Rockin the Romper

Blue Romper

I’ve never been a fan of the “romper”. Not because I don’t think they’re completely adorable (because they are!) but because they have a tendency to make the vertically impaired feel, well, even more vertically impaired.

The floral print and blue and coral color combo are what initially won me over on this little Asos number. I didn’t care if it made me look like a stubby watermelon shoved into a jumper—I was determined to make it work, hobbit look-a-like or not.

Blue Romper

Blue Romper

Summer Shoes

To my surprise, when I modeled it for my mirror, I actually felt skinny and elongated in it. It’s the only romper I can say this about. Because of the drop waist and flowing shorts, it gives the illusion of a longer torso, perfect for my fellow shorties out there!

Long story short, I’m in LOVE with this look and determined to find more jumpers exactly like it. I’ve crossed over and this shorty is a believer!

Amanda’s Look
Floral Romper: Asos. Similar Yumi Kim
Summer Sandals: Saks Fifth Ave Gray
Coral Seed Bead Bracelet: Similar Etsy TeeceTorre 

A Travel Guide for the Fifteen-Year-Old Me

15 me

As I watched the sun set on the last day of my twenties (yes, I seriously went out, wine glass in nostalgic hand, and watched the sun set) I took a moment to really wrap my head around what turning thirty really meant to me. Some may see it as a turning point, an extra wrinkle or gray hair and for some simply a number. At one time or another, I saw thirty as all of those things. Now, as I sit here hanging on to the last rung of ladder 29, I see thirty a little bit differently. Thirty was my mountain.

Climbing my “summit” has not been an easy one. Sherpa-less and ill-prepared, I’ve struggled to cover ground. I’ve been frost-bitten and snowed in more than I care to admit, but my mother would tell me it’s all to make me a stronger climber—and she’s right.

There are so many paths that I probably should have chosen more wisely. So many “local villagers” that I should have stoned instead of giving my heart to. So as I look back at my climb, there are a few traveling tips I would give myself. So, miss fifteen-year-old Amanda Jane, here are some guidebook bullets for you:

  1. Wear your Jnco Jeans, corduroy jacket and that vintage tuxedo blouse you found in mom’s closet. You WILL be made fun of time and time again but your fashion pioneering will pay off. You will “Bloom” soon enough. I can’t say the same for the girls who made fun of you…
  2. Your Grandpa will not live as long as you think he will. He will not dance with you at your wedding. He will not hold your first baby. Spend every chance you get to be with him and make sure he knows you love him as much as you do.
  3. I know you don’t want to hear this, but you will not be an architect. Stop taking so many CADD and drafting classes.
  4. Don’t try to beat up every unworthy floozy your younger brother tries to date. Let him have his fun. Let him get hurt. These lessons will help him discover what type of woman he truly needs in life. And rest assured he does finally find her.
  5. Your hot wing and beer diet is only good for another ten years. If you want to keep that size two waist (and I promise you that you do!) start cutting out the carbs and dairy sooner than later.
  6. On second thought, eat and drink whatever the hell you want. We’re a size two!
  7. Continue to keep your nose clean and skin un-inked. These are things you’ll never regret having not did.
  8. If a boy cheats on you, hits you or makes you feel constantly insignificant and alone, he does not love you. Don’t spend so many years of your life being convinced otherwise.
  9. Take technical English classes. Become a grammar and spelling queen. I know you don’t think so now, but just trust me on this one—it’s a career thing.
  10. Don’t take out so many student loans. Please.
  11. Although adorable, try not to wear so many pointed heels in your twenties. Oddly enough, they are not good for you and can “re-shape” who you are. Or at least who your feet are…
  12. All the girls that bully you to tears (both in high school and the few in college) do in fact become exactly what you hope for them to become. Take the hurt in stride and keep pushing to make something more of yourself.
  13. Don’t try that one cigarette when you’re 17 to prove to a bunch of kids you won’t cough. You will cough and then you’ll have to say you tried a disgusting cigarette. To this day I am SO mad at you for trying that one pride ruining cancer stick. SO mad!
  14. Wear your retainer. Do it.
  15. Your mom and dad are really good people. They’re ridiculously hard on you, but it’s because they love you more than anything in the world. They’d give up everything to see you have more than they ever had—and they do give up a lot for you. Give them some slack and tell them every single day how much you love them—because you really do.

