our.city.lights

A Warby Parker Summer

Diana — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:57:00 +0000

While everyone is getting their summer dresses on, I'm excited for Warby Parker glasses. I have a few pair already, but glasses are like accessories, and for under $100, they're cheaper than jewelry and still make a great statement. To this day, I have horrible flashbacks every time I take off my glasses and notice the heavy indention I have from the acrylic crushing my nose as a kid. My parents insurance could only afford one pair per year (and paid even more with my legally blind prescription), I had to get the cheapest ones. Instead of turning my ugly duckling glasses into contacts or whatever teen genre makeover movie we remember, I'm turning my less than perfect vision into an accessory, thanks to WP.

My favorite feature is ordering a box of up to five pair of glasses to try on. They also offer prescription sunglasses. REJOICE.

Get your pair here!

rgrphotoaday challenge

Diana — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:07:52 +0000

I usually participate in photo challenges on Instagram but they don't last long. I was really excited for Marissa's photo challenge- literary and book based, rgrphotoaday If you love reading, this is the challenge for you. It's only up to 6 days, you still have time to catch up. Here are some of mine-

Day 6- Haul. I want to read Agatha Christie this summer.

Day 4- While I Read. On Saturday we went to Sprinkles and walked over to the Newport Beach Library Book Sale.

Day 1- What I'm Reading. Thanks to Ashley for the recommendation on Goodreads, it's a silly book I need right now.

There's still some great prompts left in the photo challenge, follow along and participate.

Slow Readers Update!

Diana — Fri, 03 May 2013 01:22:50 +0000

For new readers- Slow Readers Book Club is a book club based on the slow movement. At the time I began this, I read a few books at the same time and I wasn't able to enjoy what I really read. I need to start being a "slow" reader again. I finished Dewey the Library Cat and a few minutes later picked up Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible. The same night, I dreamt of an orange tabby cat in culottes shopping at Chanel. I knew I needed to take a moment and breathe in the books I read. I would love to actually remember them, my favorite quotes, and why I even picked up the book in the first place. I don't want it to be another number on my Goodreads list (not that it's that big anyway).

My priorities have changed over the past two years and thankfully Carly has taken over to keep this going. Here are the books you suggested! We choose one fiction and one non-fiction.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Le Cirque des Rêves, the circus of dreams, can only be visited at night. Present in the darkness and gone in the light, this mysterious and magical story that both intrigues and leaves you on the edge. Follow Celia and Marc, two illusionists, as their adversarial relationship transforms on stage, at the night circus. Morgenstern's words are carefully woven - strands of love, fantasy, and dream-like wonder complete this tale and leave the reader wanting more.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Have you ever taken a closer at your personality style? Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Cain's book explores the quietest people in the world - Introverts. Even if you don't consider yourself an introvert, Cain does a great job of helping you to understand yourself and your quieter counterparts. Did you know that 1/3 of the people you know are actually introverts? Learn and gain insight to the ways in which introverts have shaped our world, from Albert Einstein to Rosa Parks, and realize how we have adopted the "Extrovert ideal". Check out Susan Cain's TED Talk aboutThe Power of Introverts here.

These are excerpts from our newsletter, sign up! We are also on tumblr, facebook, and twitter. And to those that have been reading as slow as we have since the beginning, thank you!

Go Shopping

Diana — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:08:13 +0000

One of my favorite online shops, Emerging Thoughts, is offering 20% with code ourcitylights! Go shopping today, and see how some of my favorite bloggers have styled clothing from Emerging Thoughts!

Baby Lit

Diana — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:55:10 +0000

I'm excited for all the baby books I'll be reading. As much as I love digital books for the convenience, there is an appreciation to holding a book in print. We love classic literature in our home (so much Scott even made a Shakespeare app for people to understand the Elizabethan language better). Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver make great books together. Between the illustrations and the witty writing fit for kids, I want the whole collection. I saw them on sale on Zulily for half off! Most of the items are hit or miss but it's worth signing up, I'm waiting for more books to go on sale. If you don't want to wait for the sale, they're on Amazon.

