Certain Affinity.

Dear Santa Cruz,

I'm not one to dwell, but I miss you like whoa.

Hopefully, the hussie weather girl from channel 3 is telling the truth and San Francisco's weather is only going to get better with each day. I want to be wearing flowing skirts again stat. It is July after all.

Until then, let's go back to a happier time...

Breezy? Yes. But I did fall in love with my DVF sunnies all over again.

See how happy I was?

Until next time xoxo

Mark's White Bean Chicken Chili

Foggy mornings like this make me want to stay indoors, curl up with Ziggy and spend the whole day grazing over some comfort food - my personal favorite, Mark’s White Bean Chicken Chili {I promised I would never take credit for this recipe}. It’s the perfect recipe to warm up any cold dreary San Francisco day. I’m not exactly sure what happened with this weather. I was just at the beach.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes

¼ cup chopped onion

1 cup chicken broth

4 oz. can diced green chilies

19 oz. can white northern beans, undrained

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp oregano

¼ tsp ground red cayenne pepper (can adjust less or more for desired heat)

1 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Chopped green onions

Flour tortillas

Sour Cream

Put all the beans in the crock pot; heating them while cooking the chicken. Next, heat olive oil in large saucepan. Add chicken and cook on medium high for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add onion and cook until transparent. Stir in broth, green chilies and spices and simmer 30 minutes. Add beans and heat through. Garnish with cheese, chopped green onions and a dab of sour cream. Serve with warm tortillas.

Enjoy!

Walking On A Dream.

My personal style tends to fall in the classic with an edge fully believing my Gemini status has something to do with this. Lately, it seems I have been trending more on the edgy side of life (see here and here) I think it's time to connect with my classic feminine side focusing on luxurious fabrics, twirl-worthy pieces and all things pink.

1. Antik Batik hippie dress, €114
2. Dorothy Perkins sheer cardigan, £30
3. Rebecca Minkoff silk sleeveless blouse, $168
4. NO. 1808 cuffed pants, £669
5. Jovonna long pink skirt, £65
6. Rebecca Minkoff flower shorts, $228
7. Alexander McQueen suede ankle booties, $1,075
8. Balenciaga pink paper bag, £795
9. Michael Kors sparkle jewelry, $195
10. John Lewis Women summer hat, £23
11. TopShop headbands hair accessory, $20

Preview Party.

It's no lie, I have a certain affinity towards jewelry {evident here, here and here}. But then again, what girl doesn't? Last night I attended the Fall 2011 jewelry trunk show with a co-worker and Stylist for Stella & Dot. Not knowing much about the Company, I quickly recognized I was sitting in a room full of driven and motivated women. More than just jewelry, these women were not only inspired by the intricate beauty of the pieces but more to be a part of something that empowers women to drive their own business. Now I'm probably not going to run out an become a stylist, but I can appreciate a room full of inspired, confident woman. It's contagious. Plus I'm never one to turn down the chance to play dress up with sparkly baubles and glittery pendants. Buy here.

Renegade Mini Cluster Hoops, $29

Renegade Cluster Bracelet, $59

Panther Pendant Necklace, $49

Pegasus Necklace, $198

Marchesa Studs, $29

Aurora Cocktail Ring, $49

3 Things.

 

This past weekend in Santa Cruz could not have been more beautiful...or busy! From a relaxing massage {or training} to laughing over dinner with friends to laying out on the beach to participating in the 39th annual Wharf to Wharf this weekend couldn't have been more perfect. Here are some things that made this weekend particularly fun.

1. Equilibrium Designer Massage - I literally designed my own massage! I was given the choice of type of massage, music, room fragrance, between lotion, oil or butter, and was given the choice of an additional indulgent add on {I chose therapeutic, meditative toons, eucalyptus scents, butter and must needed focus on my neck}

2. Stopped by Whole Foods in Capitola who was celebrating their 2nd birthday. Complete with vendor booths full of goodies to sample, $2 hot dogs, gelato, karaoke and photo booth this was the best birthday party I've ever been to....in a parking lot.

3. Completing Wharf to Wharf in less that an hour! What?! Is it that unbelievable that I could run the entire event and end with an awesome time? Yes. It is. After participating in Wharf to Wharf the past 4 years we have the plan down pat. The first year everyone had mostly cleared out of the finish line and there were only XXL shirts left. So course modifications had to be made - begin an hour early from my mom's house after a quick stop by The Kind Grind.

MomArt 5 {Ziggy Edition}.

