Getting there

[my new iphone has been hiccuping and telling me it

takes wayyy longer than it actually does/will to get places.

funny...but anyone know how to fix this?
***JUST realized it was on the walking mode. RIGHT.]

I think it's time to let you guys in on a big change going on in my life. I alluded to getting a job and moving, and I wanted to get those things rolling before I said much about them here; now I'm ready to share the exciting news with you: I'm moving to LA! A little over a week ago, I began working as an assistant to a wardrobe stylist based in Silverlake. I worked literally 14 hours a day every day last week (all my posts were pre-scheduled, if you're wondering how I managed to still post), and slept an average of 5 hours per night. It's been a whirlwind, and I've had to remind myself that I wanted this, but overall, when it comes down to it, I know I'm lucky to have this opportunity and excited to see what it leads to.

So now I'm onto the apartment hunt! An adventure of its own. I apologize in advance for sporadic posting over the next few weeks as I get settled and adjusted.

Recover iphone cases

Pinterest is an absolute gem. While browsing its lustrous and endless pages and boards, I came across Recover. This Portland-based company makes thin wood covers for iphones, ipads, and more, at a price worth guffawing over. I'll probably be getting an iphone soon (finally), and I might be getting one of these bad boys even sooner. 

Mi Casa (Costa Mesa)

I took Nicole to check out Mi Casa with me a couple weeks ago, and we had a great time. Mainly because I love taking (and browsing other ppl's) pictures of food, I wanted to share these ones with you:

It doesn't really look like it here, but that bottle was actually HUGE. Like a gallon size. Intense.

If you go, try the Patron Prickly Pear:

and the Mahi tacos:

And you'll regret it if you don't save room for the Churro Sundae. TRUST ME. I don't even like churros, but these ones were filled with caramel sauce: !!

Nicole with the fun star lanterns:

Kristina--- something 2 write about

I took some pictures of my friend Kristina last week, and I love the way they came out. Since I'm living in a house that's for sale, it's pretty empty and sparsely decorated, which makes for a pretty intriguing backdrop for these photos.

Kristina and I have been friends since high school! You should check out her blog and leave her some love!

If you're wondering, both of her cute dresses are from shopsosie.com and that necklace in the top picture is a camel bone necklace her hubby bought her in Egypt! So cool.

Banana Republic: The Mad Men Collection

Have you seen this? Banana Republic came out with a whole line inspired by Mad Men. I have to admit I only recently started watching the show (now that you can stream it on Netflix, woot), but I'm a fast fan. My favorite part is the clothing, so this one's a no brainer. So cool.

For the love of felt

A few days ago, my friend Maritza asked me for felt crafting ideas. I sent her a long list of links, and then I thought, "hey, that'd make a pretty fun little post."

And that pretty much explains why I now give you at least ten different cool felt craft ideas. Voila!

Above, a felt party Garland

Above, blooming felt Flower pillows

Woven placemats

Above:  Votive holder

Above: (maybe a smidge out of season, but still, a cool) ruffle wreath

rosette hair clip

card holder

mural

felt bows

 
mini rosettes

ruffled pillow

tree trunk trivet

I love the trunk trivet! And those little felt bow hair clips! Who am I kidding I love it all.

Shining in the sun

Stefanie and I had a much needed beach day a few days ago at Laguna. You might recognize the top shot as the same little nook where Chelsea, Amy, and I camped out in a beach post about a month ago (here). 

It's hard to believe the summer's coming to an end, but I'm glad (now that I have a job) to have had the time off to soak it up. It was a good three and a half months of unemployment, but I'm ready to get back to the grind. It might sound funny to say I enjoyed unemployment (most people don't), but since it wasn't the first time I've experienced it, I knew to just enjoy it as a chapter and trust it would be just that: a chapter. there are good and bad things to every chapter of life, and I've learned to try to focus on the positives, and recognize the things I'll miss once the chapter's over. It's a good system; I recommend it.

It probably seems like I've been spending a lot of time in Laguna; it's true, but I think that's mainly because of summer. It's just a summertime city, in my mind.

Stef and I hit up Zinc Cafe again for some refreshing bevs:

the Zinc Sunrise:

and I got a mint lemonade:

Enjoy the last bits of your summer! Anyone going anywhere fun?

Katsuya (Laguna Beach)

Another one of the restaurants I visited for Locale is Katsuya in Laguna Beach. It's the newest sister location to four LA-based Katsuyas (there's also one in Houston). It was AMAZING.

I had the Burning Mandarin Martini which, as the name suggests, had a bit of a kick to it:

and then I had a bunch of yummy dishes, my favorite of which was the Creamy Rock Shrimp (DIVINE!):

Also: I don't eat red meat, but these looked beautiful:

FTF #24

Five Rare Animals

You Never Knew Existed

[special thanks to Kc for the recommendation/help with this one!]

1) Monito del Monte. The name means 'little mountain monkey' in Spanish. How flippin cute is this little guy? I thought I'd start the list off with the ridiculously cute. Unless you don't like wide eyed little mice-like guys....but if you do, read more about him here. 

2) Bilby. If a rabbit and a mole procreated? More here. 

 3) Kiwa Hirsuta. I'm kinda creeped out by his super long hairy snapping arms, but there's also something human-like and friendly about the whole thing. Too many Disney movies? Read about this guy here.

4) Kakapo. The strangest, portliest parrot on the planet. Doesn't he kind of look like a beaver? More here. 

5) Goblin Shark. Eeeeee-- cue the creepy Jaws music, right? And yet, there's something kind of cute and endearing about this fellow. Am I crazy? He just kinda looks dopey and smiley and I can't help but like him more for it. More about him here.

All the animals listed in this post (and many, many more) are endangered. If this issue tugs on your heart strings as it does mine, you can make a donation of any size, large or small, to the World Wildlife Fund, here.