Little Luck Tree

Final Post?

2015-09-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Is anyone out there?

Photo courtesy of D E S I G N L O V E F E S T

So, it's been almost two years since I last posted here on Little Luck Tree. I was always dreaming up posts, but then so much time had passed I started to feel like my next post needed to be, you know, significant and brilliant and totally on brand with my new career and perfect and...well...that was a lot of pressure.

I kept wanting to find a way to make Little Luck Tree blend in with my new life, but I have finally come to a new realization: my time as a blogger is in the past.

I am a 100% committed, full-time, professional, working actor. I'm also writing and directing.

In order to become the best story-teller I can be, I have to give this career my full attention. It's time to officially retire here at Little Luck Tree, which is bittersweet because blogging has introduced me to wonderful new friends, inspired me, and challenged me in very fun ways.

Thank you to everyone who has ever stopped by this blog--your support has encouraged me so much throughout the years!

And if you're still out there and you want to continue to follow me along down this Hollywood road, big things are happening. You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, and my website. I hope you will.

Finally, here's a little video I made for anyone who has ever been obsessed with a cat:

♥ Shannon

Snowy New Year's Eve

2013-12-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

What do you wear when you go dancing for New Year's, but it's snowing outside? This is what I've come up with:

Gold sparkly dress + overcoat (please let there be a coat check...) + comfortable snow boots / dancing boots. Also, a red lip. Obviously.

I don't have any New Year's Resolutions this year. I kind of started mine in September: be mindful, be grateful, be calm. I am, however, very excited that I will officially be starting Project Life in 2014, which I hope will help me actively make more memories and cherish the little stuff in life.

Wherever you are, thank you for sticking with me and reading my long-neglected little blog. I hope you have the Happiest New Year yet!!

♥ Shannon

BHG Holiday Crafts Magazine!

2013-10-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to have my holiday wreath featured in this year's BHG Holiday Crafts Magazine! I bought a copy for myself (and another for my mom!) and had so much fun looking through it (especially page 34!).

In addition to all the seriously cute winter holiday crafts, there are some adorable Halloween projects. Here's a peek at some of my favorites:

I love the holiday season!

♥ Shannon

Easy Vegan Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread

2013-10-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite fall recipe ever. I love pumpkin bread so much. Like, so much. I like to make mini muffins and every morning I make a hot cup of tea and enjoy it with two mini muffins while I read magazines and cuddle under a soft throw. I highly recommend this activity for instant coziness.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can make it in a toaster oven--very convenient for energy saving or multi-tasking! Plus it's just so cute.

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup GF flour (I use Bob's Red Mill All Purpose GF Flour)
3/4 tsp Guar Gum or Xantham Gum (this may change according to the package directions on your flour)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup vegan white sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup Earth Balance, slightly melted
1/3 cup almond/coconut/flax/hemp milk
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease your pan.
3. Stir dry ingredients together.
4. Add in wet ingredients.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Bake!

For a bread pan, bake for 1 hour 5 minutes. Yields one loaf.
For muffins, bake for 25 minutes. Yields one dozen muffins.
For mini muffins, back for 20 minutes. Yields three dozen mini muffins.

Store in an air-tight container for up to a week. Mini muffins can also be frozen and eaten later!

♥ Shannon

Our Workspace on Lifehacker

2013-10-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to Lifehacker for featuring our workspace!

You can find the article here, and while you're at it, check out their tips for apartment living!

For the full post on our shared workspace, click right here!

♥ Shannon

Ten Halloween Tricks & Treats!

2013-10-05T11:00:00.001-07:00

Here's a round-up of my favorite Halloween Tricks & Treats--try something tasty, spooky, or fun!

