Yesterday my brother graduated from California Lutheran University and I’m so proud of him!!  After the graduation ceremony, we had a lovely family soiree on the Malibu Pier courtesy of The Beachcomber Cafe (which is one of my favorites FYI).

The food was delicious, the sun was shining, and, as always, my family was quite entertaining.  We ate, we laughed, we chatted, and we ate some more.

I took approximately 8,000 photos so if you want to see the rest, they’ll be on Facebook!!

For my last “10 Things” post, I’m going to share some random facts about me.  I LOVE random facts about people so don’t forget to tell me all of yours!

1. If I’m home, I watch Seinfeld every weeknight at 10:00 and 10:30 PM…even though I’ve seen every episode, it just never gets old.
2. I’m allergic to Austria.  I’ve never had allergy attacks as badly and intensely as when I was in Austria.
3. Going to brunch is my absolute favorite thing to do.
4. The smell of books is simply intoxicating.  Hands down favorite smell.
5. I know I’ve mentioned chocolate in 2 or 3 other “10 Things” posts but I ALWAYS have a stash of dark chocolate.
6. I love black licorice, especially the Dutch version that’s double-salted.  It’s called drop.
7. I could watch the Jane Austen BBC films every single day and NEVER get bored of them.
8. I love cherry blossom trees.  When they’re in bloom, there’s nothing more beautiful.
9. I spend way too much money on nail polish.
10. I could spend entire days in Williams-Sonoma.  It always smells like apple cider and has the most perfect kitchen supplies.  When I’m there, I feel like I need everything in the whole store, from the kitchen towels to the silicone cupcake holders.

Everyone has certain things in their life that complete them.  Of course my family, boyfriend, and friends are at the very top of this “Can’t Live Without” list but I also have 10 other vitals that I’ve come to depend upon.

1. Tea: I have tea, whether it be iced or hot, all day long.  Some of my favorite tea brands are Revolution, Tejava, Republic of Tea, Harney & Sons, and…well, I could go on forever but that’s a blog post within itself.
2. Cupcakes:  Of course this one isn’t as vital, but cupcakes are one of my favorite things to indulge in.
3. My iPod:  Yes, I said iPod.  You’re probably wondering if these old school contraptions actually still exist, what with all the iTouchs and Nanos and Shuffles, but they do!  My iPod has been so good to me over the years.
4. Erin Condren Life Planner: Of course I went into detail about my day planner here and let me tell you, it keeps me so organized and together.
5. Strawberry Chapstick: I’m talking about the actual Chapstick brand in strawberry flavor.  This chapstick is much more than a beauty essential to me.  I keep them well stocked too: 1 in every drawer of my nightstands, stashed in every purse, in the glove compartment of my car, in my desk at work, everywhere possible.
6. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps: Kiehl’s is my absolute favorite brand for lotions, moisturizers, and body washes.  I’ve used Crème de Corps for years now and it’s the only body lotion that truly soaks into my skin and keeps it hydrated.  I use it everyday!
7. Moleskine Notebook: For Christmas last year, Kyle gave me a Moleskine notebook so that I could write down all of my thoughts, ideas, inspirations, muses, and random notes.  Whenever I have something I need written down, my Moleskine is always there for me.
8. Cadbury Mini Eggs: If you know me at all, then you’re fully aware of my unhealthy obsession with Cadbury mini eggs.  I have absolutely NO willpower when a bowl of cads are dangled in front of my face.  Just the fact that I know they’re available on Amazon (see link) during the off season should say enough.
9. Monthly Mags: Whether it be an InStyle, Elle, or Cooking Light, I need a monthly fix of my mags.
10. My blogs: Just as much as I need a monthly magazine fix, I also need a DAILY blog fix.  Blogs have become such an integral part of my life and reading them is the highlight of my days.  From personal style blogs to food blogs to my friends’ blogs to profesh blogs like Refinery 29, I need them every day (every hour is more like it).

[Image via weheartit]

In honor of Earth Day, I’ve picked out some of my favorite eco-friendly products.  Whether they’re organic, fair trade, 100% vegan, or simply take the place of forever-in-a-landfill plastic bottles, all of these items are sustainable in their own ways.  The fact that they’re super chic, well-made, and reasonably priced is just an added bonus.

1. Skin & Threads Front Pocket Cardigan, $74
2. Loomstate x Barneys NY V Neck Tee, $40
3. People Tree Maui Mini Skirt, $40
4. Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, $30
5. Tarte Natural Lip Stain, $24
6. SIGG Water Bottle, $21.99
7. Matt & Nat Vegan Leather Handbag, $245
8. TOMS Olive Canvas Classics, $44
9. Pacifica Soy Candle, $6

Lately, things have been quite hectic in my little world.  Normally, time + leisure are my 2 best friends but as of late, we no longer spend our days together.  I’ve been busy watching kids, saying goodbye to my old job, starting a new job, visiting Kyle, agonizing over Coachella, driving all over Southern California, etc.  That means less time to blog, bake cinnamon rolls, peruse through my google reader, twitter all my tweeps, and eat marshmallows out of the bag.  Such is life, I guess?

