Friday night links + A happy weekend

via Fancy

Find out what's wrong with this order of pizza. (via imgur)

These cool-looking pools. I want to go to the second one! (via A CUP OF JO)

Also, these cool-looking floating docks. (via CanDock)

The White House Honey Porter. (via The White House Blog)

Speaking of which, President Obama on reddit. (via reddit)

Gorgeous DIY parachute ceiling for a wedding (or big party!). (via My Modern Met)

Teaching students code seems like a really smart idea. Way to go Estonia. (via Venture Beat)

Oh good, finally a pen for women. (via Amazon)

Is fall arriving? (via Refinery29)

The stopped clock illusion. (via BBC)

They are absolutely correct. Law school turns everyone into alcoholics. Don't quote me on that. (via Above the Law)

via Fancy

Slice of tea + Slice of life

via PACKAGING I UQAM

More tea-related items to lust after. This one, unfortunately, is just a design by Anne Ouellete, but I can easily imagine this taking off with the right promotion.

The packaging is beautiful, and you know what a sucker I am for that. I hope the designer makes this a reality!

Sugar cubes + Austin sweets

via Austin Sugarworks

How pretty are these beautifully-shaped and flavored sugar products for your coffee or tea? I think I would buy some just to impress the guests with.

Sunday Special + An amazing week ahead

So my best and worst suspicions are confirmed: law school is definitely an adventure. More on this later when I can be coherent about this, but I'm glad it's lazy Sunday after such an eventful week.

via A CUP OF JO

I have succumbed to the culture around here and got a bike to get to class! It has a cute basket for my heavy casebooks. And on the way, I saw these cool-looking domes. Davis hippies. (via Davis Wiki)

What good posture can do for you. I'm still working on mine. (via Time)

100 phone booths given a new look. (via Colossal)

35 animals and their miniatures. (via imgur)

How shark week got its start. (via Atlantic)

Chocolate goodness. I honestly bought some chocolate chip cookies after I saw these pictures. (via Creature Comforts)

Yum. Butterbeer jelly shots. (via Rock UR Party)

Some of the world's most expensive dishes. (via Business Insider)

Did you know Etsy hosts craft parties all around the world? Someone go with me! (via Etsy)

Liu Xiang is one of many great Olympic inspirations. (via Buzzfeed)

Calvin & Hobbes gifs. (via Calvin & Hobbes gifs)

Calvin & Hobbes also inspire people to come up with these interesting questions. (via reddit)

Have a good one ♥.

Saturday special + A hot weekend

I didn't get a chance to finish this post yesterday, so here is a weekend update! (And just a heads up, I might not be able to blog as regularly once school starts.)

Great collection of photos from the first nine days of the London Olympics. (via Atlantic)

Kale chips. Easy to make and they feel healthier than regular chips. I've been making these all week. (via Spice Ame Cooks)

Gross. Why do I still want to try it? (via Firebox)

This is a nice way of looking at accomplishment and compromise. (via swissmiss)

There's this running joke that I'm in love with birds. I'm not. But I think this salt bowl is super adorable. I'M NOT. (via Our Workshop)

I always forget if peeing on a jellyfish sting helps or is just a myth created to make people pee on their loved ones. The answer: don't do it. (via mental_floss)

What does the Mars rover landing and Community have in common? Stars. (via flavorpill)

Before/afters are always so inspiring. (via Design*Sponge)

Love love the kumquat centerpieces. (via Creative Comforts)

I got to amble in some sunflower fields this past week! It was beautiful and bee-filled.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

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 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 ♥.

Ice cream + Drinks

As you may know, I am an ardent fan of ice cream and therefore find these recipes irresistible. I'm definitely trying a couple of these soon.

via we all scream

The artist behind these recipes, Lili Chin, has more delicious creations on her tumblr.

Coffee lovers + Ingredients

I had no idea the espresso played such a big part in this coffee business. I'm excited for the next time I order a drink because I'll actually know what I'm drinking.

via Love always wins

Miles + Miles

I am about to embark on a law school visiting expedition. Starting from this Wednesday night, I'm heading pretty much straight from work to the airport to visit Wisconsin and will get back just in time for Monday. Following that, I plan to visit San Diego, go back to work, and then head over to Boston and New York for more law-related festivities. I'm also going to have to fit in watching The Hunger Games somewhere in all of this because you know...I've always been big on managing my priorities. It's going to be a tiring two weeks, but I'm excited to explore new places, eats lots of cheese and lobster (maybe not together), and visit/crash at my long-suffering cousins' and friends' places.

via Pretty Peach Peonies

As a result, the posts these couple of weeks might be on the skimpy side, but I'll try to write ahead of time. Focusing on Wisconsin, I'm planning on visiting the lakes, state parks and gardens, breweries and pubs, local shops, dairy farms, and of course, the school. I hope it goes well, and I'll have lots to update you on!

