Blood Orange Brussels Sprouts.

brussels sprouts + blood orange infused olive oil

Simple, tasty and unbelievably easy to make. First, steam brussels sprouts and top with blood orange olive oil (my personal favorite from The Olive Press). Add some fresh Parmesan cheese for an added treat.

Enjoy!

3 Things.

Sleeping in with no alarm, indulgent brunches, home-cooked dinner a la my mom, a 5k and gorgeous weather - just a few things that made my weekend that much more special than the average. And with the beautiful weather holding up through the week and weekend, I couldn't ask for more.

1. Lovely peonies for this week’s flowers

2. Walking The Great Race for the Los Gatos Rotary - Ziggy made it the whole way!

3. Farmer’s Market finds to give my cauliflower medley a pop of color 

Knotted.

Gap dress//Dolce Vita shoes//VonZipper sunglasses//Necklace from Picnic

For Giggles.

Laughter is probably my most favorite thing ever and with this witty read, you'll surely have a few chuckles out loud (which I think is even better). Warning: sip beverages cautiously while reading - Oxford is that funny.

Crunchy Three Bean Salad.

This Summer-like weather calls for simple, refreshing recipes that can be enjoyed before the sun goes down. I especially love the crunch from the celery. De-lish!

Ingredients:

1/2 small onion, minced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

1 can cut green beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Feta cheese crumbles

  

Directions: Combine onion, celery, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and green beans in a mixing bowl. Add olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed, and black pepper to bean mixture; gently stir to coat. Cover bowl and chill completely 2 to 4 hours. Top with feta cheese crumbles and serve.

Enjoy!

Getting Graphic.

Ter Et Bantine / IRO pattern shorts / Joie shorts / Theory pattern shorts, $275 / MSGM colorful shorts, $260 / Maison Scotch pattern shorts / Topshop / Mango shorts / Pattern shorts

I can't help but feel a little Coachella envy. With this gorgeous California sunshine, all I long for is graphic print shorts, a comfy tee, fashion magazines and some great music.

3 Things.

The California sun was out in full effect this weekend reaching temperatures of over 80 degrees and couldn't have been more perfect beach weather. Just a little bit of sunshine goes a long way for me. Sometimes it really is the simplest of things that can rejuvenate you for the week ahead.

1. Ziggy spending his 8th birthday doing what he loves most - napping in the sunshine.

2. Cool bottle chandelier from the Bonny Doon tasting room in Santa Cruz. I spent Saturday wine tasting to my hearts delight with Laura for Passport weekend.

3. Grilling fresh veggies on the grill. Delicious.

Blues.

Gap shirt & jeans // JCrew booties // Chloe handbag

With everything going on around the world right now, have a safe and happy weekend. Hold the ones you love just a little bit longer and enjoy those sweet moments. Simply because you can.

Diva Heels.

Because every girl should own a pair. Thanks to Rebecca Minkoff for giving us some diva realness (here).

50 Shades of Chambray.

Donna Karan dress, $2,065 / 6397 sleeveless dress / Tory Burch mini dress, $165 / Marc by Marc Jacobs chambray dress, $400 / Splendid chambray dress, $355 / Topshop dress / Sweetheart neckline dress / Embroidered dress, $89 / Motel chambray dress, $61 / Mesh dress, $34 / Marc by Marc Jacobs sleeveless shirt / MM6 Maison Martin Margiela sleeveless chambray shirt / Splendid fitted shirt / A.P.C. chambray shirt, $190 / J.Crew polka dot top / Lucky Brand long sleeve top / J.Crew top / Madewell chambray shirt / Embellished top, $61 / ONLY polka dot chambray shirt, $54 / Bow top / Forever 21 shirt / Full Tilt sleeveless top / Full Tilt / Full Tilt floral top / Button up shirt, $20 / Topshop preppy blazer / Jack Wills summer jacket / Stella McCartney jean shorts / M Missoni cropped pants, $150 / Etoile Isabel Marant / AG Adriano Goldschmied jumpsuits and romper, $340 / AG Adriano Goldschmied chambray romper, $385 / Denim & Supply by Ralph Lauren denim and supply ralph lauren, $155 / J.Crew long skirt / Topshop / Lee, $58 / Miss Selfridge circle skirt / Joe Browns joe brown, $40 / River Island chambray skirt, $38 / J.Crew platform wedge sandals / TOMS flat / Vanessa Bruno beach tote / Minnie Rose ruffle scarve, $445 / Gap Chambray Short One Piece / Factory tailored boy blazer in chambray / Sperry Top-Sider Cloud Logo CVO Sneaker. / Vans Blackout Starter Cap - Charcoal Chambray, $50 / Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Button Front Chambray Skirt Assorted Colors

A trend that just won't quit, especially as we enter into warmer weather proving a little chambray goes a long way.

Game Changer.

I know this isn't new news, but it's only my first day with my Clarisonic and so far my only regret is not getting one sooner. My skin already looks and feels fresh and transformed. I can't wait to see the results in the long term. What makes things even sweeter is Sephora is offering 15% off everything. Make sure to sign up here.

3 Things.

This weekend I accomplished all that I had set my heart on - absolutely nothing. And doing all that nothing never felt so good.

1. Ziggy came to work with me on Friday and was especially adorable & well-mannered. It's hard not to love the little guy.