The inside of the Moby Dick book

The inside of Alice in Wonderland

I reviewed the digital copies of these here on Gadchick if you want to check it out.

Spawning

Diana — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:35:23 +0000

I hated doing outfit posts because I always felt uncomfortable. It didn't feel natural posing for the camera, and I wasn't crazy about anything I wore enough to share it with the world. Now that my body is changing with pregnancy, I could be wearing a potato sack and I'll love it. I'm finding out pregnancy really changes you- I love my body more than ever. What I don't love? Maternity shopping. I'm taking advantage of fast fashion but just like the cravings I'm having, it's not going to last long.

a little over 4 months!

Is this the part bloggers have outfit details? GAP Jacket, F21 Lace Dress, Dr. Martens 1461, Moorea Seal necklace, Tumbleweeds glasses, Scott's baby.

Win $1,000 Splendid Gift Card!

Diana — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:34:26 +0000

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know my love for Splendid. They always have something fun going on with contests and giveaways. I'm so excited to enter this one but I'm not sure if I want to share this with you because I want to win, too! ;)

Splendid is doing a Coast to Coast photo contest- show off what represents your love for East Coast or West Coast. Of course I had to represent West Coast with my outfit. The photo requires Facebook, "like" Splendid's page, and you can enter through your own personal profile (I tried on my blog page, but no luck). The winner gets $1,000 worth of Splendid digs, plus a one on one styling consultation, and you'll be featured on their popular blog.

click on photo to vote!

So help me win? If you want to enter, that's okay, too! Good luck and may the best coast win! (West Coast, obviously).

At Home with A Beautiful Mess

Diana — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:13:31 +0000

I'm sharing my kitchen and dining room on A Beautiful Mess today. Thank you so much to the team at ABM for having me!

excuse the messy hair and the baby bump trying to make an appearance.

A big loving thank you to my husband for being my model. If you're curious how he's able to agree with so much pink, I've written about it here.

Cure the KIDS // P.S. I Adore You

Diana — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:56:47 +0000

If you're not familiar with P.S. I Adore You, let me introduce you. It's non-profit sale site devoted to raising money and awareness to a personal battle for them, children with cancer. Vendors donate their product at a discounted price and the money raised for awareness and charity. Today 100% of the profits will go to CureSearch thanks to Lunch Pails and Lipsticks with Shelly Bee Originals. They're making the best selling skirts available for charity and here's your chance to grab one! There's sizes from adult to babies with exclusive designs. Check out more on their blog and I hope you pick up a skirt. You'll look great and feel better knowing these are for a great cause.

Instagram + Splendid LA Giveaway

Diana — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:32:22 +0000

I'm so excited to announce Splendid LA and our.city.lights teaming up on Instagram to give away $150 Splendid gift card! I still don't know what I'll be spending mine on (I'm waiting for baby's gender so I can go crazy on their baby clothes). This is one of the few companies I truly love and support and I think you should, too. All details are now on my Instagram feed. (sorry for those few readers who don't have an Instagram account, I promise the next giveaway won't be strictly to one outlet!)

New 40mm Lens

Diana — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:21:48 +0000

I got a new lens for my birthday, a 40mm Canon "Pancake" lens and it's become one of my favorite lenses already. After reading about it in Elsie favorite camera gear, I added it to my wish list and so happy I got it. I took some Easter inspired photos from a popular franchised donut shop (sadly, the donuts didn't taste anything as good as they looked- this is why I always do local!). The lens is so light, it has replaced my Canon S95 and 50mm lens. The lens is sharp, great in low light, and unlike a 50mm, you can do wider shots with bokeh and focus. It's inspired me to take photos of what I love- the mundane. Yes it sounds boring, but I get to discover beauty in the everyday things.

