Tuesday, July 16, 2013

"Should": Your New Nemesis

photo source: http://qsprn.com

As I read this, I am "shoulding" myself. "I should have woken up earlier so that I could've gotten more work done," "I should have gotten more work done so that I could go to yoga tonight," "I should have cleaned the bedroom instead of watching TV"...and the list goes on.

Unfortunately, I find myself doing this quite often. When reflecting on my day, I usually can pick out three things I should've done or shouldn't have done. Rarely is there a day where I don't wish—or think—that I should've done more.

I love this quote because it reminds me to be content with everything I'm able to accomplish—or not accomplish—throughout the day. Finding balance is one thing that most everyone struggles with, but with moderation comes contentment and with contentment comes the ability to stop judging ourselves.

And when looking back, the things I didn't get to were put aside for more important things like spending time with my boyfriend before he goes to work, talking to my Mom on my phone, or meditating.

So going forward, remember to love yourself, even when you don't think you're doing well enough. You are. I promise. And enjoying life's moments is a damn good excuse to shirk your responsibilities from time to time.

Maybe I "should" not be eating these delicious M&M cookies right now, but to be honest, I don't give a damn. And that right there, my friends, is freeing.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Black & Blue

This is one of my trusty shirts. I've had it for years and have worn it 100 different ways. It's soft, comfy, and my go-to shirt when I don't know what else to wear. These pants are pretty much the same way. They go with just about everything and are the best, especially when I've eaten too much In N' Out Burgers (happens more than you'd think!) So I figured, why not put them together? If there's a will, there's a way...







shirt: Free People:: pants: J.Crew:: jean vest: Forever 21:: shoes: Tom's:: purse: Coach:: necklace, earrings, cocktail ring, bracelet: Stella & Dot:: bracelet: Alex & Ani:: glasses: Michael Kors

photos by: Brian Loftus

Hope you're all having a beautiful weekend! xx

Friday, July 12, 2013

Friday Findings: The Loft Life

Yesterday in class, one of my teachers asked us all a very interesting question that was extremely hard for me to answer: What one product do you wish you could have?

Me? You mean what would I want if I could ask a Genie for one product in the world? I was speechless. I finally answered and said anything by Dries Van Noten, but after I thought about it for a little, I realized what it was that I'd really love.

A loft.

I mean who doesn't want to live in a exposed brick, hip, unique loft? Whether it be in New York City or in Paris. So here is an ode to a dream maybe one day come true. Which loft do you like best?


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Three Unique Desserts to Try Before Summer is Over

Mmm, summer desserts. There's something so blissful about ice cream, popsicles, and anything else that helps to bring down the delightful but sometimes overwhelming summer heat. If you're on board with the cold treats that fills the plate (and your belly) at almost every meal in the summer, then boy are you in for a treat.

These three desserts are unlike your delicious yet common chocolate ice cream cone. They're just as delectable, just as desirable and a whole lot of cool (pun intended). Dig in and read on...you won't regret it. And neither will your stomach.

Avocado & Pear Pop:

photo source: The Spunky Coconut

Alright, so confession: these pops were originally made by creative and clever blogger The Spunky Coconut for her baby who is teething. But hey, they sound absolutely delicious and too interesting to pass off. Not to mention, have you ever eaten baby food?! It's quite tasty. I'll stand by that declaration.

Puree:
2 avocados
2 pears (skin removed)

1. Fill the molds half way, insert sticks, and froze.
2. Soak in hot water for a minute to remove the pops from the mold.
3. Makes about six.

**If you aren't digging the Avocado and Pear combo, try her Nectarine, Kiwi, Banana pop recipe here, or her Kiwi, Apricot and Mango pops here


Layered Oreo & Nutella Popsicles:

photo source: Pinterest

There isn't a lot that needs to be said about these babies. There's Nutella. There are Oreo's. Some whipped cream, cool whip, Hazelnuts and sugar. And they take about 15 minutes to make. I think we're done here.

What you’ll need for the Oreo Popsicle Mix:
- 6-10 Crushed Oreo’s
- 2/3 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 1 Cup of Cool Whipped Topping (thawed)
- 1 tbs of sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- Oreo Crumbs for garnish.
- Shot Glasses, any cup, or popsicle mold.
- Popsicle Sticks

Directions: In a large bowl add heavy whipping cream, whipped cream, sugar, and crushed Oreos and mix well. Pour the mix into the shot glass, add Oreo crumbs on top and freeze for about hr then add the popsicle sticks. Freeze for another two hours.  To remove the popsicles from glass/mold.. add warm water to a small bowl and insert the popsicles to softened for 1-6 seconds.
Makes about 12-16 popsicles depending on the cup size.

