sausage Sandwiches? Love those even more. I'm aware this makes me sound like a fatty with poor eating habits, and I apologize for that. If you, too, are into this kind of breakfast treat most 5 year olds would swoon over, read on for a healthier alternative you can make at home in two minutes or less.

I concocted this simple morning meal yesterday. When I went to reach for my usual (eggs and honey wheat english muffin), I noticed a new package of Jimmy Dean's turkey mini sausage patties. And the genius idea formed.

All you need is:
-1 egg
-1 Thomas Honey What English Muffin
-1 small slice cheese (I use medium cheddar)
-1 Jimmy Dean fully cooked mini turkey sausage patty
-dab of butter
-salt & pepper to taste


1. Crack the egg into a ramekin or small dish. Place the dish, as well as the sausage patty (with the cheese on top of the sausage) on a paper towel in the microwave and cook both egg and sausage for approx. 40 seconds. Meanwhile, toast your english muffin.

(If you start to hear the egg bursting, let it cool for a second then put back in until the clear portion of the egg is almost white. You can always put a paper towel over it so it doesn't make a mess of your microwave.)

2. Lightly butter your toasted muffin, and place the sausage with cheese on one side and plop the egg out of the ramekin onto the other. Be sure not to break the yolk- it's pretty fragile.

3. Add a little salt and pepper, close together, and voila- your breakfast treat is ready for feasting upon!

Do you love runny eggs as much as me?

If you want, you can dip it in ketchup or Tabsco for an extra twist. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

xo,
L

Things Olive Right Now

1. Luck of the Irish bottles- How crafty and fun are these St. Pattie's Day elixir bottles? They are the perfect decoration for a St. Patrick's Day gathering- even better if you fill them with a green concoction to get your guests feeling lucky!

 
     2. LivingSocial. I have to give major props to this company...They have deals both in North County San Diego and further south (as well as all over the country) and I probably purchase one deal a week. I'm thinking I should start buying stock in this Washington, DC based company...

3. Battambang Bracelets.

These handwoven bracelets hail from the villages of rural Cambodia. Help support local artisans by purchasing though L-Atitude...Though they're a pretty penny for such simple bracelets ($35 for a stack), if 1/10 of that goes to the craftsmen their family will feast for a week!

4. Neutral Stripes.

I've been living in my navy&white relaxed fit tee and gray&white thin-striped dress with chestnut wrap belt (both from Target-I love a bargain!). Gray or navy paired with white is the perfect base for adding a pop of color. The only thing to be careful with is the size of the stripes- if they are large & horizontal, take a photo of yourself in the item before saying "I do."

5. Fabric Headbands.

Since traveling in Laos, and admiring Faye's adorable fabric headbands (with wire inside) I had been trying to get my hands on one. Unfortunately, that day did not come until recently when I found one at H&M. They are the perfect accessory for days you want to spruce things up, or if you just haven't washed your hair in a day or two. Click the link to learn how to DIY. I love this sweet polka dot one.

Now I'm off to Denver and Boulder until Monday. What are your favorite things to do in Colorado? Have a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Please follow [olive ewe] on Facebook and olive ewe forever (thanks Meg)!

xo,
L

Canapes

I love a good happy hour. I would especially love it if the happy "hour" wasn't taken quite so literally (hint hint, Canapes). A couple girlfriends and I went to good old Restaurant Row last night, and got cozy at Canapes, the hippest only wine bar in San Marcos. 

We were greeted by outdoor fire pits, a warm ambiance indoors, and a very friendly staff. Since it was 5:02, our time was ticking away and we ordered three glasses of vino- stat. I stuck to my dear friend Chardonnay, while Emily and Lindsay got down with Chard's darker cousin, the Pinot Noir. We were all extremely satisfied with our choices, especially since they were only $4 a glass. Another plus- they were decent sized glasses. (I hate it when you pay $7 for a "glass" of wine, and the server pours what appears to be a shot of Shiraz.)

While we sipped on our wine, we got a case of the munchies and proceeded to order about six items off their tastes menu. (We hadn't eaten dinner yet, ok?) Plus, they are all meant for sharing so we didn't feel as guilty when we ordered macaroni & cheese, plus a flat-bread pizza, and two dips.

Canapes macaroni & cheese is scrumptious. It's baked to perfection with a few different cheeses strewn in, made complete with bacon bits crumbled in and bread crumbs on top. The spinach and artichoke dip was alright, but with the mac & cheese in front of us, we barely noticed it. The other highlight was the Pesto pizza. It was topped with chicken, sun dried tomato, and Parmesan cheese- some goat cheese would have amped it up a few notches. It was definitely on the smaller side (I think we each got a slice and a half) but savory, and by the time we were done with that we were all stuffed. Oh, but don't worry- not stuffed enough for Red Velvet Cake for dessert. I think we each had two bites of that decadence before passing out in our chairs.

Laundry list of Happy Hour items (sorry for the blur but total cost was $61- not bad for the 14 items we imbibed!)

So, two glasses of wine and two and half hours later (the only thing we ordered after 6pm was the cake), we left happy and full, promising to re-visit Canapes. Next time, we'll go at 4:59, so we don't miss out on any of those precious minutes between 5 and 6pm. 

xo,

L

Asia in A Frame

A couple weeks ago, Ross and I decided to put the many scraps, business cards, and bus tickets from our Southeast Asia trip to good use. We didn't put them in a traditional scrapbook (although what leftovers we do have will be pasted into our travel book); we decided to arrange, paste, and organize our little hearts out by placing them in a 22x28" framed collage.

We are by no means craft experts, so we arbitrarily placed all of the items on the poster board, along with five or six photos glued onto orange construction paper, and got to gluing. We saved everything from our Korean Air boarding passes to our funky green headbands in Vang Vieng to papers with games we played with friends in Pai. Here are a few snapshots of portions of the board:

Ross in a van in Indo, A Little Bird Guesthouse business card, bus & plane tickets

Me riding a bike in Vientiene, city recommendations, hotel business cards, and copy of Ross' passport

Headband from tubing, pass for Angkor Wat, Gringo's card (best Mexican food in Vietnam), and the worst hotel in Hanoi.

Overall, it took a couple hours, a few different layouts, one glue stick, and one black frame from Target, but in the end we were quite proud of ourselves. We can't wait to hang it in our new place!

The finished product

xo,
L

Eat, Live, Run

A culinary junkie and fitness maven turned food blogger has caught my attention recently. Jenna, the creative author behind the Eat, Live, Run blog, oozes spunk and originality, and I am craving all of her sweet treats (especially these homemade oatmeal cream pies). She is a self-proclaimed misplaced Southerner, and that Southern charm shines through in many of her musings.

Head over to Eat, Live, Run, read more about Jenna and her daily life, and most importantly print out a few of those delish recipes!

With a motto of "Celebrating Life,One Crumb at A Time," what's not to love?

xo,
L

Green with Envy

It's March 1st...does that mean it's Spring yet? After the chilly weather we had over the weekend I am definitely ready for warmer weather. (Although I can't complain too much because Ross & I did have a fun snow day on Saturday...See our snowman Snowpac Shakur here) One color that handles the temperature transition well is Kelly Green. It dominated in many of the Spring fashion shows (see photos here from the Marni show) and will soon be dominating my closet as well.

I'm especially loving the deep emerald dress peeking through the neutral coat, as well as the fancy baubles shown here:

What are your favorite winter to spring shades?

xo,

L