The Final Countdown

We're officially in the SINGLE DIGITS on the wedding countdown!! Zack & I head to NC at the end of this week so we've started packing, making lists of what we need to get, and a list of things we CANNOT forget (like wedding rings...and this outfit).

I'm trying my best to pack light which means going with basics (like white and black tees/tanks) that can be paired with a couple fun items…like this skirt. Plus this denim jacket is one of my favorite pieces right now, so I’ll be wearing it with everything except my wedding dress…probably. 

And then the shoes. This is where “packing light” doesn’t ever happen. And I won’t deny it. There’s flats, sandals, boots, running shoes, and most definitely the ones featured in this post. I was looking for something to wear to my bachelorette party this coming weekend, and I found these in the first store I went into. It was meant to be. I love them, but like most heels, I needed to break them in. I’ve worn them to work a couple times but since I sit most of the day…it only did so much. Last Saturday, I decided to wear them on my “date” with Zack…which ended up being a surprise bachelorette party thrown by some of my girlfriends out here in LA. They definitely got broken in. It was a blast and a total surprise, and now I’m ready for this weekend to get here, so I can celebrate again with my NC girls. 

That’s all for now, and next time I post, I’ll be a married women. See you on the other side!

XO – Courtney

top [urban outfitters] // jacket [h&m] // skirt [h&m] // 

shoes [call it spring] // necklace [the limited]

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[photo credit: zack hardy]

Presto! Pesto!

It's been a while since I've tried a new dinner recipe. (Last month was a just a drink--delicious but fairly simple). Today's recipe is a little more complicated in that it has a lot of ingredients but lucky for me, I had all of them in my pantry. Other than the list of ingredients, this recipe is super simple. The key here: Homemade Arugula Pesto.

Zack and I made flatbreads earlier in the week, and I had purchased a HUGE container of arugula to throw on those, and I was looking for ways to use up the rest of it (because our grocery store is dumb and only carries giant containers of arugula that no normal human could ever consume, and I always end up wasting it). I threw it in a few salads, but then I stumbled across a pesto recipe that swaps basil with arugula. I was intrigued.

Just throw all the ingredients in a food processor, and you've got yourself a delicious pesto sauce. I decided to stuff some chicken breasts with the pesto and mozzarella and serve it with linguine in the pesto sauce. Zack and I both deem this meal a winner. Top it off with a big glass of white wine and the season finale of House of Cards (Sidenote--Season 4 was awesome. So much better than season 3. Watch it now or start at Season 1 ASAP if you've never watched it before). 

Anyway, if you're itching to try a new recipe, this one's pretty simple and "Forks on the Right" approved. Oh, and how convenient---a green meal just in time for Saint Patrick's Day. 

XO – Courtney

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Arugula Pesto

INGREDIENTS

· 2 cups Arugula

· 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)

· 1/4 cup toasted almonds (or pine nuts)

· 1 clove Garlic (peeled)

· Juice from 1/2 a lemon

· 1/2 cup EVOO

· Pinch of Salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine all ingredients EXCEPT olive oil in a food processor. Pulse for 30-45 seconds until mixture is fine.

2. Add olive oil in slowly and blend into the mixture. Taste and add extra salt as needed.

3. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!  

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Malibu

I've been here for almost 2 years, but until a couple weeks ago, I had never been to Malibu. And I'm kicking myself because it was wonderful. Side note: I had never done the Runyon Canyon Hike until that same weekend too, which is also really weird since it is probably the most popular hike in LA and only about a 15 minute drive from my apartment to the trailhead. But I digress. 

My cousin, Tanya, came into town for the weekend and we had a full schedule of hiking, exploring, eating, and lounging on the beach. Sunday morning we hopped in my car and drove up the PCH to Mailbu. The weather couldn't have been MORE perfect. 

First stop, Malibu Surf Shack to rent some paddleboards. I had only been paddleboarding one other time, but it was a blast; however, it was also in a harbor where the water is relatively always calm. This time we were going to be paddleboarding in the ocean. Not as bad as I thought, but the water was extremely calm, so although it did take some getting used to, the waves weren't really a problem. We paddled around for a couple hours along the coast, soaked in the sun, and even saw some dolphins. 

Back on dry land again, we headed to Nobu for lunch. Another reason I'm kicking myself for never going to Malibu before now. This was some of THE best and freshest sushi/seafood I've ever had in my life. Not to mention, the drinks. Cheers. 

Lunch was followed by a hike through Solstice Canyon where we passed an abandoned mansion, the remnants of a waterfall (because, drought), and some pretty incredible views of the Pacific. Oh, and one adorable three-legged pup, Mia. 

Then it was a race against the sun. We headed up the PCH to El Matador State Beach to watch the sunset, and we made it JUST in time. The next time I'm in Malibu (because there WILL be a next time, and hopefully sooner rather than later), I want to spend a little more time at this beach. It was beautiful with its cliffs and rock formations, BUT we were exhausted AND hungry and it was getting dark so it was goodbye, Malibu. Until next time...

XO  – Courtney