10 Reasons I Love The OC July 31, 2009

When meeting someone new, the question “where are you from?” usually comes up at some point.  I always find it really interesting to watch the reaction of a new acquaintance when I tell them I am from Orange County.  Some times I can almost see the bad reality TV show images flickering across their minds.

I am heading home this weekend for my Dad’s birthday celebration.  I love going home and I love the OC. Don’t get me wrong, I love LA and I would probably be bored if I lived in OC.  But here are my favorite things about living behind the Orange curtain:

1. My family and friends
2. The dress code of jeans, a t-shirt and Rainbow sandals
3. Great local breakfast places like Ted’s, Alta Coffee, and Coyote Grill
4. Getting to mourn the relocation/remodel of Javier’s
5. Getting to complain about cougars and LA wanna-be’s at the new Javier’s
6. Window shopping in Laguna Beach
7. Seeing people cycling, running, and enjoying the sunshine every weekend (similar to the feeling in Santa Monica)
8. Big freeways with wide lanes
9. Going out and ending up at the same bar as everyone you know
10. Guys who surf

PC – Laguna Niguel Today

Love 21 Contemporary July 30, 2009

I love Forever 21′s Contemporary line.  I am really surprised that it is not available at the Bev Center, but you can order it online.  Looks like I am going to be stalking the receptionist at work again – I have all my online purchases sent to my office.

Swiss Dot Flutter Dress – $27.80

Zipper Back Satin Top – $19.80

Colorblock Satin Skirt – $17.80

Plaid Button Down Shirt – $19.80

Chicken Asparagus with Sesame and Soy Sauce July 29, 2009

Chicken Asparagus with Sesame and Soy Sauce

My friend Jenna at work always has these amazing lunches that she cooks up in her crock pot.  I have kinda been slacking on packing my lunch lately, but this week I decided to get back on the wagon. Inspired by Jenna, I decided to pull out my crock pot and make one of the dishes that my mom used to make when I was growing up. Here’s the recipe:

Cook a whole chicken in a crock pot for 6 hours on low.  Cook a bundle of asparagus and cut into 1 inch pieces.  Chop 3 green onions.  Combine chicken, asparagus, and green onion in a bowl. Add 1T  sesame oil, 2 T peanut oil and 1/4 C soy sauce to chicken mixture and stir.  My mom serves this with rice, but  I made couscous.

DIY Hooks July 27, 2009

Hooks – $2.98/ea

Blue spray paint 0 $8.99

I found these really cute hooks at Target on sale for $2.98.  The only problem was they were this really ugly bronze color.  So I bought some blue spray paint that matched my kitchen and painted the hooks and the screws.  Now, these hooks are perfect for showcasing my favorite aprons.  Never underestimate the power of spray paint.

$9.99 Jewelry Tree July 26, 2009

Oak Jewelry Stand – $9.99

When it comes to organizing my accessories I need a little help.  I have necklaces, rings, and watches scattered all around my apartment in baskets, bowls, and hooks.  The other day, I found one of my favorite necklaces that I have not worn in years because I forgot I even had it.

I found the cutest jewerly tree at Urban Outfitters on sale for $9.99.  It is perfect for organizing all my jewelry including earrings

My 5 Favorite Indulgences Under $5 July 22, 2009

To be honest, the last couple weeks have been a little rough.  I am usually a glass half full kind of girl, but I feel like the last couple weeks have been an illustration of the maxim “when it rains it pours.”  Don’t worry, nothing truly earthshaking has occurred, just enough to increase the minutes on my cell phone bill with calls to family and close friends.  Here are my favorite $5 indulgences that always put a smile on my face:

$4.80 F21 Ring (PC – F21)

$4.19 When Harry Met Sally DVD (PC – Amazon.com)

$4.95 Ben & Jerry Chunky Monkey Ice Cream

$3.99 Trader Joes Gerber Daisies (PC -Potluck Crafters)

$4.90 F21 Crew Neck T-shirt (PC – F21)

Colorful Leather Bracelet July 20, 2009

$11.00/each

I heart these bracelets.  I love the bright colors. I would pair the orange and green ones with my white watch.