La Petite Choue

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2012-02-08T08:44:00.000-08:00

GIVEAWAY: PARIS MY SWEET

2012-02-07T09:56:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited about today's giveaway! Amy Thomas is a writer and francophile from New York City with a highly refined palate for sweets. She recently worked in Paris writing ad copy for a little company called Louis Vuitton. Amy and I have been communicating over the interweb for a while now, and I was thrilled when she asked me to giveaway a new copy of her book, Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate). Amy's book chronicles a sweet freak's journey working in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, exploring patisseries and boulangeries and marveling at the City of Lights. To win a copy of Paris, My Sweet, please leave a comment below with who you'd like to give this book to. A winner will be chosen this Friday. Best of luck, mes amies!

MUSIC MONDAY: WE FOUND LOVE IN A HOPELESS PLACE

2012-02-05T22:58:00.000-08:00

Watching two people fall in love via a drug soaked frenzy is straight-up-seductive. I saw this video for Rihanna's latest jam, We found love in a hopeless place, and was speechless; who knew Rihanna could be so effing cool? My initial thoughts were: I need those Christmas lights in her bedroom. Where does one procure that denim romper? And does Rihanna actually wake up in the morning with her hair looking that good? The video was directed by the effervescently cool Melina Matsoukas who has also shot videos for Lily Allen, Beyonce and Lady Gaga to name a few. No big deal. No big deal at all. It's on my bucket list for 2012 to direct my first music video and you bettah believe I'll be starting my online inspiration board with this puppy. ENJOY!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2012-01-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

1) lana del ray is slowly creeping to the top of my favorites female vocalists these days.
2) these one-of-a-kind terrariums from terrain are at the top of my wishlist!
3) how cool is this illustration by finnish company agent pekka?
4) riesling strawberry slushies = divinity.

this was an insane work week, hence the few posts. but i'm about to be on a more normal rehearsal/life/eating/workout schedule in the upcoming week so hopefully posts shall return to normal. i hope everyone has lovely and relaxing things planned this weekend. i'll be teaching kids about 1891 germany, so somebody ht the beach and have a margarita for me, ok?

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2012-01-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

love this poster originally designed by illustrator mikey burton

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2012-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

sticking with our flora theme today, here are some friday favorites! happy weekend everyone!

1) love this logo created by kathryn white for australian-based store; the small garden
2) did you get the design* sponge book for christmas like i did? what a smart idea!
3) the ultimate and perfect bouquet! look at those colors!

SAY YES TO FLOWERS!

2012-01-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

photo found here

i am on a ridiculously strict budget right now which as many of you know, ain't no walk in the park. there is a lot of stress that comes along with perusing ones dreams; the giving up of a steady paycheck, the shutting off of one's precious cable (i'll miss you, californication!) and the sacraficial choice to never go out to dinner. ever. the one thing i refuse to give up on are fresh cut flowers. the joy of walking into a room and smelling that sweet and sultry stargazer lily or staring into the charming bud of a bright yellow ranunculus simply can't be matched. for all you los angelinos out there - there is a way to say yes to flowers on a budget! i'm a fan of my secret garden which is affordable and lovely. they wrap your buds in brown paper and tie it with a string (even if you're only buying one stem) it's simply delicious. there is also the flower mart downtown which offers a wide variety for trader joe's prices. and if you get an extra babysitting gig or a bonus - stop by gilly's in silverlake. they have the world's best collection and are known for their vintage vase collection. i swoon.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2012-01-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

photo found here

THE BEST DRAWING

2012-01-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

photo found here

MUSIC MONDAY: L.P.

2012-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

full disclosure: i discovered this song while watching a citi bank commercial. and then i spent 30 minutes googling trying to find it. but i did! this song is called into the wild by pop rock artist laura pergolizzi (who goes by L.P. professionally and with a name like that, i don't blame her!) she's like neko case mixed with foster the people with a twist of patti smith . enjoy it folks. and happiest monday!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2012-01-06T00:54:00.000-08:00

1) beautiful foreign tickets
2) pink peonies
3) coconut & chicken curry soup
4) beautiful typography

TUXES & TAFFETA

2012-01-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

check her out! my company just hired a new graphic designer - the lovely ms. joanna waterfall (isn't she the cutest?) joanna just cranked out this kickin' invite to our 80s prom fundraiser and we couldn't be happier! for all of you los angeles natives - you can find out more information on prom here! we're so excited to party 80s style and hope to see you there!

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2012-01-04T01:38:00.000-08:00

photo found here

THE BUSINESS OF CARDS

2012-01-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

one / two / unknown / four / five

i must truly be an adult now because i'm in the market for my first set of business cards! i feel like their are so many options out there - i'm having a hard time committing to just one! and there are so many questions that go with this process; how many do i order the first time? do i go for a simple design or something catchy? will i even use them? is there a company that you guys have used that you like? how many cards did you order? i'd love to know!

HOT COCOA LOVIN'

2012-01-02T12:47:00.000-08:00

how adorable is this? it makes me want to still be in boston sipping hot cocoa with the snow falling outside my window. also, wanna know how they made those heart marshmallows? so simple: take whip creme and spread on a tray and let sit in freezer for 30 minutes. then use cookie cutters and place in hot chocolate! instant love in your hot cocoa!

photos from a cozy winter engagement shoot

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

photo hereholy smokes! where did the time go? i feel like i blinked and 2011 blew by. this past year was intense and a big rebuilding year for myself and a lot of people i know. i feel like i took a leap of faith; quit my desk job, decided to pursue theater full time and recently have began freelancing on the side. and hopefully by the time 2013 rolls around, i will have made the big cross country move and will be settled in my cozy brooklyn apartment. here's to hoping! i feel lucky to be in a creative place. i feel lucky to have wonderful friends and a supportive family. and i'm so thankful for all of my lovely readers who keep me sane and feeling positive. i wish a magical and peaceful 2012 to you all!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-12-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

1) seasonal and simple gift wrapping
2) cozy at home every day basics
3) chic voila lighter from opening ceremony
4) galaxy map!

