Civic Duty...

I spent the day at jury duty - for the first time in my life. I have been summoned every year for as long as I can remember but I was either a student or working... so I have always gotten out of it. I literally had no idea what to expect... seriously I even called my Mom this morning to consult on what to wear - I know - I am that ridiculous! But the most experience I had with jury duty was watching Carrie Bradshaw serve her civic duty on SATC... when she encountered the man that would bring a different piece if fruit each day in his briefcase - no ordinary fruit but fruits like a coconut and a mango - so I knew I would be in a treat for the people watching aspect... there were some positive things to come out of jury duty... I caught up on every one's blogs (I luckily brought my laptop) and also got a two hour break in which I got to a chance to catch up with my good friend, KO... so the day wasn't a total loss :-)

Spooktacular Recap...

So I got home from Puerto Rico just in time to partake in my favorite holiday... Halloween! In my personal opinion there is nothing better than a holiday that requires everyone to dress up... anyone that knows me knows that I love any party with a theme... also I went to school in Santa Barbara which boosts the largest college Halloween festivities in the country - seriously look it up! Anyways getting home just in time for Saturday's festivities meant I didn't leave much time for figuring out a costume... I made a trip down to the thrift shop to see what I could come up with... I am totally against spending $50 on a costume - not to mention that buying a bagged costume at a Halloween store almost automatically guarantees you that you will run into your twin on the street...

So... I decided I would be a flapper... in my 28 years of dressing up... I surprisingly have never been a flapper... grabbed a black slip at the thrift shop for $2 and made my way to the fabric store... quick stop at Michael's for a boa and then came home and got to work - made my finishing touches just in time for my friend's party!

Time Flies When You Are Having Rum...

Back to reality... boo! I had a blast in Puerto Rico - amazing weather... crystal blue water... all the rum a girl could ever dream of! The boyfriend was mostly busy during the days - his company brought the first major surf competition to Puerto Rican waters - so needless to say he was extremely busy, which was fine by me - I spent my days bronzing in the sun... frolicking in the 85 degree water (seriously heaven!) and catching up on all of my magazines and read a book (The Recessionistas - highly recommend).

We landed in San Juan and spent the first half of my trip there. I seriously fell in love with this city! The downtown area, Old San Juan, is amazing. From it's cobblestone streets to the multiple fortresses that still stand dating back many centuries to the impressive governor's mansion - there is so much rich history in such a small radius. The beaches are picturesque... they seriously look like they are straight off a post card!

The second half of my trip we traveled to Aguadilla. This is where the contest is being held. This area is literally a 180 from San Juan. It is located in the north west of the island. In San Juan you could feel the hustle and bustle of the city... Aguadilla was much quieter... actually an understatement - it was sleepy! The water was also polar opposite from the crystal blue, serene waters of San Juan. Aguadilla's coastlines were much more rough.

I enjoyed numerous yummy meals filled with Puerto Rican eats... like plantain chips, mofongo and churrasco!

Overall, it was a fabulous trip and am already looking forward to my next visit!

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Well not quite yet... we are taking the red eye tonight to Puerto Rico! But I have been scrambling around all morning trying to get packed and the house in order (yep I am that anal - I enjoy coming home to a perfectly clean home). The boyfriend went up to work this morning which meant I had to have my bag packed by 8:30am! Of course I didn't start packing until around 7:30am... which I guess to some an hour sounds like enough time but for me I have a system where I pack WAY too many things... and then gradually take some out; however, I still always seem to have a suitcase tipping the scales. I am going to take the train up to Orange County later this afternoon to meet the boy at work and then we are on our way! Wahhoooo! Fun in the sun here I come!!!

pic: weheartit

Happy Weekend!

I don't have too much planned for the weekend except for staying nice and cozy indoors while watching college football... The weather is cool and drizzly outside - I am thinking perfect weather for a fire and vino! The boyfriend and I leave for Puerto Rico on Monday (he will be working and I am going along for the ride) - so I am sure we will just be getting ready for our upcoming trip as well as celebrating some birthday love for my brother's girlfriend and my friend, Kimmy :-) Her birthday isn't until next weekend but we will be gone so we are doing some early celebrating - and we all know every girl enjoys their birthday month... not just day :-)

Have a fabulous weekend!

pic: weheartit

Fashion's Night In

Everyone is well aware of Anna Wintour's genius idea of Fashion's Night Out, which took place just over a month ago. Well Vogue UK is using that idea and launching Fashion's Night In for the etailers! The event will take place November 1st from 5pm-midnight. Some of the brands included in this online shopping frenzy is Asos (LOVE this site!) and Net-a-porter. They will be offering discounts and competitions to bring the traffic to their sites. Find out more info here!

pic: Fashionologie

Power of the Peeps...

For the past week we have seen dislike for the new Gap design all over the Internet and in the media... well apparently the overwhelming response from the people actually had an effect - Gap has returned their roots with the original blue box - I for one am happy with their decision... why fix something that ain't' broke!

pic: Stylelist

Meals on Wheels...

So I came across this organization today on Rachael Ray and just had to share it! Seriously so inspiring that one individual can have such an impact on a community...

In Southern California we are spoiled rotten when it comes to Farmer's Markets or markets like Henry's where we can purchase delicious, affordable produce from our local farms... I almost forget that this is a luxury and it isn't reality everywhere. Farm to Family was started by a man, Mark Lillly, in Richmond, Virginia. His mission is to bring locally grown produce to rural areas that do not have access to fruits and veggies unless they are from a can. He drives his restored school bus around to different locations and sets up shop. The locals are able to jump on board and browse the bundles of fresh, locally grown and most importantly affordable produce.

Seriously... I love this! I would not be able to live without my fresh produce... I live on fresh veggies! Read more about one man's mission to bring his community together here!

pics: FarmtoFamily

I Will Pass...

I am not sure if I am the only one out there that just isn't digging the sweat pant trend... in my eyes there is no dressing up a pair of sweat pants - I don't care if you add sequins or a pair of sky high pumps... you are still just sporting the bottom half of your pj's. Don't get me wrong I am the first to throw on a pair of cozies while I am at home... but the keys words are while I am at home! I thought this trend would fade faster but unfortunately the fashion world has proved me wrong...

Still not digging it...

pic: Huffington Post

Happy Weekend!

My weekend will be spent with football games (Go Gators!)... fun in the sun (it is supposed to be 80!)... maybe a stroll through Balboa Park and a few museums... and of course a few glasses of vino thrown in the mix :-)

Have a fabulous weekend!

pic: weheartit