One of my favorite things to do make are vegetable chips. They’re so easy and really satisfy that crunchy crave I always get. All you really need to do is thinly slice any vegetable, root veggies work best though, toss in olive oil and sprinkle with some spices. I recently made beet chips and they went fast. Time for another batch! Happy cooking!
XX
Abby
In honor of Valentine’s Day this week I chose to add a little pop of color to my nails. I’m usually a dark red or neutral tan type of girl but pinks and purples seemed to be more appropriate this time. I love using two (okay, even three) different colors for my nails too. I used to think it look kind of childish and maybe even tacky, but more and more I’ve been using my nail polish to add a little extra sass and personality to my look. Finished with some delicate mid-finger rings and I’m ready to spread some serious love.
XX
Abby
Sunday’s should be lazy days, spent close to home, cozy and curled up. For me though, this Sunday at least, I’m working. Not your typical job (just tutoring and babysitting) but still, work. I remind myself that I’m in no position to turn down anything paid and if that means giving up one Sunday here and there, I guess that’s the name of the game.
So while I may not be spending my Sunday the way I want to, I have to look at the bigger picture. Working today will help me tomorrow and the next day. Sometimes I guess you just have to keep your head down and get that job done. Grinding away. It helps to remember to enjoy those moments I do get, the ones that are stolen away. Or even find joy in those moments I’d rather not be doing. It doesn’t benefit anyone to do something with your jaw clenched and heels dragging behind you. Every day is a gift right? So there is, of course, joy in that. Plain and simple.
Happy Sunday loves, whatever you may be doing.
XX
Abby
Accessories I’m currently obsessing over. Floral headwear + silver and gold.
Enjoy,
XX
Abby
From left to right: Gold and White Double Chain Necklace, Floral Wreath Headpiece, and Gold Cat Ears Ring.
So it’s only 8:30am and my day is already off to a rather bad start.
I woke up with my face swollen and red! My nose is about the size of a small tennis ball.
In addition, I woke up with a TON of anxiety about my day.
But in spite of this, I decided to wake up and get dressed and go treat myself to a nice breakfast.
Determined to place myself into a more positive mood I walked over to my favorite cafe. I ordered and decided to find a table to sit down.
I spotted a small table by the window and began to walk over to it. At the same time, a man entered the cafe. I smiled at him and continued to make my way over.
Instead of smiling back, he sped up and stole my table! I couldn’t believe it!
I stood there for a minute in shock! I’m not proud to say this, but instead of standing up for myself, I sulkily waited for another table.
When I finally sat down and ate my breakfast, I was able to challenge my bad mood.
I was feeling bad or shameful- like these things were a reflection of me. But instead of getting stuck in such thoughts, I reminded myself that I am simply human! Things are not perfect-I can get sick and people can be mean, however this is not necessarily a reflection of me.
So if you are having a bad day remind yourself that it’s not about you! You are still wonderful and beautiful and love able. But we are all also human.
Xx
Allie
Some things you get over in Southern California, like seasons for one. So when the weather does finally break and raindrops scatter the pavement it’s quite literally, a release. A release of the heat that’s lingered since August. A release of drought condition — if at only for a few days. A release of monotony, boredom.
The rain also reminds me how dry it really has ben. How in January you felt dry heat. Warm air. Focused sunlight. In January, of all months, it became that much clearer that you inhabit a desert. Dry lands surround you and are not bother by changes in weather. By rain, clouds, or what has been described to you as sleet.
In theory, L.A. should be an oasis. It is a place where creative minds gather to generate copy from actors to writers to musicians. But somehow it seems like that all devolves. Is devoured. Not so much a delusion as just an illusion. L.A. is a place where everyone thinks they are unique, but taking a step back you see the same person — over and over and over again. The same type of person populates this city, where it’s most important to be beautiful. And special. And important. So we all become self-important. Versions of ourselves that emerge because of the place we live.
Los Angeles is interesting in theory, but boring in reality. Drought like conditions. But the weather already told us that much.
XX
Abby
I wouldn’t mind have a miracle fish to tell me what was going to happen next 😉 Chocolate mousse also never hurts.
XX
Abby
“Finding meaning does not require us to live differently; it requires us to see differently [. . .] Perhaps the wisdom lies in engaging the life you have been given as fully and courageously as possible and not letting go until you find the unknown blessing that is in everything.”
Such pieces of wisdom are scattered throughout this novel.
It is a profound book that has taught me about healing, loving and living.
If you are looking for a good read, I would recommend this books wholeheartedly!
Xx
Allie🙏
Even though it’s polar vortex weather on the east coast, I’ve been missing New York. I left my heart there this summer, I swear to God. So here’s a little ode to the city that I really truly do love through something I wrote and pictures I took.
XX
Abby
EST
For the first time in my life there were no mountains in my view and I missed the still air and the meyer lemon tree. And things that I had fantasized about running away from, I out ran 3 months and 2,000 miles ago.
I was anonymous in a city full of strangers. For a city that I was told never slept; it never slept. Light lit up the night like an artificial haze that begged for neon and sleaze and fireflies flicked fluorescent lime green glints in a way that immediately held my fascination and relinquished my west coast origin.
Giant clocks on towers and walls displayed the tick tick ticking of time. No rest for the weary.
FOMO. The fear of missing out, was a disease here as much as it was a propelling agent of forced action and faux busyness and over-indulgence.
The Chrysler Building guided me home like the North Star because really the only stars I saw were the lights left on in the office buildings of the 3 AMer’s, the workaholics, the frat stars turned financial suits.
The city never slept. I did.
FOMO.
I loved Abby’s ideas for an understated valentine’s day look!
I thought I’d continue with the fashion theme and post two pics of some of my favorite accessories.
For jewelry, I love earthy, yet classic looking pieces. Such as my turquoise ring or my blue crystal necklace. They are simple yet unique.
I also love wearing my heart shaped sunglasses! They automatically put me in a loving mood for Valentine’s day!
Happy Tuesday!
Xx
Allie
abbyandally 