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!

Wednesday wishes + Climbing the world's tallest tree

The world's tallest known tree happens to be in California, and I would love to reach the top (probably while sobbing in fear). The 379 feet, 4 inch  "Hyperion" is hidden in plain view somewhere in the Redwood National Park and displaced the "Stratosphere Giant", shown below, after four short years. Can you point out the three people climbing the giant?

More info via NPR

Friday night links + An amazing weekend

Tomorrowland stage via My Modern Met

Olympians and Kinesio tape. (via mental_floss)

And where they're living in London. (via i Design Arch)

McKayla Malroney's vault as depicted by Stephen Colbert. (via flavorpill)

The royals being super cute...yes, I'm still talking about the Olympics. (via Huffington Post)

Also cute. (via everyday's a weekend)

25 ways to use balloons creatively. (via Babble)

Oh my sweet lord these look delicious. (via Just One Cookbook)

35 words added to the Oxford English Dictionary. (via mental_floss)

I don't care if this is a viral ad. The guy dog is photogenic. (via reddit)

Blogging as a career. Joanna Goddard sounds incredibly smart and hard-working. (via A CUP OF JO)

Lake Retba is naturally pink due to its high salt content. Awesome picture below. (via Black*Eiffel)

I'm moving up to Davis tomorrow! Thank you to everyone who made my last couple weeks so memorable. I'll see you all soon.

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

Sunflower fields + Appropriate ambling attire

via Fancy

I wish they had outfitted the poor model with clothes since I'm sure there must be bugs everywhere in this flower field, but it looks like a gorgeous place to be regardless, no? 

Creativity + Tree lines

Another simple idea executed beautifully. How trippy are these photographs?

via The Design Ark

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

Yueyaquan Lake + An oasis

via Fancy

Night lights + Inverted skies

via Colossal

Art installations are created by photographer Lee Eunyeol. These photographs are stunning.

Friday night links + A blooming weekend

via Fancy

It's Friday already. Again.

This week, Facebook buys Instagram. (via Instagram)

Vocal fry and uptalk. It's really interestaaannnng? (via NY Times)

Snoop Dogg's upcoming book can be smoked. In other news, no one is surprised. (via Gawker)

These pictures make my mouth water. Someone make me some Korokke! (via Just One Cookbook)

There was a stylish lady on the subway who rocked some Oxfords, and I've wanted a pair ever since. (via Nordstrom)
  
I also want these sandals. Just because. (via Free People)

It's gloomy and dreary today, but it's definitely spring. There are cherry blossoms everywhere. I've noticed them in Wisconsin, Boston, New York, and even in smog-filled Los Angeles. I hope you've been enjoying the blooms as much as I have. ♥

via Fancy

Wednesday wishes + Tents in the air II

Last week's tent is clearly part of the training required for camping in these. I...would not be doing any jumping around here.

via EMAC

Wednesday wishes + Tents in the air

I can see myself jumping around and breaking the tent, but the thought of falling would not stop me from camping in this should the opportunity ever arise. It just looks like too much fun.

via Tentstile

Snow walks + Exercise

Artist Simon Beck walks for hours to create these beautiful images in the snow. The reason?

For exercise.

via My Modern Met

Friday night links + A fantastic weekend

via The Atlantic

This is awesome. And pretty. And creative. (via Griottes)

Kitty day spas. (via Lustik)

I want this more than last Friday's bike planter. Step #1 is still getting a bike. (via A CUP OF JO)

More Community fan-art. This time, they're drawn as Charlie Brown characters. (via CinemaBlend)

If you have time, Black Tomato is offering a 32 island tour of Mozambique. (via Black Tomato)

Butterfly beer cans. (via My Modern Met)

Literature for babies. (via Babble)

via The Atlantic

These pictures are two of 50 finalists for Smithsonian's annual photo contest. Have a fantastic weekend!

