A calm after the storm

One of my all time favorite places in the world is Lake Tahoe. I have spent at least a weekend there every summer since I was five years old and nothing compares to the crisp smell of mountain air and the warm sun soaking into your skin. There is so much to do in Lake Tahoe, everything from relaxing and enjoying the fantastic views, hiking either a mile or ten, boating or just spending a day on a pier jumping into the refreshing lake water. I could spend all day on a boat speeding by with the wind against my skin or wakeboarding behind it, but I can't argue with just sitting back with a good book and relaxing!


One of the more spectacular events that happens every so often during Lake Tahoe summers is a summer storm. While there recently I experienced two and I found it romantic, the way the weather changes so quickly from choppy waters and dark thunder clouds to the pinks of the sun reflecting off of the clouds creating an amazing sunset, all within a half hour.


-A

A Dinner for 8

I recently held a dinner party for me and 8 of my closest friends and I decided the main dish would be sushi! It is a fun food that gets everyone involved, each girl brought something she would like to put in a roll or what they thought would make a delicious addition, we had everything from carrots and avocados to smoked salmon. A friend brought the rice cooker and we soon started rolling sushi!

I set the table with as minimal decorations as possible, a large wooden bowl sat in the middle with a woven basket on top and giant lily flower leaves stretched the length of the table. Each girl got a small dish for soy sauce and either brown or black chopsticks. I left it simple not only to make it appear modern and Japanese but to ensure the delicious food we made was the center star!

-A

Travel Essentials: Pashmina

Since we're starting to get into the final countdown for A and my departure to Spain, I have started my packing list of essentials. On the top of that list is a pashmina for the plane rides- and I am assuming train rides around Europe. Whenever I travel, this is an essential for me. I can use it as a blanket on the plane (instead of the gross airplane ones) and it's a cute addition as a scarf to whatever outfit I have on.

You can dress these up and down too- they work well as a shawl with a nice dress or just pair it with jeans. What do you always travel with?
-K

Favorite Fall Trend

My favorite trend for Fall 2010 (so far) that has been all over the place recently is military themed clothing. I like that many designers have been pairing it with softer accents, like a floral print or pastel color, in order to tone down the intensity of this androgynous look.


As we get further into the winter however, I think that replacing the light colors with rich colors like burgundy and navy make a seasonal and stylish change.


What are you excited to wear this fall?

-K

credit to The Sartorialist for the first picture

My Central Perk

One of my favorite things to do when I am in a new location is find a cute local coffee shop- as many of my friends know, coffee is essential for me to function. I try to make friends with the owners and baristas, and make a point of going there regularly instead of a chain. In high school, my friends and I were consistent customers of Douce France, a bakery and cafe right across the street from my high school. In college, I found a cute little patisserie on Maple Street that I would always stop in at on my way to work. Working in Redwood City over the summer led me to find a corner kiosk called The Daily Boost in the square with excellent service and divine freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.

I love knowing the first names of the baristas- when I make my daily visits they always ask how things are going, how a weekend trip went, or my opinion on a new baked good (Usually I can't complain!). Even if these places are a little more out of my way, the interactions make the trip worth it. I personally find it very important to support local businesses- and they generally have higher quality ingredients and less of a carbon footprint than big name chains.
When I arrive in Spain (less than a month!) I look forward to finding another café that I can go to daily for some café con leche- let me know if you have any recommendations for places in Granada!
-K

Jeggings...finally!

A few days ago my mom and I had a relaxing day of shopping in Menlo Park on Santa Cruz avenue. We stopped in one of the streets many cute boutiques called "head over heels" and they happened to be having a small sale. The next thing I new I was trying on and soon buying an amazing pair of seven for all mankind jeggings or "The Skinny" Denim Leggings in Rinsed Indigo. I've already worn them and they are definitely one of the best investments I've made! If you don't already have a pair of jeggings I highly recommend purchasing a pair, almost every store that sells jeans makes a pair. Here are a few.


(from left to right starting on top) Seven For all Mankind "The Skinny" Denim Leggings in Rinsed Indigo $149, J Brand Denim Leggings in Starless Wash $169, Forever 21 Denim Basic Jegging $15.80, True Religion "Misty" Super Skinny Denim Leggings in Buckeye Dark $189, Hudson Denim Jeggings in Adelaide Wash $123.75 on sale at Bloomingdales.

-A

Blizzard Break

We just got a special surprise at work today- a Dairy Queen Blizzard! I haven't had one of those babies since high school-which also resulted in a rather unfortunate incident of mine falling out on the pavement. I don't know which one is better though- Blizzards or McFlurries. I really try not to eat at either of the chains though. Which do you prefer?

-K