Cutting it off

I want to write this post to help all the ladies out there with their HAIR.

I know we have all experienced the big decision making stage or have had the urge cut our hair off. We spent a year or so growing it out, living through three phases: I like, I love it, it's way to long.  As a hair stylist I know these phases all to well.  In the I love it phase, you really do love it and every day you walk out with your hair looking perfect, but here is where everything also goes wrong.  Take my advise ladies.  If you love your hair length and everything is looking perfect everyday, go get a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep it that way.  Honestly, I have heard it many times, "I loved my hair last month but I can't do anything with it now, lets cut it off."  Wait. Before you go chopping your hair into some crazy pixy you have never had before think... will that look good, do I have the hair type, how long will it take to style, whats my face shape?...... Your stylist can help you with these questions, they should be properly trained to help you determine all the answers. *TIP If they just agree with you without any input, get a second opinion.  I'm just saying, from my 10 years of working "behind the chair" If someone comes in wanting a major color or style change I go back to basics, doing a full consultation and asking lifestyle questions to help guide them.  9 times out of 10 we made a change, but not without tweaking something, considering face shape and hair texture can help make a decision, being that they are constant factors that do not change.  That being said, I made a change.  I was always afraid of having my hair shorter than my shoulders, why? because of that one horrible haircut when I was 17.  Sound like you? Even as a stylist I had kept my hair medium length adding extensions or cutting bangs for a slight change.  Two weeks ago I made the decision to cut my hair, and I love it.  It works with the crazy schedule I have been carrying for the last few weeks and I don't have to rock the pony.  Before making the change I considered my rounded heart shaped face and maintained extra length in the front.  We made it choppy so when straight it would be almost see threw ends and when curled it had the tussled look.  Below are some photos.  I encourage you to make a change, you will feel great.  Don't let hair control you, think of it as an accessory.  I challenge you to make a hair change the next time you go through a style change and it doesn't always mean cutting it off.

Feeling girly: Try clip in extensions or soft fringe

Channeling your inter hippie: Try long wavy extensions {part in middle}

Getting Creative: Add a pop of color blue, pink, purple

Going to Oxford: Try the lob {long bob} 

Glam: Mid length soft waves

Edgy: Short and textured.. maybe pixy 

Look for different extensions and styles HERE you can even find clip in fringe {bangs}. 

Before:

 After: 

Happy hair days

XoXo ML

Monthly Subscription - Popsugar Must-have {February}

We’re crazy for monthly subscription boxes - Birchbox, Popsugar Must Have, Glossybox are our faves.  

Who doesn’t like getting nicely packaged surprises each month in the mail.  Its like Christmas year round!  Not to mention its a great way to try new products in beauty, hair, health and foods!

While we can’t say we love every single box, every single month {some months are definitely a miss}, we still consider these monthly packages a rather good treat!  Depending on the type of subscription, a normal box includes 5-8 items, ranging in brands and prices.  If I like or use at least 3 of the products, I would say that’s a win.  Any unused products I usually gift to friends and family. The months leading up to Christmas are especially useful for stocking stuffers.  

This week, I received my Popsugar Must Have February box.  Overall it was a pretty good one!  

Photo Courtesy of Popsugar.com

{My fave}

Gorjana Brooks Jewelry Roll ($45) - Love this!  I travel quite a bit for work and fun, and the one thing I dredge packing is jewelry! Well not anymore….!  This little pouch will be my travel staple.  Also, Gorjana makes amazing jewelry.  I love this, this and this!

Modelco Lip Pops Duo ($16) - I simply adore everything Modelco Cosmetics creates.  Their beauty products are so easy and innovative.  A lipstick and lipgloss in one…yes please!  I also carry the Shine Ultra Lipgloss {in Fairy Gloss} and Fibre LashXTend mascara everywhere with me.  It has a mirror attached for easy application. 

{Would definitely Try}

Nourish Organic Face Serum ($23.99) - Its always nice to find fresh organic products that are also great for your skin.  This alcohol-free, gluten-free and vegan product promises to naturally hydrate skin leaving just the good stuff.  I’ll try anything once!

NCLA Rodeo Drive Royalty Nail Polish ($16) - One of our many beauty obsessions is nail polish.  You'll usually see a lot of bright pink, blues and ombre nails around Modern Lyfe.  So we’re excited to try NCLA’s nail polish.  Its quick-dry and chip-resistant…what more can a girl ask for!

{Could do without}

Sugarwish Mini Red Cinamon Hearts ($?) - Nothing against candy or Sugarwish, in fact the packaging is really adorable, but its not just not our cup of tea. I’m sure its delicious!