{Yum. Yogurt!!}

It's Friday! Thank goodness. So how about a little MomArt? The dynamic duo have been spending some QT together. And for those of you not familiar, MomArt is photography offering a view into the adventures of my mom {and Ziggy} through those angelic eyes....and her blackberry.

{Baby basking in the sun after five mi walk}

{Getting up from a nap in the sun}

{Many sharks and fish on Zigs new tshirt for Wharf to Wharf}

Speaking of Wharf to Wharf, Ziggy and I will be walking with friends and family in Santa Cruz this weekend begins at the Boadwalk and ends in Capitola. If your around, come join the fun!

{Sesame} Street's of Fashion.

One of these things is not like the others,

One of these things just doesn't belong,

Can you tell which thing is not like the others

By the time I finish my song?

{Rules are made to be broken. Mix it up by stack on bracelets, some bright nail polish and lipstick, this bag and go}

Dolce Vita Maxi Skirt, $154

Kookai Top, 15, 20€

Woven Flower Fedora, $11 (other fun styles here and here)

Charlote Ronson Courtney Boots, $335  

Never Have I Ever.

{Brian Atwood}

Loved a shoe more than this one. Ever.

Is this what love at first sight feels like?

Dutch Tulips.

A classic color; the perfect combination of red and pink to brighten up anyone's day.

3 Things.

Yesterday was the annual AIDS Walk San Francisco, a cause near and dear to my Company.  This year, my parents and Ziggy joined our team and we had the best time with co-workers, old friends, and new friends.  Then again, when don't we?

1. Team Hoyt* {for Team Winston}

2. Ziggy. Although exhausted, he successfully made the walk and made a ton of new doggy friends.

3. Perfect way to end a Sunday: Indulging on a treat sweet enough to be dessert, creamy bleu cheese spread on a crostini with a drizzle of honey.  Simple and delicious.  

*AIDS Walk 2011 is still collecting donations. If you would like to donate, please click here.

Romp Around.

{Romper-Mossimo for Target, Green jacket-H&M, Vest-Audrey, Belt-A&F, Heels-JCrew, Handbag-Chloe, Sunglasses-DVF, Rings-Tiffany & thrifted}

Unfortunately, cute little strapless chambray rompers don't meet dress code requirements at work. But I'm all in for the look in the appropriate setting - a weekend day lounging around the apartment, a trip to the beach, or street fair in Palm Springs. Choosing a life in San Francisco means living life in layers. Expect the unexpected when it comes to this weather. Most days begin gray and foggy, but if when the haze burns off, a day in the City can be pretty spectacular.

Retail Therapy.

{hobo international 'lauren' double frame clutch}

I wish I could even begin to describe my day yesterday, but for the first time {I think} ever I'm at a loss for words. Work life hit a level of cray cray and therefore don't feel I should be held accountable for any random purchases that may have made. Although, I really am excited for UPS to deliver this wallet.

What I can say? Charge it.

Choose Me.

Over the weekend, my mom and I took a {long overdue} trip to DSW where I spotted these taupe booties across the floor and I knew instantly I had to have them. Complete with brushed metal accents - notice the discreet studs peeking through perforated leather and a metal panel on the toe - these boots bring a fun, edgy feel to any look. I can't wait to pair with this dress or a pair of white jeans. They chose me, I swear.

Perfect Sense.

{Opi's No Spain No Gain & Barefoot in Barcelona}

I swear I didn't choose these Spanish inspired colors on purpose while getting a mani/pedi the other day. Rather, I choose to believe something is telling me I need to pack my bags and head out of the country. Soon.

Three Things {x 3}.

There were a lot of little things that made my weekend quite pleasant. Mostly because it was all mine. Besides catching up on some much needed sleep, I learned how beautiful Telegraph Hill area is, made a quick and successful trip to DSW, continued reading Green is the New Black by Tamsin Blanchard, spent hours reading my favorite magazines and even took at quick trip to George just for Ziggy. It was the perfect weekend needed to re energize for all the fun that's to come over the next few weeks.

1. New Chloe camera bag. LOVE.

2. Catching up on Zzzz's with Ziggy.

3. Fancy twist on simple glass of water; freeze basil leaves in your ice cubes. 

4. Mom's chocolate chip cookies. Best ever!

5. A long overdue trip to DSW.

6. Lots of reading for the weekend - Green Is The New Black, Allure, InStyle, Glamour...all the girls!

7. Summer has arrived. Big Brother is back!

8. George for staying open just a few minutes longer so Ziggy could pick out his treats.

9. Something fabulous to look forward to.

Rolling in the Deep.

