Organic On a Budget

Keeping an organic home is fairly easy with so many grocery stores now offering clean food; however keeping an organic home on a budget – now that’s another story.  I decided to switch us over to a mostly organic and soy free home after listening to Jillian Michael’s podcasts during my commute to LA.  Once we moved to LA it seemed like a great time to start fresh so I made the switch as I had heard enough scary stuff to make anyone run to their local Whole Foods. 

Here are a few ways that I’ve cut costs while ensuring that our bellies are full on non toxic food:

Buy store brand organics – Whole Food’s 356 brand is one of my favorites!

Shop around – Certain items are cheaper to buy organic at Pavilions while others are cheaper at Sprouts.  Be willing to shop at multiple stores to get the best deal.

Buy in Bulk – We eat oatmeal for breakfast nearly every day.  Buying this item in bulk from Sprouts saves us tons of dough in the long run.

Know the dirty dozen – Even if you can’t afford to be fully organic at the moment, splurge on organic for the dirty dozen. http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

Go meatless 1-2 nights per week – Amy’s makes some great soups that can be paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or eaten on their own.  I’ve also really taken to chili.  Utilize other protein packed foods such as legumes and quinoa as the meal base a few nights a week and you will feel the difference in your wallet.

I Heart LA

The hubs and I officially became LA residents last December and have made an effort to embrace trying new restaurants when we do actually eat out.  Since the move I’ve received emails asking for suggestions of things to do/places to eat so I thought I’d compile a list of the not so obvious but not to miss LA goodies.  Keep in mind that my knowledge mostly revolves around the West Side and the Arts District.  Here we go and in no particular order…

1.  Little Bear – Delicious comfort food

Little Bear Ambiance

2. Church and State – Impeccable service

3. Poketo – Cutest little store ever that also happens to have been designed by the hubs!



Poketo

4. The Pie Hole – Seasonal pie centric meals – yum!

5.  Handsome Coffee – Incredible coffee and atmosphere with some very cool dudes serving up the coffee

6.  Gjelina – Again atmosphere – just be sure to make a reservation more than a week in advance as this is the Abbot Kinney hot spot of the moment

7.  Three Square Bakery – Two words…pretzel bread.  Plus a dog friendly patio.

3 Square Brunch Tasting

8. The Standard Downtown Rooftop – This has always been one of my favorite spots in town.  Take in the beautiful views on a sunny Sunday afternoon while relaxing poolside.

9. Pasadena Flee Market – Definitely worth the trip!

10. A Frame – An old IHop converted into a hip little restaurant with some really good eats.  I suggest trying the corn bread chicken salad.

11. Akasha – Who doesn’t love Downtown Culver City!? 

12. Pit Fire Pizza – I might be biased since they serve dairy free pizza but honestly who doesn’t like being served drinks while waiting in line?

13. Library Ale House – Fun little Santa Monica spot

14. Brick and Mortar – Located in a Frank Ghery designed shopping center, dog friendly patio, and bloody mary bar, need I say more?

15. Café Gratitude – Vegetarians this one’s for you!

16. Wurstkuche – Sausage of all kinds. This spot is definitely for the boys!

17. Cows End – Locals hang out in Venice that is great for breakfast.  Bring cash.

18. Coolhaus – From what I hear these ice cream sandwiches are to die for.  I miss out since I can’t have dairy – bummer.

19. Unique LA – Bringing modern made in America design to the masses - love it!


Unique LA Necklace

20. First Fridays Abbot Kinney – Food truck madness.




Good food + Friends

Keep Calm and Love English Bulldogs

The hubs and I have added a four legged furry family member to our bunch and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her.  We have named our four year old, Zoey and just adore her very full of expression face and doll of a personality.  We have the So Cal Bulldog Rescue to thank for bringing this little girl into our lives and for giving her a second chance at life.  She was previously owned by a breeder and after suffering from a prolapsed uterus, rendering her useless for future breeding efforts, the breeder sent his sister to have her put down.  Luckily the pound called the rescue, which had her spayed and found her forever home in us.  In the month we’ve had her, we’ve already had many adventures – from dog training, to a visit with Gavin, a bbq with friends, and a trip to the beach.  We are so blessed to have Zoey in our lives and look forward to many more escapades with our adorable bully.   

