Dinner Wine Review: Brancott 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough July 31, 2008

About a year ago, in effort to get in better shape, I decided to forgo wine with my weeknight dinner. There are definitely some days where that all goes out the window…yesterday was one of those days.

The events of yesterday, in addition to confirming the fact that boys are stupid, helped me reconsider my stance on wine during the week (at least for a day). Upon returning home after a much needed girls happy hour, I decided to try the Brancott 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough I purchased from T-Joes last weekend.

Lately, I have been totally obsessed with New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs from the Marlbarough region and this Brancott did not let me down. Actually, the flavors of this wine were a tasty compliment to my sour and firey mood – bell peppers, green apple, and jalapeno.

While I would normally save an $8.99 dinner wine to share with someone else. I wasn’t really interested in budgeting last night. One of the good things about living a fabulous life on a budget is that when you decide to blow your budget/diet, you can’t really do that muck damage!

Entertaining Out Of Town Guests July 29, 2008

I love having friends visit from out of town. It’s so much fun catching up against a backdrop of your favorite neighborhood haunts.  With good planning, entertaining does not have to be expensive or stressful. Here is my week before count down.

1. The week before: stock your fridge. My essentials are bagels, good coffee, Italian grapefruit soda, wine, beer, and cheese.  Don’t forget things like toilet paper.
2. The week before: deep clean your apartment including any linens.  This way, a light cleaning the night before will ensure your place is spotless for your guest.
3. A couple days before, plan your activities.  I love choosing activities that show my friends the “Hollywood life” as well as the natural beauty of LA.  This weekend I am planning a Runyan Canyon hike, brunch at Doughboys, Dinner at Vinum Populi, and a trip to the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. 
4. After you have planned your schedule, let you guest know if they need to pack anything special like running shoes, a nice outfit, or work out gear.

Turkey Burgers With Tomato Jam, Olives, And Feta July 28, 2008

I love recipes that utilize things I already have in the fridge. Like a true Greek girl, I had feta, kalamata olives, garlic and all the spices called for in this recipe. For a carb free meal, I omitted the the buns.  

I am really comfortable in kitchen, but I definitely still make mistakes. When I was making this recipe, I misread the measurement on the tomato label and accidently added 4 times the amount of tomatoes.  At least I realized right away and was able to scope out the excess tomatoes.  

I love cooking; it’s always an adventure.

Plans For The Weekend July 25, 2008

Last weekend was a little tough on my budget. I had a $914 car bill (30K check up and new tires)…gasp and it was one of my best friend’s bachelorette party/bridal shower.

Needless to say, I am going to be having a pretty mellow weekend – happy hour, football, a house party, running, and crafting. I am really excited for chance to do some crafting because I have been dying to make some vintage fabric covered frames.

I’ll update you next week on what I made. Have a great weekend!

Sweet Dreams July 24, 2008

I haven’t been sleeping well for the last couple weeks. I attribute my lack of sleep to heightened levels of anxiety and the strange nocturnal behavior of both my cat and neighbor. I did a little research on good sleep habits. I learned that the key to getting a great night’s rest is to turn your bed into a place of relaxation. Here are my fav budget products that ensure I have sweet dreams.

1. Jersey sheets – I love jersey sheets. They are really inexpensive, but feel like luxury sheets. They made you feel like you are sleeping on a high quality, well worn vintage t-shirt.
2. Ear plugs – A definite must-have.  I have no idea what my neighbor actually does for living – although I have many theories. The noises that come from the other side of the wall are not normal apartment noises like music or talking.  The most common noises I hear are a “wooshing” sound like opening a garbage bag and a “clink clink” noise like dropping utensils into a metal sink.  The weird part of it is that it goes on constantly until 3:00am. What the heck is he doing over there!?!?!?!
3. Fan – This is the most amazing fan and totally worth the price.  I like my room to be really cold while I am sleeping. The fan noise also drowns out the clink, clink, whoosh, whoosh from next door.
4. Foot Lotion – Don’t judge! It’s just part of my routine.  I know this foot cream isn’t exactly budget friendly, but my mom bought it to bribe her way out of an awkward social situation.    
5. A Good Book & Tea – Essential for the final count down before bed.  I try and stay away from reading anything scary before bed.  

Sexy Single Girl Lounge Wear – The House Dress July 23, 2008

Old Navy Chemise $11.99-$20.00

In college, my lounge/study wear consisted of various pairs of sweat pants and tanks. Four years after graduation, I still wear my beloved white cotton sweat pants when lounging around the house. The have so many holes and stains that every time I wear them at my parents’ house, my mom puts her best effort into repairing them and pleading with me to throw them away.

A few months ago my friend Krista extended me a much needed introduction to the concept of a house dress. A house dress is a dress that is short and light weight, but a little more substantial than lingerie. It’s the perfect outfit for warm summer nights in. While it’s not something that you would wear outside of the house, you can definitely wear it during movie night with your closest girlfriends.

The house dress is basically the sexy single girl version of ratty sweatpants and a tank. Just because its more sophisticated, doesn’t mean it has to be more expensive. Old Navy has some really cute ones for under $20.

It’s Finally Time To Get A New Handbag July 21, 2008

I am in the market for a new handbag.  Here are my top two so far.  Any suggestions on inexpensive but quality handbags? 

Urban Outfitters $68.00

Urban Outfitters $58.00

Long Weekend July 18, 2008

Hi guys, I am out of town for a long weekend.  I’ll have a new post on Monday.

My Fav Things To Do Around LA On Budget July 17, 2008

Summer time is always really busy for me – weddings, holidays, birthdays, and random events always seem to pre-occupy my time. One of my favorite things about living in LA, is that there are always tons of interesting things to do. Here is a quick list of my favorites.

1. Cinespia 
2. Jazz Friday Nights at LACMA
3. Late Night off the 405
4. Fairfax Flea market
5. Getty Museum
6. W Hotel movie night
7. Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

Pasadena Flea Market Finds July 16, 2008

Entry Fee – $7.00

Homemade Salsa – $4.00

Vintage Leather Belt – $7.00

The Rose Bowl Flea Market has been on my list of things to do ever since I moved to LA.  This past weekend, I finally went and it was totally worth the hype.  I found a really cute vintage leather belt and some amazing homemade salsa.

I was disappointed that I only had two great finds. But I an over-heated and under-caffeinated attention span is not ideal for rummaging through vintage clothes and nick-knacks. Even though we decided to head home early, we still had a great time and found some great stuff. I would definitely go back!