NEW YEARS BUCKET

2011-12-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

bubble gum print, etsy

my dad told me today that i'm too young to have a bucket list. no way, i said. i love writing down the things i want to accomplish and checking back in periodically to make sure i'm on track. here are my goals for 2012.

new year 's bucket list:

run a 5k

move to brooklyn

read jonathan franzen

learn how to drive stick

get a tattoo

new photoshoot; theme: red balloons & white dresses

visit austin, texas

direct a music video

eat more veggies/attempt to eat less cake

what's on your new years bucket list? i'd love to hear!

GOTTA HAVE IT

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

print by matthew kavan brooks for society6 that i must, that i will, that i need to own.

can also purchase via urban outfitters right here.

FEELIN' FRENCH AND MOODY

2011-12-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

image one, two, & three

SHE AND HIM AND HIM AND SHE

2011-12-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

have you guys been listening to this album on repeat like me all of holiday break? i can't get enough of zooey's sultry voice and m. ward's killer guitar chords. i want to pluck these two right off of this adorable album cover and ask them to sing to me around a roaring fire with a glass of bourbon in my hand. that's possible, right? if you haven't gotten a chance to listen, give your ears a treat! it's streaming right over here and you can buy your very own a very merry christmas album right here! enjoy!

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

photo source unknown

MERRY AND BRIGHT

2011-12-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

blue romantic shimmering holiday christmas tree light photography, etsy

christmas is over but i'm still holding onto that last bit of holiday cheer. i've spent the week nibbling on gingerbread cookies, sipping hot cocoa by the fire, reading books i have been attempting to finish for months and taking walks outside in the nippy new england air. and to be fair, i haven't changed out of my leggings or hoodie since i arrived home. i just can.not.do it. although sometimes it feels like i'm back i high school when i come home (does your mother also remind you to eat your vegetables when you're 30?), it does feel good to do absolutely nothing and not feel bad about it one bit. i'm planning on taking this relaxed and merry kate into the new year with me. won't you please join me there?

FAVORITE THINGS SERIES // ANGELA HARDISON

2011-12-26T21:49:00.000-08:00

ms. angela hardison is one cool cat. i check her blog on a daily basis for sweet posts on design and her delicious posts on healthy raw foods (i'm a sucker for an easy green meal!) check out some of angela's favorite things below and make sure to check out her blog too!

Favorite Film? The one movie I could watch over and over is Fantastic Mr. Fox. I know that may seem a bit juvenile, but I think Wes Anderson is brilliant and I'm fascinated with stop-motion animation. The story, the dialogue, the music, the costumes & set in this movie are perfection.
Book? I love The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It's a holocaust story with a clever narrator (death) and some really beautiful writing. Of course, one of my all-time favorites would have to be To Kill a Mockingbird. And speaking of books, I have a habit of collecting old books with pretty covers.
Food of choice? How could I ever choose? I love pretty much every fruit, vegetable sandwiches, and quinoa in most forms. But I'll also almost never say no to Indian food - I could eat tikka masala and naan for days.
Go-to Libation? Water, preferably with a squeeze of lime or some fruit for extra flavor. (I know, I'm so exciting - but water is almost the only thing I ever drink.)
Album you can't stop listening to lately? Wilco, The Whole Love
Your dream wardrobe would consist of ... Marc by Marc Jacobs, Orla Kiely, Lauren Moffatt, I could go on and on...
Favorite Band? I have a permanent musical crush on Andrew Bird.
Blogs you check out daily? Too many! A few favorites that come to mind: Wit & Delight, A Merry Mishap, Color Collective
Dream vacation spot? Italy (still haven't been), India (I have a strange, strong desire to go there), and New York (no matter how many times I visit, it never gets old).
Favorite Person? Definitely my husband, who is always supportive and the funniest person to be around. He makes every day a party. Also, maybe the tiny little human that is currently growing in my belly :)
Smell you can't live without? Citrus. We're surrounded by citrus trees here in Arizona, so it reminds me of home. I love the smell of orange blossoms and the scent from slicing a lemon, cutting into a grapefruit, or peeling an orange.
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Thank you so much for stopping by, Angela!
check out other favorite things series posts from oh joy, emmadime, & size too small here!

HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-19T00:44:00.000-08:00

wow. i have been one bad blogger these last two weeks! but i do love this vintage christmas painting - don't you? i leave for snowy boston on friday and i can't wait for christmas and snow and presents! even though i love sunny california weather - i can never fully get in the christmas spirit out here. it just doesn't feel right to be wearing shorts and sipping mai tai's under palm trees on december 25th!

LONDON, PLEASE!

2011-12-05T00:24:00.000-08:00

the hummingbird kitchen & bar is my total dream cafe. i'd like to move to london and eat and drink here every hour of everyday for the rest of my life. that sign! those cocktails! the food!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-12-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

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1) a pink feathered christmas crown by wovenplay
2) cranberry gin fizz cocktail
3) heart-stopping hot chocolate with chocolate marshmallows!
4) flower arrangement by brooklyn-based floral designer nicolette camille

HAPPY FRIDAY!