2. I saw 42 and walked away inspired. It was fun to cheer along with everyone in the theatre and enjoyed the outstanding cinematography.

3. Enjoyed the beautiful landscape of Stanford shopping center

Don't Worry. Be Happy.

 This Friday never felt so good after an insane week where everything that possibly could go wrong, went wrong. Seriously, obstacles seemed to follow me wherever I went and I'm so happy the weekend is almost here. Not that this weeks challenges have been for nothing, I did learn I've grown as a person - things that may have knocked me down in the past, I worked right through finding compromises that turned out even better than initially planned (Kinko's, I love you and your late night hours) and remained calm through it all, with the exception of one early morning panic which I've since blocked out (although I fear my favorite was forever scarred by this particular moment. Bless his sweet heart). At the end of the day everything worked out and I walked away with a few laughable moments that will forever be in my memory and some tips for future - like always reconfirm your car service for an early morning pick up. As of now, I have absolutely nothing planned for the weekend except to take some time to smell the roses (or tulips in my case). Happy weekend. xoxo

Fake It to Make It.

In love with this Asos belt that instantly creates the perfect little peplum. I've been on the hunt for a peplum styled top to add to my closet for quite some time, but with no luck. Now I can either create my own contrast with a colorful blouse or add to my favorite little black dress as an extra detail. Also, it comes in plus sizes for my curvy gals - LOVE Asos!

Oxford Rules.

Anniel lace oxford / Chie Mihara lace oxford shoes / MM6 Maison Martin Margiela neon pink shoes / Marni lace oxford shoes / HANDSOM suede shoes, $235 / Lace up shoes / Robert Clergerie leather brogue / Slip on shoes

Oxfords aren't just your classic saddle backs anymore. Now in neon, floral, metallic and suede, there’s a little something for everyone.

Cilantro Mint.

Last week I made cucumber salsa, which I absolutely loved. As someone who has never taken a liking to tomatoes this salsa will forever be my go-to as a favorite. Now, what I don’t love is the insane amount of cilantro and mint I had leftover. Granted both were relatively cheap, but even after unloading half to my neighbor, I still had a ton left over and hate to waste. That said, I discovered a recipe for cilantro-mint chutney that tastes delicious with seafood and can only imagine how yummy it would be on pork chops or samosas – a status that will be changing in the very near future.

Ingredients:

2 tsp ginger root, peeled and roughly chopped

¼ cup packed mint leaves

¼ cup packed cilantro

1 tbsp honey

¼ cup rice wine vinegar

½ cup canola oil

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions: In a food processor, combine the ginger, mint, cilantro, honey, rice wine vinegar, oil and salt & pepper, to taste. Process until smooth.

Enjoy!

3 Things.

A weekend full of great food in even better company. What more could a girl need? The only bummer was falling asleep before the season premier of Mad Men ended and completely sleeping through Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live (missing this and so much more). I'm old.

1. Attending Curls, Curves and Cocktails with good friend Juvella walking away truly inspired. I learned just how much your voice can be heard and change be made because of it.

2. Wine tasting at Cuvaison on a beautiful sunny day with my mom, favorite and his brother. So. Much. Fun.

3. This happened during Sunday brunch at Café de la Presse and I'm a better person because of it (I tell myself).

Black & Tan.

JCrew scarf & shoes//Gap top & jeans//Charming Charlie hat//Jimmy Choo handbag

Sometimes it's the simplest of outfits that make me happy (and oh so comfortable).  Happy weekend! xo

Pucker Up.

Bright dress, $525 / Alice + Olivia / Balmain quilted jacket, $5,040 / Cédric Charlier slim fit blazer / Proenza Schouler leather skirt / Paul & Joe Sister elastic waist pants, $325 / Tory Burch ballet shoes / Givenchy handbag / Colorful scarve, $320

Lemon, lime & melon hues are coming out for Spring - the citrus burst is enough to make your mouth water.

For Eyes.

Here I am, loving my new Perry Ellis glasses. A few weeks ago I walked into Costco for more contacts, randomly picked up a pair of glasses and instantly fell in love with them. It was just that simple. What’s even better is the crazy affordable price point and finding out they were actually men’s glasses. Finally something to fit my big head. Seriously, it’s huge.

Onto other nerd speak, I just started reading A Sunshine When She’s Gone and can’t put it down. If it was acceptable to read during pilates I would be.

Happy Wednesday!

Cucumber Salsa.

Replace the creamy lime sauce for a spoonful of cucumber salsa on grilled tilapia street tacos and kick things up a notch.

Ingredients:
2 cups finely diced peeled cucumber
1/2 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
1 jalapeño (with seeds), finely diced
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions: Mix cucumber, red onion, cilantro, mint and jalapeño in a medium bowl. Stir in lime juice and oil. Season to taste with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and more lime juice, if desired.

Enjoy!

3 Things.

After a long couple of weeks, a relaxing weekend is exactly what was needed. I forget sometimes just how important it is to unplug* and simply enjoy the ones you are with. Here are a few things that made my weekend that much sweeter.

*I have a new iPhone and have no clue how to use it.

1. Attending a concert on Friday night only to end up enjoying local opening band, Forrest Day, even more.

2. Ziggy eagerly awaiting my mom's arrival to the beach house

3. A lovely little walk down by the Yacht Harbor.