1. Whip up some Autumn Punch when entertaining guests!

2. This Vampire Bite Necklace is the perfect subtle piece--it's even suitable in the workplace!

3. A Silver Bullet Necklace keeps protection from werewolves close!

4. Follow this guide to plan the perfect Halloween Cocktail Party!

5. For a weekend treat, whip up some Pumpkin Buckwheat Pancakes!

6. Coconut Oatmeal is perfect for those crisp autumn mornings--healthy & delicious!

7. Make a Spooky Halloween Wreath with items from your local thrift shop!

8. Zombify your family photos for Halloween decor with a personal touch.

9. This Hair Fastener DIY is a whimsical take on a Hitchcock classic.

10. A Jeweled Skull keeps Halloween classy, people!

If you try any of these, please let me know and share your photos! I'd love to see how they turn out!

♥ Shannon

The Windy City Dress

2013-09-26T08:53:00.002-07:00

This week it finally feels like fall here in Southern California! Cool weather, soft layered clothing, and pumpkin spice lattes--it feels wonderful. It makes me want to curl up on the couch with a fluffy blanket and a good book.

Outfit details: Windy City Dress by ModCloth, Mossimo heels from Target, Jones New York coat

We just moved out of the city, and for those of you not in Los Angeles, it pretty much has one season all year: warm. So I'm looking forward to seeing some leaves change color, to cupping my hands around warm drinks, and to sitting around a warm fire.

Happy Fall!

♥ Shannon

His & Hers Office Space

2013-09-11T17:55:00.001-07:00

In our L.A. apartment, Matt and I turned the living room into a joint office. It was small but we made it work!

We set my computer up across from the couch and used it as our screen when we wanted to watch a movie together.

Matt was able to keep his boy stuff on one side of the room, and I kept my girlie things over on mine. Our aesthetic was similar enough that the furniture and tech pieces tied the decor together. Add some fresh plants, and it was really nice and homie!

Plus we always had someone to talk to about creative inspiration!

♥ Shannon

vol.25 you have done it again

2013-08-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Oh it's too gorgeous. This study stopped me in my blog-perusing tracks.

I love the art. I love the presentation. I love it all. This will consume my mind all day.

If you haven't been amazed by the work of Jessica from vol.25, please please please treat yourself to some truly fantastic images!

♥ Shannon

Birthday Wish List

2013-08-02T09:34:00.002-07:00

August is my birthday month (yes, I am about as much a Leo as they come!) and now my loved ones have begun asking what I would like. Last year I posted a wish list, mostly because that's just what bloggers do, right? They post pictures of beautiful, inspiring things they wish they could have. I didn't actually think I would get everything on the list!

It was too much! Too much love!

So this year my list is a little bit different.

I don't know if you know this about me yet, but I love animals. I have changed my life to help better their lives and champion their cause. I just know in my soul that animals are special creatures, with little personalities and experiences. They deserve our compassion, kindness, and respect.

Plus they're just so cute!

So if you are interested in getting a gift (for me, for anyone!), these are my favorite causes:

1. The Gentle Barn--Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and give sanctuary to abused animals. They have baby horses, cows, goats, birds, dogs, and more! You can sponsor an animal, buy bales of hay for food, or just make a donation. If you're in Southern California, you can also visit on Sundays!

2. Beagle Freedom Project--This organization is run by amazing, brave, strong people who work to save beagles who have been used for animal experimentation in labs around the world. They heal them, take care for them, show them love for the first time, and find them forever homes. We adopted our own Walden from them. You can donate to help save other puppies, or even adopt a little love of your own!

3. Buy Cruelty Free--It makes me so sad that companies will still do cosmetic testing on animals. It is cruel and unnecessary, and the only way there will ever be a change is if we show companies that we will not support their products until they are kind. Look for the leaping bunny, choose a cruelty-free product, and you will save lives! I can't think of a better gift.

Alright, I'm getting off my soap box. Go cuddle a creature and have a wonderful day!

♥ Shannon

Vacation Time, Baby!

2013-07-25T12:45:00.005-07:00

Image

Time for some much needed rest & relaxation. I have fun things in store for you when I get back!

♥ Shannon

Apartment Therapy

2013-07-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

Matt and I have been in full moving mode! Before we left our apartment, we snapped some photos of our living room / work space (full tour coming soon!). Apartment Therapy was kind enough to feature my desk area. Check out their page for a closer look and ways to shop for my home office!