I wish the fifteen-year-old me could take all of my advice above, but at the same time, it might have changed the horizon that I’m looking at right now. The view at thirty is a beautiful one, but I know it’s because I’ve stumbled countless times, gotten back up and worked so hard to get where I am today. Thirty isn’t exactly what I expected (OK, it’s nothing what I expected) but it ended up being everything I could ever hope for. I’m not scared, I’m taking wrinkle cream and I’m looking forward to the next climb in my life.

Coconut Curry with Chickpeas and Swiss Chard

Curry Dish

Do you ever feel that sometimes you fall into a kitchen rut? You’ll look back on last week’s menu and realize that every dish you made was some form of a spaghetti—telling yourself that bowties and Romano taste nothing like rigatoni and parmesan. If you use macaroni instead of linguine, viola, goulash. If you throw cheese a top your pasta leftovers and toss it into the oven for ten minutes, presto, you have a bake.

Yep. I had hit kitchen-lack-luster rock-bottom. I needed to get out of my pasta-solves-everything trench.

I consider myself a well-rounded cook, but I believe every girl has at least one genre they’re scared of. Maybe scared is a poor word, more like, intimidated by. Mine is Asian and Middle Eastern Cuisine. I LOVE the stuff, but truth be told, it’s where I lack the most experience. So to get myself out of my ragu rut, I decided to pull a kitchen 180. Something with spice. Something with sweet. Something with curry.

Coconut Curry with Chickpeas and Swiss Chard
Adapted from The Crepes of Wrath

Ingredients
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small yellow onion (or half a large yellow onion) chopped
3 Tbsp. green curry paste
2 Tbsp. chili paste (more if you like heat!)
1 can coconut milk
1 tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. ground ginger
2 cups water
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 bunch Swiss chard, cleaned, trimmed and thinly sliced

Instructions

Heat olive oil in large saucepan. Add in your chopped onion and cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add in the chili paste, curry paste, ginger, salt, ginger, coconut milk, and one cup of the water. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Add in your chickpeas and the additional cup of water. Reduce your pan to a simmer for about 20 minutes.

After your dish is done simmering for 20 minutes, add in the trimmed and sliced Swiss chard. (If you’ve never trimmed swiss chard, please see my tips below.) Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.

Serves 4-6. Great with pita bread!

Note: This recipe works great with all types of meat (beef, chicken, pork, seafood) if you wish to add a protein element as well. I used up leftover chicken thighs and added it to my dish to make it a bit more hearty!

Prep Tips!
Trimming your swiss chard: Since the stalks and the thick/white rib portions of the chard are generally too tough to eat, you’ll want to remove those sections from your dish. Here is a quick, down and dirty demonstration on how to properly trim your swiss chard.

Pretty In Print

Printed Pants

Like the girl who commits to working out every single day following the first of the year only to find herself two big-mac-meals-in a week later, my whole plan of blogging at least once a week has fallen short—an entire month short. Blush! With that said, though I haven’t been consistently blogging and photo snapping, I have been doing about everything else under the sun. I can hardly believe we’re already into March but it has been a wonderful 2015—just a busy one!

So in attempt to get back on track with Californ-ia, here’s my favorite outfit this week. I purchased these pants a few weeks ago and can’t get enough of them. If they weren’t so fun and obvious, I’d wear them every single week…but I’m fairly certain my co-workers would notice!

Pink Print Pant_2

Also, I would like to debut the newest love of my life and addition to my closet. I am sure you can see why! Meet Gigi, the most adorable clutch to ever exist. She’s straight from New York, bears my personal monogram and is the softest embossed leather. Speaking of leather, she smells sooooo good. I am sure the people walking down the street watching me smell my bag think I’m a lunatic. I don’t care—I can’t get enough!

