Almond Joy

I recently made this almond cake out of boredom. It has turned out to be one of my favorite cakes I have ever made. The process of making it is highly fragrant, especially the above pictured step where I have just pulsed the almond paste and sugar together, producing the most intoxicating sugary almond scent I have ever breathed in my life. The cake itself turned out very nicely; it was dense but with a fine crumb and a light flavor. Perfect to eat by itself, but I plan on turning it into a layer cake with whipped cream frosting and various berries studded along the edges. You even end up with some extra batter, and I put them into mini muffin tins and those little cakes ended up being perfect to pop in your mouth (almost too perfect, they were gone in a matter of hours). 

Closet Sale!

Visit my closet on Poshmark to see the clothes I am selling! https://poshmark.com/closet/piadelrey :)

Wasted Time / Time Well Spent

Summer break is the time for movies.

Like THE time. I waste all day watching films and even go well into the night, until the night turns into the morning. It is as if I might die the next day, so I must stay up and voraciously finish each story. As usual though, I always have plenty of time the next day. Much to the chagrin of my mother, my perpetually messy room is still that, a perpetual mess. Films are a really special medium. In my head, I have always toyed with the idea of acting or directing or writing films. I know it could be something worthwhile if I tried, but the realist in me says no way. The shy part of me also makes it all completely terrifying. My genre would be indie films. I wouldn't want my film to be too well known, and I would always rather it elicit grand emotion or introduce a new perspective to all that watch it. That might be more likely if less people watch it. However, my thinking here is not valid if we regard the Law of Large Numbers. Anyway this post is to provide a small review on my favorite films I have seen so far this summer.

Let's start.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

This movie is my favorite Woody Allen film. So much so that it prompted me to go on a Woody Allen rampage (the only one I had seen before was Midnight in Paris) and watch as many as I could. Until I got bored. I think I like about half of the ones I have watched. I'll get to another one later. This movie made me fall in love with Javier Bardem. He is a great actor. Penelope Cruz is also just a firecracker in this. The use of narration was completely on point in this film as opposed to You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger (I had to watch that one, Freida Pinto is in it and she is my girl crush). I think the story was really wonderful, and it gave me a little bit of a lifestyle epiphany. I won't go much into that, though. I think everything was very straightforward in this movie, not to mean that it was not complex. I think the complexity was the choice to be straightforward. I could watch this movie all the time.

Match Point

Yet another Woody Allen film. I thought the story was interesting. A little Gatsby-esque considering the relationship between wealth, love, and responsibility, but still different. I guess that is really all I want to say about it.

God Help The Girl

A really charming musical film about a girl living in a different country while dealing with an eating disorder. She wants to make music and when she meets two other people, they do that all together while simultaneously supporting each other through personal turmoil. A great story of friendship. Although I think the storyline could have been better developed and it didn't end up how I wanted it to, I thoroughly enjoyed it thanks to the lyrical work of Belle and Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch. The melodies are whimsical and happy, even if the lyrics aren't always happy. Murdoch's songwriting style is one-of-a-kind; a character's thoughts or seemingly mundane and insignificant daily routines are strung together in ditties that make you smile yet still contain a meaningful commentary that adds to the mood of the film. Emily Browning's voice is absolutely perfect for the part, and I must say I have developed a new girl crush.

Short Term 12

I watched the trailer for this and knew I had to watch it straight away. I was worried that it might have already given away the entire plot, and it kind of did give away a good chunk of it. However, Brie Larson and the other actors that play the kids in the short term home give magnificent performances. I was crying thirty minutes into the film. The incorporation of story telling throughout was incredibly clever in delivering messages in an unexpected, indirect way. I really appreciated that even though the individuals in the short term home do not have the best circumstances, you never felt pity for them, only reverence. The kids and the adults worked together to get to a level of understanding, and in such great displays of empathy were great emotions elicited. I have immense respect for Destin Cretton for writing this story and living a similar one in his life. A must watch for any and every one.



That is all I have on the movie front for now. Hope someone found a nice way to waste their time thanks to my suggestions.  

Jordan Almonds

This post has been a long time coming. These are a couple images I wanted to share from a cousin's wedding back in November. My dress is the color of pink Jordan Almonds, which I don't really care for but looked so pretty filling a vase on the dessert table at the wedding (not pictured). I would like to say congrats to my cousin and her husband, as they are soon to welcome a new baby boy! 

