Remember how I mentioned that we found the perfect-sized settee at the Melrose Trading Post Flea Market this past Sunday?  Well here it is, in all of its red, over-the-top glory.  While we certainly didn’t have our hearts set on the color, once I noticed the intricate pattern and wood work, I was sold.  I love having a piece of furniture that makes a statement and I’m now on the hunt for some quirky pillows.   Any recommendations are very welcome!

The Whole Foods produce section offers such wonderful inspiration when I’m wandering the aisles in search of dessert ideas.  Cupcakes are nothing new around here, but once I caught a glimpse of the ripe berries, I knew they’d be the perfect finishing touch.   It’s easy to get caught up in all of the fancy cupcake recipes out there, but sometimes, simple is best; as is the case with white cake and strawberry meringue buttercream.

The gowns at the Academy Awards were bursting in beautiful shades of blush.  I’ve always loved the color; it’s such a quiet, feminine shade and there simply needs to be more of it inside my closet (to accompany this).  Whether it’s a pale pink polish on my finger tips or a drapey leather jacket in the lightest of nudes, I’m all about this color in every form for spring.

1.  Willow: Ruffled Silk Trapeze Top, $440.
2. Topshop: Milton Toe Cap Pumps, $50.
3. Arden B.: Chiffon Slash Pocket Skirt, $24.99.
4. Essie: Blushing Bride Nail Polish, $6.
5. Topshop: Knitted Curved Crop Jumper, $60.
6. Camilla and Marc: Linen and Silk Blend Jacket, $660.
7. dELiAs: Emma Lace Blouse, $34.50.
8. Forever21: Sunglasses, $5.80
9. Coach: Kristin Embossed Exotic Clutch, $348.
10. Prada: Perforated Platform Sandal, $795.

Zara Leopard Tunic, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, Coach Boots, Vintage Clutch, Handmade Necklaces, Anthropologie Flower Pin

Saturday was one of those gloomy days that was impossibly long and disappointingly unproductive.  See, we’ve been missing a place for guests to sit in our living room for quite some time.  Remember when we bought these and spruced them up?  On the other side of our coffee table there’s been a vacant space and dinner parties just don’t seem as dignified when my boyfriend and I are forced to sit cross-legged on the rug.  We had almost given up hope at finding the right piece that was both stylish and semi-affordable when we spotted a Louis XVI style settee at the flea market yesterday.  It couldn’t be more perfect and I think we may need to throw a party just because we can now seat more than five people at one time in our living room.

Considering how the Oscars are my equivalent of the Superbowl, I’ve done a pretty sorry job at seeing the majority of the nominated films this year.   I’m all caught up on “Glee,” “Biggest Loser” and every episode of “Barefoot Contessa,” but I just haven’t been motivated to trade my comfy couch and surround sound for sticky floors and chattering neighbors at the theater.  I still plan on recording hours of pre-show festivities to ogle at the gowns and over-the-top hair styles, all washed down with some pink champagne and greasy hors d’oeuvres.

Image via Ruby Press

Since the majority of people in L.A. roll out of bed at around noon on the weekend, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of the lack of traffic on the road (and in the restaurants).  Grub is one of my favorite spots for brunch and is completely worth the trek over to Hollywood.  With indoor seating that feels like your grandma’s kitchen and waitresses that call you “Doll” and “Sugar,” it’s a true comfort on an early Sunday morning.

{Each table is given their own bowl of cereal to munch on before breakfast arrives.}

{Ivy-covered awning}

{Egg sandwich on a toasted croissant with dill butter, scrambled eggs and bacon}

{It was too chilly to eat outside, but I love the picnic-esque feel}

{French toast made with cinnamon vanilla batter}

I’ve been wearing my hair in some sort of messy updo for most of my life.  While it’s certainly a simple way to battle a bad hair day, I’ve surprisingly received numerous requests to see just how it’s done.   It helps to have hair that hasn’t been washed for at least a day and the best thing is that it doesn’t have to look too perfect.