To Layer: 
Layer ONE- Oreo Popsicle Mix
Layer TWO – Chopped Hazelnuts
Layer THREE- Melted Nutella
Layer FOUR- Oreo Popsicle Mix
Layer FIVE – Chopped Hazelnuts
Layer SIX – Melted Nutella
Layer SEVEN – Oreo Popsicle Mix
Layer EIGHT – Oreo Crumbs

**Thank blogger, Little Inspiration for any chocolate addiction that may occur.


Creme Brulee Ice Cream:

 photo source: Cafe Johnsonia

When you're young and you go through the phase of playing with fire, your parents (and surrounding friends, strangers, etc) get verrry nervous. Well pyros, here is your chance to prove them that all that practice you had with lighting everything you could when you were younger paid off in the form of mouth-watering, delectable ice cream. Go crazy with the torch, my friends. The only result will be caramel and hugs from your loved ones that you serve this to. As blogger Cafe Johnsonia tells us when she eats her award-winning (in our book) recipe: "It's worth every single calorie."

Ingredients:
2 cups very cold heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
10 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla or 1 vanilla bean, split
pinch salt
10-12 tsp. raw sugar
equipment needed: culinary torch

Instructions:
Beat egg yolks, sugar and salt together until thick and light in color.  Heat milk with vanilla bean, if using, until very hot.  Add to the eggs and sugar in a slow, steady stream.  Pour back into pan and cook over medium-low heat until it reaches 170-180 degrees F.  (Be really careful not to let it curdle!)  Pour through a sieve into a clean bowl.  Add the cold cream and vanilla extract, if using.
Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.  Or to speed up the chilling process, use an ice water bath.*  Churn in an ice cream  maker according to manufacturer directions.  Divide the ice cream between 10-12 small freezer-proof bowls or ramekins, leaving a little space at the top.  Press a bit of waxed paper on the surface to make it smooth and flat.  Transfer to the freezer.

To serve:
Remove ramekins from the freezer about 10 minutes before serving and allow to soften a bit at room temperature.

To caramelize the sugar:
Sprinkle top of each ramekin of ice cream with 1 tsp. raw sugar.  Use a torch to caramelize the sugar.  Serve.

**You can prepare and ice water bath buy using two nesting bowls. Just make sure that the bowl holding the ice water is large enough to accommodate the bowl with the custard. You want most of the custard bowl to be submerged in ice water so the custard can cool sufficiently. Or you could also fill your kitchen sink with ice and water.

I like to use a large glass bowl to hold the ice and water, and my stainless steel Kitchenaid mixer bowl to hold the custard. The metal gets much colder, much faster than glass.
The colder you let the custard get, the faster it will freeze and the smoother it will be.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Chambray & Vegan Leather

We've been having the most amazing summer in San Francisco. This time last year it was rainy, cold, and foggy but the weather Gods have granted us with high 70's, plenty of sun and a warm, summer breeze.

The thing I love about San Francisco weather is that even on the hottest day, you can usually get away with wearing boots or a sweater. The charming fog will set in at one point or the wind will pick up and you always want to be prepared. Because of that, I usually try to opt for layers on top and shorts or a skirt on the bottom. I wear nothing but boots these days and am absolutely loving it.

I love the soft, boyfriend vibe of the loose chambray shirt mixed with the tough, edgy aesthetic of the vegan leather skirt. Leather and I are two peas in a pod, peanut butter and jelly, cookie and dough... you get the idea. So I love to find ways to make it playful for the summer.








Chambray shirt: Old Navy:: Vegan Leather Pleated Skirt: Free People:: Scarf: Stella & Dot:: Boots: Madewell:: Purse: Tory Burch:: Necklace: Stella & Dot

Happy day, everyone! On whichever coast your on. Xx

Monday, July 1, 2013

Polka Dots and Camouflage

My life, it seems, is on it's way to getting a big makeover. And one that I welcome with open arms. On top of landing a job at Lucky Brand, I've decided to re-name Pure Vanilla to The Oxymoron and add more styling photos as well. Not to worry, The Oxymoron is the same dose of lifestyle articles and images but a little more "me" so to speak.

I love odd combinations, things that the ordinary eye would say, "how the Hell does that go together?" Whether it's cupcake paired with bacon frosting or plaid flannel mixed with leather (my go-to in the winter), I tend to gravitate to the quirky, the unusual, the weird. Although the Oxymoron will not be filled with articles exclusively about strange combinations, a subtle trend will rear it's head every now and then.

So no, I'm not a moron (not 100% at least) and I don't condone drugs that start with oxy-anything, I'm just you're modern day walking contradiction at times and I'd like to share that with you.

To start off this era of newness, I decided to dive in with a styling post. These new Lucky jeans I just purchased are already begging for me to put them in the wash or at least back in my drawer. But they're so comfortable! And sexy. and perfect. Don't they understand that I need to keep wearing them??






Shirt: Madewell :: Necklace: Lucky :: Purse: Coach :: Pants: Lucky :: Jewelry: Stella and Dot, Eden, Alex and Ani, Kate Spade :: Shoes: Lucky

Stayed tuned to see what else is in store for you from styling services to giveaways to recipes to the works. Xx