Freebies + Deals

Unknown source

Just a few freebies I really like and don't want you to miss out on:

via Sephora

On your birthday, Sephora will give you a nice mini-set if you sign up on its website. This year, the gift is a Sugar lip duo. Guys get lotion.

via His and Hers DIY

If you register a gift card, Starbucks will send you a swanky-looking postcard which entitles you to any drink (any size) at their store.

via The Markoff Group

Twitter is also a great way to get awesome deals and freebies. Sprinkles, for example, is well-known for tweeting a password everyday. Usually, the first 50 or so people to whisper the password at the bakery will get a free cupcake. Also, did you know they're opening a cupcake ATM? I'm not a big fan, but I will wait in line and buy a $4 cupcake just so I can try the machine. I know, I know. I'm every commercial's target audience.

Finally, Gilt City is a great way to see free movies before they're even released. Sometimes, they even provide drinks and appetizers! The only catch is that you have to RSVP as quickly as possible before space runs out. There's usually a screening every few weeks and the cities the rewards are available in include San Francisco, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, DC, Chicago, and Miami. I'm watching Friends with Kids this week at the Grove. Doesn't it look fun?

And there you have it ☺.

Honey badgers + Cocktails

It's finally Friday, and you know what that means.

Ingredients available via Buzzfeed

Consider the Honey Badger cocktail, which is the best possible name for anything. In case you're not familiar with honey badgers, this infamous Cracked article will tell you everything you need to know.

Good food + Good drinks

= great times.
Here's a little portion of what I devoured in 2011.

All pictures taken on my phone.

Friday night links + A resolute weekend

via Pinterest

It's Friday already. How are you doing on those resolutions this first week into 2012?

Apparently our problem isn't lack of motivation. It's not following-through. Oh, oookay. That solves everything. What the author is saying does make sense though. It's helpful to clearly identify the issues we actually need to work on, and he also has some useful tips for overcoming said issues. (via Harvard Business Review)

A plate for those (*ahem* me) who want to get into shape. (via Fishs Eddy)

Speaking of getting into shape, what do you think about those juice cleansers? Is it a miracle or scam? I've always wanted to try, but it's pricey. I think I'll try juicing my own fruits and veggies first to see if I can handle it. Joanna Vargas shares the necessary ingredients. (via DailyCandy)

But I'll start the week after I attend this all-day beer fest...don't judge. It benefits the Children's Tumor Foundation! (via Google Offers)

Machines now make your sushi just the way you like. Necessary? Apparently in Beverly Hills. (via U-Sushi)

This is so cool. (via Japan Trend Shop)

This trailer for the Oscars is not nearly cool enough. (via Youtube)

A nice, little poem for you to read out loud. If you get the whole thing right, I'll give you a cookie. (via Buzzfeed)

What do "bedtime stories for children you hate" sound like? (via Amazon)

Hilarious. Facebook is so judge-y. (via likeapairofbottlerockets)

Jenny Holzer, Mom, is on twitter. Also hilarious. (via @JennyHolzerMom)

Zoya is offering two free bottles of nail polish just because. But shipping is $7. It's for US citizens only :( and ends 8:59PM tonight. (via Refinery29)

Franky (dressed in black) is a guide dog for his blind friend, Elly. She leans on him so he can lead her. You're killing me, guys. Picture of the BFFs below.

(via Daily Mail)

I'm going to enjoy a slice of chestnut cake tonight, but I'm going to burn it off with a run too. Have a resolute weekend, everyone!

P.S. I just got accepted into my first law school an hour ago! ♥ 

Friday night links + Rockin' NYE weekend

via Pretty Peach Peonies

It feels like our lives are always in fast-forward. Can you believe it's the end of 2011 already? I hope I'll be more productive than I was this year...but we'll get to resolutions and reflection next week. For now, enjoy even more end-of-the-year lists!