2011-12-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

happy friday friends! finally! this week has gone by so slowly. do you have as many holiday parties to hit up as i do? list: russian (yes, russian!) inspired christmas party, a tree-trimming, and a birthday celebration! we're also shooting our new kickstarter video for my new show! have you heard about kickstarter? it's a pretty dope way to raise money for art. check it out! happy friday!

photo here

DREAMY & STEAMY

2011-12-02T00:24:00.000-08:00

ooooo. the new maison scotch line from scott & soda is so sultry and smoky. yes please!

I THINK I NEED TO MOVE TO CHARLESTON

2011-11-30T23:10:00.000-08:00

i think i need to move to charleston, ya'll. i stumbled upon this amazingly perfect restaurant
on oliva's blog today and i can't stop thinking about it! the detail to the countertops, old
bottle caps and rustic industrial chic everything makes me swoon. and butcher & bee
if that's not the cutest name for a place to get my grub on, i don't know what is!

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2011-11-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

MUSIC MONDAY // MINA TINDLE

2011-11-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

i adore everything about this music video; the clapping and quick step moves, the sparkly black dress and vintage microphone and mina tindle's sultry french accent! and oh, oh, the dancing!

SCENES FROM THE WEEKEND

2011-11-28T00:08:00.000-08:00

A NEW DO

2011-11-23T23:40:00.000-08:00

i'm in the market for a brand spanking new hair-do. i've recently also been obsessed with online hair tutorials. have you seen any? they are so helpful and really inspirational. my favorite one on how to create loose and wavy curls is here. also, for all of you los angeles kiddos out there i have to make a plug for my hairdresser who i've been going to for six years and who is the very best. (and great hairdressers are hard to come by!) if you live in l.a. and are ever in need of a great do, check out nikki at novak salon in echo park. her salon is the bees knees.
photos here, here & here

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-23T21:06:00.000-08:00

have a magical thanksgiving with your friends and family everyone! i am thankful for my health and family and scout and shirley temples. and every single one of you! see you next week!

photo source

PERFECT PACKAGING

2011-11-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

john & john chips sells a range of hand cooked potato crisps made in britian and
exported to germany. this packaging makes me want to pick up a bag of chips real bad.
and with flavors like aspall cyder vinegar & mixed roots .... you can't really go wrong!

LET'S MIND OUR P'S & Q'S

2011-11-22T20:15:00.000-08:00

i really dig these graphics and this message by three-sixty press. big time. wouldn't this be such a great piece of artwork to hang near your kitchen table?

WORDS TO LIVE BY

2011-11-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

MUSIC MONDAY // FAVORITES ROUND-UP

2011-11-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

I know that finding new music takes work. So I've put together my ten favorite bands from the past few years. I even listed a few songs to check out too! Music is the one thing that no matter what's going on, can always fill me up and take me to that sometimes-hard-to-reach-happy-place. I'm so glad to be able to share all of these amazing and talented people with you. With spotify (do you all use it? gosh I love it!) and itunes, hopefully it'll be a cinch to get your grubby little paws on these favorite tunes. And I'd love to hear some of your favorites too!

1. Jenny Lewis - songs to check out: Rise up with fists!! and Acid Tongue
2. Metric - songs to check out: Help I'm Alive and Police and the Private
3. Tegan & Sara - songs to check out: Living Room and Back in Your Head
4. Cat Power - songs to check out: Lived in Bars and The Greatest
5. Lykke Li - songs to check out: Possibility and I Follow Rivers
6. Stars - songs to check out: Your Ex-Lover is Dead and Set Yourself on Fire
7. Feist - songs to check out: Mushaboom and I Feel it All
8. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - songs to check out: Maps and Hysteric
9. Tilly and the Wall - songs to check out: Beat Control and Lost Girls
10. Phoenix - songs to check out: If I ever Feel Better and 1901

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-11-19T01:37:00.000-08:00

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1) 19th century map of a woman's heart.
2) The best yellow cake recipe. Ever.
3) Refreshing pomegranate spritzer for fall.
4) Her outfit is perfect for work or play, dontcha think?

MUSIC I CAN'T STOP LISTENING TO

2011-11-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

i can't stop listening to these two songs. i mean it. the first is the kings of leon's song use somebody and it's brilliant. the second is off the drive soundtrack - which if you haven't heard yet, you gotta make that happen S.T.A.T. Enjoy!

TO DO LIST

2011-11-17T00:07:00.000-08:00

this weekend i pledge:

- to actually finish cleaning all the dishes and to not leave "that one little pan to soak overnight".
- to ride my bike instead of driving and test out my new helmet!
- to visit the farmer's market to pick up that delicious cucumber & tomato salad i love.
- to dance. HARD.
- to buy my plane ticket home for the holidays.
- to make a serious dent in my book club book, plainsong, by haruf.
- to attempt to organize and clean up the files on my computer as this mac is FULL.

what's on our list?
photo source

TEENANGSTER

2011-11-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

today i was invited to the first sing & read through of sweet valley high: the musical. please imagine the sheer joy on my face as francine pascal's teen twin novels spung to life in front of my 80s pop-culture rich eyes. it was a wonderful experience and it truly made me miss being a teenager and reaching under my bed at night for cool ranch doritos and the sweet valley high #162 -" where elizabeth goes to the prom!" did you guys read these books as kids? it was sweet valley high, boxcar children and the babysitters club for me. and perhaps a few nancy drew's in there too! Ah, the memories.