♥ Shannon

Lights, Camera, Action!

2013-06-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

Look, I have to be honest about something: having my hair and makeup done for me is really starting to spoil me.

The Dry Bar may be my new favorite place. Mimosas, massages, romantic comedys, and a gorgeous blowout? For $35? Heaven!!!

It just felt very luxurious, and I kept wondering what I was supposed to be doing other than just enjoying myself...and it kept surprising me that that was what I was supposed to be doing. After so many projects where I have to do my own hair & makeup (and scout location and hiring a crew and and and), just being able to concentrate on my performance was such a treat.

♥ Shannon

PS: The branding for The Dry Bar was spot on, too. So cute & trendy! I was just so pleased!

Kelli Murray Art

2013-05-28T09:42:00.001-07:00

I've been browsing the whimsical, dreamy-eyed art of Kelli Murray and I wanted to share with you.

Her subjects are adorable, cheerful, and lovely, and the pastel landscape is calming to me. I just keep browsing back and forth, loving them all.

She has a lovely blog, too--stop by for dreamy pictures and all around prettiness!

Who are your favorite artists?

♥ Shannon

Springtime Heat!

2013-05-24T12:39:00.001-07:00

I have been loving these long, sunny days! One of my favorite things to do is take a blanket and a book to the park and just sit in the warmth.

Image 1 / 2

How fun are these Fruity Summer Striped Ice Cubes from Oh Joy?? They make me want to throw a party right away.

I hope your springtime is just as lovely! Summer is just around the corner.*

♥ Shannon

*Not for you, Australia. For you, winter is coming...

Juvat: Our Next Short Film

2013-05-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

Matt and I are working on our next short film, Juvat. Every time we make a movie we learn so much and have a blast (at least I do--there's nothing I love more than dressing up in a costume and traipsing around the world).

Our latest film is set in Ancient Rome, and I'm very lucky that I'm engaged to a genius, because Matt realized someone was auctioning off wardrobe items from the original series Spartacus. Thanks to our supporters on Indiegogo, we were able to purchase really fantastic costume pieces.

Yesterday we did our first makeup test--I think seeing a hint of what the film could look like really inspired us both.

Here's the footage from the test:

Juvat Makeup Test from Matthew Pearce on Vimeo.

Feel free to follow our progress on the official Juvat site. We're really excited about this film and we hope you guys like behind-the-scenes content as much as we do!

♥ Shannon

Collaboration

2013-04-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! So I've been hinting at big things going on in my life, and one that I'm excited to share with you is a collaboration with Matt's YouTube channel.

I'll be helping Matt create videos of tech products, photography, tutorials, and more. Creating videos and making movies is something I am very passionate about, and I'm excited to join the YouTube community!

Here's my first video about the ColcaSac Chevron Macbook Sleeve. Enjoy!

♥ Shannon

Pretty Things

2013-04-20T10:40:00.004-07:00

Image Sources: 1 // 2

I've been gathering inspiration for some fun projects coming up. The warm weather has been lovely!

♥ Shannon

What I Wore: Wild Hair!

2013-03-13T16:17:00.001-07:00

Look, I have curly hair. Curly hair has a mind of its own, so I'm learning to embrace it. Let it be messy, let it be wild, let it be fun.

Outfit details: Dress: Lucca Couture; Belt: Ruche; Shoes: Old Navy

This dress is probably my new favorite. So comfortable, so light and breezy, and still so pretty! I picked it up last weekend at a yard sale hosted by Bri Emery and Joy Cho (by the way, yard sales hosted by bloggers are genius).

♥ Shannon

Wear Green!

2013-03-11T12:02:00.001-07:00

I think St. Patrick's Day encourages a little bit of over-the-top fun, so I love going big with my green--especially hair pieces! Here's a round-up of past tutorials for green hair flare!

1. Quick & Easy Oversized Hair Bow

2. Clover Headband

3. Clover Patch Hair Piece

I'm teaching a dance class Sunday morning and I've warned my students that I will pinch them! Maybe.

