One's Own Cheerleader

This last year has been a seriously tough year for me.  I haven't had a steady job for a year now, I have moved back to California and then back to London and one thing that I've learned about myself is that I say I'm going to do a lot of things and never follow them through.  Not in the doing a friend a favour way or finishing up a project in the office.  No, more in a personal I'm-going-to-do-something-for-me-way.  

One of those things was this blog.  I really love having an outlet to be creative and do something for me.  However I've noticed that this blog causes me more anxiety than anything else.  I'm always a bit too worried that it's not going to be polished enough, or on track with what this blog is meant to be about.  And to be completely honest, I'm not sure that I'm even positive I know what this blog is supposed to be about.  I've decided I can't worry about it anymore.  I've learned that the blog is just a place to write and get things out of my brain.  So from this moment forward, I'm just going to write.  I'm sorry if the blog is all over the map, or not really quite up to standard, but I'm just trying to find my ground with it.  

I hope that everyone has a great Friday and remembers to not stand in your own way.  I tend to do this a lot and I've realised I'm only holding myself back from what I want to do.  It sounds corny yes, but let's try to be a bit more of our own cheerleaders.  And be positive towards yourself just as you would others.  Don't get me wrong, this post isn't meant to be in the it's all about me way, I just feel that pessimism gets the best of us sometimes.  So let's move forward with our best foot forward. dd

Last of the Summer Sun

The past couple of days have been scorching in the Bay Area.  It's been ridiculously hot!  I took a drive yesterday so that I could get some AC in the car to cool off and came across this amazing old church that is in my little part of town.  Set in the middle of apple orchards and fields of flowers, this church is so precious.  It reminds me of being a little girl and being dressed up in a frilly dress, frilly socks and little white patent flats.  That's not exactly my style now, but I can't say that it's too far off!

This shirt is just the perfect amount of frill.  I love the dusty pink color, perfect to watch with the oxblood and deep purples that are popping up everywhere this season.  It will last me through the winter and into next spring.  I'm looking forward to pairing it with some glitter and glitz over the holidays.  Can't wait! dd

Blast From The Past

I have been home for seven weeks now.  It's been so nice to be home in the sun.  Living rent free.  Having a car to drive.  Catching up with old friends.  And in the past week I was asked to be the assistant coach for my old high school volleyball team.  It's a great gig while I'm on the hunt for the perfect job.  The only thing is, I feel like I'm in high school again.  Living with my parents.  Driving my old car.  Seeing friends from high school.  And now practicing with the same team I used to play on eight years ago.  All I can do is laugh, it is slightly hilarious.  We have even just got a little puppy as we did my senior year in high school.  She is just the cutest.  Her name is Shelby.  I'll leave you with a few photos. dd

Her first day home.

Olympian in the making!

Vine Tasting

Last night Martin Ranch held a little soiree for their wine club members - thankfully my parents are members!  We brought our own picnic and indulged in their free wine tasting.  I can not believe what a beautiful area I live in.  I think I'm set to go wine tasting around the area as much as I can.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Such a great idea for a wine cooler!

Martin Ranch had a great selection on the tasting table.  I tried their Merlot, but in the end we went home with a case of their Syrah.  The Merlot was nice, but a bit too spicy for me.  The Syrah is just so warm, rounded and easy to drink.  I couldn't help but love it. dd

Screening Process

Within days of being home, my skin was in shock from all of the extra rays it was seeing.  Just even from driving around town and popping in and out of the shops it was a bit pink.  I knew I had to up the anti on an every day sunscreen.  Ick!  I hate nothing more than slathering on a sticky layer to start only to slap on foundation and the rest of it.  By the time I leave the house it would feel like I have a rubber mask on my face!  However, that is now a thing of the past.  La Roche-Posay have given us a solution in the form of Anthelios 60.

This ultra light formula goes on like a dream and has a matte finish to leave you perfectly prepped for the rest of your morning routine.  It makes my skin feel silky smooth and gives me UV and Anti-oxidant protection all day long.  Anthelios 60 has secured its spot in my daily routine - well at least while the sun lasts! dd

Sweet Home

I am home. It has taken me quite a while to realize how much I have missed home. How much I have needed home. It feels so good to be here in the California sunshine. The food is fresh and the air is warm. I am in my element. Over the next few months I will be exploring San Francisco again and telling you of my many exploits. I hope you join me for the ride! dd

Pick 'n Mix

Casual Pants
Sandals

Double The Fun

Over the past six months or so hair essentials brand Goody has launched in the UK and has made me a very happy girl.  I grew up on Goody products since the 80's and they have always been the best.  And this past Sunday I spotted these genius hair bands in The Sunday Times Style Magazine.  They double as both a hair band and can be cleverly disguised as a bangle when worn around your wrist.  Or for the headband version it can be worn as a sleek necklace.

I can't wait to give them a try.  They will work perfectly with the minimal chic office look that I will be trying to master.  And I have to mention that Goody Hair products were seen on the runways of London Fashion Week.  Prada used their gold and silver barrettes for a low cinched ponytail. 

 What are you planning to do with your mane this spring?

dd

Photos used from the official Goody website.