Right after we made the adoption official

Hugs from Gavin

Beach adventures

The life of a modern dog

Zoey LOVES her walks

Introducing Kensington Ryan Wedding and Event Design!

I am ecstatic to officially introduce Kensington Ryan Wedding and Event Design (www.kensingtonryan.com)!  Megan Davis, KR events Owner, is not only one of my best friends but she was also our extraordinary wedding coordinator.  I adore her beyond words and envy her ability to deliver one-of-a-kind events that uniquely express the personality of her client’s - and I promise you will giggle and have fun through the entire process.  She is sharp as a tact, charismatic like no other, and has a heck of a memory.  I believe in her abilities so much so that I even came out of blogger hibernation to share her new endeavor!  

Be sure to visit the KR events website and frequent their blog where you can find everything from a fun DIY craft to wardrobe ideas for all your special events!

Megan Davis and adorable son Beckham

Tis the Season for Scarfs and Boots

I am completely and utterly obsessed with scarf’s and boots, which can be confirmed by my ever growing collection.  One might think I lived somewhere other than the consistently sunny and 70 degree So Cal but I love that it gets just cold enough to rock my favorite fall/winter attire without having to deal with ice or snow. So you can imagine my delight when the last few weeks I could finally feel the chill in the air confirming that I have several months ahead where every outfit can be chic and cozy. 

I recently received an emailer from Rachel Zoe’s team with a link to a YouTube video (http://bit.ly/snPqar) where in under 5 minutes you can learn more ways to wear a scarf than I ever could have imagined - my heart about burst. A good scarf collection can add a pop of color or pattern to any neutral outfit and make it appear as though a professional stylist dressed you herself.  It really is all about accessories!  Not to mention that a beautiful scarf can make the perfect gift for any woman or man on your list.

Then there are boots - flat boots, tall boots, short boots, ankle boots, cowboy boots.  They really are the most comfortable yet fashionable footwear.  Rugged, sexy, edgy – you name it – there’s a boot to slip into for that and it will transform your entire outfit.  I do believe Steve Madden (www.stevemadden.com) is king of the affordable yet stylish stomper but I LOVE getting recommendations from others who have found their perfect boot, so please share yours with me so I can add them to my Pinterest board and lust after them.

What clothing item/accessory/shoe do you gravitate towards during the winter season?

Own It!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m all about supporting strong woman and that I love being surrounded by tough, smart, independent, beautiful ladies as it pushes me to be a better woman as well.  If you also know my friends, then you know that they all embody those adjectives.  However, sometimes even the strongest of us have self doubts and insecurities caused by scars life has left on us and for these moments I wanted to share the mantra of “THE Group” - you know who you are.  


This mantra was coined by one of the ladies in THE Group and basically is – own it!  It should be delivered with conviction and sass.  Not having a good hair day – own it! Feeling fat in that fabulous outfit – own it!  Don’t feel like you’re going to do well in a job interview – go in and own it!  You get the idea – now own it!  Thank you to THE Group, Megs, Audrey, Denise, Nicole and my other close girl friends for always being there to remind me that I also embody all those adjectives above. I know that I wouldn’t be half of who I am today without your constant love and support.

www.kristinrogersphotography.com

Jewelry that Rocks!

A friend and fabulous lady, Jessica McInnis, has tapped into her creativity and started a rad collection of jewelry that can be found on www.urbanearmor.com.  You would never know that during the day she's in accounting with all this style and beauty oozing out of her – she is the gorgeous gal modeling the jewelry on the site! 

I always love sharing a good find and this is definitely one of them. I’m sporting the jaw dropping statement necklace (shorter version of the Bevor) in the picture below but am also coveting the Gorget earrings on her site. 

The necklace was personally delivered to me by Jessica and be still my heart – the packaging is perfectly branded and just as fun as the necklace itself.  I’ve been rocking my present from her a few times a week ever since – thanks Jessica!