Also, looking back on past tutorials is kind of intense--I've been watching my taste and style slowly evolve away from what Past Me preferred. Does that happen to you guys?

♥ Shannon

Downtown LA: Part II -- Fashion District

2013-03-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

I somehow only just discovered the Fashion District in Downtown L.A., but as soon as I did I knew exactly who I needed to bring. I threatened to never be her sister again if she didn't go with me, hair and make-up ready, so we could buy fabric and blog about it.

Turns out, I didn't really need to threaten her with my big sisterly ways--she was in.

My favorite store for fabric is Michael Levine. There is so much fabric there. We wanted to go home with about eight thousand dollars worth of bolts and notions, scheming up the dresses and curtains and finery we could make. In the end we decided to stick with some throw pillows to get the hang of it (to be continued)!

Check out the rest of our date here and here!

♥ Shannon

Downtown LA: Part I -- Juice Crafters

2013-03-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

It takes a lot to get me out of my apartment. I am really, really content watching reruns on Netflix whilst curled up with my cat. But I have been trying to change that by going on mandatory adventures. And it has been awesome.

This week, Forest and I took the metro to Downtown L.A.--it was the best. We started out with lemon cayenne shots at Juice Crafters followed by crazy delicious shakes ("Talk O' The Town"--so chocolatey and perfect!!).

I get giddy when I find a juice bar and this one is probably my favorite so far. Love love love.

You can check out my outfit from the day here!

♥ Shannon

What I Wore: Fashion District

2013-03-08T16:05:00.002-08:00

My sister, Forest, and I went to the Fashion District this week in Downtown Los Angeles. More on our adventures later (it was glorious)--here's a peek at what I wore. Or rather, what I wore...and Forest's jacket.

Outfit details: Military Jacket: Hurley's (c/o T.J.Maxx!); Dress: J.Ella Couture; Belt: Ruche; Tights: Target; Vegan Boots: Rebels

I love a military jacket paired with a pretty dress!

♥ Shannon

29 Before 29

2013-02-10T20:30:00.001-08:00

Hello darlings! I haven't shared my 29 Before 29 list with you, so in honor of my half birthday, here it is!

1. Create a comedy clip & drama clip
~~2. Get an agent~~
3. Hang inspiring artwork
~~4. Buy pretty art~~
~~5. Bike to yoga~~
~~6. Pole photoshoot~~
7. Write a screenplay
8. Host a brunch
9. Go camping
10. Make envelope clutch
11. Make a dress
12. Host a party
13. Make a dessert buffet
~~14. See a live performance~~
15. Redesign Little Luck Tree
16. Drive-in movie date
17. See a Shakespeare play
18. Hike at Griffith Park
~~19. Go to the beach~~
20. Enjoy coffee & donuts
21. Make a throw pillow cover
22. Decorate the apartment
23. Use up Diana F+ film
24. Learn a new song on the guitar
~~25. Go dancing~~
~~26. Paint nails a neon color~~
~~27. Perfect a pumpkin drink~~
~~28. Take a sword fighting class~~
29. Write a festival short

You can check out my 28 Before 28 and my 27 Before 27 lists as well, but no judging!

♥ Shannon

Housewarming Gift

2013-02-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

My little sister just moved into her first apartment and I'm so proud of her. Moving is one of the scary things we all experience in life (and it takes a lot of work). I put together a little housewarming gift for her and I thought I'd share.

I wanted to make it practical and helpful, so I tried to focus on the essentials that everyone needs (but that we sometimes forget to buy):
--A set of 3 glass storage jars
--Natural cleaning wipes
--Meyer's dish soap
--Striped party straws
--Bag clips
--Kleenex packs
--LED flashlight
--Nails
--Lint brush
--Gorilla Glue
--Extension cord
--Tape
--Kitchen towel

I tucked everything into the jars and tied fun ribbons onto them. I wrote her a love note, and slipped everything into a reusable grocery bag. Super easy, cute, and I feel confident she'll use everything in there. I did my shopping at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, and Target, so the total was less than $25.

Have you given or received any cool housewarming gifts? I'd love to hear about them!

♥ Shannon