Check This Out... The '90s Are All That

"Warning: This content may not be suitable for anyone who didn’t grow up on ’90s Nick" are the words of warning we're greeted with as Teen Nick's new nightly block prepares us for something truly nostalgic. The '90s Are All That, which launched this past Monday at midnight, is what those of us who grew up during the decade have been longing to have come back for years. I always see everyone (myself included) talk about how Nickelodeon just isn't what it used to be anymore, but now Monday through Friday for a four hour block, we can watch shows such as Legends of the Hidden Temple, Ren and Stimpy and The Adventures of Pete and Pete. As of now, the shows currently in run are All That, Kenan and Kel, Clarissa Explains It All, and Doug. Watching these shows brings back an incredible amount of memories for me, such as coming home from school, opening up a pack of my coveted Dunkaroos and watching Nickelodeon until dinner time. If you long to reignite such precious memories or just want to be reminded of the epic romance shared between Doug Funny and Patti Mayonnaise, do yourself a favor and tune in. 

-Michelle

Best of Friends

This summer marks our ten year anniversary of being best friends (what we like to call our friendiversary). We figured that the only fitting way to celebrate such a milestone was to go to Disneyland, our second home. The day was absolutely perfect, as we were able to go on all of the very best rides even with the massive crowds and really enjoyed ourselves despite the unpleasant heat. We were even able to squeeze in some delicious tropical cocktails over at the new Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel (it was also a nice way to help with the pain our feet were going through). It's crazy to think that ten years have already gone by, but we're excited to see where the next ten will take us both.

(City Hall, Coca Cola Corner, the new Disney California Adventure entrance, by the Rivers of America,  our 10th friendiversary buttons, enjoying an afternoon snack, the wildest ride in the wilderness, Tomorrowland, flowers by the castle, the River Belle Terrace, early evening drinks, and ending the night with fireworks)

(left: In front of the castle, top right: Our favorite mermaid, bottom right: Lauren's Piranha Pool and Michelles's Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum)

Pretty Little Flowers

Urban Outfitters top and shorts, Vans shoes, Forever 21 necklace
Janie and Jack hair clip

 As I proclaimed in my last outfit post , a staple outfit of mine is high waisted shorts with a top. Here we find another variation of that, with a more delicate and billowy take on the combination. The lavender shorts with the light blouse are perfect for the summertime and the saddle shoes give the outfit a retro twist. The crocheted flower hair clip comes from my last job, a children's apparel store, putting a childlike quality into a relatively simple idea for an outfit.

Check This Out...The Tim Burton Exhibit

Last Tuesday I went to see the Tim Burton Exhibit at the LACMA with my mom. I first feel in love with Burton's work when I first watched The Nightmare Before Christmas (I had to be sneaky watching it, since my parents agreed I wasn't old enough to see it yet). Since then I've grown up watching and re watching all of his films, studying his artwork, and writing two school reports on him.

This exhibit is a must see to anyone who admires Tim Burton. He started out as an underdog where the studios were underwhelmed by his work. He was turned away countless times due to his eerie and unusual style. Through the progress of each of his pieces you can see his genius developing and unfolding before your eyes.

I was unable to take any pictures inside the exhibit but I was able to sketch a few pages so as to somehow capture my memory of being there. I wanted to see it all again as soon as it ended.

You can purchase tickets for his exhibit on the LACMA website.

(Top left: I was greeted by this giant blowup lightbulb creature before entering; Top Middle: got my tickets, ready to go inside!; Top right: I was craving a hamburger after all the excitement; Bottom: a page of some the sketches I did in the exhibit)

-Lauren

Miss American Pie

I absolutely love to bake pie. Mostly because the end result just looks so darn pretty! Oh and tastes it pretty good too.  I've made berry pies in the past (my blueberry pie is my personal favorite), however this time I'd thought I'd tackle an apple pie. You can find the recipe here. I've got to say, this pie was outstanding, and super easy to make. I really wanted to try making a star crust like Annie did, but much to my dismay I was unable to find a star cookie cutter. I suppose the lattice crust will just have to do.

-Lauren

Drenched in Lace

(Target hat, Urban Outfitters lace dress, vintage hot air
balloon necklace and bracelet, Nordstrom watch)

I have an undeniable weakness for lace. It without a doubt dominates most of my wardrobe, and I still find myself drawn to it when shopping. I initially bought this dress for my 21st birthday which was Parisian themed. What I love most about lace is it's versatility, and how easy it is to dress up or down.  I can easily pair this dress with anything from a  leather jacket to orange lipstick.

-Lauren

Check This Out... Rubber

An inanimate tire that comes to life with telepathic powers capable of exploding whatever comes in its way... but why? No reason.

So is the common theme of the film Rubber: there's no reason for any of the bizarre sequence of events to happen, but it does, and it's quite good. The film, directed by Quentin Dupleux, is equal parts fun, hilarious, strange and gruesome. As we follow our little menacing tire friend throughout the desert with vengeance on its mind, all thoughts of logic are pushed aside and we learn to just roll with it (pun fully intended). In this world that Dupleux has built, a group of people have assembled, an audience if you will, to watch a movie with binoculars. What they watch is what we're watching, the rampage the living tire is going through. This is another aspect of what makes Rubber so unique and completely original, how aware the film is of itself and how it presents it to us.  As well as all of this, the cinematography alone is gorgeous and is very pleasing to the eye. 

Go watch it, and I promise you, you will never look at a tire the same way again.

