Utterly Smitten

My workplace is all about packing lunches and eating around a big table together. It’s such a money-saving alternative–and a great way to hang out together–except I’m usually not that I excited about what I have to bring. If I’m lucky, I’ll have restaurant leftovers from the night before, but most of the time I’m either eating a typical salad or making either turkey or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for five days straight. 

Then I saw this Whole Living feature on 50 sandwich recipes and was totally inspired by all of the simple, healthy ideas that I actually don’t feel too lazy to try. From Artichoke and White Bean to Tuna and Quinoa, they also look genuinely delicious.

And there’s also always the Spring Sandwich pictured above, with boiled egg, seared asparagus, and pickled onion.

Do you guys bring your lunch to work or go out for food? What do you normally eat? I’d love to hear any easy recipe suggestions you’ve got!

I’ve had ice-cream on the brain lately. And it doesn’t help that Kim recently introduced me to Graeter’s Coconut Chip ice-cream (oh my goodness!). If you haven’t tried it, you must! I dare you to not want to inhale an entire carton.

If you’re feeling on the adventurous side and want to try your hand at making your own ice-cream or homemade toppings, Daily Candy has a collection of  mouthwatering ice-cream recipes, including Vietnamese coffee ice-cream and peanut brittle toppings. Ah, sounds so good.

{photo via Pinterest}

Kim and I joined a yoga studio (Yoga Circle in Downtown LA) and last night was our first class together–and for Kim, her very first venture into yoga ever! She was, of course, a complete natural right away because she’s crazy talented like that. And in honor of our new yoga adventures, I wanted to share these pictures of Marilyn Monroe doing yoga, which I’ve never seen before! I didn’t even know she was into yoga, did you guys? She studied from renowned yoga teacher Indra Devi. 

Now that we’re in the middle of summer and girls all over Los Angeles are walking around with pretty, golden skin, I’ve noticed that the blush on their cheeks looks extra beautiful. Something about tan skin and a pop of color just goes so well together. And, having not worn blush for years–minus the special occasion here or there–I just discovered an amazing blush that I’ve been wearing every day now: Josie Maran’s Argan Color Stick. It’s creamy, moisturizing, doesn’t sparkle (which is huge for me because I think the sparkle factor always makes blush seem too makeup-y), and it’s made from natural ingredients, including 100% Argan Oil sourced from Morocco.  

Do you guys wear blush on a daily basis? Any brands you love?

{top photo via}

I’m not normally a fan of goat cheese, but this recipe from Smitten Kitchen–officially named Warm, Crisp and A Little Melty Goat Cheese Salad Croutons–looks delicious. And yup, it is because the cheese is fried. Panko-breaded on the outside, hot and savory on the inside, and served atop a cold, fresh salad. Mmmm…Saturday lunch in your backyard?

Have a great weekend, guys! xx

{photos by Smitten Kitchen}

Wow, how amazing would it be to take a trip here? Giethoorn is a tiny village in the Dutch province of Overijssel with about 7.5 km worth of canals running through it, and more than 50 wooden bridges sitting over all the water. People take little canoes to get from place to place, and the houses look like cottages straight out of fairy tales! What a travel fantasy…

See more photos here.

Have a wonderful weekend, guys! xx

How cute is this Optimist mug? Love.

{via swiss-miss}

Impressionism is one of my favorite art movements because of how romantic and sweet the artwork from that era is, from Renoir to Monet. I’ve always thought it would translate beautifully into a wedding theme and, now, 100 Layer Cake is featuring a French Impressionist wedding shoot that looks so elegant. From the lacy wedding dress (how gorgeous is the back?) to the decor’s pastel/watercolor palette, this look would make for a beautiful springtime celebration.

Isn’t this just a great bedroom? I love all of the colors, textures, and patterns throughout, and especially that framed artwork above the bed!

{via Happenstance}

I seriously can’t stop laughing at this: An exhibit in London by Jennifer Rubell features a wax sculpture of Prince William the way he looked when he and Kate Middleton made their engagement announcement. But there’s no Kate in this exhibit–instead, you get to saddle up to Wills, put your arm through his, and slide your finger into the sapphire and diamond engagement ring attached to his sleeve. Really.

(My 13-year-old self would’ve DIED.)

{via A Cup of Jo}