Let the Festivities Begin

Oh, the quarter system. So much quicker than the semester system. There is seriously zero time to slack, or for that matter, take a break. The past few weeks have been full of writing papers, making surveys, reading chapter after chapter, and then preparing to do it all over again. Luckily, I do get to take a physical break from Santa Barbara next week. Back home to Northern California I go on Tuesday for Thanksgiving break and I could not be more excited. It's the little things like playing with my puppies, cold weather, and seeing my mom and dad that make the holidays so great.

Can't wait to snuggle with Pip and Bella Lu!

This year Kate and I are planning on making big waves for Thanksgiving at our grandparents. Since we have both been following vegan diets for the past year (Kate has been longer... she's awesome), we are going to be making some new dishes that are equally delicious as they are healthy. So far I think we have agreed that these dishes are going to make an appearance:

• candied yams
• some wildly delicious salad with ridiculous amounts of veggies
• cranberry chutney with cilantro and jalapeno (courtesy of Uncle Matty from last year)

We are still brainstorming, but I will be sure to post pictures of all our tasty dishes. You are all going to wish you were invited to the deDiego Thanksgiving events each year. 

Also, my dad's side of the family has a tradition of going to dinner at a local mexican food restaurant, Little Tampico, and then hitting up the local bars for a night of fun the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and this year I get to go! Not completely legally, but we deDiego's know how to work magic (aka sister's ID). There are sure to be some classic stories and great pictures to come from this night. Stay tuned. 

Here is the skirt I am thinking will make a great fall statement for the festivities: 

Loving this!

And the best part? It's only $20 from Old Navy. I'm thinking of pairing this with a black blouse, black tight and my booties. And I'll jazz it up with some jewels. 

Really looking forward to seeing the fam, baking up some delicacies with my mama, snuggling with puppies, and fresh made espresso at my dad's house. See you soon Santa Cruz/Bay Area! 

XOXO, 

Taylor 

Meet My Pretty Friend.. and Pretty Jacket.

After weekends like the one just past, I wish that I could hang out with all of my best friends everyday, especially Kylee. We have been friend since 6th grade and although we now live in different cities and we are both constantly busy with work, school, or other projects, we do a pretty good job of staying in touch. After spending the weekend laughing, shopping, taking 20 minutes to make a single decision, and exploring LA, I couldn't help but think of how grateful I am that she and I quickly fall back into routine, even though we only see each other every month & half or so.

As always, Kylee and I went shopping in Santa Monica and did minor damage (but enough that I am living on canned food leftover in my pantry). It's dangerous when we shop together for the following reasons: (1) we have similar style, and are very good at sharing clothes so we convince each other to buy things, and (2) we are very good at rationalizing why we should spend X amount of dollars regardless of the bills we have to pay or the lack of gas in one of our cars. I think we would both agree that if we were millionaires, we would be the best dressed. :)

Anyways, while shopping in Santa Monica I scored a darling sequin jacket, perfect for work during the holidays and... our trip to Vegas! That's right! Kylee is turning 21 and we are off to Vegas in January and this sparkly stunner is definitely coming with.

Oh rose gold, I love you. 

I'm thinking jeans, white blouse, this and my nude pumps for the holidays at work. And for vegas, a black dress, this, and strappy shoes. Can't wait! Pictures to come. :)

XOXO,
Taylor

Sneak Peak: Porter Gulch Jewelry Designs

As the holidays quickly approach, many of us are beginning the whirl wind that is holiday shopping (how did this time of year come so fast yet again??). As a college student I have vowed to start my shopping early so that I am not broke come mid-December. And, I have really great news for those of you who are also getting started early: A fabulous jewelry designer, who makes hand-made unique pieces out of her NYC city apartment, is giving me the opportunity to give you all a sneak peak into her holiday line!

Brooke, the creative mind, jeweler, and talented artist behind Porter Gulch Jewelry Designs, makes pieces that are not only budget friendly but also perfectly sparkly for any holiday ensemble. Her designs are unique, yet not too trendy. She prides herself on making pieces that are subtle enough to wear multiple times a week, yet also make a statement with the most basic of outfits. Her hobby turned small business is making waves on both coasts; her signature love ring is on the hands of ladies all over California, New York City and even Australia! So here is what you have all been waiting for, the sneak peak: The Avery earrings.