HOT AIR BALLOON ART

2011-11-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

ahhh! how cute is this hot air balloon art? i want these in my bedroom!

also, congrats to the giveaway winner: ADIE!!! Email me with your size and address! Congrats to you and thanks to all that commented!

PINTEREST SNAPSHOT

2011-11-14T00:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorite pinterest finds from this week:

+ black and white girly menswear
+ a perfect wedding bouquet

+ a pretty little book cover
+ very berry sweet pizza
+ with heart & voice

p.s. don't forget today is the last day of the shabby apple vintage dress giveaway!

2011-11-13T23:55:00.000-08:00

mix this hip colorful living room to match this pallet of oil paints.

HOW CUTE IS THIS GAL??

2011-11-13T22:39:00.000-08:00

elizbaeth olsen is a-door-belle. i love her in this dress and i loved her in martha marcy may marlene. did you see it? what did you think? it was so good but creepy!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

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1) Painted winter blueberries.
2) New artwork by Bia van Deventer
3) The perfect coffee table book.
4) The most antiquated blue church I've ever seen.

MUGSHOT WEDDING

2011-11-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

how cute are these post wedding bridal party mug-shots? what a creative way to document how much fun everyone had on the big day!

photo source

A PETITE CHOUE GIVEAWAY!

2011-11-10T00:03:00.000-08:00

this week the adorable online vintage inspired shabby apple is sponsoring a giveaway for you! one lucky reader will be receiving this beautiful spanish steps dress in a size of their choice!
to enter:
you must like shabby apple on facebook and leave a comment below by the end of monday, november 14th telling me where you'd like to where this dress out and about! i'll announce the winner on monday so make sure to check back! this giveaway is for U.S. readers only. good luck!
p.s. for extra credit you can follow shabby apple on twitter or visit their blog

I WOULD LIKE

2011-11-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

the perfect fall flannel shirt + form fitting blue jeans + crisp cool lake + mug of peppermint tea. yes, please.

photo source

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD

2011-11-08T23:50:00.000-08:00

i only have eyes for gold these days.

1/2/3/4

PREACH!

2011-11-08T23:25:00.000-08:00

RUSSIAN NAVY

2011-11-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

i am loving the fall nail color choices these days. opi's russian navy particularly caught my intention in this maire-claire ad.

CALL YOUR GIRLFRIEND

2011-11-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you know this, but I have a intense secret L-O-V-E for the Swedish 90's pop icon, Robyn. Recently, Robyn has been making a comeback in the U.S. and I couldn't be more pleased. Another Swedish girl group, Erato, grabbed some old empty butter containers and beat boxed their way through Robyn's hit, "Call your Girlfriend" all while singing in perfect harmony. It's beautiful and I may have pressed listen approximately 45 times in the last day or so. Check it out below!

{Thanks, Kate!}

SCENES FROM THE WEEKEND // NORTH CAROLINA

2011-11-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

I just got back from a week in North Carolina. I discovered the lovely mountain town of Asheville for the first time, spent some quality time with friends, attended a good friend's wedding and took a walk through my old college campus at UNC. NC was in full on Fall mode and I couldn't get enough! Here are some of my favorite photos of the trip below.

LOVELY PATTERNS

2011-11-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

i'm loving these warm & cool patterns. wouldn't these all make beautiful wallpaper?

1/2/3

FEEL BETTER ABOUT EATING

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

this past year has been tough. i've lost a job and started freelancing which means more time on my hands, less distractions and the emotional highs and lows and anxiety of being unemployed. i spent a lot of time this summer eating my feelings. you know the drill ... i feel bad ... i need a cookie .... and maybe some ice cream on top .... and heck, might as well have that pizza and make it a meal. when i got back from a recent trip i got on the scale and had gained a whopping 15 pounds. i'm a fairly tall person so i can get away with gaining a bit and not really noticing. but then it all adds up and WAM - i had some serious work to do. so i've slowly been getting back on the wagon. i cut out desserts and alcohol (my vices!) i find one hour a day to work out; whether that be spin class, a hike with my dog or a dance class. i use cooking at the treat and always make something new everyday to keep things fresh. my body is changing and i can feel it. and it feels a whole lot better than that cookie.

when i do eat, i make sure that the majority of my meal is made of fruits and/or veggies. here are some of my favorite go-to healthy recipes i've been loving:

- homemade gyros
- pumpkin pie oatmeal
- golden beet salad with fennel & gorgonzola cream
- roasted autumn panzanella salad

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2011-10-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

This Dorothy would like to wish you and yours the most Haunted & Happy Halloween! We're passing out candy and watching spooky movies and maybe even clicking our heels a few times!

photo by moi

FOOD LAB // A SILVERLAKE FAVORITE

2011-10-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

my favorite go-to breakfast spot in silverlake is food lab. the homemade granola, the waffles with plum compote and warm maple syrup, the sunny side eggs with austrian speck and chives, the homemade strawberry lemonade, oh my! i can never get enough of this place.

photos by moi

SOME GOOD NEWS

2011-10-31T01:37:00.000-07:00

Ask and you shall receive! la petite choue is pickin' up the pace this fall with more daily posts. so check back in with us often as things are heating up over here! Happy fall!

Photo by Ellen Von Unwerth.

BLACK N' WHITE // HALLOWEEN INSPIRATION

2011-10-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

i love love love love halloween. this week i've been to a haunted house, ridden on a haunted hay ride in an abandoned zoo, bought tickets for paranormal activity 3 and watched an american horror story marathon with friends. i just can't get enough. here are some fun halloween inspirations to help get you in the mood!

