SimpleThings Sandwich and Pie Shop

I've been trying to not eat out as much lately, but it's so difficult when you live in a city where there is delicious food at literally every corner. But I really needed a break from my typical frozen-Trader-Joe's-entree-with-brown-rice/cous-cous routine (don't lie, you know what this is like). I'm really happy I chose today to branch out because I was finally able to try SimpleThings Sandwich & Pie Shop on 3rd Street, which is about half a mile away from the Farmer's Market and just a couple miles away from my place!

As you can tell, the place is tiny, but their menu is filled with delicious lunch and dinner options. Here is your favorite part: what we ate! 

My sister got the half sandwich and soup combo with the pulled chicken sandwich (arugula, pickled onions, garlic aioli, chevre spread, chipotle bbq sauce, pretzel roll) and a cup of roasted mushroom soup. Yum!

I got the chicken curry pot pie with a side salad. First of all, I love curry. Second, I love chicken pot pie. Clearly, this was a match made in heaven. My meal was so perfect since I've been feeling a little under the weather lately (pretty sure I played in the rain a little too much last weekend).

For dessert, my sister and I each ordered a mini pie. I got the salted caramel pie (left) and she got the coconut pie (right). 

Okay, so remember my post about Gjelena and their amazing butterscotch pot de creme? Well, the salted caramel pie was pretty much that, but cheaper, less buttery, and down the street from my apartment! I couldn't believe my taste buds! This is good and bad news. I never have to travel to Venice again! Ha, who am I kidding, I'm hitting up Gjelina again on Saturday with Christian and Annette.

Anyway, here were the other pie choices for today:

Since there were so many to choose from, we each took a little pie to-go as well. Look how adorable, yet understated, their packaging is! I especially love the saying on the inside, "Life is short. Enjoy the simplethings."

I wish there were more words to describe this place, but it truly speaks for itself. The simple aesthetic coupled with delicious food and great service makes for a great place for brunch, lunch, or dinner just about any time or day of the week (they just started serving alcohol for all you alcoholics). I've definitely added SimpleThings to my list of favorite restaurants in LA. You should, too.

SimpleThings Sandwich & Pie Shop

8310 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048

The Rock

If there is one thing you should know about me it is that I am easily influenced by hype. By definition, hype means "to create interest in by flamboyant or dramatic methods; promote or publicize showily." (Thank you, dictionary.com) Case and point: I'm a huge Justin Bieber fan.

Anyway, several weeks ago, a friend told me that a massive rock was found in Riverside County, and that it was going to be making its way to LACMA for __________ (at that point I had already stopped listening). Cut to about three weeks ago, I start hearing more and more about this massive, 340-ton rock. I specifically remember sitting at work, laughing my ass off at the hype surrounding this thing with my fellow co-workers. I even posted the silly Los Angeles Times blog post about its arrival on my Facebook page for all to laugh at. Little did I know, this was the beginning stages of my newest obsession. Cut to two weeks ago, I visited the rock one evening. Cut to last Sunday afternoon, I visited it again.

I know, I know, it's ridiculous! But the rock, which is currently being turned into an art installation called Levitated Mass, has its own Twitter, people. Fellow Angelenos even loitered around LACMA just to experience its arrival 4:30 AM. Considering that it could only travel a couple miles per hour, the rock stopped in cities such as Lakewood and Long Beach, where block parties and celebrations were held in honor of its quick little cameo. Clearly, this thing has become some kind of a celebrity.

Needless to say, I'm fascinated (for all the wrong reasons, obvi). I'll keep you guys updated because now you care, but you don't want to admit it. It's cool.

The Saguaro

Photos c/o of Poppytalk

I cannot stop drooling over this incredibly chic hotel! I'm currently trying to find some sort of getaway for some friends and I, and this just may be the winner. Although I love LA, it's nice to leave sometimes, don't you agree?

The Saguaro Palm Springs

1800 East Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, CA 92264

Pretty Little Style

Confession: I'm a little obsessed with ABC Family's Pretty Little Liars. While I would love to go into detail about all of the crazy and insane plot lines, that would take much too long (but I would totally do if you asked me to). Just read about the show here. I will tell you that PLL has it all; drama, suspense, mild comedy, romance, hot guys, blind bitches.. You name it. But what I love most about the show is how the four main characters are styled each episode. Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hannah are a bunch of fierce little liars! So, in honor of #Aday tomorrow night (the day that "A" is finally revealed!), I thought I'd give you guys a little overview of these girls' amazingly chic styles. Enjoy!

Aria: Aria can be described as the glam rock girl of the bunch. She frequents feathers, skulls, leather jackets, beanies, and a whole lot of jewel toned numbers. Aria is definitely not afraid to take risks with fashion. I mean, she is dating her ex english teacher after all! I'm personally not a fan of over accessorizing (less is more), but Aria always pulls it off.

