ONE LIFE IN STILLS: April 2012

4.23.2012

planet earth eco cafe

Planet Earth Eco Cafe is this cute, comfy, and community-centered cafe on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach. It's easily my new favorite go-to organic coffee shop. They serve certified fair-trade coffee, a wide selection of exotic teas, smoothies, and vegan and gluten free baked goods! I haven't tried anything from their breakfast or lunch menu (yet. I'm eating breakfast here tomorrow!), however, I hear their benny bagel for breakfast and veggie hummus wrap or quinoa bowl for lunch is delicious. Another great thing about Planet Earth Cafe is that their food and coffee won't break the bank, with most food items off their menu ranging from $5-$8. When I come here, I usually get their almond milk latte or vanilla chai latte with their vegan banana chocolate chip muffin. Mark my words, its YUM!

If you're in the neighborhood, stop on by. You'll probably find me nestled in one of their comfy chairs on their outdoor patio. They're open Monday through Friday 7am to 5pm and 4pm, 8am to 4pm Saturday, and 8am to 2pm Sunday. Kind of wish they were open later...Maybe they'll extend their hours in the summer!

Oh! and did I mention there's free wifi AND rad art EVERYWHERE? Score!

our beautiful earth

After looking at these photographs, its hard to deny that our Earth is a beautiful thing. Its delicate and needs to be taken care of so our children and children's children can continue to benefit from its beauty.

For tips and ways you can start going green to protect the environment, check out my previous blog post: go green this st. patty's day !

Did you know that there's an Earth day anthem? COOL!

It goes like this:

Joyful joyful we adore our Earth in all its wonderment

Simple gifts of nature that all join into a paradise
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love through out all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love through out all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world

Enjoy :)

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

The Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina-Brazil Border

Meteora, Greece

Santorini, Greece

The Alps, Austria/Slovenia/Italy/Switzerland/Liechtenstein/Germany/France

Uluru, Australia

The Grand Canyon, Colorado, USA

ted talks: gratitude

Friends,

You think today is just another day in your life. Its not just another day. Its the one day that is given to you. Its a gift. Its the only gift you have right now and the only appropriate response is gratefulness.

4.19.2012

teeny tiny house

In my opinion, I'd be open to living in such a small area if it were designed the way it is. I absolutely love the look and design of the place. The wood work is beautiful and the bathroom shower is super cool! I would never guess that the photographs of the inside match the photograph of the outside.

Malissa's take on her teeny tiny house: "It’s cozy and comfortable, a great space to do my creative art, while also serving as my perfect retreat."

The biggest challenge for Malissa of living in such a small space is finding her own place. With two people and two cats, finding your own place is key to making living in such a confined area possible, and enjoyable too! With her place being only 170 square feet, Malissa says that "it’s important that you feel you can go to your own place and do your own thing.”

Is this house portable? Looking at the outside photograph, it seems like the house is on wheels and can be moved... Even more reason to like?!

What do you think? Could you live in such a place or would you be claustrophobic? I don't believe this type of living would work well with pack rats or families with lots of kids.

Pretty freaking awesome I'd say!

Photos Credits Christopher Tack/Apartment Therapy

4.11.2012

weekend wonderments [8]: friends visit

This past weekend was one for the outdoor lovers, sun soakers, and adventure enthusiasts! I spent Friday frolicking around Malibu with my good friend Sarah. After stopping by her friend Shannon's Bubululu trunk show, we grabbed lunch at earthy California cuisine restaurant, Plate. After Plate we made our way over to Sun Life Organics where we both took a kick ass wellness shot before heading back to her dad's studio to watch the movie Rebound (cute but predictable romanic comedy starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Justin Bartha). I've never really spent more than a couple hours in Malibu before, but I can honestly say I really enjoyed it! It's more laid back then I imagined it to be and I can't wait to go back!

Malibu late night driving.

Grilled tofu + veggies sammy and seared ahi tuna wrap with plantains.

Malibu sunsets.

Pacifico (gluten free btw!) + How I Met Your Mom = Great Combo

Massive crystals at Sun Life Organics

Simply the best.

Friday night I headed back down the coast to meet up with a few friends for dinner and drinks at new Hermosa Beach hot spot Abigaile Restaurant. Abigaile is a rad new restaurant located right off Pier Avenue where Union Cattle used to be. What's cool about Abigaile is it pays homage to the building's previous life as an artists co-op and rehearsal space known as The Church for seminal punk bands Black Flag and Redd Kross. Fletcher Dragge of Pennywise and a crew of tattoo artists from 3rd St. Tattoo were given carte blanche to graffiti the walls of Abigaile. To eat, make a reservation by calling 310.798.8227.

Mary Zen cocktail: green tea infused Kettle One, pear liquor, agave nectar, lime juice.

Blair and Chris. HA HA.

Saturday, my friends from San Diego and I cruised on bikes down to the Spyder Surf Fest to watch my friend Tony Gonella of Sand Section play bass with musicians Kevin Sousa and Mike Sutherland. The weather was beautiful - not a cloud in the sky! After a couple hours people watching and sun basking on the back patio at Poop Deck, we headed back to Manhattan Beach for sushi dinner at Katsu. Two hours later, it was time for me to call it a night! Best part of the night? Hailing a cab that just happened to be decked out with Easter decorations! Best cab ride everrrrr!

Tony Gonella playing bass on the right at Spyder Surf Fest presented by Rock Star.

Funny human at Poop Deck: rat tail, funky hat, personal pitcher, massive calves, and army boots all while creeping on girls through the tinted windows.

Blair's belly basking at Poop Deck.

Easter decorated cab! Hilarious!

Butters.

Easter dinner at The Spot with my pops :)

Easter Sunday was pretty mellow. I napped, worked out, then grabbed dinner at the World Famous Spot Restaurant in Hermosa Beach with my pops :)

Happy, active weekend I'd say!

4.05.2012

coachella worthy wardrobe

"Festival dressing is all about pushing boundaries;

throwing on your most outlandish pieces because

you know there’s no other place they can be worn."

- Kaylee Pare of in a nutshell

[photo and layout by one life in stills]

For me, Coachella festival dressing can be summed up with 3 different looks: 1) little white dress, 2) shorter than short cut-off jean shorts, and 3) the maxi dress.

Exhibit A: little white dress with ankle booties or strappy sandals, accessory explosion, and free-flowing hair. This look is perfect for the day time when Coachella Valley is blistering hot.

Exhibit B: cut off jean shorts. Great "go to" look for any music festival. Pair with a flowy tunic or vintage tee and again, accessory explosion is a must. I'll be living in my overly ripped vintage levi shorts. Show off your stems, ladies!

Exhibit C: the maxi dress/skirt is a must at Coachella or any music festival for that matter. The look is effortless, care-free, and just about anyone can pull it off. Stand apart from the crowd of maxi dress wearers this Coachella with some statement jewelry pieces!