a silly muse

Monday & 27

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:11:00 -0500

Wow! 27!

I’m very excited for my twenty-seventh year. It’ll be an adventurous one, for certain: receiving my Masters in May, joining my best friend as she gets married in June, and trekking across the U.S. to move to Los Angeles with my darling pups. I don’t remember when a year has had such a positive outlook! I’m so excited to begin my next step in life and happy that I get to share it with encouraging and wonderful people.

images: strawberry cupcakes/mini cake with mint buttercream frosting, strawberry bouquet, & lobster pie.

Weekly Adorations: 2.17.2012

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:31:52 -0500

It’s BIRTHDAY WEEKEND! I will be 27 on Sunday! I’m looking forward to pretty strawberry cupcakes and lobster pie, with a viewing of Singin’ in the Rain on the side. Perhaps I will dress up Penny & Harvey in cute outfits. I hope everyone else has a magnificent weekend (long for some!).

- Mini monogram cake.

- It would be fun to create a map banner of places I’ve been.

- Cucumber, avocado, and turkey rolls.

- Turn your mason jar into a travel mug!

- I like to pretend this is me. Typing away and sipping tea in pretty outfits everyday.

- Yum, strawberry sandwiches.

- Sew yourself a basket!

(image via +)

Four-Legged Replicas

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:02:14 -0500

I was recently discussing how dogs tend to take on personality traits of their owners, and I came to the conclusion that Penny and Harvey are definitely my little pups.

Penny: Expresses only child syndrome, must always get her way, slightly bratty, loyal, smart, very expressionistic, full of character, sweet, protective, obsessive with bags, and loves to watch movies.

Harvey: Frequent blonde moments, loves those important to him, craves attention, sweet, enjoys affection, eats lots of veggies, snuggly, and happy.

It’s really interesting how they’ve adapted to my lifestyle, or how most dogs adjust to match the humans they go along with. I’m frequently reminded of the beginning of 101 Dalmations when Pongo is studying the human/dog pairings to find a match for him and Roger. From the instant I glimpsed Penny for the very first time, I knew she was meant for me. I can’t explain it, but I just knew. Harvey the same way, he needed love, and love he has found!

Printed Love

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:02:06 -0500

to the moon and back | love you | only fish for me

He Loves and She Loves

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:47:00 -0500

First, it’s necessary to watch some Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn goodness. Adorable, right? Right.

I thought I’d share some non-cliche ideas for having a love filled day with your special someone. I already posted some yummy delicious food ideas. Create a little package and fill it with treats, decorate a pencil to look like an arrow and send a love letter. If your loved one is far away, send spring time flowers or a fruit bouquet and have a Skype date. Fill your day with adventure, hug a lot, and of course, make sure everything you do is filled with love.

Granted, you should be sure to tell your favorite person you love them every day (and mean it).

My Valentine:

Love & Food

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:22:50 -0500

There are many simple and inexpensive ways to show your love for that someone special to you. One fantastic way? Food. Instead of buying a cliche chocolate heart box, make something that will make their hearts (and stomachs) happy.

white cake and carnations | heart shaped salad | eggs in a basket | laced heart pancakes

Monday & You

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:24:06 -0500

(print via Ashley Goldberg)

Weekly Adorations: 2.10.2012

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:53:26 -0500

Happy Friday, friends! I hope everyone has had a lovely week so far. I’ve been up to my neck in schoolwork, but alas, it’s the last semester! The last semester is always the worst it seems.

PS. Isn’t the print above absolutely adorable?! It’s by artist Emma Block. Pink cakes, parisian, and a dachshund?! Pretty perfect if you ask me!

- Be happy, make others happy.

- Umbrellas.

- I just want a hug.

- I wish I saw this pretty locket keychain before I created my birthday wish-list.

- Distance doesn’t matter when you love someone.

- It was meant to be.

- Pretty in pink and polka dots (via Ruche).

(image via emma block)

Dressing for Valentine's

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:24:00 -0500

I thought, since Valentine’s Day is next week, it’d be fun to do a couple of outfits revolving around love and hearts, and not an obnoxious shade of pinkish-red.

