Let's get out of this town, baby we're on fire...

CAUTION: THERE ARE A LOT OF PICTURES COMIN' AT YA!

Last week, I had my first trip outside of California. I don't include Vegas of course, since it's so close. And I haven't been to the Philippines since I was 9, so this was a pretty big trip for me. My friend Maeghan and I had been talking about New Orleans since last year. And at first it seemed like a pipe dream. But all of sudden, we were at the right place at the right time financially, and we were all free-so we jumped right in and booked it! It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I hadn't been away from Geo for that long either, so it was strange and I missed him like crazy. But it was great to be with girlfriends. We packed so much in 4 days, and ate more than we could contain. The food is probably what I'll miss most. I had fried alligator for the first time, and guess what? It tastes like chicken. Some pointers for people who are thinking about going:

1.) It's so friggin humid, a jacket won't be necessary. 

2.) The plantations are definitely worth the 45 minute drive.

3.) Jacques Imo's is the main restaurant to check out. 

4.) Bourbon street can get really skeazy at night. 

5.) The Renaissance Pere Marquette is a great hotel to stay. It's within walking distance to everything. Right in the heart of the French Quarter. 

6.) And of course, you can't go to New Orleans without having a beignet from Cafe du Monde. 

Hope you enjoyed the pics! xoxo

Take me to the finish line

Last night I finally got to hang out with my best friend, Kate, whom I haven't seen in 42 days. She was on a work trip for the entire month of December, so we never got a chance to see each other around the holidays like we usually do each year. Seeing her was worth the wait. We exchanged our Christmas gifts, looked at all her wedding plans, and sat silently. Sometimes, that's all we need. Just a couple hours of hanging around and not particularly doing anything is what we do best. And that's what makes her my best friend. She knows me better than anyone I know, enough to know that we can have the greatest time doing nothing and yet have it feel like everything.

I love you, Bester. I'm so looking forward to the next couple weeks so much!! In just 8 short weeks, you're going to be married, and I can't wait to be right by your side through it all!

xoxo

P.S. Yes, that is the House of Harlow starburst necklace. It was her Christmas gift to me, and I'm absolutely in love with it. She knows me so well.

Reformed by Reformation kimono/H&M skinnies/Ecote by UO boots/Michael Kors watch/Assorted jewelry/House of Harlow 1960 necklace

If you're my guide, I'm your guide...

 

(TJ Maxx top/MaxStudio dress/F21 necklace)

 

(Reformed By the Reformation kimono/F21 tank/Sister-made studded shorts/Timeless fringe bag/Wild Pair combat boots/UO cross necklace)

More pics from the amazing birthday weekend I had with my friends. I promise this is my last birthday post...

Siera (my birthday twin and one of my best friends) celebrated her birthday the following evening at her favorite spot The Edendale in Silverlake. I had never been there before, and it's always so nice to discover new places. It's quite exceptional, from the aesthetic to the drinks to the photo booth-I had such a great time, and I hope she did too. Oh, and can I just say-best calamari I've ever had in my life. 

The next day, Geo took me to Universal Studios to celebrate since I practically didn't see him at all that week due to conflicting schedules. Apart from a wonderful birthday morning when he made me my favorite breakfast (double chocolate chip pancakes), this was the only day we were both available to have some fun! We had the best time being there, with it being a ghost town. It makes me not want to go to a theme park in the middle of summer ever again.

I had an amazing start to my 26th. I just hope it keeps getting better from here. 

Write about love

(F21 blazer and pleated silk pants/Michael Kors watch/Asos ring/Macy's bracelet)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! 

My birthday dinner could not have been anymore perfect than it was. My best friend Kate had a handful of surprises up her sleeve, and it began the minute I walked into the restaurant. The whole table had been decorated by her fiance with pink boxes that contained cupcakes, bags of candy, and balloons! I was so shocked, I literally had to pause to take it all in as soon as I saw it. Her birthday gift to me was a Michael Kors watch I had been dreaming about for awhile, complete with engraving in the back. So touched. And finally, my birthday cake consisted of chocolate and peanut butter cupcakes, which she baked herself. Dessert also included an entire box of macarons, because she knows I'm obsessed. The whole evening was absolutely lovely, and I am so grateful to have her in my life. Looks like I gotta step it up for her birthday next year ;) xoxo

Let there be love...

(Free People dress/Max Studio cardigan/JC Foxy/Vintage belt and jewelry)

One of my best friends got married on Saturday. And it was absolutely beautiful...definitely the most gorgeous wedding that I had ever been to, that is for sure!

Congratulations Danielle and Steve. I wish you guys all the love and happiness in the world.

xoxo

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

5 Things that make me extremely happy at the moment...

One of my many maxi dress hangers. I think I need to start separating my dresses out more evenly though, because this one is feeling very heavy lately. But looking at its diversity makes me smile. I have created quite a collection for myself-you really can never have too many maxis.

Pinkberry's salted caramel. Last night my girls and I went out for dinner and dessert, and thank God we tried this, because it was this flavor's last day...I'm bummed it will be gone, but sorta thankful because I would probably become obsessed.

The fact that I will be in New Orleans in 2 and a half months. I intend to do a lot of traveling during this time of reflection.

Vintage Stevie Nicks. I've been listening to her constantly. It's starting to affect my mood (not so good) and my style (amazing).

Friendship. I have the best girlfriends.


xoxo