Pink Print Pant_1
Pink Print Pant_3Pink Print Pant_5Pink Print Pant_4
Amanda’s Look
Leather Monogrammed Clutch: Gigi New York
Pink Silk Blouse: Target Merona
Printed Pants: Similar J Brand
Black Pumps: Steve Madden
Watch: Burberry
Ring: Madewell
Necklace: Saks Off Fifth. Similar on Etsy BlueTwinSpur

Fun printed pants

Printed pants from left: Laundry by Shelli Segal. Les CopainsDiane von Furstenberg. Old Navy. Kate Spade.

Beach Bedding

Beach Bedding
I have a wonderful announcement to make! Kevin and I are finally beach home dwellers! We’ve been saving our pennies and waiting for the perfect home. January 1st, it happened. There it was, all perfect and darling—as if skies opened up and there was a sun beam cascading brightly upon it. We couldn’t be happier with a quaint little beach condo and I squeal and break into a happy dance every time I walk through the door.

With a new home comes many ups and downs. You have the packing. The re-organizing. The, “you can’t possibly call that a closet” type moments. But with the bad, comes the very much fun stuff. The drinking of wine on the new ocean view patio. The chucking of your boyfriend’s favorite t-shirts…or at least the ones he hasn’t hidden from you. The purchasing of mew decor because the old decor just no longer suits your new home, or at least you say it does not—that, my friends, is a wonderful move type moment.

Since Kevin and I have never really had “big-kid” type bedding, I convinced him it was time. He gave me full range as long as it, A) Was a duvet cover (he loves his comforter) B) It was pink and C) Nothing to frilly and ruffle. I can handle that!

So a researching I went, on the hunt for the perfect beach home bedding. I knew I was more than likely going to spend some coin, so I wanted it to be perfect. After weeks of looking at magazines, online and at stores, I decided a good beach bedding set must have the following (enjoy my inspirations!):
Whites
Nothing is fresher and cleaner than ocean air, nothing except a newly washed bright white bedspread. You want your ocean home to remain airy and bright, and nothing will help you accomplish this more than whites. Whether it be white linens, a duvet cover, or a quilt, make sure you incorporate bright whites into your mix.

cute white post bed
Ocean Hues
Along with whites, another thing I found in common with ocean bedding was the complimenting color. When you close your eyes and picture your favorite beach resort, you’re more than likely picturing sandy beaches, blue-green waters and creamy sea-shells. Rarely will you ever see deep burgundies, emeralds and blacks. Stick to blues, greens and grays, and maybe even a punch of coral!

better homes

Lofty-ness
When I say lofty-ness, I want you to picture sleeping on a cloud. Nothing makes you crave your bed more than a pillowy stuffed duvet or a two-foot thick down comforter. Just thinking of these makes me want to take a nap! Maybe sure, whatever you purchase, reminds you of a bed of cotton candy. A tip I learned from Pottery Barn, if you crave the lofty-ness you tend to see in home decor stores, use not one but two comforters in your duvet cover—that’s what they do to get that magical pillow look.

White Bedding

Texture
Another way to get the pillowy looks and break up the colors a bit (especially if you’re using many of the same hues together) is to add a bit of texture to your ensemble. Pintucks, pleats and chunky throws are an easy way to break up the monotony of your bedding and add a little extra sumtin.

Texture Bedding

Prints
Add a print. Add any print. Have fun looking for a unique print. Even if only one of your bedding items has a print, whether it be a throw pillow, sheet set or even a rug, jazz up your set with a print. Fun prints will keep your bedding set from looking like a bed-in-a-bag set that four-hundred other neighbors down your street have.  Be original.

Anthropologie Bedding

Fun Pillows
I believe that the pillows on your bed are the true representation of who you are. Pillows are like the eyes to the bed’s soul, so-to-speak. Too much? Even the most conservative bedding owner can have a fun pillow. It’s also your chance to get creative. So whether you are the bed-in-the-bag owner or just love the popular West-Elm pleat everyone seems to have, it doesn’t matter—you can still be different and create a whole new theme simply by your pillow.

