January 29, 2014

Currently Coveting


Can you tell I have spring and summer on my mind? Not that I can complain about the weather because it honestly hasn't felt like winter here in central California...BUT I am still lusting for the hot days and summer nights when all you need is a little dress and sandals.  I'm currently obsessed with the Windsor Smith Bondi black sandals.  I've seen Jessica from Tuula Vintage (one of my favorite bloggers) wear them all the time in her posts and they are just THE perfect sandals.  The Asos blue heels are to die for and I think they would pair perfectly with a white dress.  Bronzer is an essential any time of year and I'm currently wanting to try the Body Shop Honey Bronzer as I've heard so many good things about it.  Of course the Roots Small School Bag (sold out currently) is on my wish list because t is the PERFECT bag.  I love perfume and have quite a collection so naturally I had to include this Ebba Miss Marisa Tropical fragrance...it is so delicious and fresh, try it if you ever come across it! There is something about striped tight dresses for the spring and summer...so I'm def. keeping my eye out for one like this one here.  I'm a big fan of french skin care brands and Nuxe is famous for this dry oil (which I can't even pronounce the name of!) BUT I've heard and read raving reviews on it so in my wish list it goes! Hope you enjoy and please let me know what are all of you wishing for this spring/summer?
xoxo,
Grace

January 23, 2014

Chambray


Chambray - Target, Black Skirt - Target, Clutch - Old, Heels - Mango, Watch - Michael Kors

The chambray shirt in my opinion, has become a classic.  I don't know about you all, but I don't remember seeing it worn around as much as I have in the past couple of years.  And just like the classic white button down shirt, it goes with anything.  You can dress it up, dress it down, wear it open with a shirt inside...the list goes on.  The one I'm wearing is from Target and I bought it at a great price but I would really like to invest in one that has that worn-in look, like this one from J.Crew.  I also love Gap's selections, check these out! I'm determined to find my perfect chambray :)   Hope you all have a lovely day!
xo,
Grace


January 20, 2014

Easy Sundays


Blazer - Windsor's,  Blouse - Lauren Conrad, Black Jeans - Gap, Wedges - Enzo Angiolini, Watch - Michael Kors, Clutch 

Sundays are my favorite.  I usually have my "Sunday uniform," consisting of jeans and a basic t-shirt.  But I decided to jazz up my outfit a little by adding a blazer and my favorite gold wedges.  My Sunday was filled with a day at the park with my husband and our dogs and then a date at In-N-Out, followed by a delicious 2 hour nap on the couch (with the dogs of course) and ended with some homemade Mexican food, and a movie...on the couch.  Yea... so much for doing laundry, cleaning or washing the cars...but it was definitely relaxing and I needed it.  Hope you all had a restful weekend and are ready to take on this week!
xoxo,
Grace

January 16, 2014

The Pencil Meets Stripes



I absolutely adore pencil skirts, especially when they're paired with a striped top. This outfit is so easy yet versatile in that  you could wear it to work (swap the striped crop top with a striped blouse) or you could even wear this out for a date! It is simple elegance at its best.  Hope you all enjoy and thank you to all for the wonderful comments! Have a beautiful day beauties. 
xoxo,
Grace

January 14, 2014

Delicious Chicken & Lime Soup

I wanted to switch things up a bit and bring you my newest obsession: sopa de pollo con limon-- aka chicken lime soup.  It is delicious, healthy, affordable and oh-so-comforting. I heard about the recipe from a friend and she got it from this website called budgetbytes they have a ton of great recipes. I'm not a domestic person by any means--I mean I can whip up some tasty dishes but I generally need a recipe to follow or I have a mini panic attack. I love when I find recipes that are yummy but also easy to make because honestly, after a full work day, who has time/energy to be in the kitchen all night.  Anyways, my point is, if I can make it, you can make it.  So lets dunk in, shall we?
A little spicy, salty, with some fresh lime juice and the creamy avocado chunks...divine-ness. Is that a word?

Here's what you'll need:

- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 
- 1 Medium yellow onion
- 2 Stalks organic celery (I added less because I'm not a fan of celery)
- 1 Medium jalapeno 
- 5 Cloves garlic
- 3/4 lb. organic chicken breast (about 1 chicken breast depending on size) 
- 6 Cups organic chicken stock
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes with green chiles 
- 1 Tsp oregano
- 1/2 Tbsp cumin
- 1/2 Bunch of organic cilantro (roughly 1 cup)
- 1 Medium avocado

*side note: you don't have to use organic ingredients but I do my best to buy organic whenever/wherever I can :)

Total Prep Time: 10 Min
Total Cook Time : 1 hour and 15 min.
 

1.  Dice up the onion, celery, jalapeno (scrape out the seeds), and mince the garlic. Then, saute everything in the olive oil for about 5 minutes over medium heat. 

2. Add in the chicken breast (just dump it in, no need to cut it)

3. Along with the chicken breast, you'll add the 6 cups of chicken stock, the can of diced tomatoes with chiles, the oregano and cumin. You'll end up with this:

4. At this point, bring the pot to a boil (uncovered) at high heat. 

5. Once your pot is boiling, turn the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 1 hour.

6. After its been simmering for an hour, take the chicken out and shred it using a knife or two forks.  The chicken will be tender and moist. 

7. Put the shredded chicken back in the pot, add the juice of 1 lime (I used 2 but it depends on how juicy your lime is)  

8. Wash your cilantro thoroughly. Chop it roughly and add to the soup. 

9. Optional: Dice up some avocado and add to the soup right before serving. 

10. And voila! Go plop your butt on the couch, and ENJOY.


January 5, 2014

Casual in Green


Blouse - Forever 21, Belt - Gossip Boutique, BF Jeans - Gap, Loafers - Steve Madden (similar here), Bag - Foreign Exchange, Sunglasses - Guess, Watch - Michael Kors

I've been obsessed with the color green since about 10th grade when I went a little overboard and would wear green all at the same time. Picture this: green track jacket, green polo and green shiny earrings...cringing yet? Me too. Luckily my crazy obsession has lessened but I still absolutely love finding blouses, sweaters, dresses in different shades of green.  So take my favorite green blouse and pair it with comfy, leopard loafers and I'm in heaven.  
Happy Monday everyone!
xoxo,
Grace

January 3, 2014

Happy 2014!!!



Happy 2014 everyone!!! 

I hope everyone had a fun and safe NYE night! The beginning of a new year is always exciting as we turn a new leaf and begin to wonder what the next 12 months will bring us.  2013 was an amazing year for me,  with many ups and downs, joys and tears.  I accomplished many of my goals (one of them was starting this blog!), grew personally and professionally, and took up some new interests, but I think what stands out the most for me are the lessons I learned throughout the year.  The biggest lessons: do not try to please everyone and learning that people will treat you how you let them treat you.  So I thought I would share some of my resolutions for 2014 in a little collage of inspirational pictures to begin this new year!

Resolutions/Goals:
Travel//Write//Workout Consistently//Book trip to Spain//Continue Eating healthy//Visit Morocco//Read a ton of books//Improve my time management skills//Work harder at my job and my blog//Learn to BREATHE & relax.
xoxo,
Grace