K Hall Designs Peony Travel Candle ($11) - I don’t know about you, but I rarely travel with candles. Actually never.  Its a great idea, but not our Must Have.  

Dial Body Wash ($4) - Not something I would buy or choose on my own.  But I guess is always good to a have a spare body wash of the guest bathroom. 

Total retail cost is estimated at over $116!  Not bad considering the monthly subscription price is only $39.99.  Can’t wait to see what’s in store next month.  

Midi Friday

I love wearing skirts!  And I've been especially obsessed with midi skirts lately.  This one in particular...the lady-like length mixed with sheer organza is a perfect mix of pretty and sass!  The sheerness is unexpected which is so fun!

The classic sweater in a bright lime color is a great transition piece into spring.  But I guess its already summer in Southern Cali...?

While this outfit is probably too much for the office (HR is usually not too fond of sheer skirts!), its perfect for a Friday dinner date with the hubbs!  Its been a crazy week and I'm so glad to end this week on a fashionable note.

We're attending the OC Restaurant Week Launch Party tomorrow!  Its completely sold out so its should be a great time!

 Sweater: Nordstrom Halogen / Skirt: Wayf Rosette Midi Skirt / Shoes: Zara {old} / Clutch: Michael Kors {Old, Similar Here} / Sunglasses: Mui Mui {old, Similar Here}

Have a great weekend!

This is a little late, but I had to try it first before approving and passing the recipe along to you.  This fabulous looking and tasting meal was made on Valentines day night by my husband.  He enjoys cooking on special occasions, mainly because he just does not have the time during the week.  I love when he cooks because he spares no expense and we get to seek out different ingredients.  Although, this specific recipe does not including anything out of the ordinary it was a treat to indulge in fresh pasta.  Does the recipe call for lobster...? YES! and we are lucky enough to have the well known Santa monica seafood right around the corner.  They are known for serving up the freshest fish from around the world responsibly sourced, including Maine lobster {see more about Santa monica seafood HERE.}
Most nights I throw together dinners trying to alter a recipe or experience with something "new".  It is great to savor these less frequent moments while cooking together in the kitchen.
Have a great bottle of wine you have been waiting to open? stop waiting and open it now.  The sauce will need to simmer for about 30 minutes so sit back, connect and sip on the "special occasion" wine.  We enjoyed a 2006 French pinot noir gifted to us this past Christmas. I hope you enjoy.
The hubby found the recipe at Yummly.

Lobster Fra Diavolo 

INGREDIENTS

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 (1¼-lb.) lobsters, cleaned, tails cut into 6 pieces, claws cracked open, bodies reserved
½ cup flour
2 tsp. crushed red chile flakes
1 tsp. dried oregano

5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp. tomato paste
½ cup cognac or brandy
1 cup seafood or fish stock
1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb. bucatini pasta, cooked
1 tbsp. chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oil in an 8-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss lobster pieces (including reserved bodies) in flour, shake off excess, and add to pot; cook until shells turn red, about 6 minutes. Transfer lobster pieces to a plate; set aside. Add chile flakes, oregano, and garlic to pot; cook until lightly toasted, about 3 minutes. Add tomato paste; cook until lightly caramelized, about 2 minutes. Add cognac; cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, and bay leaf; boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, partially covered, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Return lobster to pot; cook until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add pasta; toss with sauce. Transfer to a large serving platter; sprinkle with parsley

Mushroom Chicken {Gluten free, paleo friendly}

February has started and we are a month into the New Year!  How has everyone been doing with the New Years resolutions? I am not going to lie, I hate making "resolutions." I don't usually choose something I enjoy doing, but rather make myself suffer or have to give something up.  Come to think of it Lent is coming up soon, that is when I have to give something up.  Anyways, the good news is,  I have stuck to my resolutions {or what I like to call New years goals} and it is a wonderful feeling! I think I made some good solid goals this year.  

Below is a mushroom chicken recipe I made last week.  It is easy enough and fast enough to prepare during the busy work week and has amazing flavor.  

*Italian spice - recipe under FOOD&DRINKS 

Mushroom Chicken

2 Chicken breasts- pounded out to about ½ inch thick

4 Pinches of *Italian spice

1 Tbs EVOO

1 Tbs Coconut oil

10 Chopped crimson mushrooms

½ White onion- chopped

1 Cup Chicken broth

Heat 1 Tbs EVOO in stainless steel sauté pan on medium/high.  Once chicken has been pounded down blot with paper towel to remove excess water.  Sprinkle chicken breast with *Italian spice place both pieces of chicken in the hot EVOO and sear for 2-3 mins. flip and season the other side with Italian spice sear for another 2-3 mins.  Turn heat down to med/low, add 1 Cup chicken broth, cover and cook for 15 mins or until chicken in cooked through and broth has reduced to a medium thickness, not to runny but not as thick as gravy.