-Michelle 

"The Queen Will Have Bread and Honey at the Usual Time"

Over the weekend we got together with a close girlfriend of ours for a dinner party, a tradition we started almost a year ago. It's a great way for us to get together and do something creative and delicious! There being three of us, we each rotate on making an appetizer, a main dish and a dessert. This time around Lauren made Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Cornbread as an appetizer, Michelle made a healthy Turkey Pumpkin Chili and our friend Holly made Killer Brownies (all of which turned out amazing). While cooking we sipped on Pomegranate-Champagne Punch and finished off the night eating Holly's brownies while watching The Philadelphia Story. 

Click below for each of the recipes we served up for our dinner party (minus Holly's brownies as they were a family recipe)

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Cornbread

Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Pomegranate-Champagne Punch

Melrose Place

(boots with character)

One of our favorite things to do is to venture out to flea markets to search for vintage and unique treasures. We had heard about the Melrose Trading Post flea market (located at Fairfax High School in Hollywood) earlier during the week and decided to check it out. Much to our surprise, it was absolutely incredible. Nooks and crannies of the school were filled with vendors upon vendors selling everything from salt and pepper shakers to necklaces adorned with 1930s era bottle caps to great vintage clothes. We both walked happily with our finds and headed to the nearby Farmer's Market for a delicious lunch. Hot dogs sounded just right for the hot summer day, and we both agreed rather quickly that we were eating one of the best hot dogs we've ever consumed.

(coffee is a must)

(we love the limitless choices of rings)

(vintage clothing)

(checking out the jewelry)

(we love these classic one of a kind salt and pepper shakers)

(chili dog and fries, yum!)

(we didn't enjoy them much)

-Michelle and Lauren

Check This Out...(The Stanford Theatre)

One of the many things that bring absolute joy in my life are classic films. Among my top five favorite movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's, It Happened One Night, and The Philadelphia Story make the list. I love going to the theater any chance I get; unfortunately you can't walk out of one without dropping $25 or more. 

I made, what feels like, the most outstanding discovery ever when I came across the Stanford Theatre, which is located in Northern California. It was first built in 1925 and has been home to many famous movie premieres. Now you can find two different classic movies (which rotate every week or two) playing at the theater. What makes this place so amazing you ask? Tickets cost a grand total of $7 and you can get a large popcorn, a medium drink, and a box of candy all for under $5 (no I'm not kidding). You can find the theatre's website here. So if you're ever in the area you must make time to see a movie here.

-Lauren

Roasted Garlic, Basil and Tomato Pizza

I have a long list of foods I want to bake and cook, a bucket list if you will. Such items include a Lemon Meringue Pie, French Macarons and pizza completely made from scratch (dough included). I finally decided to tackle pizza, and I can safely say that it was a success. The dough was lightly crunchy on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside, with a kick of garlic salt to enhance the flavor. The inclusion of the roasted garlic at the base of the pizza was absolutely lovely, blending well with the mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and fresh basil (picked from our backyard). Now that I can cross this off my list, I'm going to try some different variations in the future, including BBQ Chicken Pizza. Can you say nom nom nom? Yes please!

Click here to find the recipe!

(Simple and extremely delicious dipping oil for the crust)

(Before going in the oven)

(Before going in my stomach)

-Michelle

Bow Down

(Urban Outfitters sweater, American Apparel shorts,
vintage necklace, oxford shoes from Argentina)

I tend to coordinate the same outfits with different combinations (such as a high waisted skirt and blouse, black denim pants with a top and a blazer, among others). One of my main go-to outfits, especially now with the summer heat, is high waisted shorts and a top. I like to call this particular variation my "summer camp" look, as the khaki shorts remind me of my young summer days wearing awkwardly fitted khaki shorts with a tank top. The little details of the white bows on the sweater top and the zippers on the shorts give this look that extra special touch.

-Michelle

Patriotic Mornings

(Fresh fruit parfait)

Everyone has their special traditions for the Fourth of July, whether it be barbecuing, going to the beach, or watching the fireworks. Although the Fourth is always great fun, it can get pretty hectic. That's why I thought it would be fun to start the morning quietly with a festive red, white and blue fruit parfait. All you need is some vanilla yogurt, blueberries, strawberries (or raspberries) and some granola. Easy yet delicious! A great way to start off my morning before camping out for the fireworks display.

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!

-Lauren

C'est La Vie

(Patriotic Jeffrey Campbell's that we have been lusting over)

When you think of the small town of Laguna Beach, images of the MTV reality show comes to mind: bleach blonde girls, expensive sports cars and skimpy attire. Let us assure you that this is not the case. Laguna Beach is in fact filled with small boutiques, inviting restaurants (including a fantastic French cafe we went to for breakfast) and pleasant townsfolk. Yes, it's easy to spot the surfers and bleach blonde girls, but Laguna Beach is a great place to get inspired by the unique selection of clothing and house ware ranging from chic to vintage.

(Brandy Melville knit sweater, Lucky Brand shorts, Ray-Ban sunglasses,
Vintage Dooney and Burke purse, vintage Doc Martins, Urban Outfitters
stripped tank)

(A delicious almond croissant that reminded us of Paris)

(French Roast coffee)

(Vintage records from Trash Pretty, a vintage clothing store)

(Brandy Melville tank, Urban Outfitters shorts,
Forever 21 purse and onesie, Ray-Ban sunglasses)

(Salt water taffy)

("This store is like a beach house from Anthropologie")

-Michelle and Lauren