Friday night links + An Olympic weekend

via Fancy

Here is an extra long list of links accumulated over the week:

Carmadgeddon is coming back. (via LA County)

Want. (via Herschel Supply)

The challenges of making friends as adults. (via NY Times)

Breaking Bad's hairstylist. (via Chun Li's Spinning Bird Kick)

Seals are dog mermaids. (via I Raff I Ruse)

These balloon lights. (via Voltex Store)

Scientists have made artificial jellyfish from rat hearts. (via Nature)

Oops. Scientists have also doomed us all. (via Disclose)

Trailer for The Master is out. (via Youtube)

Hidden NYC subway. I love this kind of stuff. (via Fast Co.design)

If I wasn't so lazy, I would try to win this. (via flavorpill)

Lenovo's CEO gives his bonus to 10,000 employees. Now I'm extra glad I just bought their laptop. (via Dailytech)

Bill Murray  Kaiser Soze is now party-crashing all over the United States. (via Super Official News)

Have a fantastic weekend! And remember the Opening Ceremony is tonight!

via Fancy

Team eXtreme + LA vs. SF car rally

In college, several friends and I started this silly, unofficial club called Team eXtreme (name to be taken extremely seriously) and went bungee jumping, sky diving, white-water rafting, and laser-tagging (also to be taken seriously) together every couple of semesters.

via Pinterest

A few weekends ago, we met up again for a car rally. Six friends and I drove from 11:30PM until 6PM the next day to look for the checkpoints (abandoned oil refineries, old missile bases, beautiful chapels) the organizers had entrusted us to find. Once we arrived, we had to hike, hop fences, climb over barbed wire, etc. to take a picture as proof. Along the way, there were vicious (but ultimately friendly) egg/condiment fights with other teams. And at the end, we met up with some friends from SF, who also had had their own checkpoints to complete. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun, and I probably won't do something so nonsensical again for a long time.

via Rental Car Rally

One of the things I most appreciated was the enthusiasm most of these participants had. There were more than 50 teams and many of them spent weeks preparing their costumes, decorating their cars, and matching their supplies with their themes (examples: Mario Kart team threw bananas, Ice Cream truck team left sundaes on everyone's cars). A couple of teams even bought an old limo and bus to compete in.

Shandon Chapel (one of the checkpoints) via gather

Although this wasn't the most dignified or intellectual event, the participants of the rally inspired me, and I could definitely learn something from them. Seeing these people in full costumes and ecstatically completing tasks even after several hours on the road, I felt as if this is the way life is meant to be lived. They signed up for something and committed 100% to it. Better yet, they stayed positive and cheerful the whole time.Whether my idea of a good time is eating my way through a seven-course meal, spending the night playing Taboo, signing up for a crazy car rally, or all of the above, this is how I want to live: fully, excitedly, and a little bit foolishly.

Friday night links + A sunny weekend

via eatdrinkchic

I definitely agree that changing one thing can lead to better habits all around. (via Refinery29)

Essential for ice cream cone parties. (via Oh Happy Day)

Despite recently discovering how terrible colored jeans look on me, I want a pair of these. Terribly. (via Arnsdorf)

I watched Moonrise Kingdom the other day and loved it. Like any other Wes Anderson movie, it was whimsical, witty, and visually gorgeous. It was also a bit sweeter than most of his movies and had some of my favorite actors. (via Youtube)

Speaking of fantastical movies, the trailer for Oz. (via Youtube)

I don't usually think of good service as the norm or even a necessity at a KBBQ restaurant, but Genwa had such great service that I feel obligated to point it out. (via Yelp)

Restaurant week is happening in LA for the next two weeks! (via dineLA)

And to offset that cost, freebies are happening everywhere. (via LA Times)

Happy National French Fry Day everyone. Have a great weekend!

via eatdrinkchic

Friday night links + A colorful weekend

via Design*Sponge

Rainbow-colored architecture to brighten your day. (via Flavorwire)