1/2/3/4/5

GIRLS WITH BOOKS

2011-10-26T01:03:00.000-07:00

pretty in love with this gal's dress by designer sarah seven and her book collection.
what i wouldn't give for both!

photo by lucas cook photography

SWEET.

2011-10-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Photo via here

BLOG LOVE // SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ON A MONDAY

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel blogging can become a tad bit self obsessive. It usually feels fun and creative to share your life with the good people of the interweb, but occasionally when I'm about to post I just get that enough about me already! feeling. Do you ever? In the good spirit of others, I'd love shed a little light on some of my favorite blogs that I've been reading these days to spread a little o' that Internet love. Enjoy!

1. Live & Enliven
2. a day with kate
3 poppy & leo
4. I ART U
5. a note on design

photo source

2011-10-21T00:45:00.000-07:00

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1) Words to live by.
2) A cozy landscape sweater
3) Brilliant stationary.
4) Hair + Glasses + Lipstick + Sweater = perfect fall look.

SIZZLE REEL // GOODBYE, RENT!

2011-10-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

I put together a little sizzle reel for everyone involved in RENT to say thank you for all their hard work. I am so happy with how it came out and thought I'd share it below. Enjoy!

RENT: Downtown L.A. Behind the Scenes from kate sullivan on Vimeo.

GIFT GIVING // UNDER 50 BONES

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Gift giving can be stressful and expensive. I've had a string of birthdays/weddings/anniversaries these past few months and chasing down gifts for everyone can be exhausting. So, I've put together my top list of fun and simple gifts all under $50. Hopefully this will make your next shopping trip more easy and fun!

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1. for the sweet gal: frozen yogurt/sorbet/ice cream maker in turquoise ($49.95)
2. for the garden maven: recycled glass bubble ($45.95)
3. for the katniss everdeen: madewell arrowdrop bracelet ($28)
4. for the girl scout: natural soy candle in fig leaf ($29)
5. for the hopeless romantic: the lover's dictionary ($10.98)
6. for the chocoholic: a trio of organic british bee bars ($5.95)

A PICTURE & WORDS

2011-10-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

love this quote. love this photo. love those tights!

MUSIC MONDAY // LANA DEL RAY

2011-10-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

Lana Del Ray is a hybrid between Nancy Sinatra and Lauren Bacall. A friend passed on her Video Games video to me a few months ago and I was enchanted by her so-cal 60's raspy voice. Lana is a New York native who created her own music video and uploaded it to youtube. Almost over night she had over 2 million views. Now that's what I call gumption! This gal now has a record label and an album due out in early 2012. Check out her song below and if you dig it, go here for the remix that I just can't stop listening to. Happy Monday!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-10-14T00:51:00.000-07:00

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1) Black & White Beauty
2) The most beautiful lavender wedding cake I've ever seen.
3) A fun side braid to try at home!
4) The perfect gold cocktail party dress.

So my "skip day" turned into more of a "skip week" ... apologies on that front. Here's to a good, relaxing and productive weekend and regular posts for next week! Have a great one, ya'll!

SKIP DAY

2011-10-11T11:29:00.000-07:00

photo via here

i'm having one of those weeks where everything is just-plain-and-simple going wrong. and not to be all complainy-complainerson, because obviously their are people out there with real problems but sometimes life can be a bit overwhelming and one just wants to curl up in bed with episodes upon episodes of breaking bad and a batch of whole wheat belgian waffles and just wallow. days when the gym seems just too far away and those veggies sitting in your fridge aren't at all even remotely appetizing. so, i'm taking today off, officially, and will resume being a working part of society tomorrow.

also, any magical mood lifting tricks you've got in your bag, i'd love to hear em'!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

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1) Tennessee moonshine has arrived!
2) A beautiful new card collection.
3) The perfect ex-boyfriend chambray shirt from Madewell.
4) Hot fudge bourbon milkshakes do exist, people. Recipe here.

I hope everyone has an excellent and relaxing weekend!

CONFESSION

2011-10-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

i've been holding onto this photo for months figuring out a post i could write around it. and then i just thought, "enough excuses, just do it!" so, here's the thing, sparkles, aka glitter. aka confetti. aka any pile of shiny bits of color piled on top of each other are a teeny-tiny obsession of mine. my nickname in high school was sparkles22 and i was known to sport many a t-shirt in college with a splash of shimmery goodness. nowadays my sparkle craving is a bit more under control; but my favorite clothing pieces consist of a blue shimmery skirt and a 60s flapper dress with beads and, you guessed it, sparkles. anyway, the cat's out of the bag. forgive me. i thought i should come clean and admit it. i'm only human.

p.s. just to be clear, i don't do tiara's. or sparkly flip flops. or chunky glitter eyeshadow. i stick to vintage sparkle and flare; a homemade paper crown with craft shop glitter, confetti on the the make-shift dance floor in my living room, glitter pine cones at christmas and shiny bike streamers. you feel me. are we still friends?

ADELE VS. MADONNA

2011-10-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

I was at a wedding reception last weekend and Madonna's Holiday came on. And then 3 seconds later Adele's Rolling in the Deep came on. TOGETHER. My ears flipped out! This is, I have to say, the best remix I've ever heard. Sit back. Relax. And Enjoy!

