Saturday, March 19, 2011

ashley + jason

I have the honor of being a bridesmaid for my best childhood friend. Ashley (or Sista A, which we've called each other for years) sent out her much anticipated wedding invites just a few days before leaving for a few weeks, so I was certain I would have to wait until I got home to receive it. Much to my delight, this not so little envelope was delivered in my mailbox just a few short hours before take off.

ashley-chanter-jason-rizzo-wedding-invitation-lil-owl-graphics

The invitations are beyooond gorg! Jen of  Lil' Owl Graphics created these little paper delights!

ashley-chanter-jason-rizzo-wedding-invitation-lil-owl-graphics

"Come for the love, stay for the dancing and desserts"

ashley-chanter-jason-rizzo-wedding-invitation-lil-owl-graphics

"Sip, nosh, and celebrate"

ashley-chanter-jason-rizzo-wedding-invitation-lil-owl-graphics

"You should come, it will be fun"

ashley-chanter-jason-rizzo-wedding-invitation-lil-owl-graphics

So elated to be checking "You Betcha". Beyond excited for the big day to get here! Only 2 months away!!!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

in + out

Okkkay okay, so I've officially lived in Los Angeles for 9 and half months and just tonight experienced In-N-Out Burger. My friend Victoria is a California native who grew up with In-N-Out Burger at her fingertips. (Loving it so much, she even had her favorite In-N-Out Burger T-shirt which made her feel like the coolest kid around town.) As you can imagine she was astounded when she found out these juicy meat patties had never touched my lips. Of course, I knew of this local burger joint but considering I had once or twice gone to Sonic, I felt like I hit my West Coast burger chain.

In-N-Out-Burger-Animal-style

We are both headed to NYC for our Spring Break and since I would be sharing with her my favorite hot spots from my old stopping ground, we felt it only necessary that she "pop my In-N-Out cherry" in L.A. before heading out East.

In-N-Out-Burger-Animal-style

Excuse my under-eye bags and gremlin look - it was a long week of late night finals studying!

In-N-Out-Burger-Animal-style

I got a cheeseburger - Animal style. I was all prepped and schooled to order from the "secret menu", even watching YouTube videos on the history of the menu. In case you are unaware, In-N-Out has only four food items on the menu: a Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double and French Fries. But there is a not so secret, secret menu you can order from. Probably the most famous secret menu item is "Animal style" - A mustard cooked beef patty with the addition of pickles, cheese, grilled onions, and spread (a thousand island type of sauce). Unfortunately, my brain was over-saturated and I forgot to customize my fries to "well-done".

In-N-Out-Burger-Animal-style

The verdict: Totally tasty, yet I definitely had some heart burn going on. What can I say, I'm not used to non-veggie burgers!

In-N-Out-Burger-Animal-style

Until next time, In-N-Out….

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

chocolate + wine

Recently at the store I came across this curious looking bottle. Let me introduce you to ChocoVine.

Brilliant or just gross? It's a combo of cabernet wine and dutch chocolate. The website claims it is a "decadent, silky, smooth drink …. the right chocolate paired with the perfect wine can create a near-orgasmic taste experience."

It comes in Original, Espresso, and Raspberry. Apparently it can be mixed with a variety of liqueurs and other alcohols to create cocktails as well. Hmm, sounds rather multipurpose and I do love that.


An online reviewer says, "The ingredients say chocolate and wine with 14% but seems more like 50% alcohol". Heyyyooo, sounds like my kind of drink. Actually, most reviews online say it is pretty good - I think I've got to give this stuff a try. Anyone ever try it before?!


Thursday, March 3, 2011

Welcome To My YouTube Channel

Hey everyone!

I'm very excited to introduce you to my new YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/AliciaMonicaTV

Check it out for tips on make-up, skincare, health, and all things beauty! More videos to come soon - please subscribe if you like it :)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUldDqhwll4&w=560&h=349]

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

oscars + dresses

I'm still on a bit of a gown high, especially after watching the Academy Awards Special of Fashion Police. I found my top pick, I hadn't even seen it until I was looking around online - the winner goes to Emma Roberts! Ahhh I just love this pewter, sequin, Jenny Packham stunner. The sunburst of details just dazzles on the gunmetal chiffon. I can't think of any other words than Rachel Zoe's "I die". Seriously, in love. I guess since Miss. Roberts wasn't one of the leading ladies this year on the red carpet, I didn't see it before.

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Not only do I think the dress is perfect, but I could probably deal with Chase Crawford being my date to the after parties ;) So, if I was going to the Oscars, this would definitely be my #1 pick!

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