The Avery earring.
Perfect with a black cashmere sweater, jeans, and boots
or that silky, gem colored holiday dress waiting to make its debut!

Hand-crafted, these stunning earrings are made with brushed sterling silver, adorned with gold chain, and topped with Pyrite stones. The stone is faceted which results in a super sparkly earring that catches the light (see: Christmas lights, fireplaces, sunshine). And best yet, no two earrings are alike, which makes them a true piece of art for your ears.  Brooke will be posting these on her etsy shop tomorrow. Selling price is $48. Be sure to snatch these up if you are in love as there is limited stock.

They're like little nests of sparkle and fun. 

Hand-crafted earrings for $48?? Unreal, I know. 

It feels so good to support an up and coming designer. I encourage you to think of Brooke when shopping for the women in your life for the holidays, as I am sure they will be thrilled with her shiny pieces (my "Taylor" necklace and "Love" ring are definitely getting their wear this season... it might be time for something new!). She is currently working with bright-colored gems that will also be apart of her holiday line. Also, note that Brooke is willing to make custom orders if you are feeling inspired by her designs but want to tweak something or create something totally new. What a doll!

XOXO,
Taylor

Silky, pretty things.

So in the past ten days or so, I have seriously scored on free clothes that I adore. How about a free Joe's silk shift dress, and a silk Huit bra that is oh-so-precious and oh-so-out-of-my-price-range. Well thanks to my favorite roommate ;) and favorite co-worker, I scored. Killer, right? Oh yes. Check out the goodies (for the sake of being classy the beautiful bra will not be making a MakingTee appearance... you're welcome Mama).

Finally found cat eye sunglasses ♥ Urban Outfitters. 

The ever-so-slightly, too short lavender dress, with silk covered buttons.

Finally did it. Been eye-ing this Eberjey romper for a solid year.

Dark nail polish. Can't get enough. (Licoln Park after Dark is unbeatable)

And I'm off to L.A. tomorrow to see my best friend and hopefully come across some gems at the Rosebowl Flea Market. Wish us luck!

XOXO,
Taylor

Paris ♥

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

I have officially started my journey to Paris, France. The dreaming has finally turned into planning. I admit however, that it is not as lavish as it may sound. The actual turning point began with a trip to the UCSB EAP office, where I was bombarded with information about applications, housing, expectations, and deadlines.  And although I had to hurry off to class, I am very excited that my journey has begun. Here are all of the things I will be dreaming about until August 2011... fantasies of course. 

So much to look forward to. 

XOXO, 

Taylor

Being Thankful.

I'm not sure if it is widely known how difficult it is to be a college student who also works. It is exhausting. And yet also fulfilling. On a day like today, when I freaked out about the amount of school work I have to do in the next three weeks, my whole world seems really small. It is much easier to see the negative side of a situation when the weight of projects, deadlines, papers, and my work holiday schedule occupy my mind... constantly. However, after all of the dust has settled and it is time to start making a dent in that pile of work and stress, I have many things to be thankful for. 

1. My sisters. B and Koop just know how to make me feel better. No matter what. And after having a little melt down about school work, internships, traveling abroad, and making money I can not express how reassuring it is to come home to a e-mail from Kate with a subject line that says "You Can Do It All". Thanks beebee. You mean the world to me. 
2. Kate. Again. She not only helps me edit my papers but also guides me through my life when I can not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Without her I may never understand the expense of studying abroad, or whether the internship I apply to is legit or not. You deserve double thanks tonight Koop. 

My pretty sister, Katelyn. 

3. Youtube. A place where I can watch video after video of yellow lab and bernese mountain puppies sleep, play, talk, etc. Instant joy. 

4. Aundrina's man who made pumpkin pie from scratch tonight. Seriously, he made it from a pumpkin. YUM!

5. Knee high socks. They rock. For day time with a skirt, and night time with sleep shorts. Yup, I love them that much. 

Bring it on Monday. 

XOXO

Taylor