PINTEREST SNAPSHOT

2011-10-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite pinterest finds from this week:

+ everything about this gal's style is perfection
+ a black n'white cowgirl
+ wise words
+ salty caramel dipped pears
+ Norway green and blues
+ a funky electric sign
+ spiced pumpkin, lentil, and goat cheese salad
+ caramel infused hot chocolate

THE WEEKEND

2011-10-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

barefoot contessa's rosemary potatoes | birthday bouquet from this amazing lady | a gifted bike from my dad! | scout's new favorite toy | streamers & sun

The weekend was a fairly uneventful one. I'm on a 30-day no sugar diet (AHHH HELP ME!) and so I try to avoid any place and anyone that may have sweets hidden in their pockets. I did take a cruise on my new bicycle, checked out 50/50 (love that Joseph Gordon Levitt!), did a lot of hiking with the little pup and watched the season premiere of my favorite show, Dexter (anyone else a fan?) I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

p.s. check out a little guest post I did about fall here!

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

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1) salted chocolate caramel lollipops
2) green and blue interiors
3) adorable parcel post style wrapping
4) the perfect fall outfit

HAPPY WEEKEND!

FAVORITE THINGS SERIES // EVERYDAY MUSINGS

2011-09-29T00:18:00.000-07:00

ms. olivia rae james, food and travel editor of Southern Flourish Magazine and author of lovely blog Everyday Musings lives in charleston, sc and spends her time making dainty cake stands, traveling to and from far-away destinations such as provence and skye, reading and studying poetry, and taking beautiful photographs of it all along the way. below is oliva's list of favorite things. check them out to learn a little more about this special lady!
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all photos by olivia rae
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1. Favorite Film? It's a tie between That Thing You Do and Garden State. I grew up watching That Thing You Do on repeat. I can recite every word and it still makes me laugh every time. Faye is my role model. I fell in love with Garden State as a wistful 16-year-old and I've never fallen out of love with it.
2. Go-to-libation? WINE! And Prosecco.

3. What's on the blog roll? Amy Merrick of An Apple a Day is a goddess. I can't get enough of her dreamy stories and photos. I also love Joy the Baker. Reading her blog always results in me A) giggling and B) baking something yummy.

4. Favorite day of the year? Christmas Eve. My mom throws a big, beautiful, party with all of our friends and family. It always feels so special and cozy.

5. Favorite destination? My family's little beach cottage on the coast of North Carolina. It feels more like home than any home I've ever had.

6. What album are you listening to right now? I can't get enough of Beirut's new album "The Rip Tide."

7. Smell you can't live without? I really like the smell of sunscreen, but I could probably live without it. Also, lavender.

8. Favorite Book? Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer. It's a heart-wrenching, hilarious, poignant book that left a lasting impression on me.

9. Favorite Food? I think I could live on strawberries and/or truffle fries and/or caramel salted ice cream. And I can't leave out cheese...

10. Fashion favorites? Touches of lace, cropped sweaters, anything cream colored, boyish jackets, simple lines, high-waists, nude flats.

11. Favorite person? All the people in my life are pretty great. I'm a lucky girl.
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Thank you so much for stopping by, Olivia!
check out other favorite things series posts from oh joy, emmadime, & size too small here!

CURRENTLY COVETING // FALL WISH LIST

2011-09-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

1. Dress / 2. Necklace / 3.Towel / 4. Hairbands / 5. Book / 6. Heels

ON BIRTHDAYS // TURNING 30

2011-09-27T01:21:00.000-07:00

Despite the fact that I crossed into a new decade this week, this blogpost is more of a thank you than a run-down. Thank goodness for friends who know you; who know that purple was your favorite color when you were 6 and nothing has changed, friends that know that you're never too old to have unicorn balloons at your birthday party, friends that know your favorite meal includes champagne with lemon and basil, moules frites and crouque madames, friends who know that you're a true wilderness girl at heart and who make s'mores with you around a campfire for birthday dessert, friends who hang streamers from your chair and make you a glitter crown to adorn your 30-year-old-head, friends who each give a toast in your honor and remind everyone how they met you, for friends who blindfold you and take you to the rollerskating rink where everyone you know waits for you to get there and yells surprise and skates the night away with you in celebration, for friends who secretly go to your house and grab your very favorite roller skates so you can wear your own on the rink, and for friends who I simply could not live without. I feel like luckiest girl on the planet.

Here's to another year filled with magic. A better one. A great one.

MIXTAPE MONDAY // AN ODE TO AUTUMN

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

photo via here

As Los Angeles slowly (I mean it, it's slow as molasses!) slides into Fall, here are the tunes on repeat on my own personal jukebox. For some reason, Fall music fits into the same category for me as early-Sunday-morning-before-the -california-haze-has-burned-off music. I guess those are the sort of things one must compare while living in Los Angeles. Have a great Monday and a terrific week everyone. And hopefully a new music mix will add a bit of joy to your day. Enjoy!

1. Breakin' the Chains of Love | Fitz & the Tantrums
2. How Come you Never go There | Feist
3. You're the one That I Want | Angus & Julia Stone (cover)
4. I Can't Make you Love me | Bon Iver (cover)
5. Crop Comes in | Chatham County Line
6. Take it all | Adele
7. Murdered in the City | Avett Brothers
8. Sydney (I'll Come Running) | Brett Dennen

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-09-23T08:03:00.000-07:00

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1) a sweet autumn kiss
2) vodka root beer floats
3) a darling table setting idea
4) i'd only like to send letters using these envelopes please!

