Casual

As hard as I've tried, I've never been much of a put together an outfit sort of person.  All sorts of amazing fashion blogs have inspired me to layer, try out different trends, mix textures and patterns, but at the end of it I end up feeling self conscious and uncomfortable.  It wasn't until recently that I realized the clothing I feel best in are the most simple pieces.  I don't like to draw attention to myself, and even though I live in LA (land of lots of strange dressers) even something slightly flashy will draw attention (remember when everyone wore lamé leggings? Yeah, I had a pair and only wore them once).  Casual button downs, jeans, and tennis shoes (or moccasins) have been my go-to weekend outfit, but as plain as it is, I feel happy and confident wearing them.

One thing I've been having a lot of fun with lately is adding a bright pop of lipstick.  The one pictured here is NARS Schiap and it's surprisingly wearable! It feels so fun but not too over the top paired with my casual clothes.  I've also recently acquired this Panama hat.  It's still taking a little getting used to but as the salesperson said, the key to wearing this hat is confidence!  I just have to remember to put it on straight.

I am constantly thinking about the state of my wardrobe. Sometimes I get frustrated and just want to cave in, go to Forever 21, buy maxi skirts and cheap sundresses.  But then I remember the environmental impact of shopping fast fashion and what my money is supporting and I have to snap out of it.  Not to mention the quality of craftsmanship and fabric.  I need to remember to save my pennies and buy from independent shops and designers (I have my eye on Hetterson's Brocius dress)! Even when I decide to cave in and shop at chain stores I end up disappointed.  This happened to me the last three times I tried to go shopping!

Whoops, I sort of went a little off tangent there. Anyway, I have a feeling this shirt, hat, and shoes are going to be in high rotation this summer! I want to document more outfits but I'm still working on being comfortable in front of the camera.  These were the few that made it out of 50 (+?!) photos.

NEET!

I'm so excited to share that Matchbox Kitchen was a part of N.E.E.T magazine's June issue! I worked really hard on this and came up with a million different recipes but in the end a simple tart worked out best. I hope you try making it because it's easy but sooo good. Coming up with my own recipe (albeit a simple one) was so much fun and made me realize how much I enjoy cooking more and more. And although the photography was a struggle I think these are my best photos yet. I will share more notes and some other shots on Matchbox Kitchen!

Neon

Currently enjoying pops of neon. Nail polish from American Apparel, pink lipstick is NARS Schiap, and orange is MAC Morange.

Moon River

Gratitude - May 20

Some things that made me smile this week...
+ getting an old disposable camera developed.  the photo above is from three years ago!
+ completing a little project that I can't wait to share with you guys (in June!)
+ coming up with donut catering ideas... yum. 
+ Vosges bacon milk chocolate bar 
+ learning how to use my camera in RAW
+ jogging for 30 minutes straight! first time in my life, really.
+ receiving a pair of beautiful shoes!! (pictures this weekend?)
+ making gougeres!

Tomorrow I get to dress up as a book character for work, which I'm a little excited about.  It's so fun watching their faces light up and getting tons of little hugs. What do you have planned this weekend?  Hope you have a lovely one. 

Thoughts

Croque Madame + Micro Green Salad

Things have been pretty food-centric here lately, and I apologize for that since I have a separate food blog!  But it's pretty much all I think of in my free time.  There is something about cooking (and baking, more specifically) that I've really felt a new level of calm and happiness.  Everything about the process makes me filled with joy but not excitedly so (that kind sort of gives me anxiety). From carefully measuring out each ingredient in its own bowl to putting on the finishing touches, I revel in it all.  Even the most monotonous tasks like greasing tart rings is enjoyable!

One thing I've always struggled with is that I'm always trying out a new craft.  One week it's fabric dying the and the next it's stationery.  As much as I enjoy dipping my toes in all sorts of mediums I've yet to focus on a select few to move it into more than just a hobby.  I never know if I love something enough to make it a career.  Part of it is laziness--sometimes I really need to push myself to complete a project, even if in the end it's satisfying.  But when it comes to baking I hardly need much of a nudge.  Perhaps it's the one thing that I can move out of hobby limbo.

Heirlooms

Mini Heirloom Tomatoes

They were too pretty not to photograph. I picked my favorites and ate the rest like grapes.

Croissants

I made croissants from scratch! It took about forever but I think well worth it. As they were proofing I got a little worried because the recipe said they would triple in size, but they didn't. Thankfully I didn't throw it out at that moment because they came out nice after their time in the oven. They are by no means perfect but am satisfied with my first attempt. I can't wait to try again!

More on Matchbox Kitchen

Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese

Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Steak and Salsa Criolla Panini

Here are the last three things we made on Matchbox Kitchen! Click on the link for more photos and maybe a recipe.

Summertime

I don't know if it's because of Matchbox Kitchen (probably!), but I've been eating a lot more sweets and butter and bread lately.  I am usually pretty good about my diet and maybe it's because I'm getting older, but my body is starting to show it as well.  Good thing my boyfriend Gary is also a certified personal trainer.  He just started training me this week.  Let's just say by the second session I could hardly walk or even bother to pick anything up off the ground!  But as sore as I've been the last few days I need to keep my eye on the prize, namely this swimsuit and Nadinoo crop top. I'm excited to see what I'm capable of as I've never had any sort of exercise regimen before.

As for my diet, I will continue to bake since I love it so much.  I just need to practice self control!  I may or may not have consumed all of the puff pastry I made a few weeks ago... (which included 3 sticks of butter!!).

(Photos: Anthropologie and Nadinoo)