I’m a big fan of Mrs. Lilien, the charming gal behind the effervescent blog of the same name, so when I spied her ultra-chic swatch book of cocktails I just had to get it. We love concocting cocktails and Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook features 50 recipes (a Mrs. Basil Rita anyone?) along with tips for serving in style.
It’s not even my birthday yet, but we decided to celebrate early since my family and I were together for the holiday weekend. I was actually supposed to be born on my mom’s birthday, but she insisted that the scheduled C-section be moved forward so that I didn’t have to share my birthday with her — pretty thoughtful!
We had a dual celebration that included lunch at Le Pain Quotidien and dinner at Pizzeria Mozza’s Newport Beach outpost. I received a beautiful new Hayden-Harnett wallet (I had my previous one for nearly a decade!) and the coolest bicycle accessories for my new bike that my husband got me (mine’s blue). I’m extra excited for summer now!
Polka Dot Boater Hat / KHS Brentwood Ladies Bike / Electra Wicker Basket / Electra Bike Bell / HH Clutch Wallet
I have lived in Brentwood for almost 14 years (what?!) and our little village is having quite a moment these days, with Intermix, Scoop, Jenni Kayne and Minnie Mortimer’s Mini Shop all opening in the last month. Known for a flurry of Italian restaurants (Vincenti, Sor Tino and Pecorino are my favorites), A-list celebrity sightings, pretty Coral Trees that line San Vicente, a Farmer’s Market and major walkability, Brentwood is a pretty amazing place to call home. Here are some of my favorite spots:
Brentwood Country Mart – Breakfast at Farm Shop is incredible, I get the best paper goods at Sugar Paper and chic baby presents at Poppy. Love the gorgeous blooms at Botany, cozy blankets at Calypso St. Barth and the retro U.S. Post Office. Oh and there are pony rides and a petting zoo on Sunday mornings for kids.
Tavern – I work from home so when it comes time for business meetings I almost always use Tavern’s larder and cafe area as a second office. Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s restaurant is one of my favorite dining rooms (pictured) in town.
Susie Cakes – I can walk to Pinkberry in less than two minutes, but if I go just a bit farther I can pick up sweet treats at Susie Cakes, the retro-style bakery known for all-American home style desserts.
Drybar – In between haircuts I rely on this blow dry bar to help me out for special occasions. You can’t beat the $35 price and they can do everything from stick straight to big curls.
Lemonade – Closer to the top of Barrington Ave. you’ll find Lemonade, a gourmet cafeteria featuring 20 marketplace salads, sandwiches and eight pot roasts, not to mention the five types of refreshing lemonade.
I can’t get enough of Lana Del Rey’s Born to Die. I don’t know if it’s because she came to fame via the internet, but people seem to love hating on her. I am not ashamed to say that I am a bona fide fan (yes, she can sing!) and pinup girl look. And that hair.
Photo by Mario Testino for British Vogue
Here are some cute shots from Lucky Photo Booth at our wedding. This is the best photo booth there is and the image quality is unlike anything I’ve seen! Immediately after our wedding they delivered a disc of color and black and white photos and it was pretty entertaining seeing what our friends and family were up to in there.
Are you watching Girls? I’m kind of obsessed with the HBO show, which follows four twentysomethings as they navigate life living in New York. From the hilarious dialogue to the humiliating life moments that are so perfectly captured, I always find myself disappointed when the 30-minute show is finished. Twenty five year-old Lena Dunham directs, stars in and writes the show, which blows me away.