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 + A bright weekend

via The Fancy

More trees! Click here for pink and pinker ones. This scenic spot is photo-shopped sadly, but it'd be lovely to drive through regardless of the color.

Blackberrys, Apples, and Androids -- can't we all just get along? (via 9gag)

10 ways to start eating better. I hope cereal really isn't that bad or I'll end up like this Fat Tony the Tiger. (via Simple Organic)

How to troll someone who gives out too much information on Facebook. I would not mind subscribing to Cat Facts. (via reddit)

Picnik is closing in April :(. I've been shopping all my photos here. (via Picnik Blog)

In case you missed it, the highlights of the President's State of Union Address. I hope even a third of these priorities get worked on. (via NY Times)

The Oscar nominations. Do you see your favorites on the list? I'm sad Drive didn't get any love. (via Oscar)

Have a bright one☺.

Wednesday wishes + Daring

via Pinterest

Would you do this? 

Hollywood + Holidays

all pictures taken from my cousin's phone.

For the holidays, a few of my relatives came to LA for the first time in several years, and I was nervous about what to show them since they were from San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston; all amazing cities in their own right. But it turned out great, and we ended up bonding at some of LA's most touristy and surprisingly beautiful areas.

First, we hit up San Gabriel Valley for some of its best dim sum. Then, we swung by Hollywood Blvd to visit Grauman's theater and buy matching t-shirts so we could look like tourists together. Once we saw the Hollywood sign, we decided it had to be hiked. I thought it was a creative activity to do on Christmas day, but there was definitely more people than I expected. Still, we were all grateful for the 70°F weather and found the view gorgeous from all sides.

Since the hike was more easier than expected, we still had the energy to head over to Santa Monica beach and managed to catch the sunset, as well as several talented street performers. There was also a crowd at Santa Monica, and all the attractions were open, much to our delight.

Our last stop was at the trendy Class 302 since we wanted to see some snow on Christmas. It was cold by then, and we might have been shivering a bit, but it was oh so delicious.

I wish I had remembered to take pictures of our pretty tree with all the presents...guess it'll have to wait until next year ☺.

2011 Pretty Presents + For the socially conscious

My last and possibly the most important gift guide. I have to admit I'm not the most socially conscious, but I'm working on it. Even while some of us are celebrating one of the most commercial holidays of the year, I hope we can still do it in a fun, festive, and giving way.

via le Love

Plant a tree in your favorite person's name with Tree People, American Forests, or International Tree Foundation. It starts at only $25.

via Pinterest

There's a site called Oxfam where you or anyone you know can buy things like books for schools, a well for a community, or even a donkey. You can go one step further by making a wishlist, and send it to all your family and friends. Instead of getting another elephant figurine to dust, you can feel great knowing that your gift-givers (and you!) are helping out. Prices start at $12.

via Pinterest

DailyCandy has a list of Gifts That Give Back.
My personal favorite from the list is this cool-looking leather keychain. Half the proceeds go to Japan Relief.

Where: Me and Arrow
Price: $16 (free shipping)
Alternatives: These scissors are also really awesome with each purchase funding 25 cups of food.

There are so many options out there. Volunteer for whatever cause you believe needs the most help! If you get a tree, make sure to take it out to be recycled. Make presents this year (and save money) or buy hand-made. When you wrap your gifts this year, feel free to get creative. I like to use Trader Joe's bags to wrap presents and old ribbons/knickknacks to decorate. This year, I'm going to try and see if I can make it without buying any wrapping paper. And I'll definitely be supporting one of these organizations.

I think it's okay to revel in presents as long as we aren't excessive about it. Of course, the definition of that word is hard to pin down, but as long as we do our best to help out and actually work on those goals every year, we should also remember to enjoy the holidays for whatever they mean to each of us.

via A Little Hut

I'll be out celebrating a friend's birthday tonight, so there won't be a customary Friday link post. Have a fantastic weekend everyone ♥.