Mornin' Glory

I went birding today. 

Not something I would actually do on my own. One of my best friends is an avid birder however, and  I thought I would give it a try because he likes it. We looked through plots of tamarisks (pictured in the first photo) that were used as wind breaks for a park and some crops. We saw yellow warblers, townsend warblers, some bushtits (I giggled inappropriately in my head at this name), and one other species that I cannot recall. Not a very lucky day, as he hadn't seen the more uncommon warblers we were looking for. I couldn't get any pictures of them either, for the tamarisks didn't allow much light to get through and the birds were too fidgety for me to locate them long enough. I don't really have a passion for birds, but I am always open to learning about wildlife. Spending time outdoors with a good friend in the warm early morning sun is also a treat in itself. I really appreciated just walking along a fairly empty road, listening the the chirpy shenanigans of the birds. It was so very peaceful and calming. I don't even mind that my sandals and feet got a little muddy, but that is my bad for poor judgement in footwear for the activity. I am happy I finally went birding with my friend though, as he is leaving to go somewhere for a long while. I guess I will dedicate this post to him, good luck, I will miss ya, but look out for my letters! 

Going to college and all, I am bound to make new friends. I really want to try and stay in touch with a select few though. Just people who love me inside and out, and I the same with them. So here is to the new and staying in touch with the old, let us never lose each other in the journey called life.

~

Also, in honor of this day and its significance to myself & fellow Americans, I am so thankful that I am alive and got to savor the quiet of this morning. Thirteen years ago was definitely a different story for everyone. Rest in peace to those who lost their lives on 9/11 and to those in the conflict that followed after. 

Le citron

Lemon cake is one of my dad's favorite cakes. So I needed a super easy recipe that I could whip out on special occasions. This simple, quick loaf cake with glaze is so easy and delicious though, that I find myself making it every time the there are ripe Meyer lemons on the tree in my backyard. Which has been a lot lately. 

*Please excuse the picture quality of the loaf cake, it was taken on my phone and edited at a separate time on a separate software. I would not have pictured it except that an image of the cake itself did seem necessary.

LA Day

famed avocado toast at gget

Bar at gget

The Los Angeles is such a mix of eclectic aesthetics. One neighborhood I ended up exploring this summer was Larchmont Village, where the coffee bar Go Get Em Tiger is located. It was a gorgeously sunny day. The people working and perusing the area were diverse and some of the most incredibly friendly people I have met in LA. Obviously, Amoeba isn't located on Larchmont but rather in Hollywood which was definitely busier. Then again it had been later in the day once we got to Amoeba, so more people had probably ventured out into the day by then. I would be in LA all the time just exploring if only the traffic wasn't excruciating; it takes forever to travel the same distance I would travel in 15 minutes out here in the suburbs. Anyway, as school draws closer for me, I won't be out in LA as much, also seeing as any friends willing to go with me have left for college already. It's a low blow; the Allah - Las are playing soon and I have no one to go with. I guess it is time to rewatch some of my favorite tv series and reread my favorite books to pass the time. Not a bad thing, but not as adventurous and productive as I would like. 

High School Fruition

I have eaten

the plums

that were in

the icebox

and which

you were probably

saving

for breakfast

Forgive me

they were delicious

so sweet

and so cold

This Is Just To Say

by William Carlos Williams

I guess I wonder what will stay with me from my time in high school. I graduated a little over two months ago, but it already feels like ages have past and the whole world is unfurling before me. 

I have said so long to small responsibilities and insincere friendships. Life beyond high school is exciting, but extremely frightening. I can see that when I apply for student loans and register for classes at my university. I have serious commitments now, and as determined as I am to honor them, I will never know what successes and failures lie ahead. But I have realized that while the trials and tribulations of high school might be insignificant to ones I have yet to face, I still have the same two options in which I can face them. I can allow them to break me down in sadness, worry, and despair or I can set my resolve, and refuse to let the potential risks in life take away my ability to enjoy life and love. 

Life is best lived with both a grain of salt and sugar. I will be prudent and hardworking, but I must remember that I can still have fun. I'll always remember this poem by William Carlos Williams that I read in high school. It never had  earth shattering social commentary or allegorical significance. The narrator acted and owned up to his actions, but took everything with a little bit of cheek. Humor has always been one of life's best remedies. I hope I can always remember the small things; they often help you understand the big lessons in life.