FAVORITE THINGS SERIES // HOORAY

2011-09-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

hey there and welcome back to the favorite things series! today was are featuring the lovely alli michelle of Hooray blog which honors celebrating creative living! alli hails from ann harbor, michigan where she lives with her husband and two cute cats. hooray is a constant inspiration source of mine, especially for hip party planning tips and easy everyday living guides. learn about some of alli's favorite things below!
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1. Favorite Film? It's hard to pick just one, but here are a few: The Painted Veil, Serendipity, Mamma Mia (for the location/styling), and 90s movies in general.
2. Go-to-libation? We never have a girl's night without some sangria!
3. What's on the blog roll? Elephantine, size too small, oh happy day, and about a bazillion others.

4. Favorite day of the year? The day my husband arrived home safely from his first deployment overseas - nothing compares to that feeling.
5. Favorite destination?   I've always imagined it would be London (which I've wanted to travel to since I was a kid), but I also love Black Lake up north here in Michigan where our family vacations every summer.
6. What album are you listening to right now?  Nothing Left To Lose, by Mat Kearney. He is a brilliant musician, and you can't skip a single track on his album(s).
7. Smell you can't live without?  Lemons.
8. Favorite Book?  Pride & Prejudice. I rarely read a book more than once but I never get tired of Austen.

9. Favorite Food? Italian food has my heart because I love pasta and bread more than one should. I'm also easily bribed by cheesecake.

10. Fashion favorites? J. Crew, Target (because I'm cheap), or Boden (for quality pieces, but mostly because I love to look at their catalog).

11. Favorite person? My sweet husband, who must be the most patient man in the world.

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Thank you so much for stopping by, Alli!
check out other favorite things series posts from oh joy, emmadime, & size too small here!

PINTERST SNAPSHOT

2011-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite pinterest finds from this week:

+ black and white perfection
+ an italian greyhound cocktail with rosemary sugar
+ the perfect ring
+ this sweet saying
+ healthy chocolate chip cookies sweetened only with bananas
+ a fall-inspired centerpiece

ON SPARKLERS

2011-09-20T00:55:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, there was nothing in the world more enchanting to me than sparklers. To a little pig-tailed girl, a stick that you lit on fire and watched as colorful sparks shot out into the midnight sky was pure magic. On a recent trip to New Hampshire, I stumbled upon a small road-side shack that sold sparkler packages for 10 cents. How could I not indulge? I packed my bags full and took them back to Brooklyn. On my final night in the city, my friends gathered in my apartment for a farewell soiree. We started the evening with games and drinking and ended it with sparklers on the balcony. All in all a perfect evening, all thanks to a little bit of summer magic.

p.s. i was busy hosting, so these delightful photos above were taken my dearest best friend. thanks lily!

PINK PUNCH

2011-09-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

i'm not usually a pink-kinda-gal, but i'm really digging on a splash of it here and there these days!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

FRIDAY FAVORITES

2011-09-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

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1) i love every single one of these pink soda cans and wish they had them in the united states!
2) this lip color is to die for.
3) swoon worthy paris apartment decor.
4) i need to make these champagne popsicles asap.

RECIPE // BANANA MILKSHAKE

2011-09-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

You guys, confession time: I have a serious addiction to ice cream. It's my favorite food. My perfect idea of a meal is a hot fudge sundae with a cherry on top. So. Not. Good. For. You. No matter how many ways I try to justify it, I feel better and look better without having ice great at all. Sigh. So what's a girl to do? I've recently discovered a no-ice-cream-involved-but tastes-exactly-like-ice-cream-banana milkshake! It tastes like ice cream. It looks like ice cream. But there is no ice cream involved and guess what? It's even good for you. Here is my recipe below. Try it. Enjoy it. And let me know if you like it too!

Kate's Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter To Die For Milkshake

Ingredients

2 Frozen Bananas
1 Tbs of all natural Peanut Butter
1 Tbs of organic Cocoa Powder
1 cup of Skim Milk

Throw ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed. Watch perfection created. Pour into frosty glass. Use a straw. ENJOY!

** For all you vegans out there - you can substitute almond milk for regular milk and almond butter for peanut butter and the shake still tastes just as good.

Love this.

2011-09-14T11:04:00.001-07:00

INSPIRED BY // AN OUTDOOR SPACE

2011-09-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

This photo is getting my little green thumb in gear. I have this wonderful lovely outdoor patio attached to my house that I shamelessly have done nothing with this past year. I think I was focusing so much time and energy on the inside I forgot about the out! I love this photo (found here) so much and it really inspires me to create a cozy outdoor space for entertaining and even for reading the paper outside with coffee on the weekends. Today I spent the morning bringing all my old furniture outside and sifting through boxes of un-used goodies in the garage to decorate. Next step up: plants and veggies? Eeek. I'm nervous as I do NOT have a green thumb. I'm going to do some good plant research and give it the old college try. Any recommendations on what to grow and what not to grow would be insanely helpful! Cheers!

THE WEEKEND

2011-09-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

an electric corner | diet coke in a glass bottle | a production of Rent in la habra | fence decorations in los feliz | pho cafe | glass bottle collection | old-fashioned candy | tomato-mozz-basil sandwich | zucchini bread from broome street general store

I had a friend from new york city in town this weekend so there was a lot of go-go-go-discover-go-go-go! I wanted to show her all my favorite restaurants and all my favorite other secret Los Angeles gems as well. We ate at the best sushi you'll ever have in your life, R23, in downtown, L.A., went for this really beautiful hike in Malibu, checked out Contagion at the vintage Vista Theater, had some margaritas and celebrated a friend's birthday at El Chavo in Silverlake, checked out the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, hauled in to La Habra to see one of my actor's performances of Rent (I'm addicted, I admit it!) and finished the weekend of with a delicious burger from Umami (have you been there yet? If not ... go...NOW!)