The Before

Diana — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:35:18 +0000

I was a guest post on Moorea Seal's blog, sharing my bedroom. Sometimes it's a little messy if I get too busy but this is one room I try to keep clear of clutter at all times. I remember when I was in college, my bed was made for not just sleeping, but it was my breakfast/lunch/dinner table, my desk, my reading nook, and a place to just hang out. I had a really hard time sleeping back then- I think it was the psychology that a bed was made for sleep and I barely used it for that. Now that I have something more than a tiny twin bed, I wanted to devout a bedroom to some of the best sleep I've had (mainly because it's not full of crumbs, books and papers). This is the before pic below when we first began working on it. Click here to see the after. Thanks for having me, Moorea!

Reading Playlist

Diana — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:02:00 +0000

Some readers prefer the silence, but I like music in the background. It can't be something new I've been looking forward to listen to- I'll be distracted by the lyrics and lose attention to my book. Over the years, I've found my niche in what works for me- mostly instrumental but beautiful written music. I've compiled some music that hopefully you'll enjoy on your reading adventure as well. (If you can't see the playlist, you can listen here)

What do you like to do during reading? If you love music, I'd love to hear your favorites.

Vivi Dot on Fab!

Diana — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:17:59 +0000

Molly's jewelry line, Vivi Dot is on Fab! I'm really excited for anything she does. Her style has something for everyone- if you want a cute and fun necklace, she has it. If you're looking for more sophisticated and pattern inspired, she has that. If you want more avant garde with strong modern lines, she has that! She also recently came out with collar clips, too.

You can find everything on the fab sale here or you can shop online in her shop.

I Love You, Splendid LA

Diana — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:27:10 +0000

I love Splendid LA and Karen Kimmel Studios, a collab of craft, and clothing. I've had the opportunity to work with KKS recently and they were awesome. Back in October, I was sent a care package full of amazing Splendid LA digs. From their reusable tote, to 3 of their 1X1 cotton tanks, and what are now my favorite hair ties. I'm embarrassed I never had a chance to take photos of the items sooner, but so happy I finally did.

If you're not familiar with Splendid LA, they are the epitome of Los Angeles. They are sunny, fun, and comfortable. They're made in the USA, and I've yet to see a photo on their Instagram feed I can't love. They have the most vivid and fun feed of inspiration, color, and just all around joy.

the cotton tanks are so soft. I need anything I can to get comfortable right now and these are amazing.

they even have their own colored pencils!

I was also gifted $150 in Splendid cash, and they make baby clothes. This baby will be spoiled in Splendid. Thank you so much! More photos here.

You can follow them on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

FTA Blogger Disclosure- I was sent this merchandise without the expectation of blogging about it. Splendid LA and KKS are just genuine amazing companies I love to share and work with.

The Silver Anniversary

Diana — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 02:07:58 +0000

Scott mentioned to me it was our last day as a couple on Valentine’s Day. I was sick, throwing up on what would be our last. I don't know if it was hormones, or exhaustion but I was overcome with uncontrollable ugly crying. We've had 5 years together to grow as a couple, individually, and share our lives. We traveled the world, the country, and build a home and company together. I instantly felt like i didn't do enough in our marriage. Did I work too hard? Was i on my phone too much? Did we not spend enough time alone? He did comfort me saying it was amazing time being married to me and it was time to grow a family, but there's a part of me I felt I could have done more.

This year was a big five year wedding anniversary, and it was not what I was expecting, but everything I needed. I didn't want to celebrate to pay to stay somewhere stuck indoors, with a better view of what lunch looks like in pieces than the outside view. It was a quiet day, and Scott and I celebrated not only being married five years, but being soon to be parents. We knew it was our last anniversary together and we weren't distracted by long flights, touristy views, and being exhausted from hours of walking in a new city. Instead, we just had each other's company and good conversation. I felt like this is how I could do more. To just be there.

