A day in the sun

I just got back to the room after a couple of lazy hours out in the sun. And this year's first dip in the pool - check!

Hi from Paso Robles

Caesar Salad with grilled(!) romaine lettuce - I've never had that before.

Of course wine is everywhere.

Such a lovely bed to be greeted by after a long drive.

I woke up to sunshine and the wonderful scent of coffee and room service breakfast this morning (plus some loud next door neighbors but let's forget about that...) and last night when reaching the charming Paso Robles Inn, after a long car drive from LA, a nice dinner was just what I needed before hitting this cozy bed. Today I'm planning a little sight seeing and shopping in downtown Paso Robles.

Topshop to LA

Yes, it's true! The British favorite is soon not only available in NY here in the US but by February of 2013, also in LA. And if we are lucky, perhaps sooner - around Christmas of 2012. The chosen place for the California store will be at the Grove. Yay!

Paso Robles here I come!

Today I'm leaving for a little get a way. I'm going to beautiful wine country Paso Robles for a few days, to stay at a relaxing resort and just enjoy the lovely scenery. I'm excited to leave LA behind for a while. Everybody needs to get a way every now and then.

And this dress!

Cute!

Marni for H&M March 8th

The Italian designer debuts its H&M collaboration in only three days. It's full of cute dresses and fun jewelry and a cool men's line as well. But my excitement disappeared when I realized I will be out of town Thursday - in Paso Robles wine county, far away from any H&M store. Suppose I can always rely on the online option.. Anyway, here are some fun looks from the collection!

"Restaurant weekend"

The past weekend was a busy but fun one for me. I spent it in good company over some great food & conversations. Friday night a dinner at Luna Park - a laid back neighborhood get together with a fun bar area and yummy dishes. (But it gets quite noisy so it's not the best alternative for a date night.) And then Saturday at Jones in West Hollywood. This place is a favorite, with it's crowded lively bar and cozy but yet upbeat dining area. Finally, a Sunday latte with lots of foam and a croissant at Leon Cafe in Glendale ended the weekend indulgences. Oh, and some meatballs at IKEA!

Happy Friday!

I'm ringing in the weekend with some newly baked cookies.

Another surprise package from Sweden!

Favorite magazines and favorite chocolate. Thanks Mom!

A sucky movie & a rat

I watched Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" last night. I've been looking forward to seeing it and was glad it finally happened. I mean it was Oscar nominated as best movie and I've heard such good things about it. But what a disappointment! I think it really sucked. Such a ridiculous boring movie! I literally don't understand the praise at all, I'm so stunned. My choice of sweets for the movie wasn't perhaps much better...a giant licorice gummy rat! I'm actually very scared of rodents and I almost had a hard time eating it but it was a gift and I'm usually not the one to turn candy down....Would you bite its tail?

MAIF sweets

Mmm, I would LOVE to take a bite of one of these goodies - cakes with my soccer team's logo on. Mom sent me the picture. I wonder if I could bake something similar myself...

New Gucci bag

I bought this vintage Gucci tote at a celebrity estate sale last weekend. How do you like it? I think it's a such a perfect size and chic look for any occasion. I have so many handbags but I don't think I can ever have enough. Of course I love shoes too but I would definitely say I'm a "bag lady" :)

Monday chicken

I figured the premiere of my new plates deserved something special, so for dinner tonight I tried out this new recipe I had just found. Chicken filets in the oven with a sauce of cream, cream cheese with herbs and garlic flavor, chicken stock and white wine. To be served with rice and a salad. Mmm, I will definitely be making this one again. It went super fast too. I love recipes like that, because even though I love cooking I don't want to be standing in the kitchen forever, mixing hundreds of ingredients together.

Oscar Sunday

I've been putting away way too many hours in front of the TV, watching the Oscars of course. The airing started with the red carpet already at 1.30 so I don't even want to count the entire amount of time being glued to the screen... Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab wore one of my favorite dresses and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie - always the golden couple. And the gala? Unfortunately I hadn't seen many of the nominated movies this year but I'm looking forward to catching up coming Friday nights when feeling like watching a movie but never knowing which one to pick.

Kate for Mango

European fashion chain Mango 2012 spring campaign. These pictures are beautiful, my favorite model and outfits I would wear any day. Simply love all around.

My new plates

I usually set the table in black or white so I thought it would be fun with a change and bought these bluish ones. But I'll get the black&white addition with the napkin instead  ;)