Fun Pillows

The Result: My Beach Home Bedding:

Are there Beach bedding traits that I forgot to mention or think I should add, let me know! What are your bedding inspirations?

Happiest New Year!

Happy New Year!

2014 to date, will go down as the single best year of my life. I lived. I loved. I exceeded goals I never thought were possible.

Here are my top ten achievements for 2014.

  • Paid off my debt
  • Started my own business
  • Started my own blog
  • Received a Promotion
  • Lost 10 pounds

Aside from my student-loan debt (which I consider more of an unappreciated limb attached to my body rather than an actual loan) I have paid off all of my financial debt. This was the number one goal I set for myself last year. If you would have asked me a year ago if this was something I thought I would be able to achieve on my own, I would have laughed you out the door. Hard work and commitment is what made this goal a reality and I cannot tell you how proud of myself I am. It is a true accomplishment and it almost brings me to tears how happy it makes me. It truly is the best feeling in the world.

A few of you may already know, but I started my own Etsy business this fall. I love Etsy and since I have always been one for independent arts and fashion, I thought I’d take a try at it. What started out as a few pieces of jewelry and a scarf, soon turned out to be a real, working, breathing business (so much in fact that it, sadly, no longer constitutes as a hobby to the IRS…but that’s a whole other story!) I worked my tail off this holiday season fulfilling orders, and although I made a decent penny, the lessons I learned, good and bad, were invaluable. I am a better business woman because of this experience and I will undoubtedly use what I have learned in my everyday professional career.

Enter Californ-ia. I’ve always wanted to start a blog. Not to make money. Not to have a blog to have a blog. I love to write. I love to cook. I love to craft. I started a blog to give myself the added boost I needed to break away from everyday life and spend time committed to the things that I truly love doing. Stop and smell the roses so to speak…and then accidentally kill them by over-watering them and then post it for my friends and family to see. I’ll admit, it’s time consuming and I sometimes sit and stare at a blank computer screen hoping words just magically appear, but at the end of the day, I love Californ-ia. It’s my own and I am proud of it. It helps keep me on track towards being the person I set out to be!

2013 was a hard year to trump professionally as I was promoted to Director of our lead generation and marketing program and was named my company’s Employee of the Year. I am excited to announce that, this year, I have been promoted to Assistant Vice President and have also been invited to serve on our Presidential Board. I am humbled and I am honored and cannot wait to see where these endeavors take me 2015!

Last year, this time, I was a fatty. No, I am not one of those girls who screams, “I’m Fat,” (pouty lip/annoying voice) just begging for attention. I’m just saying that I was 15 pounds heavier than I had EVER been. And all you short girls out there, you know exactly what 15 extra pounds can do to a girl—Hello Beefcake! Kevin and I made a conscious effort to eat healthier and gym it up—and none of that sissy aerobic five pound hand weight crap either—REAL lifting. I’m happy to say that I am currently back to my college weight, and by God, I’m going to keep it that way!

So there you have it. My quick down and dirty run down of 2014. 2015 has some big shoes to fill, but I have a feeling I’m already on the right track. So if you have any tips for me, whether it be a new workout plan for 2015 or something you think is awesome on Etsy, please let me know! Having goals is one thing but my support system and encouragement from my friends and family is what made it possible to reach them.

Happy New Year, Everyone! Here’s to 2015!

Going Gatsby

Amanda and Kevin Gatsby Party

When I opened the invitation to Kevin’s annual Christmas party this year, there is no doubt in my mind that I did my little happy dance. Not only were they once again putting us up in a fancy hotel, giving away raffle prizes and wining and dining us to our heart’s content, but this year, they were also giving us a chance to show off our creative side. We were invited to a holiday theme party. Gatsby style.

I have always wanted to do something Gatsby themed. I love the fashion. I love the book. I love art deco. I love Leonardo DiCaprio. Everything. I was stoked!

