6 Random Facts About Me

ONE: I hate soggy food. This includes cereal! It has to be crunchy the whole time so granola is my fav. I only use almond milk --original--

TWO: I went to a private school from second to sixth grade. They taught French and Latin. And no I don't remember much. ......... Je parle français ..... 

THREE: I have 8 tattoos.

FOUR: I love anything coffee flavored! yumm yumm 

FIVE: I LOVE LOVE 80's & early 90's movies. .... Pretty woman, die hard, top gun, house sitter, overboard, dirty dancing, the karate kid, flashdance, the breakfast club, mannequin, back to the future, "like hello" clueless "duh", empire records, Thelma and Louise.... Okay seriously I could keep going but I'll spare you. 

SIX: It's possible I may be just a little OCD. Everything has just that perfect place (even if it's a mess, it still has to be perfect) I have a thing about things being even numbered .... Notice it's 6 and not 5 facts… 

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xo
CLL
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Star View Vineyards

After flying my mom out for a visit during this thanksgiving week we checked out a local vineyard. Not exactly what I was expecting but they did have good wine…. and after all thats the most important part! I thought of it more as a bar setting. I was hoping for chic tables and decor, not so much vinyl tableclothes and 80's convention chairs. Overall it was a cute place with lots of character and really fit into the town's vibe. So a chic styling would really be out of place anyways. Its always fun to experience new places and surroundings. 

-- FYI it was so freaking cold out!! 30 and colder with the wind chill -- 

Say Hello To My Mom

{Jacket -- Free People -- old}

{Top -- Bobeau}

{Sweater -- Remain -- old}

{Jeans -- AG Adriano Goldschmied similar}

{Booties -- Steve Madden -- old}

{Tote -- Rebecca Minkoff -- old}

{Sunnies -- Ray-Ban}

Until next time….

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xo,

CLL

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Fav Stores : T & N

My all time favorite store is NORDIES!! I get kind of obsessive too…. 

My other fav more reasonable store is Target. They always have such cute things in all sections of the store. I ALWAYS walk out with more then I anticipated. -- I just can't help myself -- They suck you in!! (you know the feeling… go in for one thing and come out with twenty!)

{TARGET}

jacket

{NORDSTROM}

scarf by Michael Stars (no longer available) (similar & here)

top (similar)

jeans

 booties 

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xo,

CLL

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Chambray & Prints

Such a long time since my last blog post. The last month has been extremely busy leaving me no spare time! ---- For me I find posting to be calming -- I escape my crazy world and enter a world of what I call my serenity. 

With my long absence I had to take some much deserved time out for blogging today! It's my serenity time and I need it NOW. I dragged my "photographer" outside to take a few pictures for me. Let's just say it lasted about 2 minuets, the cold wind and lack of interest ended my photo shoot early (not me but the one behind the camera). ..... . humm .... if only I had a way to take pictures myself......    

Top: J.Crew popover 

Pants: Wayf track pants (on sale!)

Shoes: rag & bone 'Harrow"

Watch: Nixon "The Monopoly"

Bracelet: House of Harlow (old)

Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

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xo xo 

CLL

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Autumn & Butternut Squash Soup

It's officially autumn! 

I hate to say this but I think this might be my favorite part of the year (that and spring). Being so spoiled living in San Diego for 8 years with perfect weather year-round then moving to the east-coast, then mid-west has been quite a change!! This time of the year it's starting to cool down, not be so freaking hot and muggy .....yuck.... hello bad hair day everyday! or freezing cold your bones shiver. 

Anyways, I love soup and this is the perfect time of year for it!! Don't you agree?? 

I wanted to make a butternut squash soup like I had at Panera the other day. But I wanted to make it healthy, not with all the cream and unneeded calories.... we don't need to pack on extra insulation just because the weather is cooling off.... after all summer is again just around the corner! 

So, I googled some recipes. 99% of them called for HEAVY CREAM and BUTTER....hummm.... I think not!! So, I just went on a limb and made my own with what I had on hand. 

Here goes..... Oh and by the way it turned out A-MAZ-ING!! 

(This will make 1 huge bowl or if you feel like sharing 2 bowls.)

    

Start with a med sized butternut squash

Cut off skin, cut in half, scoop out insides. (reminds me pumpkins!)

Cut into equal chunks. 

My boys had to be in the kitchen waiting for something to fall. They are so so cute... I love them!! 

In a warm pot add 1 tablespoon oil. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. I just started sprinkling until I thought it looked good...haha.. but I guess if you want to be perfect then use 1 teaspoon each. Let all the spices "come alive"... 

Next, add 3 cups water and a cube of bouillon. I used vegetable. Bring to a boil. 

Add squash cubes, cover, simmer for 20-25 min until tender. (The kitchen will smell so yummy!)

Add to blender (work with small batches if you have a smaller blender.)

Puree and watch the magic happen!!
When finished add pepper to taste,  and any more spices if you feel the need. I added just a touch of agave nectar to add some slight sweetness. (Blend...just a few sec more)

All done!!! ENJOY!!! 

I hope you try this, and put your-own personal spin on it. Comment below when you make some ;-)

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xo,

CLL

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Little Grand Canyon

A beautiful day with perfect weather calls for a little hike!! We went to a place called Little Grand Canyon, part of the Shawnee National Forest. It's short at just 3.6 miles with a overlook of the Mississippi and Big Muddy Rivers. 

(All pictures by CaliLoversLife --thats me-- and unedited.)

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xo,

CLL

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First Day Of Fall Links

via

If you have been following me lately you know I have been obsessed with blazers! Previous Blazer 101 post here. Sometimes I'm not sure if one fits correctly. So after some googling I came across this amazing blog post to help determine the perfect fit.  

I recently became a big fan of Tj maxx. (It's not every time you find that great item but this time I did!) I found this exact jacket that sells at Nordstrom for half the price!! SCORE!! 

Ordered some new flats and love! 1. 2.

Added a new decor item to my bathroom. 

Dreaming of this bag and jacket.

Loving leather for fall and these. 

Having some skirt inspiration from here, here, and here. (Some many more cute ideas.)

Thats about all for now. Until next time, Happy Sunday! 

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xo,

CLL

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Simplistic Saturday

I love fashion blogs! I adore the style of the girls but I can not afford most all those super expensive outfits. $400-800 shoes, $2000 bags, $300 on a T-shirt?? Nope not this girl.... or at least not for now. So, I decided to blog about my outfits. Affordable for the regular not rich fashion obsessed ladies. Let me be honest, I do have some expensive items but I planned and saved, saved, saved! 

TOP -- color fleck tee from Madewell

SHORTS -- J. Crew (on sale)

BOOTS -- Steve Madden (last season)

WRISTLET -- Alexander Wang Fumo

SUNNIES -- Tory Burch (similar here)

WATCH -- Nixon (here)

Hope you enjoyed. Thanks for coming by!

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xo,

CLL

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Funnies...... 

Stop moving I said! Let me do the moving..lol..

Ooops, I spot an extra shadow.