This would be a nice, casual day time outfit to wear at work or running errands. I saw the sweater while browsing Pinterest and I immediately fell in love with it. The flats (from Anthropologie) have little Eiffel Towers on them!

A little black dress would come in handy if you were to find yourself going on a date with your someone special. Pair with a smaller red clutch and some heels, you’re set to go! Also, for some corniness - a key pendant from Tiffany’s (there are less expensive silver ones, too).

Monday & It's OK!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:09:24 -0500

Happy Monday! The Super Bowl was yesterday, and sadly the Patriots did not win. But, alas! I shall not be a poor sport. They are still a brilliant team, and I shall love them forever.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

(image via +)

Greetings, February!

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:58:41 -0500

It’s February 1st, which means it’s almost my birthday (the 19th). I’ll be 27 this year (yikes)! I’m mostly excited because when February rolls around, it means spring isn’t too far around the corner. Ah, warmer weather!

I’ve made a small list of birthday wishes:

Calligraphy Monogram Stamp (a ‘K’) | Blossom iPhone Case (pink or white) | Delfonics Roll Pen Case

I couldn’t resist this Owl Pocket Watch Necklace, how adorable is it?!

Ready For Spring

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:15:20 -0500

I’m not sure about you all, but I’m definitely ready for my spring wardrobe. Brighter colors, less layers, more skirts/dresses. The bright plaid shirt and bucket bag lend for some color, while the thicker/longer skirt and tights allow for warmth.

(outfit details via polyvore)

Monday & The East Coast

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:48:57 -0500

Happy Monday, Readers! As I mentioned last week, I am back in chilly Massachusetts. I miss sunny California quite a bit, but I shall make my return in four months, and then I’ll be happily living there! I’m sure until then, time will progress speedily. For now, I hold all the warm thoughts that Southern California filled me with for the wonderful month I was there.

It was decided that Elly would join me to the east coast as she has never been. So far, she isn’t a huge fan of the cold. Of course, I missed my darling puppies immensely while I was away and I’m over the moon delighted to be reunited with them.

Also, I shall like to express my gratitude to my very patient chauffeur, er, boyfriend, Aubrey. It was awfully super of him to put up with me for a whole month… and drive me around everywhere on our multiple adventures.

(all photos by me)

I'll Be Back!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:37:50 -0500

Sorry lovely readers, it’s been a busy week and I’ve grudgingly returned to the cold east coast. I’m in the process of organizing my life from being absent for a whole month, so I shall return to regular posting next Monday. Have a lovely weekend.

Weekly Adorations 1.20.12

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:07:00 -0500

Happy Friday, friends! It’s my last weekend in sunny Los Angeles/Santa Monica so I must make the best of it before returning to frigid temperatures and snow in chilly New England. I shall be happy to see my darling pups, but I’ll miss it here dearly for the next four months until I move back in June. I also begin my final semester of grad school next Monday! I can’t believe I’m almost DONE!

- These pink suede loafers are fantastic.

- The Bark Side of the Moon. Just watch it. It’s awesome.

- This will be my birthday cake. Yup.

- Zucchini fries! Nom.

- I would very much like to have these pretty vintage-like spice tins on my kitchen counter.

- He’s Cary fucking Grant = one of the greatest gif’s, ever.

- I really really love this flowery iPhone case.

(image via +)

Miscellaneous Adventures

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:25:30 -0500

Greetings! Please forgive me for my lack of postings this past week, I’ve been enjoying a few adventures and hadn’t time to write a proper post. Last weekend was spent in San Diego - lots of sight seeing, family visiting, and fun-having.

First, Aubrey, Elly, and myself ventured to Balboa Park, where Aubrey almost got eaten by a shark and Elly noticed that the shark teeth were bigger than her! After nearly becoming shark food, we visited my aunt and uncle who have the pretty view in the bottom left photo above. We also visited the zoo, where Elly demanded we take lots of pictures of all the elephants (real and fake).