Shadow

- Warmer Days Are Upon Us -

Dress casually with no fuss for a change.

Forever 21 Tee ~ Urban Outfitters Shorts ~ Old Navy Flops (that are sadly not with us anymore)

P O P / T A R T

You know you have a cute outfit on when even your hard to please guy friend approves. I love this skirt. It is so different from any leather skirts I have seen; it isn't pleated or a circle skirt. The A-line shape is ultra-chic when it is upgraded by a thin panel of mesh just before the hem, exposing a sliver of skin and adding interest. I paired it with this shirt to keep the top half more modest, and I find the color and texture of this shirt to be a polished juxtaposition against black leather. With two standout items, I kept everything simple with a pair of flats and a single gold ring.

J. Crew Shirt ~ Forever 21 Skirt ~ Express Ring ~ Urban Outfitters Flats

Hallow's Eve

My Halloween costume this year! I was a flapper completely of clothes and jewelry lying around the house. I find making or putting together a costume is a lot more fruitful than buying one, but if you are younger, always be a Disney Princess. I think I was Mulan three years in a row, but it wasn't store bought. I always wanted a store bought Ariel costume though. Ariel was my FAVORITE Disney princess. I loved to sing and she was an amazing singer, and I loved to swim and she was a mermaid! Plus I thought she had the best hair even though it was the same shade of ketchup. Any way I hope everyone had a fun Halloween! I just went out to dinner with a friend and stayed home to pass out candy and catch up on TV. Then I went to sleep at ten. It was a glorious night of rest. Thanksgiving is soon, then my birthday, and then Christmas! It is going to be super busy for me this holiday season, but I plan on squeezing in as many holiday activities as possible! Let the festivities begin!

Great Grains

Guys my mom made these. They are amazing. She should sell them. They are so good.  She didn't even use a recipe really, just made it up! I thought I would share because I have reverted back to a granola phase again. Thanks mom!

Sorry for the lack of well, conversation in the posts lately. School, volunteering, social events that come with this month are all keeping me occupied. Not to mention personal essays..yikes back to work! Better content to come!

Future

Well don't I look spiffy? This was my outfit to school today because I had an interview with the National Park Service for an internship today. Even though it was during school, I still wanted to put in an extra effort with my outfit so that they knew I was serious and ready to get down to business. Dressing for success is a real thing, people. More about the internship if I actually get it. I am so hopeful because it is something that I really want to do and seems like it would be a really nice experience. From previous posts, like the one titled Driftwood at Dusk back in September, it is obvious that  Environmental Science has really caught my interest. I want to be able to expand upon that through this position because being on the cusp of college, it would be helpful to sort out what I really want to do. English and the sciences have always been grappling for my attention, but writing and literature has usually won out until now. I would ideally love to mesh the two for ultimate intellectual satisfaction. I guess we will just have to wait and see what might be in store for me!

Wilshire Blazer ~ 7 for all Mankind Jeans ~ Report Boots ~ Fossil Tank ~ Forever 21 Tote

Flashback

Sleepy elephant seals

Photographs I took using film  about two or three years ago, back when we took a great road trip up and down the coast to Monterey/ Big Sur and back. I think I prefer film because you really have to choose what you shoot wisely. I do not know much about photography, just kind of did whatever felt right. I would love to take a class and learn more about what I could do. Everything turns out pretty well anyhow. I think as long as you capture light nicely, the only other thing you need is a different perspective. The road is a magical place. I want to take some desert shots with film. Hopefully, the next time we go to Vegas we can stop more along the way. Joshua trees and cacti seem like interesting subjects. Need to break out the ole Canon, it has been too long.

Craving

"Makin banana pancakes, pretend like it's the weekend now"

Oh dear. How I wish it was the weekend. So I could have a break, and laze about feeling pathetic about my little old sore throat. It is only Tuesday, and I am all tuckered out. Who else wants to sleep in and have someone make them breakfast? I actually made the pancake above so I guess I will be making myself pancakes. I am afraid there is no time, I have got a solid weekend planned with a long day of volunteering, followed by Halloween Horror Nights, and then partner projects I have to work on for school. Should I be blogging right now? Probably not, school should come first.. but Hamlet is just oh so dull. Don't hate me for that either, you either love or hate Shakespeare. I much prefer his sonnets to his plays, I wonder why? Fingers crossed this throat of mine doesn't give me trouble over the weekend. I am being proactive and staying hydrated, gargling warm water and salt, drinking tea, and taking vitamin C tablets. I will not give in! There's no room for sickness in my life. Try to keep healthy friends, Halloween fun is almost upon us!

