Portraits of a dear friend

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of taking some portraits of my dear friend Ali (I swear this blog is looking more and more like an ode to her each day LOL!) She's graduating from San Francisco State in a few short weeks, and she wanted some classy pictures for her invitation. I've been cooped up in the house sick for the past week, so of course I was up for the challenge! Take a look at some of my favorites:

We shot 3 outfits in 3 different locations on her gorgeous property, where I always love to photograph. We had a delish sushi dinner after at one of my favorite spots. It was such a lovely relaxing afternoon spent helping out a dear friend. I'm so proud of you, pearl!  

Easy as Pie Pops

It's been so great to have the past couple days off and just relax! Today, Ali came over for a deliciously fun-filled day! We had champagne, talked upcoming wedding crafts, and made some yummy pie pops. I was inspired by a recent post from Cupcakes and Cashmere on these little cuties, and decided we had to make them. And guess what...they were so easy to make!

You literally just take some pre-made pie crust and cut them out into small circles. Then fill with canned pie filling (we chose strawberry and blueberry), place a stick in the middle, and press the edges with another stick. Brush with egg whites, bake for 15-17 minutes at 375 degrees and voila...easy as pie pops!

Some discoveries for the next batch...use actual jam or even different combinations. We totally want to make peanut butter and jelly, nutella and strawberry, and even pizza pie pops! They're so much fun to make with a friend, and even funner to devour while watching a funny movie. Give 'em a try!

Serendipity & Firefly

I had some of the yummiest food of my LIFE in Vegas this past weekend. I was so happy to finally try Serendipity 3. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

The frozen hot chocolate (oreo version shown) is truly surreal. I thought it would be just a lot of hype with not much to back it up. But there's this mystery flavor that I tried to put my finger on that just makes it POP! Best quote of the afternoon came from Francesca: "Mmm...I just burped and it tasted like the mystery ingredient." 

A few photos courtesy of my talented bestie. Check out her rad Tumblr!

And don't even get me started on Firefly, a treasure found only in Vegas. Food (tapas) so delicious, it brings a tear to your eye. I couldn't get enough of it so you know I had to visit for a second time right before my flight home! 

Oh yes, and the sparkling sangria was to-die. A foodie expedition at its best!

Let me tell you bout my best friend

...and what a blast I had visiting her in the city of sin! After all these long hours at work lately, it felt so amazing to take a quick trip and just relax eat, drink, and shop for more hours straight than I'd care to admit. I can't believe how infrequently I see her; that's why we have to make the most out of each visit we get!

She's gonna kill me for posting this but it was too hilarious to pass up...we stopped at a casino off the strip for a $3.99 steak & egg breakfast at 4am. She just slumped over and passed. the hell. out. Not even steak & eggs could wake her. I wish I could post my video of messing with her to try to wake her up...priceless!

And did we sleep all day after our long nights? Heck no. Thank God it was still warm enough for a pool party!

Our friend (and her roomie,) Roya :)

It was such an amazing weekend with my bestie boo! Only 4 more weeks until I see her again. This time it's her turn to visit me :)

Breakfast at Ali's

Now that autumn is officially here, there's been an immediate shift in weather.  Highs reached the nineties earlier this week, but today was overcast and noticeably cooler. This was particularly evident when I spent a lovely morning at my friend Ali's hilltop estate. I absolutely love spending time here, and I secretly fantasize about living here when I make the drive up the hill. It's unbelievably serene, with breathtaking views for miles and miles...paired with great company, delicious food, and some bubbly of course, it made for an unforgettable Sunday.

{A great shot by my friend Alex}

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!

Lauren & Joey's Winery Wedding

If there's one thing I absolutely love, it's a beautiful wedding.  My beyond-gorgeous friend Lauren just got married on Saturday at a local winery and everything was breathtaking! (Remember the bachelorette party?) The setting and details were so perfectly curated; I wish I had better photos to post of their lovely nuptials! For now, here are some snapshots from the awesome photo booth:

Mr. & Mrs.

 And of course, our hilarious friends!

 I wouldn't expect anything less from these newlyweds...It was the party of a lifetime! :)