Pronounce Your P's

Spring has landed on our front door step.  I can't say that it's about time as our winter was so mild, but none the less, I will absolutely bask in it's glory.  And I did just so yesterday!  Mr. Digital and I headed out for a walk along the river and snapped a few photos along the way.  


One of the biggest trends this season is the prim and proper look.  It comes with a collar, possibly a full skirt and all finished off with a bit of lace.  I've put my own spin on it here. dd

Shirt: Paul & Joe

Suede Skirt: Vintage

Denim Jacket: Vintage

Platform Sandals: Calvin Klein

Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs 

Precious Stones

I was a lucky girl yesterday. Not only did my wonderful boyfriend arrange for the most amazing bouquet of flowers to be sent to my desk at work, I also received this inspiring bracelet from Oia Jules. I'm planning to wear it all spring with pastels, loud floral prints and yellow everything.


You can find this bracelet and other amazing pieces from Oia Jules on Etsy.com. I highly recommend what this talented LA based designer has on offer. California cool style with a glam edge. dd

 

London Freeze

The snow has finally hit the ground. It's been so cold the past week I have just been waiting for it to actually fall. There is already about two inches fallen and it's meant to carry on for another seven hours. It sure is pretty, but guaranteed to cause absolute havoc on Monday morning. Snow day? dd

iFabbo

I just got my iFabbo seal of endorsement up today! It's great to be associated with such a great blogging community.  I'm really looking forward to the conference in London that is set for this year.  Can't wait! dd

Clueless Technologies.

Everyone, or every girl, can remember that moment when Cher Horowitz first showed the world her very own styling computer app that not only calculated perfect outfits but also swirled them round her dry-cleaners closet to be presented on a silver hanger for her to then prepare for her harrowing days of high school in Beverly Hills.

Well ladies of the modern world, it is your time.  FaceCake Technologies has brought you a virtual wardrobe, Swivel.  It works through the Microsoft Kinect game system.  The motion sensitive wand allows you to pick different items of clothing and accessories to 'try on'.  I'm not sure I'm sold myself, but what do you think?  dd

CES 2012: FaceCake Swivel Is a Socially-Enabled Virtual Dressing Room

Foodie Friends

Yesterday I embarked on a culinary adventure through East London curtesy of Scratch Meals and WalkEatTalkEat.


Charli of WalkEatTalkEat  led us around Shoreditch teaching us the history of the borough all the while enlightening us on the yummiest of foodie pitstops.  Of course due to the tube, my party of four were running a tad late, so we missed the first stop.  But when we did meet with the group, Charlie presented us with amazing beef and english mustard bagels.  It was certainly not something I would order myself, but it was incredible.  I will get one next time I'm passing.

We wandered around looking at the street art, the market stalls and we even sampled a few of the local brews from Redchurch Brewery.  I stuck to the Shoreditch Blonde, but did try their Pale Ale as well.  Very tasty!


Another highlight would have been my first taste of a battered sausage.  We were led to Poppies of Spitalfields for a sausage and chip experience like I've never had.  I didn't know that battered sausage even existed.  It was delicious.  It was pure evil.


To end the night off nicely we went to the Adnams boutique to try a few of their brews and wines.  Glasses were smashed, drinks were had, it was a great end to the day.  Mr. Digital and I left with a few bottles of red from my beloved Bay Area and smiles from ear to ear.


A massive thank you to Scratch Meals who gifted us the lovely day with WalkEatTalkEat.  Scratch Meals is the way forward for cooking fresh meals for one person.  It is nearly impossible to cook for one with out spending a fortune, wasting a lot of perfectly good food or eating the same meal for dinner and then lunch consecutively.  Scratch brings you fresh ingredients with no hidden calories or chemicals in way of inspiring dishes.  Their chicken and chorizo jambalaya has to be my favourite.  Oh and did I mention that you get all of this in just 15 minutes?  That's right, no fuss, no prep, just in the pan and on to your plate.  Pure brilliance. dd

California Raisings

Being born and raised in the Bay Area of California is with out a doubt the most special gift I have ever been given.  It has made me a person that I am proud to be.  Every time I have the pleasure of returning home, it is not only going home to see friends and family, but it also a luxury holiday.  With the sun shining, the waves crashing along the beaches and gourmet food all around, you could not ask for more.  I have just returned from spending a month at home and I feel so lucky that I had that time.  The weather was typically warm and sunny, my family gathered and my Mr. joined us as well.

Shortly after the new year Mr. Digital and I went for a walk along the coast of Pacific Grove.  PG is like no other place I know.  You are surrounded by victorian houses along the rocky shores with that amazing sea air.  It's perfect with it's small town coffee shops and markets filled to the brim with local specialties and Napa valley wines.  It's my ideal.


From there we went further down the coast to Carmel and took a walk through Carmel by the sea village.  Lovely, quaint but highly overpriced.  Aside from the Coach outlet store they have.  Which Mr. Digital made sure I did not go into.  Probably best. dd 

Since the sun was shining, I didn't need too many layers.  

Jacket: Whistles

Shirt: Paul and Joe

Skirt: BCBGeneration

Shoes: Vintage

Bow: American Apparel