We even spent a day with A’s mom and ventured to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We enjoyed our hand at ‘steering’ the ship, and Elly decided it would be more fun to fire a canon. We were also given this most exquisite sunset.

Of course, no adventure is complete without delicious food. First, I had a little too much fun picking citrus from my aunt and uncle’s fruit trees. Then my uncle made us the best guacamole. Ever. I also ate a delicious burger from In-N-Out. I was so excited to eat it, I neglected the before photo. Back in LA, we went to Diddy Riese, a fantastically brilliant cookie shop where you get the most delicious ice cream sandwiches in the existence of the universe. Best part? They’re only $1.50 each. For real.

Elly the Elephant

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:05:46 -0500

I would like to introduce you all to Elly, a pet mini-elephant! Elly was found at the San Diego Zoo last year. She had been hanging out in sunny California since then, but upon my return in December, it was decided that she would be a fun travel/adventure companion. Now she happily joins in on all the fun to be had!

Stuffed Peppers

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:00:06 -0500

I decided to make meat-free stuffed peppers the other day, and I was very happy with how delicious they tasted.

Ingredients:

1 can of pinto beans, 2 whole peppers (color of choosing), small white onion, white or brown rice (1/2 cup uncooked), fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, tomato sauce, and salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook rice (about 30 minutes). While rice is cooking, cut top of peppers off and gut out. Chop up tops of peppers, onion, parsley, cilantro, and mix together. Set aside. Preheat oven to 375*F. When rice is finished cooking, mix in pinto beans, and the pepper & herb mix. Add sauce to desired consistency and salt & pepper. Fill gutted peppers with mixture, place on oven safe dish and bake for 20-30 minutes (depending on how soft you like your peppers to be).

I also made a little side salad of spinach, cucumber, carrot, and clementine with an olive oil/balsamic vinegar vinaigrette.

Eat and enjoy!

Farmers Market

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:04:00 -0500

Being in Sunny LA, I have the wonderful advantage of Farmers Markets* being open year-round. I’m certainly not going to complain about the plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables available to me. When carousing and weaving your way around the various stands, you want to be comfortable. I like to dress comfy up, so I’d add a pink belt, cute necklace, and pretty shades to my outfit. Also, these moccasins are adorable and oh-so-comfy and would be perfect for a lot of walking around. The straw bag is big enough to hold all your goodies, plus produce bags so you don’t have to use plastic, and don’t neglect a sweater for the early morning cool air.

*I frequently find myself at the Santa Monica Farmers Market (on Arizona between 4th & Ocean, open Wednesday and Saturday mornings) and The Original Farmers Market (next to The Grove on 3rd & Fairfax, open every day).

(outfit details)

Monday, The Getty, & Yummy Food

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:18:11 -0500

Happy Monday, friends! This past weekend was full of an adventure to The Getty Villa and some delicious food (I love adventure and food, so it was a very successful weekend).

This is a view of the Outer Peristyle (formal gardens). It’s a very peaceful and serene place, with large outdoor hallways on the sides, a plethora of plant life, palm trees, and pretty hedges lining the walkways.

Aubrey and I very much enjoyed the sun and gardens. We also saw a demonstration on glass-making techniques. If you’re able to visit the Villa by January 16th, the current exhibit, Modern Antiquity, has pieces by Picasso, de Chirico, Leger, and Picabia. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition of 20th Century works and ancient objects.

After our wanderings we were both quite famished, so we went to the Veggie Grill. It’s a delicious vegetarian sandwich place. I had the Santa Fe Crispy Chickin’ and I had a hard time believing that it wasn’t real chicken (it’s a veggie protein blend). It was sooooooooooooooo good.

On Sunday night, I was taken on a surprise date to a very yummy Sushi restaurant, Sushi King. We sat at the bar and gazed at the crafty work of our rolls being prepared right in front of us. The freshest sushi I’ve ever had! I recommend the Toro, Tuna, and Spicy Tuna roll. We also had hot saki (holy strong-ness).

I’m sad it’s over already. Weekends progress far too quickly. I won’t complain too much because I’m still enjoying sunny California weather. I hope everyone has a lovely week!