I got Scott this hip Ju-Ju Be diaper bag, it'll come in handy in a few months. For those mentioning the dress I'm wearing, I actually got this skater dress on Amazon also. I just wear a bodysuit underneath and I can avoid the polyester. It's one of my favorite dresses and I'm thinking of going up a couple sizes during maternity. So yeah, we're that couple now, giving each other baby gifts for baby instead of for us. It's honestly one of my favorite anniversaries, and I'm grateful to quietly share it with Scott.

Birthday Wish List

Diana — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:03:36 +0000

My birthday is tomorrow, and I'm sharing my birthday wish list from one of my favorite shops, Emerging Thoughts.

The Polka Dot socks from Basel are adorable. I'm suffering from morning sickness (ugh, still) and the best view I'll have is of my feet. Why not make them cute while I'm lounging? They would look really cute peeking out of my Doc's, too.

Polka Dot vinyl wall for a nursery!! This photo is actually from Ashley's bedroom but I fell in love with the idea.

Photo credit to Ashley

Cat Tattoos are a great way to look like a bad ass with a kitty on my hands or face. I've always wanted a face or hand tattoo since I'll never work in a library again, or ever get a job as a bank teller.

meow

If you love how Lauren curates her shop, you'll love her tweets even more. Follow her here and shop here.

Locals Only; El Guacho

Diana — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 15:24:58 +0000

I'm not Catholic or Argentinian. The talk of a new Pope from Argentina this week makes me think of empanadas, an Argentinian calzone-like pastry filled with savory tastes. I remember only having them once when I was younger, but I suddenly had this overwhelming craving.

I tried some suggestions when I asked online (thank you!), but they didn't hit the spot. I forgot Calikatrina (one of my long-time favorite IG'ers) is Argentinian. After asking her (although in my head it was more like a beg) she recommended El Gaucho Meat Market. What seems like a tiny lot in Anaheim, is filled with delicious food and ethnic cuisine. This isn't a foodie paradise where the menu is beautiful and the presentation is equally amazing. No, this is a styrofoam and lopsided menu type of place. It may not be the place to take a ton of Instagram pics to share, but you'll be swooned by your food anyways.

i had to bring out the heart plates, because it's a delicious occasion

When I walked in, there was a line almost out the door. The most popular order? The empanadas! They offer spinach, chicken, beef, and ham and cheese. This is only a small corner of the store. If you want genuine Argentinian empanadas, El Gaucho is the place to get them.

El Gaucho

847 S State College Blvd

Anaheim, CA 92806

Locals Only is a series on our.city.lights blog highlighting Anaheim and surrounding areas in the OC. If you're a small business and would like exposure on this blog, I love supporting local business'. Contact me here.

Scarves by Karen Mabon

Diana — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:28:10 +0000

Karen Mabon is an artist who designs unconventional silk scarves. They're not Hermés (or priced as such!) but like the iconic brand, they're so unique and beautiful. She runs an etsy shop called redbricknorth from England. I couldn't just share one, here are a handful I would love for myself.

found via howkapow

The Fear of Vibrant Color

Diana — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:58:40 +0000

Every once in awhile, I'll walk into my pink kitchen and this overwhelming fear will hit me- did I do too much pink? Is it too bright? What did I do to my kitchen? Then I realize it's just the small voice of doubt in my head. It usually happens after I viewed an hour of decor pins on Pinterest. Most of the walls are safe- white, or beige (or that awful gray-ige color combining gray and beige). Kitchen cabinets look like a uniformed stale showcase from a warehouse. That's not to say they aren't beautiful, but just not my style. Just like my pink kitchen or my lime green office door, and my navy blue living room isn't your style.

Over the time living in my home, I've felt a sense of fear lifted more and more. If I can begin with one can of paint, it's a stepping stone to so much more. (you can view more of my home here)

Apartment Therapy recently had a great article on the fear of color. I wish I could quote half of it, but I recommend the read. "White is great when it's a color amongst other colors, but when it's meant only to contain, suppress, and keep other colors at bay, you may want to resist its temptation. Our lives aren't "pure" and "perfect," and our homes don't have to be either."