Adele's Rolling in the Deep draws many different emotions across the scale each time I hear it so it's no wonder it inspired two looks for one dress. The shimmery gold dress is my suble take on the sparklers in the video - you can cool this look down with neutrals, a feather in your hair and sweet heart-shaped earrings or heat things up with a leather vest, chucky gold jewelry and pops of color.

Which do you prefer?

1. Mulberry metallic cocktail dress, $1,800
2. TopShop olive jacket, $110
3. McQ by Alexander McQueen cotton vest, $880
4. Christian Louboutin red sole pumps, $715
5. Christian louboutin shoes, $795
6. Rebecca Minkoff clutch bag, $295
7. Chanel vintage style handbag, $1,395
8. House of Harlow 1960 gold tassel earrings, $75
9. Rick Owens spiked jewelry, £285
10. DAY Birger et Mikkelsen bangles jewelry, $110
11. Lanvin jewelry, $470
12. Stone jewelry
13. Miss Selfridge goldtone jewelry, £5
14. Eugenia Kim headbands hair accessory, $125

Red Carpet Runway.

Megan Fox who? New Transformers 3 star and model, Rosie Huntington-Whitely has been working the red carpet as though she were strutting the runway. Each look is more stunning than the last.

{Antonio Berardi} 

{Burberry} 

{Gucci} 

{Michael Kors}

{Naeem Khan}

WHO dresses her? Because this person deserves a raise.

World's Best Bruschetta.

According to me, that is.

While I love cooking in my sunny little San Francisco kitchen, I was delighted to have access to a nice roomy Palm Spring kitchen this past weekend.  I whipped up my favorite happy hour snack.  I first learned to make my own adaption of bruschetta years ago while living in Spain the college way - by putting together all the fresh ingredients purchased from the open air market and then throwing in any extra ingredients found in the refrigerator. Till this day, this is by far the best {and only} recipe I've ever created  from nothing and have continued making the same treat since, never deviating from the recipe concocted back in that little cocina. Each ingredient is just that delicious together and the aromas that fill the room are just divine and bring me back to that special time.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of fresh French or Sour dough bread
• Balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 onion
• Feta cheese
• Fresh basil
• Tomatoes (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice your french or sour dough bread and lay flat on baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over each slice. Spread minced garlic and put baking sheet in the oven for about 10 minutes.

Chop onions and saute over high heat, adding a little olive oil to help brown. Chop basil and tomatoes.

Pull toasted bread from oven and pile on sauteed onions, feta cheese, tomatoes (optional) and basil.

Let cool {if you can} and enjoy!

3 Things {4th of July Edition}.

When it comes to 4th of July weekend in Palm Springs, one thing's for sure, you are in for a H-O-T weekend. It's key to find the right activities to beat the heat. Weather like this calls for refreshing morning swims, going to the movies, {indoor} happy hours, and as always, a delicious dinner at The River. An added bonus was having access to some delightful jewelry from several decades ago - although I swear it could easily find a home in my own jewelry box today. The only thing I did miss was fireworks, but considering I'm not the biggest fan of them that's just fine with me.

1. I saw Midnight in Paris; making me want to lose myself in Paris to the shopping, food, and sightseeing. And of course, taking walks in the rain at midnight.

2. Whipping up my specialty bruschetta. Although I left the tomatoes off the portion I ate, I made up for it by adding more caramelized onions. Rave reviews!

3. Playing with my bf's grandmother's jewelry box, just like I did when  I was a little girl. Funny how the 50's style fun, funky jewelry has made such a comeback and is so relevant now. Just my style.

*Ziggy doesn't love the loud fireworks either, but I'm happy to report Ziggy made it through the booming noise without so much as a whimper. He's such a good boy.

Pink & Ruffles.

{skirt-American Apparel, cami-H&M, bag-Marc Jacobs, earrings-Doris Kozlovic, rings-Tiffany & thrifted, Report sandals}

I can't help it. I just love this skirt (proof here and here) probably just because of the amount of compliments I get each time I wear it. It's the perfect shade of pink and always flows so beautifully - points for the twirl factor. I can edge it up with a leather jacket and chunky bracelets or embrace the girliness by simply adding a light weight cami and dainty earrings - adding ruffles is always acceptable. I sort of went for a combination of the two by adding this black Marc Jacobs Cecilia quilted handbag to my otherwise feminine look.