Here are several suggestions of foods that will help with your beauty issues. According to this, I will need lots and lots of vitamin C. And salmon. And lemons. And everything else that's healthy. (via Refinery29)

QR codes on your headstone--would you get one? (via Atlantic)

In the media spotlight A LOT this week...Katie Holmes. (via Lainey Gossip)

Steve Nash. (via LA Times)

Frank Ocean. (via Slate)

Higgs Boson explained for people like me. (via Laughing Squid)

One of many Olympic issues. (via Atlantic)

Top 10 books read based on the numbers printed and sold. (via Visual News)

17 tips to make life easier. Must try #7 and #12. (via Aimless Direction)

15 offbeat holidays to celebrate in July. I can't wait for National French Fries Day. (via mental_floss)

For now, let's just enjoy International Kissing Day. Have a good one ♥.

Lady Danville + The Last of Summer

The flipped-over van on their album cover is from an accident they had while touring. via Lady Danville

Now that I have around a month left before starting law school, I've been trying to cram as many local events as I can before leaving. I was lucky enough to see Lady Danville play at Grand Performances this past Sunday, and it felt like I was experiencing the epitome of a SoCal summer. The weather was the perfect amount of sunny, the venue was beautiful, the drinks were plentiful, and the talented band (from Los Angeles!) had a sound that was just too easy to love. I'm going to miss this place.

Friday night links + A hot weekend

via Pinterest

Five Olympian diets. I'm a big fan of the "eat whatever I want" diet. (via mental_floss)

DTLA sample sales going on today. Hurry! (via LA Fashion District)

This sounds fun. There's going to be an all-white dinner picnic happening in a secret LA spot. According to the past pop-up dinners held in SF and Chicago, there will be thousands of strangers. I wish I could make it! (via Urban Daddy)

This Santa Monica deal sounds great too: $10 for 60 minutes of margarita, an additional drink, and a $30 credit for car service. (via Thrillist Rewards)

I don't usually read Fox News, but I was sent this article about what minor skin conditions on the face mean, and it actually makes a lot of sense. (via Fox)

Untrue, but something to live by anyway. (via A CUP OF JO)

Delicious. (via Coffee & the Newspaper)

Giant banana split party. (via Oh Happy Day)

via Pinterest

Have a good one ♥.

Friday night links + An exotic weekend

via Fancy

Some women can see more colors than the rest of us. How cool is that? (via reddit)

Screening of Dirty Dancing tonight with salsa lessons. Why not. (via Dance Camera West)

LA pools to visit this summer. (via Racked LA)

Build-a-Bear idea for Charm City Cakes bakery. (via LA Eater)

These literary posters for the BART are awesome. (via Owen Smith Art)

Food designs! (via Flavorwire)

Must have this immediately. (via A CUP OF JO)

This couple waited until their wedding day to have their first kiss. That's impressive. (via A CUP OF JO)
 
Clothing with SPF. (via Refinery29)

Pictures that will restore your faith in humanity. (via Buzzfeed)

Have a great weekend! ♥

Friday night links + A cool weekend

via Lunchbox Brunch

Things to do in LA. Now that I'm going to be leaving this beautiful city for at least three years, I better go down this list. (via Refinery29)

Terrible animal fathers. It's time to call them out on it. (via mental_floss)

Color of the moment (and every summer really). (via Creature Comforts Blog)

Simple, but stylish snacks for summer movie nights. (via Oh Happy Day)

This photo is amazing. (via rock n roll)

I'm keeping it short this week. Have a good one!

via Just One Cookbook

Happy 65th Langers + Free pastrami sandwiches

via Langers Deli

Yum.