Jacket by Alice by Temperly, dress by Free People, bag by Alexander Wang, ring by Vivienne Westwood, shoes by Modekungen, & earrings by Forever 21

Spencer: Spencer's style can be described as equestrian meets vintage. Since she is one of Rosewood High's top scholars, her tops and dresses tend to be more structured, making her style much more refined than the rest. Her accessorizing is always kept at a minimum with simple necklaces and a leather strap watch. Spencer's style just so happens to be my favorite on the show because of how timeless and classic it is.

Necklace by Dogeared, top by Dear Creatures (top is currently unavailable, but check out their other stuff!), watch by Raymond Weil, jeans by J Brand, boots by Fratelli Rosetti, & bag by Longchamp

Emily: Since Emily is an athlete (go Sharks!), her style tends is very casual with feminine elements. She is usually seen layering basic tops and pairing them with jeans or denim skirts. Although Emily's style may not be the most fashion forward in comparison to the other girls, I think we can all agree that it is very signature of her lifestyle.

Necklace by the Human Rights Campaign, sweater by Free People, jacket by Belstaff, jeans by Seven For All Mankind, & shoes by Converse

Hannah: Hannah is the trendiest of the four, and it's obvious that she is a lot more concerned with well-known brands in comparison to the others. Hannah's outfits usually consist of a short dress paired with a structured blazer and pumps. Did I mention that it was Hannah that influenced me to buy my Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. bag? Best decision of my life.

Sunglasses by Lanvin, dress by Parker, jacket by Rag & Bone, earrings by House of Harlow 1960, bag by Rebecca Minkoff, & shoes by Sam Edelman

Now that this is over with, go catch yourself up on some PLL and watch the season finale tomorrow. We'll discuss it over din, cool?

P.S. Just want to say a HUGE thank you to Kasha (see her tumblr here) for designing my banner and making it perfect just for me! You're the best!

Cups and Pups

I know everyone is sooo over Sprinkles cupcakes (fools), but they just opened a 24 hour cupcake ATM machine, and let me tell you.. It's amazing. Just in case you live under a rock, here is the video that explains it all:

Obviously, I had to check it out for myself! When my friend (hi, Josh!) and I arrived, the line wasn't too long. But we did end up waiting for about 30-45 minutes while they restocked and fixed any technical difficulties. It was Josh's first time! We couldn't just not wait.

Anyway, I'm sure you can imagine my excitement when our turn finally came. If you cannot, see below:

Pretty sure my heart had premature ventricular contractions (No Strings Attached, anyone?) when I saw this adorable little box appear out of thin air.

I ended up getting the peanut butter cupcake since the machine couldn't reach the vanilla milk chocolate (get it together, Sprinkles). Nonetheless, it was delish, and I was one happy camper. Sprinkles, hands down, has THEE best cupcakes. Don't argue with me about this one because I'm right, you're wrong.

P.S. Did I mention my celeb sightings while waiting in line? Jedi, the surfing pup, and Mickey Linden, the model pup. Don't worry, they each got a well-deserved cupcake of their own for waiting so patiently in line with us. Cuties!

Sprinkles

9635 S Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

As of Late

(1) A very thoughtful gift from my dear friend, Erica, who sent it all the way from the east coast! I'm also very excited to report that Babe's bff in White Girl Problems is also named Genevieve. This is a must read. 2) One of the many reasons why I love my office is because they allow (and encourage!) employees to bring their pets. This is Whiskey, who is being held by Kasha. Both are looking so chic in their statement sweaters. 3) Fresh organic strawberries and frozen blueberries from Trader Joe's make for a delicious and refreshing snack at work. Nom! 4) Just when I thought all hope was lost.. I found the Jason Wu for Target dress I wanted. Life is complete. 5) Floral sneaks for spring? I couldn't resist! Already planning outfits. 6) One of my favorite films of last year starring Felicity Jones (another girl crush of mine) and Anton Yelchin. Like Crazy warms my heart and then breaks it, but in a good way. Can't wait to watch it again! 7) Lawn gnomes that some silly person gave up to the thrift store. If only I had my own lawn.. 7) Vintage Louis Vuitton suitcases that I could only dream of owning. Sigh.)

Elizabeth Olsen

I'm sure you're obsessed with Mary-Kate and Ashley, but have you heard of their little sister, Elizabeth? If you're a die-hard MK and A fan like me (the early stuff), you remember seeing Lizzy in the background of some of the Olsen twin classics, such as Our First Video (as herself) and How the West Was Fun (as girl in car). Anyway, Elizabeth just so happens to be one of my biggest girl/style crushes. Not only is this woman super chic, but she is also amazingly talented, pretty educated (don't get it twisted, she has two classes to go before she graduates from Tisch), and down-to-earth.

Elizabeth made her film debut last year in the independent drama Martha Marcy May Marlene, which resulted in a slew of nominations for the breakout star. No offense to the twinsies, but this Olsen can actually act, and she is pretty damn good. Her next film, Silent House, is set to be released next weekend. I'm definitely not a fan of horror films, but I will be seeing this movie just for Elizabeth.

And now onto my favorite part of this post.. Drooling at some of Elizabeth Olsen's amazing dresses/outfits. Enjoy!

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