Refinery29's fashion predictions. (via Refinery29)

LA's most dubious moments. I wish I had dinner on the 405. Or enjoyed Roscoe's with the President. Mmm..chicken. (via UrbanDaddy)

Also, LA's popular nightlife spots of the moment. (via UrbanDaddy)

6 reasons the Clippers might be better than the Lakers this year? Hey, I didn't write it. (via Guestofaguest)

11 things that might be more expensive next year. Hopefully not. (via Deal News)

20 of LA's biggest house sales...so I can use the phrase "in this economy?". (via Curbed)

80 party dresses. (via DailyCandy)

This list is silly. Like tigers could ever be "out". They're so furry! But there are some trends here to consider if you enjoy these things. (via Washington Post)

Go Irvine Law School. It's now on the list of impossible schools to get into. (via Thomson Reuters)

This last one might be pushing the theme a bit, but check out this list of celebrity faces on one person's face. She knows her makeup. (via 9gag)

And that's it. Have a rockin' New Year's Eve whether you're cozying up at home or partying it up at an exclusive nightclub. Just make sure your night doesn't turn out like this. See you all in 2012 ♥.

via 9gag

2011 Pretty Presents + From the procrastinator

You're 30 minutes late for that holiday party, and your hands are EMPTY. But it's okay. You've mastered this last-minute stuff by now.

by Bill Watterson via Pinterest

Swing by any grocery store, corner market, etc., and grab a bottle of champagne because everybody loves the bubbly. Plus, extra points for being festive.

via Pinterest

Where: Anywhere!
Price: $10 - $200 (It depends on how much guilt you have.)
Alternatives: Wine/beer/cider.


You don't have anything for your pen-pal, and it's Christmas the next day. Get him or her an Amazon gift card because they can get it instantly when you email it or post it on his/her Facebook wall so the whole world knows what a sweetheart you are.

via Pinterest

Where: Amazon
Price: Up to you.
Alternatives: Big sites like Ebay also provide certificates you can use on the spot.


We can't be friends if you can't enjoy the happiness that is cake. How cool is this one below?

via Pinterest

Where: Your local bakery
Price: Who cares? You're already late!
Alternatives: They ran out, huh? Holiday donuts it is!

I was hoping I would come up with more creative presents, but this was more difficult than I thought...and I kinda waited until the last minute to make this list. Check out this helpful list from Gawker.

via Gawker

Tip: Gift-wrap items like gift bags and tissue paper, ribbons and bows, and fancy boxes give your present more polish and pizzazz. The best part is that it takes less than a minute to put together.

Up next, my very last gift guide of the year!

2011 Pretty Presents + For the host/ess

Give something to your host/esses this year to show them how much you appreciate their efforts. It's a busy month with all the holiday bashes they'll be throwing.

See #6.

Something for them to unwind and de-stress before that next big soiree.

via Arch Daily

Where: Your favorite spa

Price: I recommend getting at least a $100 gift certificate if you choose to buy one. Otherwise, they'll be paying for half the gift themselves.

Alternatives: Throw a spa party to return the favor.

Help them keep the guests happy with this foosball table.

Where: Amazon

Price: $174.49

Alternatives: This tabletop one is much cheaper.

This is gorgeous.

Where: A+R Store

Price: $140

Alternatives: You can move on to this after or just get a self-watering planter if fish aren't for you.

Hosts usually take great pride in their homes, and this Chickadee smoke detector is sure to have them cooing (did I already use that joke?) away.

Where: Charles&Marie

Price: $66 (shipping varies)

Alternatives: Replace more unattractive household appliances with this cool-looking outlet.

Okay, this one might just be because I like cups and mugs (as you can see). But it's so pretty!

Where: Shop Modi

Price: $16 (+ $6 shipping)

Alternatives: This jug,  Sake Bombs, or the Bobble Filtering Water Bottle (I have one; either it works or I've been drinking dirty water.)

Show her that you know she's much more than just a good cook with these jeweled earrings.

Where: Anthropologie

Price: $38

Alternatives: More options here.

Felted soap to keep your guests clean and entertained.

Where: Etsy

Price: $18 (+ $3 shipping)

Alternatives: More designs here.

I love tearing the perforated edges of paper towels, and I can't be the only one. I wonder how tearing these fancy cotton napkins would be like. My hands are tingly just thinking about it.

Where: A+R Store

Price: $28 (+ $9 shipping)

Alternatives: These are some napkins you can personalize.

I hate to say it, but in this day and age, calendars are becoming a little...unnecessary. We have everything on our computers and phones, and they give out plenty of free ones at banks/stores. If we like to write things down, we usually turn to a sensible-looking planner. But calendars are becoming more creative every year, so I always end up getting one anyway. I like this calendar because there's also a drawn recipe each month!

Where: They Draw and Cook (Check out the rest of their recipes too. They're adorable.)

Price: $16 (+ $6 shipping)

Alternatives: There's also the Bubble-wrap calendar and plenty of more on Etsy. If you just want calendars for their pictures, I would buy them a couple months after the new year. They go from $20 to $1.

Nikki McClure's beautiful paper-cuts. I have a print of hers on my wall!

Next up: a gift guide to keep even the biggest spenders busy. ☺