Friday night links + A lazy weekend

via HuffPo

The photos on this food blog are absolutely gorgeous. (via Roost)

Speaking of which, Nami's strawberry cheesecake ice cream has me drooling. (via Just One Cookbook)

Things to do in LA this summer. (via Refinery29)

If you're in SF, this event looks fun. And free. (via Flavorpill)

DIY cupcake stand. (via Oh Happy Day)

What is the mystery flavor in Dum Dums? We finally have the answer. (via mental_floss)

Puns. (via Buzzfeed)

Oh Severus Snape. (via gryffindorswagmaster)

A comedic Puritan. (via swiss-miss)

Love the neon pink. (via Cupcakes and Cashmere)

This wooden light-bulb. (via Fukusada Design)

via Roost

Have a great weekend ♥.

Friday night links + A wonderful weekend

via Fancy

Is it Friday already? I have to make my final decision for law school next Monday! Unless I get off a wait-list, I've narrowed down my choices to either moving to Wisconsin or staying in LA. I really like the school in Madison, but the idea of leaving California leaves me torn. What to do?

I also have to keep my resolution of taking a MIT class☺. Physics stopped me, but I'm excited to hear that Harvard is joining the game. I'll update you on when they offer the next class! (via NY Times)

The Ultimate Volcano Adventure involves exploring-you guessed it-the inside of a volcano. Sign up here. (via Black Tomato)

All of the Earth's water. (via USGS)

I love this adorable mini BBQ/herb pot. (via Charles&Marie)

13 year-old sells out a restaurant's seating for the night. I'm not sure how to feel. (via Eater LA)

How trendy are these iPhone business cards? (via swiss-miss)

Cute. And somehow chic. (via Zara)

Beautiful flower light. (via Design*Sponge)

An honest post about how blogs over-embrace perfection and sweep real life under the rug. I have to admit that I like seeing (and posting) pretty things and shy away from anything too personal or serious, but it's nice to read such genuine thoughts and opinions. (via Creature Comforts)

Have a great weekend everyone, and remember to spend time with your momma ♥.

via Fancy

Friday night links + A fantastic weekend

via Colossal

More art, this time of the wire-mesh variety. It is a little spooky, but it's also completely amazing. (via Colossal)

This camera poops its pictures out. I wonder why this never took off. (via technabob)

If you think people are judging you every second of every day, you might be right. (via the Onion)

Hilarious Avengers mashup. (via Flavorpill)

Seattle has vigilantes and villains. (via Buzzfeed)

Laser-cut seaweed makes pretty sushi. (via The Fox is Black)

These Cinco de Mayo cupcakes are asking to be eaten. (via Pinterest)

DIY braided bracelet. (via State of Unique)

Clever and colorful DIY fruit balloon garland. (via Oh Happy Day)

18 lesser known gardens in LA. (via Curbed LA)

17 offbeat holidays celebrated in May. May the fourth be with you indeed. (via Mental Floss)

via Colossal

Friday night links + A persevering weekend

via Design*Sponge

Are you wondering why I decided to post a picture of a wall, even if it is a very nice wall? It's because it happens to be hand-painted by cake-maker/business owner Ava Rostin and took over a year to complete! In case you couldn't already tell, I am very much in awe of her patience and skill.

Another example of patience: a man edits 1,000,000 Wikipedia articles for free. (via Gizmodo)

It's been awhile, but...sample sales are back! If you're in LA, eight are available for your pleasure from 9:30-5PM. That's a full day of work, so get busy. (via Racked LA)

This summer, you can join a big LA vs. SF car rally that involves exploring abandoned mine shafts and egg fights in the middle of the night. I understand the thrill of scavenger hunts, but I wouldn't volunteer my car to be egged and pelted with smoke bombs. If you have an extremely nice friend or an extremely old car, it costs $142 per carload. (via Thrillist)
 
Witty thank you notes from the famous. (via Mental Floss)

Love this canary yellow + violet blue combo. And drooling over those sandals. And that ring! (via Creature Comforts Blog)

Like many, I believe breakfast is good for you, but these precise percentages do make me scoff. The illustrations accompanying the statistics, however, are much too cute to ignore. (via Co.Exist)

Beautiful before + after. (via Design*Sponge)

I'll be going to more law school events (still!) this weekend and am also planning on working in some shopping. There's a beauty event going on at the cosmetics section in Bloomingdales; I have some store credit at Macy's left to spend, and I want to look for a gift for Mother's Day. I'm trying my hardest to make up for not buying that Zara dress a few of posts down...although that definitely wasn't from lack of effort. It's not available in store or online! I sense a conspiracy. Maybe.