Before I begin, let’s get something clear. When I say Gatsby themed, I do not mean tommy guns, pin stripes, fringe and fedoras. Gatsby is gold. Gatsby is glitz. Gatsby is spending every dime you have in savings to look better than everyone else at that holiday party!

In order to perfect my look, I made myself a list (and Kevin a list!) to ensure we had everything needed to be the next Daisy and Gatsby!

The Dress
Shoes
Jewelry
Champagne
Fur something or other
Champagne
Clutch
A headband
Makeup
CHAMPAGNE!

While looking for the perfect dress, I decided I wanted to do something glamours. I mean, how often does a girl get to wear something as stunning as this? I discovered two designers that absolutely nailed the Gatsby look I was after. Sue Wong and Adrianna Papell are two very talented designers and no matter what dress you choose, you cannot go wrong. Here are some of the contenders. I fell in love with the middle-left and had to have her! Which one would you have gone with?

Gatsby Dresses

From Left: Sue Wong. Adrianna Papell. Adrianna Papell. Sue Wong. Sue WongAdrianna Papell.

And even though the dress is truly what makes the theme, the accessories are what takes you to the next level. I wanted to go over the top, so over the top I went. Hell, I even made Kevin grow his hair out so he could slick it back 20’s fashion (to which he cut it the very next day!)

A few tips I absolutely must provide you…

1) If you’re looking for a Fur something-or-other, use Ebay. Get over the fact it’s used and just go for it. You won’t find that kind of deal or quality any where else!
2) Go deep red lipstick or go home. I’m not really a lipstick kind-of-girl (never have been) but it really does make you feel glam which is exactly the look you’re going for here.
3) Drink Champagne. I even brought plastic stemmed flutes for our hotel room pre-party!

Gatsby Accessories

Top, from left: Art Deco Clutch. Cocktail Ring. Nars Lip Stick in Sephora Flame. Fur.
Bottom, from left: Kenneth Cole Bracelet. Feather Clutch. Daisy Headband. Art Deco Heels. Champs!

So if you have the chance to go to a Gatsby party or are thinking of throwing one yourself, PLEASE DO! It was one of the most fun and elegant themed parties I have ever been to and would jump at the chance to do it again!

Champagne!

These Are a Few of My FAVORITE Things!

Favorite Things

Now that I’ve been running my Favorite Things Sweepstakes for a few weeks now (two plaid blanket scarves left to win by the way!) I figured it was about time to post some of my own holiday favorites. Check out the list below for items I love and the merchants who create them!

Have favorites of your own? I love learning about new goods and vendors and would love to hear your shout outs!

Tree Skirt
This is my second Christmas with Kevin and things are getting serious—joint Christmas tree serious. We’ve already started collecting ornaments (OK, we have one ornament we picked up in Tahoe last ski season) but the goal remains the same—to continually add to the adorableness of our Christmas tree each year. Now that we have the tree and the Tahoe ornament, we were in need of a tree skirt. Kevin would have been fine with a Trader Joe’s Paper bag stuffed under the greenery, but I wanted something one-of-a-kind that would melt my heart every time our tree lit up. Found It! Etsy’s  SPCrafty has the most darling tree skirts I have ever seen, or could ever want or imagine, and the quality, OH the quality! It’s just amazing. If you’re looking for something special as well, not just for the tree but for under it, check out Etsy and SPCrafty—her products will make your tree shine just a little brighter this Christmas!

New Belgium Winter Brews
There is nothing I like better than a great beer, and living in San Diego, the craft beer city of America (I bet you didn’t know that did you?!) I have the best brews right at my taste buds. But when we’re not out sipping our way across the south bay and just want to bring a pack home, we like a little variety in our hops. A great variety pack we recommend, New Belgium Folly Seasonal brews. Are there fancier, more exciting beverages out there, yes, but if you’re looking for something inexpensive to sip while you’re unwinding by the fire, you can’t go wrong with New Belgium.