Fall Haikus

Fog in the mornings

Sleepily put on my socks

Defrost my windshield

~

Cold toes on cold floors

Cat always wants to snuggle

Forgets his fur coat

~

October is here

Artificial pumpkin scents

Mixed with cinnamon

Roll Up

These were so easy to make. Again, recipe from my favorite food blog, Smitten Kitchen, they are called rugelach pinwheels. I am also very pleased with myself because I recently saw the same cookies in the display of Corner Bakery Cafe, and I have to say I think mine turned out to be cuter! Hehe hope y'all have been enjoying October. I have been busy busy busy! Going to hopefully squeeze in some outfit shoots, but I am not sure what to do because the ones I had planned were relatively summery, and well the weather is definitely cooler now. We will make it work though. 

Sun Drop

Fall is here, and we are nearing the one year anniversary of Coast of Kings. I have changed so much since then. My world has changed so much since then! I think it is a good thing though, I wouldn't want my life to be static. On to the outfit though. I prefer my tank tops to be long just so I don't have to be paranoid about them riding up if I bend over. I ordered this tank online though, and it was a lot longer than expected. So while cute beach cover up came to mind, I also wanted to wear it as a dress. So I layered it over top of my green Asos skirt (Asos is brilliant for bargains on basics) and finished with a belt to tie it all together. Feel free to dress it up with wedges or nice sandals, but for the sake of practicality, I went with Converse for school. Enjoy the last of the fall weather everyone! As for me, I am quite excited to wear jeans again.

Urban Outfitters Tank ~ Asos Skirt ~ Forever 21 Belt ~ Black Lowtop Converse

Processed

Alright everyone. I am documenting my somewhat healthier meal choices before baked goods season opens. I made a meal from scratch Sunday night to treat my parents to a night when they didn't have to pay an exorbitant dinner price or exert effort in making dinner.  I tried to incorporate what we already had in the house ingredients wise, but I ended up needing to buy pine nuts for my linguine (the actual pasta used is spaghetti, linguine just sounds better plus that was what was used in the recipe) with pea pesto. Pine nuts as they turn out are a pretty expensive ingredient, but they came in a nice packet with plenty more to use in the future. I suppose with me having to buy pine nuts, I could have just made a normal pesto, but I had my heart set on the pea version after having something of the same likeness on a crostini many moons ago. The dish was extremely easy to make, and I am quite proud of the fact that I forced my pea averse brother to eat his veggies by offering no escape from a pureed sauce. This post is titled processed because I literally processed the peas to get my sauce but also it isn't processed in the sense that it did not come from a jar. Little victories in the battle with icky food preservatives, people.  Also, it was the first time I had cooked pasta (from a box sadly, I am 16, I do not have time to roll out fresh pasta) by myself, and judging by my success, it shall happen more often in the future. The time spent cooking was so much fun that i completely forgot to document the steps with pictures, but I have substituted it with a picture of the leftovers I had for lunch today. Along the whole no preservatives line, I continue to support my local Pressed Juicery. They make juices and such fresh and add absolutely no preservatives. I drank the leftover half of my vanilla almond milk this morning. Leftovers are so brilliant and so easy. It is like reliving a good meal, who doesn't want that? Anyway, I hope y'all decide to cook at home and to support the locals more often! 

Drifting

I always say that I just want to drift through life. Like as a swimmer, I love floating and staring at the sky aka drifting. I just want to let life take me like the water does as long as there is promise of a killer view and soundtrack. So with cooler days approaching, the community pool is going to become the Arctic and mellow drives will have to suffice. Drifting is nice in the way it helps you think, and I love thinking. In fact, I am an overthinker. So it is nice in the way it helps me not think and just enjoy as well. I love how the simplest things are the best to help unwind. Just shows that we really have to shed some of our new-fangled (oh dear I hope that is a word, I vaguely recall reading it in historical fiction books, but I hope y'all know what I mean) ideals of activity and just let ourselves be. So please enjoy the dash of a Mini I drove recently superimposed on the road at night, and the back view of a car driving down the PCH. I guess they mean keep an eye on your speed and the view from the back is nice every once in a while. So I will end with the customary conclusion of Youtuber Louis Cole, " Peace out, enjoy life, live the adventure."