Through all of this newfound busyness, I would be a lost puppy without my Erin Condren Life Planner.  I’ve never been more in love with a calendar.  I fill up my days with appointment stickers, goals, reminders, dates, EVERYTHING.  Besides the fact that it’s a well-organized and manageable day planner, it’s easily the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.  The bright colors, bold fonts, and inspirational quotes are so inviting!  I literally want to doodle in my planner all day long.  Did I mention that it’s personalized?  I swear, if I could have my name scrawled across every product I own, I would be happier.

If you love personalized calendars, stationary, and address labels as much as I do, definitely visit ErinCondren.com for some amazingly cute and fun products.

{NYC trip & bookmark}

{Inspirational quotes}

{Personalized stickers}

Back in February, I wrote about catbird nyc‘s heart ring here and ever since then, I’ve been dying for it.  Then a few weeks ago while lunching in Brooklyn (here) with Kyle, we started talking about that heart ring again (because it just so happened to be the FIFTH anniversary of our very first date and I love presents).  Knowing that the catbird nyc store was somewhere in the area, I looked up the address on my phone.  And what do you know?  It was 3 blocks away from where we were.  That delicate little heart was simply meant for my finger!

When we stepped into catbird nyc, I was enthralled with the beautifully whimsical trinkets displayed in the tiny storefront.  All the jewelry was delicate, feminine, and quirky – in my book, a recipe for perfection.

Of course, they had much more than jewelry.  The store was full of dainty confections, from perfumes to soaps, greeting cards to French cahiers, and a ton of miscellaneous home decor.  And the staff?  Just as sweet!

Catbird is a MUST VISIT if you’re strolling Bedford Street in Brooklyn.  Just beyond lovely and totally charming!  And, of course, I walked away with that darling little heart ring (thanks Kyle)!

Some of my favorites:

{catbird alphabet (and heart) rings, $88}

{Katrina Lapenne Old World Ring – green diamond, $600}

{Yayoi Forest Reminder String Ring, $100}

{Yayoi Forest Love Letter Necklace, $670}

{Iwona Ludyga Teeny Gold Key Necklace, $240 – AHHH I LOVE!!}

{Enormous Champion Tea Towels, $25}

{Saipua Mango Butter Soap, $8}

{NYC Notebook, $12}

[Images via catbird nyc]

If you didn’t know this already: I’m addicted to tea.  Like if tea were a drug, you would need to send me to rehab.  That’s the level of addiction I’m trying to convey.  And even if you sent me to rehab, I would sneak some in my room and have a cup before bed.  It makes me shutter to think about that withdrawal process.

Anyways, when I spotted these tea mugs on weheartit (my new fave photo site, FYI), I knew I had to find them asap.  Luckily, I found them on Amazon!  I know it’s only March but these mugs are my favorite discoveries of the entire year.

[Image via weheartit]

Coming up on The Style Eater:

1. New York Fashion Week has officially begun. 3 words: layers, layers, layers. Image above is from Rag & Bone.
2. NYFW Beauty trends: Bare, makeup-less faces & messy hair
3. Blogs are posting runway photos quicker than Style.com
4. LA Street Food Fest: I’ll be there tomorrow and let you know how it goes. 30+ food trucks=my kind of heaven.
5. Alexa Chung sending daily photos of her outfits to Vogue UK??
6. Peach lips for spring. A little Rouge Coco, s’il vous plait?

Stay Tuned!

[Image via The Cut via Imaxtree]

I am a HUGE fan of Etsy. I won’t lie, I’ve spent my fair share of consecutive hours perusing through seller after seller finding amazing creations, from vintage jewelry to handmade cards. I. Love. It. All. I’m constantly finding new sellers and items that I love but here are my top 10 Etsys that I simply cannot get enough of:

