venice-canals
Los Angeles

The Venice Canals

What’s that? You’ve never been to the Venice Canals?! Tsk-tsk. Ya know, I was once like you. Drifting through life like a zombie, sliding one foot in front of the other without ever looking up… without ever REALLY LIVING! Until one day, a friend came into town (hi Lauren!) and I was forced to take a good look at my little life and wonder why I hadn’t visited this magical part of the Westside of LA. If you’re an Angeleno and haven’t been to the Venice Canals, it’s time to take the small step towards a better life. If you’re not in LA, live through me using the following photos. Anyone else craving pizza right now?

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November 19, 2014 by
benefit-cosmetics
Beauty

Benefit Cosmetics

benefit-cosmetics

I have a confession to make: I’m in love with Benefit Cosmetics. During a recent trip to San Francisco, I made it a point to visit the Benefit boutique, where I drooled all over their hilariously clever copywriting and must-have products. Here are my favorites that I’ve kept in my makeup & beauty drawer for years. (Because I have one of those.)

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Go get ’em, gals: 1. The POREfessional AKA defense against large pores (sigh), 2. Plump up the volume with BADgal lash mascara, 3. Gimme Brow for fellow ladies with transparent brows, 4. Boo Boo Zap! medicated acne treatment (miracle worker), 5. Eye Bright instant eye brightener (I put it on the inner corners of my eyes—huzzah!, 6. Dandelion brightening face powder – A sheer pink dust that looks great on any cheek, 7. Lemon Aid color correcting eyelid primer – Dab a little on your eyelids and below the eyes for an instant I’M AWAKE look 8. Big Beautiful Eyes contour kit – Great shades for day or night 9. Instant Brow pencil for natural looking brows

November 18, 2014 by
Swimming Holes and Hiking in LA | Mustache Melrose.com
Los Angeles

Swimming Holes and Hiking in LA

Scott is from Oregon and I’m from Austin, so we both grew up exploring the great outdoors. (Okay, him a bit more than me maybe.) He spent his childhood camping and swimming in lakes and I spent mine happily getting lost in the greenbelt on my way to Barton Springs. When Scott mentioned wanting to find a swimming hole close-ish to LA, I didn’t have much hope until I found this article and this blog post about the Crags Road Trail in Malibu Creek State Park. This amazing(!) trail leads to to the site where Mash was filmed, but not before passing a swimming hole with a giant rock to jump off of, a few rock climbing routes and a lake with a dam that creates the perfect peaceful place to swim or fish. Check out the pics from our trip, then go get some fresh air before it gets too cold! Take lots of sunscreen, water and a hat because there isn’t much shade. Also, print out the aforementioned posts and take them with you because there are a few side routes where you could easily get lost. Have fun!

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November 17, 2014 by
bachelorette-party-temecula
Travel

New Orleans Themed Bridal Shower

Let me start this post out by yelling I LOVE THE BIG EASY! One of my besties (Hey Bon!) is getting married in NOLA next month, so the other bridesmaids and I planned a New Orleans themed bridal shower to celebrate. We made Hurricanes, New Orleans Sin dip, shrimp cocktails in the shape of ♥♥♥ and a ton more Southern goodies. Enjoy the photos from the bridal shower, then continue on to view the rest of the pics from the 1950’s themed bachelorette party we hosted in Temecula. It was quite the weekend—one that I know none of us will forget.

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We woke up early the next morning to primp for our vintage 1950’s (ish) themed bachelorette party in Temecula. After a couple hours in the car, we checked into the South Coast Winery Resort & Spa before heading down the road to the gorgeous Leoness Cellars Winery for a wine tasting and dinner. We then went back to the beautiful villas at South Coast and stayed up late laughing, swapping stories in the hot tub and of course sipping more wine. If you’re a wine lover, the Cabernet Sauvignon, Radical Rosé and Viognier are musts. If you’re a travel lover (duh), I highly recommend putting both of these wineries on your Wanderlust Pinterest boards.

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November 14, 2014 by
Travel

1950’s Themed Bachelorette Party

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Photo from Distractify

Over the weekend, I hosted a vintage inspired bachelorette party in Temecula with six other spectacular women for one of our best friends. I acted as the historian of the weekend, documenting our shenanigans along the way. I’m currently in the middle of a photo editing frenzy, so enjoy these quick snaps or follow along on Instagram while you wait for the full post. Don’t worry, ladies… I won’t be including all the photos.

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So gorgeous, isn’t she?! Stay tuned for more!

November 11, 2014 by