Cupcakes and Cashmere

Homesick

September 24th, 2010

{A glimpse of the mess while applying eyeliner from this post}

In the five years that I’ve been in L.A., I’ll have lived in four different apartments.  At times it’s made me feel slightly nomadic,  but I try to convince myself that it’s all part of the adventure of being in my 20′s.  As we start to pack up our current place, I’ve realized that there are things I’ll miss, but far more that I undoubtedly can’t wait to leave behind.   In no particular order, here are the things that have topped my list.

Things I will certainly not miss:
The stained carpet
The cottage cheese-like ceilings
Awkwardly shaped rooms (see above)
Venetian blinds
Upstairs neighbors that walk like elephants
Dimly lit hallways
The creepy laundry room
The tiny kitchen

Things I’ll miss:
The balcony where I sat one morning and had the random idea to start a blog.

Boot Camp

September 23rd, 2010

Since we’re only a week shy of October, I’ve started to make the transition (at least mentally) from strappy sandals to cozy boots for fall.   It will still feel like summer here for quite some time, but for now, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite options.  I love all of the different variations this season of the quintessential bootie.  Whether you want a chic take on hiking boot (I’d pair them with these dark skinny jeans), something flat with a rocker vibe, a walkable platform or something in the taupe variety, these are all far from your basic black boot.

1. Tory Burch Halima Suede and Leather Ankle Boots, $450
2. Jeffrey Campbell Boot Camp, $174.95
3. Elizabeth and James E-moxy Leather Lace-up Boots, $395
4. See by Chloe Studded Leather and Lace-up Boots, $465
5. Topshop Agro $135
6. Steve Madden Commbat $69.95
7. Giuseppe Zanotti Savana Leopard Wedge $1,195
8. Topshop Andi Clog Stirrup Ankle Boots $200
9. Senso Neve $199.95
10. Steve Madden Fiana $139.95
11. Topshop Alana Slouch Sack Boots $170
12.Asos Tabago Lace and Bow Shoe Boot $75.83

House Hunting

September 22nd, 2010

Recently it became clear that my boyfriend and I had grown out of our current place (in some ways, quite literally).  It was almost sad to realize, since these past two years here have been wonderful, but we were both ready for a change.  This past weekend we found an incredible apartment with hardwood floors, a fireplace, an open kitchen, exposed beams and gorgeous bedrooms and yesterday we got word that it’s ours.   It’s going to take a while to furnish the place, but in the meantime, I’m obsessing over nearly every piece at Jayson Home & Garden that will add a chic touch.

1. Vintage Suitcase, $695
2. Boucle Wire Shop Baskets, $98
3. Bacchus Serving Stand, $150
4. Farmers Market Baskets, $20
5. Quartz Votive Holder, $54
6. Knot Door Stop, $35
7. Marble Salt and Pepper Cellars, $108
8. Vintage Flashlight Lamp, $250
9. Watson Horn Magnifier, $42
10. Big Sur Lantern, $78
11. Pyrite Heart, $52
12. Claw Bottle Opener, $24

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

September 21st, 2010

Since today is the last official day of summer, I wanted to end the season with a quintessential warm weather treat.  A few weeks back I purchased an ice cream maker on Gilt Groupe (click here if you’d like an invite) and I’ve been pouring over recipes ever since.  I couldn’t wait to meld complex flavors together and play with herbal notes, floral hints and exotic spices.  But after much deliberation, I decided that there’s really nothing better than ice cream in its purest form and went with this recipe.   The vanilla flavor was intoxicating and I was pleasantly surprised by the smooth and creamy texture.