1. www.etsy.com/shop/littleloveliesshop The Little Lovelies Shop is full of vintage rose earrings and pins. Adorable, cute, perfect. Enough said!
2. www.etsy.com/shop/LemonLovesPaper Lemon Loves Paper is a great resource for fun and amazingly creative greeting cards. The “thank you” cards are my fave.
3. www.etsy.com/shop/FreshyFig The Freshy Fig Etsy store is one of my all-time FAVORITES! I’ve never seen such cool and unique jewelry. You must peruse through all 180 items to get the full effect. Sarah, I want to get this one for you.
4. www.etsy.com/shop/japonicas The beautiful vintage jewelry on this Etsy is very whimsical and feminine. J’adore this camera necklace.
5. www.etsy.com/shop/seedknits The Seed Knits Etsy has the most gorgeous handmade knits. By now, we all know how much I love tube/cowl/circle scarves. One more couldn’t hurt, right?
6. www.etsy.com/shop/waysideviolet Wayside Violet’s coffee “cozies” are a perfect alternative to paper sleeves. How innovative and eco-friendly!
7. www.etsy.com/shop/TheLobsterPot Though there are quite a few “Keep Calm and Carry On” Etsy shops, I love The Lobster Pot‘s because of my not-so-mild obsession with cupcakes.
8. www.etsy.com/shop/irenesuchocki This Etsy has beautiful and enchanting prints/photos/cards. There is a certain je ne sais quoi about these photos that I find to be so whimsical and lovely.
9. www.etsy.com/shop/hellohandmadepaperie I’ve already introduced you to Hello Handmade Paperie in my Valentine’s Day post but they definitely belong on my top 10 fave Etsys as well. The Valentine letters that they’ve recently sold out of are my definition of a perfect gift. And the calligraphy is just stunning!
10. www.etsy.com/shop/thecozyfarmhouse And of course my favorite Etsy is The Cozy Farmhouse! I introduced you to The Cozy Farmhouse awhile back as well. Ann-Marie’s creations are the perfect dose of feminine. I can’t get enough!

[Images via littleloveliesshop, LemonLovesPaper, FreshyFig, japonicas, seedknits, waysideviolet, TheLobsterPot, irenesuchocki, hellohandmadepaperie, thecozyfarmhouse]

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. On one hand, it can be a great way to remind your partner just how much you love them. In my book, a simple, loving note would do the trick. On the other hand, it has become a very commercialized, generic holiday. Why do some men insist on buying the most cliche gifts?? Red roses (boring), ugly tennis bracelets from Kay Jewelers (NO THANKS!), a box of chocolates (actually I’m always down for a box of chocolates no matter what day it is), trashy lingerie (gross), generic Hallmark cards (bleh).

Women want to feel special and unique – the center of your world! I’m sorry but red roses do not say You’re the center of my world when 9 million other women received the exact same bouquet on the exact same day. We must put an end to generic giftism (is that a word?)! Here are some unique and simple gift ideas that will make your girl feel extra special this Valentine’s Day:

1. Instead of red roses, why not a bouquet of ranunculus? They are gorgeous, wild flowers that come in all shapes and sizes, ranging in hues from pinks to yellows to purples. The best part is that they’re in season right now so you can find them for pretty cheap at local farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Design*Sponge has a feature on ranunculus that will give you some great ideas.
2. Instead of a boring tennis bracelet or a generic necklace from a jewelry store in the mall, why not give this Lisa Stewart studded pink cuff? It’s just the right amount of girly and just the right amount of edge! The cuff is super fun and will add a beautiful pop of color to any outfit.
3. Another great jewelry idea is this catbird heart ring. I am BEYOND obsessed with it! It’s delicate and subtle, yet at the same time, the little gold heart will really stand out in your girlfriend’s eyes. I know I would feel special if I got it (wink, wink bf). You can also substitute the heart for any letter of the alphabet if you wanted to make it more personal. I would like a “j” and a heart, please.
4. Instead of a box of chocolates, surprise your lady with a dozen Valentine-themed cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop.
5. Instead of sifting through racks of trashy lingerie at Frederick’s, give your girl something a little more classy and chic like this Anthropologie silk bralette. Underwear as outerwear is the thing to do for spring anyways, am I right? Don’t forget that it was showcased heavily on almost every SS10 runway. Your girl will appreciate your up-to-date knowledge on a key fashion trend! Don’t forget to take a look at the matching bloomers too. Très adorable!
6. Most importantly, write your woman a LOVE LETTER! There’s really nothing more beautiful than seeing your love manifested into words. Your girlfriend’s heart will be fluttering at the mere sight of a handwritten love note!! If you wanted to get extra creative, you could find an etsy or website that will write the calligraphy for you, like Hello Handmade Paperie. Though they’ve recently sold out of their Jane Austen-inspired love letters, you can still order them for after Valentine’s Day. I was so obsessed with this etsy that I sent it the BF at least 10 times in the last few weeks, dropping hint after hint that I needed a Jane Austen Valentine letter of sorts.
7. If you’re not a handwritten love letter kind of guy, try to find a unique card that can’t be found on the shelves of Walmart. You can find really amazing and truly original cards on the Snow & Graham website. My favorite is the cupcake card. It’s great, no???

Now that you have a few ideas for Valentine’s Day, I hope you find something beyond the realm of red roses and Hallmark cards and show your girlfriend just how special she truly is.

[Image 1 via Design*Sponge, Image 3 via catbird, Image 4 via Crumbs, Image 5 via Anthropologie, Image 6 via Hello Handmade Paperie, Image 7 via Snow & Graham]