Book Soup

Book Soup is a great independant book store located on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. The store has been around since 1975 and often hosts book signings and events, and is frequented by locals and book loving (as well as photo op loving) celebrities.

My mom and I popped in while she was visiting a few weeks ago and we both loved the shop; they have so many titles both popular and obscure, and the staff are super knowledgable and happy to order a copy of anything they don't have for you. This is truly a great shop to check out if you are into books or looking for a unique gift.

I think everyone should visit this great shop if you have the chance - I promise it's worth the trek past the 405 if you're a Westsider ; )

booksoup.com

Chateau Marmont for Lunch

When my mom was visiting a few weeks ago we headed to the (in)famous Chateau Marmont for lunch. I had been to Bar Marmont a few times but hadn't actually been inside the hotel (the bar is actually separate from the hotel, it's tucked back just off of Sunset) so I was excited to check it out for a meal. The hotel has a very glamorous, old Hollywood vibe (as you'd expect) with candelabras, dark wood, plush wingback seats in the lobby and bar and a vintage caged elevator, reminiscent of the 20's or 30's.

We sat at their bistro style seats on their sunny, garden like back patio and had great food and the best people watching. I recommend checking this place out, especially with an out of town guest.

My one complaint though would be that they were super busy and didn't have sufficient seats for reservations, so they tried to seat us (and every other guest who wasn't Reese Witherspoon or George Clooney) at a strange middle area that is barely part of the restaurant - after we told them we didn't want to sit there the super sweet manager found us a great table ; )

Shop Sweet Lulu

I have a few things to start planning in the next few months (for example a shower & bachelorette for one of my recently engaged bff's!) and I have been oohing and aahing over all of the achingly cute stuff on Shop Sweet Lulu.

This online shop has everything you need to plan any get together from treat bags to decorations to hostess gifts. Check out some of their super cute items and click here to browse the shop now.

These striped straws are beyond cute! I think I might just have to start using straws more often.

I need these chevron striped treat bags in my life

Love these tall candy jars!

'push pop' desserts. Such a cute idea.

How much cuter would parties be if you drank out of these instead of red solo cups?

These cutesy paper plates are perfect for a tea party

Hardcover Classics by Penguin Books

I've become literally obsessed with these Hardcover Classics by Penguin Books.

I love the idea of a bookcase filled with classic books, and these gorgeous, colorful covers would make any bookcase or library look so chic and complete. To add to the amazingness, these books are also only $20!

Check out the full collection of hardcover classics here

Healthy Pumpkin Loaf

Yesterday was Canadian Thanksgiving, and I was feeling inspired to make something Thanksgiving-esque. A yummy smelling pumpkin loaf seemed to be just the thing to curb my craving, plus the fact that it makes your house smell amazing while it's baking doesn't hurt. It wasn't quite as good as being at my parents house with all the family for an amazing dinner, but it definitely did the trick! 

Now, I don't bake ever very often, but I was able to sort out how to make this, and even managed to make it relatively healthy by subbing apple sauce for oil, and egg whites for eggs. Click here for the recipe - but my one tip would be to use  a tiny bit less sugar than is recommended as mine turned out quite sweet. Enjoy!