While the chicken is cooking heat 1 Tbs coconut oil in a separate fry pan, sauté ½ white onion for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and browned add chopped mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.  The mushrooms will soften and brown faster then the onions so make sure you add the onions first.

Once chicken broth has reduced and mushrooms and onions are done sautéing remove chicken from pan and add the sautéed onion mushroom mix to broth, turn heat up and cook a few more minutes (3 min) to blend flavors, top chicken with the broth. 

Serve with whole wheat couscous or roasted butternut squash 

Sorry I do not have a better photos.

Enjoy 

ML xoxo

Style File: Bold Classics

Leather and ankle pumps are becoming everyday staples in my closet.  They are so simple and classic, and yet can dress up any look! 

This look definitely reflects my need for simplicity after a busy work week.  The comfortable neutral tones and clean lines brings together a polished look, which is so my style! For a night out, a bright studded clutch and statement necklace completes the ensemble with a tiny bit of edginess.  

Sweater: J. Crew / Leather Skirt: H&M / Shoes: Zara {old, similar here} / Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff {old, similar here}

Valentine's Day - 3 Things to Do + Wear

Whether you like to celebrate Valentine's Day or not, there is no escaping this love holiday. Restaurants dedicate menus to "lovebird specials", hotel and travel sites bombard you with dreams of romantic getaways...and we all know how the floral industry fares doing this time of year. 

But I love it!! Once February hits, all I can think about are chocolate hearts, gift ideas for the hubbs, how to celebrate with my hubbs, and shades of red & pink everything! I mean, just check out our pinterest board!

If you're like me, you're probably indecisive on date night plans, and overwhelmed with the options. But I do have a few things in mind, and of course, what I plan on wearing to each! 

1. Fancy Dinner Date: I love Thomas Keller, and would love to score reservations for Bouchon LA on VDay!  To Wear: A romantic dinner commands a killer red dress and sexy heels.  

 2. Romantic Wine Tasting Getaway: This year VDay happens to fall on a 3-day weekend {President's Day!} Paso Robles would be a fun trip which doesn't require an airport, at least from OC. To Wear: A comfy and stylish jumpsuit would be ideal; and a navy schoolboy blazer for when temps fall below 60.  

3. Museum & Lunch date: Want to take in some culture with your babe?  Malibu has it it all - The Getty Villa then head to Geoffreys for an oceanview lunch! To wear: Casual but chic in a zigzag drop-waist sweater with comfy booties to match!

Xoxo,
ML

 ~~

Fancy Dinner: Boulee Lawrence Dress / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Earrings: Bauble Bar Tortoise Drops / Makeup: Nars nude lips + NYX Smokey Eyes

Romantic Wine Tasting Getaway: Millly Jumpsuit / Blazer: Jcrew / Necklace: C Wonder / Nude Flats: Jcrew

Museum & Beach Lunch: Sweater Dress: Victoria's Secret / Booties: Vince Camuto / Red Scarf: Paula Bianco at Shopbop / Jewelry: Jcrew Earrings + Bangles

Football chicken bites

Football season has now come to a close.  We had a great weekend cooking up healthy treats for the final game.  I wanted to share the winner of the day!  we can call them "Football chicken bites" hence the day.  I got inspiration for this recipe on skinnymom.com click here to see their blog.  In true Suzanne form I had to play around with the recipe and make it healthier.  I switched out the confectionary sugar for sugar in the raw, white flour for almond meal and skim milk for my favorite, coconut milk. They may look small but the pack quite a punch with the sweet and savory taste, one you are sure to love!

Chicken bites 

            3- 4 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts

            ½ cup pickle juice (I used sweet)

            1 egg, plus 1 egg white

            1/2 cup coconut milk (I used 1 can)

            1 cup Almond flour

            2 tablespoons sugar in the raw

            1 teaspoon paprika

            1 teaspoon salt

            ½ teaspoon black pepper

            ½ teaspoon garlic powder

            ½ teaspoon garlic salt

            ½ teaspoon dried basil

Instructions

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees

1.    Slice chicken into bite size pieces; each chicken breast should make about 8 pieces.

2.    Marinate the chicken pieces in the pickle juice for 30-60 minutes.

3.    Beat the egg with the egg white and coconut milk in a bowl.

4.    Combine the flour, sugar, and spices in another bowl.  Then pour into Ziploc bag.

5.    Dip each of the chicken pieces into the egg mixture covering on both sides

  Place chicken pieces into flour mixture bag and shake to cover chicken completely.

         Spread chicken out on baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until cooked through. 

ENJOY!

Xoxo ML