Have a great weekend as always, everyone ♥.

Friday night links + A joyous weekend

via Etsy

I'm running out of adjectives to describe a weekend.

These pictures of ants acting like humans are admittedly staged by the the photographer, but haven't been photo-shopped...real or not real? (via Lensart)

What a great application letter. (via everyday's a weekend)

Custom made jeans for $200+ in LA. (via den.m bar)

Starbucks will soon be serving beer + wine. (via Racked LA)

I wouldn't say these are the ten best authors of children's literature, but they are pretty darn awesome. (via Flavorwire)

By mimicking nature, a single robot fish can now lead a whole school of real fish. Scientists and engineers hope to use these robots to steer large groups of fish (and other animals) away from environmental disasters. Technology is so amazing, life-changing, and also, more than a little frightening. (via Science Daily)

I'm keeping this one short and sweet. Hopefully, Wisconsin is being good to me, and you're having a wonderful time wherever you are as well. Have a good one. ♥

Friday night links + A wild weekend

via The Fancy (Click here for panoramic views.)

As this person astutely pointed out, MIT's free classes for anyone will have their first course beginning March 5th. However, "[i]n order to succeed in this course, you must have taken an AP level physics course in electricity and magnetism." I guess that means I'll wait for the next one. Good luck to anyone who wants to take it! (via MITx)

In the meantime...edible spray paint. (via The Deli Garage)

LACMA will soon have a levitating 240 ton boulder. This is where it will reside. (via LA Curbed)

Topshop is coming to the Grove. (via LA Racked)

I want this bike planter! Step #1: Get a bike. (via Etsy)

Oh GOOP, you are the worst. But I'm still envious that José Andrés will just drop by and cook for her. (via goop)

This light. (via Established & Sons)

Have a good one!

Friday night links + An adorable weekend

via light switch raves

Before/afters are generally inspiring, but this one amazed me. I did not know you could PAINT a sofa. (via Design Sponge)

This bathroom is too chic. (via Jacuzzi)

These earring are beautiful. (via anthropologie)

This collection is gorgeous. (via Creature Comforts Blog)

These LA brunch spots look delicious. (via Refinery29)

This blows my mind. (via Jay Mug)

Ugh, I'm experiencing this right now. (via quickmeme) 

And on that note, I really need to remind myself to follow this...especially when I start law school. (via swissmiss)

Have a good one ♥.

via favim

Friday night links + A lovely weekend

Artic char gravlax at Spago

How will you be celebrating the infamous Valentine's holiday? Dinner by candle-light? Cheery picnic? Romantic movie? Will you be busy at work or in school? I'll...be going to a tea party...Here are a few more options!

How the 1% spend Valentine's in Los Angeles. (via Refinery29)

Pizza Hut is offering a romantic package for only $10,010. It includes a ruby ring, fireworks, flowers, limo service, pictures, videos, and of course, a delicious pizza pie. What a deal. (via Pizza Hut)

If that's a little too traditional for you, Petit Ermitage is offering a package for $595...for threesomes. I kid you not. (via Petit Ermitage)

A creative, handmade Scrabble Gram anyone can make. (via Oh Happy Day)

And if you're looking to put in a little more effort, this amazing-looking Nama Chocolate would make a wonderful gift. Or a nice dessert. Or midnight snack. (via Just One Cookbook)

Linsanity's cute and nerdy handshake. (via Youtube)

I died too. (via everyday's a weekend)

Puppy Conan! (via Team Coco)

I have been eating out way too much and am going to have to start packing my lunch at the very least. But I wanted to post a quick review of notable places I visited these past few weeks.