Minted
When Kevin asked me the other night why I was spending so much on greeting cards this year, I just stared at him blankly. Me? Use anyone but Minted? Silly boy, Target photos are for kids! I am smitten with Minted and I’ll scream it from a mountain top! Everything from their chic designs,  easy-to-use website, the fact that I’m supporting growing independent designers. LOVE.  It’s just a great company!

Sam Edelman
Boots. Boots. Boots. Every chance I get to wear anything but heels I jump all over it. I’ve already showed you my cognac riding pair by Sam Edelman from this fall, but my new Louies are just as cute to boot. Sorry, couldn’t resist! Great quality and comfort. Highly recommend!

Soft Pillow Curls
I have naturally wavy hair which has both its ups and downs. It’s wonderful when I want to rock the beach bum look and not do a thing to my hair, and horrible when they only look I’m going for is the sleek, professional one. Since the majority of my week is spent in the office, alas, no beach bum girl. The almost daily blow dryer takes a toll on my locks, especially in the chill of the cold winter air. I’ve tried many products over the past few years, trying to find a way to control my waves and be able to sport them in the office. Enter Soft Pillow Curls. A dab of this after each shower softens my hair and controls the unwanted frizz, making my hair conference room suitable. It’s not sticky, greasy or expensive. It gives you exactly what it’s named.

Stella & Dot
Aside from my little gold stand necklace that I wear almost daily, I’m not a fancy, expensive jewelry kind-a-girl. If you want to buy me high-end designer jewelry, that’s wonderful, but you better darn well make sure it’s insured! Fashion jewelry on the other-hand, LOVE the stuff. It makes for a fun outfit and if something does happen to it, well, it’s not the end of the world and your significant other won’t beat you to death over it. Stella and Dot is my new favorite trendy jeweler. They have the most fun designs that won’t break your budget. Be sure to peruse their statement necklaces for a punch of color this holiday season.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Bacon Layer Pie – Oh My!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bacon Layer Pie

Normally, I am the most organized individual when it comes to any type of hosting function, especially holidays where there is an array of food involved. This Thanksgiving is not that case. Lack of detail on where we’re physically going to be this turkey day has thrown a metaphorical wrench into my usually, quite perfect if I do say so myself, day.

So if you’re like me (this one-time-only) and haven’t the slightest clue what you’re going to make aside from the turkey, might I recommend one of the greatest desserts you’ll ever stuff into your mouth. It’s not pumpkin. It’s not pecan. But Lordy, it’s delicious and will surprise the heck out of your guests!

Bacon Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
Modified from the Milwaukee State Fair winning recipe by Lora Pelzak

Ingredients
½ package of bacon (fried and chopped into bits)
1-2 Bananas – sliced
1 Pie crust (scratch or box!)

Chocolate Sauce
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 Bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup sugar
1 Tbsp butter (softened)
1 tsp vanilla

Peanut Butter Filling
1 Package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
1 Cup creamy peanut butter
½ Cup sugar
1 Container of Cool-Whip

Pre-heat your oven to 450 degrees. Press your pie crust firmly against your pie pan, using a knife to frill your pie crust edges. Bake pie crust for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool while you make your pie filling.

In a small saucepan, heat evaporated milk, chocolate chips and ½ cup of sugar to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from stove top and stir in your butter and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer and mix together softened cream cheese, your remaining sugar and creamy peanut butter. Stir in Cool-whip until completely combined.

Pour all but a few Tablespoons of your chocolate sauce on the bottom of your baked pie crust. Slice bananas and place them evenly over the chocolate sauce. Cover with your peanut butter filling. Drizzle the remaining chocolate sauce on top of the peanut butter filling, creating a fun design. Refrigerate until ready to serve and when ready, sprinkle bacon bits a top of your pie. Serve with MUCH milk. You’re going to need it!
Note: The original recipe calls for two layers of bacon—one on the bottom and one on the top. I personally believe your bacon becomes chewy and blah when left between the sauces like that, and since I like my bacon hot and crispy, I reserved the whole lot for the very top!