I feel like I got a lot accomplished as far as sight-seeing goes but now it's back to the grind of the work week. I hope everyone had a great weekend. It's supposed to be 20 degrees cooler than last week in L.A. Maybe fall is coming our way after all.

FRIDAY FALL EYE CANDY

2011-09-09T00:17:00.000-07:00

a railroad track nature walk. the perfect simple fall outfit. navy blue tights = one heck of a fall.

images via here & here

MUSIC // CHATHAM COUNTY LINE

2011-09-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

last night i put on my cowgirl boots and wrangled up the north carolina kids to see the bluegrass band, chatham county line. these four dapper gentlemen hail from raleigh, north carolina. they have their state-flag hanging behind them on stage while they play just in case anyone dares to forget it. they sing into an old-fashioned microphone, they play the banjo, the guitar, the cello and the violin, and they sound like they are seeping out of a record player. i was standing in a dirty dive bar in echo park, but i felt like i was on a porch in the backwoods of north carolina on a rocking chair with a bourbon in my hand. we danced danced danced and i was taught the flat-footed shuffle and it was the most magical ole' country evening i've had in a long long time.

songs you must listen to: birmingham jail, the carolinian, chip of a star

THE WEEKEND

2011-09-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

There was a lot of eating this past weekend if you can't tell from the pictures. It's funny to think about labor day because even though it's been years since its meant back to school for me, I still get that excited/nervous/anxious feeling in my stomach that a new season is starting and therefore a new adventure. I'm crossing my fingers and spitting in my hat that this 95-degree L.A. weather will burn off soon. I want the leaves to change. I want to wear tights and boots and sweaters. I want to start making things that involve pumpkin and have a reason to arrange an apple picking adventure. (can you tell I'm a yankee!?) Here's to fall, everyone! May it come quickly for all.

FAVORITE THINGS SERIES // SIZE TOO SMALL

2011-09-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

hello everyone! the favorite things series is back with a new look and a seriously cool bloggeress! i'm sure by now you probably already read ms. mariah breitenberg's stylishly hip blog size too small based out of cape town, south africa . i was lucky enough to have mariah guest post for me last year and she is consistently one of my favorite reads every morning over a cup of coffee. mariah has impeccable taste in fashion and design and her monthly cake project is just the coolest! learn about some of mariah's favorite things below!

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1. Favorite Film?  The Parent Trap - the 1961 version with Haley Mills. I've loved this movie since I was a kid and it still remains my all time favorite today.
2. Go-to-libation? Gin and tonic. Hendricks gin if you've got it.
3. What's on the blog roll? There are so many I love that I'm going to have to limit this answer to a few of my favorite new to me blogs Butter & Brass, Catch me if you fran, and Sleepy Fawn.
4. Favorite day of the year? If you read size too small you might have picked up that I love Christmas. That makes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day my two favorite days of the year.
5. Favorite destination?  Amsterdam (especially at Christmas time, but all the time too)
6. What album are you listening to right now?  Right now I'm really enjoying Bon Iver's album: For Emma, Forever Ago.
7. Smell you can't live without?  Freshly washed laundry.
8. Favorite Book? My favorite book rotates based on what I'm reading at the time. I just finished "Fall of Giants" by Ken Follett and LOVED it. It's over 800 pages long and I loved every single page- I couldn't get enough. It follows a large cast of characters during the events leading up to, during and just after Wold War I. I'm kind of devastated now that it's over.

9. Favorite Food? French food- hands down. Anything with large amounts of butter, cream, and wine always gets my vote. One day I'm hoping to eat my way through Paris.

10. Fashion favorites? Button downs, oxfords, Rachel Comey, oversized sweaters, clogs, Zara, American Apparel, dresses with pockets, boots, Madewell, stripes, tank tops, cuffed pants, and A.P.C.

11. Favorite person? My family- all of them. Brothers, sisters, in-laws, parents, my niece and my cute husband.

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Thank you so much for stopping by, Mariah!
check out other favorite things series posts from oh joy, emmadime, & color collective here!

HELLO FROM SCOUT

2011-09-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

i can't believe that this puppy has been mine for over a year now. remember when i got her? the first week i had her i was freakING out. i had no idea what to do with a 2-month-year-old pup. i got no sleep. i didn't do anything but potty train, stress about what food to buy, what shots she needed to get and when she had to get them. i only saw my friends at outdoor dog friendly events and i was exhausted. even with all that stress, she's still the best thing i've ever done. dog love is the best kind of love, right? p.s. in case you hadn't heard, scout will be going as little foot from the land before time for halloween this year. streets of los angeles, watch out!

HAPPY MONDAY

2011-09-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

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1) i love everything about this outfit.
2) these seasonal corsages are perfect for autumn don't you think?
3) this women's memorial ring from 1592 is made out of gold and rock crystal. the inscription on the inside reads the cruel seas, remember, took him in november. breathtaking.
4) i still love writing letters to people and i love this coffee table book.

REMINISCING

2011-09-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

I'm really missing RENT these days; late night rehearsals with lots of chocolate chip cookies followed by the inevitable sugar highs, these kids who worked so. dang. hard. every day for me and for themselves, and just my theater family and the spirit of this intoxicating rock n' roll opera. *SO* excited to start the next show in a few weeks. Points if you can guess what it is?!

* All photos taken by the talented and incredible Kat Hess

FAIRY TALE FRIDAY

2011-09-01T22:55:00.000-07:00

I want to be a forest fairy duchess like these girls in these lovely photographs. Aren't these just so magical? Happy Friday!