Spago was the epitome of class. The service was attentive, but not overbearing. The decor was quiet and refined. And most importantly, the food was delicious.

Little Next Door, on the other hand, was a terrible experience. I had friends drive over an hour for that mess. This sums up our night.

Finally, I went to a screening of This Means War at the Grove last night (not very good, but a few laughs), and they offered free appetizers and drinks at The Farm of Beverly Hills beforehand. The service was great, and the food was great. It's a small, chic place that I definitely plan on visiting again. We could've ended it there as a free night out, but of course, we decided to cross something off our restaurant list by visiting Red Medicine. I felt like I enjoyed the food more than my friend and found each dish to be well-done and very pretty to look at (I am such a sucker). The drinks were weak, and everything was over-priced, but I want to go again anyway. I guess I haven't learned my lesson yet.

Whatever you're doing this weekend, whether it's a night out or a night in, have a lovely one ♥.

Bitter chocolate at Red Medicine

Friday night links + A super-duper weekend

via The Fancy

A couple of my friends have been sending me these really interesting articles/videos lately. I love the puppy videos (keep sending them, please!), but I also appreciate these discussions that have been springing up. This video by RSA is about our education system. It's worth watching just to see the very cool animation and drawings, but the speaker also brings up some interesting points. For the most part, I feel like he doesn't come up with any solid alternatives, but I do agree with most of the issues he brings up. What do you think? (via Youtube)

This article about ending friendship is also worth reading. It's kind of scary to think about, but I'm sure everyone has felt this way about someone at one point or another. (via A CUP OF JO)

The second Hunger Games trailer. You know how I feel about trailers. (via THR)

Every Tuesday this February, Currywurst is serving free sausages for 20 minutes and 12 seconds starting at 7pm. If you're in the area, tell me how they are! (via LA Weekly Blogs)

A zombie role-playing game. You can download it for free. Why not. (via Outbreak Undead)

If the Superbowl isn't your thing, Jason Wu for Target is released in stores and online this Sunday. Even if shopping also isn't your thing, you can probably sell them for profit you get your hands on some of the items. (via LA Racked)

If Giants vs. Patriots is your thing, these sound like appropriate snacks. Have a good one! (via Flavorwire)

via The Fancy

Wednesday wishes + DineLA

Just a reminder that DineLA is happening these next two weeks (minus Saturday), and it's the perfect excuse opportunity for you to try some of LA's finest offerings for a reasonable (kind of) price. I'm going to Spago for lunch tomorrow and Little Next Door sometime next week, and I hope they live up to their hype. I'm already picturing the beautifully-plated food. The creative dishes. The desserts. I'm excited!

via Yelp

New + Newer

Resolution #4: Cut back on the old and try the new.

Embarking on a new adventure is like unwrapping a present, no? via Hellovina

Trying new things has never been a problem for me, but I definitely want to up my game this year. Now that we have technology at our fingertips, looking up a novel place has never been easier. I don't want to visit the same old fast-food joint for the sake of convenience or do the same old things just because it's familiar. I want to develop new hobbies and try different activities. I want to meet new people and visit unexplored grounds.

Even if the subject at hand is as simple as a restaurant, I would rather try one I haven't been to before. I know I've already mentioned this place, but La Descarga sounds so interesting to me. Entering a bar thru a wardrobe? It's like a grown-up Narnia. Plus, Brangelina has graced the dance floor with their moves. What other shallow reason do I need?

And since I've been taking way to long on these resolutions, I'll include my last one too.

Resolution #5: Better posture! So I can look more confident, burn more calories, and act less like a turtle. Win win win.

via someecards